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

Ubud’s Gorilla Cave ATV track gives you more than a standard quad-bike circuit. You ride through water, mud, rice fields, jungle hills and rough sections of track before cooling off at Goa Raja Waterfall. It is active, photogenic, and easy to fit into one long half-day.

I like the choice between a solo and tandem ATV, and I like that the package includes safety gear, a shower, towel, locker, lunch and waterfall entry. Guides such as Donny, Surya, Midiana and DekWah are often praised for safe driving, clear help and taking a huge number of photos. The main caution is simple: you should expect to get wet and muddy, and the walk back up from the waterfall can be tiring.

Key points before you book

• Gorilla Face Cave: The ATV route passes the distinctive cave formation, along with rivers, rice paddies, jungle and temple views.
• Solo or tandem riding: Drive your own quad bike, or share one with a companion.
• Goa Raja Waterfall: Walk down into a green valley and swim in the natural pool if conditions suit you.
• Useful facilities: Helmets and protective equipment are supplied, with showers, changing rooms, lockers, towels and bottled water available.
• Strong guide service: Donny, Surya, Midiana, DekWah and others are frequently praised for safe transport and thoughtful photos.
• Allow for a full half-day: The activity lasts about 5 to 7 hours, especially if you add hotel transfers.

The best part is the ATV route, not just the quad bike

The 1.5-hour ride is built around changing scenery and rough ground. You move through rivers, rice fields, jungle tracks and steep slopes, rather than circling a small practice field. That variety is what gives the ride its appeal.

Some sections are easier, while others ask more from you. You may climb a steep hill, slide down a slope, or work your way through a wet and muddy patch. If you want more speed and technical ground, tell your guide. If you are new to quad bikes, the instructors can help you through the difficult spots.

This is not a polished sightseeing ride where you stay clean. Mud is part of the deal. Rain can make the route more challenging, but the tour runs in wet weather as well as dry conditions. Wear clothes you can wash easily, and bring a full change for afterward.

The Gorilla Face Cave is one of the route’s signature sights. Keep your expectations sensible, though. The cave may not look exactly like the promotional photographs, and one rider found it smaller than expected. It is still an unusual stop within an ATV route, but the changing terrain is likely to be more memorable than the cave itself.

Solo or tandem ATV: choose the ride that fits you

A solo ATV gives you control over the speed and line you take. It suits confident drivers who want the most active part of the day. You will need to steer, throttle and balance your way through the rougher patches, so it is worth choosing this option only if you feel comfortable operating the bike.

Tandem riding lets two people share one quad bike. This works well for couples, friends or families who want the experience without each person having to drive. It can also make sense if one person is more confident with the controls than the other.

The guides are present along the route and help riders through sticky sections. Protective equipment includes a helmet, and riders have also reported receiving knee and elbow pads. Some people were able to use a helmet mount for a GoPro, though you should confirm availability when you arrive rather than rely on it.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. That restriction makes sense: the ride includes bumps, slopes, wet ground and sudden movement. Comfortable shoes are listed as essential, but remember that they may come back very muddy.

Safety help is part of the experience

Before riding, you receive a safety briefing and the equipment needed for the route. The ATV instructors stay nearby, and the guides help less experienced riders when the ground becomes difficult.

That support matters more than speed. You do not need to be an expert driver to enjoy the circuit, but you should listen closely during the briefing and follow the guide’s instructions. A few riders found the track challenging in places, while others described the instructors as patient and encouraging.

Your separate tour driver also plays an important role. Drivers including Donny, Surya, Midiana, DekWah, Darma, Rio and Sibon have been praised for careful road driving, friendly service and taking photos during the stops. Several guides also share information about Balinese customs, festivals and daily life.

Do not assume you will be assigned a particular guide. You can hope for one of the names above, but staff assignments depend on the day. The useful point is that the transport side of the tour has earned strong marks for safety and personal attention.

Shower, change, then lunch

After the ATV ride, the shower and changing facilities are more than a small extra. You are likely to have mud on your clothes, shoes and arms, especially after rain. A locker, towel and bottled water are also included, so you can clean up before the next stop.

The facilities are practical rather than luxurious. One rider found the toilets and showers less than spotless, but usable. Bring swimwear and spare clothes, and keep your phone or camera protected while riding.

Lunch is a simple buffet-style meal, with fried rice or fried noodles listed as the main choices. It is useful fuel after an active ride, but do not expect a large restaurant meal or a wide menu. One person found the food tasty but the portion small, with a vegetarian option available.

This is the kind of lunch that works because it is quick and filling. If you have specific dietary needs, ask before the meal. The supplied information confirms fried rice and fried noodles, but does not promise a full range of special diets.

Goa Raja Waterfall rewards the walk down

After lunch, the day shifts from engine noise to a short nature outing at Goa Raja Waterfall. The route leads down into a green jungle valley, where the waterfall drops into a natural pool.

The setting gives you a calmer counterpoint to the ATV ride. You can take photographs, sit near the water and, when conditions allow, swim in the pool. The waterfall is described as especially beautiful, and guides often help with photos. Some have taken dozens, even close to 200 images and videos during the day, so hand over your phone if you want action shots without managing the camera yourself.

The walk back up deserves attention. The descent into the valley is manageable for most active people, but the stairs on the return can feel tiring after the quad-bike ride. Wear shoes with a solid grip, especially if the ground is wet.

The waterfall may be busy at times. You should not expect a private jungle pool, particularly at popular times. Still, the valley, water and surrounding greenery make this a worthwhile second half of the tour, especially if you want more than an ATV-only activity.

Some schedules include a coffee plantation stop

Several day itineraries have included a coffee and tea plantation visit, with luwak coffee tasting. This stop is not listed among the core inclusions, so treat it as an added stop that may depend on your booking or the day’s schedule.

If it is included, you can taste local coffee and teas and learn about products made in Bali. Some people particularly enjoyed the luwak coffee, while others treated the stop as a pleasant extra between the main activities.

Ask your driver at the start of the day whether the plantation is part of your plan. That avoids confusion and helps you judge how much time remains for the waterfall. Do not book this tour solely for the coffee stop, since the confirmed core experience is the ATV ride, lunch and Goa Raja Waterfall.

Hotel pickup can save a lot of effort

Pickup is optional and available in Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian and Kintamani. If you choose transport, the driver collects you from your hotel and returns you after the activities.

For many people, this is worth adding. The day involves several locations, and Bali traffic can make short distances take much longer than expected. One guide even suggested walking a short distance when traffic had turned a brief drive into an hour, showing how useful local road judgment can be.

Pickup or drop-off outside the listed areas costs extra, paid directly to the driver. Confirm the exact hotel location before booking if you are staying outside the coverage zone.

If you prefer to meet the group yourself, the meeting point is the activity provider’s office at Gorilla ATV Adventure. Open Google Maps before leaving, and check the exact pin. The waterfall stop is at Goa Raja Waterfall, not at the ATV office.

What the $33 price really covers

At $33 per person, this is good value if you want several activities in one booking. The price includes the 1.5-hour ATV ride, safety equipment, insurance, waterfall entry, lunch, bottled water, shower access, changing room, locker and towel.

The main question is transport. The base price may not include hotel pickup, so compare the solo meeting-point price with the transfer option before you decide. A low headline price can rise if you need pickup from outside the covered areas.

You are also paying for convenience. Instead of arranging a quad-bike activity, separate waterfall entry, food and transport, you get them grouped into a 5 to 7-hour outing. That is particularly useful for a first visit to Bali or for a day when you want action without planning every transfer.

The value is weaker if you dislike muddy rides, simple lunches or organized activity sites. In that case, the waterfall alone may not justify the cost. But for a mixed day of driving, riding, swimming and food, the package covers a lot.

Who will enjoy this Ubud adventure most

I would recommend this tour to couples, families with older children, friends and first-time Bali visitors who want an active day. Tandem bikes make it easier for people who prefer to share the controls, while solo bikes suit confident riders seeking more control.

It also suits people who care about photographs. Guides such as Midiana, Surya, Rio, Sibon and Donny have a strong habit of taking photos and videos during the ride and at the waterfall. Give your phone to the guide only if you are comfortable doing so, and protect it from water and mud.

I would not choose it for a quiet day in the countryside. The ATV ride is noisy, physical and sometimes demanding. It is also not right for pregnant women or anyone with back problems.

Book with weather in mind. The activity runs rain or shine, and rain can add fun for some people while making the track slippery and the return from the waterfall more tiring for others. Pack swimwear, dry clothes, comfortable shoes and a camera in a waterproof pouch.

Should you book the Gorilla Cave ATV and Waterfall Tour?

Book it if you want a high-energy half-day with varied scenery, helpful guides and a waterfall swim at the end. The ATV route offers more variety than a simple dirt-track circuit, while the shower, lunch and optional transfers keep the day easy to manage.

Skip it if you want polished facilities, a large meal or a calm nature walk. The shower area is basic, the lunch is straightforward, and Goa Raja Waterfall can be crowded. For the right person, though, $33 buys a satisfying mix of mud, jungle, water, food and Balinese scenery.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts approximately 5 to 7 hours. The exact length depends on the starting time, transport arrangements and the pace of the day.

How long is the ATV ride?

The ATV portion lasts 1.5 hours.

Can I ride alone or with another person?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional. Available areas include Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian and Kintamani. Pickup or drop-off outside the covered areas costs extra and is paid directly to the driver.

What is included after the ATV ride?

The package includes a shower room, changing room, locker, towel and bottled water. Lunch is also included, with fried rice or fried noodles listed as the meal options.

Can I swim at Goa Raja Waterfall?

The tour includes access to Goa Raja Waterfall and its natural pool. Bring swimwear if you want to get in the water.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes and a camera. Expect the ATV ride to be wet and muddy.