Free open-grass ridge trail near central Ubud, best walked at sunrise before the heat.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a paved footpath that follows a narrow grassy spine between two river valleys just northwest of central Ubud. It is open and exposed, lined with tall savanna grass rather than jungle, which gives long views over the green hills on either side.
The walk runs roughly two kilometres one way to the village of Bangkiang Sidem, where a couple of cafes make a natural turnaround point. There is no entrance fee and no ticket.
Because it is exposed, it gets hot and shadeless quickly. Early morning is the time to go, both for cool air and for the light on the grass before the day-trippers arrive.
Getting there
The trail starts near Pura Gunung Lebah by the Campuhan bridge, about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the centre of Ubud, or a very short scooter or Grab ride. Park near the temple or IBAH hotel access and look for the path leading up onto the ridge.
Best time
Walk it just after sunrise, before about 8am, for cool temperatures, soft light and the quietest trail. Avoid midday, when there is no shade and it becomes uncomfortably hot, and skip it in heavy rain when the path turns muddy.
Good to know
Bring water, sun protection and a hat, as there is almost no shade along the ridge. The path is paved but can be slick after rain, and going out and back to Bangkiang Sidem is about four kilometres total, so allow an hour or more.
Yes, the trail is free with no entrance fee or ticket. You only pay if you park a scooter or car nearby, or stop at a cafe along the way.
It is roughly two kilometres one way to Bangkiang Sidem village, so about four kilometres round trip. Most people take an hour or two including a cafe stop and photos.
Go at or just after sunrise. The ridge is fully exposed with no shade, so by mid-morning it is hot and busier with walkers and photographers.
Add it to a route across Indonesia and we will work out the travel time and cost between every stop.
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