Bali’s Ubud Becomes Safer For Tourists To Explore On Foot

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For anyone who has visited Bali before, you will be all too aware of how the island’s sidewalks and pavements are generally in pretty bad condition.

From broken paving slabs to gaping holes in the sidewalk, the situation is a cause for concern for both local community members and tourists. 

The situation has almost become something of a joke. Yesterday, with it being April Fool’s Day, local tour company Ubud Story Walks posted a funny announcement on social media explaining how they would now be known as Ubud Story Jump, “due to the increasingly unpredictable and challenging condition of Ubud’s pavements.”

The tongue-in-cheek jibe at the condition of the sidewalks is actually making a serious point. The condition of the pavements in Ubud is seriously bad; in fact, there have been numerous reports over the years of both tourists and locals getting injured, from sprained to broken ankles and major falls. For those using wheelchairs, pushchairs, or mobility aids, navigating Bali’s sidewalks is something of a nightmare. 

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Speaking to reporters, Nusakti Yasa Weda, Head of the Bali Provincial Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing, and Settlement Areas (PUPRKIM), explained that authority over sidewalks in Ubud lies at the provincial level. He confirmed that there has been an increase in the number of complaints, especially in top tourist resort areas. 

Weda confirmed that in 2026, major works will be carried out to improve the sidewalks of central Ubud. He shared, “The total is approximately 7 km. We’re still working on the details. Our design extends from the Teges intersection to Kedewatan.” He noted, however, that different sections of the project are being managed by different local authorities. Weda said, “Some of it is by us, some is by Gianyar, according to their respective authorities this year.”

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As for the section that will be handled by the Gianyar Regency Government, the repair plan covers the full length of pavement from in front of Ubud Palace to the entry to the world-famous Campuhan Ridge Walk.

Weda shared, “For this year’s work, information from Gianyar yesterday indicated that the work will be done from in front of Ubud Palace to Campuhan.”

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The complaints have not only been about the condition of the sidewalks, but also the ever-worsening traffic congestion along Jalan Raya Ubud and throughout the more tourist-oriented areas of town.

The issue, first and foremost, is the sheer volume of traffic trying to drive through the narrow, often one-way streets of Central Ubud, along with illegal parking, which turns many two-way roads into one-way roads, further slowing traffic flow.

Then, added into the mix are the dangerous sidewalks, which are in many places impassable, meaning tourists have no option but to walk on the road. 

There is hope that this new 7km stretch of pavement will make it safer and more enjoyable for pedestrians to navigate Central Ubud. Over the last few years, attention has been given to the pavements of other top tourist destinations, and it has made a big difference.

Take Sanur, for example. The area received a huge amount of investment and is now home to pristine sidewalks that make it safe to explore the coastal village on foot, and local leaders cracked down on illegal parking, too.

Similarly, in Kuta, work has been carried out to widen the sidewalks in strategic areas to help make it easier for tourists to access the beachfront on foot and, in turn, reduce the need for taxis for short journeys, thereby reducing traffic congestion. 

For tourists who do want to explore Bali on foot, Ubud Story Walks offer incredible walking tours through Bali’s most exciting historical landmarks and heritage sites. Operating small group walking tours seven days a week, Ubud Story Walks gets The Bali Sun seal of approval!

Led by enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable local guides, these tours offer visitors a deep dive into Balinese culture and history with a deeply personal, passionate, and ethical approach.