Ubud Story Walks

13 Best Places to Hike in Bali

Bali is famous for its beaches, but if you’re looking for an adventure, you need to explore the best places to hike in Bali.
With stunning mountains, hidden waterfalls, and lush forests, Bali offers something for every hiker, from beginners to seasoned trekkers.

1. Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

Source: Stijn Dijkstra
Best hike for sunrise views
7km (4.4 miles) round trip, 4 hours, moderate
Mount Batur is one of Bali’s most popular hikes, famous for its spectacular sunrise. Most hikers begin around 3 a.m. to reach the summit by sunrise, offering views of Lake Batur, Mount Agung, and Mount Rinjani.
This moderately challenging hike is ideal for those looking for a rewarding experience without too much strain. Remember to bring an extra layer, as it can get chilly at the summit.

2. West Bali National Park

Source: Wikimedia
Best hike for wildlife spotting
Various trails from 2 hours to 2 days, challenging (or easy for shorter trails)
West Bali National Park offers some of Bali’s best wildlife hikes, taking you through dense forests, mangrove swamps, and open savannahs. Trails range from short, easy walks to more challenging multi-day treks, covering up to 32km.
You’ll likely encounter deer, monkeys, and exotic birds like the Bali starling. A guide is required, but it’s well worth it for the chance to explore Bali’s unspoiled wilderness.

3. Sekumpul Waterfall

Source: Pexels
Best hike for a waterfall swim
2.4km (1.5 miles) round trip, 1 hour, easy
Sekumpul Waterfall is an easy hike, ideal for those looking to combine a short walk with stunning natural beauty.
The hike takes you through small villages and rice paddies before arriving at seven waterfalls, with Sekumpul being the most famous. It’s the perfect place to cool off with a swim after your walk.

4. Mount Batukaru

Source: Erik Mariachi
Best hike for an overnight adventure
19km (12 miles) round trip, 2 days, challenging
Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second-highest peak at 2,276m, is a tough but rewarding hike. This overnight trek takes you through dense forests to the summit, offering panoramic views of Bali’s landscape.
It’s a challenging hike with steep, slippery sections, but camping at the top makes the experience truly magical. You can also do this as a day hike, but it’s a long and tiring journey.

5. Mount Agung

Best hike for pushing your limits

14.5km (9 miles) round trip, 10 hours, very challenging
Mount Agung is Bali’s highest peak and its most sacred mountain. This challenging hike is only for experienced trekkers, covering a steep 14.5km round trip that can take up to 10 hours.
Although the summit has been closed since the 2018 eruption, when open, the views from 3,031m above sea level are spectacular. The spiritual significance of Agung makes this hike a deeply meaningful experience for many.

6. Munduk Twin Lakes

Source: Shutterstock
Best hike for unspoiled lake views 
8km (5 miles) one way, 3-4 hours, moderate

The Munduk Twin Lakes hike offers some of the most serene views in Bali, linking the lakes of Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan. This moderate hike takes you through lush forests and lakeside paths, with very few tourists in sight. 

The area is peaceful and unspoiled, perfect for a quiet, reflective hike. You’ll also pass several small temples along the way.

7. Campuhan Ridge Walk

Source: Shutterstock
Best accessible hike for beginners
3.2km (2 miles) round trip, 1.5 hours, easy
Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of Bali’s most accessible and scenic hikes. This easy 3.2km round trip takes you along a ridge with beautiful views of rice fields and jungle valleys.
It’s perfect for beginners and families, offering a gentle stroll through some of Ubud’s most picturesque landscapes. There are cafes along the way where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

8. Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Source: Oleksandr P
Best cultural hike
3-4km, 1-2 hours, easy to moderate
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces offer one of Bali’s most iconic landscapes. This easy-to-moderate hike takes you through beautifully sculpted rice fields, with plenty of opportunities to learn about traditional Balinese farming methods.
The hike is not particularly challenging, but the steps can be steep in some places. Take your time and enjoy the views, which are especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.

9. Sekumpul and Fiji Waterfalls

Source: Joe Fikar
Best for waterfall lovers 
5km (3 miles) round trip, 2-3 hours, moderate
This hike combines the beauty of Sekumpul with the nearby Fiji Waterfalls, offering a moderate 5km trek through Bali’s lush jungle.
The hike is a bit more challenging than Sekumpul alone, but it’s well worth it for the chance to see multiple waterfalls in one journey. Bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the pools at the end.

10. Sambangan Secret Garden

Source: Wandernesia
Best for waterfall lovers 
Best for adventurers
5-7 hours, moderate
Sambangan, known as Bali’s ‘Secret Garden,’ offers an adventurous hike through rice fields, waterfalls, and a scenic blue lagoon.
The hike takes around 5-7 hours, depending on how long you spend swimming in the natural pools and sliding down the waterfalls. This moderate hike is perfect for thrill-seekers who want to explore a less touristy part of Bali.

11. Mount Lesung

Best for overnight camping
12km (7.5 miles) round trip, 6-8 hours, moderate
Mount Lesung is a hidden gem in Bali’s tropical rainforest. This moderate 12km hike takes you through dense forests to the summit, where you can camp overnight.
The views of the surrounding valleys and lakes are breathtaking, especially at sunrise. If you love stargazing and the sounds of the jungle, this is the hike for you.

12. Tirtagangga Rice Paddies

Best for a peaceful stroll
3-4km, 1-2 hours, easy
The Tirtagangga Rice Paddies offer a peaceful and scenic hike through Bali’s rural countryside.
The easy trail takes you past terraced rice fields, small streams, and traditional Balinese villages. It’s a relaxing hike that gives you a glimpse of local life, away from the tourist crowds.

13. Mount Rinjani (Lombok)

Source: ROMAN ODINTSOV
Best for experienced hikers
60km (37 miles) round trip, 4-7 days, very challenging
Although located on the nearby island of Lombok, Mount Rinjani is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the region.
This multi-day trek takes you to the summit of a 3,726m active volcano, with stunning views of Segara Anak crater lake and the surrounding landscape. It’s a strenuous hike that requires good fitness and preparation, but the experience is unforgettable.

Follow UbudStoryWalks

Follow @ubudstorywalks on Instagram for more hiking tips and hidden gems in Bali!
Stay updated with the latest adventure guides and beautiful hiking spots across the island.

FAQ's

Yes, there are many beginner-friendly hikes in Bali, such as the Campuhan Ridge Walk and Sekumpul Waterfall. For more challenging hikes, it’s best to hire a guide.
The best time to hike in Bali is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the trails are less slippery, and the weather is cooler.
While some hikes, like Campuhan Ridge, are easy to navigate on your own, more challenging hikes such as Mount Batur and West Bali National Park require a guide.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and comfortable hiking shoes. For longer hikes, pack a flashlight and an extra layer for the cooler temperatures at higher altitudes.
Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams

related blogs

Best Indonesian Street Food that are a Must Try
13Jan

Best Indonesian Street Food that…

From savory Nasi Goreng to sweet Klepon, discover the vibrant world of Indonesian street food…

Art in Indonesia: Heritage, Creativity, and Modern Applications 
09Jan

Art in Indonesia: Heritage, Creativity,…

Indonesia Travel Bucket List is a must-have for travelers seeking adventure,

Ubud Centre – What You Need to Know Before Going
31Dec

Ubud Centre – What You…

Indonesia Travel Bucket List is a must-have for travelers seeking adventure,

Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...

Excellent
Based on 163 reviews
Vicky Ilankovan
Vicky Ilankovan
2024-12-13
A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim
LH Sim
2024-12-10
Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica Hübner
Jessica Hübner
2024-12-05
Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar
Andrea Slosar
2024-12-03
I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami
Neeraj Goswami
2024-12-01
I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap
Vinay Kashyap
2024-11-26
It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields
tamara fields
2024-11-26
Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins
David Hodgins
2024-11-25
We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter
Jill Boulter
2024-11-22
Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend 👍.
Shafiga Elshan
Shafiga Elshan
2024-11-15
It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!