Reviewed · UBUD TOURS
Bali Quad and Buggy Explorer Tour
Mud, jungle tracks, and village roads await. The Bali Quad and Buggy Explorer Tour gives you a lively way to see the countryside outside Ubud, with automatic Kawasaki quad bikes and Cfmoto Zforce 4WD buggies leading you through rice fields, plantations, jungle, and a traditional Balinese village. It is not just a short ride around a closed circuit. After training, you spend about an hour on varied off-road routes.
I like the clear safety routine, which includes a video, guide briefing, hands-on instruction, and a practice circuit. I also like the practical extras: lockers, hot showers, towels, snacks, bottled water, and a changing room. The main caution is that off-road vehicles can be rough and mechanical problems are possible. One person reported feeling unsafe because of a buggy issue, so speak up at once if your vehicle does not feel right.
In This Review
- Key points to know before booking
- What this Ubud off-road tour is really like
- Arrival, lockers, and the first safety briefing
- Choosing between the Kawasaki ATV and Cfmoto buggy
- The one-hour route through Bali’s countryside
- How muddy and difficult is the ride?
- The staff and group organization
- Showers, towels, and the finish
- Is $43 good value?
- Who should book this experience?
- Should you book the Bali Quad and Buggy Explorer Tour?
- FAQ
- Where does the Bali Quad and Buggy Explorer Tour start?
- How long does the tour last?
- How much does the tour cost?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What vehicles can I drive?
- How old must I be to drive alone?
- What should I wear and bring?
- Are lockers and showers provided?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key points to know before booking

- Five types of terrain: Expect mud, uneven tracks, hills, tight turns, jungle paths, plantations, and village lanes rather than a simple paved ride.
- Two ways to ride: Choose a fully automatic Kawasaki ATV or a two-seat Cfmoto Zforce 4WD buggy, depending on your comfort and riding style.
- Training comes first: A safety video, guide instruction, and test circuit help beginners get used to the controls before the main route.
- Useful cleanup facilities: Free lockers, water-resistant bags, hot showers, soap, towels, and changing rooms make the muddy finish much easier.
- Suitable for mixed abilities: Guides can split people into groups when riding skills differ, helping faster and slower drivers enjoy the outing.
- Bring the right gear: Wear solid sports shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and clothes you do not mind getting wet or dirty.
What this Ubud off-road tour is really like

The Bali Quad and Buggy Explorer Tour begins at Bali Quad Discovery Tours in Kerta, in the Payangan area of Gianyar. This is north of central Ubud, so allow time to reach the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price, though transport can be arranged for an additional charge.
The listed price is $43 per person, and the activity lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. That is a fair price for an outing that includes the vehicle, helmet, guide, water, snacks, training, locker, shower facilities, and photography service. You are paying for more than driving time, although the actual sightseeing ride lasts about one hour after the arrival and instruction period.
The tour has a maximum group size of 15 people. That is small enough to keep the guides involved, but it is still a group activity rather than a private ride. If your party has very different skill levels, the staff may divide the group so the route better matches each person’s ability.
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Arrival, lockers, and the first safety briefing

When you arrive, you receive a light welcome refreshment. Coffee and tea are also included, along with snacks and bottled water. You can place your belongings in a free locker, and water-resistant bags are available if you need to carry something during the ride.
That setup matters more than it may sound. An ATV ride is a poor place for a phone, wallet, or camera rattling around in a pocket. Use the locker for anything you do not need, and bring only the basics. Sunglasses can help with dust, but make sure they fit securely.
Before you drive, you watch a safety video and receive instructions from the guides. The staff then provide hands-on training and take you onto a practice circuit. This is a strong part of the experience because an automatic quad bike or buggy still requires judgment, braking, steering, and control on uneven ground.
Do not treat the test track as a formality. Use it to check the throttle, brakes, steering, and seating position. If the vehicle feels loose, unresponsive, or difficult to control, tell the guide before leaving the training area. You should feel comfortable with the machine before you enter the rougher sections.
Choosing between the Kawasaki ATV and Cfmoto buggy
The quad option puts you directly on a branded Kawasaki ATV. Both ATV types are fully automatic, so you do not need to manage a clutch or manual gear changes. That makes the ride easier to learn, especially if you have little experience with off-road vehicles.
An ATV gives you a more open ride. You feel the bumps, mud, turns, and changes in the track more directly. It also asks more from your balance and body position, even with automatic controls. If you want the most active version of the experience, this is likely the better choice.
The buggy option uses a low-noise, high-power Cfmoto Zforce 4WD vehicle. The two-seat buggies have roll bars and seat belts, and they offer a more enclosed driving position. That can suit you if you dislike quad bikes, want to ride with a companion, or prefer the extra structure of a car-style vehicle.
The buggy is not a quiet sightseeing cart. It is designed for rough tracks, hills, corners, and 4WD driving. You still need to pay attention and follow the guide. One serious complaint described a buggy that did not feel safe or properly maintained, even though the staff responded attentively. That appears to be an isolated concern within an otherwise very positive set of comments, but it is worth taking seriously. Good staff cannot compensate for a vehicle that does not feel mechanically sound.
The one-hour route through Bali’s countryside

Once you finish the test track, the main ride lasts about an hour. The route passes through several types of terrain and uses small tracks also used by local villagers. That detail gives the outing a more local feel than a ride confined to a purpose-built track.
You may pass rice fields, plantations, and jungle areas, with fruits and vegetables growing along the way. The route also includes a traditional Balinese village, where you can see a quieter side of the island and old local customs still in daily use. This is the part that gives the activity more character than simple engine-powered entertainment.
You might also see local animals along the route. The exact sightings are not guaranteed, so think of them as an extra rather than a promised feature. The same applies to the views. The setting includes jungle, farms, rice fields, and village paths, but the experience is active first and scenic second.
The five terrain types add variety. Expect some combination of dusty, muddy, uneven, narrow, and hilly sections. The route includes challenges, tight corners, and hills, so you will not simply follow a flat farm road. That variety is fun, but it also means you should expect jolts and splashes.
A short drink and bathroom stop breaks up the ride. You can rest, enjoy the surroundings, and hear more about the area from the guides. This pause is useful because a rough vehicle ride can be tiring, particularly in Bali’s warm conditions.
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How muddy and difficult is the ride?
The tour openly encourages you to expect dust and mud. You should assume your shoes and clothing will get dirty. Wear sports shoes with a firm sole, not sandals or delicate trainers. Bring a change of clothes, especially if you have another activity planned afterward.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are specifically recommended. Sunglasses can also help protect your eyes from dust, although one person in a party felt goggles would have been better. If you are sensitive to flying grit, protective eyewear is a sensible extra to bring.
The guides provide training before the route begins, and the fully automatic vehicles are described as easy to handle. Most people should be able to participate, but you still need to be comfortable with bumps, turns, mud, and off-road driving. The activity is not a passive ride where somebody else operates the vehicle.
Children aged 5 to 15 may join only as copilots. Solo drivers must be at least 16. That makes the buggy a useful choice for families with older children, since a child can ride beside an adult rather than drive independently.
The staff and group organization
The staff receive especially strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and helpful. The guides accompany the full route, assist during the practice circuit, and provide information during the short break. That personal support is important for beginners, since off-road driving can feel intimidating during the first few minutes.
The staff can also split groups when abilities differ. This is a practical touch. A confident driver may want a more energetic pace, while a first-time driver may need extra time on turns and uneven ground. Grouping people more sensibly can improve the experience for everyone.
Still, do not confuse a friendly guide with a guarantee that every vehicle will be perfect. Check your buggy or ATV during training, and report any concern immediately. Safety should come before keeping up with the group or avoiding an awkward conversation.
Showers, towels, and the finish
After the ride, you can wash off the mud in the hot shower facilities. Soap and towels are included, and changing rooms are available. For an activity built around wet and dirty tracks, this is one of the tour’s best practical features.
The shower facilities make it easier to continue with your day. You do not have to return to your hotel covered in mud, and you can change before heading back to Ubud or your next stop. Pack dry clothing in a simple bag and keep it in the locker.
The package also includes a professional photographer who documents the outing. Photos are available to view at the photo booth before you leave. The tour information describes souvenir photos as included at no extra charge, but another section says photographs may be purchased afterward. Because those details conflict, confirm the current photo policy when you book or check in.
Is $43 good value?

At $43 per person, the tour offers reasonable value if you want a complete half-day-style activity without spending most of your day on it. The headline duration is about 90 minutes, and the main ride takes roughly an hour. You also receive equipment, instruction, guide support, refreshments, water, lockers, showers, and a photography service.
The value drops if you are looking for a long, quiet countryside excursion. The ride is short, and much of the time is spent getting ready, learning the controls, and cleaning up. You are also responsible for reaching the meeting point unless you pay extra for transport.
Lunch is not included, though snacks are provided. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately. If you want a full-day outing with a substantial meal, this is not that sort of package.
Group discounts may help if you are booking for a family or several friends. With a maximum of 15 people, it should not feel like a huge convoy, though the exact pace depends on the group’s mix of experience.
Who should book this experience?
I would recommend it to you if you want active sightseeing and do not mind getting dirty. It works especially well for friends, couples, and families with older children who want to see rice fields, plantations, jungle, and a village while doing something more energetic than a standard countryside tour.
The buggy is a good match if you dislike quad bikes or want to share the driving space with another person. The ATV is better if you want a more exposed, physical ride and enjoy handling the route yourself.
This may not suit you if you dislike rough roads, mud, heat, or vehicle-based activities. It is also a poor choice for anyone hoping for a slow cultural walk through the countryside. The village and farms are part of an off-road adventure, not the main focus of a cultural tour.
You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that period are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity ends back at the starting point.
Should you book the Bali Quad and Buggy Explorer Tour?
Book it if you want a well-organized burst of outdoor fun near Ubud, especially if the idea of muddy tracks and rural scenery appeals to you. The training, automatic vehicles, showers, lockers, and helpful staff make the package friendly to first-time drivers.
Choose the buggy if you want a seat belt, roll bar, and companion beside you. Choose the ATV if you want more direct contact with the terrain. Before setting off, test the controls carefully and report any mechanical concern.
I would not book this solely for the included photos or promised animal sightings. Book it for the combination of off-road driving and countryside views. At $43, it is a solid choice for an active morning or afternoon, provided you arrive with realistic expectations about noise, mud, bumps, and the short riding time.
FAQ
Where does the Bali Quad and Buggy Explorer Tour start?
The tour starts at Bali Quad Discovery Tours in Kerta, Payangan, Gianyar, Bali. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The adventurous sightseeing ride takes about one hour after the safety briefing and practice track.
How much does the tour cost?
The listed price is $43 per person. Group discounts may be available.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard package, but transport can be arranged on request for an additional charge.
What vehicles can I drive?
You can drive a fully automatic Kawasaki quad bike or a low-noise, high-power Cfmoto Zforce 4WD buggy.
How old must I be to drive alone?
Solo drivers must be at least 16 years old. Children aged 5 to 15 can join only as copilots.
What should I wear and bring?
Bring solid shoes or sports shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. You should expect dust and mud during the ride.
Are lockers and showers provided?
Yes. Free lockers, water-resistant bags, hot showers, soap, towels, and changing rooms are provided.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not eligible for a refund.
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