Sunrise on the Campuhan Ridge Walk - Ubud, Bali

Various paths around Ubud will lead you through the lush jungle landscape, peaceful suburbs, and pretty rice terraces. The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a great trail that offers all of those pretty views and is easily accessible from Ubud on foot. We headed out early one morning to walk the ridge at sunrise, and it really was one of the highlights of our time in Ubud. Here are some details to know before you venture out!

Getting to the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Visitors can access the Campuhan Ridge Walk from two main starting points.

The more common access point is from the south, as this is the closer one to Ubud’s center. From the heart of Ubud, follow Jalan Raya Ubud west. Walk to the right a short ways off Jalan Raya Ubud towards the Ibah Hotel. Next to the Ibah Hotel, take a left down the hill. There’s a sign that says “Going to the Hill” that points the way.

The Ibah Hotel with the small "Going to the Hill" sign in front of it — The Ibah Hotel with the small “Going to the Hill” sign in front of it

Follow this small road (Jalan Bangkiang Sidem) down the hill a short ways until you come to a bridge and more stairs that lead down towards the Pura Gunung Lebah Temple. Don’t cross the bridge – stay to the right, head down the stairs, and continue along the walls of the temple. This is the start of the walk.

Alternatively, you can start the Campuhan Ridge Walk from the north. Follow either Jalan Raya Sebali or Jalan RSP Markandya II to where they meet Jalan Bangkiang Sidem at the Jannata Resort. Follow Jalan Bangkiang Sidem south through the town, and you’ll eventually reach a gate that marks the starting point of the trail.

Lindsay and Derek at the gate at the northern end of the Campuhan Ridge Walk

If you drive, you’ll have to find parking in either Ubud or the village area on the north end of the trail as there are no designated parking lots right at the starts of the trail.

Fees and Hours

There are no fees to access the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

The trail can be accessed 24 hours a day. However, we’d recommend visiting when it’s light out to be able to better take in the views surrounding the ridge.

The Campuhan Ridge Walk

Hike Overview

Hike Type: Easy out-and-back trail

Distance: 1.1km (0.6mi) along the ridge one way. This is from the Pura Gunung Lebah Temple to the ridge starting/end point on the north end. It’s 2km (1.2mi) one way to the Karsa Kafe, where many choose to end their hike. We chose to continue past the northern end of the trail and Karsa Kafe to see a bit more of the area.

Duration: 30-45mins roundtrip for just the ridge. We probably spent an hour and a half walking the trail and into the village beyond it.

Rice fields around Ubud — Rice fields on the outskirts of Ubud

The Sunrise Walk on the Campuhan Ridge Walk – What to Expect

The Campuhan Ridge Walk was the first activity on the list of plans for my sister’s birthday, and strolling this beautiful trail was a really great way to begin the day! We headed out from our hotel in the dark, hoping to make it to the start of the trail at the first light of dawn. After a short walk through Ubud, we made it to the path.

Lindsay, Derek, and my mom walking along the temple walls

We passed by the Pura Gunung Lebah Temple, which looked really pretty in the early morning light. The stone path ascended up the vegetation-covered hill. Soon, we found ourselves atop the ridge with views of the lush surrounding landscape and villas perched on the nearby hillsides. You can walk the trail any time of day, but we loved being there around sunrise. The lighting over the valley was beautiful, it was wasn’t too hot out yet, and there were only a couple other people out.

Eventually, the trail along the ridge met a carved stone gate and another temple structure. Technically, this is where the ridge walk ends on the northern side. You could turn around here to go back the way you came, but we decided to continue. We followed the main road through the village, passing some restaurants/warungs and lovely villas and hotels. There were also some pretty rice fields along the road.

Rice fields and a building with a thatched roof

Lia walking a path lined by Bird of Paradise plants and rice terraces

The five of us strolled for a short while before heading back the way we came towards Ubud for breakfast. You could also grab a coffee and bite at one of the several cafés on this end of the trail!

Being there so early, many of the cafés were closed

What to Bring

Water: To stay hydrated during your walk

Comfortable Walking Shoes: The trail is pretty well-maintained and doesn’t involve any strenuous obstacles, so this hike doesn’t warrant hiking boots. But wear something comfortable to walk a ways in.

Camera: If you’d like to capture your adventure.

Sun Protection: Much of the trail lacks shade, so if you go more midday instead of for sunrise or sunset, you may want sunscreen, a hat, and/or sunglasses.

Bug Spray: Some times of year are buggier than others, but regardless, you may want bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away, especially around dawn or dusk.

Cash: There are various cafés you can grab breakfast or a drink at after your hike on either end of the trail.