Sidemen

If you are looking for a less visited destination in Bali, Sidemen is an excellent choice. Located in eastern Bali, this charming village offers an authentic experience away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots.

 

The landscape surrounding Sidemen is breathtaking with beautiful rice fields, rolling hills and majestic views of Gunung Agung, Bali's highest volcano. The village itself is quiet and peaceful, with narrow streets and traditional houses. Find out what you can do in Sidemen in this blog!

How to get to Sidemen

Sidemen is located in the quiet eastern part of Bali. It is about 45 KM from Denpasar (1 hour) and about 35 KM from Ubud (1 hour). As you drive further east, you find yourself more and more in an oasis of peace, surrounded by lots of greenery and some rice fields. Once in Sidemen, the scooter is your go-to mode of transportation to explore the area.

 

Update 04-2023:

Hearing from some Balinese and news articles, it seems Bali wants to ban scooter rentals for tourists. This would be very unfortunate for those who like to explore Sidemen by scooter, because for me it was the easiest way to explore the island. Before you leave for Bali, check carefully what rules apply so that you will not be faced with (unpleasant) surprises.

    Accommodations in Sidemen

    Because Sidemen is still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, the range of accommodations is a bit scarcer compared to other places on the island. I couldn't find a hostel, so opted for a "Villa" at a family's garden. For only €12.00 per night, I had a 2-person room with a view of the Gunung Agung volcano. Breakfast at the the Maha Neka Villa was also very tasty, so for your stay in Sidemen this is definitely recommended!

    What to do in Sidemen? 10x!

    Explore Sidemen village

    Begin your visit to Sidemen by wandering around the village's narrow streets. Visit a local market and meet the friendly people of Sidemen. Enjoy a traditional Balinese meal, such as Nasi Babi Guling at one of the many local restaurants in the village, such as Joglo D' Uma.

    A beautiful sunset over the rice fields and Gunung Agung is certainly not out of place either!

    Amlapura Sidemen Market

    Lover of traditional markets? The Amlapura Sidemen Market is a great market to visit during your visit to Sidemen. Come early in the morning when the vendors have just started their selling day for the best experience. Stroll among colorful stalls selling exotic fruits, fresh herbs and spices and various other local products.

    Curious about the various ingredients that characterize the Balinese cuisine?

    Explore Sidemen's rice fields

    Sidemen is surrounded by rice fields, the authentic Balinese village is therefore perfect for a beautiful rice field walk. The rice fields in Sidemen are a true work of art and provide picturesque images. Thanks to the unique Soebak irrigation system, the rice fields have also earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

     

    I personally loved a walk from this Google Maps location! If you have a drone you can definitely capture beautiful images here!

     

    By the way, don't be surprised if you see a plume of smoke here and there near the rice fields, as the farmers burn their harvested rice plants.

    Enjoy a Balinese dish overlooking the rice fields

    Because Sidemen is surrounded by numerous rice fields, you have plenty of restaurants that can offer you a unique dining experience. For example, Sidemen is home to 'D Padi Restaurant, where you can order both a local and international dish. I did find it a bit pricier compared to the average warung, but it also all looked a bit more luxurious and clean.

    Another option, just outside Sidemen about 15 minutes away, is Warung Makan. Here too you can get your portion of noodles or rice with a view of the rice fields of the Sidemen Valley.

    6x out and about in the area:
    Sidemen is the base for several highlights in the region, from Bali's mother temple to a water palace.

      1. Bukit Cinta: one of the most beautiful viewpoints for Gunung Agung

      Beautiful green rice fields with Gunung Agung in the background. You won't find it more unique than this. Ideal for watching the sunrise while quietly enjoying the beautiful scenery. It is about 25KM (45 minutes) drive from Sidemen, but absolutely worth getting up early. For me, the most beautiful viewpoint in the area!

       

      Tip: Navigate to Bali Asli Restaurant, here you can possibly park your scooter and walk the last meters to the viewpoint.

      2. Visit the Maha Gangga Valley

        From Bukit Cinta, it is only a short 15-minute drive to the Maha Gangga Valley. The valley offers spectacular views of rice fields and mountains, while the green and lush landscape exudes peace and relaxation. After buying an entrance ticket (75,000 Rupiah) you will be shown around by a local guide, who will, among other things, let you taste a delicious cup of Balinese tea.

        Besides the beautiful scenery, the Maha Gangga Valley also offers opportunities to experience Balinese culture. You can see traditional farming methods and learn about Balinese agricultural culture, which has been an important part of Balinese society for centuries.

        3. Explore the Tirta Gangga water palace.

        Just minutes away from the Maha Gangga Valley lies the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, making it an ideal combo with both the valley and the Bukit Cinta viewpoint. Built in 1948 by the royal family of Karangasem, the water palace is a magnificent example of traditional Balinese architecture.

         

        The Tirta Gangga water palace is surrounded by lush green gardens and offers several ponds, fountains and baths. The crystal clear water of the ponds is fed by a nearby natural spring and is considered sacred in Balinese culture.

        In addition to its natural beauty, the Tirta Gangga Water Palace also offers an interesting glimpse into Balinese culture and history. Originally built for the royal family, the palace was used as a relaxation area and to receive guests. The palace's decorations and architecture are steeped in symbolism and meaning, which are still appreciated and revered by locals today.

         

        If necessary, buy some fish food and head to the main pond with stepping stones to feed the fish and take some cool photos with these huge monster fish.

        Tip: Try not to visit the water palace too late, because if you go at all later in the morning/early afternoon, chances are the organized tours will have found their way to it. I would visit Bukit Cinta first, then the water palace and then go to the valley.

        • Entrance: 50.000
        • Parking: 5.000
        • Food for the fish: 2.000

         

        Total: IDR  57.000 (€3,80)

        4. Visit Bali's Mother Temple

          Bali's Mother Temple, the Pura Besakih, is built on the slope of Gunung Agung at an altitude of 1,000 meters. It is Bali's largest, holiest and most important temple. The temple has a magnificent view of the surrounding area and Gunung Agung, which is why it is not called Besakih (the most beautiful) for nothing.

          The temple covers a large area and consists of more than 80 separate shrines and altars, including three main shrines dedicated to the three Hindu gods: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. Each shrine is beautifully decorated with traditional Balinese architecture and decoration, making it an impressive and photogenic sight.

          The Pura Besakih is an important religious and cultural site for the Balinese people, who travel from all corners of the island at least once a year to make an offering. From Sidemen, it's about a 35-minute drive, where you'll find yourself going uphill, especially in the last few kilometers.

          Tip: Unwanted salesmen

          Even before you can buy a ticket some salesmen are already breathing down your neck. You are 'obliged' to rent a sarong from them, while from others you 'must' buy a Balinese offering bowl for a ceremony. A sarong is included in the entrance fee, while you can obtain an offering bowl on a donation basis at one of the temples.

          There are also some photographers walking around who know only too well how to create that perfect 'Instagram' picture. For a fee, they create a reflection, which suddenly gives you a reflection in your photo. A fun one in the context of Instagram versus Reality.

          An authentic experience!
          No photo with reflection for me, but an unforgettable local experience. At the entrance some guides are waiting for you, but somewhat eager to lead you through the complex. You pay them on a tipping basis, but I liked it better to walk through the complex at my own pace.

          For example, during the day of the full moon, I ended up at a ceremony in a smaller temple. Talked to one of the locals and asked if he could tell me more about their ceremonies during the day of the full moon. Ended up with about 2 hours of a lesson on Hinduism in Bali and still participated in an offering myself. Finally, I was able to visit the temple at the top of the steps, where normally no tourists are allowed.

          So sometimes being your own guide does have its advantages!

           

          Entrance fee: IDR 60,000

          5. Lahangan Sweet

          Besides Bukit Cinta, the Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint also offers stunning views of the Balinese rice fields and the mighty Gunung Agung volcano. The place is gaining popularity on Instagram, so I wonder how long it will be before it will also be added to an East Bali Instagram Tour. Yes, in Bali, Instagram Tours really do exist.

           

          It is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Sidemen, towards the east coast of Bali. So you could combine this perfectly with a visit to Amed beach, located about 25 minutes from the viewpoint.

          6. Up for the challenge?

          In the context of expectations management, it's good to point out that you should go to this place for a photo, not for the actual view. Yes, the view from the temple on the volcano is beautiful; but in terms of foreground, it does not match the "reality" you see in all the Instagram pictures: welcome to the Pura Agung Lempuyang temple.

          The viewpoint at the temple is also called the Gates of Heaven (Gates of Heaven). You will be allowed to join the queue for the photo, as it has become a very popular photo spot. I've heard stories of people who have stood in line for 4 hours, so you can draw a number and join the queue. Under the motto: "You have to give something for a picture."

          Should you be up to the challenge at all, the key is to go very early, because I can't imagine that you would like to stand in line for 1 hour or more for such a photo.

           

          What you hope for

          (Hotels.com Australia)

          What you get

          (Detik.com)

          How many nights in Sidemen?

          2-3 nights is enough to explore Sidemen and some nearby attractions. From Sidemen, you can continue your Bali trip to such places as:

           

          • Ubud: 35 minutes
          • Uluwatu: 1 hour and 30 minutes
          • Nusa Islands: 1 hour and 15 minutes & 35 minutes by boat from Sanur harbor