Sidemen or Ubud: Which Bali Town Should You Visit?

When it comes to choosing between Sidemen or Ubud for your next Bali adventure, it’s like picking between two Balinese gems.

Both places have their unique vibes and features, and having been to both locations multiple times, I’m here to share what you can expect from each town to help you choose which one is best for you.

Ubud is a bustling and vibrant tourist spot and is known for its deep cultural roots, dense jungles, and stunning rice fields. In contrast, Sidemen sits in the shadow of Mount Agung and is where you’ll find a peaceful escape into traditional, rural Bali life.

Here’s What’s Included In This Post!

• What to expect from each town so you know which one is the right choice for you.
• The best places to stay with a range of budget to luxury accommodations to choose from.
• The best things for you to do during your trip whether you’re staying in laid-back Sidemen or the busy town of Ubud.

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 you should know before deciding whether to stay in Sidemen is that everything is very spread out. A lot of the hotels, guesthouses and bamboo homes are tucked away from the village, usually nestled in the jungle or overlooking the rice fields.

To explore this untouched valley, you will need to be able to drive a scooter, be happy to walk (a lot!) or hire a driver. You won’t find available drivers on Uber-like apps here.

Sidemen is also much less developed than other parts of Bali. I personally love this, as you are literally surrounded by nature, but I know this isn’t for everyone.

Places To Stay In Sidemen

You’ve probably seen those iconic bamboo houses that Bali is famous for, well, Sidemen has some of the best! And it’s not just bamboo houses, you’ll also discover tucked-away eco-stays and cosy guesthouses, giving you plenty of options for your stay.

These are some of the best accommodations, ranging 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 located an hour’s drive away from Sidemen.

It’s one of Bali’s oldest temples but it’s also one of the busiest and queues can be up to 3 hours to get a picture of the Gates of Heaven. To avoid the crowds, visit at sunset instead of sunrise, but be sure to check the weather and cloud cover before visiting.

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 made 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 chill vibes of Sidemen, Ubud is a lively hotspot in the heart of Bali. But don’t let the hustle and bustle fool you! Ubud’s got a lot to offer, from yoga retreats and eco-resorts to a buzzing health food scene. A lot of the accommodation is tucked away overlooking the jungle or nestled away from the loud, busy streets.

Places To Stay In Ubud

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

You’ll find cosy guesthouses, eco-friendly stays close to nature, fancy resorts with all the perks, and even some quiet spots hidden among the rice fields. It’s a great mix, giving you plenty of options whether you’re looking to save or splurge while you’re exploring Bali’s cultural centre.

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!

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Although I do prefer the rice terraces in Sidemen, Tegalalang Rice Terraces near Ubud is still an awesome place to visit. They’re super famous for a reason – the views are absolutely unreal.

You can wander around, snap some great photos and even head to one of the swings.

To beat the crowds, visiting Bali during the shoulder seasons is the best option.

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 will lead you to a spot where the sunlight filters through the top creating beautiful rays of light against the rocks.

Try and get here early to have the waterfall all to yourself.

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 retreat 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 parts is how easily you can access it. A brief walk from the main streets of Ubud leads you into this tranquil haven, and as you reach the end of the walk, you’re greeted by the beautiful sight of rice paddies.

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 which 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.

Final Thoughts: Sidemen or Ubud: Which Bali Town Should You Visit?

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.