The best hiking trails around Ubud, Indonesia

From a relaxing stroll to more adrenaline-filled treks, these walks are both close to Ubud (Indonesia), and further out of town. Check out our guide to the best walks and hikes around Ubud and put on your favorite walking shoes.

Campuhan Ridge walk

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 busy during golden hour.

To get there, head to the north-west end of Jalan Ubud Raya. Reach the Warwick Ibah Hotel and park your scooter there in case. There’s a narrow downhill stone path leading to the stairs going up the ridge.

Jalan Kajeng walk

Parallel to the Sari Organik path, this walk is another little hidden gem, very close to Ubud center. Less busy than the previous routes, it’s a bit trickier to reach, but will be worth the effort. Go on, explore, stop at one of the local shops on the path and get yourself a refreshing coconut to sip while admiring the kaleidoscopic sunset sky. Jalan Kajeng is a road perpendicular to Jalan Ubud Raya, a right turn before Starbucks. Take the road and keep going until you cross a bridge where the path is narrow and steep. Keep going as while it might appear to lead nowhere, you’ll end up beautifully surprised.

Ubud rice terraces walk

Claimed as a Unesco World Heritage site, the Tegalalang 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 and you can also reach the site by yourself and choose your own path. Entrance fee is around IDR10.000.

The magnificent terraces are located 20 minutes drive from Ubud center. 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 site.

Penglipuran Village walk

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. Imagine wandering into a timeless culture, painted with the golden and vivid colors 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. 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 hike

Mount Batur is one of the volcanic peaks on the island of Bali, located north of Ubud. Most of the 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. Check out our complete guide to a Mount Batur trek to make the most of the volcano hike.

Mount Agung hike

With its 3,031 meters of altitude, Gunung Agung is the highest peak on the Island of Gods, and venerated as the most sacred entity. Mount Agung is a currently active volcano and in normal circumstances it can be hiked. It’s a tough one, 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, the neighboring island of Lombok and the surrounding ocean. Make sure to research and book with an expert guide: the path is tricky, slippery and ever changing, due to rock-fall.

See more: Must-visit attractions in Ubud, Bali

Source: Internet