One of my favorite things to do in Ubud, Bali was trekking the Campuhan Ridge. It is located right in Ubud but it takes you on a sprawling journey through rice fields and the countryside even though it begins near the center of the busy town.
It can be a leisurely stroll or you can jog or even ride your bike through the ridge as the pathway is paved concrete squares all the way across. If you do decide to walk it make sure to give yourself at least 2 hours to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. We came across quite a few bike riders but it is not for the faint of heart as there are a few parts of the path that are steep and uphill so the bikers were carrying their bikes instead of riding, also a few spots of stairs to go up.
It is best to go at sunrise or sunset for the best experience. Not only for the ambiance but it starts to get really hot in Ubud rather early in the morning so it is best to go as early as possible or you will be sweating A LOT!
There are sweeping views on either side of the ridge with so many places to just stop and admire the beauty. You will see lush jungles, rice paddies, and local workers tending the fields below.
Eventually you will end up in a quaint little village where the walkway becomes more of a road and houses line the street with beautiful flowers and shrubbery adorning the area.
There are a number of shops where you can see the local artists working on their latest creations, miniature egg painting is very popular here as well as hand carved statues and canvas paintings. There are also lots of little spots to grab a drink along the way.
You can do a 2km loop around Campuhan Ridge which is perfect because a good turn around point is at a sweet little restaurant called Karsa Kafe where they serve up a host of libations and food. You can go upstairs to the open dining area overlooking the rice fields or you can set up in one of the awesome bales right on top of the lotus ponds.
There is a spa on site too if you are up for a massage or any other treatment. This is a great place to unwind, relax and sip on a coconut while taking in the view.
The views are breathtaking and the grounds are so beautiful. It is so serene and peaceful. There are giant vibrant lotus flowers bathing in the suns warmth and soaking in the cool water.
You can turn back here at Karsa Kafe to return or you can keep trekking for many more kilometers for the rest of the day, going through little villages along the way. There are also a number of other warungs in the area and if you get too tired you could always catch a taxi from one of the villages.
It can be a bit tricky to find the Campuhan Ridge starting point as there are no signs from the main road so you will want to first locate the Ibah hotel located next to the river where there will be a steep road going down to the left towards a temple and the river down below.
At the temple, which is beautiful in and of itself but you are not allowed to enter, you will see a small sign that points you in the direction of a small sidewalk down a set of stairs and you will follow that path and you are on your way.
This is a great way to experience the serenity of Bali, happy trekking!
