Getting a Handle on Bali

How to get there: Garuda Indonesia, the national airline, offers direct flights in each direction between Los Angeles and Denpasar, Bali, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Garuda allows bicycles to be checked free of charge for passengers with one piece of luggage. Otherwise, a $50 charge applies.

Backroads Bicycle Touring offers departures to Bali each spring. Cost of the 12-day trip is $1,295, including accommodations, most meals, services of two tour leaders, two support vans, airport transfers and use of a safety helmet. Fully equipped mountain bicycles can be rented from Backroads for $137.

Butterfield and Robinson has nine-day Bali bicycle tours with spring departures. Prices (expected to increase next year) are $1,895 and include accommodations, some meals, 18-speed mountain bicycles, support vans and airport transfers.

For more information: Contact Backroads Bicycle Touring, 1516 5th St., Berkeley, Calif. 94701, (800) 533-2573 or (415) 895-1783. Butterfield and Robinson, 70 Bond St., Toronto, Canada M5B1X3, (800) 387-1147.

Additional information on Bali can be obtained from the Indonesia Tourist Promotion Office, 3457 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010, (213) 387-2078.

Travelers who wish to plan their own cycling tour will find “Bali & Lombok--A Travel Survival Kit,” published by Lonely Planet, an invaluable guide. It contains a section on planning an independent bike tour with suggestions for the best routes.