Cycling in Indonesia
Including Bandung Volcanic Highlands, Bintan Island Coastal Circuit, and Central Bali Volcanic Highlands. On the map.
The vibe
Riding here means dodging stray scooters and barking dogs on narrow asphalt lanes that wind past terraced rice paddies and smoking peaks, offering a chaotic sensory rush compared to quiet European cycling paths. The shoulder months of the dry season keep you out of the heaviest tropical downpours while avoiding peak tourist traffic. It feels overwhelmingly DIY and immersive, with locals waving from roadside shacks as you grind up steep volcanic passes.
Bandung Volcanic Highlands
West Java
Jean-Marie Hullot from France / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Tackle legendary paved climbs rising above the Bandung basin, weaving through sprawling tea plantations, pine forests, and dormant craters like Tangkuban Perahu. It is a favoured training ground for Indonesian road cyclists seeking altitude.
Access. Easily reached via a short train ride from Jakarta to Bandung, where numerous cycling clubs and rental shops operate.
Notes. Weekends see heavier tourist traffic on popular mountain passes; weekday rides offer a much smoother experience.
Bintan Island Coastal Circuit
Riau Islands
Dj Onces Saputra / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Enjoy smooth, low-traffic coastal highways and rolling resort roads that host international gran fondo events. The island perimeter provides a fast, scenic loop with sweeping ocean views and tropical forest canopies.
Access. Accessible via a direct ferry from Singapore or Batam, making it a popular weekend getaway for regional road cyclists.
Notes. Hot tropical climate requires early morning starts; roads are generally well-paved with minimal elevation changes.
Central Bali Volcanic Highlands
Bali
Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Pedal through towering volcanic calderas, misty cloud forests, and terraced rice paddies descending from Mount Batur and Mount Agung. This iconic region challenges road and gravel cyclists with steep mountain climbs and rewarding technical descents.
Access. Accessible via organized cycling tours and rentals based out of Ubud or Kintamani, with private shuttle services for luggage transfer between highland hubs.
Notes. Best ridden during the dry season from April to October. Traffic can be heavy on arterial roads, so early morning starts are recommended.
Dieng Plateau, Central Java
Central Java
Thomas Fuhrmann / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Dieng Plateau offers high-altitude cycling through ancient volcanic craters, sulfuric lakes, and terraced vegetable farms. It is a challenging destination known for its steep climbs and cool, misty atmosphere that feels worlds away from the tropical coast.
Access. Accessible via road bike or MTB from Wonosobo; local bike rentals are limited, so bringing a bike from Yogyakarta or Semarang is recommended.
Notes. Best visited during the dry season (May–September); expect significant elevation gain and thin air.
Lake Toba Caldera Rim
North Sumatra
Ken Marshall from Taipei, Taiwan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Pedal along the staggering rim of the world's largest volcanic lake, taking in sweeping panoramas of Samosir Island and traditional Batak villages. The undulating route mixes challenging paved climbs with rugged volcanic tracks.
Access. Fly into Silangit or Medan, then transfer to Parapat or Samosir Island where bicycle rentals and local guesthouses support riders.
Notes. Infrastructure is more rustic than in Bali; be prepared for variable road surfaces and isolated stretches.
Lombok Rinjani Loop
West Nusa Tenggara
Trekking Rinjani from Mataram, Indonesia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Circle the majestic Mount Rinjani and cruise through Lombok's tranquil southern coastal roads. The route features grueling volcanic ascents, rolling agricultural foothills, and pristine white-sand beachfront tarmac.
Access. Bike rentals and guided support are available from Mataram or Senggigi, with fast boat connections from Bali for cyclists travelling with gear.
Notes. Climbs around Rinjani are steep and demand good gearing and fitness; dry season runs from May to October.
Mount Bromo Tengger Caldera
East Java
Bonchoo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Cycling across the Sea of Sand at the base of Mount Bromo is a bucket-list experience for gravel and adventure cyclists. The vast, lunar-like volcanic landscape provides a unique riding surface that is unlike any other terrain in the archipelago.
Access. Accessible from Probolinggo or Malang; local tour operators provide bike transport and support for the caldera crossing.
Notes. Permits are required for the national park; volcanic ash can be abrasive to bike components.
Tana Toraja Highlands, Sulawesi
South Sulawesi
CreativeC / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Toraja Highlands feature lush, mountainous terrain characterized by traditional Tongkonan architecture and deep, verdant valleys. It is a culturally rich region offering a mix of challenging paved climbs and rugged gravel paths through coffee plantations.
Access. Accessible via flight or bus from Makassar to Rantepao; local guides and bike rentals are available for multi-day exploration.
Notes. Rainy season can make trails muddy; moderate to difficult terrain.
Trans-Flores Highway
East Nusa Tenggara
An epic long-distance cycling route traversing the entire length of Flores Island from Labuan Bajo to Maumere. Riders tackle relentless tropical mountain passes, dramatic coastal drop-offs, and remote traditional Manggarai villages.
Access. Multi-day supported tours often start in Labuan Bajo (accessible by flight) with support vehicles carrying luggage across the island.
Notes. Challenging multi-day tour with steep gradients and limited bike repair infrastructure outside major towns; best attempted in the dry season.
West Sumbawa Coastal Route
West Nusa Tenggara
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
This route follows the rugged, sparsely populated coastline of West Sumbawa, offering long stretches of quiet asphalt and dramatic ocean views. It is a premier destination for self-supported bike touring, connecting remote surf villages with challenging coastal topography.
Access. Accessible via ferry from Lombok to Poto Tano; support vehicles are recommended for long-distance touring due to limited bike shops.
Notes. High heat and limited water stops; best for experienced self-supported cyclists.
Yogyakarta and Merapi Foothills
Special Region of Yogyakarta
Nekomong / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Explore the rural heritage of Central Java along quiet agricultural lanes circling the active Mount Merapi and historic temples like Prambanan. The terrain combines paved country roads with volcanic gravel tracks favoured by local and international endurance riders.
Access. Rented road and gravel bikes are easily secured in Yogyakarta city, which also serves as the main logistical hub with train and airport connections.
Notes. Hot and humid year-round; the dry season (May to September) offers the clearest weather for morning rides.