Bali guide › North and east Bali
Why stay in Sidemen instead of Ubud?
Because Sidemen is what Ubud was twenty years ago: a valley of terraced rice fields with no tourist coaches, and Mount Agung dominating the horizon when the sky is clear. It is about 35 km (22 miles) from Ubud and 2.5 hours from the airport, and in the morning the valley is often wrapped in mist.
What you can see and do:
- Walk through the rice fields: relaxed walks of 1 to 2 hours on dirt paths, among farmers at work. A waymarked 3 km (2 mile) trail costs around 25,000 IDR (about $1.50). You don't need to be athletic, but bring good shoes, because it gets slippery.
- Watch weaving: Sidemen is known for songket, a hand-woven brocade with gold or silver thread, and for endek, cloth dyed before it is woven. In several workshops in the village, weavers work at hand looms.
- Make a silver piece of jewellery: several workshops offer a class, from about 300,000 IDR (around $17).
- Take a cooking class in a family home (about $25 for 3 hours).
- A viewpoint: Bukit Asah hill, for Agung at sunset.
The village also keeps its market, held every three days (as in many Balinese villages). If your stay coincides with it, it is worth a look. And for the more adventurous, the climb of Mount Agung starts from the area (8 to 12 hours of effort).
Verdict: the best base for slow days among rice fields and craft, with far fewer people than Ubud. Not the place for nightlife, shopping or a big choice of restaurants.
Tip: spend at least two nights, in accommodation overlooking the rice fields: it is the best plan in Sidemen. The dry season, from May to October, is ideal. Be aware, though, that Sidemen is gradually becoming a smarter Ubud, and prices are creeping up.
Prices checked in October 2026; confirm before you go.
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