Sidemen Valley Is The Crowd-Free Alternative To Ubud Luring Tourist Bali’s East

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Sidemen is the perfect travel destination in more ways than one.

Offering opportunities for adventure and slow travel resets, there is a reason why Sidemen is featuring on all the ‘must-visit’ travel inspiration lists for Bali. 

Often touted as the new alternative to Ubud, Sideman has a unique vibe all of its own.

While there are certainly comparisons that can be made between these two verdant villages, it would be too reductionist to say that Sidemen is simply a less crowded Ubud. 

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The best way to fully understand that is through Slow Travel. The trend has captured the hearts of millions of international tourists who are changing the way in which they operate while they are on the road.

Once upon a time, there was a competition-like vibe to the travel community, who were dead set on ticking off as many bucket list destinations as possible.

Over the last few years, this has shifted. As the wider world gets louder and faster, true traveler are seeking to use their time away from home to slow down, to reconnect with what matters, and be present with what is around them.

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In many ways, that is easier said than done, especially as digital nomads and remote workers are often still at the daily grind even while on the move. This is where a destination like Sidemen comes into play.

Offering an easy destination for tourists to arrive in, life in Sidemen moves at the pace of nature, and this offers busy, burnt-out travelers the pace they need to recalibrate before exploring all that Bali, and Indonesia more broadly, has to offer. 

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There are contrasting yet complementary experiences on offer for tourists in Sideman. This is an area where out-and-out luxury is available, alongside low-key luxury and affordable rustic retreats aligned with a more local way of living, too.

Top resorts in Sideman offering both luxury and eco-friendly feels include Wapa di Ume Sideman. The 5-star resort offers breathtaking views of Mount Agung and the vast rice paddy terraces of Karangasem Regency.

For an adults-only escape in Sidemen, it doesn’t get better than the Samanvaya. This exceptional boutique resort is perfect for couples, solo travellers, or small groups of friends looking to reset, recharge, and rejuvenate while escaping the Bali tourist crowds. The hotel offers not one but two infinity pools boasting even more impressive views of the Sidemen Valley. The range of accommodation options is impressive, and space is inspired by both Balinese culture and the surrounding landscape. 

As described by Samanvaya, “Each villa blends traditional Balinese architecture with open, connected spaces, created exclusively for guests aged 14 and over. Unwind across three infinity pools—two overlooking the rice fields, and one suspended above a riverside amphitheatre garden. Guests can enjoy a natural-temperature jacuzzi, hot tub, our restaurant, spa, and yoga studio, along with full access to our new wellness facilities, including a sauna, steam room, and cold plunge.”

While Sidemen is a destination for relaxation and rest, there are still plenty of cultural wonders and activities to enjoy during a vacation in the valley. Sidemen is located in Karangasem Regency, which is one of the most agriculturally productive areas of the island. This makes taking part in a cooking class even more immersive and informative.

Many cooking classes offered in Sideman also involve visiting local farms and gardens to pick produce directly from the source, or from early morning markets, too. It is true that nothing tastes better than a home-cooked meal where ingredients have travelled only a matter of meters from field to table. 

Sidemen is the perfect launchpad for exploring all that East Bali has to offer. This lesser-visited region of Bali is home to some of the most important cultural and natural landmarks in the province, including sacred Mount Agung, Tirta Gangga Water Palace and Gardens, and Pura Lempuyang, aka Gates of Heaven Temple.