Seminyak
Seminyak offers a great blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure and is a popular destination for first-time and repeat visitors alike, especially those seeking an upscale experience. Whether you are lounging on the beach, exploring the trendy boutiques, catching another Bali sunset or indulging in gourmet cuisine, Seminyak promises an unforgettable experience. Its sophisticated charm, coupled with the warmth of Balinese hospitality, makes it a must-do destination for many visitors to Bali. Pro tip: allow at least a minimum of 3 nights to experience the highlights, even better to stay 7 or 10 days to really soak up the destination.
HOW TO GET TO SEMINYAK
Seminyak is located along the southwestern coast of Bali, just north of its near-neighbours Kuta and Legian. For ease of reference, consider Seminyak the area bordered by Sunset Road and Jl Raya Kerobokan to the east, Jl Batu Belig to the north and Jl Arjuna to the south. Its other border is Seminyak Beach!
The main international and domestic airport of Bali, Ngurah Rai Airport (often referred to as Denpasar or Bali Airport), is located about 10 kilometres from Seminyak. For those coming from Europe, there are many flights that will trunk via Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul, from where it is just a short flight into Bali. Australian travellers have direct flights from most capital cities as well as Gold Coast and Cairns.
Ngurah Rai Taxis are the only licenced operator able to pick up from the airport. It is possible to find other taxis however simply by going to the Arrivals area at the airport and waiting for a taxi to drop off passengers.
If you have a preferred local driver or have prebooked a private transfer, you will most likely find them waiting for you with a sign soon after exiting immigration and customs – it will be hard to miss the sea of smiling faces patiently waiting! There will also be touts offering a transfer, usually at significantly dearer prices. Pro tip: talk to friends who have been to Bali and may have a driver to recommend; alternatively prebooking with Klook or Booking.com is an easy way to organise your transfer to Seminyak. Make sure you have the agreed fare and/or something to tip your driver in local currency – there are several money changers and ATMs at the airport.
Both Grab and Gojek have customer lounges near the pick-up area at the airport (to find you just need to walk past all the waiting drivers and cross the covered roadway). They can assist you download the ride-share app and book an on-demand driver (there is free wifi available in the lounges). If you already have the app you can simply book and wait in the lounge for your pick-up.
The trip by road into Seminyak will take approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic (it is possible in peak times that the journey could take an hour or more).
WHY VISIT SEMINYAK
Seminyak is justifiably popular for its great mix of beach, shops, spas, upmarket hotels and outstanding restaurants and cafes. Here are some of the reasons to visit:
Seminyak Beach has something for everyone – it is good for experienced surfers, offers great views of sunset and has several bean-bag bars on the sand. Pro tips: do be cautious in the water here as there are many rips and waves can be big. The pick of the bean bag bars would be La Plancha, however for a less fussed experience, try Taris which offers live music as well as food and drinks as the sun goes down. To find these bars, simply go to the end of Jl Camplung Tanduk and walk left (past Gado Gado Restaurant) about 100 metres – they are impossible to miss from here!
Petitenget Beach is just to the north of Seminyak Beach and attracts a mix of locals and tourists who come down most afternoons to sit on the warm sand and watch sunset. You will find several vendors offering local foods plus grilled corn to snack on at this time as well. To find the beach, just get dropped off at Petitenget Temple.
Whichever beach you choose, you will also be able to rent sunlounges, umbrellas and also order beers and softdrinks from the local vendors.
Seminyak boasts some of Bali’s most luxurious villas and resorts providing high-end amenities and services. There are also unique and stylish boutique hotels that cater to various tastes and budgets. For those looking to keep accommodation costs to a minimum, there are several homestays and budget friendly hotels to stay. Pro tip: In recent months, I have stayed at a cute (and cheap) little homestay called My Secret Home in Jl Courtyard – it is easy to find places just like this on Air BnB. Hotels such as Harris on Jl Drupadi can be found for under Rp1 million a night and if you want to be closer to the beach on a similar budget, have a look at Grandmas Plus towards the end of Jl Camplung Tanduk. For more choices, see the section on Where to Stay in Seminyak.
Possibly the greatest concentration of world-class restaurants in all of Bali can be found in Seminyak. You will find a range of cuisines and at the higher end restaurants the service and fitout of the dining space perfectly complements the food.
There are also numerous bars and clubs providing vibrant nighlife experiences. Pro tip: definitely make an effort to visit Shi Shi – the Izakaya Lounge has an amazing all-you-can-eat meal offering and then head upstairs to further floors of the nightclub to dance and party. Iron Fairies has also recently opened off Jl Petitenget and blends steampunk, custom furnishings and, crazily, big working mine machinery to offer a really unique venue – a perfect spot for a post dinner cocktail or two. The old favourite, Motel Mexicola is also still going strong and worth a visit, particularly if travelling with a group of friends.
Seminyak is also home to several famous beach clubs such as Ku De Ta, Potato Head and Mrs Sippy. These venues generally have a cover charge redeemable against food and drink. Choose to either soak up the sun on a decadent sunbed during the day, catch an unforgettable Bali sunset or party on by the pool into the evening.
There are many high-end boutiques and art galleries showcase local and international designers. As well there are many brand-label stores to be found when wandering. Particular shopping strips include Jl Raya Seminyak, Jl Kayu Aya and parts of Jl Camplung Tanduk.
A couple of local markets also offer unique souvenirs, crafts and fashion. Seminyak Square and The Flea Market can both be found on Jl Kayu Aya and offer market-style goods as well as souvenirs. Interspersed in this area are numerous shops selling “knock-off” clothing and apparel – most will require good haggling skills to ensure you get a good deal.
There is a plentiful supply of spas offering beauty treatments and massage all over Seminyak. These range from the “cheapies” that offer a basic massage and nail treatment to the very upmarket spas that will have you floating on clouds after a session. Pro tip: for a mid range spa treatment that is reasonably priced and good quality (nice oils and nail polishes) try one of the Spa Bali outlets.
For those seeking more wellness, there are several excellent gyms and a few yoga studios in Seminyak.
Seminyak is close to other popular areas like Kuta, Legian, and Ubud, making it easy to explore more of Bali. It is also easily accessible from the Ngurah Rai Airport.
There is a thriving expat community in this area of Bali which adds to the cosmopolitan feel of Seminyak.
Seminyak also has a wide range of amenities catering to international travellers – medical centres, opticians, dentists as well as high quality restaurants, bars and clubs. Taxis and other forms of transport are readily available and it is relatively safe to walk the streets.
WHY NOT TO VISIT SEMINYAK:
There is no such thing as the perfect destination, so in the interests of balancing the good with the bad, there are a couple of reasons you may not find Seminyak to be your favourite part of Bali.
TRAFFIC:
There is no denying the popularity of Seminyak also means there are lots of cars and motorbikes on the road. This is particularly so during peak periods – 7.30am-9am and from 3pm-7pm – when there are locals travelling to work in the mornings and everyone heading to either the beach to catch sunset or out to dinner in the evenings. Pro tip: consider ordering a Gojek or Grab Bike for short trips around Seminyak. The traffic means the bikes will be going slow and the drivers are pretty good at taking shortcuts, be it a one way gang or even the footpaths!
THE BEACH:
As nice as Seminyak Beach is for all the reasons already described, you may find during wet season (typically December to early March) that there is a lot of debris washed up onto the beach. The beach is regularly cleaned, however many travellers prefer to visit the eastern side of Bali during this period as the water tends to be cleaner.
WHERE TO EAT IN SEMINYAK:
Seminyak is renowned for its dynamic dining scene. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner, a lively brunch, or a quick bite, there are plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. In fact, Seminyak is such a good place for dining that there is an entire road called Eat Street! Here is a comprehensive guide to some of the best places to eat in Seminyak, some well-known and others you may not find in the tourist guides and websites.
BREAKFAST CAFES:
Pison Coffee – Industrial style décor and serving excellent coffee, cakes and typical Western breakfast dishes. Located at Jl Petitenget No 19.
Revolver Espresso – Probably the best coffee you will find in Seminyak (a lot like a Melbourne one!) and always busy which is a good sign. Do try their scrambled eggs and if you like it as much as me you can also try some of their other locations, including in the international departure terminal at Ngurah Rai Airport. The main café is located at Jl Kayu Aya No 51.
Livingstone Café and Bakery – Another café that takes its coffee seriously (try the Kintamani blend) and this is complemented by excellent pastries and the usual egg and bacon inspired meals. Located at Jl Petitenget No 88X.
Sisterfields – Quite a popular café serving food and drinks you would also find in Sydney or Melbourne…. Hence why they attract crowds from these two Australian capitals. Sisterfields is nice, however I would favour Revolver over it as first choice. Located at Jl Kayu Cendana No 7.
Sea Circus – Light and bright venue with staff who are friendly and obviously enjoy working there. Try the eggs benedict and sweetcorn fritters for something different. Juices are better than their coffee! Located at Jl Kayu Aya No 22.
Kim Soo – A chilled venue inspired by the Dutch Colonial architecture, it is popular with local expats and tourists alike. While waiting for your breakfast take some time to explore the attached homewares store for some interesting gifts. Located not far from Sea Circus at Jl Kayu Aya No 21.
Ingka – Laid-back atmosphere and a large space so you can easily find a quiet corner to enjoy freshly prepared breakfast meals with a touch of style. Easy to forget the hustle and bustle just outside the door when dining here. Located at Jl Petitenget No 2.
BRUNCH FOR LUNCH:
Starfish Bloo – Part of The W hotel complex, this is an easy to reach venue for a Sunday brunch (no need to tramp all the way to Nusa Dua). Available from 12pm to 3.30pm every Sunday, you will find lots of fresh seafood, BBQ meats, salads and an array of desserts. Located at Jl Petitenget.
Seasalt – Seafood lovers will be in heaven at this restaurant which is part of Alila Seminyak and located right on the beachfront. The freshest sushi, oysters, prawns and a selection of roast meats, vegetables and salads are available 12pm-4pm every Sunday. Located within Alila Seminyak at Jl Petitenget No 9.
WARUNGS:
Warung Nia – Offers budget-friendly and delicious Balinese cuisine, including pork ribs that many regard as the best in Bali. They also offer cooking classes should you wish to try making some of the dishes yourself. Located at Kayu Aya Square, Jl Kayu Aya No 19-21.
Warung P’Kak Gun – You will not find this one in any guidebooks, however it is extremely popular with locals and workers from the nearby hotels. Serves a limited menu, however the nasi campur and soup is delicious and possibly the cheapest meal you will find in Seminyak. Located just near the corner of Gg Mangga and Jl Abimanyu.
Waroeng Bernadette – An increasingly popular restaurant that is perhaps a little too classy and expensive to be classified a warung. Serves classic Indonesian dishes and the beef rendang is definitely a must-try. Located at Kayu Aya Square, Jl Kayu Aya No 17.
INTERNATIONAL DINING:
Kilo Kitchen – Part of the Uma Sapna villa complex, however a standout restaurant in its own right. Very much a fusion style menu with elements of Japanese, Italian, Latin, Thai and Korean that lends itself to share plates. This casual but classy venue is located at Jl Drupadi No 22.
Chandi – A mainstay of the Eat Street dining scene, Chandi serves delicious pan-Asian cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner – definitely a spot to go twice as there are just so many tempting dishes on the menu. Located at Jl Kayu Aya No 72.
Ginger Moon – Asian cuisine with seafood, dumplings, steamed buns and salads featuring heavily on the menu. Very reasonably priced and open for lunch and dinner – probably a restaurant I favour for lunch to be honest as the food is light and flavoursome. Located at Jl Kayu Aya No 7.
DATE NIGHT:
La Lucciola – a go-to restaurant that exudes class and sophisticated charm. Outstanding service and a menu with some reliance on Italian cuisine. The wine menu is extensive, so easy to find something to accompany your meal. For a special occasion you will need to book well in advance and ask for a table upstairs. Pro tip: they reserve most of their tables for walk-ins (frustrating!), however most do not arrive until after 6pm. Head there around 5 or 5.30pm, ask for a table at the front, order a beer or cocktail and the ragu (not on the menu but they will happily provide) and sit back whilst another Bali sunset unfolds right before your eyes.
Merah Putih – Hard to know which is better – the food or the stunning architectural design! The Indonesian cuisine, service and wine list make this a special restaurant and the décor will be sure to impress your date. Located at Jl Petitenget No 100X.
Breeze at Samaya – The romantic ambiance makes it a popular choice for couples. The combination of beautiful views, excellent food, and intimate beachfront setting creates the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening. Located within The Samaya just off Jl Kayu Aya.
Uma Garden – A flame grilled inspired menu with meats, pasta and seafood options available. Fantastic cocktail menu and the outdoor garden is a perfect spot to impress your date. Located just on the outskirts of Seminyak at Jl Umalas 1 No 8.
STEAK:
The Plantation Grill – Entering via a spiral staircase that shows off the dining room complete with leather booths, you know you will be in for something special here. The speciality is dry-aged beef cooked on the wood grill, however they do cater to other tastes with vegetarian and seafood options. Located within the Double-Six Resort, it can be found at Jl Double Six No 66, so is just on the border of Legian and Semiyak.
Boy ‘n’ Cow – Calling itself Bali’s first meat boutique, it would be hard to argue given the extensive menu of dry and non aged beef. Most are imported from Australia and the USA, with the finest wagyu coming from Japan. Expensive, yes, however when booking ask about any specials they may have going as lunch and early dinner diners can often access deals. Located at Jl Raya Kerobokan No 138.
The Grumpy Butcher – This sister venue to Boy ‘n’ Cow has a focus on smokehouse barbecue cooking. The open kitchen and outdoor setting adds an interesting element to the dining experience. Slightly cheaper than its sibling, and just like Boy ‘n ‘ Cow they sometimes offer specials, so ask about these when making a reservation. Located at Jl Petitenget No 21A.
LATE NIGHT:
ShiShi – Well, with dinner available from 6pm until the early hours of the morning, it is more than just a late night venue, however where else could you get oysters, sashimi, shu mai, buns and short ribs at 2am? Available as an a la carte or fixed price all-you-can-eat menu, the Izakaya lounge is definitely one of the classier venue for a late night feed. Head upstairs afterwards for one of Bali’s best nightclubs. Located at Jl Petitenget No 208X.
Bo$$ Man – More than just a humble burger joint, you will find around a dozen choices with names such as Winner Winner, Lucky Pig, Numero Uno and Top Dog to tempt your palate. Usually open to 3am, you can either sit-in, takeaway or organise home delivery via GoFood. Located at Jl Kayu Cendana No 8B.
The Forge – Open 24 hours a day and operates as a pub, sports bar and restaurant. It is very much a gastro pub serving up traditional fare such as steak pies, fish and chips, bangers and mash as well as bar bites, soups and salads. It is a reliable venue for a drink and a meal and you will find most major sporting events televised here. Located at Jl Petitenget Link, Uma Sari No 43C.
OTHER:
Happy Chappy – Has several locations and serves delicious traditional Cantonese-style Chinese food. The main restaurant is located at Jl Beraban No 62, however for a quieter experience try their Petitenget one which is at Jl. Taman Ganesha No 1.
Biku – This long-term tea house has recently relocated and has a lot more seating to cater to its popularity for stylish afternoon teas. Try the Asian high tea for something different or stick with the traditional English one, both are excellent and surprisingly inexpensive given the setting and service. The restaurant is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and can be found at Jl Taman Ganesha Gg Bina No.88.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEMINYAK:
Seminyak offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious resorts and villas to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some options to consider include the following:
LUXURY:
The Legian Bali – A five-star beachfront resort offering elegant suites and villas with stunning ocean views, world-class dining, and exceptional service.
Alila Seminyak – A modern resort featuring sleek rooms, infinity pools, and a beachfront location.
W Bali – Seminyak – Known for its vibrant design and lively atmosphere, this resort offers luxurious rooms, a beachfront pool, and a trendy beach club.
MID RANGE:
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach – A stylish hotel with spacious rooms, a beautiful pool, and direct beach access.
Montigo Resorts Seminyak – Recently renovated and offering comfortable rooms, a spa, and multiple dining options, this resort is perfect for families and couples.
Courtyard Bali Seminyak Resort – Offers modern, spacious rooms, a stunning pool, and excellent dining options. Its stylish design and central location provide a luxurious, comfortable retreat and is less than 5 minutes walk to the beach.
Blu Zea Resort by Double Six – The mix of value, comfort and convenience makes it an ideal choice for families, couples and small groups. Pool bar is extremely popular and a perfect spot for those mid afternoon cocktails! Located across the road from the Courtyard Resort, it is also very short walk to the beach.
BUDGET:
Bali Agung Village – A charming old-style hotel with traditional Balinese architecture, lush gardens, and an outdoor pool. Quiet location yet close to the beach and restaurants.
Capsule Hotel Bali – A modern and affordable hostel offering dormitory-style and private capsule rooms.
Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak – Contemporary, affordable rooms, a pool, and a restaurant, all in a central location. The on-site spa, De Nyuh, is extremely popular also. Just a very short walk to the beach.
Harris Hotel – Offers bright, contemporary rooms, a lively ambiance, a rooftop pool, and a prime location, providing comfort and convenience in Jl Drupadi.
VILLAS:
There must be hundreds of villas spread all over Seminyak. There is a broad mix of standard as well as size, however you will find most offer a private pool, some cooking facilities and are serviced on a regular basis (sometimes daily and with staff to cook meals should you require). Some villas are stand alone whilst others are situated within a resort and have facilities available to all guests. Large groups and extended families may find great value in staying in a 5, 6 or even 7 bedroom villa, although these can be hard to get availability for. Pro tip: due to the varied standard of villas and lack of a uniform rating system, it is a good idea to rely on past guest reviews. To this end, Air BnB is a great booking platform and if you use the filter functions on Booking.com or Agoda, you can source great information about what is provided. Some of the villas I have stayed in and can recommend include:
Uma Sapna – Understated luxury boutique villas with private pools, lush gardens, and modern amenities. Has the benefit of a reception and nearby restaurant, with staff available at all times.
Mutiara – Each villa is equipped with designer kitchen, dining pavilion, beautifully manicured garden, private pool, bathroom and air conditioned bedroom. The resort also has a restaurant, larger pool and reception for guests.
Annora Villas – Located quite close to the beach, this is a small complex and staff are super friendly with exceptional personalised service. There is a restaurant and spa available as well.
Paisa Villa Seminyak – More at the mid-range end, you will often get good deals on accommodation here. Located down a long gang just off Jl Petitenget. Villas are 2 storey, so only book if you can handle stairs (bedroom up and bathroom down!). Bonus is they offer a shuttle service to Seminyak Square and the beach as well as providing beach chairs at Petitenget Beach.
Seminyak stands out as one of the premier destinations in Bali. With its stunning beaches, world-class dining, and diverse accommodation options, it caters to both luxury travellers and budget-conscious visitors. Whether you are indulging in the high-end comforts of a beachfront resort, exploring local markets, or savouring international cuisine, Seminyak promises a rich and memorable experience. The area’s convenience, from its proximity to Ngurah Rai Airport to its accessibility to other popular Bali locations, further enhances its appeal. Remember, a minimum of three nights is recommended to truly appreciate its offerings, but an extended stay will allow you to fully immerse yourself in all that Seminyak has to offer.