Hiking Campuhan Ridge

GPS waypoint: 8°30'13.0"S 115°15'16.9"E
Location: northwest side of Ubud town center, off the bridge for the jump-off Campuhan Ridge Walk in Bali

Admission: free

The Ridge
Even though Ubud town center is bustling with boutique shops, chic cafes and trendy art galleries, just on the northwest area of the town center is a 2-kilometer stretch of tourist-friendly ridge offering a view of some of Asia's most luxurious hotel resorts. It's a good half-day sun-break from the city life of Ubud.

Intuitive Flow Yoga
Right after my Vinyasa yoga class with Nina at Intuitive Flow Yoga Studio, I took the short walk to the jump-off of Campuhan Ridge, just off the bridge. It was an easy find with a little direction-asking from the helpful locals.

The Trek
It wasn't a difficult trek...more like a short walk up a mild grade on tourist-friendly grounds paved by concrete square grids. The view wasn't that stunning but you get a glimpse of the luxurious hotel resorts perched along the slope on the other side of the valley. The sun was out and there was no natural canopy to take shade from. Best to use sun screen, a hat or even an umbrella. After 1.5 kilometers, you come upon a village with art galleries left and right of the trail. These are from local artists. Art ranges from Faberge-like eggs with a native theme, micro-painting with intricate details and standard paintings on canvas.

Sunset Hill Villas
I came upon Sunset Hill Villas, a lush resort with a pond and a cafe overlooking the valley. It was a perfect place for a scenic rest stop. They had an easy IDR 15k espresso price point entry - not bad for a table with a view in an opulent resort. The coffee was about to be served when I realized I left my stuff together with my wallet at Intuitive Flow! I begged off and apologized for the inconvenience. I'm almost positive they would have let me enjoy the coffee just the same and just pay back whenever. But it was the spectre of coming back and doing another trek just to pay them back that kept me from saying yes.

Ending Thoughts
I could imagine, that with a torch with you, you can do the hike just before sunset, go to a nice cafe with a view and watch the sun go down and chill out. It will be dark on the way back...but that's what the torch is for.

Bali, Indonesia

tourist attractions

Pasar Seni Ubud (market) - main market in Ubud with everything touristy you can ask for
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) - 9th century Buddhist temple
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - there really is a monkey forest right in the heart of Ubud!
Jalan Kajeng - animated street similar to Hollywood's Walk of Fame
Nyuh Kuning - wood carving village with a burgeoning chic cafe and resto scene along Jalan Nyuh Gading
Ubud Royal Palace - home of the royal family
Campuhan Ridge Walk - spectacular ridge view and hike ending 1km to the artists' village, Bangkiang Sidem | 8°30'13.0"S 115°15'16.9"E

- hotel

Ubud Backpackers Room - newly constructed, all new and clean, lockers, good water pressure, compli tea and coffee, spacious and alfresco chillout center
Jalan Nyuh Kuning, Pengosekan, Ubud, MAS, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali - 8°31'36.5"S 115°15'41.3"E
Nando House - free WiFi, restaurant, terrace, free private parking, pet-friendly accommodation, private bathroom, room service
Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia - 8°30'14.4"S 115°15'28.6"E

yoga

The Yoga Barn - full service yoga studio, holistic healing retreat center
PT. Yoga Barn, Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud - Bali, Indonesia - 80571
8°31'08.4"S 115°15'52.4"E
Ubud Yoga House - yoga for Every Body...all shapes, sizes, ages & levels
Jl. Raya Ubud No.23, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
8°30'07.0"S 115°15'30.5"E | 0821-4418-1058
Taman Hati Yoga - Pranawayu yoga and Kundalini yoga
Jalan Nyuh Gading No.7, Ubud, MAS, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
8°31'32.7"S 115°15'24.6"E | +62 (0)361-974-058 | tamanhatiyoga.bali@gmail.com
Ubud Yoga Centre - Ashtanga Yoga
Jalan Nyuh Kuning Raya / Singakerta Raya, Ubud, MAS, Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
8°31'43.0"S 115°15'15.5"E | +62 812-1020-389 | hello@ubudyogacentre.com
Intuitive Flow Yoga Studio - Healing, Yoga, Meditation with a breathtaking view
Jl. Raya Tjampuhan, Penestanan Kaja, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
8°30'10.8"S 115°15'07.8"E | +62-361-977-824 | contact@intuitiveflow.com
Ambar Ashram Laughter Yoga - Healing, Laughter Yoga, Meditation
Jl. Nyuh Bojog No.5, MAS, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
8°31'21.2"S 115°15'22.0"E
Radiantly Alive Yoga - Vinyasa Yoga, Tibetan Heart Yoga, Iyengar Inspired, Pilates, Fly High, Roll and Release, Ashtanga Mysore, Yoga Dance, Salsa, Arm Balance Foundations, Beginners Yoga
Jl Jembawan no.3, Padang Tegal Kaja Ubud, Bali, 80571
+62 (0)361 978 055 | 8°30'33.7"S 115°16'01.2"E
White Lotus Meditation Centre - Meditation classes | Meditation retreats
JL. Kajeng 23, Ubud, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
+62 899-0134-962 | 8°30'12.9"S 115°15'43.1"E
ONEWORLD retreats - yoga, meditation, spa and discoveries
Jl. Suweta, Banjar Sambahan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
+62 361 289752 | info@oneworldretreats.com

- restaurant

warung eateries - a cluster of roadside eateries, essential for those on a budget or those who want authentic Balinese everyday food at local prices
across the Pertamina Gas Station - 8°31'28.2"S 115°15'49.0"E
Nando's Warung - delicious Balinese food at local warung price in a garden setting
Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia - 8°30'14.4"S 115°15'28.6"E