Sidemen by Scooter: Rice Terraces, Mount Agung Views & the Best Ride
Short answer: Sidemen is about 1–1.5 hours from Ubud and 2–2.5 hours from Canggu by scooter. Rent a Vario 160 or NMAX for the hills, go early for clear views of Mount Agung, and if you can, stay a night — sunrise over the terraces is the reason people fall in love with this valley.
Want a quick quote? Chat with us on WhatsApp (+62 818-0800-1102) — English-speaking team, delivery to your hotel or villa, pay on arrival.
Sidemen is what many people imagine Ubud used to be: a green valley of rice terraces, small villages and weaving workshops, with Bali’s highest volcano filling the horizon. There are no beach clubs and very few tour buses. It’s one of the most rewarding scooter rides on the island.
How to get there
From Ubud
Ride east via Gianyar and Klungkung (Semarapura), then turn north up the Sidemen road (Jalan Raya Sidemen). It’s around 35 km. The first part is busy main road; after Klungkung it becomes a beautiful climb through villages.
From Canggu, Seminyak or Sanur
Take the coastal bypass (Jalan Ida Bagus Mantra) east from Sanur to Klungkung, then up to Sidemen — about 65–75 km. Leave before 8 am to beat Denpasar traffic. See Bali scooter travel times.
Use Google Maps but sanity-check its shortcuts — it sometimes routes scooters along farm tracks. Our navigation guide explains how to avoid that.
Which scooter to rent
Sidemen’s roads climb steeply with tight bends. A 110–125 cc scooter like the Scoopy or BeAT copes with one rider but struggles with two people uphill, and its brakes work hard on the way down. A Vario 160, NMAX or PCX gives you power for climbing and better braking. Experienced riders can enjoy an ADV 160 on the rougher back lanes.
What to see and do
- Rice terrace walks — paths between the paddies start right behind most guesthouses; local guides offer 2–3 hour walks.
- Mount Agung views — clearest from sunrise to about 9 am, before clouds build.
- Songket and ikat weaving — small workshops along the main road where you can watch weavers at work.
- Pura Bukit Tageh and village temples — dress respectfully and carry a sarong.
- Tukad Unda dam (Klungkung) — a popular stop on the way, with a small waterfall-like weir.
- Combine with Tirta Gangga and Amed — see the East Bali road trip.
Day trip or overnight?
From Ubud, a day trip is easy. From Canggu, it’s 4–5 hours of riding in a day, which is a lot in Bali heat and traffic. Staying one or two nights lets you ride in the cool morning, walk the terraces and see Agung at sunrise. Sidemen has many small guesthouses and villas with terrace views.
Safety tips for Sidemen roads
- Use the rear brake and engine going downhill; don’t ride the front brake all the way down.
- Slow down on blind corners and honk lightly — trucks and other scooters come round in the middle of the road.
- Watch for sand, gravel and wet leaves, especially after rain.
- Don’t ride after dark — very few street lights.
- Fuel up in Klungkung; in the valley you’ll mostly find bottled fuel stalls.
- Bring a light jacket — mornings are cooler than the coast. See what to wear riding.
Rent a scooter for Sidemen
We deliver hill-ready scooters — Vario 160, NMAX, PCX or ADV — to your hotel in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak or Sanur, with helmets that fit and a phone holder for navigation.
Send us on WhatsApp: pickup dates, delivery address, number of riders and your preferred scooter.
We reply in English within minutes (08:00–22:00 Bali time), confirm the price in writing, and deliver to your hotel or villa. No booking fee, no deposit up front — you pay when the vehicle arrives and you’ve checked it.
WhatsApp us now +62 818-0800-1102
Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 34 areas.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to ride from Ubud to Sidemen?
About 1–1.5 hours for roughly 35 km via Gianyar and Klungkung, depending on traffic and stops.
Is the road to Sidemen safe for beginner riders?
The main road is fine for confident beginners, but the valley has steep hills and tight bends. Ride slowly, avoid rain and darkness, and choose a 150–160 cc scooter.
Is Sidemen worth visiting?
Yes — it offers rice terraces and Mount Agung views similar to Ubud’s, with far fewer crowds. It is best with at least one overnight stay.
Which scooter is best for Sidemen?
A Honda Vario 160, Yamaha NMAX or Honda PCX gives enough power for the climbs, especially with a passenger.