Sidemen is a quiet valley in Karangasem, East Bali, where rice terraces step down toward a river and Mount Agung rises behind the ridgeline. The road from Semarapura north through Sidemen and Iseh passes some of the loveliest paddy-field scenery on the island, and the area remains strongly rural, with farming villages, small homestays and very little traffic compared with Ubud.
The valley has drawn artists for nearly a century. The German painter Walter Spies, and later the Swiss painter Theo Meier, lived and worked near Iseh, inspired by the volcanic landscape and terraced fields. Sidemen is also known for traditional weaving, especially songket, a ceremonial cloth woven with gold or silver thread, and several workshops on the main road welcome visitors to watch.
The best way to experience Sidemen is on foot. Paths follow irrigation channels between the terraces, passing farmers, shrines and groves of coconut and banana. Mornings are clear and cool, often with Agung visible above the clouds, while afternoons bring mist and rain in the wet season. It works well as an overnight stop between Ubud and Amed.
Highlights
- Terraces with Mount Agung behind
- Songket weaving workshops
- Walks along irrigation channels
- The scenic road through Iseh
Good to know
- Stay overnight to walk the terraces at dawn, when Agung is most often clear.
- Hire a local guide for field walks; paths cross private land and can be confusing.
- Visit a weaving workshop to see songket being made by hand.
On the map
Bali 2027 Travel Guide
The complete island guide: where to go, how to get around, what to avoid, health and safety, and the phrases that open doors.
