The Best Walks and Hikes Around Ubud, Bali

Probably the most Instagrammable walk in Ubud, the Campuhan Ridge walk is a gift for the eyes and soul. Tjampuhan – the ancient spelling of Campuhan – means “place where two rivers meet.” And it’s here that the magic happens: a mesmerizing sunrise and sunset walk, overlooking sacred river gorges and lush tropical forest. Brace yourself with patience to get the ideal photo: it might get a little busy during golden hour.

To get here, head to the northwest end of Jalan Ubud Raya. Reach the Warwick Ibah Hotel and park your scooter there – just in case. There’s a narrow downhill stone path leading to the stairs going up the ridge. Once here, enjoy your stroll.

Cutting through emerald-green rice fields, this walk is known as the path to Sari Organik – one of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Ubud. It’s just a five-minute walk from the main road but offers a mesmerizing change of scenery. Come here to breathe in the healing power of nature and let the greenery relax your mind.

An ideal spot for a solo walk or with a couple of friends, this path is also home to Ubud Yoga House – one of the best yoga studios in Ubud. To get here, head to the northwest end of Jalan Ubud Raya. Stop and park your scooter in front of Lazy Cats Cafe and take the steep uphill street on the right before following the directions to Ubud Yoga House or Sari Organik.

Parallel to the Sari Organik path, this walk is another little hidden walkway, very close to Ubud’s centre. While less busy than previous routes, it’s a bit trickier to reach – but well worth the effort. Stop at one of the local shops on the path and get yourself a refreshing coconut to sip while admiring the kaleidoscopic sunset sky.

Kajeng is a road perpendicular to Jalan Ubud Raya, with a right turn before Starbucks. Take the road and keep going until you cross a bridge where the path is narrow and steep – while it might appear to lead nowhere, you’ll end up very pleasantly surprised.

Claimed as a Unesco World Heritage site, the Tegallalang rice terraces are simply dreamy and worth a visit. They are one of the main tourist attractions on the island and have a well-deserved reputation. Several tour companies organize walks around the area – but you can also reach the site by yourself and choose your own path.

The magnificent terraces are located just a 20-minute drive from Ubud’s centre. From Jalan Ubud Raya, head east and reach the crossroad where the Andong statue rises. Turn left into Jalan Andong and keep heading north on the same road until you arrive at the entrance.

For a walk back in time, head to Penglipuran Village – a traditional Balinese banjar located in the Bangli Regency – roughly a 30-minute drive from Ubud. Enjoy wandering into a timeless culture, painted with the golden and vivid colours of ancient temples and the handmade offerings to the Gods.

Penglipuran has been named one of the cleanest villages in the world – together with Giethoorn in the Netherlands and Mawlynnong in India – so it’s a must-do whilst in Ubud. The best time for a walk in the village is during a local ceremony: for example, Galungan, when the streets are adorned with the penjor –ornamental bamboo poles designed to carry religious offerings.

Mount Batur is one of the most impressive volcanic peaks on the island of Bali, located north of Ubud. Most tour companies who provide guidance to the trek start the journey from Ubud. The volcano and its caldera – another Unesco World Heritage site on the island – is one of the most popular sunrise spotting places in Bali.

With its 9,944ft (3,031m) altitude, Mount Agung is the highest peak on the Island of Gods and is venerated as the most sacred entity. Mount Agung is currently an active volcano and under normal circumstances, it can be hiked – it’s a tough one though, usually lasting six hours for the journey to the summit.

The view will make you feel as though you’re sitting on the roof of the world, overlooking the whole of Bali – as well as the neighbouring island of Lombok and the surrounding ocean. Be sure to research and book with an expert guide: the path is tricky, slippery and ever-changing, due to rock-fall.