Mist hugging Mount Agung. Sunrise spreading its golden light on the ricefields. Growing sounds from the village coming to life. There’s no doubt about it : this morning, you woke up in Sidemen, Bali. After so many months spent on the island, I just recently discovered this little lost Eden, proudly preserved by its inhabitants. And because this secret is too exciting to keep it to myself, I decided to carry you along with me on this journey to the best things to do in Sidemen, Bali. My promise ? A magical trip to a part of Bali that’s still authentic and remote. Now how can you say no to that ?
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Sidemen, Bali : where is it & how do you get there ?
Sidemen is the name of a village and a district (kecamatan in Indonesian) located on the East side of Bali, Indonesia. You’ll find it halfway between Ubud and Amed, 2 wonderful destinations – if you’re not convinced yet, read my post about Amed ! Sidemen is also located 30-40 min away from the coastal town of Candi Dasa. So overall, if you’re wondering “is Sidemen is worth visiting ?”, I can assure you that not only are there many great things to do here, but as you can tell its location on the map is also pretty convenient !
If you’re wondering how to get to Sidemen, you’ll have to take a decision that’s common for all tourists in Bali. Either you’ll chose the fun of driving your own scooter or you can get more comfy in a car with a driver. From my own experience, I can tell you that driving to Sidemen from Ubud or Amed is quite easy (and the views are beautiful 🤩) but if driving on the island sounds like a daring experience, just opt for the car !
Need a driver in Bali ?
I’ll handle all the logistics for you with one of my local drivers ! Just take a minute to fill out this form :
What to do in Sidemen, Bali ?
So now you must be wondering… What are the best activities to do around Sidemen ? Let’s find out right now !
1. Get lost in the beauty of the ricefields
So you might be asking yourself : what’s Sidemen even known for ? If I had to give you the shortest answer, I’d say that Sidemen’s ricefields are clearly the stars of the show. And you’ll quickly understand why, once you’ll see this infinite ocean of green surrounding the whole area… Forget Tegalalang’s rice terrace packed with Instagramers, in this ricefield you’ll be welcomed with silence, a few farmers smiling at you from afar and kids playing in the subak, the little irrigation canals. There are some famous trails that you can follow in the fields : for more info on that, ask your hotel about it. I personally just woke up at 5:30 and drove my scooter for 5 min to enjoy the sunrise on the valley…✨
The WOW element of Sidemen’s ricefields is obviously Mount Agung‘s silhouette peaking in the background. And because a volcano always comes with fertile soils, you’ll be greated with many types of plantations during your strolls, like chili, local vegetables or peanuts (by the way, did you know it looked like this ?).
Did you know it?
Ricefields play a major role in the Balinese daily life. Not only do they represent their biggest source of food since over a 1000 years, but they are also considered as sacred ! They are under the protection of the goddess Sri and that’s why you can see little altars in all ricefields.
2. Go waterfall chasing
Another great outdoor activity and one of the best things to do in Sidemen is waterfall chasing.
The first time I came to Sidemen, I actually had no idea I was here ! I hadn’t even check in which region I was, because I came for one particular spot. Yes, we’re talking about the Gembleng waterfall (I found the picture above on Instagram, since I unfortunately couldn’t take one myself when I was there). What you can’t see on the picture is that there’s not only one natural pool with a jungle view, but several ones ! The waterfall itself is certainly not the most impressive of the island, but this place is still totally worth the stop.
The entrance to the waterfall is based on donation, I think we gave about 20 000 rupiah each (a bit more than 1€). The spot is located just outside the village and it’s really easy to access (see the exact location on Google Maps here).
In addition to Gembleng, the area around Sidemen is packed with stunning waterfalls, such as Tukad Cepung from the picture above (see location here), a magical place hidden in between rocks, or Jagasatru waterfall (location), incredible with its large size and its golden statue ! Those 2 waterfalls are located a bit further from the town, but the ride in the countryside is absolutely beautiful.
Want to capture your best moments in Bali ?
My balinese friend Aditya works as a personal photographer and he’s one of the best I know ! Even camera-shy people feel at ease with him. Here’s the link to his Airbnb experience if you’d like to check out his work and maybe even book a photoshoot in Sidemen ! Do tell him that Isa sent you 😉
3. Go white water rafting on the river Telaga Waja
Any outdoor sports lovers here ? This next activity is for you 😉 Time to head to the Tegala Waja river just outside Sidemen for a rafting session ! I had no expectation when I tried this and quite frankly, we had a blast.
The guides are super friendly, you feel totally safe and despite being shaken up the whole time (that’s why it’s fun !), you can really enjoy beautiful sceneries in the jungle, with little waterfalls and views on the ricefields and villages. From what I remember, we were on the raft for 2h30 and we had a great lunch at the end. Overall, there’s no doubt it’s one of the best things to do in Sidemen.
interested in this activity ?
There are several rafting companies, but I chose this one that was super professional :
4. Make your own silver jewelry
I’m inserting here this picture I found on Instagram because, in total transparency, I haven’t tried this activity. I do my best to recommend only things I have tested myself in this blog, but I also want to make my guides as complete as possible 🙂
Anyways, making your own silver jewelry is a very popular activity to do in Sidemen, Bali. It’s a very unique idea, it makes a great souvenir to bring home AND it’s a nice way of paying tribute to the amazing local craftsmen. If you’d like to try it out, one of the most famous workshops is Agung Silver – for more information check out their Instagram account.
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5. Dive deep into the local life
Despite the small groups of tourists you’ll meet on Sidemen‘s main streets, this region of Bali is still very quiet and that’s exactly why I love it so much. If you’re interested in the balinese culture, this is your perfect occasion to dive deep into the local daily life.
What’s the best way to do it, in my opinion ? Take a cooking class with the locals ! Some hotels in Sidemen offer cooking lessons, but I find it so much more immersive to do it in a local’s home. My friends and I tried it out at the home of an absolutely adorable couple (see photos above). From picking up the ingredients in their garden to cooking the 5 dishes to sharing the meal together at the end, it was a beautiful moment of sharing 🤩
Wanna try this cooking class ?
Hit me up so I can put you in touch with the lovely couple I’m working with :
Another great way to experience local life is to wake up at sunrise around 6am and go explore Sidemen’s market. Street food, local veggies and fruits (try the salak or “snake fruit” !), flowers for the offerings… I really enjoyed immersing myself in this atmosphere that brought me back to the javanese markets from my childhood – my mom is javanese and I spent most of my summers there.
One last activity I’d like to mention is visiting a traditional weaving workshop. You’ll get to see with your own eyes the manufacturing process of the wonderful sarongs that every Balinese wears. The workshops are quite easy to find on the main streets – actually, even the owner of our guesthouse had her own weaving loom !
6. Treat yourself at the spa
If the weather isn’t great or if you simply feel like treating yourself to a moment of pure relaxation, why not go for a spa session in Sidemen ? I personally tried Yuna Spa and absolutely loved it. The staff is truly exceptional, they offers a great range of treatments and the best part — the prices are incredibly low !
What to do around Sidemen ?
You probably got the idea : Sidemen’s not very big. I’d say that 2 to 3 days are actually enough here. The good news is that there are lots of really cool spots to visit around the region ! So if you’re wondering what to do around Sidemen, here is my selection of the best activities :
1. Climb a volcano
🚗 Distance from Sidemen : Agung about 40 min / Batur about 1h20
Hiking enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers… Believe me, we all have a good reason to climb a volcano during a trip to Sidemen, Bali ! I mentionned it in my Amed post : climbing Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak and the island’s most sacred place, is one of the best things I’ve done here. So if you’re a sporty person, don’t just admire Agung from Sidemen… go climb to its summit ! 💪Just note that you will need a guide – I have inserted a link just below. And if Agung and its 3000m of altitude scare you a little, why not try Mount Batur that’s accessible to all levels ? It is certainly more crowded, but watching the sunrise from its summit is truly spectacular !
Want to take on the challenge of Batur or Agung ?
I’ll sort it all out for you with my local partner Fikry, an Indonesian guide who knows the volcanoes like the back of his hand ! Send me a quick message on WhatsApp now for more information :
2. Explore Bali's biggest temple
🚗 Distance from Sidemen : about 30 min
Want to know more about Balinese culture and the fascinating and complex Hindu rituals ? Another great activity to do near Sidemen is located at the foot of Mount Agung : the Pura Besakih temple or “Mother Temple”, aka the most important Hindu sanctuary on the island. During your trip here you’ll get to visit of an entire complex of temples (there are 86 of them !!) and come across many Balinese who have come to worship in their ceremonial attire – all of this in a crazy natural setting. 1 ticket costs only 4 000 rupiah and you’ll need to wear a sarong to get in (there’s a rental service at the entrance).
3. Visit a jaw-dropping floating palace
🚗 Distance from Sidemen : about 1h
Taman Ujung is the type of place you’ll only see once in your life – no wonder why I think it’s one of the best things to do around Sidemen ! Close your eyes and picture this : a stunning building with a balinese / european architecture, a palace floating on beautiful ponds, a view on the sea and the ricefields… Pretty insane, right ? An entrance ticket costs 75 000 rupiah, it is more expensive than Besakih but this place is also more adapted to tourists since you won’t disturb any local during their religious ceremony…
Running out of time ?
I found for you this great daytrip that gathers Sidemen, the Palace of Ujung and Candidasa, a beautiful coastal town :
4. Chill on a virgin beach
🚗 Distance from Sidemen : about 1h
Some tourists who come to Bali get a little disappointed when they see the beaches that don’t correspond to their idea of the typical “tropical paradise” = wide strips of white sand and crystal blue water… To that, I would say 1) black sand beaches are also incredible charming 2) there’s a huge variety of beaches in Bali 3) guys, have you seen Virgin Beach ? This is clearly THE place you want to visit near Sidemen to enjoy a setting to die for… Cliffs covered in lush jungle, enormous white sand beach and above all, very few tourists ! Yes, you could say that the beach lives up to its name. So, did I convince you ?
5. Step back in time in an ancestral village
🚗 Distance from Sidemen : about 1h
The last place you should visit near Sidemen is Tenganan Village. There’s a reason why I chose this title. The first time I ended up in this village, it was by chance because I had gotten lost and it made me feel like I had entered in a bubble lost in the past… Tenganan is the oldest village in Bali but the truth is, very few tourists know about it. It’s one of the only places that resisted the Hindu-Javanese influence and today, it’s pretty crazy to see its cobbled streets, its houses with an architecture that’s different from the rest of the island, its inhabitants in traditional outfits… A must see if you want to experience “the real Bali” near Sidemen !
Where to stay in Sidemen, Bali ?
Sidemen, Bali may be a village, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be short on accommodation options! There’s something for every taste and budget, from the most extravagant to the simplest – yet no less charming 😉
If you’re looking to go all out, head to the region’s most stunning resorts:
Sleeping in a bamboo villa in Sidemen is a very popular experience, and I can totally see why—what could be better than staying in a place that blends seamlessly into this breathtaking nature ? Some options include:
- The brand-new Bird Hills Bamboo House
- The Veluvana villas, a total hit on social media
- The Magic Hills villas, which truly live up to their name…
Yes, these accomodations aren’t on the cheap side, but let’s be honest—it’s more than just a night in a hotel. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t forget.
No worries if you don’t want to keep it simple, there are plenty of much more affordable alternatives, such as:
- Sweet Escape, a small resort slightly off the beaten path, but set in an absolutely stunning location and budget-friendly
- Giri Carik Hotel, at just €25 per night for a double bedroom
Where to eat in Sidemen ?
And if all these activities have left you hungry, be sure that Sidemen has a great choice of restaurants, whether you just want to grab a bite or treat yourself to a high quality meal ! To mention a few :
- Warung Ume Anyar located 5 min away from the center, for yummy and super cheap local dishes
- Warung Makan Dwijayanti located higher on the hills, amazing food and breathtaking views on the valley
- Sleeping Gajah Kitchen & Lounge for a more sophisticated meal in a stunning set
- 09.00am coffee and eatery for a nice breakkie in the center
I hope you enjoyed this post about “what to do in Sidemen, Bali” ! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section just below !
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