Even though Bali might seem like a small Island, there is SO much fun to be had and that means choosing where to spend your time can be difficult (I know, first world problems). You’ve got the best surf locations in Canggu and Uluwatu. Traditional temples and world-class yoga in Ubud. Not forgetting Island hopping around the Gili islands. BUT if you haven’t considered areas outside of these you are missing out!
I have spent 8 months in Bali and whenever friends or family come to visit, or I meet fellow travellers, I always make sure Sidemen is on their travel list. And I try to get myself an invite too. It’s not somewhere I would set myself up long term, but Sidemen is ideal for a long weekend getaway.
Here is everything you need to know for your trip to Sidemen, Bali.
Is Sidemen, Bali Worth Going To?
Yes! Even if you only have a couple of weeks in Bali, I guarantee you won’t experience any other place like it. And you’ll thank me for the recommendation!
8 Reasons Why Sidemen Is Worth Visiting
- Escape the crazy tourist areas
- Easy to get there and the drive is beautiful
- An authentic Bali experience
- The most gorgeous nature and views
- Super friendly locals
- Very affordable
- You’ll always have a room with a view
- The best curry I have ever eaten!
How To Get To Sidemen, Bali
Sidemen is situated in East Bali and is easily accessible from the main tourist hotspots. To get from Canggu to Sidemen you are looking at about a 2 hour drive which includes sitting in traffic. If you are going from Uluwatu to Sidemen the drive is a bit longer and will take you probably 3 hours as you may want to stop for a break. Ubud is the closest to Sidemen and will likely take around 1.5hours. Therefore I recommend that when you stay in Ubud you factor in a trip to Sidemen.
Travelling by scooter is the easiest way to get to Sidemen and the times mentioned above relate to scooter travel. You can drive there by car also but please account for extra traffic, this could be anything from an additional 30 mins to an hour. It will depend on the day.
How To Get Around Sidemen, Bali
You will need transport in Sidemen as part of it’s charm is simply driving around the area and witnessing the beauty! I don’t believe they have Grab or Gojek there either, though I have never tried to use those services as I always have a scooter.
Although the main area of Sidemen is a small place and you can certainly walk around, you will see from my activities below that everything to do is mostly spread out. Therefore transport is a must.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Sidemen, Bali?
As Bali is a fairly small island, you experience the same weather wherever you may go. In Sidemen you’ll be doing lots of exploring, hiking, and riding around on motorbikes, so you want to avoid rainy season in Bali. Which usually starts around November and lasts until May. Therefore the best time to visit Sidemen is from June to November,
Is The Wifi Good In Sidemen, Bali?
This depends on where you go as I have found some restaurants didn’t have wifi at all, or it was very poor. And I also found the complete opposite, the wifi worked perfectly. All of the accommodation I stayed in had wifi, but it wasn’t the best.
It is possible to tether off your phone in some places. However, Sidemen is a very rural area and signal can be sketchy! For me, video calls didn’t work.
How Long Should I Stay In Sidemen, Bali?
As mentioned at the beginning, 3 days is enough time to spend in Sidemen Bali. If you are on a tight schedule you can still enjoy 2 days and if you have got longer than 4 days is the maximum to take your time and see everything.
What To Do In Sidemen, Bali?
You won’t be short of activities for your trip to Sidemen, but it’s also a great place to just relax and be in nature. Having said that, here are some of the best things to do in Sidemen.
1. Explore Gembleng Waterfall
This is a beautiful waterfall that is free to visit, however you can pay a donation. There are sets of stairs to climb which are very easy and take you to various places in the waterfall, allowing you to explore. At one spot there is a natural pool you can sit in that overlooks the rice fields. It’s Spectacular! Finish your climb to the top and you’ll have another epic view.
2. Silver/Jewellery Making
Sidemen Silver has over 700 reviews with a 5 star rating on Google! I didn’t think silver making or jewellery making was on my to-do list for Bali but it’s not one to be missed. Even if you don’t want to make your own, it’s worth visiting as they sell lots of jewellery that has been made on site at very reasonable prices.
3. Rice Field Trek
If you want to get up close and personal with the rice fields, then stopping off at Sidemen Rice Terrace is a must! Walking through the rice fields is a wonderful activity and gives you a better insight into what Bali is most famous for. You will likely meet a few friendly locals along the way and we saw a snake!
4. Yoga Class
No trip to Bali would be complete without an authentic yoga class taught by a local. Laksmi Yoga Centre, run by Laksmi herself, is the perfect place to restore balance and find some peace. The sessions are suitable for all levels and the classes are often very small, giving a more personal experience.
5. Ready, Steady Cook!
A traditional Balinese cooking class is a great way to learn more about the Balinese and their culture. What’s even better is cooking with Wayan! A local to Sidemen who makes the class super fun and tasty. Making you feel at home and relaxed, plus the view is pretty good too!
6. River Rafting and Whitewater Rafting
Sungai Telaga Waja is a river that runs through Sidemen. You can take a river rafting tour which gives you more great views of Sidemen. It’s not my sort of activity and I haven’t done this one myself but the reviews on Google suggest it could be fun if you’re into adrenaline-rushing activities!
7. Scooter Exploring
One of my favourite things to do in Sidemen is just ride around on a scooter witnessing the authentic Balinese villages and culture. You can also find some great hidden spots for views overlooking the rice fields and Mount Agung!
Where To Stay In Sidemen, Bali
There is accommodation to suit every budget in Sidemen.
Low Budget Accommodation In Sidemen
- Lila Stana Sidemen Homestay is a great option for cheap accommodation in Sidemen, prices are around £10 per night for 2 people.
- Jana’s Homestay has fabulous reviews and even includes breakfast in the price. It’s roughly £10 per night for 2 people.
Mid-range Budget Accommodation In Sidemen
- Khrisna Cottages is next to the Rice fields and has accommodation with private terraces and open-air showers. To book a cottage you can spend around £40 per night for 2 people.
- Sawah Indah Villa has gorgeous, traditional bungalows that are very spacious. 1 night here for 2 people is around £80.
Luxury Accommodation In Sidemen
- Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa (Adults only) tells you everything you need to know just in the name. One night here for 2 people starts from £150.
- Wapa Di Ume Sidemen is another gorgeous, high end hotel in Sidemen with unbelievable views. You can book here from £160 per night for 2 people. Some of the rooms have their own private pool!
Where To Eat In Sidemen, Bali
- Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa, if your budget doesn’t stretch to stay here, then at least come for the happy hour cocktails and a pizza! They also do a great breakfast.
- Wapa Di Ume Sidemen. The views from the restaurant are unmatched. I’ve only been here for breakfast but it’s worth the tourist prices.
- Warung Wisma Bojana serves up some tasty traditional balinese food.
- D’padi Restaurant offers cheap cocktails and a mix of local and western meals.
- Warung Makan Dwijayantiy. You HAVE to come here. It was the best vegetable curry I’d ever had!
That should cover everything you need to know to help you plan your visit to Sidemen in Bali. But if I have missed anything, please drop the question in the comments below and I will do my best to help.
Enjoy your trip!
P.s If you’re travelling around Asia, you may also like this post: How To See Vietnam On A Motorbike In Just 2 Weeks.