Top 10 Things to do in Sidemen, Bali – by Solo Girl’s Travel Guide

Things to do in Sidemen

Now, if someone tells you that Bali is too crowded, that it’s too touristy, guaranteed… they’ve never been to Sidemen. (pronounced; See-deh-men)

This is the real Bali. Ok, I’m ready for an adventure now… these are the top 10 things must do while you’re in Sidemen.

Samanvaya - a place to stay when in Sidemen

Number one is, of course, stay in a luxury resort. My favorite resort in Sidemen is called Samanvaya. It is a luxury, adult-only, Eco Resort and Spa. I mean, check out this view:

Hello, Eco stay goals…

#1 – STAY IN A LUXURY RESORT

#2 – DRIVE THE SIDEMEN LOOP

Last year, I was in Sidemen for my birthday and I went on GoogleMaps, and I saw this loop. So we hopped on some motorbikes and explored the mountains in Sidemen. I think you’ll love driving through this beautiful scenic route. There’s definitely something special about being on a motorbike in Asia… it just feels so freeing. If you’re not a seasoned motorbike driver, then don’t worry, you can hop on the back of some local guys bikes and they can give you a Sidemen tour.

I made you a DIY video here…

PRO TRAVEL TIP:

Download maps.me app to get an offline map just to be on the safe side incase your service drops out in the mountains!

#3 – GO ON A GUIDED [BIKE] TOUR

The Sidemen Tour we did with the lovely staff at Samanvaya was amazing! We drove through some of the lushest tropical landscapes, saw monkeys, temples, saw some gorgeous ocean views, and (hopefully for you, it was closed for us..) a waterfall. I highly recommend getting in touch with them if you’re in Sidemen and doing this, it was my hands-down favorite day.

I documented the adventures here…

We went to a beautiful beach on the coast called White Sand Beach. This was included in our tour mentioned in #3. There’s a really nice view, we had lunch on the beach and then a swim in the sea, total bliss!

Things to do in Sidemen: Go to the beach!

#4 – VISIT WHITE SAND BEACH

#5 – GET A MASSAGE

Do I need to say more about this…? I think not.

Have dinner at Maha Neka, a must try when in Sidemen

I highly recommend you eat ribs for dinner at Maha Neka Sidemen. So delicious and the prices are so cheap! 48,000 IDR ($3.30 US) for large pork ribs served with vegetables, sauce and fries or rice.

#6 – EAT RIBS FOR DINNER

#7 – GO FOR HAPPY HOUR

A girl in my Facebook group recommended this place – they have buy one get two offers on selected drinks. All along the main road in Sidemen, you’ll find bars that have happy hour specials… but I want you to go to Wapa Di Ume it’s a really fancy eco-resort, and they have these amazing lemongrass mojitos on the 2 for 1 deal.. mmmm! You have my permission, this is your treat night.

*Disclaimer* I never actually made it on the rice field walk that Samanvaya resort offers but I really recommend you do it, they say it is really nice to do this first thing in the morning when it’s not too hot out. Check out this drone shot!

Things to do in Sidemen: Go have a walk on the rice field!

#8 – RICE FIELD WALK

#9 – THE SIDEMEN SWING

This is one of those massive swings where you’re catapulted into the jungle. 
To find this, just look for “Sidemen Adventures” on Google Maps.

PRO TRAVEL TIP:

To get an awesome photo, tie a wrap skirt over the top of your seatbelt and harness, and make sure it flows over the back when you swing!

#10 – AMRITA CAFE

This is a cute little cafe that I love and visit every time I come to Sidemen. It’s hard to miss, it’s right on the main road, so you could even stop on your way out for a cup of coffee, or they have a lot of really really nice teas as well. By the way, this is also a guest house if you want a little bit of cheaper stay, this is also a really, really nice place. Here’s the link to book with them. I do like this adventure if you have any more Sidemen recommendations for me please leave a comment below.

buy on Indie Bound
buy on Barnes and Noble
buy on amazon

The
One-Way
Ticket Plan

this book has magic powers

Find and Fund Your Purpose while Traveling the World

listen on audible
got to application

Want to contribute to the blog? I love to feature the perspective of other solo female travelers.

Application

Blog Contribution

meet your travel guide

I'm a bestselling author, hotel reviewer and pickleball player. I teach women how to travel the world solo without going broke or getting kidnapped.
 
In 2011, I left Seattle with just $200 in my pocket to travel the world solo. Today, I'm the founder and creator of The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide, the #1 travel guide book series for women - and the author of The One-Way Ticket Plan. 

author of The One-Way Ticket Plan and CEO of The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide

Meet Alexa

subscribe to my channel

YouTube Video

Check out my Latest