SIDEMEN TRAVEL GUIDE - RICEFIELDS, HIDDEN GEM & AUTHENTIC BALI
If you’re looking for a place in Bali that feels calm, authentic, and deeply connected to nature, Sidemen is it. This beautiful region in East Bali is everything I love about the island - lush rice fields, rolling hills, traditional villages, authentic food and a pace of life that instantly makes you slow down. Sidemen feels like the Bali from years ago. Quiet, grounded, and untouched by mass tourism. It’s the perfect destination if you want to disconnect, breathe, and experience the island in a more authentic way.
Why Sidemen feels so special
What makes Sidemen truly magical is the lush nature surrounding you at all times. Endless rice fields, tropical forests, rivers, and views of Mount Agung create a setting that feels incredibly peaceful. Waking up to birds, misty mornings, and the sound of nature is something I’ll never forget. There’s a quiet authenticity here - local life, traditional farming, small temples, and friendly smiles. No beach clubs, no loud nightlife, just a place that invites you to slow down and reconnect.
How to get to Sidemen
The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Sidemen is by taxi or private driver from the airport (Denpasar / DPS). The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, and is already a beautiful introduction to Bali’s landscapes. I highly recommend arranging a driver in advance - it’s stress-free, affordable, and the most relaxing option after a long flight.
There are so many things to do and restaurants and coffee shops to explore (more on that below in the guide) and in between all of this - do nothing. Sit on your terrace, listen to nature, read a book, or simply enjoy the stillness. Sidemen invites you to slow down, be present, and experience Bali in its most authentic and peaceful form.
Lots of love,
Magda
COFFEE, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, SUNSET & DINNER SPOTS in SIDEMEN
Citrus & Vine
This new coffee shop is a great spot for enjoying speciality coffee and cake in a relaxed atmosphere with a lovely garden. You can also get other tasty drinks such as smoothies, matcha, tea or other wellness drinks as well as toasties and gelato (the pistachio was my favorite!!). The café is actually part of the Samanvaya resort so the quality and service mirrors the resort’s high standards.
La Montagne Coffee
If you’re looking for the best coffee with a view on mount agung and the rice fields (maybe as we did on the way back from your Tukad Cepung Waterfall exploration) you’re right here. The coffee was really good and there is also a food menu (with a huge buffet actually) if you’re hungry.
Asri Dining by Samanvaya
If you’re looking for an unique dining experience during your time in Sidemen, Asri Dining will be your place to be. The menu features an array of dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering vibrant flavors that truly capture the essence of Bali. The ambiance at Asri Dining is peaceful and intimate, nestled in a lush natural setting that allows you to dine surrounded by the tranquility of Bali's greenery making it the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a special celebration. We loved the authentic chicken satay, the delicious ramen (also with tofu available) and broccoli salad!
Sahaja by Samanvaya
I loved our dinner experience at Sahaja! The beautiful restaurant is overlooking the rice fields and offers an amazing menu! We loved the beef rendang, tuna ramen and the pepe ikan which is an authentic balinese fish served in banana leaves. Also don’t miss their happy hour for cocktails (their spicy margarita is really really good!!) and come during the day to experience the stunning view!
D'padi Restaurant
We really enjoyed our dinner experience here - from the cozy atmosphere with the stunning view, to the attentive team and tasty menu. We really enjoyed the rice paper rolls, the tofu curry and they also offer many more authentic plates such as satay. There was also live music, making the evening a night to remember for sure!
WHERE TO STAY in SIDEMEN
Samanvaya - Adults Only
This stay truly has my heart. Samanvaya is one of those places that immediately makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and feel completely present. From the moment we arrived, everything felt calm, intentional, and deeply peaceful. We stayed for two nights at the Sari Valley Villa, overlooking the breathtaking Sidemen Valley. Surrounded by lush rice fields, rolling hills, and dense tropical forests, this adults-only boutique resort & spa feels like a hidden sanctuary - quiet, intimate, and incredibly special. Every morning started with a delicious, beautifully prepared breakfast, enjoyed while taking in the serene views. The team at Samanvaya was beyond wonderful - warm, attentive, and genuinely caring, making the whole experience feel very personal and effortless. One of my absolute highlights was the private bath house. The thermal suite with sauna, steam room, and hot and cold plunge pools was pure bliss and the perfect way to unwind together. You can also book further treatments such as a relaxing massage. So if you’re looking for a peaceful escape in Bali, this place is something truly special!
WHAT TO DO in SIDEMEN
Sidemen is truly made for slow travel. This is the kind of place where you don’t need a packed itinerary - the magic happens in the quiet moments. Start your mornings with gentle walks through the rice fields, when the air is still fresh, the light is soft, and local farmers are already beginning their day.
Explore the nearby waterfalls
One of my absolute recommendations when staying in Sidemen is visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall. It’s a little adventure to get there, but so worth it. The walk takes you through a narrow canyon, past rocks and small streams, and already feels like a hidden escape into nature. Once you arrive, you need to pay a small entrance fee which is so worth it as there are actually several waterfalls for you to explore. I’d recommend going early to fully enjoy the calm atmosphere and avoid crowds. Wear proper shoes and bring a swimsuit if you’d like to step into the cool water.
Enjoy some relaxing time
Treat yourself to a traditional Balinese massage which is the best way to relax in this beautiful setting. I can highly recommend Ananda Spa and Bathhouse for a truly recovery session. The spa experience is truly unique with it’s sauna with a view over the rice fields, steam room and hot and cold pools. You are also invited to enjoy ginger tea and delicious snacks in their lovely spa.
Discover the local life & get creative
I highly recommend visiting the local weaving market as Sidemen is known for its traditional songket and ikat weaving. It’s a beautiful way to support local craftsmanship and take home something truly meaningful. For a hands-on experience, you can also join a silver jewelry-making workshop. Creating your own ring or bracelet guided by local artisans is such a special memory and a unique souvenir from your time in Bali.
