Bali: Ubud Gorilla Cave Track ATV & Waterfall Tour with Meal

Mud, jungle, caves, and waterfalls: Bali packs it in. This $33 ATV and waterfall tour gives you about five to seven hours of action, scenery, transport options, and a simple Indonesian lunch. I like the mix of a 1.5-hour quad-bike ride through rivers, rice paddies, jungle tracks, and the Gorilla Face Cave, followed by the cool waters of Goa Raja Waterfall.

I also like the practical setup. You get safety gear, a locker, shower, towel, bottled water, and either a solo or tandem ATV, depending on your booking. The main caution is that this is not a gentle sightseeing ride. You can get wet and muddy, and the steep sections, slippery ground, and stairs at the waterfall require reasonable fitness.

The guides add much of the fun. Drivers such as Donny, Surya, Midiana, DekWah, Rio, and Darma are repeatedly praised for safe driving, useful Bali information, and taking photos with your phone. Just remember that the ride can be demanding, the lunch is basic, and Goa Raja may be busy at times.

Key points before you book

• A real off-road ride: Expect rivers, muddy pools, rice fields, jungle hills, slopes, and technical sections rather than a quiet farm track.
• Gorilla Face Cave is a photo stop: The cave formation is memorable, though one rider found it smaller and less dramatic than expected from promotional images.
• Goa Raja Waterfall adds a calmer second act: You walk down into a green valley, reach a natural pool, and can swim or take photographs.
• Solo or tandem riding: You can drive your own quad bike or share with a companion, which makes the outing workable for couples and families.
• Hotel pickup is optional: Coverage includes Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, and Kintamani, with extra charges for other areas or different hotel locations.
• Rain does not stop the tour: Wet weather can make the ATV ride more exciting, but you should bring dry clothes and accept that mud is part of the deal.

What the $33 price really covers

At around $33 per person, this is strong value if you want several activities in one day. The price includes the ATV ride, entrance to Goa Raja Waterfall, safety equipment, a locker, shower and changing facilities, a towel, bottled water, insurance, and lunch. Hotel transport costs extra unless you choose an option that includes it.

That last point matters in Bali. A cheap activity can become less useful if you must arrange separate transport across busy roads. Pickup and drop-off are available in several popular resort areas, including Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, and Kintamani. If your hotel sits outside those areas, or you want pickup in one place and drop-off somewhere else, expect an added charge paid directly to the driver.

The meal is practical rather than lavish. You choose fried rice or fried noodles, and bottled water is included. Chloe found the food tasty but noted that the portion was small and the available choice was vegetarian on her visit. I would treat lunch as a welcome refuel after the quad ride, not as the reason to book.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 220 ratings, with 90 percent giving the transport a perfect score. That fits the strongest pattern in the feedback: the activity itself is fun, but a good driver can make the day far easier. Donny, Surya, Gunn, DekWah, and Midiana are praised for safe driving, flexibility, and helping with photographs.

Getting to Gorilla ATV Adventure

You either meet the provider at the activity office or arrange hotel pickup. The ATV portion takes place at Gorilla ATV Adventure, while the waterfall stop is at Goa Raja Waterfall. Use Google Maps carefully if you are meeting on your own, since the operator specifically asks you to open the map before setting out.

Pickup times and the full day length can vary. The advertised duration is five to seven hours, which allows for transport, the ATV session, lunch, showering, the waterfall walk, and traffic. Bali roads can be slow, so a distant pickup point may make the day feel longer than the activity time itself.

The drivers are a useful part of the transfer. Leanne’s driver suggested a short walk when traffic made a ten-minute road journey take nearly an hour. That kind of practical decision can save your patience. Other drivers, including DekWah and Suryadi, used the road time to explain Balinese traditions and daily life.

If you are traveling with teenagers or a small group, tell the provider what sort of pace you want. Alberth was praised for allowing a relaxed day, while several guides were happy to stop for drinks or photos. The schedule has some flexibility, but traffic and the fixed ATV session still shape the day.

Safety briefing, helmets, and choosing your ATV

Before riding, you receive a safety briefing and the equipment needed for the course. Helmets, protective clothing, and safety equipment are included. One rider also reported that knee and elbow protection was available, along with a mount for a GoPro when requested.

You can ride solo or tandem. A solo bike gives you control and more involvement, but a tandem ride may be the better choice if one person is nervous, inexperienced, or simply wants to enjoy the scenery without managing the controls.

The ATV guides stay with the group and help riders through awkward sections. A family of six found the ride suitable for energetic children, and another rider noted that the instructors helped less experienced drivers out of difficult spots. That said, this is not a substitute for confidence. You should be comfortable with a large quad bike, uneven ground, sudden slopes, and muddy water.

The guides can also adjust the level of challenge. If you want more excitement, tell them. They may take you toward steeper or more technical ground, where you can climb hills and slide down slopes. If that sounds like too much, say so early. You do not need to prove anything to the mud.

The 1.5-hour ATV route through Bali’s backcountry

The ride lasts about 1.5 hours, but it feels varied because the route changes often. You move through rice fields, jungle, rivers, hills, and temple areas, with the track designed to provide both scenery and physical challenge.

The wet sections are a major part of the appeal. Pools and river crossings create good photo moments, but they also spray mud in every direction. Chloe’s advice is the sensible one: bring a change of clothing and expect to get wet. Protective wear and boots or similar gear are provided, but your own clothes may still take a beating.

Rain can improve the ride. One rider described tackling the course during a storm as a welcome part of the adventure. The operator runs the tour in rain or sunshine, so a wet forecast does not automatically cancel your plans. It does mean you should protect your phone and camera, and avoid wearing anything you would hate to stain.

The route is not all speed. Some parts are easier, while others involve slopes and tighter technical ground. The best approach is to follow the guide’s instructions and keep a sensible pace. The most enjoyable moments often come from handling the bike through water or mud, not from trying to race.

The setting gives the activity more character than a closed motor track. You pass working rice fields, thick tropical growth, rivers, and temple scenery. You are still on a prepared adventure route, not wandering freely through the countryside, but the mix of Bali’s natural and cultural surroundings makes the ride feel tied to the place.

Gorilla Face Cave and the photo stops

The famous Gorilla Face Cave is one of the route’s signature sights. Its rock shape makes a natural photo backdrop, and the stop breaks up the ride with something to look at beyond mud and machinery.

Keep your expectations measured. One rider found the cave smaller and less impressive than the photographs suggested. That does not make it a bad stop, but it is better understood as a quirky formation along the ATV course rather than a grand cavern visit.

Photography is one of the most praised extras on this tour. Drivers often take pictures and videos using your phone, sometimes producing dozens of shots. Surya was praised for taking nearly 200 photos, while Rio, Sibon, Midiana, Darma, and others were singled out for finding good angles at the ATV course and waterfall.

Handing over your phone is optional, of course. If you do, ask the guide to keep it secure and make sure there is enough storage and battery. A waterproof pouch is sensible, particularly during the river sections.

Shower, lunch, and a needed change of pace

After the ATV ride, you can clean up in the shower room and use the changing room. A locker, towel, and bottled water are included, which makes a big difference after a muddy ride. The facilities are functional rather than polished. One rider found the toilets and showers not especially clean, though they worked well enough.

This is the moment to change into dry clothes. Pack swimwear and comfortable shoes, but do not forget a complete spare outfit. You will be much happier walking to the waterfall in clean, dry clothes than sitting in wet riding gear during the next part of the day.

Lunch is served buffet-style, with fried rice or fried noodles. The meal is simple and filling enough for most people, though the portions may feel modest after an active ride. Vegetarian food may be the only option on some visits, so mention dietary needs before booking if that matters to you.

The timing between lunch and the waterfall gives the day a useful rhythm. You get a noisy, physical first half, then a slower walk and swim. That contrast is one reason this package works better than an ATV-only outing.

Goa Raja Waterfall and the walk into the valley

Goa Raja Waterfall is reached by walking down into a green natural valley. The route brings you away from the ATV noise and toward a waterfall, jungle walls, and a natural pool where you can cool off.

The setting is the strongest scenic part of the day. Several riders described the waterfall as beautiful, and the pool offers a chance to swim or simply sit near the water. Bring swimwear if you want to get in, and carry your camera carefully because the path and pool area can be wet.

The walk back up is worth considering before you commit to swimming. Neha found the stairs tiring, and the waterfall can be crowded at times. If you have knee, back, or stamina concerns, take your time and do not rush the climb.

Your guide may help with photographs here too. A good guide can find a clear angle, take pictures while you enjoy the pool, and help keep the stop relaxed. Darma and DekWah were especially praised for taking photos and allowing enough time at the scenic stops.

Coffee stops and what is actually included

Some days include an additional coffee or tea plantation stop, and many visitors enjoyed tasting the drinks, including luwak coffee. This appears in several accounts of the day, but it is not listed among the core inclusions, so you should not assume it is guaranteed with every booking.

If the stop is part of your schedule, it adds a gentle cultural and food-related pause. Kasey enjoyed the tasting and the luwak coffee, while other groups treated it as a pleasant extra before or after the main activities. Ask when booking if this stop is important to you.

The core package remains the ATV ride, waterfall, lunch, and practical facilities. Keeping that distinction in mind helps you avoid disappointment if your day does not include the plantation visit.

Who will enjoy this Bali adventure most

I would recommend this tour to couples, families with energetic older children, and first-time Bali visitors who want several types of activity in one outing. It gives you mud, machinery, jungle scenery, a waterfall, food, and transport without requiring you to arrange each part separately.

It suits people who like active sightseeing but do not want a full-day trek. The ATV ride is guided, and tandem bikes make it possible to share the experience. The waterfall stop then gives you a quieter place to catch your breath.

I would be more cautious if you dislike mud, get uncomfortable on uneven ground, or want a polished luxury day. The toilets and showers are basic, the lunch is modest, and the cave may not match its most dramatic photos. Traffic can also stretch the day, especially from coastal resort areas.

Pregnant people and anyone with back problems should not book this experience. The provider also does not allow alcohol or drugs. Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a camera, and spare clothing, and expect the tour to run in rain or sunshine.

Booking flexibility and useful practical details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. The tour is guided in English or Indonesian.

For transport, check that your hotel is inside the stated pickup area. Ubud is the most convenient base, while Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, and Kintamani may involve more time on the road. A separate charge applies if the driver must travel outside the coverage area or handle different pickup and drop-off locations.

The best guide is not necessarily the one with the most polished commentary. I would prioritize a driver who communicates clearly, drives safely, and understands that you may need a slower pace. Donny, Surya, Rio, Midiana, DekWah, Darma, and Gunn received especially warm praise for those qualities, though guide assignments cannot be guaranteed.

Should you book the Gorilla Cave ATV and Waterfall Tour?

Book it if you want a good-value, active day with a strong mix of Bali scenery and simple comforts. The ATV route is the main attraction, while Goa Raja Waterfall gives the day a scenic finish. Included gear, showers, lunch, insurance, and optional transfers make $33 a fair price, especially for visitors who would otherwise pay separately for transport and admission.

Skip it if you want quiet sightseeing, spotless facilities, or a relaxed meal. The course can be muddy and demanding, the waterfall stairs take effort, and the Gorilla Face Cave is a modest photo stop rather than a major natural wonder.

For most fit visitors, I would choose the package with hotel pickup, bring dry clothes, protect my phone, and ask for a tandem bike if I wanted a calmer ride. If you are ready to get dirty and let the guides handle the road logistics, this is an entertaining way to add some action to an Ubud stay.

FAQ

How long does the Bali ATV and waterfall tour take?

The full experience takes about five to seven hours. The ATV ride itself lasts about 1.5 hours, with the remaining time covering transport, preparation, lunch, showering, the waterfall visit, and any traffic delays.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional and depends on the booking option you select. Coverage includes Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, and Kintamani. Different hotel locations or areas outside the coverage zone may require an extra payment to the driver.

Can I ride the ATV alone?

Yes. You can choose a solo ATV or a tandem ride with a companion, depending on the option selected.

What is included with the ATV ride?

The package includes the 1.5-hour ATV ride, safety equipment, insurance, bottled water, a locker, shower room, changing room, towel, waterfall entrance, and lunch. Transfers are included only when you select an option with pickup and drop-off.

Will I get wet or muddy?

Yes, you should expect both. The route includes rivers, pools, jungle tracks, and muddy sections. The tour operates in rain or sunshine, so bring swimwear and a change of clothes.

Can I swim at Goa Raja Waterfall?

Yes. The waterfall has a natural pool where you can soak or swim, and the area also provides photo opportunities. The walk back up includes stairs and may feel tiring.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and alcohol and drugs are not permitted.