Rent a Bicycle to Explore Ubud, Bali

Rent a Bicycle to Explore Ubud, Bali with mr.hotsia

When talking about Bali, many people often think of the sea, surfing waves, or pristine white beaches. But for me, mr.hotsia, Bali has another equally enchanting side: the town of Ubud. This small town is full of the charm of Hindu culture, local lifestyles, and perfectly embraced nature. Traveling here for me meansrenting a bicycle to explorewhich is the best way to truly absorb the atmosphere of Ubud.

Ubud is located in Bali province, Indonesia. It is a town familiar and popular among many Thai travelers. Many choose to travel from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar Airport), which is not far away (Read about the journey from Denpasar Airport to Ubud). The highlight of Ubud is its peaceful atmosphere, with ancient palaces, historical sites, and a bustling morning market, perfect for leisurely cycling around the town.

Starting Bicycle Rental in Ubud

There are many bicycle rental shops in Ubud, and the prices are very affordable, just a few hundred baht per day. I, mr.hotsia, chose a regular bicycle, not electric, because I wanted to feel like a true local. Cycling in Ubud requires some preparation as most routes have hills. Especially cycling uphill can be quite tiring, but going downhill is fun and smooth, like truly playing in nature.

Morning at Ubud Morning Market

I started my first day by cycling to the Ubud morning market at dawn. The market is lively and full of fresh produce, vegetables, fruits, and local foods to taste. I enjoy watching the villagers shopping and the unique local conversations. This market is considered the heart of the town because besides tasting local food, you also get to see the true culture and lifestyle of the Balinese people.

After the morning market, I cycled to the old palace in the heart of Ubud. This palace was the residence of the old Balinese royal family, featuring beautiful architecture surrounded by lush gardens. The shady atmosphere is perfect for photography and relaxation.

Cycling to See Monkeys at Ubud Monkey Forest

Not far from the town center, I cycled to the Ubud Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary), a famous tourist spot. Here, you can see wild long-tailed macaques living freely without captivity. The surroundings are filled with large trees and ancient Hindu shrines that deeply tell cultural stories. Cycling here allowed me to feel the freshness of nature and enjoy watching playful monkeys.

Local Food and Afternoon in Ubud

After cycling and getting tired, I stopped to taste local food at a small restaurant in Ubud. Bali is known for dishes with flavors similar to Thai cuisine, such assate kambingor goat satay, which is tender and fragrant, served with a sweet and rich dipping sauce. Absolutely delicious! (For those interested in a deeper dive into Balinese cuisine, I recommend readingmy article on Balinese food)

In the afternoon, I chose to relax with a Balinese massage at a small massage shop tucked away in a quiet alley. Balinese massage focuses on pressure and deep tissue techniques to relieve muscles, combined with the aroma of herbal oils, making you feel extremely relaxed, like recharging before heading out for evening activities.

Evening with Ubud Cultural Performance

As the sun sets, I headed to a theater in Ubud to watch theKecakperformance, which is shown daily. This show tells stories from the Ramayana through captivating songs and movements. Warriors and priests in colorful costumes, along with the chorus of dozens of male performers, create an atmosphere full of energy and the mystery of authentic Balinese culture. Watching this performance is a highlight not to be missed when visiting Ubud.

Why is renting a bicycle suitable for touring Ubud?

For me, mr.hotsia, renting a bicycle to tour Ubud is the best way to truly experience this town. Not only do you get exercise and fun, but you also have the chance to slow down and notice small details like the spirit shrines Balinese people place in front of houses or in the middle of the street, which is one of the Balinese cultures I really like (Read about Ubud, Bali)

). Additionally, cycling lets me explore small alleys where cars cannot or do not easily enter, allowing me to discover small local restaurants, fresh markets, and friendly smiling people up close. This kind of travel makes me feel like part of the community, not just a passing tourist.

Tips for Renting a Bicycle and Touring Ubud

• Choose a bicycle suitable for the terrain, with multiple gears to help on steep hills.
• Start early in the morning; the morning market and old palace have the best atmosphere then.
• Bring drinking water and a sun hat because Bali’s weather is quite hot.
• Don’t forget to carry cash for bicycle rental and buying local food.
• Take time to stroll through markets and small streets to experience the real lifestyle.

Summary of Bicycle Rental Trip in Ubud with mr.hotsia

If you ask me why you should come to Ubud and rent a bicycle, I can say this is my most impressive experience in Bali. Riding a bicycle around a town full of culture, art, and nature made me feel closer to the Balinese people. Plus, it’s healthy exercise, affordable, and very convenient.

If anyone wants to experience another side of Bali beyond the beaches, renting a bicycle in Ubud is the answer that mr.hotsia confidently recommends.