The Campuhan Ridge Walk is the closest thing to a proper nature walk you can do without leaving central Ubud — a paved ridge trail starting at Pura Gunung Lebah temple and running north through open grassy hills with valley views on both sides. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s been on every “things to do in Ubud” list for over a decade. It’s also changed enough in recent years that it’s worth knowing what you’re actually walking into before you set an alarm for sunrise.
This guide covers the practical details — length, timing, what to bring — plus an honest note on how the trail itself has evolved, since not every recent visitor has had the same experience longtime fans describe.
Quick Facts
- Length: roughly 1.2–2 km one-way from the temple to the ridge’s northern end near Bangkiang Sidem, so 2.5–4 km round trip depending on how far you walk
- Time needed: 1–2 hours round trip at a relaxed pace with stops
- Cost: free — no entrance fee at all; parking runs IDR 5,000 for scooters, IDR 10,000–20,000 for cars
- Best time: sunrise (6–7:30am) for the coolest, quietest walk, or sunset (5–6:30pm) as a busier but still scenic alternative
- Surface: paved stone path with some steps near the start, uneven in stretches — not stroller or wheelchair friendly beyond the first 500 metres
- Avoid: midday (little shade, genuinely hot) and after dark (no lighting on the trail at all)
Getting to the Start
The trail begins near Pura Gunung Lebah temple, just off Jalan Raya Ubud. Look for the turn-off toward Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa, and follow the small “Going to the Hill” sign down past the temple — the path crosses a bridge over the Campuhan river (the name means “meeting of two rivers,” referring to the confluence right at the start) before opening up onto the ridge itself. If you’re staying in central Ubud, it’s an easy walk from town; otherwise, there’s a small parking area near the temple that fills up quickly around sunrise and sunset.
What the Walk Actually Involves
The Campuhan Ridge Walk climbs a short, occasionally steep stretch of stairs right at the start, then levels out into a wide, mostly flat paved path along the ridge line, with open valley views, tall grass, and rice fields visible on either side. Most people walk 20 to 30 minutes one-way before turning back, though the path continues further into Bangkiang Sidem village if you want to extend it, adding cafes and small warungs along the way where you can stop for a coffee or a meal before heading back the same route.
It’s genuinely easy as far as hikes go — no technical terrain, no need for hiking gear, just sturdy shoes rather than loose sandals, since the stone slabs get uneven and slippery in spots, particularly after rain.
The Honest Update: It’s Changed
Here’s the part worth knowing before you build your whole Ubud morning around this walk: several long-time visitors and bloggers who’ve returned in 2026 after visiting years earlier have noted the trail feels different now — more built up with restaurants, shops, and ongoing construction along parts of the route, with natural overgrowth reducing some of the open valley views that used to define the walk. Reactions are mixed; plenty of first-time visitors still find it a genuinely pleasant, easy escape from Ubud’s traffic, while others who remember it from a decade ago describe disappointment at how commercialized and enclosed parts of it now feel.
Go in with the expectation of a pleasant, easy walk with some good views rather than an untouched wilderness trail, and you’re less likely to be let down either way.
Avoiding Overcharging on the Trail
One useful thing to know upfront: the Campuhan Ridge Walk has no official entrance fee anywhere along its length. If anyone approaches you on the trail itself asking for payment to continue, that’s not legitimate — the only fees involved are the small parking charges at the start, and occasional donation boxes near the temple for trail upkeep, which are optional.
Best Time to Go
Sunrise, arriving by 6 to 7:30am, is consistently recommended as the best window — cooler temperatures, softer light, and the fewest people on the path, mostly local joggers rather than tour groups. Sunset, roughly 5 to 6:30pm, is the solid second option if mornings aren’t your thing, though expect noticeably more people and slightly more humid air by then. Midday is worth actively avoiding — there’s minimal shade along most of the ridge, and Ubud’s heat reflects straight back off the stone path.
During dry season (April–October), you’ll get the clearest views and most reliable weather. In wet season (November–March), mornings are still generally your best bet before afternoon rain rolls in, though the surrounding valley turns noticeably greener.
FAQ
How long is the Campuhan Ridge Walk?
Roughly 1.2 to 2 km one-way to the main ridge’s end, meaning 2.5 to 4 km round trip. It typically takes 1 to 2 hours including stops, longer if you extend into Bangkiang Sidem village.
Is the Campuhan Ridge Walk free?
Yes, completely free with no entrance fee anywhere on the trail. Only parking (small fee) and optional donation boxes near the temple involve any cost.
What’s the best time to do the Campuhan Ridge Walk?
Sunrise, between 6 and 7:30am, for the coolest temperatures and fewest people. Sunset is a solid alternative but busier and more humid.
Is the Campuhan Ridge Walk suitable for kids or strollers?
The first 500 metres are relatively flat and manageable, but beyond that, steps and uneven stone paths make it unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Has the Campuhan Ridge Walk changed in recent years?
Yes, according to several long-time visitors. Parts of the route have become more built up with restaurants and construction, and some natural overgrowth has reduced valley views that used to be more open. It’s still a pleasant, easy walk, just less untouched than it was a decade ago.
Final Thought
The Campuhan Ridge Walk remains one of the easiest, cheapest ways to get some green space and open sky without leaving Ubud — just go in expecting a pleasant stroll rather than a wilderness escape, and time it for sunrise if you want the quietest version of the experience. For more on what else fits into an Ubud morning, our things to do in Ubud guide covers the rest of the town, and if you want a proper waterfall to pair with the walk later in the day, our best waterfalls near Ubud guide is a natural next stop.