Sidemen · East Bali valleys
Sidemen guide — Bali's quiet green valley
Sidemen is a quiet river valley in east Bali, an hour or so beyond Ubud, where terraced rice fields climb toward Mount Agung and the pace drops to almost nothing. It's often described as the Ubud of a generation ago — the same emerald terraces and village calm, without the traffic or the crowds. Come for the view, the walks and the quiet; not for beaches, nightlife or a dense café strip.
Who Sidemen suits — and who it frustrates
It suits Slow travellers, couples and photographers who want rice-terrace scenery, gentle valley walks and a genuinely quiet base — and anyone curious about traditional Balinese weaving, which the valley has long been known for.
It frustrates Anyone after beaches, nightlife, a walkable centre or lots to “do”. Sidemen is about landscape and stillness, and everything is spread out along winding valley roads.
What Sidemen is known for
- Rice-terrace valley walks. The reason to come: green terraces stepping up the valley, with Mount Agung at the head on a clear morning. Gentle, unhurried walks rather than serious hikes.
- Traditional weaving. The valley is a long-standing weaving area, known for songket and ikat cloth; some family workshops welcome visitors to watch the looms.
- Mount Agung views. Bali's highest and holiest volcano rises at the valley head. It's clearest in the early morning, before valley cloud builds through the day.
- A base for east Bali. The Besakih “Mother Temple” and the Tirta Gangga water palace are both within reach, and the road east to the Amed coast connects from here.
Practical notes (read before you plan)
- It's spread out — you'll want a scooter or a hired driver; there's no walkable centre.
- Come for a clear morning — Agung and the terraces show best early, before the valley clouds over.
- Pair it with the east — Besakih, Tirta Gangga and the road to Amed all link from here.
- It's rural — ATMs, shops and dining are limited and mostly at guesthouses, so bring what you need.
Good to know
What is Sidemen best for?
Quiet rice-terrace scenery and slow village days in east Bali — often called the Ubud of a generation ago. It suits couples, photographers and anyone who wants stillness and green valley views over sights and nightlife.
Is Sidemen worth visiting?
If you want landscape and calm, yes — the terraced valley under Mount Agung is among Bali's prettiest and far quieter than Ubud. If you want beaches, nightlife or lots to do, it isn't the base for you.
How many days do you need in Sidemen?
A night or two is plenty for most: enough for a valley walk, a clear-morning Agung view and a slow day. It works well as a quiet stop between Ubud and the east coast or the islands.
How do you get around Sidemen?
By scooter or hired driver. The valley is spread along winding roads with no walkable centre and little public transport, so plan your transport before you arrive.