%20(1).png)
Sidemen, located in the east of Bali, is a tranquil haven where time seems to slow down. It's a destination where rice terraces stretch across rural valleys, and traditional Balinese life thrives in its purest form. The sound of insects in the evening is a soothing backtrack to relax to and if you're lucky you may even spot a firefly or two. If you're seeking a laid back, relaxing retreat, Sidemen offers a peaceful escape with a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and delightful dining. Check out our video below for more.
Exploring Sidemen and Beyond
Waterfalls Galore
Sidemen, Bali, is a great base for access to several stunning waterfalls within a short drive. Here's a list of waterfalls you can visit within approximately 30 minutes of Sidemen:
Located in Tembuku, Bangli Regency, Tukad Cepung is approximately ~30 minutes by car from Sidemen. Known for its unique setting inside a cave-like structure, where sunlight filters through the rocks, creating a magical effect.
This fall in Tri Eka Buana, Sidemen is only 10 minutes from the village.
A lesser-known waterfall, Gembleng offers a more tranquil experience. It's a multi-tiered waterfall with natural pools.
You'll find Kuning Waterfall in Dusun Kuning, Bangli Regency around 25 minutes from Sidemen. This hidden gem is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a peaceful retreat. The hike down to the waterfall is short but scenic.
Tucked away in Duda Timur, Karangasem Regency, this largely untouched waterfall is perfect if you're not big on crowds. At around 25 minutes' drive from Sidemen, this tall waterfall offers a very picturesque view.
Yeh Poh waterfall is in Selat, Karangasem Regency, and will take you 30 minutes to reach by car. Small, but charming, this fall is surrounded by rice terraces and traditional Balinese landscapes.
These waterfalls are great for a day trip or an afternoon adventure, allowing you to explore the natural beauty around Sidemen.
A short drive from Sidemen, Penglipuran Village is a well-preserved traditional Balinese village known for its beautiful architecture, strong community values and was even named as one of the three cleanest villages in the world. The village is car-free, allowing you to wander freely and soak in the serene atmosphere. Penglipuran has won several awards in the area of tourism sustainability and is listed in the top 100 Sustainable Destinations by the Green Destinations Foundation. Residents of the village open their homes to sell goods, food and drinks, and to share their way of life. The village also encompasses almost 38 hectares of bamboo forest with fifteen varieties of bamboo thriving there. It’s a fantastic spot to learn about Balinese culture and take some stunning photos.
For those curious about Balinese tradition and culture, a visit to the Samsara Living Museum is a must. Located in the village of Jungutan, the museum aims to share with visitors an insight into the rituals and beliefs involved in Balinese life, from conception to passing. Here, you can immerse yourself in learning about traditional Balinese crafts, customs, and ceremonies and why they are important. The village produces superbly distilled coconut arak, using traditional wood-fired bamboo equipment. The museum offers a deep dive into the rich heritage of Bali, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
Known as the “Mother Temple” of Bali, Besakih Temple is a sprawling complex located on the slopes of Mount Agung. The complex actually contains 23 temples across 6 levels and is considered the holiest in Bali. Visitors can explore the temple with a local guide for an in-depth understanding of Balinese Hindu religion. At the entry, you can purchase offerings to participate in a blessing once you reach the main temple.
Pura Besakih offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. A visit to Sidemen wouldn't be complete without exploring this sacred site.
If you’re interested in Balinese crafts, don’t miss out on a silver-making class at Mulia Silver. This hands-on experience allows you to create your own piece of jewelry while learning about traditional Balinese silverwork. There are many styles to choose from and if you get stuck, Mulia is happy to help. You'll start with a lump of silver, and with the help of specialised tools and Mulia's expertise, you'll create something to be proud of! The class costs Rp. 300,000 ($30 AUD) per person and you can book online here. It’s a fantastic way to bring home a personal souvenir and gain insight into a time-honored craft.
Dining in Sidemen
This is our all-time favourite place to go in Sidemen. The restaurant oozes ambience and offers a stunning panorama of the rice fields that seem to melt into the horizon. During our last visit, the closest field was planted in flowers so we watched countless butterflies flitting through the place while sipping our drinks. The food is consistently great here, but the real highlight is their AMAZING cocktails. The two young mixologists behind the bar are absolute perfectionists and very good at what they do! Whether you're into a classic mojito or something more adventurous, every drink is crafted with precision, offering a perfect companion to the utterly chill surroundings. Our favourite is the Pink Lady - don't let the egg white put you off, you gotta try it! Keep an eye out for the gorgeous big geckos in the ceiling above the bar hut.
Dining at The Bukit Artha feels like you're visiting an old friend. The eternally smiley host, Komang, is incredibly friendly, making you feel right at home from the moment you step in. He has a collection of visitor books going back decades and loves to proudly show them to you while you wait for your meal. The menu is a delightful mix of Balinese and Western dishes, prepared with love and care by Komang and his family as you watch through the servery window. The warm hospitality truly makes this place stand out. Our highlight here was Komang showing us the huge nest of gecko eggs that had been laid in his rafters!
For a more local experience, Warung Joni is a must-visit. A tiny little warung sat on the corner of a rice field, their fresh fried nuts are hard to resist. They pair well with a cold Bintang as you watch the cheeky birds grabbing a snack in the rice. The ambiance is relaxed, and it's a fantastic spot to take in the rural charm of Sidemen while enjoying some simple, yet delicious, food.
Warung Bija, located right next door to Warung Joni, is the epitome of cleanliness and care. The place is spotless, and the food is prepared with utmost attention to detail. The Dragonfruit Mojito is a must-try—refreshing, vibrant, and full of flavor. It's the perfect way to cool down after a day of exploring.
D'padi Restaurant offers a more upscale dining experience in Sidemen. The menu features a variety of Indonesian and international dishes, all prepared with a modern twist. Live music is featured most nights during the high season. The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed on the open-air deck filled with plants and bamboo. The view across the rice terraces makes it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. It's very popular so we would recommend booking ahead to ensure you get the table you'd like.
Where to Stay in Sidemen
There are many quality options to choose from in Sidemen. These are the two we have personally stayed at.
Kubu Tani offers a rustic yet comfortable stay in Sidemen. The bungalows are surrounded by lush greenery, and the views of Mt Agung from any location on the property are unparalleled. There is even a perfectly framed Mt Agung panorama when you're in the pool. The restaurant is basic, but the staff go above and beyond to action any request you could possibly make. The peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff make it an excellent choice for those looking to unwind and disconnect.
At the time we stayed here, I think this place was undergoing a slow revamp. From what I could see, many of the rooms looked comfortable and almost luxurious. Unfortunately, not the one we got but I guess that's what happens when you book close to peak season. We booked a Bungalow (Room 104). It wasn't awful - it just had a bit of a stinky shower drain, no hot water and something was actively eating all the timber in the room. Others we spoke to in different room types seemed happy with their rooms. The restaurant was great, pool area nice, staff super helpful and accommodating, fabulous view from our huge patio - I just think we unluckily got one of the last unrenovated rooms. Overall, I'd recommend it, just be picky with your room type.
Sidemen is more than just a destination; it's a journey into the heart of Bali’s natural and cultural beauty. Whether you’re savoring a cocktail at Lihat Sawah, exploring the sacred grounds of Besakih Temple, or crafting your own silver jewellery, Sidemen offers an authentic and enriching Balinese experience. Add it to your travel itinerary for a peaceful escape that’s rich in culture, flavor, and tranquility.
Comments