Campuhan Ridge Walk: Still One Of The Most Beautiful Walks In Ubud, Bali

I’ve been to Ubud thrice, a few years apart, and one of the places I’ve yet to find crushed by overtourism is Campuhan Ridge Walk. So of course, it’s become my little green haven every time I stop in the bustling city. If you, too, want to escape the noisy, stuffy center, here’s the best spot in town!

Save it for later!

Campuhan Ridge Walk in a few words

Getting away from the effervescence of a town like Ubud and its myriad of scooters, shops and people can actually be very difficult, so when the opportunity arises to explore lush greenery and peaceful settings, I say go for it!

The walk in nature is, in fact, more than a respite from the restless city, as it also has a cultural importance thanks to its 8th century temple, Pura Gunung Lebah Temple, located at the start of the walk and famous for its religious ceremonies and other rituals.

Without further ado, here’s my experience of the beautiful Campuhan Ridge Walk!

How to get there

From the center of Ubud, it’s less than a 20-minute walk. Start at Ubud Palace, follow Jl. Raya Ubud road where you’ll pass the Green Tunnel before seeing a fork in the road, and a small path uphill on the right. Take it before turning left onto the small Jl. Bangkiang Sidem road. Continue before finally reaching the entrance of the walk.

I’ve also included the map below if you need a clearer view of the path:

Best time to go

If you want to avoid the sweltering heat and humidity, your best bet is to go early in the morning, and even for sunrise (if it’s not too cloudy) or late afternoon and/or for sunset.

This way, not only will you avoid being drenched in sweat after just a few minutes’ walk but you’ll also avoid all the tourists taking the path after their lunch.

Nearby sights

Campuhan Ridge not only combines peacefulness and breathtaking views, it’s also ideally located close to other beautiful places to visit if you have time in Ubud.

Pura Gunung Lebah Temple

If you’re heading to Campuhan Ridge Walk, don’t forget to stop by this temple, located before the actual start of the trail, and stop for a moment to admire its beauty.

One small thing to note is that the temple is currently under renovation, so you can’t enter, but there’s nothing to stop you observing its architecture from the exterior and snapping a few photos.

Kajeng Rice Field

For a more serene walk through rice fields, where you’ll come across farmers going about their business and a few villas lost amidst the lush landscape, head to Kajeng Rice Field.

Plus, chances are you’ll have the path all to yourself, which is perfect for a healing and meditative walk.

Speaking about meditative walks, let me introduce you to another of my favorites spots in Ubud!

Sweet Orange Walk Trail

Just 5 minutes from Ubud Water Palace and the main street, this is another walk I’d recommend if you’re looking to wander through stunning rice fields and enjoy a little peace an quiet.

Neka Art Museum

Cost: IDR 150,000 ($9) for an adult, free for children under 12
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 every day

Want to round off your tranquil day by learning more about Balinese art? Visit Neka Art Museum to immerse yourself into the lives of the locals and admire thousands of artworks.

The museum not only exhibits pieces of art from all over Indonesia, but also from abroad.

Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati

Right in the center of town, Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati or Ubud Water Palace, can be your first stop before tackling Campuhan Ridge Walk or your last before heading back to your accommodation to enjoy some well-deserved air conditioning. Whatever your choice, the palace, with its magnificent architecture, its intricate details as well as its quiet atmosphere (kind of disarming in the midst of all the agitation) is the ideal place to take a break.

And if you come in the right season, you’ll even see lotus flowers in the pond surrounding the palace.

The Blanco Renaissance Museum

Cost: IDR 100,000 ($6)
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 every day

The museum, which houses the works of Don Antonio Blanco, a Filipino artist who lived in Bali and is famous for its romantic and sensual depictions of women, is a must for all art lovers. Personally, I find his works quite colorful, unique and beautiful.

An interesting place to say the least, you can also visit his studio and family temple on site.

If you’d like to get a glimpse of some of his artworks, here’s the link to the museum’s official website: Blanco Renaissance Museum.

Puri Saren Agung

Puri Saren Agung or Ubud Palace, located in the center of Ubud, is an unmissable landmark, if only for its traditional architecture, carvings and history.

Not to mention that it’s the place to go after night falls to enjoy the popular and magical Legong Dance performance!

Where to eat near Campuhan Ridge Walk

• Warung widi coffee
  Address: Jl. Bangkiang Sidem, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
  
  For the good vibes, a good menu at an affordable price and the friendly owner. The perfect stop after your tranquil but tiring walk.

• Red Rice Warung
  Address: Jl. Bangkiang Sidem, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
  
  For the delicious food and charming views. It’s also a great place for sunset (although it can get pretty busy).

• Sun Sun Warung
  Address: Jl. Jembawan No.2, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
  
  If you don’t mind having to walk back to the city center (25mn) or if you’re not too hungry yet, I’d definitely recommend this restaurant as the food, staff and setting are simply perfect. And all for a very reasonable price. My favorite dish: the vegetarian nasi campur!

Tips

• Do the walk early in the morning or in the late afternoon for better conditions and fewer people.
• Prioritize weekdays over weekends.
• Don’t forget to explore the small village at the end of Campuhan Ridge Walk and the surrounding rice fields.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water and comfortable shoes!

FAQ

What is the entrance fee for Campuhan Ridge Walk?

Another reason to go is that the walk is totally free!

Are there any opening hours for the walk?

There are no official opening hours, but I wouldn’t take a walk at night as there are no lights on the path.

How long does it take to complete the trail?

If you really take your time, take a lot of pictures and rest, I’d say no more than 2 hours.

When is the best time to visit?

If you want to enjoy the lush, green rice fields, it’s best to come before the harvest season, as this is when they turn brown. The best months are March, April and September.

Is Campuhan Ridge Walk a difficult trail?

Although the path is mainly uphill, the walk isn’t difficult at all. The only factors making the walk “challenging” are the heat and humidity, that’s all. But with enough water and the right timing, you’ll be fine!

Here are a few photos of the walk:

Ready to experience the serenity of Bali while escaping one of its most tumultuous cities? Then head to Campuhan Ridge Walk!

And for more activities and sights in Ubud, be sure to check out my 15 best things to do in the city!