Seminyak Bali – Your Quick Travel Guide
Seminyak is the stomping ground in Bali for travellers and expats who have a taste for the finer things in life. Boasting a crew of fine-dining restaurants, high-end fashion brands and swanky and swish accommodation options, Seminyak is the better dressed, tastefully stylish cousin of the rowdier Kuta.
Why go to Seminyak
The reasons to visit this quieter and upmarket beach resort area abound and this destination is the ideal holiday for those who enjoy keeping their finger on the pulse of global trends, and thrive in creative environments. The streets are jam-packed with a wealth of artsy galleries, designer boutiques selling the very latest in upmarket apparel, and top dining spots with world-renowned chefs at the centre of the buzz.
Although tamer than Kuta, the nightlife in Seminyak is also reason to visit; and swanky beach resorts offer guests the opportunity to drink a perfectly made cocktail with their feet in the sand, and the chance to rub shoulders with some of Bali’s most elite personalities, creatives and high-rolling entrepreneurs.
The dynamic and trendy destination is also home to several quieter and more secluded beaches in Bali, far quieter than the likes of heaving Kuta at least. Beach-bums and travellers wishing to spend a day sun bathing in the sandy shores will have no problem finding a spot to lay out their beach towel and find a secluded palm tree or two. There are two main beaches here in Seminyak; namely, Seminyak Beach and Petitenget Beach. Seminyak Beach is a gorgeous, powdery-sand beach in the north of Legian Beach that has excellent waves for those travellers interested in having a go at surfing for the first time or for professional surfers who have come far and wide to conquer the waves of Seminyak. For those who prefer the sun and sand to salt, Seminyak Beach is also famous for its spectacular sunsets, expansive panoramic view of the glittery Indian Ocean and stretches of white sand.
Also known globally for its sunsets, Petitenget Beach is named after the lovely Balinese temple that is located here too, and offers visitors a range of activities. From sun bathing, to swimming, to marvelling at traditional dances; there is something for everyone and the beautiful Pura Petitenget (one of six sea temples in Bali), is also well worth a visit. The grey sandy shores of Petitenget Beach are also fringed by upmarket beach clubs, luxurious accommodations and some of Bali’s most sought after dining facilities.
Travellers looking for a bit more seaside action than reading below a coconut tree will be delighted to know that aside from surfing, Seminyak also offers scuba diving and snorkelling possibilities both for professionals and beginners. For the more adventurous, why not use your time in Seminyak to get your PADI scuba qualification? Alternatively, not only only are the sunsets here some of the world’s best but they can also be enjoyed from the saddle of a horse or from the comfort of a yoga mat. Horse riding on the beach is a leisurely pastime to engage in while in Seminyak and is a fun, memorable and romantic way to see the sun set below the waves and can also be an excellent activity for those with little ones in tow. Yoga courses and facilities are also available at several places for those who are interested.
Other activities that we recommend include shopping at some of Bali’s finest boutiques, art studios and designer stores for some of the latest and most stylish in fashion, accessories and pieces of art. For those who came to the shores of Seminyak with the intention of unwinding and relaxing, the beach resort area is also famous for its spa facilities, beauty treatments and an assortment of massage, reflexology and aromatherapy rub-downs. Lastly, for those wanting to take home more than a silk dress or a suntan, Seminyak also offers visitors the opportunity to learn traditional Balinese cooking with some of the finest chefs in town; and the cooking courses on offer are sure to impress even those who are comfortable in the kitchen or have culinary experience.
When to go to Seminyak
The ideal time to visit Seminyak would be May, June and July in terms of sunny weather with little chance of rain. However, this also depends on the needs of the traveller in question and for surfers, the months of May until October also offer some of the world’s best waves on the western side of the peninsula. For travellers determined to have nothing rain on their parade, it’s best to avoid the wet season from October until April.
Where to stay in Seminyak
The accommodation options in Seminyak are mostly restricted to private villas and high-end, upmarket hotels and although budget backpacker options are largely limited they have been on the rise in recent years. Although somewhat dreary and uninspiring, there are a couple of lower-end accommodations in Gang Bima in the centre of Seminyak for those whose primary goal is to save as much Rupiah as possible during their stay here. These spots won’t have a swimming pool, spa facilities or much of a view but can be decent place to rest one’s head if you’re determined to spend a night or two in Seminyak without a generous spending allowance. Alternatively, those on a tighter budget may may want to consider some mid-range options during low-season as this is when you’ll pay significantly less for a night without skimping on comfort or aesthetics.
For travellers who have the money, this destination can offer some of the very best and most luxurious facilities and amenities in all of Bali and perhaps even Indonesia as a whole. The list of prestigious and breathtaking accommodation options in Seminyak is a very long one; and even the most discerning and demanding of guests will find little fault with the services, facilities and exceptional attention to detail at the majority of Seminyak’s high-end establishments.
Where and what to eat in Seminyak
Most restaurants in Seminyak are on the high-end continuum and the dining options are as glitzy and as glamorous as they come. The city is oozing with ultra-hip cafés, chic fine dining establishments with world famous chefs at the centre of the heat, and plenty of vegan, earth-conscious eateries. High-tea, trendy coffee houses, gourmet smoothie joints and the latest trend – organic acia bowls served in polished coconut husks are currently all the rage. In terms of price, the food, especially in the upmarket restaurants, is pricier than most for Bali; but on an international scale, still largely competitive and offering decent value for money. Although, the majority of the spots cater for those with deep pockets and a taste for the finer things in life, surprisingly there are still plenty of budget options for those wanting to stretch their rupiah.
Although they’ve become more challenging to find as the years go on, there are still local warungs (restaurants) scattered throughout Seminyak that offer the best deals, cheap meals and local specialities for a fraction of the price. Keep your eyes peeled to where the locals are dining and you should have no problem.
How to get to and from Seminyak
Getting around in the bustling and congested area is best done on foot or by renting a scooter or motorbike and zipping around wherever the fancy takes you.
Getting into Seminyak via car can be done on two main routes; from Kuta and from Legian. Most hotels and accommodations offer shuttle services and can easily arrange taxi services to and from the airport at a rate of IDR 60,000 for a one-way trip. A taxi trip to or from Kuta to Seminyak will generally cost around IDR 30,000 and from Legian, IDR 15,000.
It is also possible to arrive in Seminyak via boat and if coming from the Gili Islands, the nearest port is situated in Benoa, which is a half an hours drive to the South East. Several boat companies, the most well-known of which is Patagonia Xpress from Gili Air, provides a free shuttle service to any spot in the surrounds of Seminyak, Kuta and Denpassar areas.
Is Seminyak a safe place to visit?
It’s important to note that perhaps as a result of the abundance of money and material wealth, Seminyak is the dark underbelly of Bali’s drug scene and offers of ecstasy and cocaine are commonplace at many of the night clubs and bars. Doing drugs in Bali is simply isn’t worth it and travellers should avoid any illegal activity of all kinds as Indonesia’s drug laws and regulations are some of the harshest in the world.
