Sidemen · Things to do
Things to do in Sidemen
Experiential guides to help you plan Sidemen, how to spend your days, chosen experiences and insider tips.
The best things to do in Sidemen
Sidemen is a quiet farming valley in Karangasem, east Bali, with rice terraces stepping down to a river and Mount Agung above the fields. Its draws are slow walks, waterfalls, rafting on the Telaga Waja, songket weaving and nearby temples. It suits travellers who want a calm base rather than beaches or nightlife.
- 1
Walk the rice terraces
The area around the Yellow Bridge and Tabola village has some of the most scenic rice field walks in Bali, by an August 2026 guide. Go in the cooler morning, wear proper shoes and carry water. The fields are private working land, and one popular trail asks for a donation. A local guide costs approximately 300,000 IDR.
- 2
Swim at Gembleng Waterfall
Gembleng is a 20 minute drive from Sidemen village, then a five minute walk up steps to rock pools with views over the valley. Entry is by donation, and one 2026 visitor gave 20,000 IDR. It is a holy site used for melukat cleansing ceremonies and can close to the public, so give locals space. Water shoes help on the slippery rock.
- 3
Raft the Telaga Waja river
The Telaga Waja runs through the valley and is a popular rafting river, with a route of around 16 km that takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, by an October 2025 guide. An instructor goes on board with beginners. Water levels change with the weather, so check conditions when you book.
- 4
Visit a songket weaving workshop
Sidemen is known for traditional songket and endek weaving, and some family-run workshops let visitors watch the looms. A May 2026 guide says hand-made sarongs take around a month to complete and cost approximately 2 million IDR. Buying directly from the weaver is the usual way to take a piece home.
- 5
See Mount Agung from Lahangan Sweet
Lahangan Sweet is a village-run ridge viewpoint in Bunutan that looks straight at Mount Agung, with the sea on the other side. It is about 30 minutes by road from Amed, and it is the sourced Agung viewpoint on this site. Go early for the light on the summit.
- 6
Visit Pura Besakih
Besakih is called the Mother Temple of Bali and is the largest temple complex on the island, set on the slopes of Mount Agung. A January 2025 guide gives about an hour from Sidemen, while an October 2025 guide says about 35 minutes. Dress modestly and keep clear of ceremonies.
- 7
Stroll the Tirta Gangga water palace
Tirta Gangga is a royal water garden with tiered fountains and koi pools, about 45 minutes from Sidemen by a May 2026 guide. Entry is 50,000 IDR, with 10,000 IDR more for the swimming pool. Fees change, so check on arrival.
- 8
Explore Taman Ujung
Taman Ujung is a water palace on the east coast, built in 1909, with ponds, floating pavilions and stone steps that climb to sea and mountain views. It is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM and entry is 75,000 IDR by a May 2026 guide. It was heavily damaged in the 1963 eruption and has been restored.
- 9
Take a silver or cooking class
Sidemen has local silver workshops where you can design and make jewellery, and several villas and restaurants run Balinese cooking classes. An August 2026 guide lists both among the valley's quieter activities. Book through your accommodation, as classes are small.