Best Things to Do in Sidemen, Bali

Sidemen is one of those rare places where Bali still feels peaceful, unhurried, and deeply connected to its landscape. Nestled in the eastern highlands with views of Mount Agung and surrounded by cascading rice terraces, Sidemen offers a slower, more authentic rhythm that's hard to find elsewhere on the island.

Whether you're looking to trek through terraced rice fields, visit traditional villages, chase waterfalls, or simply relax in nature, Sidemen has a range of experiences that showcase the beauty and culture of East Bali. Here's our guide to the best things to do in Sidemen.

1. Walk Through the Rice Terraces

Sidemen's rice terraces are some of the most beautiful in Bali — and you can walk right through them. Unlike some of the more touristy terraces elsewhere, Sidemen's ricefield paths are quiet, scenic, and genuinely local.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and farmers are working the fields. You'll pass through layers of green terraces, small villages, traditional Balinese homes, and open views of Mount Agung rising in the background.

Many guesthouses and local guides offer half-day ricefield trekking tours that give you insight into Bali's subak (traditional irrigation) system, local farming practices, and the spiritual connection Balinese people have with their land.

2. Visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Tukad Cepung is one of Bali's most unique waterfalls — instead of cascading down a cliff face, it flows through a cave opening, creating dramatic shafts of light when the sun hits just right. It's about 30 minutes from Sidemen by scooter or car.

The hike down takes about 15 minutes through a river gorge, and while it can get busy during midday, arriving early gives you a better chance of experiencing it in relative peace. The interplay of light, water, and rock makes it one of the most photogenic spots in East Bali.

3. Explore Traditional Weaving Villages

Sidemen is known for its traditional endek and songket weaving — intricate handwoven textiles that are central to Balinese culture and ceremony. Several villages in the area still practice this craft, and you can visit local workshops to see weavers at work.

Watching the process is meditative: thread by thread, color by color, patterns emerge on handlooms that have been used for generations. Many workshops welcome visitors and offer textiles for purchase, supporting the local artisans who keep this tradition alive.

4. Trek to Mount Agung Viewpoints

Mount Agung — Bali's highest and most sacred volcano — dominates the skyline in Sidemen. While summiting Agung requires a predawn climb and a guide, there are easier trails that lead to stunning viewpoints of the mountain and surrounding valleys.

Local guides can arrange sunrise or morning treks that take you through forests, terraced slopes, and ridge-top paths with panoramic views. On clear days, you can see all the way to the coast.

5. Take a Balinese Cooking Class

Learning to cook traditional Balinese food is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in Sidemen. Cooking classes here often start with a visit to the local market, followed by hands-on prep in a family kitchen or outdoor pavilion.

You'll learn to make staples like lawar, sate lilit, sambal matah, and nasi goreng using fresh, local ingredients. The best part? You get to eat everything you've prepared, usually while overlooking a rice terrace or garden.

6. Visit Besakih Temple

Pura Besakih — Bali's "Mother Temple" — sits on the slopes of Mount Agung, about 40 minutes from Sidemen. It's the largest and most important temple complex on the island, made up of over 80 individual temples spread across terraced courtyards.

While it can be crowded with tour groups, arriving early or visiting during a ceremony gives you a more authentic experience. Dress respectfully (sarong and sash required) and consider hiring a local guide to understand the temple's spiritual and cultural significance.

7. Relax with a Traditional Massage

After days of trekking, exploring, and traveling, a traditional Balinese massage is the perfect way to unwind. Sidemen has several local spas that offer massage, reflexology, and wellness treatments in peaceful, natural settings.

Many treatments incorporate local techniques, natural oils, and calming environments — some even overlook rice terraces or gardens. It's an affordable and authentic way to restore your body and mind during your Bali journey.

8. Explore Nearby Villages by Scooter

Renting a scooter gives you the freedom to explore Sidemen's surrounding countryside at your own pace. The roads are quieter than other parts of Bali, and you'll pass through small villages, jungle paths, riverside roads, and terraced valleys.

Some highlights include the villages of Putung, Telaga Tawang, and Taman Ujung (a beautiful water palace about 40 minutes away). Just take your time, wear a helmet, and enjoy the scenery — half the experience is simply being on the road.

9. Attend a Local Ceremony

If you're in Sidemen during a temple ceremony or village celebration, you're witnessing something truly special. Balinese Hinduism is woven into daily life here, and ceremonies — complete with offerings, processions, music, and dance — happen regularly.

Always ask for permission before entering a ceremony space, dress respectfully (sarong and sash), and observe quietly. Many locals are welcoming to respectful visitors who show genuine interest in their traditions.

10. Simply Slow Down

One of the best things to do in Sidemen is nothing at all. This is a place designed for slowing down — reading a book with a view of the rice fields, having breakfast while watching the sunrise over Mount Agung, or just sitting quietly and taking in the sounds of the countryside.

Sidemen reminds you that not every travel experience needs to be packed with activities. Sometimes the most meaningful moments come from simply being present in a beautiful place.

Getting to Sidemen

Sidemen is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Ubud and 2 hours from the airport, depending on traffic. You can hire a private driver, rent a scooter, or arrange transport through your accommodation.

Most visitors stay 2–4 nights in Sidemen, using it as a base for exploring East Bali or as a peaceful retreat from busier parts of the island.

Plan Your Sidemen Experience

Whether you're trekking through rice terraces, exploring waterfalls, learning about local culture, or simply unwinding in nature, Sidemen offers a side of Bali that's increasingly rare: authentic, unhurried, and deeply connected to the land.

Need help planning your Sidemen itinerary? Our local team can arrange transport, tours, activities, and wellness experiences tailored to your journey.