Accommodation options in Sidemen range from simple guesthouses to a few luxurious resorts and villas, often offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Compared to many other regions in Bali, there are not very accommodation options to choose from, therefore the location and the answer on where to stay in Sidemen, will predominantly be influenced on the type of accommodation you will select.

Bamboo lodging and eco-friendly resorts and guest houses are often nestled within rice terraces, surrounded by a lot of green hills and mountain views.

Some of the available accommodation options are eco-friendly and specialised in hosting retreats, from yoga, to healing and mediation.

White Water Rafting

The white water rafting experience in Sidemen is very different from what you can experience near Ubud. In Sidemen the rivers and valleys are stunningly beautiful, and much much much less crowded.

With our BaliCard you will get 10% Discount at Green Adventure Rafting, our preferred partner for Rafting in Sidemen.

Local Weaving Art

Visit the weaving centers where they use traditional practices, namely Endek and Songket, which is an arduous process to weave Balinese ceremonial clothes, garments of traditional and culturally-significant textiles, and noted to be once worn only by Balinese nobles.

For example: Pelangi Weaving

Waterfalls

There are plenty of waterfalls nearby. For Example Tukad Cepung waterfall, where at every angle is a stunning photo opportunity within this compound of towering cliffs and the waterfall lies at the very end of the cave.

Besakih Temple & Mount Agung

Besakih temple, famously regarded as the Mother Temple of Bali, is the largest complex and holiest of the Hindu temples with a grand split gateway as its entrance. It would be a missed opportunity to not visit these sites during your stay in Sidemen.

Sidemen is also a good base to hike Mt Agung, leaving Sidemen at around 3am in the morning and getting to the top by the time the sun rises. A local guide who knows their way around would be able to show you clear angles of Mt Agung. Another fun activity is white-water rafting through the Telaga Waja river, paddling across thrilling rapids past natural landscapes and going underneath waterfalls, with a shocking drop at the end. 

Trekking & Excursions

For outdoor enthusiasts, Sidemen offers excellent trekking opportunities aside of Mount Agung. There are various trails that lead through rice fields and local villages, allowing hikers to discover the natural beauty and rural charm of the region.

Rice Fields & Terraces

It’s easy to lose track of time walking around Sidemen’s rice fields, a favorite pastime since they surround the entire village. Trekking through the Sidemen loop is the best way to view every aspect of the village, often on motorbikes or on foot, through the valley past rice fields and rickety suspension bridges. 

About an hour to two hour drive from the main tourism centers in South Bali. Once you get to Sidemen it’s an open and quiet road and you start to experience the vastness and beauty of this wonderful nature.

There is no public transportation and the distances to get from A to B or to shops and restaurants can be very far. everything is a bit “remote” out here. So 

Renting a scooter can get you anywhere, which is a great way to explore this part of the island. You can also hire a car with a driver for adventures, sightseeing and tours of East Bali.

Sidemen is enjoyable year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October) for pleasant weather and clear views of the landscapes. Depending where you are you might be as high as 600m in altitude, which can be a “refreshening” experience during rainy season.