Cycling Indonesia's Islands

Active volcanoes tower over paddies and coffee plantations. Jungles fringe tropical beaches on the edge of coral-rich waters. Villages and temples dot the landscape where age-old traditions are still followed in Indonesia. This is the backdrop through which we cycle up to craters and down to fishing villages, along paved roads and rainforest trails. On two wheels, we explore quieter parts of the islands of Bali and Java, uncovering a patchwork of sights, sounds and smells.

We spend 10 nights in hotels, one night in a homestay and one night camping.



The Kintamani hotel is simple and the hot-water supply can be unreliable but we use this hotel because it is best located for our exploration of Mount Batur.



When camping on Rajegwesi Beach, we stay in two-person tents; mats and sleeping bags are provided and there are basic toilets and showers with cold water.



The homestay on Mount Ijen is run by a coffee cooperative and is basic but clean. While some rooms have Western-style toilets, we cannot guarantee these.



There is no hot water at the campsite or at the homestay.



The hotel rooms generally have private bathrooms and all have air conditioning apart from the hotel in Bedugul which, being at altitude and having cooler night-time temperatures, does not normally require it. The more simple accommodations are balanced by staying in classic hotels on other nights.