Sidemen is hands-down our favorite area of Bali. It’s probably what most people imagine when they think of a green, lush island, with mountains and jungle forests as far as the eye can see, mixed in with stunningly beautiful rice fields and charming rural villages. While it does have several resort hotels scattered across the rice fields, it gets nowhere near the amount of visitors that Ubud or South Bali get. Here, time seems to slow down, and you can easily and often find yourself alone exploring the various corners of the region. Due to its location and natural beauty, Sidemen also makes an excellent base from which you can explore many of the attractions of East Bali. To help you plan your time around this hidden gem, we put together this Bali travel guide on the Best Things to see and do in Sidemen.
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You might also be interested in these pages (coming soon):
Best Things to See and Do in Bali
Best Things to See and Do in the Gili Islands
The Perfect Three-Week Bali Itinerary
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Bali
Sidemen – Location & Map
Sidemen (also rarely spelled Sideman) is located in south-central Bali, in the Karangasem Regency (link to Google Maps), about 30 km northeast of Ubud.
How to Get to Sidemen
Drive times from elsewhere in Bali can be highly variable depending on the traffic conditions.
Distance from Ubud: 35 km // Average Drive Time: 1h20 – 1h40
Distance from Kuta: 55 km // Average Drive Time: 1h40 – 2h
Distance from Canggu: 55 km // Average Drive Time: 1h50 – 2h15
Distance from Sanur: 45 km // Average Drive Time: 1h10 -1h30
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Transport Options
In our opinion, the two best transport options to get to Sidemen from elsewhere in Bali are: renting a scooter (moped) or hiring a car and driver (which really isn’t as expensive as it sounds).
You can also use Bali ride-hailing apps such as Gojek or Grab, and make use of local taxis, but these options will typically cost more, especially if you plan on visiting several sites and attractions on the same day. Also, Gojek or Grab are not authorized to pick up people in certain locations where local taxi unions limit their services, including Canggu, Sanur, and Ubud. For more information on getting around the island and the different available options, check out our guide on How to Best Get Around Bali.
Getting to Ubud by Scooter: Once you get to Bali, you’ll quickly realize that scooter rental operators are everywhere. Although most street-side vendors will regularly be the cheapest option, they come short in several other aspects compared with more reliable and established vendors. For instance, most won’t offer roadside assistance or insurance that covers theft, nor do they regularly sanitize the helmets or have their scooters undergo regular maintenance. For this reason, we highly recommend using Bikago for your scooter rentals. Renting from them might be slightly more expensive (but still can be rented for as low as 12-15 US$/€ per day), but you get great peace of mind, as among many other perks, all scooters undergo extensive quality checks.
What you get with your Bikago rental:
-Helmets
-Full tank of petrol and unlimited mileage
-Free Delivery and Collection at your Hotel
-24/7 Roadside Assistance and First Aid Medical Kit
-Charging Mobile Phone Holder
By Car and Driver hire: Hiring a car and driver to explore Bali can be a practical and cost-efficient way to experience a full day of sightseeing. Although this option is more expensive than renting a scooter (typically 40-60 US$/€ per day), you don’t have to worry about navigating the Bali roads and traffic. Also, most cars are modern and air-conditioned, which is welcome in Bali’s humid heat, and the local drivers always know the best routes to take and can optimize your ideal itinerary. Here are some of the best options to choose from:
About Sidemen
Sidemen actually refers to many things: an administrative region within the island’s royal regency of Karangasem, the central and largest village within that region, and the beautiful valley in which the village is located. The region as a whole has a population of about 40,000 spread out across 10 villages or hamlets.
As a whole, the area is known for its picturesque rice fields, traditional farming, stunning natural beauty, and for offering a unique glimpse into local Balinese customs and life. It’s generally a bit cooler in Sidemen than in Ubud or South Bali due to its higher elevation.
Sidemen village is a place of true natural beauty where time just seems to slow down. The locals never seem to be in as much of a rush as in other places on the island, and few tourists venture out to this region (at least compared to Ubud). It’s a great place to unwind, appreciate the scenery and watch the locals and farmers go about their lives.
Here, Gunung Agung, Bali’s highest and most sacred volcano, also provides a dramatic backdrop to a panorama of rice fields and mountain forests as far as your eyes can see.
Finally, unlike other areas of Bali, there’s little nightlife to speak of here. After the sun sets, you’ll only hear the sounds of nature.
How to Get Around in Sidemen
Sidemen is a small village surrounded by beautiful countryside. The best way to explore the immediate area is either on foot or via scooter (but we recommend hiring a private driver to explore attractions that are further away from the village as part of a day trip).
The following are the main streets of interest in Sidemen. The central portion of the highlighted path (Jalan Raya Sinduwati road) that goes through the center of Sidemen isn’t all that interesting, as it’s the busiest street traffic-wise, and it’s somewhat devoid of interesting places and views, aside from the morning farmer’s market (more on this further below).
The three streets that branch off of this street to the west and south are the interesting parts of town. The top branch follows a road that passes over the scenic yellow bridge (pedestrians and scooters only), through beautiful rice fields, and to the Village of Dukuh (link to Google Maps). The middle branch along Jalan Sidemen – Sangkan (link to Google Maps) road takes you through scenic rice fields and to the starting point of the stunning Sidemen Rice Field Trek (more on this below). The branch that goes south along Jalan Raya Tebola (link to Google Maps) is not only very scenic (it’s surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains on either side), but it’s also where most of the best accommodation options and restaurants are located.
There’s nowhere near the amount of traffic on the streets here that you would experience in Ubud or South Bali. The main road through town can get busy as it’s an important north-south road in eastern Bali, but the three branches we highlighted above are suitable for walking despite the absence, for the most part, of sidewalks. There’s a bit more traffic during morning and late-afternoon rush hour when locals are travelling to and from work, but otherwise we found the roads to be relatively calm and easy to walk along.
Best Things To See and Do in Sidemen
Do the Sidemen Rice Field Trek
If you have time to do one thing in Sidemen, this is it. It’s one of the most beautiful rice field trails in Bali, and it was our favorite, along with the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
The Sidemen Rice Field Trek isn’t particularly long (it’s just under 3 km), but you might want to take your time, given how beautiful the scenery is from the get-go: beautiful, gently sloping rice fields surrounded by dramatic mountains all around. On a clear day, you see the towering Mount Agung in the distance (Bali’s tallest peak).
For more details on the trail and what to expect, check out our travel guide on The Sidemen Rice Field Trek.
Explore the Other Rice Fields
Sidemen is surrounded by beautiful rice fields. Most hotels and accommodations in the area also offer spectacular views of them. We highly recommend staying in the area if possible, as it was one of our favorite places to stay in Bali (we suggest a few fantastic hotel options further below). Many of the rice fields can easily be explored by walking along various small rural roads with little traffic, or by cutting through the rice fields themselves along narrow walking paths.
For more information, check out our travel guide on The Sidemen Rice Field Trek, which includes information on how to reach all of these other Sidemen rice fields.
Experience the Morning Sidemen Market
This is a fun experience, but one that you’ll have to wake up early for. The Sidemen Traditional Market (link to Google Maps) opens every morning at 4:30 am, and although it officially runs until 10 am, there’s generally not much going on after 9. The market itself sprawls along several alleyways and under a large, open but roof-covered space. You’ll find all sorts of veggies, fruits and various other local delicacies. It was quite busy and lively when we visited around 7 am, and we were probably the only tourists there.
Take A Balinese Cooking Class
We think that taking a Balinese cooking class in Ubud is a must. It’s a lot of fun, you’ll learn a lot, you’ll meet new people, and at the end of it all, you’ll enjoy delicious food!
We highly recommend this Sidemen Cooking Class, which focuses on traditional Balinese dishes from the 1920s. They hold 1 daily class every morning at 8:00, which takes place outdoors surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
Take A Silver Jewelry Class
We really enjoyed this activity. Even if you aren’t a fan of jewelry or don’t wear much silver jewelry, it’s definitely a fascinating experience to learn how to make your own under the guidance of an experienced silversmith. We can definitely recommend this silver jewelry class, which lasts about two hours and from which you’ll leave with a silver ring, earring or pendant.
Visit One of Sidemen’s Weaving Shops
There are several weaving shops along Sidemen’s main road, but the one that was most interesting to us was the Pelangi weaving shop (Link to Google Maps). The top floor is a beautiful store selling some of the finest traditional sarongs you will find in all of Bali. The street-level floor is where all the action happens, and where you’ll find several local women working wooden looms to create beautiful textiles and fabrics.
Best Things to Do Near Sidemen
Visit Several Nearby Waterfalls
Gembleng Waterfall
Gembleng is definitely a unique waterfall experience, as here the waterfalls are not the attraction, but rather a series of small pools at the top of the waterfall are the main draw. The first pool in particular is popular amongst Instagrammers as it provides visitors with an infinity-like pool experience with a jaw-dropping jungle view ahead. Like many waterfalls in Bali, you’ll have to walk a short trail to reach the falls, except here you’ll have to walk uphill instead of downhill to reach the pools.
For more information on this waterfall and what to expect during your visit, check out our detailed Gembleng Waterfall Guide.
Goa Raja Waterfall
Goa Raja was definitely one of our favorite falls to visit in Bali. A tall curtain of water cascades into a large cavern, which becomes even more beautiful in the late morning when sunbeams come crashing down into the cavern. We also really enjoyed the trail that leads to the waterfalls, where you walk through a scenic, narrow canyon following a gentle river with lush jungle vegetation all around.
For more information on this waterfall and what to expect during your visit, check out our detailed Goa Raja Waterfall Guide.
Yeh Bulan
This is probably our favorite waterfall in Bali. The location features not one but two stunning waterfalls in the middle of the jungle, and can only be accessed by walking through a very shallow and scenic stream that makes its way through a narrow canyon surrounded by lush vegetation. Another reason why we love this waterfall so much is that it gets a fraction of the crowds that other nearby waterfalls get since it only opened to the public in 2023 – in fact, we had the place to ourselves during our visit!
For more information on this waterfall and what to expect during your visit, check out our detailed Yeh Bulan Waterfall Guide.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Much like Goa Raja, Tukad Cepung is a waterfall located in a deep cavern where morning sunbeams can create a unique magical atmosphere. The main difference between the two is that Tukad Cepung is no longer a hidden gem and is one of Bali’s busiest waterfalls. However, the trail to reach the falls is quite fun, particularly the final section where you’ll have to wade in shallow ankle-deep water within a tall and narrow canyon.
For more information on this waterfall and what to expect during your visit, check out our detailed Tukad Cepung Waterfall Guide.
Visit Some of East Bali’s Best Temples
Tirta Gangga
Though it shares similarities with many traditional Balinese temples, Tirta Gangga is not a temple but a former royal palace and was named after the sacred river Ganges in India, symbolizing the holy water of life and reflecting its spiritual importance. Known for its stunning water ponds, beautiful fountains, lush gardens, and intricate stone carvings, the palace has significantly grown in popularity over the past years due to the photogenic and Instagrammable stepping stones that allow you to cross one of the water ponds.
For more information on this temple and what to expect during your visit, check out our detailed Tirta Gangga Water Palace Guide.
Taman Ujung
Taman Ujung Water Palace is an extravagant former king’s palace. It was built in the early 20th century by the same king who was behind Tirta Gangga Water Palace and is known for its large ponds, impeccably manicured gardens, beautiful bridges and historic “floating” pavilions, all of which show an impressive blend of Balinese, Chinese, and Dutch influences. The Taman Ujung Water Palace complex is the largest temple or palace site we visited in Bali, it receives significantly fewer visitors than Tirta Gangga, and you can enjoy peaceful moments wandering around the beautifully manicured paths that crisscross the water palace grounds.
For more information on this temple and what to expect during your visit, check out our detailed Taman Ujung Water Palace Temple Guide.
Goa Lawah
Although the temple is one of Bali’s most important temples from a spiritual and cultural perspective, the main draw for tourists is the large cave that is home to thousands of bats. Although you are not allowed to enter the bat cave, you can still get pretty close to admire these creatures of the night. Pura Goa Lawah was established in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, one of the first priests to introduce Hinduism to Bali.
The bats here are mainly nectar bats (Eonycteris spelaea), which means they eat fruit and are not a threat to people.
For more information on this temple and what to expect during your visit, check out our detailed Goa Lawah Temple Guide.
Visit Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village is Bali‘s most famous “traditional village”, renowned for its pristine beauty and steadfast preservation of traditional Balinese customs. It is also a place where the community has graciously opened its doors to the public to help promote and celebrate Balinese culture. Often described as the cleanest village in the world, it strongly adheres to the Balinese philosophy, promoting harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. If you have some extra time, be sure to explore the scenic bamboo forest trail next to the village.
For more information on the village and what to expect during your visit, check out our travel guide for Bali’s Penglipuran Village.
Go White Water Rafting
If you like to feel an adrenaline rush during your outdoor adventures, then you’ll love this white water rafting activity Telaga Waja River. The rafting activity lasts 3 hours, includes an Indonesian buffet lunch, and pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel.
Best Time to Visit Sidemen
The best time to visit Sidemen is during the dry season, which typically runs from late April to late October. This period offers the most favorable weather with less rain and lower humidity. The rainy season also comes with an increased risk of mosquitoes, particularly around the rice terraces and in more rural areas.
You may also want to consider off-peak months like May-June or September-October for a more personal experience with fewer crowds.
Sidemen – How Long Do You Need?
For a 2-week Bali trip, we recommend spending at least 2 days in Sidemen, which is the bare minimum needed in our opinion to fully experience everything it has to offer. After that, it depends on how much you want to move around Bali. You can choose to stay longer (we did) and use it as a base to explore other areas of East Bali via several day trips, and this is what we generally recommend. If you have more than two weeks in Bali, then you should definitely try to stay here for several days.
Our preferred Bali itinerary skips south Bali and focuses on Ubud (central and west Bali) and Sidemen (East Bali) as bases, along with the Nusa Islands (Lembongan & Penida) and the Gili Islands for some beach time and snorkelling adventures.
Where to Eat in Sidemen
There are so many places in Sidemen from which you can enjoy great food. These are some of our favorites, all located near one another on Jalan Rayan Tebola Road.
Asri Dining by Samanvaya (link to Google Maps) – This was our favorite restaurant and most memorable dinner experience in Bali! A stunning outdoor restaurant that perfectly blends modern design and the surrounding nature, where you can sample a menu showcasing a delightful fusion of traditional Indonesian cuisine and international-inspired dishes.
D’padi Restaurant (link to Google Maps) – Enjoy delicious Indonesian dishes in a nice cozy atmosphere on a rooftop outdoor terrace, from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and mountains. They have live Balinese music shows several nights per week.
Citrus & Vine (link to Google Maps) – Small coffee shop with a limited but delicious menu of sandwiches and beverages. The gelato and the sourdough bread are particularly delicious.
Nivriti Bali (link to Google Maps) – Small family-run restaurant completely made out of bamboo, with stunning views of the surrounding rice fields.
Where to Stay in Sidemen
All of the following are some of the best mid-range hotel accommodations located along Jalan Rayan Tebola Road, near the above-mentioned restaurants and surrounded by rice fields and mountains.
If you are looking to splurge, Wapa di Ume Sidemen is simply fantastic and is located on the same street as the other two accommodation options above:
Planning a Trip to Bali?
You might be interested in these pages: (coming soon)
Best Things to See and Do in Bali
Best Things to See and Do in the Gili Islands
The Perfect Three-Week Bali Itinerary
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Bali
We also highly recommend these guidebooks:
Bali: The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide
Lonely Planet Bali, Lombok & Nusa Tenggara
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
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e-Sim cards
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Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Bali Guide on the Best Things to See and Do in Sidemen and that it will prove useful for planning your trip.
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