Famous for the beaches and their luxurious beach resorts, vibrant night lives, trendy cafes, and the magical culture and religion, the quiet part of Bali is often forgotten. If you want to enjoy the highlands of Bali, with less tourists while being surrounded with nature, come to Sidemen. 

This quiet rural valley located in the Karangasem Regency of eastern Bali, offers an authentic Balinese vibe, where you can enjoy living peacefully like the locals, away from the busy and commercial hubs of Bali.

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Don’t expect beach clubs, fancy cafes, and shopping areas in Sidemen. But instead, look for rice paddies spreading far and beyond, with the background of Mount Agung gracing the sky, and lush forests following in the distance. 

Here are 7 things to do and places to visit in Sidemen and Karangasem areas:

This unique waterfall in Sidemen offers a tiered waterfall with natural infinity pools overlooking the jungles and valleys of Sidemen. It was once used as a sacred place to hold the melukat ritual (Balinese purification and cleaning ceremonies). The walk from the parking area is short and relatively easy to navigate, the views during golden hour are picture perfect. 

There are several warung (local eateries) that look like a tree house, set against rice fields or a hill with lush forest seen from above. Warung Tirta Unda and Warung Makan Dwijayanti are some of the popular warung to enjoy local Balinese cuisines while surrounded by the magical views outside. Order and try Nasi Campur Bali and satay Bali for your lunch. 

For thrill seekers and outdoor adventure lovers, challenge yourself by trying out the longest (spans roughly 14 to 17 kilometers) and most adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting route on the island, with the highlight of plunging down a steep 4-meter (13-foot) drop at a local irrigation dam. 

It takes 2 to 2.5 hours of continuous paddling passing through tropical rainforests, towering cliffs, cascading small waterfalls, and sweeping green rice terraces. Rafting in Telaga Waja River is tiring, but worth it if you love challenging water sports.

Taking a time away from the busy tourist flocks of Bali in Sidemen Rice Terraces. You can enjoy a morning stroll, scooter ride, and even guided walks around and through the rice fields. Learn about the local farming system and irrigation system, or simply just enjoy a quiet time watching the endless rows of rice plants with Mount Agung peeking from afar.

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When you’re staying for a couple of days in Sidemen, go explore nearby areas in Karangasem to catch beautiful views of the majestic Pura Lempuyang, Taman Ujung and Tirta Gangga. 

Although the name doesn't sound familiar, you might’ve seen some posts on social media of people taking pictures at the viral “Gate of Heaven” in Bali. The popular spot is part of Pura Lempuyang, a complex of temples called Sad Kahyangan Jagad, spread up the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. 

With the view of Mount Agung, the viral gate attracts hundreds of tourists daily, queuing for the iconic shot, created with a mirror illusion made by the local photographers. But, you can skip the tourist trap and climb up over 1,500 steps up the mountain to get to the upper temples, just like the local Hindu pilgrims who visit to pray and place some offerings at the highest .

Taman Ujung Water Palace, also known as Taman Sukasada Ujung is a former king's palace and garden in Karangasem, Eastern Bali. This beautiful palace is located 50 minutes away from Sidemen and 20 minutes drive from Tirta Gangga. The majestic palace is surrounded by pavilions and connected by a bridge above a pond, where you can explore and visit. 

It was built by Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, the King of Karangasem at the time, dates back to 1909, showcasing a blend of Balinese, Chinese, and Dutch influences in the architecture design. There is a large garden area where you can enjoy a nice picnic (bring your own picnic mat) during the late afternoon golden hour. 

Located 60 minutes drive from Sidemen, Tirta Gangga is a former royal water garden in Karangasem. Famous for its sacred spring water, tiered fountains, the scenic and beautiful garden, and stepping stones over large koi ponds, where visitors take turns in taking pictures at. It can be crowded especially during peak holiday season, so come early to avoid the rush of crowds. 

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Enjoy an enjoyable moment in Sidemen by staying in one of these recommended hotels, resorts, and villas:

Wapa di Ume Sidemen offers a stay in the jungle, with luxurious tents and comfortable rooms, each offering amazing views and private pools available for several rooms. Perfect for couples on honeymoon, family traveling with children, even friends on a fun trip in Sidemen. 

Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa offers an adult only place to stay, for solo travelers or couples enjoying a quality time. The wooden villa with a semi open bathroom designed to create a cozy tropical resort vibes with perfect views from the balcony. Book the room via Traveloka, starting from AU$ 246/night. 

Patal Kikian Villas are luxurious villa complexes with Mount Agung views, rice terraces and lush, rolling valleys of Sidemen. Offering a serene sanctuary away from the city life, book a lunch/dinner reservation at the restaurant to enjoy the breathtaking view of the valleys and rice fields. Enjoy a pleasant stay starting from AU$ 220/night.

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If this is not your first time coming to Bali, and you long for quiet and less touristy areas to discover, then you can end your Bali holiday by spending 3-4 days enjoying slow days and quiet moments surrounded by rice paddies and the majestic view of Mount Agung. 

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