Discover Bali’s Countryside on Anantara Ubud’s New Sidecar Journey
Sometimes, the best way to experience Bali is to take the scenic route. At Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, a new countryside adventure invites travellers to trade busy streets for quiet village roads, emerald rice terraces and a closer look at the island’s everyday rhythms. Introducing the Payangan Sidecar Journey, a leisurely ride aboard a classic sidecar that reveals a more intimate side of Bali.
Designed for travellers seeking meaningful connections with their destination, the experience winds through the picturesque villages of Bukian, Puhu and Kebek. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local host, guests can admire traditional Balinese family compounds, take in the lush rural scenery and discover the traditions that continue to shape community life in Payangan.
There are two ways to enjoy the journey. The 30- to 45-minute countryside ride offers a relaxed introduction to the area, while the extended Payangan Sidecar Journey with Picnic adds a leisurely culinary interlude in Begawan Village. Here, guests are welcomed to a private rice field and traditional Balinese family compound for a three-course picnic surrounded by the tranquillity of the countryside.
The menu brings local and regional flavours to the table, with highlights including Sate Maranggi, featuring tamarind-marinated beef ribeye skewers, and Bebek Goreng Sambal Madura, crispy duck leg served with sambal kluwek. A selection of desserts and refreshing beverages completes the experience, making it a lovely way to slow down and savour the moment.
For Made Warnata, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort’s Director of Spa, Wellness and Recreation, the journey carries a personal meaning. A Payangan local himself, he welcomes guests into the community he calls home, sharing the landscapes and stories that have shaped his connection to the area. The experience reflects a simple but rewarding way to explore Bali: through its people, traditions and the places that make everyday life special.
For the most comfortable ride, departures are recommended between 8am and 10am or from 3.30pm, with the final departure at 4pm. Suitable for adults, couples and families with children aged five and above, each departure accommodates a maximum of two guests, keeping the experience personal and unhurried.
The Payangan Sidecar Journey is available at IDR 1,750,000++ for one guest or IDR 2,450,000++ for a couple. The picnic experience is priced at IDR 2,850,000++ for one guest and IDR 4,750,000++ for a couple. Advance reservations are recommended.
Whether you opt for a short countryside escape or extend the adventure with a private picnic, this new Signature Experience offers a refreshing alternative to Bali’s usual sightseeing circuit. At Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, discovering the island becomes less about ticking off landmarks and more about embracing the journey, one village road at a time.