Sidemen or Ubud: Which Bali Town Should You Visit?

If you’re trying to decide between Sidemen and Ubud for your Bali trip, honestly, I get it! They’re both beautiful in their own way, but they’re also very different too.

I’ve spent more than three months travelling around Bali across several trips, and I’ve stayed in Ubud three times and Sidemen twice, and I can tell you now, Sidemen is my absolute fave. Put me in a gorgeous bamboo house surrounded by jungle, and I’m sold, no questions asked!

Ubud is Bali’s bustling cultural and wellness hub, while Sidemen is a much quieter, rural escape in the valley beneath Mount Agung.

Ubud is busy, but you’re still surrounded by rice terraces and jungle, while Sidemen feels much more secluded, with nature stays, traditional villages and a slower pace of Bali that I absolutely love.

So, which one should you choose? If you want somewhere with loads of restaurants, cafés, shops and things to do, Ubud is probably the better choice. But if you’re craving a slower, more peaceful few days surrounded by nature, I’d pick Sidemen every time.

And because I’ve stayed in both multiple times, I’m going to break down the differences to help you decide which one is right for your trip.

Which Town Is Better?

I’m not sure if either location is better as such, as where you stay in Bali will be down to personal preference. But there are a few points to think about when choosing which is the better place for you.

This is also not to say that you can’t visit both locations on your trip, they are relatively close together and are only an hour apart. But if you’re short on time, it’s better to choose one place to stay and do a day trip to the other.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love Ubud, but I really love Sidemen, and if I had to choose between one or the other, Sidemen would be my choice every time.

If being surrounded by untouched jungles, rivers, rice terraces, and volcanoes sounds like a bit of you, then Sidemen will be your best choice! You won’t find busy streets and rows of bars or restaurants here, instead, small local villages, friendly locals, and little warungs dot the area.

If you enjoy being in a thriving, busy town surrounded by thick, lush forests, then Ubud would be the way to go for you. Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, and although there is a lot of hustle and bustle, you are spoilt for choice on places to eat, wellness retreats and some nearby rice paddies.

Sidemen

The first thing to know about staying in Sidemen is that everything is pretty spread out. A lot of the hotels, guesthouses and bamboo homes are tucked away from the main village, usually surrounded by jungle or overlooking the rice fields.

To get around, you’ll need to be comfortable driving a scooter, happy to walk (a lot!) or arrange a driver. Both times we visited, we stayed at Hideout, and while we could walk to a few nearby restaurants, there wasn’t much else within walking distance.

You also won’t find drivers available through Uber-like apps here.

But honestly, we didn’t really mind. We were staying in these bloody stunning bamboo houses surrounded by nature, so we were more than happy to not go too far anyway.

Sidemen is also much less developed than other parts of Bali. I personally love that, as you’re surrounded by nature and get a much slower pace of life, but I know that won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

Places To Stay In Sidemen

You’re definitely not short of options when it comes to where to stay in Sidemen. There are some gorgeous luxury resorts, tucked-away eco-stays and cosy guesthouses, as well as plenty of more budget-friendly options.

And because everything is so surrounded by nature here, even the more affordable places can have some stunning views.

Here are some of my favourite places to stay in Sidemen, from luxury to budget.

• Camaya Bali – A luxury bamboo house overlooking the rice fields and Mount Agung.
• Hideout Bali – Bamboo homes tucked away in the lush tropical jungle.
• Samanvaya – An adult-only eco-resort with amazing views of Mount Agung.
• Magic Hills Bali – Stunning mid-range bamboo villas surrounded by nature.
• Natya River – Budget-friendly glamping tents perched on the edge of a river.

Things To Do In Sidemen

Something Sidemen and Ubud have in common is that they both have stunning waterfalls and lush rice terraces.

Sidemen, however, is a much quieter location and you’ll find these spots to be much less crowded.

Wander The Rice Fields

Sidemen is covered in lush rice paddies and terraces, and exploring them is one of the best things to do in the area.

In my opinion, these are way more beautiful than the more popular rice terraces across Bali. Not only are they quieter, but the backdrop of Mount Agung on a clear day is the cherry on top.

Gembleng Falls

Just a short drive from Sidemen is Gembleng Waterfall, which has a pretty awesome surprise at the top.

At the top of the falls, you’ll find not just one, but several natural pools, perfectly placed for you to take a refreshing dip with a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle.

Pura Lempuyang

Pura Lempuyang, known for its famous Gates of Heaven, which perfectly frame Mount Agung, is around an hour’s drive from Sidemen.

It’s one of Bali’s oldest temples, but it’s also one of the busiest, and queues can be up to three hours just to get a picture at the Gates of Heaven.

Just a little heads up before you go, the famous reflection you see in photos isn’t actually a lake. A guide holds a mirror underneath the camera to create the reflection 😂

The temple itself is beautiful, and the view is still pretty, but I’d say getting this photo is a bit of a tourist trap. Just don’t travel all the way there expecting to find a giant lake underneath the gates!

To avoid the biggest crowds, visit at sunset rather than sunrise, but check the weather and cloud cover before you go.

Get Awesome Views Of Mount Agung

Lahangan Sweet and Bukit Cinta are two awesome viewpoints near Sidemen with epic views of Mount Agung and the surrounding countryside.

I personally prefer visiting for sunrise, but they are perfect spots for catching both sunrise and sunset.

Go River Rafting On Telaga Waja River

If you enjoy something a bit more fast-paced, why not try Telaga Waja river rafting? This is a fun and different way to see Bali’s landscape while getting your adrenaline pumping.

Where To Eat In Sidemen

As well as the places listed below, you’ll also find plenty of traditional Balinese warungs, where you’ll find local dishes for really reasonable prices. Pretty much all locations across Bali cater to vegans, which makes finding somewhere to eat a breeze.

Asri Dining, located within the Samanvaya resort, serves up tasty Balinese and international dishes amidst lush tropical gardens, offering gorgeous views of rice fields and Mount Agung.

Bring your swimmers as the Monkey Bar has its own infinity pool looking over the jungle. You do have to pay 50k to enter, but the cost of your entry can be put towards your food and drink.

Sleeping Gajah Kitchen & Lounge is found in the Wapa di Ume resort and offers a mix of Western and Indonesian dishes. The restaurant has stunning views, and you can eat next to the sound of the Unda River.

How To Get To Sidemen

The best way to reach Sidemen is by car (or scooter if you’re travelling light). These are the rough distances and timings from other locations.

Ubud

Unlike the slower pace of Sidemen, Ubud is a lively hotspot in the heart of Bali. It can definitely feel busy, especially around the town centre, but don’t let that put you off.

There are still plenty of quiet pockets around Ubud, with accommodation tucked away in the jungle, surrounded by rice paddies or away from the main streets. We stayed out in the rice paddies and loved having that little bit of peace and quiet, although it did mean jumping in a taxi whenever we wanted to head into town.

Ubud also has loads going on, from yoga retreats and eco-resorts to an excellent health food scene, so if you like having plenty of options on your doorstep, this is where Ubud really comes into its own.

Places To Stay In Ubud

Ubud is much more built up and has a bit of everything when it comes to places to stay.

You’ll find cosy guesthouses, eco-friendly stays tucked away in nature, fancy resorts with all the perks, and places out in the rice fields like the one we went for.

So whether you’re looking to save a bit of money or fancy treating yourself, there’s loads to choose from.

These are some of the best places to stay, catering to all budgets and tastes;

• Fivelements Retreat – A stunning eco-resort on the edge of the Ayung River.
• Bisma Eight – A luxury oasis with an infinity pool overlooking the jungle.
• IPIAN Cinta – Perfect for a quiet stay nestled between the rice paddies.
• Merak Village – A great mid-range accommodation with an on-site restaurant and infinity pool.
• Joglo Organik Guesthouse – A good budget option overlooking the surrounding rice fields.

Things To Do In Ubud

Even though Ubud is a very busy town it’s still worth visiting while in Bali as it is surrounded by lots of nature and has some great things to do.

These locations are likely to be busier, so plan to arrive early where possible!

Rice Terraces

Once upon a time, I would have absolutely advised you to visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces. The terraces themselves are beautiful, but in recent years, I’ve really gone off the experience.

There’s now a big focus on luwak coffee, and the luwaks are often kept in cages. I find the whole practice unethical, and it’s not something I support.

It’s also become a bit of an Instagram circus, with swings and photo spots everywhere.

But if you want something that feels a bit more authentic, I’d recommend Mupu Rice Terrace instead. It’s family-run and, personally, I think it’s a much nicer way to experience the rice fields around Ubud.

Tukad Cepung

Tucked away just outside Ubud, Tukad Cepung is a stunning waterfall hidden within a cave. The walk into the cave is an adventure in itself, and you’ll eventually reach a spot where sunlight filters through the top, creating beautiful rays of light against the rocks.

Bring water shoes! You do have to walk through a river to get there, and I only had flip flops. The stones were so bloody sharp, so my feet were not impressed 😂

Try to get here early if you can, as it can get busy.

Sunrise at Mount Batur

An hour’s drive from Ubud gets you to the base of Mount Batur, and from there, it’s a hike to one of the most unforgettable sunrises you’ll ever see.

Yes, it’s a bit of a climb and a very early start, but the payoff is huge with some of the best morning views!

Remember, this is an active volcano, and you will need to book a tour to climb it.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a peaceful spot not far from the heart of Ubud and will treat you to views of lush, rolling hills and dense tropical greenery.

One of the best things about it is how easy it is to access. A short walk from the main streets of Ubud takes you into this much quieter stretch, and as you reach the end, you’ll be greeted by beautiful rice paddies.

We did this in the middle of the day and, honestly, it was so hot! If you can, I’d recommend going earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat.

Pura Tirta Empul

Just a short ride from the centre of Ubud, Pura Tirta Empul is a water temple that’s all about purification and peace.

The spring water here is considered holy, and you’ll see locals and tourists alike taking part in the cleansing ritual.

Where To Eat In Ubud

Ubud is up there as one of the best places in Bali for delicious, wholesome food. It’s packed with health cafes, traditional warungs and restaurants with cuisines from across the globe.

Bella By Sage is my absolute go-to when I’m in Ubud. This fully vegan restaurant recreates some of the best Italian dishes and caters well to anyone with a gluten allergy.

Just outside of Ubud, overlooking the rice paddies, is Akasha, a creative restaurant with a menu that caters to all diets. All their ingredients are sourced from local farms and are organic and pesticide-free.

If you’re looking for somewhere you’ll get lots of bang for your buck, then you should head to Sawobali. For just 50k, you have an hour of all-you-can-eat on their delicious Indonesian dishes (all of them are vegan!).

How To Get To Ubud

The best way to reach Ubud is by car or by scooter if you don’t have much luggage. However, there are also local shuttle services that run from the larger towns such as Kuta and Denpasar.

Below are rough distances from each location;

From Denpasar Airport (Ngurah Rai International Airport)

• Distance: Approximately 35 kilometres.
• Driving Time: Around 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

From Canggu

• Distance: Approximately 30 kilometres.
• Driving Time: Around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

From Uluwatu

• Distance: Approximately 45 kilometres.
• Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Sidemen or Ubud FAQs

So, Sidemen or Ubud: Which Should You Pick?

When deciding whether to stay in Sidemen or Ubud, it really comes down to what kind of trip you prefer.

Both places are a great addition to any Bali itinerary and offer something unique, each catering to different tastes. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and rice terraces, Sidemen could be the way to go.

But if you’re into lively markets, cultural experiences, and lots of choices on where to eat, Ubud might be more up your alley. Either way, you’re bound to have a fantastic time exploring the beauty and charm of Bali.