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Sidemen
The accommodation vibe in Sidemen ranges from lifestyles of the rich and famous, to cozy homestays where you can mingle with the locals. We opted for middle of the range properties. Read on to find out what we thought.
Kubu Tani is a small, intimate homestay made up of several villa style rooms that offer unbelievably breathtaking views across the Sidemen Valley rice terraces and all the way to majestic Mt Agung. In fact, our main cover photo on our home page was taken from the balcony of our villa there.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a soothing rustic charm that matches the quiet, natural surroundings. Staff are super welcoming and glad to help in any way they can while relishing the opportunity to practice their english. The location is ideal for those seeking a retreat from the busy tourist areas, with opportunities to walk the rice fields and experience authentic Balinese rural life.
The home-cooked meals at Kubu Tani are simple, yet delicious and all ingredients are locally sourced. There are also many dining options to pick from along Jalan Raya Tebola within a short walk from the property, ranging from homestay warungs to upmarket restaurants with live entertainment.
It is roughly a 20 minute walk to reach Jl. Semarapura-Karangasem - the main road running through Sidemen city, where you will find the buzzing Pasar Sidemen (Sidemen Traditional Market) early in the day.
Situated on Jl. Raya Tebola in the tranquil village of Sidemen, Bali, Abian Ayu Villa offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the surrounding lush landscape.
During our stay, it was evident that the property was in the midst of a gradual renovation. While most rooms appeared to be well-maintained and almost luxurious, we unfortunately ended up in one of the older, unrenovated units, which slightly impacted our experience.
We stayed in a Bungalow (Room 104), and while it wasn't terrible, it did have a few drawbacks that made our stay less than perfect. The shower drain emitted an unpleasant smell, and the room lacked hot water, which was a bit of a letdown. Additionally, we noticed signs of wood-eating pests, which added a quirky (and somewhat unsettling) element to the room. That said, it’s worth noting that other guests we spoke to, who stayed in different room types, seemed very happy with their accommodations, so it seems our experience might have been an isolated case, possibly due to booking during the peak season.
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On a more positive note, the restaurant at Abian Ayu Villa is a standout feature. The food was consistently delicious, and the staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating, always going out of their way to make us feel welcome.
The pool area is beautifully set up, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the tropical surroundings. The real highlight, however, was the stunning view from our expansive patio, where we were lucky enough to see fireflies whilst relaxing one evening which made up for some of the room's shortcomings.
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Overall, I would still recommend Abian Ayu Villa for its great location, helpful staff, and fantastic amenities. However, if you choose to stay here, I'd suggest being selective about which room type you book to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable stay. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the recently renovated rooms, you're in for a truly luxurious experience in this serene corner of Bali.
