Tucked away in the lush mountainous region of eastern Bali lies Sidemen.
After multiple trips to the island, Sidemen had never crossed my radar. That wasn’t until I eventually moved to Bali and needed an escape from the crowds in Uluwatu.
So, I hopped on my scooter, drove 2 hours to Sidemen, and instantly fell in love!
In this post, I’m sharing all the things to do in Sidemen, what I loved most, and tips for visiting.
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How to visit Sidemen
Getting there | The drive to Sidemen should take an hour from most areas in Bali – but it often takes closer to three hours thanks to Bali’s notorious traffic!
Stay for 2 days | You’ll need two full days to explore Sidemen. If you prefer traveling slower, it’s best to add an extra day to your visit.
Getting around | We rented a scooter, which is the best way to explore the area. If you’re traveling in a group (or are not comfortable driving a scooter), I suggest organizing a driver and car for the day.
What to do in Sidemen, Bali
Here are the best things to do in Sidemen, Bali. I’ve included Google Maps locations so you can save all my favorite spots that I visited.
Go rafting at Telaga Waja River
Cost | 500 000 IDR ($25) per person
Recommended tour | Half Day Rafting Tour with BTR
River rafting is the best way to experience the beauty of Sidemen, far away from the crowds!
The Telaga Waja River runs alongside the valley and offers an exciting 18 km course. It’s not too hectic and involves paddling past lush forests, rice paddies, and cascading waterfalls.
My favorite part was swimming beneath the falls and exploring the surrounding landscapes. We didn’t see many other tourists, and it was a wonderful trip.
Here’s the tour I did, and I’ve written a detailed post sharing my experience here.
Visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Entrance fee | 30 000 IDR per person
Location | Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Located just 40 minutes north-west of Sidemen, Bali, lies the gorgeous Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
It’s my favorite waterfall in Bali, and the entire waterfall complex is absolutely stunning.
To access this waterfall, you’ll walk for 5 to 10 minutes down a steep flight of stairs before entering a jungle-like setting. The path follows a small stream for another 5 minutes before you make your way down to the foot of the waterfall.
We got here at 8:30 am (before all the tour groups arrived), and it was relatively empty.
Enjoy the Sidemen rice terraces
Cost | Donation
Location | Sidemen Rice Terrace
The Sidemen rice terraces can be accessed by taking a short drive outside the main village. You’ll be spoiled for choice as there isn’t one spot that’s more Instagrammable than another.
They are all just so beautiful!
A good place to start is by driving to this point and continuing on the road to Warung Makan Iseh.
If you want to take a photo in these Sidemen rice fields, be sure to ask permission first and offer a donation to the staff who are working there.
Join a Sidemen Cooking Class
Cost | 500 000 IDR ($30) per person
Best class | Sidemen Cooking Class
My culinary skills are not great. And whilst I’m not a big fan of cooking, I absolutely love the eating part – especially when it comes to Indonesian food.
So, to learn a bit more about the food I was eating, I signed up for this cooking class in Sidemen.
We made a delicious Balinese spice mix using turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, chili’s, bay leaves, and white cabbage, which was used as the base for the variety of dishes we prepared.
2 hours later, we indulged in the food we’d prepared, and man was it delicious!
Stay in a Sidemen bamboo house
Sidemen Valley has some of the most incredible bamboo houses in Bali, and if you’re looking for an Instagrammable treehouse, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Remote and romantic, they’re the perfect place for couples. If you book a stay at one of these, you’ll never want to leave. And I don’t blame you!
With views for days, a jungle setting, and a private pool, Villa Veluvana is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Sidemen.
Go trekking in Sidemen
Sidemen is one of the best places in Bali to explore on foot. The trekking routes take you through a mix of landscapes – from rice terraces to lush forests and gentle river crossings.
On a clear day, you’ll even be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Agung towering in the distance.
If you plan to go trekking in Sidemen, it’s worth booking this tour with a local guide. He knows the area inside out and will take you through hidden trails.
But the tour is more than just trekking – it’s about creating a deeper connection with the local people and getting to know them and their communities better.
Top tip: If you’re visiting during the wet season (December to April), expect hot, humid conditions and frequent afternoon rain. Start your trek early in the morning and save your other activities for later in the day.
Visit Gembleng Waterfall
Cost | 20 000 IDR (Donation)
Location | Gembleng Waterfall
Gembleng Waterfall is one of the recently discovered waterfalls in Bali. It’s just a short drive from Sidemen Village and boasts an array of rock pools with breathtaking views of the nearby rice fields.
The walk is short yet steep, and you can enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the many natural pools. There is no entrance ticket to explore the waterfall, but the locals will ask for a small donation.
Go for a meal with a view
Why not enjoy a delicious meal whilst sipping on a Bintang with panoramic views of rice fields in the distance!
Head straight to Warung Makan (location here), which is about a 15-minute drive from town and offers unspoiled views of the Sidemen Valley. The food here is delicious, and it’s a great place to stop after a day exploring.
If you’re looking for something a bit closer to town, Warung D’Padi (location here) is a hidden gem in Sidemen that sits right on the rice fields.
Warung Tirta Unda (location here) is also one of the best restaurants in Sidemen and offers views of rice paddies. La Montagne (location here) is another popular cafe with a view.
Visit Bukit Cinta
Location | Find Bukit Cinta on Google Maps
If you’ve been doing your research on Insta spots in Bali, then the Bukit Cinta viewpoint has most likely crossed your feed! Made famous by influences, it truly is a sight to behold.
To get here, you’ll need to drive 45 minutes north of Sidemen. The entire drive is a scenic one, where you’ll pass through winding roads and local villages.
The best time to visit is at sunrise before the clouds roll in, and you can pair a visit here with the nearby temple.
Top tip: Munduk is another area that’s relatively off the beaten track. It’s surrounded by rice fields, waterfalls, and has a similar vibe to Sidemen (although it’s more Insta-famous). You can read my Munduk travel guide here.
Explore temples near Sidemen
There are a few significent temples near Sidemen. One of those is Besakih Temple (location here). It’s known as the Mother Temple of Bali and is an extremely important temple in the Hindu religion.
Entrance is 60 000 IDR per person, and it’s an excursion that can be easily added to your Sidemen itinerary.
If you’re keen to drive further, Lempuyang Temple (location here) is arguably one of the most photographed temples in Bali.
Entrance is only 10 000 IDR. But be warned, you need to manage your expectations or else you might be disappointed.
When looking at pictures of the iconic temple gates, you’ll notice a “lake” that mirrors your reflection – but the reality is far from it. A mirror is actually used to create the image, and the long queue of Instagrammers will be off-putting for some!
Do Yoga or get a massage
It’s no secret that Sidemen’s biggest attraction lies in its remoteness, which guarantees a peaceful and tranquil visit.
Take advantage of this by checking into a hotel among the rice fields. Gladak di Ume offers just this – a place of peace and serenity!
Take time out to read your book, sleep in late, do yoga, get a Balinese massage, or enjoy an outdoor bath – all in the privacy of your own cabin with no one in sight!
READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE BALI PACKING LIST
Where to stay in Sidemen
I stayed at Bukit Luah Sidemen and loved it here. It’s just outside of town with beautiful views of the rice fields. The staff were amazing during my visit and I can’t recommend this place enough for travelers on a mid-range budget.
If you’re looking to splurge, Wapa Di Ume is luxury at its best! If you enjoy the finer things in life – like a private plunge pool, a hot tub, large, stylish rooms, and next-level service – this hotel is for you. Another newcomer is Nivriti. I’m obsessed with this place!
There’s also plenty of budget accommodation options, and Dika Homestay is one of them. It’s ideally located just off the main roa,d and the rooms are basic, yet clean and comfortable.
Is Sidemen worth it
If you’re looking for an authentic experience and want to catch a glimpse of the “old” Bali, Sidemen is just for you!
I spent three days here, and they were filled with activities. But the best part was coming home to my peaceful guest house, tucked high in the mountain and far away from the hustle and bustle of south Bali.
It truly is a hidden gem, and if you’re looking for more off-the-beaten-track destinations, here’s my guide that includes all my favorite non-touristy places in Bali.
Psst… Planning a trip to Indonesia? These posts might help!
- How to Spend 3 Days in Ubud
- 10 Best Things to do in Gili Trawangan
- 19 Things I Discovered from Backpacking Indonesia
- Exploring Balian Beach: Bali’s Hidden Gem
- The Best Beaches in Uluwatu
- Where to Stay in Uluwatu. An Insider’s Guide
- How To Rent A Scooter in Bali
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Hi Carryn. Thanks for your very informative post about Sidemen. Could you please let me know the name of the accommodation you stayed at in that lovely little bungalow tucked in the garden.
Thanks and happy travels.
Warmest regards,
Meghann
Hey Megan, I stayed at Gladak Di Ume but I’ve just had a look and they seem to have closed. Another options is Kubu Tani which offers a similar style bungalow with beautiful views. Enjoy Sidemen – I absolutely loved my time there!