For a green escape close to central Ubud, nothing is easier than the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a paved trail along a narrow spine of land between the Wos Barat and Wos Timur rivers. It starts beside Pura Gunung Lebah, a river temple set where the two streams meet, then climbs gently onto an open ridge of tall grass and reeds. Within a few minutes the road noise falls away, and the view opens onto terraced slopes and coconut palms.
The route
From the temple car park, a short flight of steps leads up to the ridge proper. The path is concrete and easy to follow, rising and dipping along the crest with the river valleys dropping away on both sides. After roughly 2km the trail reaches the small village of Bangkiang Sidem, where a cluster of warungs and swing cafes serve coffee and fresh coconut. Many walkers pause here before returning the same way, though you can continue on quiet lanes through villas and rice plots to loop back toward Ubud.
When to go
Timing comes down to one thing: shade, of which the ridge has almost none. Balinese walkers and early visitors set out at first light, when the grass still holds the night’s cool and the low sun rakes across the valley. By mid-morning the open ground is hot and exposed. Late afternoon works too, with softer light and the chance of a sunset from the higher points, though clouds often build over the interior. Carry water, wear a hat, and expect the northern dirt sections to turn slippery after rain.
What to expect
This is a gentle walk, not a hike, and the pleasure is in the contrast with the town just below. Photographers come for the tall pampas-style grasses along the path and the layered green hills beyond. Cafes at the far end have added swings and viewpoints for a small fee. The temple at the start is active, so dress modestly if you plan to look inside, and keep to the path where the ridge narrows.
How to visit
The trailhead sits a short ride west of Ubud centre, easy to reach by scooter or a Grab car to the Warwick Ibah hotel, where the path starts just behind Pura Gunung Lebah. Pair it with an early breakfast in town and a later visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which sits on the other side of the centre. For more ideas across the area, browse our guide to Ubud and the full list of things to do in Ubud.
