An ATV ride through Ubud’s jungle trails is one of the messiest, muddiest things you will do in Bali, and that is exactly why people love it. The problem is that most first-timers show up in the wrong outfit, carrying the wrong bag, and end up either ruining a good pair of shoes or panicking halfway through the trail because their phone is soaked.
This guide sorts that out before you even leave the hotel. We will cover what to wear, what the operator already gives you, how to protect your phone and camera, and what is smarter to leave behind. If you are booking with private tour bali, a little preparation makes the whole experience smoother from pickup to drop-off.
What to Wear on an ATV Ride
The track is dirt, water, and mud, not a paved circuit. Dress for that reality rather than for photos.
Start with clothes you genuinely do not mind getting dirty. Old t-shirts, quick-dry shorts, or leggings work well. Cotton takes forever to dry and gets heavy once wet, so synthetic or quick-dry fabric is the better call if you have it.
Footwear matters more than most people expect. Closed shoes are non-negotiable. Sandals and flip-flops slide off in mud and offer zero protection if your foot slips off the footrest. Old sneakers or trainers you can hose down afterward are ideal. Do not wear your favorite pair.
A change of clothes is essential, not optional. You will not walk away from a deep mud trail looking the way you started. Pack a full spare outfit, including underwear and socks, plus a small towel to wipe down before you change.
Sunscreen and a light jacket or windbreaker are worth throwing in too, especially for rides that start early or run through open rice terrace sections where the sun hits directly.
What the Operator Already Provides
You do not need to buy or bring specialized riding gear. On any quad bike bali booking, helmets and safety equipment come standard, along with a local guide who rides with you through the entire route. This is one detail that saves first-timers a lot of unnecessary shopping.
Some packages also include a meal, so check the package description before assuming you need to bring snacks or water for the whole day. If something specific matters to you, mobility concerns, group size, or anything else, it is worth asking the operator directly before booking rather than finding out on the trail.
Table 1 below breaks down what falls on you versus what is already covered.
| Item | Who Provides It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Operator | Included in every booking |
| Guide | Operator | Rides with you the whole route |
| Closed shoes | You | Bring old sneakers, not sandals |
| Change of clothes | You | Full outfit, including socks |
| Sunscreen | You | Especially for open trail sections |
| Waterproof phone case | You | Mud and electronics do not mix |
| Meal | Operator (some packages) | Check the specific package |
| Hotel pickup | Operator | Free with every booking |
Keeping Your Phone and Camera Dry
Mud splashes everywhere on these trails, and a phone in your pocket is not protected from that. If you want photos or videos along the way, a waterproof phone pouch or a proper action camera case is the safest option. These are cheap, widely available in Ubud, and worth grabbing before your ride if you do not already own one.
A wrist strap or neck strap also helps if you plan to film while riding. Dropping a phone into wet mud mid-trail is a common and completely avoidable mistake.
If you do not have waterproof protection, the simplest fix is to leave the phone with your bag at the starting point and let the guide or operator’s photographer capture the moment instead. Many tours document the ride for you, so you are not forced to choose between the experience and your device.
What to Leave at the Hotel
Not everything belongs on an ATV trail. Leave jewelry, watches, and anything valuable back at your hotel safe. There is no dry, secure spot on a moving quad bike, and mud has a way of finding every pocket and strap.
Skip the nice clothes entirely. This is not the outing for a new outfit or clothes you plan to wear again that evening. The same goes for expensive sunglasses unless they have a strap.
Cash and cards can stay in your room too. Most operators handle payment before the ride starts or through the booking platform, so you rarely need to carry a wallet on the trail itself.
If your itinerary pairs the ATV with a water activity like ayung river rafting bali, pack accordingly for both. A single change of clothes might not be enough if you are doing back-to-back muddy and wet activities in one day, so bring a second set if your schedule includes more than one adventure.
Quick Packing Checklist
Before you leave the hotel, run through this short list:
- Old t-shirt and quick-dry shorts or leggings
- Closed shoes you do not mind hosing down
- Full change of clothes, including socks and underwear
- Small towel
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof phone case or pouch
- Light jacket for early morning rides
Leave behind jewelry, watches, new clothes, and anything you cannot risk losing to mud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear sandals on the ATV trail?
No. Closed shoes are required for safety and practicality. Sandals slip off in mud and leave your feet exposed if you slide off the footrest.
Do I need to bring my own helmet?
No. Helmets and safety equipment are included in every ATV booking, so you only need to focus on clothing and personal items.
What if I do not have a waterproof phone case?
You can leave your phone with your bag at the starting point. Many operators capture photos or videos of guests during the ride, so you still get memories without risking your device.
