Bali is a popular travel destination, and some areas can get quite crowded. However, most people flock to the same well-known spots, leaving large parts of Bali beautifully untouched. Sidemen is one of those villages where you can still experience authentic Balinese life. Here, you can wander through the green rice terraces while the children you encounter cheerfully shout ‘helloooo!’
What to Do in Sidemen? 6 Tips!
Sidemen isn’t particularly geared towards tourism, so there’s not a lot to do. You come here mainly to enjoy the authentic side of Bali. Here’s what you can do:
Visit the Morning Market in Sidemen
Every morning until 9 AM, there’s a morning market in the center of Sidemen. This small market is delightfully basic, and all the locals come here to do their fresh shopping. It’s fun to stroll around and see what’s for sale. The women carry everything in large baskets on their heads as they walk home.
Explore on a Scooter
If you’re up for an adventure, you can rent a scooter for about $4 to $6 per day. This gives you the freedom to go wherever you want. Not only is it convenient for getting around Sidemen, but you can also visit other nearby places in Bali. For example, you might check out the Tukad Cepung Waterfall, which is especially beautiful early in the morning.
Enjoy Delicious Indonesian Food at Warung Tirta Unda
The restaurant options in Sidemen are limited, but there are a few excellent Warungs. These are local eateries usually run by families. Our favorite is Warung Tirta Unda. Mayun is a fantastic host, and his wife cooks the most delicious dishes for very reasonable prices. A good plate of food like the one in the photo below will cost you only $2!
Swim at the Gembleng Waterfall
The Gembleng Waterfall is a must-see when you’re in Sidemen. This green paradise is about a 30-minute drive from Sidemen. What makes this waterfall unique is that it consists of multiple tiers. You can explore all the levels via stairs and bridges, and at the top, you can enjoy an amazing view of the jungle from the pools. Because it’s situated higher up the mountain, the view is incredibly impressive! At the top of the waterfall, there’s a small Warung where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, so don’t forget to bring some cash. Entrance to the waterfall is free, but a donation of about 20,000 IDR ($1.20) is greatly appreciated.
We deliberately chose not to post a photo of this waterfall, as it’s nice to be surprised by a beautiful place like this.
Walk Through the Rice Terraces in Sidemen
You naturally visit Sidemen for the lush environment with rice terraces and views of Mount Agung. The best way to enjoy the nature, the views, and the local life is by taking a walk. This enjoyable 2.5-hour hike comes highly recommended. You’ll head out with a friendly local guide who will teach you all about how farmers grow rice and the culture of this region. This way, you’ll see the most beautiful spots in Sidemen and reach places you might not discover on your own.
Swim With a View of Mount Agung or Among the Rice Fields
In Sidemen, you can find a few unique accommodations where you can enjoy the most beautiful views and sunsets from the pool. We specifically stayed at Patal Kikian Villa for the pool. From here, you overlook the entire region and the volcano. It’s a bit pricey, but the view is brilliant. If you’re on a smaller budget, there are also a few other excellent hotels with lovely pools in unique locations. Below, you’ll find a list of the five best places to stay in Sidemen.
Tip: Be sure to book your stay in advance, as options in Sidemen are limited and these places often fill up quickly.
The Five Best Places to Stay in Sidemen:
From $33 Villa Karma Loka
From $36 Sawah Indah Villa
From $51 Cepik Villa Sidemen
From $68 Patal Kikian Villa
From $165 Samanvaya (adults only)
