What to Do in Ubud, Bali? Walk the Beautiful Campuhan Ridge!

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Figuring out what to do in Ubud, Bali? Consider the captivating world of the Campuhan Ridge Walk, where nature unfolds its true splendor.

On this easy, picturesque trek in Bali, you’ll be immersed in breathtaking vistas, feel the gentle breeze caress your skin, and listen to the symphony of nature as you traverse the scenic trail.

Find out more about the incredible beauty of the Campuhan Ridge Walk, below!

what to do in ubud - campuhan ridge walk — Make time for the Campuhan Ridge Walk when you visit Ubud, Bali.

CONTENTS — In this article, you’ll discover why you should visit the Campuhan Ridge Walk when deciding what to do in Ubud, including:

Bali’s Secret Gem Revealed: Campuhan Ridge Walk – Where Nature and Culture Unite!

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a beautiful nature walk in the middle of Bali, Indonesia.

When you’re deciding what to do in Ubud, consider exploring the short, free, and easy walk. It offers a peaceful and scenic alternative to the crowded streets of Ubud, and is within walking distance from central Ubud.

About 1 mile and a quarter (2 km) long, this hidden gem leads travelers through verdant landscapes dotted with tall coconut palms and breathtaking views of the neighboring valleys.

The route and takes just over an hour to complete, round trip. But you’ll want to allow a little longer so you can stop and admire the beauty around you, stop for a bite to eat, or speak with those you meet along the way.

With such scenic beauty, it’s easy to see why Campuhan Ridge Walk has become famous for artists, writers, and those seeking peace.

Let’s investigate what makes the Campuhan Ridge Walk so fascinating.

You’ll learn about its background, special features, and the opportunities it provides you, as you continue reading.

Historical Significance

The people of Bali place a high cultural and historical value on the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

It is at the junction of two holy rivers, the Sungai Wos and the Sungai Cerik that the trail gets its name. “Campuhan” means “where rivers meet” in the local language.

The Balinese consider the confluence of these rivers a holy place rich in spiritual energy, ideal for rituals of purification and reflection.

In addition, the well-known Indonesian artist Arie Smit has strong ties to Campuhan Ridge Walk. Arie Smit, a Ubud School of Painting forefather, frequently visited this ridge area for its breathtaking scenery.

His vibrant paintings have done a lot to spread the word about how stunning Campuhan Ridge Walk is.

Natural Beauty and Flora

Campuhan Ridge Walk is a visual and auditory extravaganza for the senses from the moment you step on the path.

The path winds through a verdant forest, where you can become lost in the riot of color provided by the exotic flowers and the cacophony of sounds made by the singing birds.

Plant life along the ridge includes thick stands of grass, bamboo forests, and palm plantations.

Sunlight filters gently through the leaves, creating beautiful shadows on the ground. A walk under this natural canopy is pleasant at any time of day, providing relief from the tropical sun.

The breathtaking Tjampuhan River Valley is one of the trail’s highlights. You’ll be able to see it from several vantage points. The river’s calm current is matched only by the breathtaking scenery surrounding steep ravines and terraced rice fields.

Ever-changing colors of this beautiful vista create a surreal landscape that will delight your senses and stay with you long after you leave.

Cultural Heritage

campuhan ridge temples | Enjoy Travel Life — Experience this rich and diverse culture along the walk.

Campuhan Ridge Walk is not only beautiful, but it also provides a look into Bali’s cultural past.

Along the path, you’ll sporadically see small shrines and temples, fundamental to Balinese spirituality. Intricate stone carvings, colorful flowers, and ritual contributions from the community adorn these holy places.

The hike also gives you a glimpse of this area’s laid-back way of life.

Visitors walking up the ridge may encounter farmers tending to rice terraces or painters attempting to capture the grandeur of the environment in painting.

Better yet, when you engage with the local community, your trip is enhanved with a more genuine introduction to Balinese culture.

Experiences and Recommendations

Campuhan Ridge Walk provides a wide variety of activities to suit various tastes. When you’re wondering what to do in Ubud, look to these tips for making the most of your time on this beautiful path.

Sunrise or Sunset Walk

campuhan ridge sunset | Enjoy Travel Life — You can’t go wrong with a stroll up Campuhan Ridge at sunrise or sunset.

Whether you visit Campuhan Ridge early in the day or at day’s end, the celestial show is sure to be magnificent.

You can start your day off right in Bali with a stroll up the ridge at sunrise. You’ll witness a beautiful transformation in the sky, turning from blue to gold as the sun rises over the valley.

Or, you might also stroll at sunset and take in the spectacular scenery as the sun dips below the horizon and paints the sky and land in brilliant hues.

These fleeting glimpses of nature’s glory are unlike any other, making for stunning photographs at Campuhan Ridge.

1. Yoga and Meditation

place for inner peace — Campahun Ridge is a perfect place for finding your inner peace.

To fully immerse yourself in serenity, you can take part in a yoga or meditation class at one of the many local studios. There, you’ll find inner peace while soaking up the serene atmosphere of Campuhan Ridge Walk.

Performing yoga in a calm and peaceful setting can profoundly affect the practitioner.

You’ll want to enjoy these sessions in the wee hours of the morning or late in the afternoon so you can commune with nature and find some quiet time for yourself.

2. Artistic Inspiration

Campuhan Ridge Walk has always been an excellent place for creative people to find inspiration.

Get out your sketchbook or camera and record the breathtaking scenery and fascinating details you encounter.

Relax and let your imagination run wild as you enjoy the stunning view.

Make mental notes of all the sights and sounds and write about your experience.

This is ideal place to let your creative juices flow and make something original.

3. Indulge in Balinese Cuisine

Indonesian food — Enjoy authentic Balinese food when you visit Campuhan Ridge.

After your stroll, you can reward yourself with a delicious Balinese lunch at one of the many eateries along the path.

There, you’ll experience authentic Balinese cuisine prepared with ingredients obtained from nearby farms and markets.

The magnificent vistas from these restaurants complement the delicious food to create a truly memorable dining experience.

4. Cultural Encounters

As mentioned earlier, you’ll likely cross paths with the locals and learn about their culture as you stroll up the crest. Go ahead and talk to the locals, whether they be rice terrace farmers or displaying craftspeople.

Find out about their culture, customs, and ties to the land.

These interactions are invaluable for learning about the local culture and traditions. You’ll gain insight into Bali’s rich history not otherwise possible.

5. Photography Opportunities

If you’re a photographer, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is an easy answer to the question, “what to do in Ubud?” That’s because it’s a photographer’s dream.

Its varied topography, colorful vegetation, and shifting lighting conditions give a photographer never-ending inspiration.

So, try out new vantage points, perspectives, and compositions as you attempt to capture the wonder of this location. You’ll love all the stunning scenery.

Even if you’re not a professional, don’t leave home without your camera or smartphone so you can capture this adventure for posterity.

What to Do in Ubud? 41 Worthwhile Ubud Attractions

rice paddies campuhan ridge ubud | Enjoy Travel Life — Experience a view to the expansive rice fields in Ubud.

While walking the Campuhan Ridge Walk tops the list when it comes to figuring out what to do in Ubud, you’ll discover plenty of other options in an around the Ubud area.

Here are 41 worthwhile attractions and experiences in Ubud and nearby you might consider adding to your Ubud itinerary.

Visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art
Take in a Bali Agung Show
Go on a Bird Walk
Take an Eco Adventure
Visit the Neka Art Museum
Explore the Batuan Villages
Check out the Blanco Renaissance Museum
Go on a Campuhan Ridge Walk
Visit the Gedong Arca Museum
Experience Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave
Discover the Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
Visit the Gunung Lebah Temple
See the Kanto Lampo Waterfalls
Experience a Kecak Dance Performace
Visit the Lempad House
Rent a Jungle Buggy
Hike Mount Batur, an active volcano
Visit Museum Puri Lukisan
Explore the Penataran Sasih Temple
Tour the Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung)
See the Samuan Tiga Temple
Go to the Sangeh Monkey Forest
Check out the Setia Darma House of Masks & Puppets
Go Shopping at the Ubud Market
Stroll around Ubud’s downtown
Visit Taman Nusa Cultural Park
Head to the Taman Saraswati Temple
Visit the Tampaksiring Presidential Palace
Rent an ATV
Experience the Tegalalang Rice Terraces
See the holy spring water of Pura Tirta Empul
Go to the Tibumana Waterfall
Visit the Tirta Empul Temple
Head to the Ubud Art Market
Experience the Ubud Monkey Forest
Take an Ubud Rice Fields Walk
Visit the Ubud Water Palace, Saraswati Temple
Stroll the Museum Rudana
Go White Water Rafting on the Ayung River
Explore the Yeh Pulu Temple
Pamper yourself at an Ubud spa resort

The best thing is, since the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a relatively short activity, you can fit a lot more fun things to do in Ubud into your day!

Where to Stay in Ubud?

You’ll find accommodations in Ubud to meet every budget and preference. Just search popular sites like booking.com, expedia.com, and hotels.com to find exactly what you’re looking for. Be sure to compare each to get the best rate.

Or, use this convenient interactive map to get a sense of what’s on offer. You can adjust the filters to find your perfect place to stay in Ubud.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Ubud

So the next time you’re wondering what to do in Ubud, you know one of the best ways to appreciate Bali’s rich history and stunning landscapes is on the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

If you’re looking for a break from city life on your trip to Bali, you should check out this area. You’ll find beautiful scenery, a peaceful atmosphere, and cultural value.

Campuhan Ridge is a haven of calm and renewal, thanks to the trail’s expert blending of natural beauty, artistic expression, and spiritual inspiration.

Walking up the ridge, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, you can’t help but be struck by nature’s simplicity and elegance. It’s a place that will restore your spirit amidst the splendor of nature without distraction from the stresses of daily life.

It’s an experience you can fit into any Ubud itinerary. Enjoy!

About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

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