There is something genuinely surreal about sitting atop a camel while the Indian Ocean stretches out beside you, with the silhouette of the GWK statue visible in the distance and a warm tropical breeze cutting through the salt air.
That is exactly what a camel ride in Bali feels like, and it is one of those experiences that catches even seasoned travelers off guard. For families planning activities in Bali, couples looking for something a little different, or anyone who wants a story to bring home, it is well worth knowing what this experience actually involves.
SatuSatu, a locally based Bali travel platform, rounds up the best curated activities on the island, and a camel ride fits right into that spirit of doing Bali differently.
Where Can You Do a Camel Ride in Bali?
Bali has two main locations where camel riding is available, and they are quite different in character. The first and more established spot is Sawangan Beach in Nusa Dua, located on the grounds of the Hilton Bali Resort.
This is a protected, calm white-sand beach well away from the bustle of Kuta, and the setting is genuinely beautiful.
The second location is Kelan Beach in Tuban, situated right alongside Ngurah Rai International Airport, which gives the experience a different kind of visual drama: you can watch planes taking off and landing while your camel sways gently along the shoreline.
Kelan Beach is managed by Bali Camel Adventure and has been operating since 2018 as an extension of the Nusa Dua operation. It sits only about 15 minutes from Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua, making it one of the most accessible activity spots in the south.
If you are staying in the Legian or Seminyak area, Kelan Beach is likely your most practical choice. Nusa Dua is better for those already spending time on that side of the island.
What the Experience Is Actually Like
The camels used at both locations are trained specifically for beach riding, and professional handlers accompany you throughout the entire duration. Before you mount, the camel is positioned sitting on the sand with all four legs folded, and a guide helps you into the saddle.
The moment the camel stands is worth knowing about: it rises back legs first, which means you tilt backward sharply before leveling out at a height of roughly 1.5 to 2 meters. If no one warns you about this, it can be a bit of a surprise.
Once moving, camels walk with a comfortable swaying motion that is much smoother than you might expect. You will be walking along the beach shoreline at a relaxed pace, and the guide keeps hold of the lead rope at all times.
There is no galloping, no uneven terrain, and no requirement for previous riding experience. It is suitable for children from the age of two onwards (sharing a saddle with a parent), though children aged two to eleven are in a dedicated child category for ticketing purposes.
Ride durations vary. Nusa Dua offers 15-minute, 30-minute, and 60-minute packages, with sessions scheduled at 9:00am, 10:30am, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm. Kelan Beach runs from 9:00am through to sunset, including a popular sunset package that can be combined with a seafood dinner at Jimbaran Bay.
Prices at Nusa Dua typically start around USD 45 per person for a 30-minute ride. Always check directly for current rates as pricing can change depending on the package and season.
Top Highlights
- Stunning beach setting: Whether you choose Nusa Dua’s calm white sands or Kelan’s airport-view shoreline, both locations offer genuinely picturesque scenery that makes for memorable photos.
- Accessible for all ages: The activity is designed to accommodate families, from young children riding with parents to adults up to 70 years old, with professional guides on hand throughout.
- Sunset packages at Kelan Beach: The late afternoon session at Kelan, with planes gliding overhead and the sun dropping over the ocean, is one of the more atmospheric ways to end a Bali day.
- Well-managed and insured: PT Bali Camel Safari provides insurance coverage for all participants, and the camels receive regular rest and care between sessions. It is a professionally run operation, not a casual roadside attraction.
- Flexible package options: From a quick 15-minute ride to a full hour, and optional add-ons including Balinese massage or traditional costume, the experience can be tailored to your group and schedule.
Honest Verdict: Is It Worth It?
A camel ride in Bali is genuinely unlike anything else you can do on the island. It is not an adrenaline activity and it is not immersive in a cultural sense, but it is a rare, surprisingly enjoyable novelty that works well for a wide range of visitors. Families with children tend to love it.
Couples find the sunset package particularly atmospheric. Solo travelers often appreciate just how calm and unusual the experience feels against Bali’s typically hectic pace.
The main consideration is value for money. A 30-minute ride at Nusa Dua at around USD 45 per person is not the cheapest activity on the island, so it makes most sense if you are already in the area or deliberately seeking something out of the ordinary.
The Kelan Beach option tends to be a touch more accessible in terms of location, and the option to add a sunset seafood dinner makes it a more complete evening. There are practical restrictions to be aware of: pregnant women and people with certain physical conditions are not permitted to ride.
Anyone outside the age range of two to 70 is also excluded. These are safety measures, not unusual limitations, but worth confirming before booking if your group includes anyone close to those thresholds.
Explore Bali Further with SatuSatu
Getting from the airport to your hotel smoothly sets the tone for the entire trip. SatuSatu’s Airport Transfer service offers transparent, fixed pricing with same-day booking available and no bargaining required, so the moment you land you can already focus on relaxing.
For days when you want to explore beyond your immediate neighborhood, SatuSatu’s Exclusive Car Charter gives you a dedicated local driver and complete flexibility over your schedule, ideal for combining a camel ride with a beach club stop or a temple visit. Book directly on SatuSatu.com
The Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most iconic cultural performances, performed at sunset on a clifftop stage above the Indian Ocean. It is bookable on SatuSatu.com and pairs naturally with a camel ride for an activity-filled day in south Bali.
For something that complements the camel ride’s sense of novelty, the Bali Swing Experience offers sweeping views over the jungle canopy from a series of swings perched high above a river valley. It is the kind of visual experience that sits well alongside a beach activity, bookable on SatuSatu.com
All bookings on SatuSatu.com support local payment methods including BCA, Mandiri, OVO, DANA, credit cards, and more.
FAQ about Camel Ride Bali
Is a camel ride in Bali worth it?
For families, couples, and anyone looking for something genuinely different from the standard Bali activity menu, yes. The experience is well managed, scenic, and memorable. Whether the price feels right depends on your budget and which package you choose, but most visitors come away glad they did it.
Where exactly are the camel rides located in Bali?
The two main spots are Sawangan Beach in Nusa Dua (next to the Hilton Bali Resort) and Kelan Beach in Tuban, which is about 15 minutes from Kuta and very close to Ngurah Rai Airport.
What is the minimum age for camel riding in Bali?
Children from two years old can ride, sharing a saddle with a parent. Infants under one year can join for free in the same arrangement. Children aged two to eleven are priced in a child category.
How long does a camel ride last?
Packages range from 15 minutes to 60 minutes depending on your choice and the location. The 30-minute option is the most popular for most visitors.
Can you do the camel ride at sunset?
Yes. Kelan Beach offers a sunset session starting around 5:30pm, with the option to combine it with a seafood dinner in Jimbaran Bay.
Is it safe to ride a camel in Bali?
The camels are well trained and professionally handled, and PT Bali Camel Safari provides insurance coverage for all participants. The main exclusions are pregnant women, those with certain physical conditions, and anyone outside the age range of two to 70.