About Sidemen

Sidemen is tucked away in east Bali's countryside, about 1.5 hours from Ubud through winding mountain roads. This quiet valley sits at around 700 meters elevation with Mount Agung towering dramatically in the background - way more peaceful than the tourist crowds you'll find elsewhere. The name literally means "finger" in Balinese, referring to the finger-like ridges that run through the valley.

Temperatures here stay comfortable at 22-26°C (72-79°F) during the day, cooler than the coast thanks to the elevation and mountain breezes. What makes Sidemen special is how authentic it feels - this is real rural Bali where families still farm rice the traditional way and weave textiles by hand. You'll see more water buffalo than tourists, and the pace of life is incredibly slow.

The landscape is absolutely stunning with emerald rice terraces cascading down hillsides, traditional villages scattered throughout the valley, and Mount Agung dominating the skyline. It's nothing like the busy beaches or even Ubud - this is where you come to experience old Bali culture and some of the island's most beautiful scenery without fighting crowds for photos.

Highlights of Sidemen

The rice terraces here are hands down some of Bali's most beautiful, with Mount Agung as the backdrop creating incredible photos. Unlike Tegallalang, you can walk through these terraces without paying entrance fees and barely see another tourist. The traditional weaving villages like Sidemen Village itself still produce songket textiles using techniques passed down through generations - you can watch women working on backstrap looms right in their homes.

Pura Bukit Dharma Durga Kutri temple sits on a hilltop with panoramic valley views and is way less crowded than famous temples elsewhere. The Sidemen River runs through the valley and offers white water rafting with class II-III rapids - way more exciting than the touristy Ayung River. The traditional markets here sell local produce and crafts at real local prices, not tourist markup. Sunrise views of Mount Agung from various viewpoints around the valley are absolutely incredible, especially when the mountain isn't covered in clouds.

Travel tips for Sidemen

Rent a scooter for 70,000 IDR ($5) per day since public transport is basically non-existent here
Book accommodation in advance since there are fewer options than touristy areas
Bring warm clothes for evenings when temperatures can drop to 18°C (64°F)
Download offline maps since cell service gets spotty in the valley
Carry cash - ATMs are rare and most places don't accept cards
Learn a few Indonesian phrases since English isn't as common as in tourist areas

Location & map

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Sidemen

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Things to do in Sidemen

Trek through the rice terraces with Mount Agung views - no entrance fees and you can explore for hours.
Visit traditional weaving villages to watch songket textile production and buy directly from artisans.
Try white water rafting on Sidemen River for class II-III rapids through jungle scenery.
Hike to various viewpoints around the valley for incredible sunrise shots of Mount Agung.
Take a cooking class with local families to learn authentic Balinese recipes using ingredients from their gardens.
Visit the traditional markets in Sidemen Village for local produce and handmade crafts.
Explore ancient temples scattered throughout the valley that see very few tourists.
Join farmers in the rice fields if you time your visit during planting or harvest season.

Best time to visit Sidemen

April through September gives you the clearest views of Mount Agung and the best weather for outdoor activities. The rice is most photogenic from May through August when it's bright green and fully grown. During harvest time (September-October) you might see traditional rice cutting with sickles, which makes for great cultural photos.

Early morning (6-8 AM) is perfect for Mount Agung sunrise views before clouds roll in - the mountain is often hidden by afternoon. The dry season means better road conditions for scooter rides through the valley. Weekdays are way quieter since this area doesn't get the weekend domestic tourist crowds like other Bali spots.

Rainy season (November-March) brings lush green landscapes but also means Mount Agung is often covered in clouds, so you might miss those iconic mountain backdrop shots. If you're into photography, plan to stay a few days since weather can change quickly in the mountains and you want multiple chances for clear mountain views.