Campuhan Ridge Walk - Echoes of the Hills - A Journey Through Ubud's Sacred Rice Fields

Spanning approximately nine kilometres, the famous Campuhan Ridge walk is a narrow spine between the eastern and western branches of Ubud’s Wos Rivers. Literally meaning the ‘joining of the waters’, the Campuhan hamlet meanders through a lush valley hinterland. Dense river ravines quickly give way to an undulating sea of electric green rice fields and a mosaic of cascading terraces around the village of Bangkiang Sidem.

Winding path through lush, green hills with a single tall palm tree. Dense forest in the background under a clear blue sky.

Ubud and Campuhan are believed to have been discovered in the 8th century by a Javanese Hindu sage named Rsi Markandeya. As he meditated, he felt enormous holy energy in Campuhan and believed the waters held tremendous healing powers, cleansing the body and soul as well as recharging spiritual power. The holy water is used for ceremonies, bathing and cremations to this day.

Rsi Markandeya also introduced the sebak (or irrigation system) still widely used throughout the island today. Water management remains under the authority of water temple priests who practise Tri Hita Karana, a relationship between humans, the earth and the gods, which draws together the realm of spirit, the human world and nature.

Lush green landscape with dense trees and scattered houses in the background, under a bright, slightly cloudy sky. Tranquil and scenic.

Water rituals promote a harmonious relationship between people and their environment with ritual concepts that emphasise dependence on the life-sustaining forces of the natural world. Rice is seen as a gift from the gods and the subak system is part of temple culture.

I arrived well before opening time but there are plenty of warungs and stalls through here for food and drinks

The Campuhan ridge walk is a reasonably effortless way to spend a couple of hours and offers stunning verdant vistas and a glimpse of every day village life in Ubud.

Lush green terraced rice fields under a cloudy sky, with sunlight streaming through. Small huts and trees dot the serene landscape.

Location : Kelusa, Payangan, Jl. Raya Campuan, Sayan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar 80571

How to get there : From the Ubud Markets head down the main street Jl. Raya towards the bridge. Just before the bridge on the right hand side, you will see signs to the Warwick Ibah villas and spa. Another sign will point you towards 'Trekking Campuhan Ridge. Head down the stairs and walk around the eastern perimeter walls of the Pura Gunung Lebah Temple. Then veer right, you can't miss it.

Attraction Info : Campuhan Ridge is a free and easy nature trek, within walking distance just out of the town. The best time to to go for a stroll is either at sunrise or sunset, when the temperature is cool and it’s not too busy. A leisurely return trip will take about 1 1/2 hours. While there are cafes dotted past the top of the walk, it is advisable to bring some water and wear a hat. It's certainly a trek worth doing while in Ubud, however the Kajeng rice fields are far superior for photo opportunities and the welcome lack of tourists. By all means, do both but do Campuhan first to avoid disappointment.