Ubud is known for having the best rice fields in Bali, and that is what attracted us to this area in the first place.
Spectacular scenery, luscious green fields and a mosaic of cascading terraces.
Our Ubud walking tour was the perfect way to explore famous places, and the best way to do it was with a local Ubud tour guide!
This way, you can really learn about the area, learn about the local customs, and have a first-hand insight into the secrets of the land.
While we did it with a tour guide, you could also easily do this tour yourself with the information provided below.
Guide to the Campuhan Ridge Walk + Ubud Rice Field Walk
The popular Campuhan Ridge Walk is a gorgeous walk along the Bukit Cinta hills.
It was great to escape the masses of tourists, scooters, and cars in central Ubud and find some peace here amongst one of the most gorgeous hillside outlooks in the whole region.
We were lucky to have a clear day, so we enjoyed views all the way to Mount Agung.
Here is everything you need to know about the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Where to Start: Payogen Village
Our tour started at Payogen Village. This small village has houses dotted along the main road and green rice fields stretching between them.
The little village is known for its gorgeous Cafes, such as the popular Karsa Kafe, and for its arty stalls that line the streets as you walk past.
After a short walk down the main road, you will find yourself at the gateway to the famous Bukit Cinta Ridge Walk!
This walk is easier in this direction as you miss out on most of the hills when you choose to walk from Ubud’s side.
This part of the walk is around 2km and is fairly easy; our kids managed just fine!
I think it took us around 1 hour to walk this section (and we stopped heaps to take some gorgeous photos!).
The paved pathway takes you along a narrow ridge walk. On both sides of the path, the drop is quite steep.
Deep down below, on the left side of the ridge, there is a river that supplies the local villagers; however, there is no way the water can be pumped up to the top.
We also saw areas down the embankment where the tall reed grasses were cut down to be used for the thatched roofing.
Tip: This walk was really hot, with little shade, so bring a large-brim hat, apply sunscreen, and bring a water bottle!
Where Does the Campuhan Ridge Walk End?
The end of this section of the walk is signaled by a local temple, the Gunung Lebah Temple in Ubud!
We loved observing the details in the carvings here, and our tour guide took the time to explain how the temples in Bali are typically divided into three sections.
The outer courtyard symbolizes the world of spirit, the middle courtyard represents the world of the human being, and the inner courtyard is the holiest area and symbolizes the world of God.
Instead of stopping your walk here like most people do, I recommend you keep following our directions below on where to stop and where to eat as we loved the rest of the walk as well!
Where to Stop For a Break: Sari Organik
Halfway through the Ubud walking tour and at the beginning of the trail through the terraces, we stopped at the famous Sari Organik restaurant for a snack and a drink.
This is a great little restaurant whether you stop for a coconut refreshment or some lunch.
And what a setting! The backdrop over the rice paddies was easy on the eyes.
I had fresh coconut water straight from the coconut, but I think my wife’s ginger-spiced drink was insanely delicious!
Also, I tried banana pancakes, roasted bananas, and some refreshing ice cream. YUM!!
We appreciated a moment out of the sun to cool down and look at that view!
Continue To the Ubud Rice Field Walk
As you exit the restaurant, turn left and follow the little trail past the beautiful rice fields.
Even though you can easily do this walk by yourself, there is an immeasurable value in having a tour guide accompany you as you learn so much about how people live.
We learned about the harvesting process and how they have to share the water for the fields.
It doesn’t matter if you see the rice fields in golden or vibrant green, as we did here in Bali; it is an unforgettable sight.
You will spot a few friendly locals working their fields. Little cafes, homestays, and yoga pitstops line the way. I love the combination of rice fields and palm trees – heaven!
I bet you know understand why we took you on this extended walk beyond the Campuhan Ridge walk!
When you have enough walking time, return to Ubud Town from here.
Final Thoughts
With our feet pleasantly sore yet satisfied, and our minds filled with new experiences and inspirations for future adventures, we were chauffeured back in comfort, relishing the cool respite of our air-conditioned ride after a half-day exploring the Balinese heat.
This Ubud walking tour, particularly the trek through the terraces, will forever be etched in our memories as one of the most extraordinary experiences in Bali.
Even our children enjoyed it, in actual fact it might be one of the best things to do in Ubud with kids (find some fantastic family resorts in Bali to stay at for your trip here).
It was indeed a perfect way to conclude our perfect tour!
I did the Campuhan ridge walk last summer and, although it rained twice, I really enjoyed it.
x
Yes it is lovely!! Maybe the rain is better than the intense sun we had! We got a bit sunburnt!