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, natural 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, and how to turn it into a slightly longer, slower Ubud morning if you have time.
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Is the Campuhan Ridge Walk Worth It?
Soft rolling hills, jungle-fringed paths, and a peaceful stretch of greenery just beyond central Ubud; this was my first experience of the Campuhan Ridge Walk, often described as one of the most peaceful walks in Bali.
I’m always pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to reach the trailhead, which sits right in central Ubud, making it an effortless escape from the traffic and noise.
I enjoy 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.
Important Note [2026 Update]: I recently visited Campuhan Ridge again with my family, and we absolutely loved the nature walk. However, the views over the ridge were quite obstructed by overgrown vegetation. I’m not sure whether this is seasonal, as the first time I visited was in summer, whereas this time it was during the wet season. It’s still a lovely walk in nature, but if you’re visiting mainly for the open ridge views, you may be a little disappointed.
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.
But, 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.
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At a Glance: The Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud
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.
- 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, and having now done it both ways, I actually think starting from Bangkiang Sidem is the nicer option.
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 other entrance is from Bangkiang Sidem village (Google Maps), at the far end of the ridge. This is the quieter access point, and after walking it a second time, I think it works better.
Starting here means you can enjoy the ridge first, then finish closer to central Ubud, where it’s easy to continue on foot towards Penestanan Village or stop for a drink afterwards.
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.
I’ve done Campuhan Ridge Walk more than once, in both directions, and I now think starting from Bangkiang Sidem and finishing near Ubud works best.
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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.
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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.
The route can be walked in either direction, but after doing it both ways, I actually preferred starting from Bangkiang Sidem and walking back towards central Ubud.
Here’s what you can expect from the hike:
Start of the walk – Bangkiang Sidem: Starting from Bangkiang Sidem feels quieter and a little less busy from the beginning.
It’s a calmer way to ease into the walk, and the village setting makes the whole experience feel more local from the start.
Ridge section: From here, the path gradually opens up onto the ridge itself.
This is the most recognisable part of the walk: soft green hills, long grasses, palm trees and a peaceful path cutting through the landscape.
That said, the views are gentler than dramatic.
On my most recent visit, a lot of the open ridge views were partly blocked by overgrown vegetation, so it felt more enclosed and jungle-like than I remembered.
Gentle downhill and shaded section: As you continue towards Ubud, parts of the trail become more shaded and slightly more enclosed, with bamboo, wild plants and a temple looming overhead.
It still feels easy throughout, but there’s enough variation to stop it from feeling repetitive.
River crossing near the Ubud side: Closer to the central Ubud end, you’ll reach the small river crossing. There is a bridge over the river, but you can look down into the ravine, which is pretty spectacular.
End of the walk: central Ubud side: The trail ends surprisingly close to central Ubud, which is one of the reasons I like doing it in this direction.
It makes it much easier to carry on to somewhere for breakfast, coffee, or a slower wander afterwards, rather than simply turning back.
Turn It Into a Longer Morning: Penestanan Village + Yellow Flower Cafe
On my most recent visit, we didn’t just turn around at the end of the ridge.
Instead, we carried on slowly and made more of a morning of it by heading towards Penestanan Village and stopping at Yellow Flower Cafe afterwards, and I actually really liked doing it this way.
It made the walk feel less like a quick there-and-back stroll and more like a gentler Ubud morning.
Penestanan has a quieter, slightly tucked-away feel compared with central Ubud, with little lanes, villas and cafés hidden among the greenery.
I wouldn’t say it’s a must-see in its own right, especially if you’re short on time, but it does make a nice add-on if you want to stretch your legs a little further.
Stopping at Yellow Flower Cafe was probably my favourite part of the extension. It felt peaceful, relaxed and very in keeping with the slower pace of the walk itself.
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!
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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.
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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 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.
