Unleash the Thrill-Seeker in You with ATV Bali Adventure

The Allure of ATV Tour Bali

I don’t know about you, but when I first heard about ATV Bali, I thought it was just one of those touristy things that people rave about on Instagram. I wasn’t sold. I mean, yeah, you see pictures of these cool jungle trails and mud-splattered people smiling under their helmets, but I was skeptical. Was it really as fun as it looked, or was it just a bunch of influencers pretending to have the time of their lives for the perfect shot?

Spoiler: It’s better than the photos. Way better.

I’m not one to shy away from a bit of adventure, so after doing a little research (read: scrolling through a few blog posts), I finally booked an ATV tour in Ubud. To say I was excited would be an understatement, but man, there’s a lot I wish I had known before hopping on that four-wheeler. So here I am, sharing everything I learned — the good, the bad, and the muddy — so you can get the most out of your Bali ATV experience.

My ATV Tour Experience: The Good, the Messy, and the Surprising

Let me set the scene for you. It’s a hot day in Bali — the kind where the humidity clings to your skin and you’re already sweating before you’ve even done anything. I showed up to the ATV tour location in Ubud, surrounded by stunning rice terraces and dense jungle. Already, I was impressed. This wasn’t just about riding a machine; it felt like an adventure into Bali’s wild side.

So, we started with a quick tutorial. “How hard could it be?” I thought, having never driven an ATV before. Well, it turns out it’s a bit more challenging than you might think. Steering felt weird at first, like I was guiding a stubborn, mechanical beast that wanted to do its own thing. I’ll admit, I almost veered into a ditch in the first 10 minutes. Yeah… not my finest moment.

But once you get the hang of it, it’s a blast. Seriously, if you’ve never driven an ATV before, don’t stress — there’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s not impossible. After a few minutes, you’ll feel like you’ve got this thing under control. Just make sure to listen to the instructor and pay attention to how you use the throttle. Trust me, going too fast through a muddy corner can lead to some unexpected detours.

And speaking of mud… Oh boy, I was not ready for the level of dirtiness that was coming my way. I knew I’d get a little muddy, but by the end of it, I was completely covered. I looked like I had rolled through a swamp. Which, to be fair, I kind of did. If you’re planning on doing this, just accept that you’re not going to stay clean. In fact, embrace the mess — that’s part of the fun.

What I Wish I Knew Before Going on an ATV Bali Adventure

Now that you know a bit about my own (sometimes messy) experience, let me break down some things I wish I had known before going on an ATV tour in Bali:

1. Wear Clothes You Don’t Care About
I thought I’d get a little dirty, so I wore my favorite hiking pants and a tank top I really liked. Big mistake. The mud splatter is real, and I ended up with brown streaks all over my clothes that never fully washed out. My advice? Wear something old that you don’t mind trashing. You’ll thank me later.

2. Bring a Change of Clothes
This should be obvious, but it wasn’t for me. After the tour, I was so muddy and soaked that I had to awkwardly sit in the car in my drenched clothes for the ride back to the hotel. If you’re going on an ATV adventure, do yourself a favor and pack a change of clothes and maybe even a towel. Many ATV tour places have showers, so take advantage of that. You’ll want to feel fresh after being covered head-to-toe in dirt.

3. Wear Sunglasses or Goggles
The helmet they give you is solid, but it doesn’t come with a visor. Halfway through the ride, I realized the mud was flying straight into my eyes, and let me tell you, it’s not fun trying to navigate a rocky path when you can’t see. Bring some cheap sunglasses or goggles — something that you don’t mind getting scratched up. Protecting your eyes from mud and debris is essential.

4. Prepare for a Workout
No one told me how physically demanding riding an ATV can be, especially when you’re navigating through rough terrain like jungle trails, rivers, and steep hills. My arms were sore the next day from gripping the handlebars so tightly, and my legs felt like they’d gone through a CrossFit session after bracing myself on all those bumpy paths. I’m not saying you need to be in perfect shape to do it, but be prepared for a bit of a workout.

5. Go With a Small Group (If You Can)
Here’s something that can make or break your experience — the size of your group. My Bali tour had about ten people, which wasn’t terrible, but it also meant waiting around a lot for everyone to catch up, especially if someone was struggling with the ATV. If possible, try to book a smaller group or a private tour. You’ll get more riding time and less waiting-around time, which means more fun for you.

Choosing the Right ATV Tour: What to Look For

I’ll admit, when I first started looking into ATV tours in Bali, I didn’t pay too much attention to the details. I thought, “Hey, they all look the same, right?” Wrong. Not all ATV tours are created equal, and after my experience, I realized there are a few things you should definitely consider before booking.

1. Location, Location, Location
   Bali has some diverse landscapes, and where you ride will make a huge difference in your overall experience. For example, ATV tours in Ubud tend to take you through rice paddies, jungle paths, and sometimes even hidden waterfalls. If you go for an ATV tour in places like Tabanan, you’ll get more coastal views and black sand beaches. I did mine in Ubud, which was great for jungle vibes, but next time I might opt for something near the coast to mix things up. Also, some tours offer a mix of terrains—think: jungle, rivers, and even small villages. That variety can make your ride more exciting and less predictable. So if you have a specific vision for your ATV adventure (muddy jungle paths vs. open beaches), definitely research which area best fits your idea.
2. Tour Length and What’s Included
   I went for a half-day tour, which gave me about two hours of actual riding time. To be honest, I was pretty exhausted by the end of it, but if you’re feeling more adventurous or just want more time on the trails, some companies offer full-day tours. These usually include lunch breaks and sometimes even a stop at a waterfall or local village. Another thing to keep in mind is what’s included in the price. Most ATV tours in Bali will offer free hotel pickup and drop-off, which is super convenient, especially if you’re staying in a more remote area. Some will even throw in lunch or snacks after the ride, which, trust me, you’ll be grateful for after all that effort. Just double-check what’s part of the package when you’re booking.
3. Safety First
   Okay, I know talking about safety isn’t the most exciting part, but it’s something you can’t overlook. Not every ATV tour company has the same standards when it comes to equipment and safety measures. The company I booked with was great—our guide made sure we all knew how to handle the ATV, and they provided good-quality helmets. But I’ve heard stories from other travelers who weren’t so lucky. If you’re feeling unsure about a tour, check the reviews. Are people mentioning that they felt safe, or are they talking about sketchy gear and rushed instructions? Your ATV adventure should be fun, not stressful. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re more worried about whether your brakes are going to work than enjoying the ride.
4. Solo or Tandem ATV?
   If you’re going with a friend or significant other, you’ll usually have the option of choosing between solo or tandem ATVs. I chose to ride solo because I wanted full control (and didn’t want to be responsible for someone else if I wiped out—ha!), but if you’re feeling nervous or just want to take it a bit easier, a tandem ATV can be a good option. Plus, it’s a fun way to experience the ride together if you’re not too focused on controlling the vehicle.

However, if you’re someone who likes the thrill of doing everything on your own, I’d recommend going solo. You’ll get more out of the experience, and it gives you more flexibility when navigating those tight corners and tricky trails.

Navigating the Mud: What No One Tells You

Now, let’s talk about the mud because honestly, that’s half the fun, right? I’ll never forget this one moment on the trail where I thought, “Oh, this puddle doesn’t look too deep. I’ll just power through it.” And then… SPLASH. My ATV sank deeper than I expected, and before I knew it, I was covered in mud from head to toe.

This is one of those moments where you realize why people love ATV riding in Bali so much—it’s messy, unpredictable, and downright exhilarating. But here’s the thing: there’s an art to navigating the mud without getting totally stuck (or at least, less stuck than I did).

1. Keep Your Speed Steady
   It sounds counterintuitive, but you don’t want to gun it when you’re heading toward a muddy patch. Going too fast can cause your tires to lose traction, and next thing you know, you’re fishtailing all over the place. Instead, you want to keep a steady speed and momentum. The key is to trust the ATV and let it do the work—don’t overthink it.
2. Use Your Body for Balance
   This is something that took me a while to figure out. When you’re going through uneven terrain or deep mud, it’s important to use your body to help balance the ATV. Leaning into turns or shifting your weight can make all the difference when it comes to staying upright or tipping over (and yes, tipping is very much possible—just ask the guy who was riding behind me). So don’t be afraid to move around a bit; your body can help guide the ATV through tougher spots.
3. Embrace the Mud
   Look, you’re going to get muddy. It’s part of the experience. Instead of worrying about staying clean or trying to avoid the puddles, just lean into it. Some of my best memories from the ride were splashing through deep puddles, feeling the mud hit my legs, and laughing with the rest of the group as we all looked like a bunch of swamp monsters by the end. The sooner you accept that you’ll get dirty, the more fun you’ll have.

Check also our article about Bali tour package

ATV Bali Tours vs. Other Bali Adventures: Why It’s Worth It

Bali has so much to offer in terms of adventure, so you might be wondering if an ATV Bali tour is really worth your time. In my opinion, it’s a must-do, especially if you’ve already explored some of the more traditional tourist spots.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good temple tour and beach day as much as the next person, but ATV riding gave me a completely different perspective on Bali. It’s one thing to admire the lush greenery from a car window, but it’s another to tear through it on an ATV, feeling the wind in your face and the terrain under your wheels. There’s an element of raw adventure that you just don’t get from other activities.

Plus, ATV riding lets you access parts of Bali that you wouldn’t normally see as a regular tourist. I got to ride through local villages, pass by rice farmers at work, and even splash through a river or two. It’s a side of Bali that feels more authentic, more connected to the land.

Making the Most of Your ATV Adventure: A Few Final Tips

Before I wrap up, here are a few last-minute tips that I wish someone had told me before I jumped on that ATV:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Bali is hot, and even though you’re not running a marathon, ATV riding takes a lot out of you. Bring water or make sure to drink plenty before you start.
• Take photos, but be careful: Some people brought their phones or GoPros, but they didn’t always end up using them because, well, mud. If you want photos, bring a waterproof case or ask one of the guides to take pictures for you (they usually offer!).
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re struggling with the ATV at any point, don’t hesitate to ask the guides for assistance. They’re there to help, and it’s way better to ask than to end up stuck in the mud (again, speaking from experience here).

Should You Do an ATV Bali Tour?

So, after my muddy, sweaty, and sometimes challenging experience, would I do it again? Absolutely. There’s something about powering through jungle trails and splashing through rivers that gives you a whole new perspective on Bali. It’s one of those experiences where you’re fully immersed in nature, feeling like an adventurer discovering hidden parts of the island. Plus, it’s a great break from lounging on the beach or exploring temples (although I highly recommend doing those, too!).

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, an ATV tour in Bali is a must-try. Just don’t forget to bring clothes you don’t mind ruining, a pair of sunglasses or goggles, and maybe a sense of humor for when you find yourself knee-deep in a mud puddle.

Check also our article about Bali Water Sports

Now that I’ve done it, I can’t wait to try out a different trail the next time I visit Bali. Maybe I’ll even get a little better at steering that beast of an ATV without almost driving off the path.

ATV Bali Pricing and Booking Tips

While we’re on the topic, let me throw in some tips on booking your ATV tour. Prices can vary depending on the tour operator and the length of the ride. I paid around 600,000 IDR (roughly $40 USD) that time. It’s pretty standard pricing, but you might be able to find a better deal if you book online or in person in Bali. Always check what’s included — some tours don’t offer food, and trust me, you’ll be hungry after.

Also, consider checking reviews before booking. The tour I took was highly rated, and I could tell that the guides knew what they were doing. They helped us every step of the way, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying not to veer into the jungle.

In the end, ATV riding in Bali was one of the highlights of my trip, and I can’t recommend it enough for adventure lovers. Just make sure to prepare a little better than I did!