Sidemen Valley

While Ubud's rice terraces draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, the Sidemen Valley — just 30 km to the east — sees a fraction of that traffic and offers an arguably more authentic Bali. The valley is deep and green, with terraced rice paddies climbing the hillsides above the Unda River, and Mount Agung — Bali's highest and holiest volcano — framing the northern horizon.

Sidemen village itself is a center for traditional Balinese weaving (ikat and songket cloth) and several workshops welcome visitors to watch the craft. The best views of the valley and Agung are from the upper reaches of the village above the road — a short, steep walk rewards you with unobstructed panoramas. Several excellent small hotels with infinity pools overlooking the valley provide a base for exploring.