The coastal hubs of Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu are Bali’s most popular tourist destinations, lauded for their sun, surf and social scene. Coming in close second place is Ubud, where visitors flock for arts, culture and wellness. But savvy tourists will know that side-stepping these hotspots in favour of places less travelled can be equally rewarding for experiencing Bali’s stunning nature and rustic village life. Here are eight reasons why Sidemen, in East Bali, is the Island of the Gods’ best kept secret. Located 56km northeast from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, it makes for a worthy escape.
1. For an enchanting walk through lush rice terraces
Not far from the village centre, the emerald-hued Sidemen Rice Terraces zigzag across the valley. Sidemen’s local banjar (government) has mandated that this lush scenic countryside be retained, rather than developed, for the benefit of the local community. The rice terraces are best enjoyed starting at Pucak Luah Santi. From there, you can make your way across a stunning 3km track through the seasonal rice fields.
Visitors can opt for a guide to gain an insight into the local rice farming community, or just enjoy the walk, which includes a hillside viewpoint where Mount Agung rises above the valley in all its glory. Entry tickets are sold from the little roadside bamboo and grass hut with handmade signage, where you can also engage a guide.
2. For a jungle trek to a waterfall and panoramic views
Follow the winding road that heads southward from Sidemen, through rice paddies and dense jungle, about 8km to get to the paradisical Gembleng Waterfall. Tucked away among towering trees and marked by a little Balinese gate at its base, this waterfall is a tall, narrow stream that spills over natural ledges into a series of small pools.
The second level is particularly beautiful, with a jacuzzi-sized pool that is deep enough to swim in. Note that the climb is steep and rugged, but the spectacular Sidemen Valley views and little open-air café at the summit are well worth the effort. Entry is free, though donations of 20,000 IDR are recommended.
3. For trying your hand at Balinese cooking
Hungry to do more than merely savour the delicious local cuisine? Drive 20 minutes from the Sidemen village centre and you can learn how to execute authentic Balinese recipes at Green Kitchen. Dishes include perkedel jagung (corn fritters), pepes ikan (spicy fish wrapped in banana leaf) and the local favourite sambal matah (Balinese raw chilli sauce).
The experience includes visiting a local market, foraging for the day’s ingredients in the nearby organic farm and cooking using a traditional wood-fired stove and huge mortar and pestle in the school’s lovely open-air kitchen.
4. For a first-hand look at an age-old weaving tradition
Pelangi Traditional Weaving cuts a fine figure on the main market street of Sidemen. While it might look like a boutique, the real appeal is the weaving workshop where local women weave one of Sidemen’s most treasured artisanal products, Balinese endek fabric. This cloth is distinctive for its precise weaving techniques, traditional ceremonial significance and rich patterns and colours. Each of the textile’s unique patterns and designs are infused with specific meaning, with different colours and motifs symbolic to different trades, regions and even noble families.
Visitors can attend the simple workshop downstairs to watch the women use traditional wooden hand-looms to weave the precious fabrics. Seeing the process in action makes that in-store purchase all the more special.
5. For picking up stylish handmade goods by local artisans
This stylish home décor store sits on a palm tree-striped road leading into Sidemen Village. At Kolektif & Co, you’ll find traditional, hand-crafted goods such as woven wall hangings, carved figurines and singing bowls, made by artisans and craftspeople in the local Karangasem province.
The store is also an ideal stop for picking up keepsakes such as batik dressing gowns, handmade jewellery, sarongs and woven bags. Funds from sales help support local community initiatives, including a women empowerment programme.
6. For a luxury spa fusing global influences with Balinese style
Ananda Spa is nestled in the picturesque gardens of the new Samanvaya resort, but it has a separate street access to welcome day guests. The menu is grounded in traditional local treatments including Balinese massage, boreh (an aromatic paste made using spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger and rice powder) body wrap and hot bamboo massage. It also ventures into alternative healing remedies like the Ayurvedic shirodhara treatment, where a stream of warm oil or herbal concoction is poured onto one’s forehead to stimulate the pituitary gland.
Dimly lit interiors fuse hammam influences with ornate Balinese furniture and adornments, creating the perfect background to unwind in. Stay for the day by pairing a relaxation treatment with a crème bath (a traditional Indonesian hair treatment), decadent manicure and pedicure or a private yoga and meditation session. It’s popular, so book early.
7. For an adults-only paradise ensconced in picturesque rice terraces
It would be a shame to come to Sidemen and never leave the resort, but you’d be forgiven for doing so when staying at Samanvaya Sidemen Bali. This recently opened resort in the foothills of Mount Agung boasts dreamy views that look out onto tranquil rice paddies and distant hilltops.
Guests have a choice of 18 room and villas, some of which are made entirely of bamboo with traditional alang-alang grass rooftops, while others are beautifully built flat-roofed villas with private pools, full kitchens and quality Balinese fittings and artistry.
Two infinity swimming pools, a jacuzzi and private sitting areas take pride of place in the leafy tropical garden. There’s also an all-day restaurant and a lovely lounge where complimentary afternoon tea is served.
8. For a homely stay with warm local hospitality
Subak Tabola Villa is a local-run resort that hugs a picturesque hillside, five minutes’ drive from the Sidemen village centre. Here, you’re well taken care of by co-owner Mama Ati, a big-hearted Balinese local whose maternal presence adds a familial touch to your stay.
Guests will feel pampered whether they’re splashing about in the pool, luxuriating at the spa or relaxing in one of 14 decadent suites decorated in the typical Balinese red brick style. There’s a yoga studio where sessions with local yogis can be organised upon request, and guests can also join Mama Ati for Balinese blessings at the resort’s temple each morning. The in-house restaurant and bar specialises in Indonesian and Balinese cuisine and local spirits, including arak, a traditional liquor derived from palm.
For our full list of things to try and places to see in Bali, check out our Bali City Guide.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Bali, visit the official website.
