Ubud has cemented its reputation as Bali‘s cultural heart and spiritual centre, but it also deserves accolades for being a nature lover’s paradise.
With its wealth of lush jungles, rice terraces, and peaceful villages, the district offers a variety of scenic walks that invite you to slow down and soak in the island’s natural beauty.
Set out on one of these inspiring walks and witness breathtaking views that showcase the best of Bali’s remarkable landscapes.
Sari Organic Walk
This trail started as a leisurely means to get to Sari Organic Cafe, a popular farm-to-table eatery with panoramic vistas of the surrounding rice paddies.
However, the picture-perfect views of farmland and quaint local shops along the way have turned this into a must-do experience on its own.
The walk is particularly popular among those who want to escape into nature without leaving central Ubud. The two-kilometre path begins at Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, a small street just off the main road, which is why it is also called the Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk.
Kajeng Rice Field
Just a stone’s throw away from the Sari Organic Walk, the walk at Kajeng Rice Field is another easily accessible path that covers two to three kilometres.
Starting near Jalan Kajeng, the trail passes through the Kajeng Rice Fields, Subak Juwuk Manis Rice Fields, and the small Sweet Orange Warung cafe. If you tackle the looping path in reverse order starting from the cafe, it is known as the Sweet Orange Walk Trail.
This is the ideal trail for you if you want to enjoy some lush greenery in the heart of Ubud, with the option to stop at local warung (stalls) and art shops along the way.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Campuhan Ridge Walk is arguably Ubud’s most iconic nature trail. Following the crest of a ridge flanked by sweeping valleys and lush green hills, the walk boasts some unforgettable panoramic views.
The two-kilometre trail is fully paved and can be easily completed by walkers of all fitness levels. It is also strategically located just a 20-minute walk from Ubud’s main tourist streets, with numerous shops and cafes along the way.
The best time to go is in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler, and the lighting is perfect for pictures.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
This picturesque walk takes you along meandering paths among the magnificent Tegallalang Rice Terrace, a series of cascading paddy fields.
Located a 20-minute drive from Ubud, the rice terrace is a well-known showcase of subak, a traditional Balinese tiered irrigation system that dates back to the eighth century.
With several paths to follow, this easy two—to four-kilometre walk allows you to wander between the scenic rows of rice paddies and observe local farmers working their fields up close.
Petulu Village
Some three kilometres north of Ubud lies Petulu Village, known for its unique role as a roosting spot for hundreds of white herons.
Every evening, these elegant birds return to perch in the village trees, transforming the area as they fill the skies and surrounding areas—a mesmerising daily occurrence since the 1960s.
The walk from Ubud town to Petulu Village is easy and manageable, offering a glimpse of rural life in Bali. The best time to reach the village is at dusk when the herons settle in for the night, so prepare to make the return journey in the dark if you do not have alternative transportation.
This story by Jacie Tan Cheng Hwee was originally published on AirAsia. Zafigo republished this story in full with permission from the publisher, simply because good stories should be read by as many people as possible! If you have stories that will be of interest and useful to women travellers, especially in Asia, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
