Sidemen is a calmer side of Bali. This private day trip from Ubud takes you into East Bali—rice terraces, river valleys, and waterfall time—while still fitting in key cultural stops around Klungkung. It’s the kind of route that feels like Bali used to, before most tour buses found every turn.

I love the mix of nature + culture packed into one smooth day. You get palace history in Klungkung, then easy walking through Sidemen rice fields, then a proper swim at Gembleng Waterfall. And the guides really matter—people have praised drivers like Icha for being safe and friendly, plus guides such as Dharma and Edo for making the day feel easy and well paced.

One thing to consider: this day includes walking and a hike to reach the waterfall viewpoints and infinity pools, so you’ll want a moderate fitness level and good footwear.

Quick hits

• Sidemen rice field walk on a flat track with photo-ready views
• Kerta Gosa palace site in Klungkung, with admission included
• Anandinii Organic Garden & Kitchen where lunch comes from garden ingredients
• Gembleng Waterfall with 5 natural infinity swimming pools (admission included)
• Private transportation + pickup with only your group participating

Sidemen: the East Bali day that feels less like a checklist

Sidemen sits in East Bali near Mount Agung, and that geography shows in everything: more hills, more valleys, and more room for rice terraces to stretch out. It’s also known for staying relatively untouched by mass tourism, so the day doesn’t feel like you’re bouncing between crowded spots.

What I like about this tour is that it doesn’t push you into marathon activities. Instead, you get a sequence of pleasant, doable moments: a cultural stop in Klungkung, a market break, a short walk for scenery, a garden lunch experience, and then waterfall time. It’s a good fit if you want the kind of Bali memories that look like they belong on your wall later.

Price and logistics: what you pay for (and what you’ll need extra)

The price is $64.16 per person for an approximately 8-hour private tour. The big value piece is private transportation—that matters in Bali because travel time eats a lot of your day. With pickup from your side and a dedicated driver, you’re not trying to coordinate rides between scattered East Bali stops.

Two other value boosters: admissions are included at two key stops (Taman Wisata Kertha Gosa and Gembleng Waterfall). The middle stops—Klungkung Market and the Sidemen rice field walk—are free-entry moments, which helps keep your day from turning into a constant ticket shuffle.

Lunch is not included in the price. The good news is there’s an organic garden lunch stop at Anandinii where you can order from the menu there, so you’re not left hunting. Just budget for your meal and any drinks you choose.

Your day’s pacing: start time, private group, and the reality of an 8-hour schedule

The tour starts at 9:00am and runs about 8 hours. That’s an ideal start if you’re staying in Ubud and want to beat some of the late-morning traffic and heat. It also helps you reach the waterfall when you’ll still have enough daylight for photos and swimming.

It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates. That usually translates into fewer timing headaches: you can move at the rhythm your driver and guide set, and you’re not stuck waiting for other people’s shopping or photo stops.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, which is simple—no paper scavenger hunt. And because Gembleng Waterfall involves a hike to reach the top and swimming areas, you’ll want moderate physical fitness and the right shoes for uneven ground.

Klungkung’s Kertha Gosa: palace remains and Dutch-era memories

Your first major cultural stop is Taman Wisata Kertha Gosa in Klungkung. This area connects to the Klungkung Kingdom and the period from the 17th to 19th centuries, including memories of the Dutch invasion. The most visible trace people come to see is the palace remains, and Kerta Gosa is the standout.

Admission is included here, so you don’t have to add another ticket step before you even start. Also, plan on using this stop to reset your brain for the nature portion later. Klungkung gives you context for how powerful this region’s royal and cultural identity was before East Bali became a modern-day travel route.

One practical tip: pace yourself at the beginning of the day. Cultural sites can feel dense fast, and then you still have a market, a rice walk, and a waterfall hike to enjoy.

Klungkung Market: old meets new, plus a quick food-court reset

Next up is Klungkung Market, described as a mix of old and new. The newer sections include stores with Balinese fabrics, traditional clothing, and gold jewelry. There’s also a food court where you can grab local food—useful if you want a small snack before heading toward lunch.

This stop is only about 30 minutes, so treat it like a browse-and-sample moment rather than a full shopping spree. If you’re hoping to buy something specific—like fabric for a scarf or a simple gift—come in with a rough idea of what you want. The short time makes decision-making easier.

Also, markets in Bali can be good places to practice polite bargaining and careful eye-checking on materials. You don’t need to be aggressive—just ask, compare, and take your time.

Sidemen rice field walk: a flat track for scenery lovers

The Sidemen part is where the day starts to feel genuinely East Bali. The Sidemen Rice Field Walk is a flat walking track with picture-perfect views. It’s about 45 minutes, which is long enough to feel like you actually walked through the scenery, but not so long that it turns into an all-day trek.

This is a great stop if you’re traveling with mixed energy levels in your group. Since it’s relatively flat, you can keep it relaxed and focus on photos, breathing that cooler air, and watching rice terraces fold into the valleys.

Bring sun protection. Even if the walk is easy, you’re in Bali and the morning-to-midday light can be intense. And if you want the best photos, pause often—rice terrace shots look best when you’re not hurrying between every viewpoint.

Anandinii Organic Garden & Kitchen: lunch built from garden ingredients

After the rice fields, you go to Anandinii Organic Garden & Kitchen. This is the “food + atmosphere” stop, and it has a smart angle: you order lunch from ingredients that come from the garden. That means you’re not just buying a meal—you’re getting a little context for where it came from.

The visit lasts about 1 hour, including time to tour the organic garden. In the menu, people recommend the granitas as a refreshing drink and the chocolate lava cake for dessert. Even if you don’t choose those exact items, the key is the concept: you’re eating with a garden-first philosophy.

Since lunch is not included in the tour price, this is where you’ll spend most of your extra day budget. If you’re the type who likes to eat experiences rather than just eat food, this stop can be a big part of why the whole tour feels worth it.

Gembleng Waterfall: five natural infinity pools and the jungle top vibe

Then comes the coolest payoff: Gembleng Waterfall. The hike takes you up to the top area, where there are 5 natural infinity swimming pools. The admission is included, which is a nice value boost because waterfall sites can add up quickly.

The important practical detail is that you should plan to get wet if you want the full experience. The stop gives you time to cool off and swim in refreshing water. There are gorgeous views through the jungle tree-top area, so even if you only dip your toes, you’ll still get the scenery payoff.

This stop is about 1 hour, but give yourself a bit of flexibility. Water time always takes longer than it sounds. Also, treat the hike like part of the activity: wear shoes you trust on slippery paths and take it slow.

Why your guide name might matter: Icha, Dharma, and Edo energy

One of the best parts of this kind of private day tour is that your guide helps you smooth the rough edges. You’ll notice that in the feedback tied to guides like Icha, Dharma, and Edo.

Icha is praised for being a very safe driver and extremely friendly and courteous. That matters on a long day with multiple stops because calm, confident driving lowers your stress fast.

Dharma is noted as amazing, informative, and connected—specifically around a water purification at a holy springs temple, where local connections helped bypass a tourist line. Your itinerary doesn’t list every extra stop in the same way for everyone, so don’t assume this happens on every departure—but it’s a good reminder that local knowledge can turn waiting time into experience time.

Edo is mentioned as enjoying the main scenic hits—rice fields, Bertha Gosa (likely referencing Kertha Gosa), and Gembleng Waterfall. That lines up with what you should focus on: keep your camera ready for the rice views, and save your energy for the waterfall.

Should you book this Sidemen highlights tour? (My decision guide)

Book it if you want a private East Bali day that mixes cultural context with real outdoor time. This route works well if you’re staying in Ubud and you don’t want to spend your whole day figuring out local transport. It’s also a strong pick for people who care about scenery but don’t want a hardcore hike day.

I’d think twice if you hate any hike element. Gembleng Waterfall includes a climb to reach the top areas, plus you’ll be moving on uneven paths. Also, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan spending for your meal at Anandinii.

One more reason to lean positive: this tour averages being booked about 22 days in advance. That’s a clue it’s popular enough that planning ahead can help you lock in your preferred date.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Sidemen Highlights Day Tour?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is pickup offered from Ubud?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes private transportation. Admission tickets are included at Taman Wisata Kertha Gosa and Gembleng Waterfall.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price, though you can order lunch at Anandinii Organic Garden & Kitchen.

Do I need a paper ticket?

No. Mobile ticket is mentioned as part of the experience.

When will I receive confirmation?

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, unless you book within 2 days of travel—in that case, confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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