Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the best free things to do in Ubud. It offers a welcomed escape from the busy center of town and reminds you why Ubud is called the green heart of Bali.
I did the walk for the first time back in 2010 and have since been back almost every year. There’s no better way to start your day than with beautiful views across the lush misty jungle with butterflies flying all around you.
So let’s take a look at the best time to do the Campuhan Ridge Walk, how to get there and what the route looks like.
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Article overview
How to get to Campuhan Ridge Walk
To get to Campuhan Ridge Walk, you must first make your way to Ubud. If you want help with planning your time in Bali, check out my two-week Bali itinerary which includes both the walk and 3-4 days in Ubud.
Ubud is located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Bali’s international airport, Ngurah Rai, roughly a 1 hour and 45-minute drive. From Canggu, a popular surfing destination, expect to spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes on the road.
To reach Ubud from Uluwatu on the south coast, where you find all the best beaches in Bali, takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Get around Ubud
If you’re staying in central Ubud, I recommend you walk to the starting point of Campuhan Ridge Walk. Just follow Jl. Raya Ubud and make a right when you see the large Warwick Ibah sign just before the Blanco Renaissance Museum.
Should you be slightly further out, renting a scooter provides a speedy and flexible mode of transportation. The feeling of zipping around on the backroads of Ubud is just the best feeling.
Scooters are ubiquitous in Ubud and can be rented almost everywhere for a daily rate of around 75,000 IDR. You can also have one delivered to your hotel and guesthouse.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving by yourself, you can hire a private driver and combine your stroll on the Campuhan Ridge with other highlights such as the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Art Market and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
Campuhan Ridge Walk routes
You can start the Campuhan Ridge Walk from the south, closest to central Ubud, or from the north. Below I’ve included a map with both starting points along with the best local warungs close to the walk.
Start from the south (central Ubud)
Walk west out of central Ubud on Jl. Raya Ubud until you get to the Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa. You can see the sign along the main road in the Google Maps screenshot below.
If you’re arriving by car or scooter, you can park just down the hill from the Warwick Ibah sign.
Take a right into the “driveway” and walk until you see the next Ibah sign, then keep left. Here you’ll also see a small sign that says “going to the hill” with an arrow pointing left.
At the bottom of the hill, you will get to a bridge and stairs in front of Pura Gunung Lebah Temple. The first few times I did this walk there was no sign, but now it’s easy to see that you should continue down the stairs. It says “This Way Trekking Campuhan Ridge Karsa Kafe 2 kilometers”.
From here you will walk right along the walls of the temple and this is one of my favorite parts of the walk. Just take a look below at how beautiful this place is!
Start from the North
If you’re staying northeast of Ubud you can also start your walk here. Just search for “Ridgewalk start from north” on Google Maps or follow Jl. Bangkiang Sidem.
Here you’ll find a small parking spot for scooters as you can see in the screenshot below. I recommend you always have some small bills like 2k, 5k or 10k available to pay for parking in Bali. I think I paid 2k the last time I parked here.
This is the start of Campuhan Ridge Walk from the north, where there are many warungs and shops selling everything from coconuts to wood carvings.
The best time to do the walk
The best time to do the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud is early morning, right after sunrise. During this time, the weather is typically cooler, and the soft morning light illuminates the greenery, creating the most beautiful atmosphere.
Additionally, the early morning hours offer a quieter experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the area in peace. So do the walk when you wake up and then head back to your hotel for breakfast or enjoy a snack in one of the warungs in the rice fields on the north side.
If you can’t make it in the morning, late afternoon can also be a good time for the walk, as the setting sun casts a warm glow over the surroundings. I wouldn’t do the walk in the dark because there is no lighting and parts of the path is uneven.
All the photos in this article were shot in January, so it is possible to experience sunny days during the rainy season even in Ubud. But generally, the best time to visit Bali is between February and April, when the weather is mostly clear but with fewer tourists around.
What to expect on the walk
The paved path of Campuhan Ridge Walk will take you up and downhill through a unique landscape I haven’t seen anywhere else in Bali. Although the path is situated right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Ubud, it feels like a different world, so relaxing.
The nature part of the walk is around 1.2 kilometers long, however, you can continue through the small village if you want. I usually walk up to Karsa Kafe and Spa, which used to be the only warung on this end of the walk. Set aside at least one hour, or two if you’re bringing your camera.
Most of the path is completely exposed to the elements, with just a few spots you can get some shade. So make sure to put on sunscreen, even when walking in the early morning, wear sunglasses and a hat and bring water.
I also recommend wearing comfortable trainers or walking sandals, as the path is uneven in some places. I have done it in flip-flops several times, it is doable, but I prefer something more comfortable.
Take your time and make sure you take in the absolutely breathtaking surroundings. It is often misty in the morning, with white and yellow butterflies flying all over.
As you can see above, the two palm trees are the most popular spot for photography on the walk. This is often where you’ll encounter the most people. A tip is that it looks even better when going back, from north to south.
Is there a loop walk?
No, Campuhan Ridge Walk is a linear path. You’ll walk the same route back unless you want to walk quite far and along busier roads.
I have outlined this longer route in the map below. Continue past Karsa Kafe and take a left onto Jl. RSI Markandya II. Follow this road until you can turn left onto Jl. Raya Lungsiakan that turns into Jl. Raya Sanggingan. You then follow this road until it turns into Jl. Raya Ubud which will take you back past the start of the walk.
According to Google Maps, this will take approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. There are some cool restaurants and boutiques along this route so if you’re up for walking, then definitely do it.
However, if you want a longer walk just in nature, I recommend the Juwuk Manis/Kajeng Rice Field walk just east of Campuhan.
Facilities and amenities
By the time you get to the end, you will most likely be parched and in need of a cold drink. I brought water but it was already empty, I was sweating like crazy even at 7:00 am.
Karsa Kafe, which all the signs point to, is the OG warung in the area. The setting is beautiful with cabana seating in a pond looking out over the rice fields. There’s also a spa here if you’re in the mood for a foot rub or massage after the walk.
Closer to the north entrance you’ll find Red Rice Warung which serves up some delicious chicken saté and Mie Goreng. Warung Widi Coffee makes the best coffee in the area, not surprisingly, and is a great place for a quick snack.
Please don’t use the main part of the walk as a bathroom, people are working in the fields along the path. Wait until you get to the warungs on the other side.
What to bring on the walk
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a high-SPF sunscreen. Even in the morning, the sun is super strong here.
- Hat: Wear a hat or cap for additional shade and to keep cool.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from glare with a pair of UV-protective sunglasses.
- Insect repellent: Keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay with an effective insect repellent, especially if you’re doing the walk in the morning.
- Comfortable footwear: Choose comfortable shoes or sandals suitable for walking on uneven paths. I have walked in flip-flops, and it is totally doable, however, I recommend some more comfortable footwear.
- Camera: Campuhan Ridge Walk is a photographer’s dream, so don’t forget to bring a camera. You can read about my camera gear here.
- Backpack: Bring everything in a small and light travel daypack. I love this one.
- Water: Stay hydrated throughout the walk by bringing enough water, especially considering Bali’s warm and humid climate. I always travel with my LifeStraw Go filtered bottle, that I can fill up anywhere.
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My favorite bottle for travel, backpacking and hiking.
You can fill it up anywhere, LifeStraw filters bacteria, parasites, chemicals and microplastics.
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Where to stay in Ubud
Finding a place to stay near the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a breeze with Ubud’s incredible range of guesthouses and resorts. It is one of my favorite places in Bali for exceptional accommodation.
If you want a quieter experience, opt to stay north of Campuhan Ridge Walk. I especially love the village of Sebali where you are surrounded by rice fields and Penenstanan, an arts village close to the south entrance.
On the other hand, if you want to be within walking distance of all the best boutiques and restaurants, choose to stay close to Jl. Monkey Forest.
Budget accommodation
For those seeking an affordable stay, guesthouses and hostels are dotted throughout the town, some within a stone’s throw from the trailhead, ensuring you can hit the walk bright and early.
One of my favorite budget hotels in Penestanan is Gerebig Bungalows. The gardens and pool area are gorgeously green, with pathways leading through a rice field. Here you’ll experience the true Ubud feeling of peace and serenity.
Private villa
Mid-range hotels offer comfortable amenities and a typical Balinese charm, providing a harmonious balance of quality and price. Yes, in Bali you can stay in a private villa for a very reasonable price.
During our most recent trip to Bali, we booked four nights at the beautiful Green House. We had been to central Ubud many times before, so staying in the calm rice fields halfway between Tegalalang and the center of town (in Sebali), was such a nice break from the normal Bali craziness.
And did I mention there is a swing in the garden overlooking a lush green rice terrace!? It doesn’t get much better really.
Luxury accommodation
If you’re looking to indulge, upscale resorts and villas nestled in the tranquil Ubud surroundings offer breathtaking views, with the whispered call of the ridge ever so close.
These higher-end accommodations often come with the added convenience of shuttle services to central landmarks, including the starting point of the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Or why not stay at the Warwick Ibah right at the entrance? This hotel is absolutely stunning! Parts of it look like an ancient palace, perfectly complemented by traditional Balinese architecture and modern comforts.
🌟 Check price and availability here >> Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Campuhan Ridge Walk take? Typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes to walk the 1.2 kilometers nature part of the walk, so I would set aside at least one hour for the roundtrip. This doesn’t account for photography stops.
Can you do the Campuhan Ridge Walk with children? Yes, the walk is definitely family-friendly. It is not too long, or strenuous. However, keep in mind that it gets very hot during the day, so opt to go in the early morning, bring water and cover up the small children.
Campuhan Ridge Walk opening hours: There are no opening hours for the Campuhan Ridge Walk, you are welcome to enter whenever you like. However, I don’t recommend walking the path in the dark as it is not lit and quite uneven.
Is there an entrance fee? No, the walk is free to all. It’s a fantastic way to experience Ubud’s natural landscapes without a ticket and keep your Bali budget under control.
Are there food and drinks available along the Campuhan Ridge Walk? No there are no one selling drinks along the main part of the walk. However, there are many great warungs in the little village on the north side, such as Karsa Kafe, Red Rice Warung and Warung Widi Coffee.
Is the walk suitable for solo travelers? Yes, absolutely. I’ve done it as a solo traveler many times. It is so nice to walk in the beautiful nature all alone feeling the sun on your face and with butterflies flying around you. Almost like a walking meditation.
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