Everything you need to know about the Campuhan Ridge Walk. How to hike it, where to find the trailhead, and what you need to bring along.

Bali’s landscapes are notoriously beautiful, but the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud might just be our favourite trail. We hiked this path on a previous trip to Ubud and loved it so much we just had to share it with you.

A short walk from the centre of Ubud, this trail takes you past emerald rice paddies and into a charming village filled with cafes and restaurants. And, better yet, it’s an easy path that even the most inexperienced hiker will be able to manage.

Not sure where to start? We’ve written this bumper guide so that you can make the most out of your experience. You can thank us later.

Psst… Looking for a more challenging hike in Bali? Read our guide to the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

How to Get to the Campuhan Ridge Walk

The trail is well-paved and looks like this the entire way.

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is located around 20 minutes on foot from the centre of Ubud (and around 30 minutes from the Sacred Monkey Forest.) 

The trailhead is located just off Jalan Raya street, opposite the Blanco Renaissance Museum – turn down the street next to the Ibah Hotel and you’ll spot the entrance easily. If you’re driving a scooter, there’s plenty of parking nearby.

When to Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Pura Gunung Lebah is one of the largest temples in Ubud.

While you can visit Bali and tackle its many hikes year round, the best time to go if you want to enjoy the Campuhan Ridge Walk is between May and September.

As you can see from our photos, it was pretty cloudy when we walked this trail. This was unusual for the time of year we visited (June) but we managed to get a break in the rain and a little bit of sun started peeking through the clouds.

There’s little shade along the trail, so avoid hiking in the middle of the day when it’s extremely hot. We recommend a sunrise or sunset walk, but give yourself plenty of time to get back to the start before it gets dark. There’s also no lighting along the walk, so you’ll want to go during daylight hours.

How Long Is the Campuhan Ridge Walk?

The walk itself is fairly short, approximately two kilometres each way. It’s not a circular walk, but the views are so pretty that we guarantee you won’t mind it being an  out-and-back kind of trail.

It took us around 45 minutes to walk the entire route, but allow more time if you want to spend some time wandering around the village at the end of the path. You can grab lunch here before heading back along the Campuhan Ridge Walk – Red Rice Warung and Birdhill are our top recommendations.

Campuhan Ridge Walk: What to Expect

The trail is incredibly picturesque, even when it’s cloudy!

We loved the Campuhan Ridge Walk. We stayed in Villa Bukit Sari, which was near the trailhead, so for us it was extremely easy to get to. The trail itself is beginner-friendly. It has a slight uphill elevation on the way there but it’s so gentle that you barely notice it. 

It’s free to hike, but you’ll spot donation boxes around the Pura Gunung Lebah Temple near the start.There’s no obligation to make a donation, though.

The track itself is easy to follow as it’s well paved the entire way. It’s a popular route, so expect to be joined by plenty of tourists. 

At the end of the walk, there’s a small village with a few cafes and restaurants where you can recharge before heading back. You can choose to keep walking, although there are few paths that lead back into the centre of Ubud, so you would need to commit to a serious hike. We recommend heading back the way you came, along the Campuhan Ridge route.

As with any hike, preparation is essential. Make sure to wear comfy shoes with grip (we both wore trainers and would highly recommend it) and bring water along. Like we mentioned earlier, there’s little shade along the route, so sun protection is also imperative.

Most people hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk without a guide, though you can book a guided tour if you would like to learn a little bit more about the local area. While on the pricier side, most tours will also combine visits to nearby rice fields and temples.