It pops up on almost every list of things to do in Ubud, which naturally leads to the question: Is Campuhan Ridge Walk worth it?
I walked the ridge expecting something quiet and scenic, and in many ways, that’s exactly what it is. The trail is easy, free to access, and offers a gentle escape from Ubud’s busy streets.
It’s not a hike, and it’s not particularly wild, but it does have a calm, open feel that’s refreshing if you’ve spent a few days navigating traffic and crowds.
That said, Campuhan Ridge Walk isn’t a hidden gem. It’s a popular and well-trodden walk in Ubud, especially mid-morning and late afternoon.
In this post, I’ll share my honest experience walking the ridge: what it’s actually like, the best time to visit Campuhan Ridge Walk, what to expect along the way, and whether Campuhan Ridge Walk is worth it for your Ubud itinerary.
🚑 DON’T FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE!
SafetyWing is a fantastic travel medical insurance that is super affordable and great for backpackers. You can purchase a policy before or after your travels begin. 🤗
Is the Campuhan Ridge Walk worth it?
Soft rolling hills, palm-lined paths and sweeping views over Ubud’s countryside; the Campuhan Ridge Walk is often described as one of the most peaceful walks in Bali.
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to reach the trailhead, which sits right in central Ubud, making it an effortless escape from the traffic and noise.
I enjoyed the walk, especially because I did it early, when the ridge was quiet and calm. The fresh air and gentle path made it a lovely way to start the day, even if it was a bit overcast.
That said, the views are more subtle than dramatic.
Much of the landscape is framed by treetops, so you don’t get wide, open panoramas in the way you do on a volcano hike or among the rice terraces of places like Jatiluwih, which I personally find far more impressive.
I liked the Campuhan Ridge Walk for what it is: a peaceful, easy stroll that lets you slow down for an hour or so. But I’ll be honest, if it were busy and crowded, I don’t think I’d have enjoyed it nearly as much.
It’s not a must-do in Ubud, but as a quiet morning walk before the day ramps up, it does its job nicely.
❤️ FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALS!
I hope you’re finding this guide helpful! Follow me on Instagram (@abigailcarolina.dalton) and Facebook for daily stories, travel tips and photo dumps!
Your support means the world to me. Thank you 🤗
At a Glance: Is Campuhan Ridge Walk Worth It?
Campuhan Ridge is nice for calm morning walks in Ubud, but not a must-do if it’s crowded.
- Location: Central Ubud, easy to reach on foot
- Cost: Free
- Distance: Short, flat walk (around 2km one way)
- Difficulty: Very easy, suitable for all fitness levels
- Views: Pleasant valley and greenery, but mostly above the treeline
- Crowds: Quiet early morning, busy mid-morning onwards
- Best time to visit: Early morning, just after sunrise
- Time needed: 45–90 minutes, depending on pace
🏨 Accommodation // Where To Stay In Ubud // 9.3+ ratings
Budget-friendly: Nyoman Sandi Guest House | Mid-Range: The Wakanda Resort | Luxury: Padma Resort Ubud
How to get to Campuhan Ridge Walk
There are two main entrances to the Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud.
If you’re coming from central Ubud, you’ll need to keep an eye out for the Warwick Ibah Villas entrance (Google Maps). There is scooter parking here.
The second entrance is from Bangkiang Sidem village (Google Maps), at the far end of the walk. This is a quieter access point and works well if you’re staying outside central Ubud or want to approach the walk in reverse.
If you’re comfortable renting a scooter in Bali, you can rent one from Bikago, my go-to bike rental company in Bali and Thailand, and self-drive to Campuhan Ridge, Ubud.
🌟 My top pick >> Alternatively, a private full-day tour of Ubud countryside, is convinient and hassle-free. Visit the Tegalalang rice terraces, Tegenungan waterfall and, of course, Campuhan Ridge.
How long is the Campuhan Ridge Walk?
The Ubud trail walk is about 2 km one way (about 1.2 miles), making the round-trip about 4 km (2.5 miles) if you walk it to the end and back.
It’s one of the easier walks in Ubud and is easy to get to. It’s not very long; the Campuhan Ridge walk time typically takes 45–90 minutes, depending on pace.
Enjoying this blog? All my content is free, but I do spend a lot of time in coffee shops. If you’re finding my content helpful and would like to buy me a coffee, I’d love that! Thank you 🤗
Best Tours to Campuhan Ridge Walk
If you’re getting a private driver, you could visit Campuhan Ridge on a private day trip and explore loads of other attractions in the area.
Here are my top three Campuhan Ridge tours:
- Ubud Countryside Tour: A slow-paced private 7-hour tour of Ubud’s countryside, where you can visit the Tegalalang rice terraces, Tegenungan waterfall and, of course, Campuhan Ridge.
- Ubud Tour: Join this Ubud Tour for a slightly longer day and visit Campuhan Ridge, Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Teba Sari Bali Agrotourism and Tegenungan waterfall.
- Best of Bali Sightseeing Tour: Join the ultimate full-day tour and experience the Campuhan Ridge Walk, along with other beauitful sites like the rice terraces, waterfalls, and temples; also included are the Sacred Monkey Forest and the Ubud Art Market.
⭐ Pro tip >> It’s completely possible to visit Campuhan Ridge on your own if you have time. If you’re only visiting for a short trip, check out my 5-Day Bali Itinerary.
✈️ HOW TO MAKE TRIP PLANNING EASY?
I’ve created the All‑In‑One Digital Travel Planner as a simple way to keep your trip organised. Track bookings, plan your days, manage your budget, and tick off checklists. 🤗
What To Expect From Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a picturesque hiking trail in Ubud, Bali, that offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Here’s what you can expect from the hike:
Start of the walk: the trailhead
The famous Ubud trail walk starts surprisingly close to central Ubud, tucked away beside Warwick Ibah Villas.
You’ll turn down the hotel driveway, head downhill, and find a small parking area on the left. It doesn’t feel like the start of a famous walk at all, which is part of its charm.
River crossing
A few minutes in, you’ll reach a shallow river crossing. It’s short and straightforward, but the stones can be slippery, especially after rain.
Cross over and turn right; going left leads to a small shrine and a dead end. This little crossing feels like a quiet transition from town to trail.
Steep uphill climb
After the river, the path climbs gently uphill. This is the most effort you’ll need for the entire walk.
It’s shaded, green, and calm, with bamboo, wild plants, and the sound of insects and birds all around. It’s never strenuous, just enough to wake you up.
Ridge top
Once you reach the ridge, the path flattens and opens up. This is the iconic part of the Campuhan Ridge Walk: rolling hills, long grass, and wide skies.
The views are peaceful rather than dramatic, with much of the valley softened by trees rather than wide-open panoramas.
I enjoyed it most for the atmosphere, not the scale.
The end of the walk – Bangkiang Sidem
The walk naturally ends in Bangkiang Sidem, where you can rest. I liked ending here slowly rather than treating the walk as a strict out-and-back route.
Bangkiang Sidem is also a hub for arts and crafts. There are tons of art galleries and workshops where you can see local artisans working on their traditional woodcarving and painting.
So if you’re looking for a peaceful escape and a chance to soak up some Balinese culture at the end of your hike, Bangkiang Sidem is definitely worth checking out.
Past the village, small paths lead into the surrounding rice fields.
It’s worth exploring if you have time; this is where the walk feels most authentic, with farmers, ducks, and everyday village life unfolding quietly around you.
Visitor Tips: Campuhan Ridge Walk
Here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Although we did see a few people in flip-flops, it’s easier to walk long distances in proper shoes. Trainers are fine as the trail isn’t too uneven.
Take A Water Bottle: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, even if you plan to stop for lunch, it’s a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle with you. It’s essential to stay hydrated while exploring the rice fields or anywhere in Bali!
💧 THE BEST WATER PURIFIER BOTTLE!
When I’m travelling off-the-beaten-path, I hardly ever drink tap water. To solve this, I have a Grayl Purification Water Filter bottle. It’s great and also super environmentally friendly, as it saves hundreds of plastic bottles being thrown away. 🤗
Go early in the morning: To avoid crowds and the heat of the day, it’s best to go for sunrise or just after. Alternatively, you could go in the afternoon, but just be wary of the walk back and not leave it too late.
Don’t forget sunscreen: Even though the path is shaded by the coconut trees, you can still get burnt. Take a hat and definitely sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Respect the local culture: Avoid walking off-trail or onto the rice fields, be mindful of your noise level, and ask for permission before photographing locals.
Resources For Bali
Is it your first time visiting Bali? I’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Bali Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- Read this to hear about my purification Ceremony in Ubud.
- A few places I also enjoyed visiting near Ubud were Amed and Uluwatu. It’s also easy to visit Nusa Lembongan from Ubud on a snorkelling trip.
- Read this post if you want to know why Bali is so cheap.
- Find out the best ways to save money in Bali.
- Amed was my all-time favourite; I’ve written a guide on the best places to stay in Amed.
- If you’re heading to Bali for 3 weeks, this itinerary will help you plan.
- Discover the best Tanah Lot tours.
The End Note: Camphuan Ridge Walk, Ubud
Campuhan Ridge Walk was a nice way to slow down in Ubud.
I enjoyed it most because it was quiet, green, and easy, a gentle start to the day rather than a big “wow” moment.
It’s not the most dramatic walk in Bali, and I wouldn’t go out of my way for it if time was tight, but as a peaceful morning stroll before the crowds wake up, I’m glad I did it.
Thank you for reading my post. You can find my latest stories and articles on my blog homepage here. Follow me on Instagram (@abigailcarolina.dalton) and Facebook to see what I’m getting up to and where my upcoming trips are.
Helpful? Please help me share 🤗
FAQs: Is Campuhan Ridge Walk Worth It?
Is Campuhan Ridge Walk free?
Yes, Campuhan Ridge Walk is completely free to visit. There’s no entrance fee or ticket required, and you can walk the entire trail without paying a thing. It’s worth carrying a little cash if you plan to stop for a drink or snack in Bangkiang Sidem at the end.
When is the best time to visit Campuhan Ridge Walk?
The best time to visit is early morning, ideally before 8 am, when it’s cooler and far quieter. Season-wise, April to September (dry season) offers clearer skies, but it’s also busier. I visited during the rainy season and enjoyed the walk mainly because it was peaceful, even with cloudier views.
How long is the Campuhan Ridge Walk?
The main ridge section is around 2 km one way. The Campuhan Ridge Walk time takes about 45-90 minutes at a relaxed pace. If you continue into Bangkiang Sidem village or nearby rice fields, allow a little longer. It’s an easy, mostly flat walk rather than a hike.
Is Campuhan Ridge Walk worth it?
Overall, I enjoyed it, but with caveats. It’s not a must-do attraction, and the views are softer than those from volcanic hikes or rice terraces like Jatiluwih. I liked it most as a quiet morning walk to ease into the day. If it’s crowded, it loses a lot of its charm.
