The Most Beautiful Areas of Ubud Are Hiding in Plain Sight
Are you looking for zen in Ubud, but all you can find are traffic jams? I’ve got you covered.
Looking for zen and a laid-back vibe?
Many travelers come to Ubud looking for their own Eat, Pray, Love experience.
When they finally arrive, they are met by hordes of motorbikes, cars, and bars playing music one louder than the other. It’s so far from zen you wonder what the hype was all about. After calling Ubud my home for the last two months, I have gotten to know some of the secrets Ubud has to offer.
Here are my top areas to explore in Ubud for ultimate zen mode, while still being within walking distance from town.
Sari Organic Walk
Sari Organic Walk is a trail with beautiful rice fields and banana trees everywhere you look.
You can only access this street on foot or by motorbike and it’s excellent for running or strolling during sunset (or sunrise if you’re that type). Along the trail, you will find many yoga studios, and a handful of small, charming cafés where you can sit and enjoy the views.
The further you walk, the more remote it gets, but you are never far away from town.
Camphuan Ridge
The Camphuan Ridge Walk is a not-so-hidden secret, but worth mentioning anyway for its stunning views.
Coming off the main road, you walk down a jungle-covered road leading to a beautiful temple. If you like, you can visit the temple, or if you’re lucky, witness a ceremony. If you’re visiting, remember to bring a sarong. The trail itself is a short walk overlooking valleys on both sides, beautiful for walking in the sunset or having a photoshoot.
At the end of the walk, you are rewarded with a few warungs (restaurants) where you can enjoy a drink or a snack before walking back.
Penestanan
Penestanan is an area famous for its numerous yoga studios, vegan food, healthy juices, and all sorts of spiritual practices you need to support your healing journey.
(That is why you are headed to Ubud right?)
Locate the famous Penestanan stairs and climb to the top. Once you reach the top and catch your breath, you can wander these narrow streets and find yourself a small warung to sip a coconut. Or maybe find the perfect place to practice your downward-facing dog.
Hot tip: in this area, you can find beautiful affordable villas, and if you ask me, it’s the best place to stay during your holiday in Ubud.
Location on Google Maps (Penestanan stairs)
Beyond Ubud Market street to Kajeng Rice Fields
Walking along Raya Ubud (main road) you will dump into the market street right next to Starbucks.
Stroll through the colorful market, and buy a souvenir or three for your loved ones. Do not turn around when the market stalls end. Keep walking and you will find a peaceful trail with gorgeous views of the rice fields.
Follow the sign to the Sweet Orange Warung and walk among the local farmers in the rice fields and the path will take you right back to the main road of Ubud.
If you fancy a longer trek, go past the sign and walk until the road merges with the Sari Organic Walk, which you can follow back to Ubud.
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