Pedal through paradise: 15 most beautiful tourist destinations for biking beginners

Tatler Asia

07-05-2025

2. Eastern Coastal Loop, Singapore
Scenic highlights: Begin your ride at the East Coast Park and glide past heritage-rich neighbourhoods like Katong and Joo Chiat with their colourful Peranakan shophouses. The biking loop continues along the coastal routes of Changi Point and Pasir Ris Park, before reaching the supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. There are endless opportunities to pause for artisanal coffee and Michelin-starred street food—a perfect balance of exercise and indulgence.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate with a flat terrain and well-designed infrastructure. The full 42km loop requires moderate endurance, but the route can easily be shortened to suit your preference and fitness level.
Accessibility: Singapore's comprehensive public transportation system makes reaching the starting point at East Coast Park simple. Premium bike rentals are available at numerous shops and bike-share stations. 3. Flower Route or Bloemen Route, The Netherlands
Above The absence of steep hills on this biking route makes it accessible to most cyclists.
Scenic highlights: This 35km route between the cities of Haarlem and Leiden transforms into nature's most spectacular canvas during tulip season. In the springtime (typically March to May), fields of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils create postcard-perfect patterns. Beyond the flower fields, the journey features quintessential Dutch landscapes with windmills, gabled houses and charming villages.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate with a predominantly flat terrain. The 35km distance requires basic endurance, but the absence of steep hills makes it accessible to most cyclists.
Accessibility: Multiple start points in the town of Lisse are easily accessible by train or bus. Bike rentals are widely available, with options ranging from classic cruisers to high-performance road bikes and e-bikes. 4. Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand
Scenic highlights: Step into 13th-century Siam at this Unesco World Heritage Site and enjoy beautiful views of temples, Buddha images and farmlands. The tree-lined roads between attractions provide cool respite and frame historical treasures like living galleries.
Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly with a flat terrain. The park's layout allows for easy navigation between major sites spread across 70 square kilometres, with the option to explore as much or as little as desired.
Accessibility: Located north of Bangkok, Sukhothai is accessible via domestic flights to Sukhothai Airport or through bus and taxi services. Bike rentals are readily available near the park, including options suitable for cycling for beginners. 5. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Scenic highlights: This 30km bikeway hugs the shoreline of Taiwan's largest natural lake. Cruise along turquoise waters framed by the mountain range and spot Lalu Island, the ancestral home of the indigenous Thao, near the centre of the lake. Notable highlights include the Buddhist Xuanguang Temple, the shopping area Shishe Pier and the rare bird haven Peacock Garden.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate with some challenging sections. While portions are flat and suitable for beginners, the complete loop includes occasional steep inclines, with staircases where bikes can be walked up and down. Tailor your ride according to your preference or rent an e-bicycle to make the full circuit more accessible.
Accessibility: Located in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake can be reached via shuttle, bus or high-speed railway from any of the country's international airports. Bike rentals are abundant in the nearby villages of Shuishe and Xiangshan, with options ranging from standard bicycles to e-bikes. 6. Chianti Region, Italy
Above Cycle through olive groves, vineyards and centuries-old estates.
Scenic highlights: In Tuscany's famous wine region, cycle through olive groves, vineyards and centuries-old estates. Hilltop medieval villages offer panoramic views, while castles and churches provide cultural interludes. Along the way, take your pick among the Michelin-starred restaurants in the region for a rejuvenating break.
Difficulty Level: Beginner to intermediate with rolling hills and moderate climbs. Some steep ascents require reasonable fitness or van support, which is available through biking tour groups. Distances can greatly vary from 20km to over 100km, but can be tailored to suit your preference and fitness level.
Accessibility: Begin your journey in Florence, easily reached by international flights to Florence Airport or trains from Rome or Milan. Bike rentals are available through tour operators who can deliver standard bicycles or e-bikes directly to your accommodation. 7. Hoi An to An Bang Beach, Vietnam
Scenic highlights: Explore the serene countryside surrounding Hoi An Ancient Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Departing from lantern-lit streets, you'll be immersed in rice paddies and traditional shops, passing by historical landmarks like the Japanese Bridge and the Old House of Tan Ky. The journey culminates at An Bang's pristine shoreline dotted with restaurants specialising in fresh seafood.
Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly with a flat terrain. The 5km route takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, making it ideal for even the most casual cyclists.
Accessibility: The route begins directly in Hoi An's centre, eliminating the need for transfers. Take your pick from the many bicycle rental shops in Hoi An, some of which offer free delivery to your accommodation—a great option for families on cycling vacations. 8. Perdana Botanical Garden, Malaysia
Scenic highlights: This 227-acre green space in Kuala Lumpur offers about 3km of cycling paths winding through themed gardens and around its lake. Pass by the National Monument, Hibiscus Garden and Orchid Garden with views of KL's skyline. The route connects to the Bird Park, Butterfly Park and Islamic Arts Museum, making it easy to combine cycling with other attractions.
Difficulty level: Perfect for beginners with flat, paved paths. The complete loop takes about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, with options to extend the ride into neighbouring areas. Car-free zones make it an ideal spot for families and novice riders.
Accessibility: The gardens are easily reached by public transport, with the nearest access point at Muzium Negara (National Museum) MRT station. Several vendors near the main entrance offer bike rentals by the hour. 9. Biei, Japan
Above A side quest worth the extra effort is the Blue Pond, located 16km from Biei's centre.
Scenic highlights: Enjoy an immersive experience in the small rural town of Biei in Hokkaido. There are two popular routes: Patchwork Road (14km), named for its quilt-like fields of vibrant colours, and Panorama Road (18km), which delivers sweeping views set against the active volcano Mount Tokachi.
A side quest worth the extra effort is the Blue Pond, located 16km from Biei's centre. Initially created to mitigate mudflows from Mount Tokachi, it's famous for its colours ranging from turquoise to emerald to cobalt blue, depending on the seasons and natural elements. Dead trees stand guard in the middle of the pond as a result of its creation, making for picture-perfect views.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate with well-maintained roads, but the rolling hills require reasonable fitness. E-bikes are recommended to fully enjoy the scenery without full exertion.
Accessibility: From the international connecting hub Chitose, Biei is a few hours away by train and bus. Most bicycle rental shops are within walking distance from JR Biei Station and offer both standard bicycles and e-bikes, perfect for nature bike rides with rolling hills. Specialised tour operators can arrange private guided excursions with vehicles following to provide support and refreshments between key points. 10. Chaquiñan Route, Ecuador
Above This 34km biking trail winds through decommissioned train tracks, small bridges and tunnels
Scenic highlights: In the capital city of Quito, this 34km trail winds through decommissioned train tracks, small bridges and tunnels—some long enough that headlights are part of the recommended gear. Enjoy breathtaking views of the canyons, rivers and mountains of the Andean landscape.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate, with dirt and gravel terrain. You can choose to complete the whole route or customise it according to your preference and fitness level.
Accessibility: Starting points are located right in Quito, and rental shops are conveniently accessible near the trail entrances. Tour operators offer guided easy bike tours with bike rentals, transportation to the trailhead and vehicle support. 11. Ubud, Indonesia
Scenic highlights: In Bali's cultural centre, weave through lush rice paddies, historic temples and rural villages. Explore a portion of the countryside or bike all the way to Tegalalang Rice Terrace and see the iconic cascading rice fields of the Unesco World Heritage Site. Some biking tour packages include options to stop at luwak (civet) coffee plantations, adding layers to this cultural cycling experience.
Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate with occasional challenges. A mix of paved roads and packed dirt paths, the route includes brief, steep sections that newer cyclists may prefer to walk on.
Accessibility: Beginning in central Ubud, this adventure requires no transfers. Bicycle rentals are plentiful throughout the town. For those seeking additional comfort, guided tours with support vehicles and e-bikes are available through numerous providers. 12. Capital City Trail, Australia
Above Stop by famous landmarks including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Zoo and Federation Square.
Scenic highlights: With its central location and scenic diversity, this 29km loop is perfect for exploring Melbourne on two wheels. Trace the Yarra River through the city, cut through street art-lined laneways and stop by famous landmarks including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Zoo and Federation Square.
Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly with a mostly flat terrain and well-maintained paths. There are a few road crossings and shared zones with pedestrians, but no steep inclines.
Accessibility: The loop is easily accessed from multiple points across the city, including Flinders Street Station. Bike rentals are available from shops and bike-share stations. 13. Sea Point Promenade, South Africa
Above On this biking route, there are plenty of opportunities to pause and rest in open spaces and charming cafes.
Scenic highlights: Glide along Cape Town's promenade facing the Atlantic Ocean on this 8km route. The iconic silhouettes of Table Mountain and Lion's Head dominate the skyline, while the historic Robben Island can be seen on the horizon on clear days. The journey is punctuated by public art installations, tidal pools and green spaces.
Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly with a wide, flat terrain and a dedicated bike lane. There are plenty of opportunities to pause and rest in open spaces and charming cafes.
Accessibility: Just minutes from Cape Town's city centre, Sea Point Promenade is easily reached by taxi, rideshare or public transport. Bike rentals near the promenade offer everything from casual cruisers to performance road bikes. 14. Intramuros, Philippines
Scenic highlights: In Manila's historic walled city, traverse cobblestone streets and paved roads leading to Spanish colonial structures. Pass through or stop by key landmarks, including the centuries-old Fort Santiago, Casa Manila Museum and San Agustin Church, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly with a flat terrain and short distances. The approximately 5km route can be customised to include as many stops as desired. Ideal for those seeking easy bike tours with a strong visual payoff.
Accessibility: Located in central Manila, Intramuros is accessible by taxi, rideshare or public transportation. Bike rentals are readily available, including standard bikes and even eco bikes with bamboo frames. 15. Stanley Park Seawall, Canada
Scenic highlights: One of the best beginner bike trails, this 10km car-free cycling route encircles Vancouver's picturesque waterfront. Highlights include the Vancouver Harbour, the Brockton Point Lighthouse and its nine totem poles and Prospect Point, where you can look out to the famous North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet and Lions Gate Bridge.
Difficulty level: Perfect for beginners and families with young children seeking a relaxed experience. The flat, paved pathway is completely separated from vehicular traffic, with numerous opportunities to pause at scenic viewpoints or beachside cafes.
Accessibility: Located near downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is easily reached by bus, taxi or rideshare. Bike rental shops are situated near the park entrances.