Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach

REVIEW · HORSE RIDING ON THE BEACH

Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach

5.0 · 7 reviews From $64 Operated by Bali Snap Trip · Bookable on Viator
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Fast days in Bali can still matter. This tour pairs a turtle release with a black-sand horseback ride, so you get both meaning and motion in one long afternoon; I especially like the conservation teaching plus the chance to follow through with a real action, like releasing hatchlings. One thing to think about: the schedule depends on good weather, and the horse-riding ticket (and lunch) can change depending on whether you choose the include or exclude package.

I also like that it’s built for an easy day out. You get hotel pickup and an air-conditioned vehicle, then a clear sequence of stops: turtle education, horse riding, lunch, and finally Tegenungan Waterfall—so you’re not piecing anything together on your own.

To make the day smoother, bring footwear you can move in. Even though the activity supplies are provided, you’ll be happiest if you plan for water-adjacent time at the beach and waterfall, plus comfort for the ride.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach - Key highlights you’ll actually feel

  • Real turtle conservation training at Saba Asri Turtles Conservation, before the release
  • Saba Beach black-sand horseback ride with a guide and a welcome drink at the stable
  • Tegenungan Waterfall stop with time to relax and take photos (admission included)
  • Hotel pickup plus clean air-conditioned transport across the full day
  • Private group setup so only your group participates (no random mixing)

A full-day nature-and-action plan in Seminyak

Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach - A full-day nature-and-action plan in Seminyak
This is the kind of Bali day I like: not just staring at scenery, but doing something with context. Your time starts with turtle education and a release at Saba Asri Turtles Conservation. Then you shift into a slower rhythm at Saba Beach for horseback riding along the black sand shores, and you finish with lunch and a waterfall break at Tegenungan.

The overall timing is about 8 hours. That’s long enough to feel like a proper escape, but not so long you’re wiped out by late afternoon—especially with air-conditioned transport.

And because this is a private tour, the “your group” setup matters. It tends to make it easier to ask questions during the conservation session or coordinate at the stable without feeling rushed or surrounded.

More sunset rides along the sand at Seminyak beach

Stop 1: Saba Asri Turtles Conservation (learning first)

Your first major stop is Saba Asri Turtles Conservation, with about 1 hour 30 minutes set aside for education and participation. This is where you learn about the life cycle of sea turtles and how local protection efforts work. Then comes the part many people remember most: the turtle release into the ocean, which is described as a heartwarming experience and run professionally.

Why this stop is more valuable than it sounds: release activities without education can turn into something performative. Here, the teaching comes first, so you understand what you’re seeing—and you also get a sense of why the conservation work matters beyond the moment.

What to watch for: your experience may feel more intense emotionally than the horse ride, because the release is highly symbolic. If you’re someone who gets affected easily, plan to go at a steady pace and give yourself time afterward to reset before you jump into the rest of the day.

Stop 2: Bali Horse Riding at Saba Beach (a calm ride with real views)

Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach - Stop 2: Bali Horse Riding at Saba Beach (a calm ride with real views)
Next up is horse riding at Bali Horse Riding. You’ll get a welcome drink and then begin the ride with a staff member guiding you along the scenic Saba Beach area.

This segment is around 1 hour. It’s not the full-day “hours in the saddle” experience some places offer, but it’s long enough to enjoy the movement and take in the beach setting. And because the stop is part of a larger conservation-and-waterfall itinerary, it feels like one chapter in a coherent story rather than the whole day being only about riding.

Two important practical notes based on the tour options:

  • The horse riding ticket depends on the package. If you choose the include option, the horse riding ticket is covered. If you choose exclude, you pay your own horse riding ticket expense.
  • The tour says necessary equipment and facilities are provided for the horse riding and turtle education/release activities. You’re still wise to bring your own comfortable basics, like boots or sandals, especially if you’re sensitive about fit or traction.

Possible drawback: if you’ve never ridden before, treat the hour as a “learning and enjoying” ride, not a high-speed adventure. Most travelers can participate, but this is still a physical activity, and comfort matters more than bravery.

Stop 3: Lunch at Bebek Uma Menuh Restaurant (food that keeps the day moving)

Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach - Stop 3: Lunch at Bebek Uma Menuh Restaurant (food that keeps the day moving)
Between activities, you’ll stop for lunch at Bebek Uma Menuh Restaurant. The lunch portion is set for about 1 hour, and the key detail is whether you chose the include or exclude package:

  • If you choose the include package, lunch is included.
  • If you choose the exclude package, you’ll pay for your meal.

Why I think this lunch break is useful: after turtle education and then horse riding, your body is usually ready for a proper pause. A fixed restaurant stop prevents the common Bali problem of “we’ll find food later” turning into a rushed search.

The menu is described as having options across Balinese, Indonesian, and Western dishes. That variety helps if not everyone in your group wants the same flavors.

Stop 4: Tegenungan Waterfall (cool down and get your photos)

Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach - Stop 4: Tegenungan Waterfall (cool down and get your photos)
The last activity is Tegenungan Waterfall, with roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on site. The tour frames it as a scenic waterfall experience where you can relax, take photos, and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of the area.

This is a good ending because it cools you off after the other two hands-on stops. It’s also a nice contrast: you start with sea turtle conservation (meaning), then beach horseback riding (movement), then waterfall downtime (recovery and views).

The only real consideration here is weather. The overall experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because waterfall access and safety can change quickly with rain.

Transportation, timing, and group setup (how the day feels)

Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach - Transportation, timing, and group setup (how the day feels)
Your day is run with an air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup/drop-off according to your area of stay. For Bali, that’s a bigger deal than it sounds. Traffic can mess with your energy; having a vehicle that keeps you comfortable helps you enjoy the activities instead of just surviving the ride.

Time-wise, expect the day to be structured but not frantic. The stops are long enough to breathe: 1.5 hours at turtle conservation, 1 hour horse riding, 1 hour lunch, and 1.5 hours at the waterfall.

Group style: the tour is private and only your group participates. That doesn’t mean it will feel quiet and hushed; it just means you won’t be sharing the experience with strangers who didn’t come with the same interests.

A few more Bali trips to compare

The guide makes a difference (and it shows in the reviews)

Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach - The guide makes a difference (and it shows in the reviews)
Even when the itinerary is strong, Bali days rise or fall on how smoothly the guide handles people and questions. This tour seems to do well here.

From recent experiences, I’ve seen praise for guides and drivers like Ajik, Wayan, and Eggy. The consistent themes were easy communication, helpfulness, and good English. That’s exactly what you want for a turtle conservation session, because you’ll understand the life cycle and protection efforts better when you’re not guessing.

One review also highlighted that the turtle release was very special and well run by professionals. That’s a big deal for something that could otherwise feel chaotic. A calm, organized release process helps you focus on the meaning instead of worrying about what’s happening next.

If you care about learning as much as you care about fun, this matters. You don’t just get a ticket—you get context.

What you’ll want to bring (so you don’t end up uncomfortable)

Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach - What you’ll want to bring (so you don’t end up uncomfortable)
The tour provides equipment and facilities for the main activities, but you’ll feel more comfortable if you prepare for real-life conditions:

  • Footwear you can stand/walk in comfortably (boots or sandals are specifically mentioned as welcome)
  • Sun protection, because you’ll be outdoors around beaches and waterfalls
  • A light layer for the ride, since you’ll be in the air-conditioned vehicle a lot

For turtle and ocean-adjacent moments, think practical rather than fancy. You’re there for participation and observation, not for looking perfect in photos.

Price and value: what $64 is really buying

At $64 per person, this tour is trying to cover a full day’s worth of logistics plus multiple paid components. Whether you get the best value depends on the package you pick:

  • If you select the include package, you get horse riding ticket covered and lunch included (plus admission elements listed as included).
  • If you select the exclude package, horse riding and meals are at your own expense.

Here’s the value logic: when you add up one outdoor activity, one conservation admission, one lunch stop, and one waterfall admission, the “per person” price starts to make sense—especially with hotel pickup, clean transport, and a schedule that’s already organized for you.

If you’re a budget traveler and you already know you’ll skip lunch or can pay for horse riding separately, the exclude option can be sensible. But if you prefer simplicity and one-lump pricing, the include package usually makes the day feel easier.

Either way, the day’s main value isn’t just the sites. It’s the pairing: sea turtle conservation + black sand horseback riding + waterfall downtime.

Who this tour is best for

This one fits best if you’re at least somewhat into nature and you enjoy learning in a hands-on way.

It’s a strong match for:

  • Families who want an educational activity without it turning into a boring lecture
  • Nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers who want more than photo stops
  • Couples looking for a peaceful day that still has an emotional highlight
  • People who like practical organization: pickup, transport, and timed stops

If you’re only in Bali for nightlife or you want a pure beach day with zero movement, this may feel too structured. But if you want a meaningful “do something” day, it’s a good fit.

Should you book Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release at Saba Beach?

I’d book it if you want a day that combines meaning with real outdoors time—and you’d rather pay for a well-planned sequence than try to stitch it together yourself. The conservation-first structure, the turtle release run professionally, and the black sand horseback ride at Saba Beach are a rare pairing.

I’d think twice only if:

  • You’re planning around uncertain weather (the tour requires good conditions)
  • You prefer to control every payment item yourself (the include vs exclude package affects horse riding and lunch)
  • You want a faster day with fewer stops and less time on activities

If those aren’t your priorities, this is the kind of Bali outing that leaves you with a story that’s about more than views.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Horse Riding and Turtle Release tour?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.), including time at each main stop.

Where does the tour start and what area is it based in?

The tour is listed from Seminyak, Indonesia, with pickup and drop-off offered from your hotel or location based on your area of stay.

What is included in the turtle conservation stop?

You’ll get an educational session at Saba Asri Turtles Conservation about sea turtles and their protection, followed by the turtle release experience.

Is horse riding included in the price?

It depends on the package. With the include package, the horse riding ticket is covered. With the exclude package, you pay for horse riding at your own expense.

What about lunch—does the tour include it?

Lunch is included with the include package. With the exclude package, lunch is not included and you’ll pay for your meal.

How does Tegenungan Waterfall fit into the day?

You’ll visit Tegenungan Waterfall as the final scenic stop, with about 1 hour 30 minutes to relax and take photos. Admission is included.

Is the tour private or shared?

It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

How should I prepare for the activities and what should I bring?

Equipment and facilities are provided for the horse riding and turtle activities. It’s still recommended to bring your own gear such as boots or sandals for comfort.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.