The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a popular trail in Ubud, offering breathtaking views of hills, valleys, rice terraces, and the jungle. The path starts at the Gunung Lebah Temple, just a short 15-minute drive from where we were staying, and we managed to park right next to the temple. The temple is situated at the meeting point of two rivers, which makes it a sacred location.

        Photo: Gunung Lebah Temple

We were not entirely sure how to reach the beginning of the trail, so we followed our instincts towards a pagoda with nine roofs.

In Balinese temple architecture, multi-tiered roofs, called “Meru,” symbolise Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology that represents the centre of the universe. The number of roof tiers reflects the significance of the deity to whom the temple is dedicated.

Meru structures, resembling pagodas, are typically made from black thatch or palm fibre. They can have between three and eleven tiers, with the highest number indicating the most sacred temples, dedicated to the most important gods. A nine-tiered Meru suggests the temple is dedicated to a prominent deity, such as Shiva or Vishnu. The presence of such a structure emphasises the spiritual importance of the temple and its role as a place of worship and pilgrimage.

Photo: Meru, a type of pagoda with nine roofs

As we followed the concrete path alongside the temple wall, we noticed there didn’t seem to be a way inside, and the gate on the other side was closed too.

Photo: Start of the Campuhan Ridge Walk

We continued along the path, which began with a fairly steep incline. The trail is quite exposed, so there aren’t many shaded areas to escape the sun. The first kilometre of the route leads to a small area with restaurants, souvenir shops, and other services. We stopped at a local warung for lunch and refreshing coconuts. The second part of the trail was even more enjoyable for me, as it wound through beautiful rice paddies.

Photo: Rice fields along the Campuhan Ridge Walk

The entire trail is moderately easy. Our 5-year-old daughter, Aliya, managed perfectly well, and I didn’t need to carry her at any point. After the first kilometre, there are plenty of inviting spots where you can stop for ice cream, coffee, coconuts, or a snack. The trail is about 2 kilometres each way, making it perfect for a relaxed walk that lasts around 1-2 hours. Unfortunately, towards the end of the route, we noticed an increase in construction traffic as new villas were being built in the area. It’s said to be an ideal spot for watching the sunrise or sunset, though we visited in the middle of the day and missed those moments. Nevertheless, the walk provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Ubud, and it’s definitely worth spending some time here.

Photo: Marianna’s mum enjoying coffee

Photo: Marianna admiring the rice fields

On the way back, we were drawn to the souvenir shops. Our children love buying little trinkets – whether it’s small animal figures or Buddha statues, they wanted everything and were happy with anything. The shopkeeper was overjoyed with our purchases; it was around 3 pm, and we were her first customers of the day.

Photo: A shop selling paintings and souvenirs along the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Photo: Paintings

Photo: Our furthest point on the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Photo: Family photo