Campuhan Ridge Walk: A Guide to the Most Beautiful Trail in Bali

Campuhan Ridge Walk is a must-see attraction in the city of Ubud. It’s an elevated trail through rice fields and palm trees that lets you escape from the Ubud hustle. The spectacular views are probably the best way to experience nature in Ubud if you are bored in your villa. Any time is a beautiful time to hike, but we recommend coming for the sunrise to avoid the crowds and experience peace and tranquillity.

Want to experience the Campuhan Ridge Walk first thing in the morning? It’s just a short walk from Ubud’s center and catching the sunrise here will be the perfect start to your day of exploring Ubud. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the Campuhan Ridge Walk!

Where is the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital, is home to the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is an absolute must-see on your itinerary. Rice terraces, beautiful temples, and an abundance of mouthwatering food are among the things that make it so popular. While the Campuhan Ridge Walk is fairly central, it may be difficult to locate. 

To get there, lets put our starting point at Jalan Raya Ubud. You can drive or take a scooter and navigate to Jalan Raya Ubud. Go to the area near Ibah Hotel and there’s a small parking area near Ibah Luxury Spa where you can leave your vehicle. Walk a short distance to the entrance of the trail, following signs that lead to the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

If you’re staying in central Ubud, head towards Jalan Raya Ubud and use the Ibah Luxury Spa as a reference point. The trail entrance is just past the Gunung Lebah Temple; you’ll see a small bridge to cross, leading to the path of the ridge walk. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete depending on your pace and stops to enjoy the views.

Things to Know Before You Go Campuhan Ridge Walk

One of the reasons we loved in Ubud is because of views like these. To make your visit here a little smoother, here are a few things you should know beforehand:

• There are no set operating hours for Campuhan Ridge Walk. However, it is not recommended to hike here after dark since the path is not illuminated and is quite rough.
• It’s best to go early to Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud, to have it mostly to yourself and avoid the midday heat. Sunset is also a lovely time to walk. But it’s frequently busy as it’s one of Ubud’s most popular locations to witness the sunset.
• The best thing is that there are no charges for enjoying this walk. This might seem unusual in Bali, where most natural sights charge a small entry fee.
• You may become dehydrated hiking the Campuhan Ridge Walk, so bring water. If you are thirsty after walking down and up the hills, you may want to visit some nearby restaurants and shops to purchase a cold drink.

What to Bring in The Campuhan Ridge Walk

When embarking on the scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk in Bali, it’s essential to bring a few key items for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must due to the warm, tropical climate, along with comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for the uneven terrain.
• Sun protection is crucial, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sufficient sunscreen to shield from the intense sun.
• Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle, and consider bringing a light snack like energy bars or fruit.
• A camera or smartphone is also recommended to capture the stunning views and lush greenery. Lastly, don’t forget to bring a small, eco-friendly bag to carry your trash, as it’s important to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Source: Unsplash

The Walk Itself Campuhan Ridge Walk

Tackling the Campuhan Ridge Walk requires some preparation and mindfulness to completely enjoy the experience. Campuhan Ridge Walk is widely known as easy trail but stunning visual natural scenery and is best to start early in the morning. In the other side, you can late in the afternoon to avoid midday heat and experience the ambiance at its best. You’ve made it to the start. The signs state that it’s about 2 kilometers long, but we found that the distance varied depending on how far we wanted to go.

The Campuhan Ridge Walk extends from the Karsa Cafe to the cafe itself. However, midway through the walk, you will pass through a shopping and dining district before reaching the last rice fields, where the cafe is located. The length and duration of the Campuhan Ridge Walk are determined by the amount of time you have. I would recommend spending half an hour to two hours on the trail.

This hike shows you amazing views of hills and rice fields, making you feel calm and green all around Ubud. Early in the morning or late in the evening is the best time to go to Campuhan Ridge Walk. We picked sunrise and it was just us, enjoying the quiet. There isn’t a direct loop path, but you can make one. Keep walking to Jalan RSI Markandya II near Jungle Fish, turn left, then left again on Jalan Raya Sanggingan, and keep going until you hit Jalan Raya Ubud. This roundabout way takes you back to the start but makes your walk longer. If you choose this way, you’ll walk more but see more cool stuff.

Related article: Bali Nature Top 5 Attractions to Explore Near Ubud

Campuhan Ridge Walk Sunsets/Sunrise

These hours are almost magical: the flames of the sky, so orange, pink, and purple, are aflame in reflection from the hills in such warm light over the vividly green and rolling hills. Develop beautiful, ridgetop trails with clear views over the slopes to the surrounding landscape, basking in the mellow light of morning or evening. Both are visually striking experiences, but the Campuhan Ridge Walk is so much more soothing on so many levels. That this is a favored spot of locals looking to make some kind of peaceful connection with nature at the most beautiful times of the day.

Photography Tips in Campuhan Ridge Walk

When photographing the enchanting landscapes of Campuhan Ridge Walk in Bali. There are a few tips to keep in mind to capture its nature:

1. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit, as the soft, golden light during these hours enhances the natural beauty and creates dramatic shadows, adding depth to your photos.
2. Using a polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enrich the colors of the sky and foliage.
3. Experiment with different perspectives; low-angle shots can make the path seem more dynamic. While a higher vantage point can capture the expansive views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
4. Lastly, be mindful of the environment and stay on the designated paths to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Source: Unsplash

Where to Stay in Ubud

• Villa Bayad, This private villa is designed to have a vast tropical garden with various local fruit and flower trees, shrubs, ponds, and streams that are skillfully designed and carved to mimic the tropical nature of Bali. Having 4 bedrooms in two separate compounds, this Bayad Ubud Bali Villa can accommodate up to 8 adults in total. It has two infinity swimming pools, a gym, a yoga bale, and two dining and kitchen areas. 

• Villa Bodhi, This villa is carefully built with a deep root of Bali on the edge of a jungle ravine. Every building in the area portrays the combination of the richness of Balinese culture and the finest design of the enchanting wooden structure. Each cottage is designed to ensure you enjoy the unbelievable view of the jungle, line of mountains. And even the green garden view from your private bathroom. Above all, there is a swimming pool on the verge of a green valley where you can swim. Read your book while savoring tropical sunlight, or adoring the clear starry sky at night. Either way, this pool is the spot you should not miss.

Related article: Bali Swing Ubud Capturing the Perfect Moments

Source: Villa Bodhi

Final Thoughts

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the most beautiful trails in all of Bali. It’s a short walk that you can do in any weather and is accessible for any level of fitness. If you have time to visit only one attraction in Ubud, make it to here. Campuhan ridge walk is not the only one hiking trail, however there are more Trekking Trails in Bali Worth To Explore. 

A Bali holiday itinerary is essential to get the best of your trip. Imagine arriving in Bali, then being unable to go anywhere because you can’t decide what to do. That doesn’t sound like an ideal vacation, right? So Plan the Perfect Bali Travel Itinerary.

Are you visiting Bali? you’ll want to know some of the top accommodations in Bali. Ubud Villa Rentals by Red Lotus offers plenty of accommodation that is perfect for you.