Horse Riding at Saba Beach, Gianyar: Bali's Uncrowded Black Sand

Bali has plenty of beaches, but few are wide and quiet enough to ride a horse in peace. Saba Beach, in Saba Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency, is one of them. The sand is volcanic black, the shoreline runs long, and in the morning you can ride for tens of minutes barely meeting anyone. It sits roughly 30–40 minutes from Ubud and about 45 minutes from Sanur.

What the Session Looks Like

Several riding operators work this stretch — widely known as Bali Horse Riding or simply horse riding at Saba Beach. The most common package runs one hour: along the shoreline first, then inland onto the rice-field bunds and village lanes behind the beach. Prices start from around IDR 350,000 per person and generally include insurance and a guide who accompanies you the whole way.

• Horses are available for complete beginners as well as experienced riders.
• Children are usually led on foot by a guide.
• The rider weight limit is generally around 90 kg maximum.

What to Wear and When to Come

Wear long trousers so the saddle does not chafe your legs, and closed shoes — flip-flops are unsafe in stirrups. A helmet is usually provided by the operator; wear it. The best times are early morning, roughly 07:00–09:00, or late afternoon towards sunset, because black sand absorbs heat and turns scorching at midday.

Choose Your Operator with a Clear Head

• Look at the horses: good body condition, clean coats, no sores on the back or mouth.
• Avoid operators who push horses through the midday heat without enough water and rest.
• Saba Beach is also known as a site for Melasti ceremonies and turtle hatchling releases by local conservation groups — give way if either is under way.
• The surf is powerful with strong currents: swimming is not advised.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: View on Google Maps
• Best time & cost: 07:00–09:00 or late afternoon towards sunset; from around IDR 350,000 per person for a one-hour session, usually including insurance and a guide.
• How to book: arrange it through a local riding operator, a tour agent in Ubud or Sanur, or an online tour platform.
• Social media: search on Instagram
• Access: around 30–40 minutes from Ubud, about 45 minutes from Sanur, and roughly an hour from Ngurah Rai Airport.

To catch the morning slot without rushing, staying a night around Ubud or Gianyar helps a great deal — and AccessiaPass hotel vouchers can trim the cost of the room.