1 week in Sidemen: Karangasem region
Siedemen is located in the region of Karangasem in Bali, not too far away from Mount Agung and the Besakih Temple. Siedemen is a peaceful little town located in the middle of valleys and rice fields. Over there, no noisy clubs, just the sound of birds chirping and of overall nature.
If you are looking for a true authentic Balinese experience after having spent some time in Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu or even Ubud, then this is the place to go to for a couple of days to relax and take life as it comes.
Where to stay and eat in Sidemen:
Where to stay in Sidemen:
Abian Dauh Siedemen: It is the perfect place to stay if you want to wake up having an infinite view over rice fields and surrounded by caring and loving people. The room is spacious and clean, there is a private outside bathroom and a gorgeous private terrace with the most beautiful view you can imagine. Breakfast is included and has many options.
*N.B. You can rent a scooter for 60.000/day and laundry is 25.000/kg*
Price per night: 21 euros
Where to eat in Sidemen:
Warung Ayuz - $$ - This restaurant offers typical Balinese food as well as more Western food, and it is SO good. They make such an effort to give something visually appealing and absolutely delicious.I recommend the Gado-Gado and the Dadar Gulung. 10/10
Nana’s kitchen - $/$$ - You will have to wait a little time to get served but this is because they cook each dish from scratch. The setting is nice, the restaurant is overlooking the rice fields and it is a perfect place to work. I recommend the Sate Lilit Ikan tuna. 9/10
Sweet Warung - $ - A nice restaurant overlooking the rice fields owned by a lovely family. They have soursop juice there! I recommend the Green papaya curry. 8/10
Warung Adi (and Spa) - $ - A peaceful restaurant that serves a very good Tofu curry. 9/10
what to see and do in and around siedemen:
The town itself is not very big. You can take an hour or two to walk around its small streets, breathing the fresh air and smiling your way around. You can also:
Rent a scooter:
Drive up and down the beautiful streets surrounded by rice fields
Climb Mount Agung:
Get ready for a 4 to 6 hour trek during the night and early morning!
Climb Mount Batur:
Get ready for an early wake up to witness sunrise from the top of Mount batur
Besakih Temple:
Besakih Temple is the holiest Temple in Bali. Hindus as far as from India come to pray in it. It is also the biggest temple in Bali, with a total of 22 temples. You will find 3 major temples surrounded by smaller ones dedicated either for everyone, or for specific people such as the King or the Priests.
There are three major temples for the three major Gods: Pura Penataran Agung which has white banners for Shiva the Destroyer; Pura Kiduling Kreteg has red banners for Brahma the Creator; Pura Batu Madeg has black banners for Vishnu the Preserver.
[Which temples should I visit in Bali]
Gembleng Waterfall:
Gembleng Waterfall is located 3.5km away from Sidemen and is a real little haven of peace. There are about a hundred steps to climb before getting at the top. This place is strangely not too touristy yet I believe that in a few years this place might be a bit more crowded
Entrance fee: donation
Talk to locals:
Locals, especially the hotel owners, will want to show you their culture. They will invite you to ceremonies if there are any planned during your stay. I was lucky enough to participate to a family opening ceremony of a new temple. It was magical that is all that I can say.
