Mountain Biking In Bali - Trip Report

During the long and challenging race season last year, between training sessions and enduro stages, I started daydreaming about an offseason adventure - going somewhere where I could relax, ride for fun, and explore new trails. Fast forward a few months and I was sitting on a plane headed to Indonesia with my bike.

Bali is not yet known as a mountain bike destination, but in the months leading up to my trip I was contacted by The Chillhouse, a surf and mountain bike retreat on the island. They informed me that there was awesome singletrack to be ridden on Bali and invited me to come stay with them and check it out. Although I had no idea what to expect, I jumped at the chance to explore exotic trails in Southeast Asia.


Just hours after my new Pivot Mach 6 was completed, before I could even take her for a spin on Santa Cruz dirt, we took the bike apart and packed it up for the journey around the globe. I padded the bike ultra carefully because I wanted to make sure the first scratch on the frame was from a crash and not from traveling. It was exciting to be bringing my bike with me to such a faraway destination. I couldn’t wait to explore Bali and discover what kind of riding was available on the island.


After three solid days of travelling and misadventures, we finally landed on Bali. We collected the bike bag and met the warm tropical air and a friendly driver as we exited the airport. I stared out the window as we navigated the chaotic Denpasar streets out of the city and into the countryside, toward the small village of Canguu on the West Coast of the island. The car pulled up to the Chillhouse and we had reached our destination.

The Chillhouse is absolutely beautiful. From the moment I entered the property I felt right at home. After the long journey it was amazing to settle down and unwind in our private bungalow. The Chillhouse is an ideal place to relax- with a great atmosphere, massages, two pools, and delicious food, however the retreat is really set up for the adventurous traveler. Mountain biking, surfing, motocross, and other experiences are easily coordinated at the front desk. I was in paradise!


Over breakfast I met Alex, an Austrian who has lived on Bali for 12 years and the owner of the Chillhouse. He is dynamic, super friendly, and always making sure everyone at the Chillhouse is having the best time. He is an avid mountain biker and very active in the riding community on Bali and abroad. We were so lucky to have Alex coordinating our riding. His local knowledge and endless stoke really made our trip. After enthusiastically describing the different rides on the island, Alex filled me in on our plans for the next day- riding the Crater Rim Trail. I couldn’t wait to get my tires on some jungle tracks.

The Mach 6 comes to life in the Chillhouse garage.


At 6:30am the next morning we set out for the Crater Rim Trail. We drove north through the island past beautiful and interesting scenery. After an hour and a half we arrived at the trailhead in the highland region of Kintamani in Northeast Bali. I was amazed at how much elevation we had gained. We began our journey in the warm sun at sea level but stepped out of the car into cool, misty mountain air. The trailhead sits atop the rim of a crater at 1,600 meters and the ride would take us along the rim and all the way down to the ocean on the north coast of the island.

Pre-ride coffee from a Warung at the trailhead. A Warung is small family-owned business, a casual shop selling food and goods. They are an essential part of daily life in Indonesia.


Dropping in on the first section of trail

Our guide Iwan.

Iwan, a Bali native, was one of the first people ever to mountain bike on the island. He has been riding for over 21 years. Mountain biking has only been popular in Bali for about 2 years, and hearing Iwan’s stories about the struggle to get bike parts and keep riding over the years was inspiring. He has so much passion for the sport, and his endless knowledge and positive attitude was priceless.

The volcano Mon Batur in the distance. Bali’s volcanic features really give the island a Jurassic and almost otherworldly feel.






We stopped at another Warung in a small village for a snack before starting our final descent. We picked up delicious shredded sweet potato cakes cooked in coconut sugar- perfect cycling nutrition!


The trail was impressive and super fun to ride with plenty of variety. Technical rock sections would transition into super fast and flowy singletrack through the dense jungle.



The trail passed by a temple with an unbelievable view and the crew stopped for a break. The sun had started to beat down and the temperature was on the rise, but we all remained in good spirits.



We were rewarded with a much-needed cool off in the ocean.

Another Warung sprung up at on the beach to feed our hungry group.

Alex prepared us his signature post-ride drink, "Radlers": beer + Sprite or Coke.



We relaxed at the beach and enjoyed good food and company. I was blown away by what an amazing ride we had just completed. Alex had assured me that the riding was excellent, but I was truly surprised by the quality of the trails. Everyone was stoked as we made our way back to the Chillhouse, and I couldn't wait to see what the island had in store for us next!

Stay tuned for Part Two in Lauren's adventure to Bali.

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