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The Campuhan Ridge Walk is the easiest free thing to do in Ubud. A paved path runs along a grassy ridge between two river valleys, with palms and jungle on both sides, and you can be on it ten minutes after leaving your hotel. This page covers the route, timing, food stops and how it fits with other Ubud plans. The walk is item three in our Ubud things to do list; here is the detail.
Where the walk starts and ends
“Campuhan” means the meeting point of two rivers, here the Wos Barat and the Wos Timur. The walk starts at the Campuhan bridge on the western edge of Ubud town, beside Pura Gunung Lebah, a large riverside temple. A stairway beside the temple climbs to the ridge. The path then follows the crest north, passing the large grassy stretch that features in most photographs, and reaches the village of Bangkiang Sidem.
At the northern end, a small warung called Karsa Kafe serves Indonesian dishes with a view over rice paddies, and a few other cafes have opened nearby. From there you can return the same way, hail a ride, or loop back through the lanes to the main road at Sanggingan.
Distance, time and difficulty
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ridge length | About 1.2-2 km one way, depending on the source |
| Round trip | 2.5-4 km, one to two hours with stops |
| Surface | Paved or compacted path, mostly flat |
| Cost | Free |
| Facilities | Cafes at the northern end, few toilets on the ridge |
Counts differ because some guides measure from the bridge and others from the first open stretch, so treat figures as approximate. The route needs no special fitness, but there is almost no shade on the ridge crest.
Best time of day
Sunrise is worth the early alarm. Bali’s day starts around 6am, and from 6am to 7:30am the ridge is cool, quiet and softly lit, with joggers and dog walkers as most of the company. By mid-morning tour groups arrive and heat builds. The second option is the last hour before sunset, when the light turns gold and the path fills with photographers. Midday is the one slot to avoid.
What to bring
- Sunscreen and a hat, even for an early start.
- Closed shoes or sandals with grip, since the path can be slippery after rain.
- Water. There is nowhere to buy any between the temple and the cafes.
- Small notes for breakfast or a coffee at the northern end.
Make it a longer morning
The walk pairs naturally with Ubud’s art scene. The Neka Art Museum is a short ride north on Jalan Raya Sanggingan, and the Campuhan area has long been an artists’ quarter. The German painter Walter Spies settled near here in the late 1920s and helped shape the modern Balinese art world. If you want something more active, our rice terrace walks guide covers longer trails, and the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are 25-40 minutes by road.
For guided walks that include breakfast or a village stop, browse Ubud tours, or compare options on our best tours in Ubud page.
Practical tips
Start at the temple rather than the northern end, because the first stretch from the bridge is the most open. Keep to the path and do not step into private rice fields. Dress is casual, but cover shoulders and knees if you visit Pura Gunung Lebah, and treat the temple as a place of worship. Staying on the west side of town makes this a five-minute walk; see our where to stay in Ubud guide for neighbourhood options. On days when Balinese ceremonies pass along the road, wait quietly and let processions go first.