Ubud's jungle-like greenery, deep valleys, trickling rivers, and wooden chalets are best admired from Campuhan Ridge Walk, a 1.7-kilometer-long (1-mile) trail. The meandering path provides an escape from the tooting horns and persistent market sellers of central Ubud as you ascend to a slice of nature above the town.
The walk is inclusive for all fitness levels, with the most difficult section being the steep steps up the Wos river valley to the southern end of the ridge. The biggest challenge from there is the heat of the sun as you wander along the softly inclining ridge at your own pace.
The trail winds above two jungle-filled valleys as the East and West Wos rivers rush towards their confluence with the Cerik River, below the start of the trail. Occasional glimpses of rice fields and homestays in the distance add to the peaceful ambiance.
At the northern end of the ridge, trail-goers reach the quaint semi-urbanized village of Bangkiang Sidem, where the path is straddled by warungs, cafes, fragrant day spas, and homestays. Local artists display drawings and paintings of Balinese culture and landscapes in small galleries or even on the side of the path.
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Look Around
View of Pura Gunung Lebah from Cleanse Cafe on western side of valley
Sculpture guarding entrance of temple
Detailed sculpture at southern entrance of temple
Path on a gradual uphill slope, walking north
Crest of trail after ascending the southern steps
View over western valley, topped by Hotel Tjampuhan
More villas on western valley
View over eastern valley
Sculpture in front of home
Main street in Bangkiang Sidem, walking north
Rice field on west side of road
Artist's gallery and store
Karsa Cafe and Spa at north end of town, facing south
Rice fields at north end of town
Coconut treeWho Will Like Campuhan Ridge Walk
Nature Lover
Admire Bali's natural jungle as you walk along the ridge to the sounds of trickling rivers below. Keep an eye out for local birdlife and see if you can spot the various native plant varieties.
Photography Whiz
Snap away as the scenery shifts from lush jungle, to quaint homestays, to a semi-modern village. Photo opportunities range from local rice farms, to animal life, to portraits (should locals be willing to pose for you). Visit early in the morning to capture a golden sunrise kissing the jungle.
Culture Buff
Catch glimpses of rice farmers going about their day as local children play in the rivers. Towards the end of the trail, local artists display artwork depicting scenes from Balinese culture and life. You may even see them creating their latest piece if you're lucky.
Insider Tips For Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Visit early in the morning when the air is fresh, or in the late afternoon when the sun is waning to avoid the peak of Bali's hot sun.
- Watch your step on the way up to the ridge as it can be slippery.
- It's not uncommon to find lizards or other small animals along the path, so be careful where you walk.
- Stay on the trail as the slopes to either side are very steep and can be slippery from dew or rain.
- Interspersed along the trail are "lookout points" - small unpaved pockets to the side of the trail. These often provide the best views over the valley on each side, and double-up as a convenient rest stop when the trail is busier.
Lookout point
View from one of the east-facing lookout points- It's best to visit in the dry season when the sky is usually clear. If you visit in the wet season, walk the ridge in the morning as rain is most common in the afternoons. Check the weather forecast beforehand in case you need to bring an umbrella or poncho.
- This is NOT a loop trail - walk along the same trail from south to north, and then turn around at Karsa Cafe to return to the start.
- Wear mosquito repellant as the trail is surrounded by tall grass and thick vegetation that houses flying insects.
Vegetation along the trail
Portion of trail completely enclosed by trees
Video
Where Is It
How To Get There
Motorbike
Ample parking for scooters and motorbikes at the small public car park near the southern entrance to the ridge
Taxi
Local taxis pick up and drop off on Jalan Raya Ubud, near the entrance to the Ridge walk
Entrance to trail near hotel, Warwick Ibah
Follow the sign
Confluence of 2 rivers, and bridge at south end of trail
Stairs on east side of Pura Gunung Lebah, facing northTech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yesflash is ok
Tripod allowed: Yes
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Early Morning
Tips: At the highest point of the ridge, the path snakes along the undulating terrain. Use the tall trees as a frame to give the landscape a sense of scale.
Drones
Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
A small drink stand selling bottles of water and fresh coconuts is located at the top of the stairs, near the southern entrance. Another drink stand is located before the stairs, near the parking lot. Several warungs, cafes and food stalls are located alongside the path after 1.5 kilometers when you reach the small village of Bangkiang Sidem. For affordable Indonesian cuisine at a sit-down restaurant, try Karsa Café, attached to Karsa Spa.
Drinks stand at southern end of trail, overlooking Pura Gunung Lebah
Drinks stand at top of stairs
Karsa Cafe at northern end of trail in Bangkiang SidemBackstory
The southern entrance to the Campuhan Ridge Walk begins at the picturesque confluence, or campuhan in Bahasa Indonesia, of the East and West Wos and Cerik Rivers. Due to the spiritual significance of river confluences in Balinese culture, sage Rsi Markendya selected the location as the foundation of Ubud during the 8th century. The same priest founded the Pura Gunung Lebah, the quiet, peaceful, unassuming temple near the beginning of the ridge trail.
The trail itself was used by locals for many years. Eventually, international visitors discovered the ridge as a lookout point and place for exercise. Its popularity blossomed and the trail was soon paved for safety. The ridge is a daily workout route for many Ubud expats and visitors.
Trail peak, facing south
Steep eastern slope from trail down to the river below, facing southEtiquette
- Say hello to any locals you walk past and treat them with kindness and respect.
- Make room for other hikers traveling the opposite direction.
- Give a small tip to drink salesmen.
- Litter or leave any belongings behind.
- Drive scooters on the pedestrian-only path.
Scorecard
- Peaceful atmosphere completely different from central Ubud.
- Natural beauty of landscape and birdlife.
- Paved path to prevent slipping.
- Free access to public.
- Presence of restaurants for a half-way break.
- Insects like flies and mosquitoes.
- Limited shelter if it happens to rain.
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