Location: East Bali, Karangasem Regency
Vibe: Peaceful, authentic, artistic, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Nestled in the shadow of Mount Agung, Sidemen Valley feels like a living canvas of Bali’s heritage. With lush rice terraces, quiet temples, traditional homes, and a strong artistic spirit, this region offers a glimpse into the Bali of generations past—untouched, unhurried, and profoundly beautiful.
Sidemen is ideal for travelers who crave authentic culture, meaningful connection, and a slower pace—especially for families and cultural explorers looking beyond Bali’s beaches.
What Makes Sidemen Special?
Sidemen is not just scenic—it’s culturally alive. Many locals still practice centuries-old customs in daily life. Walk through the village and you’ll witness:
- Women preparing canang sari (daily offerings),
- Children flying handmade kites,
- Farmers tending their rice paddies barefoot, in rhythm with the land and seasons.
There are no nightclubs, shopping malls, or chain resorts here—only family-run homestays, traditional craftspeople, and community temples.
Local Arts and Crafts in Sidemen
Sidemen is one of Bali’s last strongholds of traditional textile weaving, especially songket and ikat—richly dyed and handwoven fabrics used in ceremonies and rituals.
What to explore:
- Visit a home weaving studio where women use handlooms to create detailed patterns with gold and silver threads.
- Learn about natural dyeing methods using indigo, bark, or turmeric.
- Watch the ikat process, where patterns are dyed into threads before weaving—a meticulous art passed down through generations.
Hands-on option: Some local families welcome visitors to try basic weaving or even dye their own scarf—an enriching activity for children and adults alike.
Trekking and Nature Walks for Families
Sidemen’s landscape is ideal for gentle rice terrace walks, jungle hikes, and village treks with local guides. These walks are not just about scenery—they’re full of cultural insight.
You’ll pass:
- Irrigation canals (part of Bali’s UNESCO-listed Subak system),
- Hidden family temples and shrines,
- Bamboo forests, cacao trees, and spice gardens.
Kid-friendly tip: Some guides tailor treks to children, including nature scavenger hunts or animal-spotting (like ducks, herons, or butterflies).
Cultural Classes & Farm-to-Table Cooking
Sidemen also offers small-scale, community-led cooking classes, where guests pick fresh vegetables from local gardens and learn to prepare traditional Balinese dishes like:
- Lawar (spiced coconut and green beans),
- Sate lilit (spiced fish satay),
- Kue dadar (sweet pandan pancakes with coconut filling).
Classes often take place in open-air kitchens overlooking the rice fields—a relaxed and educational activity for the whole family.