Quad biking is one of the most popular adventure activities around Ubud, and this ride is among the best reviewed on the island. The course runs for about eight kilometres through the countryside of the Payangan area north-west of Ubud, following a guide through a mix of terrain: rice fields, patches of jungle, river crossings, waterfalls and a natural tunnel that makes a memorable photo stop. The riding is on tracks rather than roads, which means mud, puddles and splashes, especially after rain, and you will be glad of the helmet and boots that are supplied. The tour lasts about an hour and a half on the course, and the price includes the quad bike, a professional guide, helmet, boots, insurance for personal injury, lunch, and access to showers and changing rooms afterwards, which is a welcome extra after a muddy ride. You can ride solo or share a bike in tandem, and hotel transfer is an option from several parts of south and central Bali, including Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur and Nusa Dua. Meeting is at the operator's base in Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, where you present your mobile ticket at reception. The ride is led at a controlled pace in a group, so it suits first-time riders as well as those with experience, though it is not a racing circuit. Group size is capped, and riders must follow the guide's instructions about spacing and speed. Age and health rules apply: solo riders are over thirteen, children aged six to thirteen can ride tandem with a parent, and under-sixes are not permitted. It is not recommended for people with back or heart problems or for pregnant travellers. Expect to get dirty, and plan the rest of your day accordingly.
What to bring and wear
Take clothes you do not mind getting muddy, plus a full change of clothes for afterwards, sunscreen and some cash for tips and photo packages, which are sold separately. Closed shoes are useful under the boots provided. Sunglasses or glasses with a strap help keep mud out of your eyes, and a thin long-sleeved top protects against sun and splashes. Leave valuables at your hotel or secure them with the operator, because phones and cameras can be damaged in the mud and water.
Rules and limits
Solo riders must be over thirteen and up to sixty-five years old, with a maximum weight of one hundred and fifty kilograms per rider, on a single or tandem bike. Tandem bookings are for two people on one bike, so reserve in multiples of two. Groups are limited to fifteen travellers.
Tell the operator in advance about health conditions, because the activity is not suitable for people with heart problems or serious medical conditions and not recommended for those with back problems. Free cancellation is available up to twenty-four hours before the start time, which is useful because heavy rain can change the plan.
Planning the day
Pick-up from your hotel is scheduled earlier the further you are from the venue, and you must provide your exact address a day in advance. Pick-up and drop-off need to be in the same area. If you travel yourself, allow time to reach the meeting point in Payangan, which is about thirty minutes from central Ubud.
A morning ride keeps the day open for the Tegallalang terraces or a coffee plantation visit in the afternoon, while a late-afternoon ride ends close to dinner. In the wet season the course is muddier and more fun but slower, and a dry-season ride gives better views of the paddies.
What to expect
The experience
A guided group quad bike ride of about eight kilometres through rice fields, jungle, rivers, waterfalls and a natural tunnel, with lunch and showers afterwards.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon; the course is muddier and more exciting after rain.
How long
About ninety minutes on the course, plus transfer and lunch.
Tips
Wear clothes that can get muddy, bring a full change and some cash, secure your valuables and tell the operator about any health conditions.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Thrill seekers and groups who want an active half-day near Ubud.
- Families
- Children aged six to thirteen can ride tandem with a parent; solo riders must be over thirteen.
- Couples
- A muddy, laughing adventure; tandem seats are for couples sharing one bike.
- Pair with
- Tegallalang rice terraces or a coffee plantation in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- Half a day including transfers.
Good questions
How long is the Ubud ATV ride?+
About an hour and a half on a course of roughly eight kilometres, plus transfer time and lunch.
What is included in the price?+
The quad bike, a professional guide, helmet and boots, insurance for personal injury, lunch, and access to showers and changing rooms. Hotel transfer is optional and photo packages are extra.
How old do you have to be to ride?+
Solo riders must be over thirteen and up to sixty-five. Children from six to thirteen can ride tandem with a parent. Children under six are not permitted.
Is it suitable for beginners?+
Yes. A guide leads the group at a controlled pace, so no experience is needed.
What should I wear?+
Clothes you do not mind getting muddy, with a full change for afterwards, sunscreen and some cash. Helmet and boots are supplied.
