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As I flew home from Christchurch, I reflected on my one-month New Zealand cycling adventure, during which I explored some of the island’s most renowned regions for natural beauty. The South Island is truly amazing, but what stood out to me as a cyclist wasn’t just the scenery—it was the reality of road cycling in this part of the world.

Off-road cycling trails in the South Island are immensely popular, and for good reason. The landscapes beg to be explored on two wheels. However, there’s another, more practical reason: the roads themselves are narrow and often dangerous for cycling. With limited shoulders and tight two-way lanes, road cyclists frequently find themselves in stressful situations with passing traffic, which can often get heavy.

New Zealand’s tourism, which was severely impacted by COVID-19, has rebounded, and visitors are back in great numbers. Statistics show that most tourists visit the South Island for about 10 days, typically renting cars to explore. While Australians make up a significant portion of international visitors, the rest include North Americans, Europeans, Chinese, and Koreans—many of whom lack experience driving on the left side of the road.

This poses a major challenge for road cyclists. The combination of narrow roads, inexperienced left-side-of-the-road drivers, and increased tourist traffic creates a stressful and sometimes dangerous experience for those traveling by bike. While the South Island remains an incredible destination, these road conditions reinforce why many cyclists prefer the safety and beauty of off-road trails. The government, in partnership with regional councils and local tourism operators, has created a system where cyclists can plan multi-day tours across large swaths of the country without ever having to ride on a busy road. But is the trend all positive? Read on: Between the Trail and the Tarmac: Cycling New Zealand’s South Island Off the Beaten Pack.

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Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Florianópolis, the capital and principal city on the island of Santa Catarina, dubbed Ilha da Magia, offers a diverse range of sights and experiences. From the historical streets of the city to the serene beaches along the city coastline to those all around the island, a ride around this enchanting island reveals countless highlights, whether natural or man-made. Bottom line, the island’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to sandy beaches and scenic lagoons, provide a stunning backdrop for any avid cyclist.

In my recent post on my last trip to Brazil, I noted my original plan was a little different from what I ended up doing. Just change in plans because of weather. Instead of cycling across the state of Santa Catarina from Florianopolis to Iguazu Falls, I did a 360° bike tour around the Santa Catarina Island. Although the heart of the city is nestled on the west-central tip of the island, and the communities all around the island are separate settlements, they are Floripa’s de facto neighborhoods or referred to as districts. As a result, Ilha da Santa Catarina, the island, is routinely called simply Florianopolis.

Per the GPS composite map of my rides above, here’s a summary of the highlights of this fine destination.

Exploring the Heart of Florianópolis

I started my journey in the city itself, cycling through its bustling streets and around its picturesque coasting. As my first destination, I contemplated to ride up Morro da Cruz, a hill that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands. It is said to offer a breathtaking perspective of Florianópolis’ diverse landscape, from the downtown area to the majestic coastline. But the weather was not cooperating, and so I kept to the streets, pondering to leave the climb for later.

On my first ride, I made my way across the two iconic bridges that connect Floripa to the mainland. Ponte Hercílio Luz (Hercílio Luz Bridge) is one of Brazil’s most famous landmarks. Completed in 1926, this stunning suspension bridge connects the island to the mainland, and its towering structure spans the waters of the Bay of Florianópolis. Cycling across it offered incredible views of the city and the ocean.

I then cycled across Pedro Ivo Campos Bridge, another essential connection between the island and the mainland. While not as visually striking as the Hercílio Luz Bridge, it was an important part of my route, guiding me through Florianópolis and further deepening my appreciation for the island’s infrastructure and beauty.

After crossing the bridges, I stopped at the Mercado Público de Florianópolis (Public Market), an iconic landmark brimming with local flavors and Brazilian culture. The market, housed in a beautiful historic building, is a perfect spot to sample local delicacies like fresh seafood, artisanal products, and traditional Brazilian snacks. It’s also a great place to interact with locals and soak up the island’s vibrant atmosphere.

A short distance away lies Praça XV de Novembro, a lively square surrounded by historical buildings. Dominating the square is the Catedral Metropolitana de Florianópolis Nossa Senhora Do Desterro e Santa Catarina De Alexandria, an impressive Catholic church dating back to 1908. The cathedral, with its twin towers, stained-glass windows, frescoes, and intricate statuary, is a beautiful example of Florianópolis’ architectural heritage. It’s a peaceful spot for reflection amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

I ended my city exploration at the Álvaro de Carvalho Theater, an elegant 19th-century theater known for its cultural significance. The theater hosts various performances, from concerts to plays, and is a testament to the city’s deep cultural roots.

Cycling North: A Journey Through Charming Coastal Villages

From the city, I pedaled north along the coast, eventually reaching Santo Antonio de Lisboa, a charming historical neighborhood known for its colonial-era architecture and traditional Azorean influence. Here, I stopped to admire the beautiful Igreja Nossa Senhora das Necessidades (Church of Our Lady of Needs), a small yet striking church with a peaceful atmosphere. The surrounding streets are lined with vibrant restaurants, boutiques, and local artisans, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stop.

Further along the coast, I cycled to Praia Do Sambaqui, a quiet and pristine beach that offers stunning views of the ocean and neighboring islands. Its calm waters make it ideal for a peaceful retreat, away from the crowds.

Cycling South: Coastal Beauty and Historic Sites

Heading south, I passed the Florianópolis International Airport (Aeroporto Internacional de Florianópolis – Hercílio Luz), a bustling hub that connects the island to the rest of Brazil. As I cycled toward Ribeirão da Ilha, I was struck by the historic charm of the area. Ribeirão da Ilha is known for its old Portuguese-style houses, traditional oyster farming, and picturesque coastal views.

I visited Igreja Nossa Senhora da Lapa, a beautiful church perched on a hill overlooking the sea. The simple church architecture style, inspired by the traditional architecture from the Azorean archipelago, serene atmosphere and stunning views, made it one of the highlights of my ride through the southern part of the island.

Crossing to the Eastern Side: A Secluded Escape

Next, I crossed over to the eastern side of the island, heading to Morro das Pedras. This quiet, less-visited area is known for its rugged coastline and natural beauty. It’s a peaceful spot to disconnect and enjoy the island’s raw, untamed landscape.

Cycling through Campeche eventually, I arrived at Lagoa da Conceição, a stunning lagoon that became one of the most memorable stops of my journey, alas, not just for the local sights and sounds – it rained non-stop for four days!

Lagoa da Conceição: The Island’s Jewel

Despite the bad weather, Lagoa da Conceição, with its vibrant lagoon, stunning beaches, and breathtaking views, was still the highlight of my entire roundabout bike tour of the island. From the Mirante do Morro da Lagoa da Conceição, I had a bird’s-eye view of the entire area, where the lagoon met the ocean, surrounded by hills and lush vegetation.

I explored the lagoon area on foot, visiting Lagoa Santuário Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceição da Lagoa, a charming chapel nestled between the lush vegetation of the hills and the lagoon. The tranquility of the lagoon was the perfect contrast to the lively beaches I would soon visit.

From Lagoa, I cycled to some of the most famous beaches on the island and in all of Brazil, including Mole Beach (Praia Mole) and Praia da Galheta. These beaches are popular with surfers and nature lovers, offering crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and dramatic cliffs.

Continuing north, I visited Barra da Lagoa. This beach offers a relaxed vibe, with calm waters and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Northern Beaches: History and Legends

Cycling further north, I skirted the pristine Praia do Moçambique before reaching Ingleses Beach (Praia dos Ingleses). This beach holds an interesting history: it’s named after the English fishermen who frequented the area in the 19th century, and some of whom presumably settled here. Today, it’s a popular beach with a lively atmosphere, great for swimming, beach volleyball, or simply relaxing in the sun.

Completing the 360° Ride Around the Island

After experiencing the northern beaches, I cycled back, passing Santo Antonio de Lisboa once more and headed back to Florianópolis city. The entire journey around the island was not just a physical challenge but also a deep dive into the culture, nature, and history of this beautiful region.

Why Florianópolis is So Special

Florianópolis is a city with something for everyone. It’s a popular destination for retirees seeking a relaxed pace of life, but it also offers vibrant cultural experiences and breathtaking natural landscapes. With some of the lowest crime rates in Brazil, it’s a safe and welcoming destination, making it a perfect place for travelers of all kinds. That’s all aside being known as one of the hottest party towns in Brazil!

Whether you should cycle around the island, exploring its historical landmarks, or lounging on one of its many beaches, Florianópolis offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave you likely longing to return. I, too, may have to come back, as I never made it back to ride up Morro da Cruz…

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One of those destinations deep in the interior, however, that, despite my having been for many years in the travel business and having sent there many clients in the past, eluded me, were the Iguazu Falls, a site of exceptional beauty and ecological significance. Finally, last summer at last, I planned a trip to the Iguazu Falls, although not as a sole destination in its own right. I picked it as a cycling destination of a tour I conceived would begin in Florianopolis on the east coast of Brazil.

Long aware of Florianopolis, the capital of the state of Santa Catarina, being hailed as Brazil’s slice of Europe on account of its European immigrants who comprise nearly 80% of total population, and also a party destination aside being labeled one of the ten most dynamic cities of the world, I have considered visiting it before. Even though the last two labels Florianopolis received almost 20 years ago, these assessments gave Florianopolis a definite allure. Although still considered by Brazilians as one of the best places where to live and retire in Brazil, Florianopolis is also one of the safest cites in the country, and that is indeed one of its strong points. The appraisal of being one of the most desirable places where to live in Brazil largely stems from having the country’s third highest Human Development Index score among all Brazilian cities, a statistical composite index of life expectancy, years of completed education, and per capita income.

To me, as a cyclist, of primary interest in Florianopolis were the wooded hills, the island’s many bays and lagoons, and some 40 sandy beaches, all of which promised cycling in an appealing environment. And so this past September, I packed my bicycle and finally flew down there.

Despite selecting Florianopolis as only the starting point of my cycling tour, I planned to ride a week around the Santa Catarina island before setting out west toward Iguazu. Though at the back of my mind was the terrain and distance of well over 1,000 kilometers that I had to cover if I hoped to reach Iguazu, I first planned to cross the Serra do Mar, the coastal range, and explore the mountains on the other side during my second week.

Though topography and nature always make up the primary appeal of any destination, history and culture, architecture and man-made attributes of any place reign near my affinity for selecting particular cycling destinations just as well. Although the Portuguese landed on the Florianopolis island as early as the beginning of the 16th century, the first permanent settlement didn’t follow until the late 17th century. Interestingly enough, the influx of the first Portuguese settlers came from the Azores, hence the earliest architecture around the Ilha Santa Catarina carries the architectural style of the Azores Islands (church image below in Ribeirão da Ilha.) German immigrants came in the mid-19th century, followed by the Italians in the late 1800s, and more European immigrants arrived after WWI and WWII.

Portuguese colonial architecture always interested me. Last time I traveled in the footsteps of the Portuguese was in India, cycling Mumbai to Diu, and time before that cycling Mysore to Ft. Kochi.

Planning a cycling route from Florianópolis to Iguazu Falls proved challenging. Komoot offered little in the way of route data, while RideWithGPS and Strava too had only a few GPS tracks I could find in their database. Brazilian cyclists prefer Wikiloc. After studying maps and consulting with friends and contacts in Brazil, I eventually chose a route that looked promising.

However, as my expected departure approached, the weather took a turn; the forecast called for persistent rain for almost the entire week ahead. And so, instead of crossing the Serra do Mar and exploring the mountains beyond and heading toward Iguazu, the imminent dreadful weather forced me to adapt Plan B.

After my initial week of day rides from my base in Floripa, as Florianópolis is commonly known, I needed to check out from my Airbnb studio. Unable to ride west to the mainland, I set out cycling south from Floripa. Set to ride until the rain starts, I continued to the east, where the rain finally forced me to halt and take a break until the weather would change again.

I survived the rain in Lagoa da Conceição, a popular lagoon-side neighborhood in the east-central part of Ilha de Santa Catarina. The heavy non-stop rain lasted five days, just as predicted. During this downtime, I bought a plane ticket to Foz do Iguaçu, timing the departure for the end of the rain forecast. This allowed me not only to ride back to Florianópolis, but also complete a full 360 degree circle of the island.

In retrospect, having given up on a 1,000km-long bicycle tour from Florianopolis to Iguazu, and even an outing across the Serra, at least I cycled around the entire Santa Catarina island and I made it to Iguazu, where I then spent a week and a half exploring the magnificent waterfalls in the tri-country border area of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The natural beauty of Iguazu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stole the show of my entire trip, leaving an unforgettable impression on me, hence I will need to come back to it in another post. That said, undeniably, my planned tour cycling from Florianopolis to Iguazu will have to wait for another trip to Brazil.

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Narrator: Our intrepid cyclist, perpetually stuck in a cycle of gear lust and indecision.
Salsa: A trusty steed, longing for new hooves (tires).
Scott: A loyal companion, yearning for wider horizons (tires) and a major makeover.
Infinity Seat E2: A mythical saddle of comfort and wonder, forever a whisper in the narrator’s ear.
The Ghost of Bike Trips Past: Haunts the narrator with memories of leaky tents, ripped mats, and translucent bibs.
Ireland and Brazil: Two exotic destinations, promising rain, gravel, and existential gear dilemmas.

Setting:

The narrator’s cozy (yet gear-cluttered) abode, currently housing:
Two bicycles, both in various states of tire-baldness and saddle-angst.
A trainer, patiently enduring endless indoor miles.
A computer screen, glowing with the siren song of Amazon.
A closet overflowing with bags, tents, mats, and bibs of questionable opacity.

Plot:

The Tires of Desire: Our hero stares at his bikes, their worn rubber soles a constant reminder of his gear inadequacies. Salsa whispers for fresh treads and going tubeless, while Scott craves the forbidden fruit of wider tires too (alas, his frame limitations scoff at wider Continental Gatorskin dreams than 23C).
Saddle Odyssey: The Wahoo fitness indoor trainer’s saddle is an arch-nemesis, prompting visions of outdoor saddles and seat post reducers. But wait! The Infinity Seat E2 beckons, its futuristic curves promising nirvana for the nether regions. Or maybe a custom job? Decisions, decisions…
Baggage Claim: Frame bags, handlebar bags, top tube bags – the narrator drowns in a sea of nylon temptation. He already owns enough to equip a small army, yet the siren song of “one more bag” pierces his resolve.
Tentative Territory: Three tents grace his floor, each with its own fatal flaw: the ripped, the heavy, the inconveniently palatial. Amazon beckons with promises of lighter-than-air, waterproof wonderlands, but the ghost of past projects (namely, replacing tent poles shock cord) whispers caution. Some tents, however, make all the sense to own for the security heading out with a survival shelter, or for their low price.
Mat Matters: Two mats, two problems: one holier than thou, the other heavier than a hippopotamus. Can’t a cyclist find a happy medium?
Pedal Power (or Lack Thereof): Clip-in pedals are banished! The next tour demands walkable freedom, and new platform pedals shall be his chariot’s new steeds.
Scott’s Saga: The trusty steed deserves more than just new shoes. A full overhaul beckons, with lower gears, shifters, and hoods all vying for his hard-earned cash. But is it worth the plunge? The upgrade bug bites hard.
Fashion Faux Pas: The rain jacket is a disgrace, a leaky mockery of its waterproof claims. Bringing along no rain pants and not packing proper gloves cycling in nasty weather, too, has proved a mistake in the past. Not to mention, new cycling shorts are a must, the current collection resembling more of a stained glass window than respectable apparel. Memories of the Australia trip, with strategically placed bandannas, still send shivers down his spine.
The Wanderlust Wormhole: Ireland’s rain and Brazil’s gravel paint a picture of future adventures. Fully loaded touring or lightweight bikepacking? Rear rack or seat bag? The gear gremlins dance in his head, a maddening waltz of indecision.
Tool Time (or Not): Does he need new tools? The question hangs heavy in the air, another cog in the ever-churning machine of cycling consumerism.
Gear-Out: There is always something to consider, like going to a shorter stem, or a brighter long lasting taillight. Exhausted by the mental marathon, the narrator throws in the towel. Buying is on hold, for now. He shuts the computer, the silence a balm to his overstimulated brain.

The End (For Now):

Our hero has escaped the clutches of the holiday gear-buying frenzy, but the battle is far from over. The siren song of new bikes, shiny saddles, and magical tents will no doubt return, stronger than ever, come spring. Until then, he’ll try to ride his current steeds, mend his leaky tent, and perhaps invest in some opaque cycling shorts. His journey is far from over, and the road ahead is paved with… well, more decisions, probably.

**Footloose Cycling is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

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Cycling Sapporo: Explore the bustling streets of Sapporo, a vibrant city that blends modernity with tradition. Navigate through its dynamic urban landscape and outlying areas.

Wakkanai and the Extreme North: Conquer the northern frontier, including Cape Soya, Japan’s northernmost point. Experience the thrill of cycling where untamed beauty meets the resilience of nature.

Shiretoko National Park and the East: Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of Shiretoko National Park. Bicycle through its pristine wilderness, witness breathtaking views, and connect with nature only Hokkaido can offer.

Furano Valley and the Center: Cycle through the picturesque, vast valley adorned with lavender fields and wildflowers. Traverse the heart of Hokkaido from the Blue Pond to the smoking caldera of Mt Tokachi.

Written by a seasoned, avid cyclist and world traveler, with 35 published cycling guides to destinations all over the world, “Hokkaido on Two Wheels” stems from the author’s fourth extensive journey in Japan. This is your guide to the allure of Hokkaido!

The book outlines 22 stages, complete with GPS tracks. Seamlessly navigate between the four highlighted regions and back to the starting point of your tour. Gain more insight into each of the 22 stages and their respective areas in beautiful and informative pictures, 140 images total.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a newcomer to the world of bicycle travel, “Hokkaido on Two Wheels” is your indispensable companion for planning your own Hokkaido cycling adventure.

Download Hokkaido on Two Wheels PDF. Buy a paperback version at Amazon.

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For hikers and trekkers, there’s no shortage of trails to explore in the area. The Trading Post Trail, which loops around the amphitheater, is a popular choice. It offers a moderate hike with excellent views of the rocks and Denver skyline. But if you’re up for a more extended adventure, consider tackling the nearby Matthews / Winters Park trails, which connect to Red Rocks Park. These trails wind through the rugged terrain, offering a mix of challenging ascents and breathtaking scenery.

Now, here’s a twist: Red Rocks Amphitheater isn’t just about physical activity; it’s also about nourishing the soul. Many visitors come here not to work up a sweat but to meditate and find solace amidst the towering red monoliths. The serene atmosphere and natural acoustics make it a perfect spot for those seeking a fresh adventure—an adventure within themselves.

In a nutshell, Red Rocks Amphitheater is not just a music venue; it’s a playground for adventurers and a place to discover the quieter, contemplative side of nature. Whether you’re sweating it out on the trails, road cycling, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, undeniably Red Rocks Park is one of the most scenic places in Colorado, and it’s especially beautiful from the saddle of a bike. The towering sandstone formations, lush green meadows, and sparkling creeks are all breathtaking.

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Bali is an Indonesian island known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. It is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience a unique blend of traditional Balinese culture and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the island’s many temples, witness traditional ceremonies, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and diving. Bali is also home to some of the world’s best spas, restaurants, and nightlife.

But what about Bali as a cycling destination?

Although most visitors to Bali don’t think of Bali as a cycling destination, you can enjoy bicycling in Bali, too. And the above images show the most frequented cycling routes in Bali. A handful of local operators take advantage of the bicycling possibilities around the island and offer a few staple cycling tours, such as:

1. Ubud Cycling Tour: This tour takes you through the beautiful rice paddies and villages around Ubud, considered the cultural capital of Bali.

2. Kintamani Cycling Tour: This tour takes you through the highlands of Kintamani, packing in the breathtaking views of the Batur lake and volcano.

3. Tanah Lot Cycling Tour: This tour brings you a slice of Balinese countryside as you ride along the paddy fields and, of course, takes you to the Tanah Lot temple, an ancient Hindu shrine that’s built on a rock formation and is an important Bali landmark.

If cycling in a group is your preference or a few hours-long tour is all you have time or mood for, then book a bicycling tour in Bali. But if you are a cycle touring enthusiast or an avid cyclist that strives on riding solo (or just with your wife or a friend), and must do so on your very own set of wheels, then yes, absolutely, bring your own bicycle and explore Bali riding solo.

But the question is, where should you ride in Bali on a multi-day cycling tour? And inevitably, where you should not ride, as that is a valid point to consider as well.

Scenic Routes of Bali: West, South, East, North, and Central Bali

West Bali

While looking at the map, Bali seems small enough to be tempted to circumnavigate the island keeping to the coastal route. Indeed, this route takes you along much of the stunning coastline of Bali, although not entirely. But yes, you will pass through some of the most beautiful beaches, villages, and rice paddies in Bali along this route. The route is approximately 350 km long and most reasonably fit cyclists can complete it in 4-5 days. The route is mostly flat and either a road bike or a mountain bike will do. But there are issues, namely traffic in the west and more of it in the congested tourist areas further east, best to stay away from. And so, with the cons of cycling the western perimeter of Bali, cycling 360-degrees around Bali may not be the ideal route for most.

South Bali

Perhaps a better way to approach cycling Bali is to pick a part of it and focus on it, although South Bali it isn’t certainly it. Some may suggest where in the south of Bali it is not dangerous to be cycling, and claim it is safe to cycle in most areas of South Bali, including the popular tourist destinations of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Sanur. Well, riding a bike in these areas of Bali is best described as frantic soft-pedaling weaving through traffic and tourist resort blight, Bali-style, a style not even suited for running errands, definitely not as an adventure cycling with stunning landscapes to marvel at. — for a slice of those you got to ride elsewhere in Bali. That said, some areas in the south are safe enough, namely Jimbaran and Uluwatu, mostly because they are on the very south of a peninsula, hence in part on a periphery of the congested heart of Bali’s tourist areas.

East Bali

Cycling the east of Bali is a great way to explore the island’s stunning scenery and culture. The east of Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, lush green rice paddies, and traditional villages. There are plenty of routes to choose from, ranging from easy to more challenging. You can also explore the area’s temples, waterfalls, and other attractions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, you’ll find plenty of routes to get away from traffic and taste the slice of paradise Bali is.

Interesting places not to miss cycling in the east of Bali are:

1. Mount Agung: The highest mountain in Bali, Mount Agung offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to go cycling.

2. Tirta Gangga: This beautiful water palace and its surrounding area are a great place to explore on a bike.

3. Besakih Temple: This is the largest and holiest temple in Bali, and cycling around it is a great way to take in the volcanic beauty of the area.

4. Sidemen: A secluded valley with peaceful rice paddies, all set beneath of the towering Mount Agung.

North Bali

Cycling the north of Bali is too a great way to explore the region’s stunning landscapes and culture. The roads are mostly flat and well-maintained, making it a great option for cyclists of all levels. You can explore the rice paddies, small villages, and stunning beaches of the north such as Lovina Beach, as well as the temples and other cultural attractions in and around Singaraja, Bali’s second largest city and once its capital, albeit a somewhat sleepy outpost compared to Denpasar in the south, although it too teems with traffic.

Central Bali

Central Bali is where it’s at! The best solo cycling route into the central mountains of Bali is the Munduk-Bedugul-Jatiluwih route. It takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Bali, including lush green rice terraces, towering volcanoes, and stunning lakes. You can start from Bedugul, and ride south to Jatiluwih, or ride north to Munduk, returning to your base in Bedugul. Or, you add this trio of wonderful places to your cycling tour of Bali.

Munduk is a small village in the highlands south of Bedugul. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding rice terraces, lush green hills, and waterfalls. There are many activities to enjoy in Munduk, such as trekking, visiting the local temples, and exploring the nearby villages. You can also take a dip in the natural hot springs, go rafting, or take a swim in the nearby lakes. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to explore.

Bedugul is of a mountain lake resort area for Indonesians coming from Java. Located in the central highlands of the island, it offers cool climate, lush forests, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Because of the much cooler temperatures than in the coastal areas, tourists come here to hike and camp. The area is also home to several Hindu temples, making it a popular pilgrimage site for Balinese Hindus.

What about Jatiluwih?

A ride around the Jatiluwih, rice terraces area southwest of Bedugul, is a rewarding way to fathom this UNESCO-recognized world’s cultural heritage site. Jatiluwih comprises an area rather than a single village. It comprises several indigenous villages and hamlets that manage the Subak system in the area, a community-based water control management system dates back to the 9th century. Rice is not the only crop, though three harvests a year make it the essential crop. Local farmers grow also coffee, vanilla, cocoa, cloves, jack fruit, tea, mangosteen and durian. It reflects the Balinese principle of Tri Hita Karana, which affirms that happiness and harmony stem from a balance of three vital relationships: one between a man and God, between a man and nature, and between all human beings. The magic of Jatiwiluh appears right at sunrise with the first rays of the sun, the ideal time to begin your ride. At an altitude of 700 meters, the views over the centuries of toil that created this amazing feat of landscape engineering are mesmerising. Looking southeast, the panorama of the terraces against the backdrop of Bali’s two most dominant volcanos, Mount Agung and Mount Abang, will undoubtedly etch an unforgettable imprint upon your mind.

It is for the magic of Bali’s areas such as Jatiluwih why Bali is often labelled a paradise island — it is simply because of its stunning natural beauty, its vibrant culture, its friendly people, its amazing beaches, its lush green rice terraces, its unique temples, its delicious cuisine, its world-class resorts, and its many outdoor activities it offers, cycling undeniably among them.

For more of a taste of what cycling around Bali is all about, sample Cycling Bali: Climbing and Freewheeling in Paradise, a cycling guide and travel pictorial.

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