Lonely Planet's Top Recommended Ubud Hiking Route

Detailed guide to Bali's most beautiful ridge hike — Campuhan Ridge Walk, covering transportation, timing, gear, and hidden experiences to help you easily check in on this "soul-level" Ubud trail:
📍 Route Overview
• Location: Western suburbs of Ubud, starting near Ibah Luxury Villas (search "Campuhan Ridge Walk Trailhead" on Google Maps).
• Length: About 2 km (one way), 1.5-2 hours round trip, gentle slope, beginner-friendly.
• Scenic Highlights: Tropical jungle, coconut groves and rice fields, temple valley, misty and fairy-tale-like at sunrise.
⏰ Best Time
• Early morning 6:00-7:30:
◦ Fewer people, cool (around 25°C), healing morning light piercing through the mist.
◦ Small stalls along the way are closed, perfect for photos without passersby.
• Late afternoon 16:30-18:00:
◦ Rice fields turn golden at sunset, but more tourists.
• Avoid: Noon (strong sun with no shade) and rainy season afternoons (frequent showers).
🚗 Transportation
1. From Ubud center:
◦ Walk: About 20 minutes from near the Palace to the trailhead.
◦ Motorcycle: Rent for about 50K IDR/day, free parking at trail entrance.
2. Private car/taxi: Use Grab and enter

🎒 Essential Gear
• Lightweight clothing: Quick-dry shirt + non-slip sandals/sneakers (some stone paths are slippery).
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen (strong UV).
• Supplies: One bottle of water + energy bar (only 1-2 small stalls sell coconuts along the way).
• Mosquito repellent: Many mosquitoes in jungle sections (local brand "Soffell" recommended).
📸 Photo Spots
1. Starting stone bridge: Background of valley and temple (Pura Gunung Lebah), perfect composition.
2. Mid-route rice fields: Find the bench among coconut trees for a "person in the painting" silhouette shot.
3. Endpoint viewing platform: Overlooks the entire ridge and Ayung River, wide-angle lens a must.
🌿 Hidden Experiences
1. Side explorations:
◦ Turn left at the trail end to reach Karsa Cafe, enjoy iced coconut coffee by the terraced fields (30K IDR).
◦ Follow the small path down to Sungai Cerik valley, occasionally see locals bathing.
2. Cultural Easter eggs:
◦ When passing villagers' home temples, observe the "Canang Sari" offerings at the doorsteps (do not step on them).
3. Extended route:
◦ If you have good stamina, continue north to Bangkiang Sidem village for more pristine rice fields (extra 1 hour).