Ubud is one such place in Bali offering umpteen beautiful places waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Not only the tourists, but also the local people of the island are still on this never-ending journey of discovering exquisite spots and soaking in its serenity. Though it is popularly known as the “Town of the Artists,” Ubud is also famous for its trekking trips through the rice fields and deep – dense forest. It is a highly recommended activity owing to the fact that there are amazing journeys to undertake and unbelievable destinations to reach.
The famous trekking spot is the Campuhan Hill Ridge. To be on the safe side, start your morning or afternoon walk at the temple near Warwick Ibah Hotel. You will be entertained by tropical forests, charming houses and villas perched on the steep embankments of the river gorges. The trail surges along the open ridge line for about 2 kilometres before leading to a wide, broken road. The road then passes through a housing area and small art galleries, before finally emerges into few stunning terraced rice fields. The road continues on until meeting a main country road, and from there you can make a circle by turning left and following the main road back down into Ubud or else backtracking along Bukit Campuhan. Backtracking is the discreet, most charming route. You just need to stick to the path and you will be just fine.
Elephant treks are also arranged around Ubud. You can experience the feeling like a king atop an elephant trampling its way through the tropical, dense jungles. The jungle trails are steep in some places so you need to hold on to your seats tight. You can get off the elephants near the streams, lakes and take a quick dip. The same trek can also be experienced at night. This is a completely enchanted elephant experience through the dimly lit forest.
Taman Sari Temple is another trekking spot you may want to consider if you are up for rice fields view. Go for a short walk in the lush, green, terraced rice paddies to see villagers planting and harvesting rice as well as the traditional Balinese irrigation system. As you hear a numerous little birds chirping, you can absorb the greenery and freshness of the paddy fields. Continue your walk through the lush forested areas, plantations full of Balinese staples and cash crops like cloves, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, tapioca, taro, local vegetables and exotic tropical fruits. You will definitely come across some traditional craftsmen at work producing exquisite craft items tirelessly.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces can also be your trekking spot. Internationally well-known for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies, involving the traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system called Subak, Tegallalang is one of the most splendid terraced landscapes in Ubud region. The roadside location is cool and breezy, perfect combination for trekking. However, if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful surrounding, this is not the place to be as you will see tourists taking photos as well as numerous art kiosks and cafes near the ledge offering their ware.
The best time to trek in Ubud is the dry season. Rainy seasons make the mountains as well as the forests a dangerous place, and trekking is not recommended. Always aim to start a trek very early in the morning so that you can complete it by noon before the sun is up. Sunrise treks require you to be up all night, so a good sleep is recommended before it. You definitely need to carry sum woollen clothes since the mountains can get really windy and chilly. The sunset treks are also equally beautiful, but it is better that you come back in a car and not by walk for your safety in the dark. Ensure that you stay hydrated at all times to fight fatigue. Try the Balinese sweet coconut water to hydrate yourself.
Alternatively, you can always create your own trekking spot. Simply put on your walking shoes and start exploring the area. As a quote says, “Not all those who wander are lost”, the idea of walking around Ubud is to meet a lot of villagers, farmers, craftsmen who are very friendly and ready to interact with you. This way you can explore the Balinese lifestyle and culture very closely. At the end of the day, trekking is all about discovering places and yourself. So, be a traveller! Bring out the kid in you and plunge into trekking to see a new side of the island.
This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine
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