5 Best Hiking Trails in Ubud: Paths, Temples, Rice Terraces

Ubud is one of the few areas in Bali where it's genuinely convenient to walk. Temples, rice fields, art studios, and quiet green trails are all within walking distance. You can leave the main street and just minutes later find yourself among palm trees, village houses, and terraces with almost no tourists. This area seems made for leisurely strolls. You can walk from the city palace to rice terraces in an hour, visit art galleries, see an ancient cave, or simply sit in a warung overlooking picturesque hills.

We've gathered for you the 5 best walking routes in Ubud so you can easily find the right option for a stroll—be it popular destinations or quiet secluded paths. All routes are safe, pass through scenic areas, and require no special preparation. Choose a route based on your mood—or try them all in turn.

Kajeng Rice Field Walk — a walk among rice terraces

This is one of the most accessible and atmospheric routes in Ubud. It starts right in the city center—just turn off Jalan Raya Ubud street into the small alley Kajeng, and in a few minutes, you'll find yourself in a completely different world. A narrow trail lined with slabs bearing travelers' names leads past residential yards and old family temples into the realm of green rice fields. It's especially nice to walk here early in the morning when the air is fresh and smells of herbs, or in the evening—accompanied by the sounds of crickets and the shimmering light of the sunset.

This is an easy route without steep climbs, taking about an hour one way if you walk slowly and stop for photos. It's suitable for everyone. Here, you can slow down and feel how Ubud lives—unhurriedly, with a smile and in harmony with nature.

Campuhan Ridge Walk — a short hill route in Ubud

This trail is one of the most popular routes in Ubud, suitable even for those who don't like long walks. It starts near the city center—at the Gunung Lebah Temple, located at the confluence of two rivers: Wos River and Campuhan River. From the first meters, you are greeted by beautiful views of hills and river valleys, with the road itself running along a wide ridge.

The path is fairly even and well-kept: without steep ascents, with gentle descents and ascents, and a surface of firm earth and tile. There are almost no cafes or warungs along the trail, so it's better to bring water and light snacks beforehand. The walk takes about 30–40 minutes one way if you walk leisurely and stop for photos.

The best time for this walk is early morning or evening when the trail is not yet sunlit, and the light gently highlights the surroundings. Campuhan Ridge Walk is a good choice if you want to combine an easy walk with panoramic views and feel the spaciousness that is now so rarely found in bustling Ubud.

Artist's Lane — walk through the art district

This walk passes through the Penestanan area—a place long favored by artists, craftsmen, and creative workshops. Here, you'll see cozy galleries, ceramic shops, and carved gates that themselves become small works of art. Along the way, you can look into small art cafes or studios where local masters work, many of whom are happy to talk about their work.

The trail runs along narrow streets and small rice fields—it's an excellent route to soak in the creativity atmosphere and discover the art of Ubud. There are no large tourist crowds here, and each workshop or gallery invites you to explore their world. A walk will take about 1–1.5 hours—depending on how much time you want to spend in these inspiring spaces.

Temple Walk — from Ubud center to an ancient cave

If you want to delve deeper into the culture and history of Bali, this route is an excellent choice. It starts right in the center of Ubud—at the royal palace Puri Saren Agung. Here, you can see traditional architecture, gates adorned with carvings, and sacred altars, which remain an essential part of local residents' lives.

Nearby is the Saraswati Temple, surrounded by a pond of blooming lotuses. It's especially beautiful here early in the morning when the flowers open, reflecting in the water. After this, you can head to Goa Gajah —a 9th-century ancient cave carved into the rock. This temple complex is shrouded in legends, and walking here, you can easily feel a connection to the island's rich spiritual heritage. All locations are situated close to each other. Such a walk will take about 2 hours.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces — an iconic place for a walk

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are arguably the most famous fields in Bali and one of the most photogenic places. About 20 minutes by car from the center of Ubud, you can reach them by bike or taxi, and then explore this place on foot.

A walk through Tegalalang's trails offers a chance to see how farmers have cultivated the land for centuries using the traditional subak irrigation system. The paths themselves are simple but can be slightly slippery, especially after rain. On one side of the terraces are cafes with panoramic platforms and the famous Bali Swing, offering the most impressive views. Allow about 1.5 hours for the walk—with stops for photos and a short rest on the terrace slopes. Tegalalang is an iconic place for nature lovers and the final highlight of the Ubud route.

For such walks, comfortable shoes are your main assistant, as the trails can be dirt or rocky. Don't forget water, a hat, and sunscreen—it's always sunny and hot in Bali. And if you want to learn more about the history of each place and hear legends that can't be found in guidebooks, we can arrange a suitable tour for you to make the walk even brighter and more interesting. May each step be a step towards new experiences.