Things to do in Sidemen – Sidemen is one of the sub-districts of Karangasem Regency, Bali. It takes about 2 hours drive from the centre of Kuta to reach this place. This place is exposed to its enchanting natural beauty, especially the green rice terraces and the stunning view of Mount Agung.
The tourist centre in this place resembles a valley surrounded by verdant hills with fresh air. It is a suitable destination for travellers who want to enjoy the serenity and authenticity of Balinese culture. Sidemen offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, in contrast to the more crowded tourist areas such as Kuta, Legian and Ubud. The area is also famous as a producer and craftsman of traditional woven fabrics, namely Songket fabrics.
In addition, Sidemen also offers various nature tourism activities, such as trekking through local villages, visiting temples and shrines, and interacting with locals to experience the hospitality and warmth of Balinese culture.
The history of Sidemen sub-district, like many areas in Bali, is rich in its own cultural heritage and history. Sidemen is believed to have been inhabited since ancient times by Balinese people who developed the famous terraced rice farming system. This terraced rice farming was not only a means of livelihood, but also an integral part of the social and cultural life of the local community.
Over time, this place grew into a centre of cultural and spiritual activities. The villages of Sidemen, like many other places in Bali, have temples that play an important role in the religious and ceremonial life of the community. The people of Sidemen have maintained rich Balinese traditions, such as the system of mutual aid in maintaining terraced rice fields and the making of traditional handicrafts such as ikat weaving.
Along with the development of tourism in Bali, Sidemen began to attract attention as an alternative tourist destination for those seeking peace and natural beauty. However, this place still maintains its cultural essence and authenticity.
Read also : Things To Do In Ubud
Things To Do In Sidemen
1. Gembleng Waterfall
This waterfall is located in Telun Wayah or Tri Eka Buana Village, Sidemen District, Karangasem Regency, Bali. This place opened in 2020 which was promoted through social media Instagram. Here there is a natural Jacuzzi pool for soaking with clear unpolluted water.
To get to the location of the waterfall, visitors must climb 90 steps. The nature around the waterfall is still very natural offering peace and tranquillity while in this place.
2. Tukad Yeh Unda Yellow Bridge
Tukad Yeh Unda Yellow Bridge is one of the famous landmarks in Sidemen area, Karangasem Regency, Bali. The bridge is characterised by its striking bright yellow colour and crosses a river called Tukad Yeh Unda.
Apart from being a connecting road, the bridge is also a tourist attraction for visitors who come to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery from the top of the bridge, as well as to take stunning photos with the background of the calm flowing river.
3. Traditional Weaving Songket Fabric
Sidemen is one of the traditional woven fabric crafters in Bali. Songket fabrics produced by craftsmen in this place are of good quality. Songket is a type of traditional Indonesian cloth decorated with gold or silver thread embellishments that are woven manually into beautiful and intricate motifs.
The process of making songket begins with the selection of the main thread, which is often made of cotton or silk, and gold or silver threads for decoration. The distinctive patterns or motifs of Songket Sidemen are carefully crafted by experienced artisans. These motifs are often inspired by the surrounding nature, Hindu philosophy, or traditional Balinese symbols.
Songket Sidemen is recognised for its fine weave and shiny gold thread embellishments, reflecting the elegance and beauty of Balinese culture. Songket Sidemen artisans preserve this traditional technique from generation to generation, preserving the values of Balinese art and local wisdom.
Besides being used in the daily lives of Balinese people, Songket Sidemen is also recognised in local and international markets as a high-value handcrafted product. Tourists are often keen to visit workshops or weaving centres in this place to see first-hand the Songket making process and purchase these fabrics as Balinese souvenirs.
4. Tukad Yeh Unda Dam
Tukad Yeh Unda Dam is not only an important infrastructure for irrigation and agriculture, but also a part of the natural beauty that adorns the Sidemen area of Bali. This place is attractive for both locals and tourists who want to enjoy Bali’s unspoilt natural beauty.
Tukad Yeh Unda Dam offers stunning natural scenery against a backdrop of green hills and terraced rice fields. The surrounding natural beauty makes it a popular place to take pictures and enjoy the natural beauty of this place.
5. Sidemen Silver Crafts
Sidemen is known for its traditional handicrafts, and silversmithing is one of the most widely developed skills in the area. The silver pande artisans in Sidemen utilise traditional techniques in processing silver. They often use manual methods to sculpt, carve and construct intricately detailed jewellery.
The silver jewellery produced includes various types, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other accessories. Designs are often inspired by traditional Balinese motifs, including natural elements and cultural symbols. In Sidemen, you can find several workshops and shops that specialise in silver crafts. Many of these places also allow visitors to see the manufacturing process first-hand.
Some places in this place offer tours of silver workshops, where you can learn about the manufacturing techniques and buy jewellery directly from the artisans. Silver jewellery from Sidemen is a popular souvenir for tourists. Its quality and unique designs make it a highly appreciated choice.
6. Trekking in Sidemen
Trekking in Sidemen, Bali, offers a breathtaking nature experience with views of green terraced rice fields, majestic mountains and charming traditional villages. The route allows you to see first-hand the traditional irrigation systems and natural beauty of Bali. The route varies from a few kilometres to a few hours, depending on the path you choose.
Some trekking trails offer views of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano. You can get spectacular panoramas from far or near. There are also trekking routes that lead to temples and shrines around this place. You can visit the Sidemen Temple or other sacred places that are often used for traditional ceremonies.
7. Yoga in Sidemen
With its serene and peaceful nature, Sidemen is the perfect place for Yoga. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including terraced rice fields, mountains, and fresh air, making it an ideal place for yoga and meditation.
Many yoga centres in this place offer retreat programmes that include yoga classes, meditation, and other fitness activities. These retreats usually last for a few days and also include accommodation and meals.
Some centres in Sidemen offer yoga classes outdoors, such as on the edge of rice fields or with a view of the mountains. This provides a yoga experience that is more connected to nature. Yoga in an open area such as on the balcony or terrace of a villa with a stunning view of nature.
8. Cycling in Sidemen​
Cycling in Sidemen is certainly an interesting activity to enjoy the natural beauty of this place. Cycling in this place offers an interesting experience by traversing the stunning natural scenery, terraced rice fields, traditional villages, and the fresh air of the surrounding mountains.
By cycling, you can explore the traditional villages, green rice fields and temples of Sidemen. You can also see typical Balinese architecture, meet the locals, and get an insight into their culture and daily life.
9. Rice Terrace in Sidemen
Rice terraces are one of the main attractions of this area. Sidemen is famous for its beautiful landscape of green rice terraces framing the hillsides. The rice terraces here follow the famous traditional Balinese design, with steps carved into the hillsides. This design is not just for aesthetics, but also utilises the slope to regulate water flow efficiently.
The rice terraces in this place are not only a beautiful sight, but also serve as a source of livelihood for the local community. Rice farming is one of the main livelihoods in this area, with traditional techniques passed down through generations.
10. Sidemen Bali Swing
Sidemen Bali Swing is located in Tlaga Tawang Village, Sidemen District, Karangasem Regency, Bali. The Sidemen Swing is a new tourist activity located in the Sidemen tourist area. These swings are usually installed in strategic locations that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This includes overlooking lush and green rice fields, valleys, rivers, and sometimes even with a view of Mount Agung in the distance.
Many tourists are attracted to the swings because of the adventure aspect of swinging high above the ground in beautiful surroundings. It is also a fantastic place for photography, capturing memorable photos against the backdrop of Bali’s stunning landscapes.
Sidemen Tour
If you are interested in visiting and exploring the tranquil and beautiful nature that Sidemen has to offer. We organise tours that visit this place.
Sidemen Trekking and Besakih Temple Tour
Sidemen Trekking and Besakih Temple Tour is a full day tour package that visits Sidemen and also combined with visiting some interesting tourist attractions in the same direction. More..
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A beautiful and serene place
I have stayed and explored Sidemen, the nature is still beautiful with green rice terraces. The place is very peaceful and quiet, perfect for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of work.
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