The appearance of Bali is not only characterized by the paradisiacal beaches and impressive temples of the island. The numerous rice terraces, on which many Balinese earn a living for their families, are also typical of Bali’s landscapes.
The rice fields are therefore also a kind of emblem of Bali. Therefore, you should not miss out on visiting the rice terraces when traveling to Bali. The rice terraces of Sidemen are certainly among the most extraordinary and beautiful rice fields and are still one of the island’s true insider tips.
Where are the Sidemen rice terraces?
The rice fields of Sidemen are located in the east of Bali, about 10 km south of the popular temple Pura Besakih. This makes it easy to combine a trip to the rice terraces with a visit to the impressive temple. The village of Sidemen is also a great starting point for climbing Gunung Agung.
The landscape around Sidemen
Sidemen is both the name of a street and a village. The extensive rice terraces can be found around the village and Sidemen Road. The highest mountain on the island, the volcano Gunung Agung, watches over the fields.
The landscape around Sidemen is still very pristine and quiet. That is why the rice terraces are particularly popular with hikers and nature lovers. The rice fields in Sidemen are far less crowded than the rice terraces in Tegalalang, for example.
Getting to the rice terraces
From Ubud, the journey to Sidemen takes about 1.5 hours; from Candi Dasa, the place can be reached in 45 minutes. The quickest way to get to the rice fields is from Klungkung, which is located in the southeast of the island. From there, it takes only 30 minutes to get there. However, from Denpasar or Kuta, you should plan on another 1.5 hours.
Terraced rice fields in an almost untouched landscape
The terraced rice fields of Sidemen are probably among the most beautiful rice-growing areas in Bali and extend on both sides of the Sidemen Road. Small settlements, cocoa and coffee plantations can also be found in the rice fields.
Depending on the season, the rice terraces in Sidemen can be seen in yellow-brown, lush green or completely harvested. At the end of the rainy season, which lasts from November to March, the Sidemen rice terraces are lush green.
Hiking through the Sidemen rice terraces
Numerous narrow paths run through the rice fields. These are a comfortable way to hike through the picturesque scenery. You can explore the landscape on your own or with a local guide. The path through the rice terraces is lined with tall salak trees. At the same time, the impressive sight of Gunung Agung is always with you.
When the harvest season is over, the brown, burnt rice fields provide a particularly extraordinary backdrop.
Work in the rice fields
The rice terraces are still built by hand by the workers in the mountainous region of the island. In the first step, the rice farmers in Sidemen clear suitable areas before tamping the earth and planting grass roots in it. Then the fields are flooded with water. The individual rice fields are supported by walls and dams.
In Sidemen, the farmers harvest the rice several times a year before it is laid out to dry in the sun. At the edges of the rice fields there are several small shrines and temples. With these, the rice farmers honor Dewi Sri, the goddess of fertility, and ask for a good harvest.
The magic of the Sidemen rice terraces
The famous painter Walter Spies was so enchanted by the landscape around Sidemen that he built a second house near the village. After his death, the property was occupied by the Swiss painter Theo Meier. Even today, the house is still open to visitors.
The village of Sidemen is fundamentally fascinating due to its peaceful, quiet and natural atmosphere. Visitors immediately get the feeling that time has stood still in this village. The silence in Sidemen is only interrupted by the chirping of geckos and crickets and mystical chants from the temples.
Sidemen is therefore the ideal destination for those who want to experience the rice fields in a very special setting. Around the village, you will not only find the breathtaking rice terraces, but also many vegetable fields.
