| Discover Sidemen: Your Ultimate Guide to Bali’s Hidden Gem
Discover Sidemen, the hidden gem of East Bali, a place where time seems to stand still. Surrounded by vast green rice fields and with a majestic view of Mount Agung, Sidemen reveals a Bali that remains unspoiled and untouched by mass tourism. Often described as the Ubud of yesteryear, Sidemen offers a haven for those seeking a deep connection with authentic Balinese culture and nature.
In this blog, we dive deep into the soul of Sidemen, our new favourite spot on ‘the island of the gods’, as Bali is often called. We share everything you need to know about this enchanting place, including essential travel tips, the best times to visit, and ten must-do experiences, such as a unique stay in a bamboo hut.
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About Sidemen
Located in the lush, eastern part of Bali, Sidemen is a breathtaking place that invites exploration. Here, far from the bustling tourist centres, you’ll find a peaceful world where the real Bali reveals itself. With its rolling hills, traditional villages, and rice terraces, Sidemen symbolises the timeless beauty of the island. Life here is still deeply rooted in ancient traditions and agriculture, offering an authentic experience of Balinese culture and lifestyle.
In the shadow of Mount Agung, Bali’s holiest mountain, Sidemen holds a spiritual significance felt in every aspect of daily life. Temple ceremonies, traditional dances, and the sound of gamelan music form the soundtrack of this area.
Is Sidemen Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! For those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle and experience the real Bali, Sidemen is a breath of fresh air. It’s a destination where time seems to move slower, allowing you to fully immerse in the soothing environment and rich culture.
A visit to Sidemen is not just a journey through beautiful landscapes but also a journey through time and tradition. It’s a place where you can experience the essence of Bali, far from the standard tourist path. Whether you’re walking through the rice paddies, admiring local crafts, or enjoying the serene tranquillity, Sidemen offers a memorable experience that inspires you to learn more and delve deep into the island’s rich culture.
What to Do in Sidemen?
While it’s primarily a place to relax and enjoy the splendour of ‘old’ traditional Bali, there’s plenty to do in Sidemen! Below, we share our top 10 activities in Sidemen.
1. Stay in a Bamboo House
The bamboo houses in Sidemen are more than just a place to sleep; they’re an experience in themselves! Often located amidst lush nature, next to rivers, streams, and rice fields, they offer the ultimate place to truly relax. The architecture of these houses is a work of art, charmingly blending rustic and modern design.
Some of these houses are particularly famous, like Camaya, Veluvana and Hideout Bali, which many people know from awe-inspiring pictures on Instagram and YouTube. We stayed at Hideout Bali in 2023 and it was a raw and adventurous experience. Waking up to the sounds of frogs, crickets, geckos, and bird songs was an experience we’ll long remember.
However, these bamboo houses are quite secluded and a bit far from the heart of Sidemen. If you want to explore this stunning area in a more luxurious and comfortable way, Samanvaya Luxury Resort is – in our opinion – a perfect alternative.
Immersed in nature yet conveniently located amongst the stunning Sidemen Rice Terrace – which take centre stage in this blog – Samanvaya offers the best of both worlds. We loved this place so much, we stayed there twice in their amazing bamboo huts!
Samanvaya is also home to Asri Dining, one of the best restaurants in Sidemen – if not of Bali – and a cozy new lunch spot where you can enjoy artisanal toasties. We definitely recommend stopping by Citrus and Vine for a relaxed lunch after exploring some of the other activities in and around Sidemen.
2. Witness the Sunrise in the Rice Fields
The Sidemen Rice Terrace is an idyllic location for a sunrise you won’t soon forget. The golden light sweeping over the rice terraces offers an unforgettable view and an absolute must-do when in Sidemen!
Unlike more touristy areas, such as Ubud, the rice fields in Sidemen are still a central part of local life. This provides a more authentic and expansive rice field experience, free of commercial gimmicks. The early morning, when the first light casts a golden glow over the terraces, offers a breathtaking and peaceful moment.
For the best experience, it’s advisable to go with a local guide, who can not only show you the most beautiful views but also provide insight into local customs and the history of rice cultivation. You can book this guide in the village or at the accommodation where you’re staying; the cost will be around 150,000 IDR per person.
3. Make Your Own Silver Jewellery
Agung Silver Sidemen is a fascinating place where you can learn the ancient art of silversmithing. This workshop offers sessions where you can make your own silver jewellery under the guidance of skilled artisans. It’s a unique opportunity to not only create a personal memento of your trip but also to gain a deeper understanding of local crafts.
The process of forging, shaping, and polishing not only reveals your creative side but also connects you to an important part of Balinese culture, and the result is a unique piece of jewellery that will always remind you of Sidemen.
4. Visit One of the Stunning Waterfalls in the Area
Sidemen is home to some of Bali’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Gembleng Waterfall is the nearest and particularly popular due to its unique natural ‘pools’, small swimming areas where you can float around with a stunning view of lush palm trees and Mount Agung. Visit this waterfall early in the morning (around opening time at 7:00 am) to avoid the crowds.
If you visit Gembleng Waterfall during the rainy season, it tends to be quieter in the early hours and even more stunning, as the increased water flow enhances its beauty. There’s more to this gem than just its picturesque pools!
The Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a beloved Instagram hotspot, so expect more tourists here. For a more secluded experience, the lesser-known Jagasatru Waterfall offers a peaceful and pristine setting. These waterfalls are not only refreshing but also a beautiful way to experience Bali’s natural beauty.
5. Visit the Water Palaces
Sidemen’s proximity to two remarkable water palaces, Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung, offers a unique opportunity to discover Bali’s historical and cultural richness. Tirta Gangga, known for its large koi fish, is a favourite spot for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts.
Taman Ujung, on the other hand, is less known and larger, offering a quieter, but equally fascinating experience. Each of these palaces has its own unique history and charm, making them a must-see for anyone visiting the Sidemen region. They’re also just a 30-minute drive from each other, so they can easily be combined in one day trip.
For those with less time, we recommend Taman Ujung. You could visit this, for example, through this day tour, which also combines other highlights of the Sidemen area.
6. Visit the Island's Most Important Temples
A visit to Sidemen is not complete without experiencing the spiritual magnificence of the Besakih Temple, Bali’s largest and holiest temple, nestled on the slopes of Mount Agung. This temple complex offers a profound spiritual experience with its majestic architecture and serene atmosphere, making it the temple to visit when in Sidemen.
Due to the significance of the Besakih Temple to the local population and the history of Bali, it’s best visited with a local guide.
Another important temple in the nearby area is the Lempuyang Temple, but we recommend it less. Although the Lempuyang Temple, known for its ‘Gateway to Heaven’, is beautiful and offers a breathtaking view of Mount Agung, it can be very crowded.
This location is famous for the ‘perfect selfie’ between the gates, leading to a continuous photoshoot of visitors, who hand over their mobile phones to a photographer with a mirror who constantly calls out “next pose” and “jump”. Early in the morning, people start queuing, and the line only gets longer throughout the day. Keep this in mind if you’re considering a visit.
For those seeking a more authentic temple experience, we recommend visiting the Besakih Temple, where the spiritual essence and tranquillity of Bali are more palpable.
7. Climb Mount Batur for the Sunrise
Another must-do activity in Sidemen is climbing Mount Batur to see the sunrise. This early morning hike is an unforgettable experience, rewarding you with a spectacular view of Bali as the sun rises.
The hike is challenging (and you’ll need to wake up early) but the reward is great: a breathtaking panorama of Sidemen and the surrounding areas. It’s a magical moment that makes the early start more than worthwhile, a perfect way to experience Bali’s natural beauty.
This activity can only be done by booking a tour in advance, such as this one.
For those who prefer to sleep in and/or aren’t keen on climbing Mount Batur, there are other options. For instance, you can also watch the sunrise from a viewpoint with the mountain itself in sight, head to: Pinggan Sunrise view. Alternatively, you can drive around the lava fields in a four-wheel drive and watch the sun rise this way.
8. Discover Bounty-Like Beaches
“Virgin Beach“, also known as “Pasir Putih” or “white sand”, is a hidden gem in North-East Bali and our favourite beach destination near Sidemen. This beautiful beach with its bright white sand was long unknown, but over the last decade, it has become a true attraction on the coastline of Candidasa.
We recommend making a stop at Warung Seabreeze, where the grilled fish, freshly caught and prepared with Balinese sambal and spices, is a culinary highlight. A visit to this beach is a must for an authentic and relaxed beach experience.
9. Telaga Waja River Rafting
For an adventurous activity in Sidemen, Telaga Waja River Rafting is an excellent choice. The Telaga Waja river is known for its crystal-clear water and exciting rapids, making it an ideal location for rafting.
As you paddle through the breathtaking scenery, you’ll experience the thrill of the whitewater course and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. This activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters, offering a unique way to actively experience the nature of Bali.
10. Visit the traditional village of Penglipuran
Our final tip for an activity in the Sidemen area is a visit to the traditional village of Penglipuran, for a unique glimpse into authentic Balinese life. This village is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and traditional Balinese lifestyle.
The local community adheres to age-old customs, providing a fascinating cultural experience. Penglipuran is free from motorized traffic, contributing to its serene and pristine atmosphere. The village is a living museum where visitors have the opportunity to experience traditional Balinese culture in its purest form.
Penglipuran has also been declared one of the cleanest villages in the world.
How long should you allocate for Sidemen?
To fully appreciate Sidemen, a stay of a few days to a week is ideal. This gives you time to relax and explore the various attractions and activities.
How to visit Sidemen?
Sidemen is easily accessible by car or scooter from various parts of Bali. The journey itself offers beautiful views and a chance to admire the landscape.
As mentioned, we recommend staying several days in this area to truly get to know this authentic part of Bali and its friendly population. If this is not an option, however, there are also various tours available to explore the highlights of Sidemen in a day from one of the more touristy places, like Ubud or Canggu.
What is the best time to visit Sidemen?
The dry period, from April to October, is the best time to visit Sidemen. During these months, you can fully enjoy all the activities and attractions.
We, however, visited Sidemen during the rainy season in December, and this was also a beautiful time. The rice fields are then often at a point where they are almost ready to be harvested, making the colours beautifully transition from green to yellow.
January is a less favourable time to visit Sidemen, as it tends to rain more than in December and much of the rice has just been harvested, leaving the fields temporarily less picturesque.
Hi! We are Samira & Maurits, two travel enthusiasts with an enormous passion for photography.
With our free travel guides, we hope to inspire you and help you plan your dream holiday. We also provide important tips and tricks for making new journeys, but also for capturing those precious memories in your own travel photos.
All the photos on this site were taken by us (unless it says otherwise underneath a picture).
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