Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk: Ubud’s Dreamy Trail for Sunrise Seekers

Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk: Ubud’s dreamy trail for sunrise seekers. Read on for where to find sunrise magic in Ubud: your complete guide to the Campuhan Ridge Walk. Detailed information on how to get to Ubud’s dreamiest morning walking trail.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from Ubud’s bustling streets, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a must. This beautiful, easy hiking trail takes you through lush jungle scenery, sweeping hilltop views, and golden morning light — making it one of the best things to do in Ubud for nature lovers and photographers alike.

In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about hiking the Campuhan Ridge Walk — when to go, how to find the starting point, what to expect along the way, and tips to make the most of your experience.

Why Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk?

Set just 15 minutes from the heart of Ubud, the Campuhan Ridge Walk feels a world away from the tourist crowds. It’s a 2-kilometre trail (one way) that winds across a scenic ridge, flanked by deep river valleys and palm trees.

The hike is short and gentle — perfect for beginner hikers or anyone who just wants to soak up Bali’s natural beauty without a big trek. And because the trail is paved the entire way, you don’t need hiking boots — comfortable sandals or trainers will do the job.

Whether you want a morning workout, dreamy sunrise photos, or just a peaceful walk surrounded by greenery, the Campuhan Ridge Walk delivers.

Best Time to Do the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Early Morning (Best Option):

The absolute best time to hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk is just after sunrise. Not only will you beat the tropical heat, but you’ll also enjoy the trail at its most peaceful — often with just a few joggers and locals for company. The early morning light casts a soft, golden glow over the hills, making it magical for photography.

Late Afternoon (Sunset Option):

Alternatively, you can head there around 4–5 PM for a sunset stroll. The lighting is beautiful in the evening too, although it tends to be a bit busier with tourists and local joggers finishing their day.

⚠️ Avoid Midday: Ubud gets seriously hot and humid around midday, and there’s little shade on the ridge. Hiking during the heat of the day is not recommended.

How to Get to the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Finding the starting point of the Campuhan Ridge Walk can be a little confusing if you’re new to Ubud, but follow these simple steps:

1. Head towards Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa.
2. Look for the sign for Pura Gunung Lebah temple near the hotel entrance.
3. Follow the path downhill towards the temple. You’ll cross a small bridge over a river.
4. Keep following the “Campuhan Ridge Walk” signposts from here — the trail is well-marked once you find the entrance.

🛵 Tip: If you’re staying in Ubud, it’s easy to walk or scooter to the starting point. Most guest houses and hotels are within a 10–15 minute drive.

What to Expect on the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Once you’re on the ridge, the path gently ascends and opens up to sweeping views of emerald hills, coconut palms, and tropical valleys. The colours will gradually change from dark green to gold as the sun comes up. You’ll pass a few traditional Balinese houses and small warungs (cafes) near the end of the trail if you want to stop for a coconut or cold drink.

✨ Highlights of the Campuhan Ridge Walk:

• Stunning sunrise or sunset views
• Lush greenery and rice fields
• Calm, peaceful atmosphere
• No entrance fee (it’s totally free!)
• Paved trail suitable for all fitness levels

The full walk (out and back) usually takes about 1–1.5 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.

Tips for Hiking the Campuhan Ridge Walk

• ✅ Wear light, breathable clothing – it gets hot quickly after sunrise.
• ✅ Bring water – there aren’t many places to refill along the ridge itself.
• ✅ Use mosquito repellent – especially if you go early or late when bugs are active.
• ✅ Start early – not just for cooler weather but also for the most serene experience.
• ✅ Respect the surroundings – Campuhan Ridge Walk passes through sacred land and local villages.

Why Travel Insurance Is Essential for Your Bali Adventure

Whenever you’re exploring off the beaten track — whether it’s hiking, biking, or riding a scooter — having reliable travel insurance is a must.

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Final Thoughts: Is the Campuhan Ridge Walk Worth It?

Absolutely! The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of Ubud’s most magical experiences — and it doesn’t cost a thing. Whether you’re chasing an unforgettable sunrise, stretching your legs before breakfast, or seeking a break from the crowds, this scenic trail is a perfect addition to your Bali itinerary.

If you’re planning a longer trip to Indonesia, there are plenty of other incredible destinations to explore. Indonesia is a country full of diverse cultures, rich history, and spectacular landscapes, from the lush jungles of Bali to the ancient temples of Yogyakarta. Be sure to check out my other posts about travelling in Indonesia for more travel inspiration, tips, and detailed guides on must-see places.

No matter where you’re headed in Indonesia, you’re bound to have an unforgettable journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and amazing adventures. Safe travels, and don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure!

👉 Find cheap flights to Indonesia here.

Practical Guidance for Bali, Indonesia

Hopefully you have found this post on Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud, Bali useful. I’ve also included some useful information for Bali and Indonesia in general below. If you plan all the boring stuff in advance you can relax and enjoy your trip more!

How do I get a visa for Indonesia?

Make sure to check the Indonesian visa requirements for your own country as the rules can vary depending on what passport you have. Many countries can get a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA). I purchased mine at Bali Denpasar airport and was able to pay with my WISE card. You must meet passport validity requirements and have a return or onward ticket. You can explore different visa options on the official Indonesian Immigration website. If you overstay your visa there is a fine of 1 million rupiah a day.

How to Get to Indonesia & Where to Find Cheap Flights

Indonesia is a major travel hub in Southeast Asia, with several international airports in key cities such as Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS), Surabaya (SUB), and Yogyakarta (JOG). Most travellers fly into Bali or Jakarta, which offer the most frequent connections to Indonesia’s various islands. From these cities, you can easily connect to other destinations in Indonesia by domestic flights, ferries, or even private boats.

To find cheap flights to Indonesia, use comparison tools like Skyscanner. Booking your flight several months in advance or flying mid-week can often lead to the best deals, especially if you’re travelling during the off-peak season (April to June or September to October). Budget airlines like AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia, and Lion Air also offer great discounts on domestic and regional flights, so be sure to keep an eye out for sales.

👉 Find cheap flights to Indonesia here.

Transport from Bali Denpasar airport to Ubud

Arriving at Bali Denpasar airport can be pretty hectic. It can feel overwhelming especially if you’ve just come off a long haul flight. A lot of flights seem to be scheduled to arrive quite late at night too, so I recommend planning in advance so that you feel safe. There will be a lot of local taxi drivers waiting at arrivals, but you will need to haggle which can be exhausting.

Personally, I booked an airport pickup in advance with Welcome Pickups. You prepay when you book at a flat rate that matches the local standard fare. The advantage of Welcome Pickups over rideshare apps (see below) is that there is no surge pricing. I did check my Grab app out of curiosity when I arrived to compare, and Welcome Pickups was indeed cheaper. The Welcome Pickups app is also incredibly easy to use and I was able to chat to my driver via the app to coordinate a meeting spot. Welcome Pickups operate in lots of different countries worldwide. You can sign up here.

How to get around Bali and Ubud

The easiest way to get around Ubud (and Bali in general) is to use Grab. Grab is a Singaporean-headquartered rideshare app (like Uber) that operates in a number of countries in South East Asia. You can choose to book either a car or a scooter. Scooters are cheaper and much faster as they can weave through the traffic. It’s also safer to use Grab and have a local driver rather than hiring a scooter yourself. I recommend downloading the app in advance before your trip so that you can set up the payment card etc. The best card to link in order to avoid high FX exchange fees is a WISE card (see below).

Money in Indonesia: (IDR)

If you’re visiting Indonesia you’ll need Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). To get IDR at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Indonesian Rupiah (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then spend on your Wise card as though it were a local bank card or withdraw cash in Indonesia without hidden fees. Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).

Get your WISE card here.

SIM Card and Data for Indonesia

There are two main options for getting a SIM card and data to use in Indonesia:

Option 1: eSIM with Airalo

The main advantages of purchasing an eSIM via Airalo (enter the referral code ROWAN1271 for a discount) are:

• you do not need to insert a physical SIM card, so you can keep your home country SIM in your phone
• you can get a multi-country eSIM rather than having to get a new one each time you go to a new country
• you can download the eSim before you leave your home country, meaning that you will have data immediately on arrival. This gives you peace of mind and is perfect for using Google Maps and rideshare apps etc.
• You can top up your data allowance via the app

Option 2: Buy a local physical SIM card

The main advantages of purchasing a local SIM card are:

• Local SIM cards generally offer better rates. You can often (depending on the country) get a lot more data for a lower price.
• You will get a local phone number which is better for making local calls / text messages

Personally I think Airalo is the best for short holidays or if you are only spending a short time in each country. If you’re staying for a longer time, or if like me you use a lot of data, a local physical SIM card may be better.

Get your Airalo eSIM here. Enter the referral code ROWAN1271 for a discount.

Best Travel Insurance Providers for Indonesia

As well as planning your Komodo National Park Itinerary, you should also make sure you have travel insurance for the duration of the trip. Here are two excellent travel insurance providers that I highly recommend for solo travellers or families visiting Indonesia:

1. Heymondo Travel Insurance

I personally use Heymondo for all my trips, and it’s one of the easiest and most reliable travel insurance options I’ve found. Their app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to access your policy, make claims, and contact support directly from your phone. Heymondo offers excellent coverage, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. I highly recommend it for anyone planning to visit Indonesia.

Why choose Heymondo?

• Comprehensive coverage: Offers medical, cancellation, and baggage coverage.
• User-friendly app: Manage your policy easily from anywhere.
• Global assistance: 24/7 emergency assistance available.

👉 Purchase Heymondo travel insurance.

2. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

For digital nomads, long-term travellers, or those planning an extended stay in Indonesia, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is an excellent choice. It’s specifically designed for globally mobile individuals, and their flexible plans can be tailored to suit your travel style. SafetyWing covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruptions, and even COVID-19-related issues—making it ideal for travellers who need long-term protection.

Why choose SafetyWing?

• Flexible plans: Ideal for long-term travellers or digital nomads.
• COVID-19 coverage: Includes coverage for COVID-19-related disruptions.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive rates for extended travel coverage.

👉 Find Out More About SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

Plan Your Trip to Indonesia: Useful Travel Resource Links