Walking isn't traditionally a major part of daily life in much of Asia, and Bali is no exception—locals usually get around by vehicles. However, with the growing number of tourists, Bali has seen a push to create more pedestrian-friendly spaces. Renovated promenades, rice field paths, and oceanfront walkways now make it easier and more enjoyable to explore the island on foot.
Here’s your complete guide to Bali’s best walking and running routes, from the heart of Ubud’s rice fields to the breezy coastlines.
Ubud: Rice Fields, Temples, and Tranquil Paths
Ubud, Bali’s cultural soul, sits surrounded by emerald rice fields, traditional villages, and tropical forest. Its slightly cooler climate compared to the coast makes it a perfect place for walking — especially in the early mornings (before 10:00 AM) or late afternoons (after 3:00–4:00 PM), when the sun is softer and the rice fields glow under a golden light. Even on cloudy days, it’s best to wear sunscreen or a hat.
Artist's Path (Campuhan Ridge Walk)
The Campuhan Ridge Walk, also known as the Artist’s Path, is Ubud’s most iconic trail. This easy-to-moderate walk leads you along a narrow ridge with sweeping views of the lush Wos River valley on either side. The path is paved at the beginning but quickly gives way to grassy trails and gently rolling hills.
Duration: 1–2 hours
Route: You can start at the Campuhan Bridge entrance for the full walk, or shorten the route by beginning near Warung Bukit Sari.
Atmosphere: Expect a peaceful vibe early in the morning, with locals doing yoga, artists sketching, and bird songs echoing across the valley.
Tip: The walk ends near a small lane lined with cozy cafes — a perfect spot for a fresh coconut or smoothie bowl.
Families with children will enjoy the walk, although strollers may need to be carried in some steeper sections.
Sweet Orange Walk Trail
The Sweet Orange Walk Trail in Ubud is a serene and picturesque path that meanders through lush rice paddies, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling town center. This trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or a gentle jog, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and traditional landscapes of Bali. It's a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with the island's rural charm.
Length and Duration: The walk is approximately 2 to 3 kilometers round trip, taking about 30 to 45 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Starting Point: The trail begins near the Puri Lukisan Museum on Jalan Raya Ubud. Look for a narrow alleyway adjacent to the museum, which leads you into the heart of the rice fields.
Terrain: The path is mostly flat and well-trodden, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Highlights Along the Trail: About halfway through the walk, you'll encounter the Sweet Orange Warung, a charming café nestled among the rice fields. It's an ideal spot to rest and enjoy refreshments while taking in the panoramic views.
Scenic Views: The trail offers stunning vistas of emerald rice paddies, traditional Balinese huts, and the occasional sight of farmers tending to their crops. The peaceful ambiance is enhanced by the sounds of nature and the gentle rustling of the rice stalks.
Penestanan Rice Field Walks
Penestanan is a charming village just west of Ubud, known for its bohemian spirit, quiet alleys, and lush rice fields.The walking here feels like slipping into a slower, older Bali.
Duration: 1–2 hours
You can start your walk from two main entrances:
Upper Penestanan Entrance: Climb the stairs either at the first entry point to the village or near Dharma Cafe, then continue toward Alchemy. After passing Alchemy, walk a few meters back and turn left toward the local water temple.
Ting Ting Warung Entrance: Alternatively, you can start by descending the stairs near Ting Ting Warung. This path leads you along the rice terraces, offering some of the most beautiful views in the area. On the right side of the trail, you’ll find an atmospheric water temple with carved statues.
Both starting points offer a calm, scenic walking experience through traditional Balinese landscapes.
Blue Bear Skatepark to Moksa Ubud/Good Day Resto Route
This is a quiet, lesser-known walking route through the rice fields of Ubud, perfect for those seeking a peaceful stroll away from the crowds.
Walking Time: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
Starting Point: Start near the Blue Bear Skatepark (Jl. Raya Penestanan Kelod). From there, follow the small paved path leading directly into the rice fields. The walk is easy and scenic, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional Balinese landscapes.
Route Highlights:
- Stroll through tranquil rice paddies.
- Soak in the peaceful atmosphere and occasional views of small temples and village life.
- About halfway along the route, you’ll reach Moksa Ubud — a beautiful plant-based restaurant nestled among the rice fields, ideal for a relaxing break.
- If you continue walking, you’ll eventually reach the Good Day Resto and Pool Bar — a cozy café popular for coffee, breakfast, and fresh juices.
Tegallalang Rice Fields Path
Just north of Ubud, Tegallalang is famous for its dramatic terraced rice fields — and while many tourists view them from above, few realize you can actually walk through them.
Starting Point: The walk starts from Wisata Alam Bali (WBA) village, where you'll find a well-maintained concrete path suitable for walking, jogging, and even cycling.
Highlights: As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking stair-step rice terraces, small shrines, and farmers tending their fields. In the early morning, a light mist often clings to the paddies, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Tip: Come early to avoid crowds and bring small change if you want to support local farmers (some paths request a small donation for maintenance).
Bali’s Best Coastal Walks: Sanur, Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Kuta
Walking along Bali’s coastline is a refreshing contrast to the inland rice fields. The best time for beach walks is early morning (before 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) when the sun is gentler and the ocean breeze makes the heat more bearable.
Sanur Beach Walk
Sanur, a tranquil suburb of Denpasar, offers one of Bali’s most pedestrian-friendly environments — a rare find on the island where scooters usually dominate the roads. Thanks to its wide sidewalks and well-maintained beachfront path, Sanur has become a favorite for retirees, families with children, and anyone who enjoys a peaceful stroll or a leisurely bike ride.
The Sanur waterfront promenade stretches for 5–6 kilometers along the coastline and is thoughtfully divided into two zones:
one for cyclists and another for pedestrians, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.
As you walk, the path takes you past a series of resort hotels, local cafes, and relaxed beach bars. The eastern side of the promenade offers breathtaking views of Mount Agung and Nusa Penida Island, especially beautiful in the clear morning light.
You can start your walk or cycle from any beach entrance and head either north or south, making it easy to tailor the route to your energy and mood.
For a refreshing break, don’t miss Nelayan Bali Café, a charming spot located roughly halfway along the path, perfect for a cold coconut or a light snack.
Best Route Tip:
For the most scenic experience, start your walk at Mertasari Beach and continue northwards toward Segara Ayu Beach, or even all the way to the northern end of Sanur Beach, covering the full stretch of the promenade.
Whether you’re out for a casual stroll, a morning jog, or a relaxed bike ride, Sanur’s waterfront offers one of the most enjoyable and accessible coastal walks in Bali.
Nusa Dua Oceanfront Promenade
This upscale resort area offers beautifully manicured beaches and a peaceful coastal path.
Length and Duration: The walk is approximately 4 kilometers, taking about 30 to 45 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Route: Start from Geger Beach and follow the oceanfront trail northwards past luxury resorts.
Highlights:
Immaculate beaches, shaded palm-lined paths, and calm turquoise waters. It’s an easy, flat walk, perfect for families or those looking for a relaxing outing.
Tip:
Don’t miss a quick detour to the Water Blow viewpoint, where waves crash dramatically against the cliffs.
Seminyak Beachfront Walk
Located on the southwest coast of Bali, Seminyak is known for its stylish atmosphere, upscale resorts, and lively beach culture.
The beachfront promenade here has been recently renovated and extended, making it a fantastic spot for a morning jog, a relaxed walk, or a sunset stroll.
Route:
The path now stretches several kilometers in both directions. From Seminyak Beach, you can walk southwards through Kuta Beach all the way toward the Airport Reef Beach, or northwards in the direction of Canggu, giving you plenty of options depending on how far you want to go.
Highlights:
Along the way, you’ll encounter a vibrant mix of surfers catching waves, beachfront cafés and bars serving fresh coconuts and cocktails, and yoga enthusiasts practicing at sunrise.
In some sections, small rivers flow across the sand — here, you’ll need to take off your shoes and wade barefoot to continue your walk.
Whether you’re looking for an active workout or a leisurely stroll with ocean views, Seminyak’s beachfront walk offers one of the most dynamic coastal experiences in Bali.
Kuta Beachfront Walk
Kuta, located on the southwest coast of Bali, just south of Seminyak, is one of the island’s most iconic beach destinations.
Famous for its lively atmosphere, long stretches of golden sand, and stunning sunsets, Kuta now also boasts a renovated beachfront promenade, making it ideal for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the tropical scenery.
Route:
The paved walkway runs along the beachfront, starting from Airport Reef Beach near the airport, passing through Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, and continuing north towards Seminyak Beach.
You can start your walk from Airport Reef Beach, Jerman Beach, Discovery Mall, Kuta Beach, or Beachwalk Shopping Center, depending on how much distance you want to cover.
- Walking from Airport Reef Beach offers a unique view of planes taking off and landing nearby.
- Heading north, the path transitions seamlessly into the livelier Kuta stretch and then into the slightly more laid-back Legian and Seminyak areas.
Highlights:
- Ocean views all along the way, with surfers riding the waves and local fishermen in the early mornings.
- Warungs, cafés, and beach bars line the route, perfect for breaks.
- Spectacular sunsets that light up the sky with shades of orange, pink, and purple.
- Great people-watching opportunities, from morning joggers to sunset crowds.
Distance:
The full walk from Airport Reef Beach to northern Seminyak is around 6–7 kilometers, depending on where you start and finish.
Tip:
For a quieter experience, start early in the morning when the beach is calmer. For a classic Bali sunset experience, plan your walk for late afternoon, arriving at Kuta Beach just before sunset.
If you want a good coffee stop, % Arabica Café is a great choice, or grab a fresh coconut at any beachside warung.
Conclusion
Walking and jogging in Bali aren't just ways to stay active — they're some of the best ways to truly experience the island’s magic.
Whether you’re wandering through the emerald rice fields of Ubud, strolling along a breezy coastal promenade in Sanur, or catching a breathtaking sunset over Kuta’s golden sands, each step brings you closer to Bali’s natural beauty and laid-back charm.
From peaceful trails surrounded by swaying palm trees to lively beachfront paths filled with surfers and cafés, Bali offers incredible walking routes for every mood and pace.
So lace up your shoes, grab a bottle of water (and maybe your camera), and hit the trails.
Bali’s rice fields and beaches are waiting for you — one unforgettable step at a time.
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