A 90-minute drive east from Seminyak, Sidemen Valley is relatively undiscovered compared to more crowded, commercialised areas of Bali. With its collection of small farming communities and artisan villages, it is often compared to its ever-popular neighbour, Ubud, just 33 kilometres west.
For those longing to slow down and sample a slice of authentic Balinese life, Sidemen is your solution. Expect a bohemian hotspot with green rice paddies, serene Hindu temples, lush jungle areas and cascading waterfalls. Not to mention great food and beautiful accommodation.
Stay
Budget homestays have popped up over the past few years, but you’ll also find a handful of luxurious, eco-friendly boutique hotels and Airbnbs in Sidemen Village, including five-star Wapa di Ume, the striking bamboo houses of Camaya and Veluvana Bali, and the stunning “Castles in the Sky” that are Laputa Villas.
For a stay that truly encapsulates the spirit of Sidemen, Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa is the place to base yourself. Founded by New Zealand couple Tracey and Rob Rackliff in 2017, it features 17 sustainably built suites and traditional lumpung villas perched on a series of rice terraces. Guests must be aged 14 and over to stay.
Expect private pools and hot tubs, generous multi-level living spaces, semi-open tropical bathrooms with rainwater showers and bathtubs, plus handmade furnishings by local artisans. And while the resort’s yoga studio and Ananda Spa provide an indoor sanctuary, Samanvaya’s outdoor dining and two infinity pools offer uninterrupted views to Mount Agung in the distance.
The Rackliffs’ commitment to sustainable tourism includes projects like Kolektif & Co, a gallery providing work and support for Sidemen’s artisans, and Support Sidemen, an initiative encouraging the collection of recyclable rubbish in exchange for rice, which also provides workshops and training opportunities in one of Bali’s poorest regencies.
Dine
While you won’t find large chains, boutique breweries, or specialty coffee roasters here (yet), you will find a good selection of warungs (eateries) serving traditional fare. Warung Dapur Kapulaga, Lihat Sawah and Warung Tirta Unda are among the best places to eat.
For more upscale dining, luxury resort Wapa di Ume’s Sleeping Gajah Kitchen & Lounge is one of Sidemen’s top-rated spots within earshot of the Unda River, while Samanvaya’s restaurant, Asri Dining, offers Indonesian classics and international favourites. Secure a spot overlooking the rice terraces at happy hour to enjoy cocktails such as a ginger and basil Margarita, or lychee lime fizz.
Do
While a guided rice fields trek is a great way to appreciate village life, Sidemen’s waterfalls are spectacular and a hike to Gembleng or Jagasatru falls will have you appreciating that refreshing dip at the end.
Because Sidemen is home to some of Bali’s most skilled artisans, it’s worth taking a tour of one of its traditional weaving villages or joining a silver jewellery-making class at Sidemen Silver, located next to another big attraction, Yellow Bridge (which is exactly as advertised).
Finally, you might be tempted to climb Mount Agung in the distance, but if you’re not an experienced hiker, nearby Mount Batur might be less daunting at only 1700 metres above sea level. The two-hour trip to the top from Batur Village at sunrise is an incredible view.
While these attractions can be reached independently, Samanvaya Resort also offers guided tours such as The Best of Sidemen from a Scooter.
Get there
While Indonesian app-based transport providers Grab or Gojek are your cheapest options, expect to pay IDR 500,000 ($50) for a private car from Denpasar, Kuta or Seminyak. Note: you’ll have to book a local driver for your return, as outside drivers and transport apps are not permitted in the area.
