From Nervous to Natural - First-Time Rider Stories on Ubud Jungle Trails

You’re in Bali, your heart’s racing, and your hands are gripping the handlebars of an ATV for the first time ever. You’re not sure if you’re excited or terrified—or maybe both. That’s the reality for many first-time riders who take on the ATV jungle trails in Ubud.

But here's the beautiful part: the trail doesn’t just challenge you. It changes you.

In this article, we share the raw, unfiltered stories of real people—from backpackers to honeymooners—who started out nervous and finished feeling unstoppable. If you’re wondering whether you’re ready for an ATV adventure in Ubud, these stories might just be the push you need.

Meet Jamie: “I Almost Backed Out at the Starting Line”

Jamie, a 27-year-old solo traveler from Canada, signed up for an ATV tour in Ubud on a whim.

“I’m not really the adventure type,” she admits. “I booked it because I didn’t want to regret missing out on something so popular in Bali.”

On the day of her tour, she arrived at Quad Biking Ubud with knots in her stomach. The ATVs looked big. The trail looked wild. She seriously considered backing out.

But the guide noticed her nerves and offered extra one-on-one instruction before the ride.

“They let me test the controls in the practice area and reassured me that I didn’t have to go fast or keep up with anyone.”

By the time they hit the jungle tunnel, she was already smiling. By the muddy river crossing, she was laughing out loud.

“I never thought I’d enjoy getting splashed in the face with mud, but there I was—having the time of my life.”

Alex and Rina: “We Fought Over Who Would Drive”

Alex and Rina, a couple from Melbourne, debated for days over booking an off-road ATV ride in Bali. Rina was excited. Alex was hesitant.

“I thought I’d crash into a tree or something,” Alex says. “I’m used to city driving. I’ve never even driven a scooter.”

When they arrived, they opted for a tandem ATV, with Rina driving first. But after the first 15 minutes, Alex felt brave enough to switch.

“It was kind of amazing,” Rina says. “The guide gave us the space to swap mid-tour, and Alex totally nailed the downhill part!”

By the end of the ride, they were covered in mud—and already talking about doing a solo ATV each next time.

Priya: “I Was the Only Woman in the Group—and It Didn’t Matter”

Priya, a solo female traveler from India, was nervous about joining an adventure tour with strangers.

“I didn’t know if I’d feel out of place or slow everyone down,” she says. “But from the very beginning, everyone was so welcoming.”

She chose Quad Biking Ubud after reading that their guides were supportive and used beginner-friendly routes.

“The guide even rode next to me for the first part, just to make sure I felt comfortable,” Priya explains.

Her favorite moment? Conquering a slippery slope she thought she couldn’t climb.

“When I made it to the top, everyone cheered. I’ll never forget that.”

What Makes Ubud the Perfect Place for Beginners?

So, what is it about Ubud’s ATV jungle trails that make them such a powerful experience for new riders?

1. Varied Terrain for Learning Gradually
You don’t start with extreme drops or sharp corners. Trails begin with relatively flat paths, then slowly build to river crossings, jungle slopes, and tunnels.

2. Professional, Patient Guides
The instructors at Quad Biking Ubud are known for their calm demeanor and hands-on approach. They don’t rush riders and always prioritize comfort and safety.

3. Small Group Sizes
Unlike some Bali tours, ATV groups are intentionally kept small. That means guides can give individual attention to those who need it.

4. Fully Automatic ATVs
No gear shifting here. The ATVs used are beginner-friendly, letting riders focus on steering, braking, and enjoying the ride.

Also Read : A Day in the Life of an ATV Tour Guide in Ubud

Top Tips from First-Time Riders

We asked all our featured riders what advice they’d give someone nervous about taking on an ATV tour in Bali for the first time. Here’s what they said:

• “Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.”
  You will get muddy—and that’s the point.

• “Don’t overthink it. Just go slow at first.”
  No one’s judging your speed. Ride at your own pace.

• “Trust your guide.”
  They know these trails like the back of their hand.

• “Laugh at yourself.”
  If you stall, splash, or get stuck, just laugh. Everyone’s been there.

• “Book with the right operator.”
  Companies like Quad Biking Ubud go out of their way to make beginners feel welcome.

Also Read : Why Ubud Muddy Trails Are the Real Bali Adventure You Didnt Know You Needed

When Nerves Turn into Confidence

One theme keeps coming up in all these stories: confidence. Riders who began their day hesitant and unsure ended it muddy, smiling, and proud.

It’s more than just a physical adventure. For many, it’s an emotional one too.

Conquering a jungle trail means facing fear, embracing uncertainty, and discovering that you’re capable of more than you thought.

That’s why first-timers don’t just enjoy ATV tours in Ubud—they remember them forever.

What to Expect as a First-Time Rider

Still unsure? Here’s a simple breakdown of what your first ATV ride in Bali will look like:

Pre-Ride:

• Hotel pick-up

• Arrival at base camp

• Gear fitting (helmet, boots)

• Safety briefing and controls overview

• Practice ride in training area

During Ride:

• Slow start on easy terrain

• Gradual progression to hills, tunnels, and mud

• Breaks for water, photos, and views

• Constant guide support and monitoring

Post-Ride:

• Return to base

• Shower and clean-up

• Optional lunch or refreshments

• Photo viewing and downloads

Expect the whole experience to last around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Nervous? That’s the Point.

If your heart pounds at the thought of pressing that accelerator, good. That means this will be something worth doing.

Every muddy turn and slippery slope will teach you something—not just about riding, but about yourself. And by the end, you’ll realize that the nerves were never something to fear. They were just the first step of something unforgettable.

So go ahead. Book the ride. Trust the jungle. And let yourself transform from nervous to natural.

???? Start your story today with Quad Biking Ubud—where first-timers become adventurers.