Ubud: Gorilla Face ATV Quad Bike Adventure with Lunch

Gorilla Face ATV is built around one simple promise: get muddy in Ubud. You’ll steer through rice fields, bamboo forest, village paths, water tracks, steep climbs, and the dark opening of Gorilla Face cave. It is less a quiet countryside ride than a lively off-road course with plenty of bumps and splash.

I like the variety of the track, which gives you more than a straight ride through fields. I also like the practical setup: helmets, boots, knee and elbow protection, lockers, towels, showers, bottled water, and lunch are included. The main drawback is that the ride itself may last about 90 minutes to an hour and a half, while the full outing can stretch to eight hours with hotel transport, especially from areas such as Seminyak, Canggu, or Nusa Dua.

Key points to know before booking

• Expect mud and water: Wear clothes you can sacrifice and bring a full change for afterward.
• Gorilla Face cave is the signature stop: You’ll ride through the cave and have a chance to take photos.
• The route is a purpose-built loop: It offers repeated challenges rather than a long point-to-point journey.
• Single and tandem ATVs are available: Tandem riding suits couples or partners, but an odd-numbered group may require one solo rider for an extra fee.
• Lunch and showers are included: Choose fried rice or fried noodles, then clean up at the base.
• Transfers can add hours: Pickup is offered across much of southern Bali, but long drives can take up a large part of the day.

What the Gorilla Face ATV ride is really like

You begin either at the Gorilla ATV Adventure office or with pickup from your accommodation. The listed pickup areas include Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, and Kintamani. If you stay outside those areas, a different pickup or drop-off location costs extra, paid directly to the driver.

The base is the practical heart of the outing. Staff check you in, provide a locker, and issue your helmet, boots, elbow protection, and knee protection. You also receive bottled water and a towel. Bring cash for personal expenses, and do not bring alcohol or drugs.

After a safety briefing, you get on a single or tandem ATV, depending on the option you book. The riding is guided, so you are not simply sent into the countryside alone. You follow the guide through a marked route, with instructions and pauses as needed.

The first few minutes matter. You need to get used to the throttle, brakes, steering, and weight of the quad bike. The machines are described as robust and fairly easy to handle once you find the rhythm, but the surface can be rough enough to test your arms and back.

The route is not a long journey from one village to another. It is better understood as a purpose-built adventure track that loops through different settings. That may disappoint you if you picture a slow, extended ride across rural Bali, but it works well if your priority is action.

From rice fields to bamboo forest

The scenery changes often enough to keep the ride interesting. You pass lush rice fields, bamboo forest, jungle sections, and parts of an Ubud village. The village stretches are especially useful because they show you the less polished edges of the area, rather than only the cafés, temples, and shopping streets found in central Ubud.

You will not spend the whole ride admiring the view. Steering over uneven ground takes concentration, and the guide sets a pace for the group. Still, there are moments when the greenery opens up and you can appreciate the setting before the track throws another bump or slope at you.

The surface is the main attraction. Expect muddy trails, water crossings, bumpy hills, steep inclines, and descents. In wet weather, the course becomes even muddier. This activity runs rain or shine, so a rainy morning does not automatically mean a cancellation or a dry alternative.

I would choose this trip for fun over scenery. The views are a bonus, but the point is the physical ride: mud splashing up, the quad climbing a slope, and the need to keep your balance as the ground moves beneath you.

Gorilla Face cave and the photo stop

The named feature of the route is Gorilla Face cave. You ride through this distinctive opening, which gives the outing its most memorable visual moment and its name.

You can bring a camera, but protect it carefully. The combination of mud, water, and movement is hard on phones. A waterproof case with a secure strap or a small waterproof pouch is a sensible choice. A loose phone can be damaged or lost, and the activity provider does not include photography or videography in the price.

A photographer is available at the site, with images sold separately. This can be useful if you want action shots without worrying about your own phone. The photo prices have been described as reasonable, but they remain an extra cost, so do not assume the package includes them.

Your guide may also help with photos during pauses. Guides named in recent bookings include Rama, Koko, Lolet, Alex, Eddy, and John, while drivers such as Putu Deo, Budi, Yoga, Donny, Herry, and Ady have earned particular praise for being friendly, punctual, and helpful. Staff assignments change, but the operation clearly places a lot of weight on the human side of the experience.

How difficult is the ATV course?

You do not need to be an expert rider, but this is not a passive sightseeing tour. You control the bike over uneven and slippery ground. The guide gives a safety briefing and watches the group, yet you still need to steer carefully and respond to the terrain.

The course includes steep slopes and bumpy hills, so expect a physical ride. One participant described the ride as very bumpy and advised preparing for soreness afterward. If you have back problems, this is a poor choice. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

Tandem riding can make the experience easier for someone who does not want to handle the bike alone, but it does not remove the bumps. The passenger still needs to hold on and tolerate the movement. Solo riding gives you more control, though it also puts all steering and throttle work in your hands.

For groups booking tandem ATVs, pay attention to the headcount. An odd number of people means one person must ride solo, with an extra charge payable on site. This is an easy detail to miss when comparing prices.

The guides appear to adjust the pace to the group. That is important for mixed-ability parties. If you are nervous, tell the guide early. If you want a faster-feeling adventure, remember that you still ride within the group and follow the guide’s instructions.

Mud, showers, and the included lunch

The smart way to dress is to assume you will get soaked and filthy. Wear comfortable clothes, closed footwear if allowed beneath the provided boots, and nothing you would regret staining. Bring a spare outfit, including underwear, and keep it in your locker or transport.

The base provides a changing room, locker, shower room, and towel. That turns the muddy finish from a problem into part of the plan. You can clean up before eating or before continuing to another Bali activity.

Lunch is a choice of fried rice or fried noodles, served at the ATV location. It is basic food rather than a dining experience, but it arrives at the right moment. After a physical ride, a hot, filling plate and free water are welcome.

The quality seems to depend on your expectations. Some bookings describe the meal as tasty and a good finish, while one family found the food disappointing. I would treat lunch as useful fuel included in the package, not as a reason to book the activity by itself.

If you are heading straight to another activity, takeaway lunch may be possible. Ask the staff before leaving rather than assuming it is available in every situation.

Hotel pickup, long drives, and timing

The advertised duration ranges from 90 minutes to eight hours because it combines different activity choices with transport. The actual ATV riding is commonly around 1 to 1.5 hours. Add time for check-in, gearing up, showering, lunch, and waiting for the group.

Pickup is most useful if you are staying in Ubud or nearby. It can also make the day easy from farther away, but you need to be realistic about Bali traffic. A trip from Seminyak has taken about two hours each way, and transfers from Canggu or Nusa Dua can also make this a full-day outing.

The driver is often part of the experience. Putu Deo has been praised for making a long trip comfortable and explaining things along the way. Donny helped make the journey from Nusa Dua manageable, while Komang handled a long Seminyak transfer. Other drivers, including Yoga, Budi, Arya, Sudarmawan, Dewa, Dika, and Herry, have been praised for safe driving, punctual pickups, and friendly conversation.

If you book a transfer, the time selected during booking is your hotel pickup time, not the time you begin riding. The driver should contact you the day before to confirm. Last-minute bookings may receive an immediate message after confirmation.

Without pickup, you must reach the ATV base yourself. Look for Gorilla ATV Adventure on Google Maps and check your email for the final location details. Free parking is available if you arrive by scooter or car.

Getting away after the activity can be harder than getting there if you do not book a return transfer. A Grab or Gojek may be possible, but availability can be uncertain at the base. The company can provide a taxi service if needed, so ask about the price before committing.

Is $23 a good price?

At about $23 per person, the package offers strong value if you use the included facilities and lunch. You receive the ATV ride, certified guide, safety equipment, insurance, bottled water, towel, locker, changing room, shower, and fried rice or noodles. That saves you from paying small add-on costs at the site.

The price becomes even more attractive if you want a straightforward half-day activity in Ubud and can reach the base cheaply. Optional hotel pickup adds convenience but may also add travel time and, for locations outside the covered areas, extra charges.

Photography is not included. Neither are personal expenses. If you want professional action shots, include that cost in your budget. Also check the tandem pricing carefully if your group has an odd number.

I see the best value for couples, friends, and families with older children who want a memorable activity without paying for a full luxury excursion. I see weaker value for someone staying far from Ubud who dislikes long car rides, since much of the day may be spent in transit.

Who should book this Ubud adventure?

You should consider it if you want an active break from temples, cafés, shopping, and pool time. The ride suits people who enjoy mud, water, and a little controlled chaos. It also works well for groups because you can choose between solo and tandem bikes.

It is a good fit for couples who want to share a ride, though tandem passengers should not expect a smooth experience. It suits teenagers and physically confident adults especially well. The included shower and lunch make it easy to fit into a busy Ubud schedule.

I would not book it if you want a calm, scenic ride with long stops for photography. The course is designed around obstacles and movement, not silence. I would also skip it if you have back trouble, reduced mobility, or are pregnant.

The activity is offered with English- or Indonesian-speaking guides. Safety gear and insurance are included, but no safety briefing can remove the need for common sense. Follow the guide, keep your hands secure, and tell staff if you need help.

Booking tips that make the day easier

• Book early morning if you want a smaller group: One morning outing had a particularly small group, which gave the ride a more relaxed feel.
• Bring a complete change of clothes: Mud can reach places you did not expect, and the shower is far more useful when you have dry clothes afterward.
• Use a waterproof phone case: Secure it with a strap, or leave the phone in the locker and buy the photographer’s images.
• Confirm the transfer zone: Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, and Kintamani are listed areas. Different hotels or locations may cost extra.
• Allow a full day from the coast: The riding may be short, but Bali traffic can stretch the outing considerably.
• Tell the staff your return plan: If you are not using hotel drop-off, ask about taxi help before the tour ends.
• Keep cancellation flexibility in mind: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Should you book Gorilla Face ATV?

Book it if you want muddy, physical, good-value fun and like the idea of riding through rice fields, jungle, village areas, and a cave in one outing. The inclusion of gear, showers, lunch, and optional transfers makes the planning easy, while the guides and drivers add a friendly touch.

Think twice if you are mainly after scenery, dislike rough rides, or are staying far from Ubud and have limited time. The track is a loop rather than a long countryside journey, and the lunch is simple.

For most fit visitors who want a break from Bali’s gentler sightseeing, I would book the ride, bring waterproof protection and spare clothes, and treat the $23 price as a strong deal. Just allow enough time for traffic and do not mistake a 90-minute ride for a 90-minute total outing.

FAQ

How long does the Gorilla Face ATV experience take?

The listed duration ranges from 90 minutes to eight hours. The ATV ride itself is commonly about 1 to 1.5 hours, with the longer times including pickup, drop-off, waiting, showers, and lunch.

What does the ATV route include?

The route passes through muddy trails, rice fields, bamboo forest, jungle areas, Ubud village sections, slopes, steep inclines, bumpy hills, and Gorilla Face cave.

Can I choose a single or tandem ATV?

Yes. You can select a single ATV or ride tandem with a partner. For tandem bookings with an odd number of participants, one person must ride solo and pay an additional charge on site.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at the ATV location includes a choice of fried rice or fried noodles. Bottled water is also provided.

Are showers and changing facilities available?

Yes. The base has shower rooms, changing rooms, lockers, and towels. Bring dry clothes because the track can be muddy and wet.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. Listed pickup areas include Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, and Kintamani.

Can I join without hotel pickup?

Yes. You can meet directly at the activity provider’s office. Search for Gorilla ATV Adventure on Google Maps and check your email for the location details.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes, a full change of clothes, sunscreen, a camera if desired, and cash for personal expenses. A waterproof phone case with a secure strap is useful.

Is photography included?

No. Photography and videography are not included. A photographer is available, but photographs cost extra.

Who should not take this activity?

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments. It takes place rain or shine.