The Swiss ethnomusicologist Ernst Schlager (1900-64) and ethnologist Dr. Urs. Ramseyer lived and worked for many years in the Sideman area, southwest of Iseh. Presently, a Swiss charitable foundation has established a special school here devoted to propagating and strengthening traditional Balinese culture.

With 120 students, the school's curriculum includes the study of 'adat', crafts, music, dance, painting, water divination, calendrical traditions, the Balinese language, traditional penmanship, literature, and the Bali-Hindu religion.

Visit also the weaving factory Pertenunan Pelangi opposite Sideman Homestay. There are several workshops and outlets where you can purchase expensive silk 'kain songket' interwoven with designs of gold and silver thread, as well as distinctive Sideman-style 'endek' garments. This beautiful area is also known for its scholarly healers, 'balian usaba'.

Here also is enacted the 'barong ketek', a dance drama concerning a highly esteemed mythical lion. This magical creature also serves a curative function-'tirta' from his beard is prescribed by area 'balian' to clients ill or enduring ill fortune.

Getting there

Reach Sidemen by traveling west on the scenic road from Amlapura through Bebandem, Putung, and Iseh, or by waiting for a 'bemo' at the turn at Satria (or Sampalan Tengah) northeast of Klungkung, then traveling 12 km through the hills. Stand in front of Sidemen's market for a lift out of town in either direction.