Sidemen, a charming town in Bali located approximately two hours from Ubud, will fulfill your desire for serenity and relaxation in perfect harmony with nature. Walks through verdant rice fields, exploration of historic sites, and culinary stops at a warung—these are just some of the activities awaiting you in this haven of peace on the Island of the Gods.

History

Bali's history and its towns reveal themselves through temples and sanctuaries. North of Sidemen, at the foothills of Mount Agung, Pura Besakih, the "mother temple" of the Island of the Gods, holds a legend spanning 2,000 years, before becoming a Hindu place of worship in the thirteenth century.

Besakih was once a small forest. In those ancient times, the strait separating Bali, known then as the island of Dawa, from Java did not yet exist. Coming from India, the hermit Resi Markandeya settled in the mountains of Mount Rawang in Java to meditate. One day, the Hindu god Hyang Widhi Wasa entrusted him with a noble mission: Resi Markandeya was to begin the deforestation of Bali, then proceed to divide the island. With his 8,000 students, the monk immediately set to work felling trees, but neglected to perform a special ceremony. Illness then struck the monk and his followers, causing the work to cease. Deeply troubled by these events, Resi Markandeya decided to return to Mount Rawang and remained there in contemplation for some time. When he was deemed "worthy," the hermit resumed his mission, this time accompanied by 4,000 monks. After collective meditation, they began the work, protected from misfortune. The land was divided and distributed among Resi Markandeya's students, welcoming agriculture and new settlements. The Pancadatu and water vessels were placed at the site of deforestation. The monk then blessed the site and named it "Basuki," in homage to the dragon Naga Besukian believed to inhabit Mount Agung.

Today

Given the tranquility of the place and enchanting landscape, Sidemen lends itself perfectly to a restorative retreat or spiritual getaway. The air is pure, the atmosphere serene, and the villagers genuinely welcoming.

Fortieth minutes from town, the Besakih temple opens its doors for you to learn more about Balinese religious traditions. On-site guides will greet you with a smile, though it's always wise to be a bit savvy to secure the best rates. However, the site can also be visited independently.

A place of reflection, but also a gateway to escape, Sidemen offers you pleasant moments of wandering and discovery amid lush nature. On hillsides, cascading rice paddies are easily navigable on foot. In the background, Mount Agung subtly dominates the panorama, a must-see destination for experienced trekkers.

After a walk, refresh yourself at a warung. These small Indonesian restaurants will let you taste the region's culinary specialties in a convivial atmosphere. Be particularly drawn to Babi Guling, a delicious Balinese-style suckling pig! Moreover, some warungs and hotel restaurants offer Thai and Western dishes to vary your palate.

In Sidemen, tourists typically settle in Tabola for accommodation. The quality of lodging has greatly improved in recent years. Homes are pleasantly arranged in the annexes of prestigious villas. From 150,000 Rupiah, enjoy comfortable rooms in a serene atmosphere. If your budget allows, try rooms with panoramic views, available for 300,000 Rupiah.

Climate

Sidemen is situated in a humid tropical climate zone. It is advisable to pack rain gear if you plan to stay in the region. Indeed, showers are part of daily life year-round, though rain typically falls only in the evening. The average annual temperature stands at 24.3°C.

From Denpasar airport, the journey to Sidemen will take you an hour and a half. If departing from Ubud, plan for approximately two hours of driving. For your trip, opt for a rental car or taxi, as public transportation can sometimes be difficult to access. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike, though you risk encountering rain along the way.

Sidemen's landscapes are explored on foot, by bicycle, or by motorbike. Renting a scooter will cost you approximately 50,000 rupiah per day. As elsewhere in Bali, you should exercise caution on the roads. From small potholes to unregulated traffic, stray chickens and dogs, obstacles are everywhere, but pose no major danger. Yet, as the old saying goes: "better safe than sorry!"

What to do in Sidemen?

• Wander through the rice fields and surrounding valleys
• Experience trekking on the slopes of Mount Agung
• Visit the Pura Besakih temple
• Discover Hinduism
• Taste Balinese dishes at a warung, and more