Bali Horse Riding Sanur Beach: An Honest Review + Transport Tips
So, you’re thinking of going horse riding on Sanur Beach in Bali? It’s almost one of those experiences that seems picture-perfect, right? Well, is that really the case? That’s what we’re finding out here. This review covers my actual experience, plus practical stuff you’ll actually want to know, such as transport options and what to expect. I hope it assists you figure out whether this trip is, like, a good fit for your Bali adventure.
Booking the Experience: What You Should Know
Actually, booking any tour in Bali can sometimes feel like a bit of an, is that fair to say, adventure itself! Now, there are various vendors offering this specific experience. I ended up using a smaller, local outfit simply because they provided transport directly from my hotel, and really, that’s always a winner. However, you should note that sites, such as, maybe, GetYourGuide and Viator are also selling similar packages. They are often, maybe, aggregators, meaning they don’t run the tours themselves. Just be sure you read the fine print. See what others are saying about them.
You’ll typically find a range of options. Some might be shorter rides, while others could go for an hour or even longer. Packages sometimes include lunch or drinks, so pay attention to those extras when you are making your decision. Price points seem to vary a bit depending on the company, how long the ride is, plus whether or not transport is provided. Comparing a couple of options definitely makes sense, that is what I found anyway.
Key tip: Check cancellation policies before you book, alright? Weather can be pretty unpredictable, even in Bali’s dry season, and also you will want to be prepared in case, like, your plans happen to shift.
Getting There: Sorting Out Your Transport
Okay, so, transport in Bali – it’s a topic all on its own! If your tour operator doesn’t include transport, getting to Sanur Beach can be a little bit tricky, alright? It’s pretty easy if it’s covered, so definitely look into it. It might save you money in the end.
The easiest and really the most convenient way to travel would probably be by taxi or ride-hailing app (Grab or Gojek are popular). They’re very easily available pretty much everywhere, but traffic around the main tourist areas is sometimes, is that accurate, a bear. Sanur itself is, typically, a bit more laid-back compared to, let’s say, Kuta or Seminyak. This really means the ride there ought to be a little smoother, too.
If you’re on a budget – it’s fine, really – a bemo (local minibus) is potentially a cheaper option, yet it’s going to involve a little haggling, some waiting around, and might involve changes at certain terminals. This option might appeal if you want an, that’s right, authentic local experience. Still, time-wise, a taxi could even be more effective. Especially if you consider how hot it can get waiting on the side of the street!
You also might rent your own scooter if you’re feeling adventurous and, also, confident! Road rules could be a bit “loose” in Bali, that seems correct, so always put on a helmet, drive defensively, plus ensure you have the correct insurance. I personally stick to taxis, though.
The Horse Riding Experience: A Detailed Look
Let’s actually get to the good stuff. Riding a horse along Sanur Beach is just a unique experience. The tour I booked began with a quick safety briefing and matching us with our horses. Now, I’m, more or less, an experienced rider, but honestly, these tours seem pretty appropriate for riders of just about all levels. My horse, a calm fella called Sunny, just had a really easy, gentle temperament.
Riding a horse along the beach during sunset, in a way, offers the ultimate view. You get to soak in these incredibly vibrant colors as the sun dips, ever so slowly, beneath the horizon. You also get to watch the waves gently roll. This created a sort of magical vibe, which, you know, is what you anticipate out of Bali, really. The guides knew the best spots for photographs, too, and were all really willing to grab some snaps. Now, that’s a big plus if you wish to update the Insta.
Here’s something to keep in mind: the beach could get quite busy, especially at sunset. So, you will likely be sharing your view with many other people. Still, that honestly didn’t detract, not really, from the enjoyment. The horses were extremely well-trained, so it didn’t really matter if children were running about nearby.
Considering the Horses and Their Care
One of the, in a way, main things that was running through my mind when choosing a horse riding tour was, “How well are these animals actually cared for?” Before booking, I checked online for reviews and just really tried to, by all means, ensure that the company had, sort of, ethical practices.
It looked like the horses seemed pretty healthy and well-fed, and also the guides seemed considerate. Even so, you want to always make up your own mind. While on my ride, I kept my eye out for things, like the condition of the saddles and bridles. I checked to see how much water they were offered. Also, it felt pretty good knowing that after a ride, the horses went back to, apparently, roomy stables with, seemingly, good ventilation.
If you happen to be uncomfortable with the welfare standards, simply do not, okay, book with that particular company. There should be multiple others to choose from. You being an informed traveler can really help, seemingly, promote better treatment.
What to Bring and Wear: Practical Tips
To be certain you relish your beach horse riding trip, just a bit of planning, is that all, should do the trick. Now, when you’re thinking about what to wear, go for loose, comfortable clothing. It’s something you don’t always realize, but long pants will protect your legs from, well, chafing from the saddle. You can thank me after! Also, avoid wearing anything super fancy. Trust me, it is very likely to get sandy.
Footwear is next. Shoes that you don’t mind getting a tiny bit wet/sandy would be just fine. Sandals are very easy, plus are easy to kick off if you plan to wade within the water afterwards. On the flip side, closed-toe shoes supply a little more protection while riding.
Do not neglect to slather on sunscreen – and lots of it. Even on days that might appear overcast, that sun still tends to be quite powerful. A hat or cap can really assist with providing extra protection for your face, as well.
Finally, sunglasses! That glare coming off the water will be intense, especially at sunrise and sunset. Apart from those, carry a small backpack for things, like your phone (for taking pics, of course), a water bottle to stay hydrated, as well as any other small items that you would need. You could also bring a tiny snack. However, you may not want to munch on it around the horse. That probably goes without saying, right?
Overall Impression: Was it Worth It?
Actually, for me, the horse riding on Sanur Beach in Bali was worth the money. The experience was memorable, providing fantastic views and a soothing ride. Although, there can be, let’s say, many tourists nearby during sunset, it didn’t dramatically reduce the overall enjoyment, no.
So, to enjoy yourself to the fullest, look into booking with a reputable company which actually treats their animals kindly, keep an eye on transport, as well as plan the right clothing. Also, ensure to factor in what matters to you most – regardless of whether it’s a smooth pickup, riding at a specific time, or supporting ethical animal care – you will likely find an outing which matches.
So, with only a bit of preparation, the ride can definitely become a standout memory from the time you spend in Bali.
Key Takeaways:
- Booking: Try to compare packages including transport, as that’s very convenient.
- Animals: Always, that’s right, try to check for ethical treatment of the animals, when possible.
- Gear: Go for comfortable clothing, loads of sunscreen, and really, do bring sunglasses!
- Atmosphere: Know that it could get crowded, particularly near sunset.
#Bali #Sanur #HorseRiding #BeachLife #TravelTips #Adventure #SunsetViews
