Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is the easiest way to leave the traffic of central Ubud behind and see the countryside that drew artists here in the first place. It begins in Campuhan, on the edge of the town centre, where two rivers, the Tukad Yeh Wos Kiwa and Tukad Yeh Wos Tengen, meet below the road. The confluence has long been a pilgrimage site where people come for spiritual bathing and to collect holy water.

The starting point is near the IBAH hotel on Jalan Raya Ubud and the temple of Pura Gunung Lebah, which sits on the valley floor at the meeting of the rivers. Tradition credits its founding to the priest Rsi Markandya, reportedly in the 8th century, and it is still a place of pilgrimage. From the temple, a footbridge crosses the stream and a short incline with steps leads up to the paved track that runs along the top of the ridge.

The path is about two kilometres long and roughly a metre wide. The ridge section gives open views across the river valleys on either side, with the grass on the hillside sometimes tall and overgrown and sometimes neatly cut, depending on the season. Towards the far end the path reaches a cluster of small cafés and warungs among rice fields, which make a natural turning point; Karsa Kafe is one of the landmarks along the way. You can continue further into the rice fields or return the way you came.

The walk takes about 20 minutes one way at a steady pace, though most people allow over an hour with photo stops and a drink at the end. Early morning, around 6.30am to 7.30am, is the best time: it is cooler, the light is soft and mist often lies in the valleys. By late morning and in the afternoon it becomes hot and humid, and there is very little shade, so bring water and a hat or umbrella. Sunset is also popular. There are no lights on the path, so it is not a walk to attempt after dark.

The walk is free and suits most reasonably fit visitors. The steps near the start can be wet and uneven, so take care, and the route can be challenging for small children. It combines well with the Neka Art Museum, further along the road through Sanggingan, or with breakfast or lunch in one of the cafés near the end of the ridge.