Bali: Gorilla Face ATV Bali Ubud Adventure with Lunch

Ubud’s Gorilla Face ATV outing is built around one simple pleasure: getting muddy while riding through rural Bali. You’ll steer your own quad along dirt tracks, through puddles, jungle, plantations, a waterfall area, and a tunnel, then stop for Balinese food before cleaning up.

I like the door-to-door transport and the fact that helmets, boots, lockers, showers, and lunch are included. I also like that beginners get a safety briefing and guide support. The main catch is physical effort: the route is rough, the ride can be messy, and single riders must be at least 16 and no older than 59.

Key points to know before booking

• Expect mud, not a gentle countryside drive: Dirt tracks, puddles, obstacles, and uneven ground are central to the ride.
• The setting keeps changing: You pass rice fields, bamboo, jungle, farms, a waterfall area, a traditional village, and a river.
• A beginner briefing comes first: You receive training before riding, and the guide helps you get comfortable with the quad.
• The practical extras are covered: Helmet, boots, locker, shower, changing room, bottled water, and lunch are included.
• Pickup depends on your booking option: The ride starts at Alasan Adventures in Taro, about 30 minutes from central Ubud by road.
• Tandem rules are strict: Tandem bookings require at least two people and must be made in even numbers.

Why this ATV ride is more than a quick quad-bike loop

Many ATV outings near Ubud follow a short route and return to base before the ride has properly got going. This one is planned as a roughly two-hour ride within a three-hour outing, so you get time to settle into the controls and see several kinds of countryside.

I like the variety. The ride is not limited to one muddy track. You move through rural paths beneath palms, thick jungle, plantations, a traditional village, and farmland. The route also includes a waterfall area, river crossings or river views, and a tunnel. The exact feel will depend on ground conditions and the pace of the group, but the point is clear: this is an active ride through working rural surroundings, not a paved sightseeing trip.

The tour begins at Alasan Adventures in Taro, north of Ubud. From central Ubud, the drive takes about 30 minutes. If you select hotel pickup, an air-conditioned minivan collects you and brings you back after the outing. If you do not select that option, you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

That transfer matters. Ubud traffic can make a short road distance take time, and having transport included removes one task from an already active day. It also means you can return to your hotel after the ride instead of arranging a separate car while covered in mud.

Getting ready at Alasan Adventures in Taro

At the base, you receive a welcome drink and prepare for the ride. The staff provide a helmet and boots, with a locker for your belongings and a shower and changing room for afterward.

I consider these facilities a real part of the value. ATV riding in Bali often means wet dirt, splashes, and red or brown mud on your clothes. A shower lets you clean up before lunch or the ride back to Ubud. The locker means you do not need to keep a phone, wallet, or change of clothes on your body during the ride.

Bring clothes that can get dirty, and avoid bringing anything you would be upset to stain. The supplied information specifically supports bringing sunglasses as eye protection from dirt. That is useful advice, particularly on dry sections when the quad in front of you may send dust backward.

You should also expect a physical outing rather than a passive vehicle ride. The official requirements call for a strong level of fitness. You need to control the bike, respond to uneven ground, and stay alert for obstacles. The ride welcomes beginners, but beginner-friendly does not mean effortless.

The safety briefing helps you find your confidence

Before setting off, a professional quad-bike instructor explains the controls and safety rules. You then practice and begin the route under guide supervision.

The early part of the ride is important for first-time riders. The instructions indicate that after about five minutes, many beginners begin to feel more confident. That does not mean you should rush. Keep your speed controlled, follow the guide, and leave space between quads so you have time to react.

You control the bike yourself if you book a single ride. This gives you more independence, but it also asks more of you. You must steer, manage the throttle, and pick your line over rough ground. The guide is there to assist, yet you remain responsible for handling the quad safely.

For riders who prefer to share, tandem vehicles are available under specific conditions. A minimum of two people is required per tandem booking, bookings must use even numbers such as two, four, six, or eight, and children aged 9 to 15 must ride with an adult. Single riders must be at least 16.

Mud tracks, palms, and the first rural views

Once you leave the base, the route moves onto dirt paths beneath palms and through rural Ubud. This is where the outing becomes more than a vehicle lesson.

The surface can include mud puddles and obstacles. You may need to steer around ruts, manage slippery patches, and adjust to changing ground. The mud is part of the attraction, but it is also the main reason to wear the supplied boots and clothes you do not mind washing.

I like that the route connects the action with ordinary Balinese surroundings. You pass small farms, plantations, and traditional homes rather than staying inside a purpose-built motor course. The traditional village offers a look at local life and the way community traditions remain part of the setting.

You should keep your expectations realistic. This is not a guided cultural walk, and there is no long village visit described. You see rural life from the quad, with the main focus still on riding. The village adds context and variety, but it does not replace a dedicated cultural tour.

Jungle, bamboo, waterfall, and tunnel sections

The thick jungle section changes the mood. Instead of open tracks, you ride through denser greenery, with the route passing bamboo and jungle growth. The supplied description also includes a waterfall and a tunnel, two features that give the ride some welcome drama.

I would treat these as short features along the route, not as separate sightseeing stops with long viewing time. The itinerary sets aside about two hours for the ATV portion, and the group needs to keep moving. Still, these changes in scenery help break up the ride and give you different terrain to handle.

The tunnel is especially useful as a practical marker that the route is not just a straight loop. You pass from one type of setting into another, dealing with light, surface, and turns as the track changes. The guide sets the pace and helps with the more challenging parts.

Conditions can affect the feel of the ride. A wet day may mean more mud and slippery ground. A drier day may bring more dust, which is why sunglasses are sensible. The tour is designed around rough terrain, so changing conditions are part of the deal rather than a flaw.

The traditional village and a closer look at rural Ubud

The route includes a traditional village where local life and customs are preserved. This section gives you a chance to see a less polished side of the Ubud area, with village paths and nearby farms forming part of the ride.

I value this because the setting feels connected to daily life. You are not simply riding around an isolated attraction. You move through places where people live, work, and maintain local traditions. The ride also brings you into contact with villagers along the route, although the activity does not promise formal meetings or extended conversations.

Keep your attention on the road. It can be tempting to focus on scenery, but the quad requires active control. If you want detailed information about Balinese customs, arrange a separate guide or cultural visit. Here, the village is one part of a moving outdoor adventure.

A lookout and the changing views over the jungle

The itinerary includes a lookout point with views over the jungle. It gives you a pause from the constant movement and a chance to take in the surrounding area.

This stop matters because an ATV ride can feel visually repetitive when you spend much of the time watching the track directly in front of you. A lookout opens the view and gives you a better sense of the countryside you have crossed.

The stop should not be confused with a long scenic hike. The activity remains focused on quad biking, and the supplied timing does not promise an extended break. Still, it is a useful moment to catch your breath, take photographs if permitted, and enjoy the setting without steering.

Balinese lunch after the ride

Lunch is included, along with bottled water. After a muddy two-hour ride, that meal is more than a minor extra. You have used energy, and it is convenient to eat before heading back to Ubud.

The food is described as Balinese fare, but no fixed menu is provided. I would not book this expecting a particular dish or a full culinary lesson. Think of lunch as a practical local meal that completes an active half-day.

Water is also supplied, though you should pay attention to your own hydration, especially in warm conditions. The guide and the schedule determine how much time you have at lunch, so this is not presented as a long restaurant stop.

Showers, changing rooms, and the ride back to Ubud

After the ATV portion and lunch, you can use the shower and changing room before returning to the meeting point or your hotel. This is one of the strongest practical features of the package.

Without a place to clean up, a muddy ATV excursion can interfere with the rest of your day. With these facilities, you can change before getting into the minivan and continue to another activity with less worry about dirt on your clothes or hotel transport.

The full outing lasts about three hours, although the drive time is separate from the advertised activity length in practical terms. The ATV portion is listed at two hours, and the road journey from central Ubud takes about 30 minutes each way when pickup is used. Plan the day with some flexibility rather than booking a tight appointment immediately afterward.

The group size is capped at 15 people. That is small enough to keep the activity organized, but it is still a group ride. You will follow the guide’s pace and may need to pause while other riders manage a difficult section.

Is $40 good value for this Ubud adventure?

At $40 per person, the price is fair if you want a full package rather than only time on a quad. You receive instruction, a professional instructor, helmet, boots, locker use, shower and changing facilities, bottled water, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off when that option is selected.

The value becomes stronger if you would otherwise need to hire transport to Taro, rent safety gear, find lunch, and arrange somewhere to clean up. The included services reduce those added costs and make the day easier to manage.

The main extra cost is souvenir photography. Photos are available to purchase, but they are not included. If you want pictures, bring a protected phone only if you can keep it safe, since the route includes mud and water. Sunglasses and practical clothing matter more than dressing for photographs.

There are also group discounts, which may make the outing more attractive for families or friends who meet the tandem rules. Check the final price for your selected arrangement, especially if some people want single quads and others need tandem rides.

Who should book this ride?

I would choose this outing if you want an active break from Ubud temples, cafes, and art shops. It suits people who enjoy muddy conditions, uneven tracks, and a bit of controlled risk. It also works well for first-time ATV riders who want instruction and a guide rather than an unguided rental.

Families need to read the age rules carefully. Children aged 9 to 15 must ride tandem with an adult, and tandem reservations must be made in even numbers. Anyone aged 16 or older can book a single ride, subject to the maximum age of 59 and the stated 165-kilogram weight limit.

I would hesitate if you dislike getting dirty, have limited physical fitness, or want a quiet countryside tour. The route includes rough ground and challenges, and the supplier asks for a strong fitness level. The activity is also not a substitute for a dedicated village or food tour.

The five-star rating and full recommendation record point to a consistently well-liked outing, with particular praise for the organization, door-to-door service, natural setting, and the fun of the mud. I would give special weight to the practical comments about the driver sharing Balinese history and culture during transport. That added context can make the transfer feel like part of the day rather than dead time.

Should you book the Gorilla Face ATV tour?

Book it if you want mud, rural scenery, and a hands-on ride in one compact Ubud outing. The included equipment, lunch, shower, and transport make the $40 price easier to justify, especially for a first-time rider.

Skip it if you need a gentle pace, dislike physical activity, or want long cultural visits. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded way to see a rougher, more rural side of the Ubud area while still having the comfort of instruction, gear, and a clean ride home.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

FAQ

Where does the ATV tour start and end?

The activity starts at Alasan Adventures, ATV Taro, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80572. It ends back at the meeting point unless hotel pickup and drop-off are selected.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you choose the transport option when booking. The vehicle is an air-conditioned minivan.

How long does the activity last?

The overall activity lasts about three hours. The ATV portion is listed as approximately two hours, with travel time depending on your pickup arrangement.

What is included in the price?

The package includes taxes and fees, lunch, bottled water, a professional quad-bike instructor, a helmet, boots, a locker, a shower, and a changing room. Hotel transport is included only when that option is selected.

What age is required to ride a single ATV?

The minimum age for a single ride is 16. Children aged 9 to 15 must ride tandem with an adult, and the maximum stated age is 59.

Are there rules for tandem bookings?

Yes. A minimum of two people is required for a tandem ATV, and tandem bookings must be made in even numbers such as two, four, six, or eight people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.