Famous for its rich culture, gorgeous beaches, ancient temples and exotic nightlife, the small Indonesian island of Bali welcomes millions of visitors every year. But beyond its coastline and its spas, Paradise Island has a rugged interior full of rolling hills, verdant jungle and picturesque rice fields. One of the best ways to get off the beaten path and explore the natural beauty that lies beneath the surface, is to embark on a Bali buggy tour.
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Famous for its rich culture, gorgeous beaches, ancient temples and exotic nightlife, the small Indonesian island of Bali welcomes millions of visitors every year. But beyond its coastline and its spas, Paradise Island has a rugged interior full of rolling hills, verdant jungle and picturesque rice fields.
One of the best ways to get off the beaten path and explore the natural beauty that lies beneath the surface, is to embark on a Bali buggy tour.
Below is everything you need to know about Buggy tours, one of the most fun outdoor activities in Bali, to help you plan your next adventure.
There are many reputable buggy tour companies in Bali, each offering a unique experience. Here are some of the best buggy tours in Bali.
The most simple Bali buggy explorer tours are short and sweet, lasting around 1.5 hours. The tour takes you past rice fields, plantations, jungle and a traditional Balinese village, witnessing different local animals and farm crops along the way.
Souvenir photos, drinks and snacks are included. However, this tour doesn't include pickup or drop-off due to its quick timeframe.
For a half-day experience, you have the option of a longer Bali buggy tour. This tour includes hotel pickup from the main tourist areas (Nusa Dua/Kuta/Seminyak/Sanur/Ubud) in the morning.
After arriving at the purpose-built buggy track in the Balinese jungle, you'll traverse a 4,5 kilometre course alongside a tour guide. The tour guides will provide insights into the local flora and fauna as you drive past.
The price of a Bali buggy tour depends on the duration, inclusions and company you book with. Generally, shorter tours will be cheaper than longer ones, and those that include pickup and drop-off or other activities will be more expensive.
All Bali buggy tours will include the vehicle, safety equipment such as a helmet, a tour guide, drinks and snacks.
Some tours will also include pickup and drop-off, a buffet lunch with a view, or other activities such as mountain biking, exploring Ubud or canyon river tubing.
Check the inclusions before you book to ensure you get the most value for your money.
Most Bali buggy tours will start away from the beach resort areas and in the heart of the island, in the jungle area close to Ubud. This is where you'll find many rice paddies, plantations and traditional Bali villages.
However, many tours will offer hotel pickup, so unless you're doing the most basic tour, you won't have to worry about the starting point since a friendly local will be your chauffeur for the day.
The shortest Bali buggy tours will last around 1.5 hours, while the full-day combo tours can last up to 10 hours. Generally, these tours are around 4 hours when factoring pickup and drop-off.
The best time for a buggy tour in Bali is during the dry season from April to October when the weather is cooler and there's less chance of rain.
If you're doing a full-day tour or one that includes other activities such as tubing, it's best to start early to make the most of your day.
Many travelers like to combine their Bali buggy tours with other activities for the best value for money. You can choose a full-day combination tour with a buggy ride and mountain biking that includes hotel pickup and time to relax by the pool.
Equipment is provided and a safety briefing from the guides will ensure you feel confident before you set off.
There's also the buggy ride plus Ubud tour option, which visits some of Ubud's best spots like the Mason Gourmet Chocolate Factory Showroom, Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Sacred Monkey Forest. Ubud is much more than just a place to see rice paddies, so this option is perfect for those who want to explore Bali's cultural heart.
Some of the best buggy tours in Bali are those that combine buggy rides with other adventure activities, such as canyon tubing. These double-activity buggy and tubing tours usually last around 8 hours and offer pickup from Ubud and many other areas around Bali.
You'll first enjoy an exciting ride down the jungle-lined Siap River in an inflatable tube before getting behind the wheel of your own buggy to explore more of the island and see rice fields, plantations and traditional Bali villages up close.
A hot buffet lunch and refreshing coffee or tea at a local restaurant are included in most of these tour packages.
Bali buggy tours are safe. A professional, trained guide will accompany you throughout the tour and safety equipment is provided.
However, as with any outdoor adventure activity, there is always an element of risk so be sure to listen to your guide and follow their instructions.
In most situations children under 18 are not permitted on buggy tours in Bali. However, some tour companies may allow children aged 5-15 if they are accompanied by an adult. Be sure to check the age requirements before booking.
Drivers must typically be 18 years old or older and have a valid driving license. However, some tour operators do not require a license. Instead, they dedicate some time to the training circuit before the tour starts. Double-check with your operator beforehand.
In the case of rain or bad weather, most tour operators will operate as usual. If the weather is particularly bad (i.e. monsoons), tour operators will either provide a refund or allow you to reschedule your tour for another day.