Experience Sidemen in Bali’s Scenic Treks, Temples, and Tranquility
Known for its vast green rice terraces, Sidemen in Bali feels like stepping into a living postcard. Visitors wander along narrow paths that weave through vibrant fields and towering palms, then settle into authentic homestays with misty valley views at dawn.
But beyond the scenery, family-run bamboo workshops still hand-weave vibrant ikat fabrics. Plus, roadside warungs serve steaming bowls of noodle soup and hearty nasi campur that taste like home.
Adventure seekers can also trek to hidden waterfalls or cycle past terraced paddies. Meanwhile, their cultural highlights include weekly temple ceremonies, traditional dance performances, and hands-on cooking classes.
Exciting, right? So if you’re ready to experience the unhurried pace, read on.
Where is Sidemen?
Bali’s Karangasem Regency is home to Sidemen, a peaceful village at the foothills in the island’s east. It’s bordered by the Selat, Manggis, Klungkung Regency, and Gianyar districts. This makes Sidemen a quiet alternative to Bali’s busy west coast.
What is the main landmark in Sidemen?
The main landmark in Sidemen is its lush, cascading rice terraces that stretch across the valley floor at the foothills of Mount Agung. These emerald-green steps carve the landscape into a breathtaking mosaic.
How to get to Sidemen
By Private Driver: The most comfortable way to reach Sidemen is by hiring a private car and driver, especially if you have luggage or want a stress-free trip. From Ubud, expect a 1-1.5 hour journey for around IDR 400,000–700,000.
By Scooter: Experienced riders can rent a scooter in Ubud, Canggu, or Uluwatu for about IDR 70,000/day and follow decent, winding roads for a roughly 1-1.5-hour scenic ride.
By Shuttle & Public Transport: Some hotels, tour operators, or shuttle services from Ubud offer drop-offs in Sidemen. Local buses are available, but they often require multiple transfers and longer travel times.
What to Do and See in Sidemen
Stroll the Emerald Rice Terraces with Sidemen Trekking Adventures
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Website: https://sidementourandtrekking.com/
Address: Sidemen, Karangasem Regency, 80864
Contact: +62 857 3725 0169
Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: $
Sidemen Tour and Trekking offers a trip to the Emerald Rice Terraces. This private round-route walk reveals tiered paddies, riverside groves, and hidden bamboo canopies. You’ll feel the cool morning air as you wander under the rising sun.
You may choose either a 2-hour express walk or a 5-hour deep-dive exploration to suit your pace. Guides also explain the ancient Subak irrigation system, which distributes water equally to every farm, bringing local farming customs to life.
Led by the guide Kadek, “Adita,” a Sidemen native with over 15 years of experience, these tours run by appointment from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM if booked through the agencies.
| Pro Tip:The rice-field paths in Sidemen can get really slippery. Trust me, wear rubber-soled shoes if you want to keep your balance and enjoy the views without a tumble. |
Chase dawn views on Mount Agung with a local sunrise guide
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Website: https://www.bagusbalisunrise.com/mount-agung-trekking-tour.html
Contact: +62 821 445 54458
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Bagus Bali Sunrise offers a private, guide-led trek to chase down views atop Mount Agung.
You’ll be picked up by an AC transfer between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM and start the climb at Besakih or Pasar Agung Temple around 11:00 PM. At sunrise (around 6:00 AM), enjoy a hot drink, sandwich, and fresh fruit while gazing over Bali’s highest peak.
Even more, you can choose either the challenging Besakih route (6-7 hours) or the slightly easier Pasar Agung path (4-5 hours) to match your fitness level.
And of course, their ceremony-aware scheduling means your slot is secured even during local temple events. They even guarantee flexible refunds to protect you from bad weather or sudden changes.
| Pro Tip:Book early and confirm your participation via WhatsApp to avoid ceremony-related cancellations and ensure your spot on the sunrise trek. |
Master ancient loom techniques at Mira Weaving Shop
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Address: Jl. Raya Tebola, Telaga Tawang, Kec. Sidemen, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80864
Contact: +62 852 3838 9845
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: $
Mira Weaving Shop welcomes you daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM for a free demonstration of Ikat weaving. This friendly store preserves centuries-old techniques unique to the region. You’ll immediately feel the community spirit as local artisans share their craft.
Next, dive into a hands-on loom experience by trying simple weaving steps yourself or signing up for a longer course. Guides patiently show how to warp the loom, weave patterns, and even handle the shuttle. This makes ancient art feel accessible.
Additionally, you can browse artisan-made souvenirs, ranging from Endek sarongs to bamboo baskets and incense sticks.
| Pro Tip:Mira Weaving Shop operates on a cash-only basis. So, make sure to bring enough Indonesian Rupiah to avoid any hassle. |
Witness Balinese rituals at Pura Bukit Karangasem
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Address: Bukit, Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, 80811
Contact: +62 812 3676 3788
Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: $
Pura Bukit Karangasem feels like a wellness retreat for the soul, inviting you to witness living Hindu culture that cleanses both temple and heart. Colorful processions, such as the purification rite “Ida Bethara Mesucian,” wind through ancient shrines.
Next, join the vibrant Piodalan anniversary every 210 days, when gamelan music, dancers, and tiered offerings fill the compound with joy. Young girls in white perform the Rejang welcome dance, calling the gods to descend in blessing.
At each full-moon and new-moon ceremony, devotees chant at dawn, harmonizing their spirits with Bali’s lunar rhythms. These rituals happen year-round, but make sure to follow the Pawukon calendar.
| Pro Tip:Always check the temple’s Pawukon date chart and book a local guide to ensure your visit coincides with an authentic Odalan festival experience. |
Where to Eat and Drink in Sidemen
Asri Dining by Samanvaya
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Website: https://samanvaya-bali.com/restaurant-sidemen-asri/
Address: Banjar Tabola, Telaga Tawang, Kec. Sidemen, Kabupaten Karangasem, 80864
Contact: +62 821 4710 3884
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Asri Dining by Samanvaya offers a menu with Balinese flavors and modern twists, perfect for any time of day.
Opt to start with the classic Nari Goreng or plant-based tofu scramble, each packed with local spices and served with fresh sides. Then try the famous Pepes Ikan, steamed in a banana leaf for a fragrant, tender fish experience.
If you prefer something heartier, indulge in honey-glazed salmon with coconut rice or fish tacos drizzled with Balinese honey. To complement these flavors, the cafe offers daily-pressed tropical juices and cocktails, as well as a curated wine list.
| Pro Tip:Reserve an outdoor table at sunset to soak in golden-hour views over the rice terraces while enjoying a sumptuous meal. |
Sleeping Gajah Kitchen & Lounge
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Website: https://sleepinggajah.com/
Address: Banjar Tabola, Telaga Tawang, Kec. Sidemen, Kabupaten Karangasem, 80864
Contact: +62 366 543 7600
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $
Sleeping Gajah Kitchen & Lounge offers all-day open-air dining. The Hommi breakfast serves eggs, toast, and local fruit for a cozy morning meal. But our top favorite? The Wapa Board with seasonal fruits, yogurt, and granola for a healthy start.
Sweet tooths will rejoice with the Chocolate Lava Cake, freshly baked from our wood-fired oven. With market-fresh ingredients and creative Global-Asian fusion dishes, the menu stays exciting from dawn to dusk.
They also cater to vegan and gluten-free diets, with plenty of clearly labeled plant-based options.
| Pro Tip:Pair your Hommi breakfast with a Wapa Board, and don’t be shy to ask for an iced local coffee refill. Trust me, this trio is the perfect fuel to keep your energy all day long. |
D’padi Restaurant
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Address: Br. Tebola, Sidemen, Telaga Tawang, Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, 80846
Contact: +62 853 3805 3904
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $
If you’re craving live acoustic music with your meal, head to D’padi Restaurant’s cozy teak-wood pavilion overlooking the valley.
Start with their best-seller: slow-roasted duck marinated in Balinese spices, served with fresh sambal matah. Next, savor the beef rendang, slow-cooked in a creamy coconut curry that literally melts in your mouth.
Both dishes feature locally sourced ingredients and traditional spices. We like how this creates a warm, home-cooked feel in the softly lit interior.
| Pro Tip:Live music starts at sunset. So, arrive early to grab a front-row table by the musicians. Make sure to ask for the set schedule to make every bite even magical. |
Where to Stay in Sidemen
Wapa di Ume Sidemen
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Website: https://wapadiumesidemen.com/
Address: Banjar Dinas, Jl. Raya Tebola, Telaga Tawang, Kec. Sidemen, Kabupaten Karangasem, 80864
Contact: +62 366 543 7600
Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: $$$
Every room at Wapa di Ume Sidemen—from Lanai to Pool Villa—boasts sweeping valley views that shift with the sky’s light. Despite its remote feel, the resort is just a 35-minute drive from Klungkung Market.
The boutique property features crisp, whitewashed wood architecture, lush tropical gardens, and eco-friendly practices. It even earned a Travelers’ Choice Award as the #6 Small & Boutique Hotel in Asia and #9 in the World for 2025.
Accommodations include riverside suites with private daybeds and one-bedroom pool villas for extra privacy. Plus, guests can also choose themed packages like Secluded Wapa or Honeymoon for a tailored stay.
They even offer on-site dining, a serene wedding chapel, and curated adventure excursions that’ll definitely connect you to Sidemen’s culture.
| Pro Tip:Make sure to request an east-facing Lanai room and schedule a 6 AM wake-up call. This is so that you can sip coffee as the sunrise paints the valley gold. |
Darmada Eco Resort
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Website: https://www.darmadabali.com/
Address: Jl. Raya Darmada Banjar, Jl. Raya Tebola, Telaga Tawang, Sidemen, Karangasem Regency, 80864
Contact: +62 853 3803 2100
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Surrounded by three hectares of unspoiled nature, Darmada Eco Resort is next to the Unda River. It feels like our own secret sanctuary, whether you’re a couple or a family seeking adventure.
Hosts Wayan and Barbara—the dynamic Balinese-Dutch duo—breathe life into their “In Harmony with Nature” promise. It combines authentic local traditions with their eco-friendly practices to preserve the landscape and spring.
And the cherry on top? Warung Melita’s farm-to-table offerings, including homemade quiches and vegan delights, are all plucked fresh from their organic garden.
| Pro Tip:Opt to join the evening Canang Sari offering class at Warung Melita. You’ll create your own floral shrine that will deepen your connection to Balinese culture. |
Veluvana Bali
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Website: https://veluvanabali.com/
Address: Jl. Raya Tebola, Telaga Tawang, Kec. Sidemen, Kabupaten Karangasem, 80864
Contact: +62 823 4086 1486
Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Pricing: $$$
Veluvana Bali offers unique bamboo villas like the Bamboo House, Owl House, and Cobra House, each framed by rice terraces and Mount Agung views.
These eco-friendly homes use locally sourced bamboo and open-wall designs so you wake to the rainforest’s breeze and birdsong. The minimal-wall concept has both coziness and comfort with outdoor serenity.
Each villa offers eco-friendly details, from natural building materials to private pools, alongside 60–90-minute Balinese massages and body scrubs with local healers. Treatments use traditional techniques and natural oils for deep relaxation.
| Pro Tip:For a truly magical experience, book a floating breakfast served in your private pool. This unique dining experience is available for an additional charge and can be arranged directly through the resort’s website. |
Devani Resort Sidemen
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Website: https://devaniresort.com/
Address: Jl. Raya Tebola, Sidemen, Kec. Sidemen, Kabupaten Karangasem, 80864
Contact: +62 366 551 2011
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Devani Resort Sidemen is very famous for their “Praise Mother Nature” theme, evident in every moment. The wooden houses, crafted from sustainable materials with high-quality furnishings, truly stand out.
The resort offers a sparkling pool, an on-site restaurant with a spa, and free Wi-Fi, all delivered with eco-friendly practices. Additionally, they offer guest services such as laundry, transport, and airport transfers.
Their tailored packages cater to every kind of traveler. Family Getaway offers connecting rooms and kid-friendly activities. While Honeymoon Bliss includes candlelit dinners and couples’ massages.
| Pro Tip:Book the “Explore Sidemen” package early to secure your private driver and insider tips. Don’t forget to enjoy your complimentary handcrafted souvenirs too. |