What you need to know about Seminyak

It’s not hard to see why Seminyak remains a vibrant and popular tourist destination in Bali. It has all the beach clubs, the cafes and restaurants wherever you turn your heads, the bars and clubs for your night out, and, let’s not forget, the boutiques and shops along Oberoi Street.

In this Seminyak guide, you’ll find out how to have a luxurious holiday without leaving all the fun, the beach, and the cultural experience behind.

Geographical Location and How to Get to Seminyak

Where actually is Seminyak in Bali? Located on the north of Kuta, it is a beachside area between Canggu and Legian. The area itself is not hard to reach if you just touch down at Ngurah Rai International Airport. It’s only around 10 kilometers and reachable in around 30 to 40 minutes by car. But it can be more depending on the traffic and the times of the day.

Is a taxi the only option to go to Seminyak from the airport? Luckily, there are other modes of transportation you can take. With riding apps like Gojek or Grab, the cost to get to this part of Bali is around US $6 to US $10, depending on which part of Seminyak you’re going to.

It’s also possible to arrange an airport pick-up with your accommodation for an additional fee. If you rent a car or a motorbike, the rental is usually arranged for the vehicles to be delivered on the day of your arrival to give you the keys directly.

What to Do in Seminyak

1. Explore Petitenget Temple

If you ask what cultural things to see in Seminyak, the answer is not many. But Petitenget Temple is an exception. Located close to Petitenget Beach, and you will see it when you enter the parking lot to go to the beach. The temple is believed to have been built in the 15th century using red sandstone. You will see the stone carvings of two dragons at the entrance, and once you’re inside, you will be in a courtyard with the statue of Buta Ijo, the protector of the temple.

The name Petitenget itself comes from the words peti (chest) and tenget (haunted). You can pay the entrance fee to the parking attendants, and they will give you permission. The temple will be full of Balinese dressing in white when there are ceremonies, and it can be a stunning sight to behold.

2. Relax on the Seminyak Beach

The long stretch of Seminyak Beach gives you plenty of options to spend your day in Bali. You can rent one of the sun lounges and an umbrella from the locals and dip in the ocean. But if you’re feeling fancy, there are a few beach clubs and beachfront restaurants and bars where you can lounge by the pool while sipping your cocktails.

Though strolling at the beach seems nice when the weather permits, there is one thing to do that you cannot skip in Seminyak: the sunset. While waiting for it, you can have a massage from one of the local ladies (please always ask about the price first and bargain!), or if you’re feeling playful and the wind is nice, buy the kites from one of the local guys and let out your inner kid by seeing it soar to the sky.

3. Go Shopping

Seminyak has been known as the shopping district in Bali. The rows of boutiques and shops along the street, including the famous Oberoi Street, have many likened Seminyak to Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. It only makes sense that you should put shopping at the top of the things to do in Seminyak.

Seminyak is all about boutiques showcasing the latest collections of local talents, whether it’s high-end fashion or jewelry. There is also Seminyak Village, a shopping mall if you prefer convenience and fixed prices on items like home decor, clothes, and accessories. But don’t worry — not every shop displays glamour and blitz.

In Seminyak, you can also find an open-air market selling handicrafts made by the Bali artisans. Whenever you need last-minute souvenir shopping, just come to these shops by the road. But don’t forget to bargain!

4. Best Cafes and Restaurants in Seminyak

What’s great about the dining options in Seminyak is the option to find casual or fine dining restaurants, some are among the best in Bali. It doesn’t matter whether you opt for lunch, dinner, or even brunch; you’ll never run out of options of places to eat in Seminyak.

Aside from being the shopping district, Seminyak is also famous as a foodie paradise. The area may be small, but the diversity of the restaurants in Seminyak remains one of the biggest draws of the area. From a fine-dining Indonesian restaurant to a Japanese-inspired restaurant and seafood restaurant by the beach, Seminyak shows how to combine killer views and freshly produced and locally sourced ingredients, resulting in dishes and vibes that are hard to match anywhere else in Bali.

5. Visit Vibrant Beach Clubs in Seminyak

There are always things to do in Seminyak, and going to the beach clubs should be high on the list. Ku De Ta can be called the first beach club in Seminyak, even long before beach clubs became popular in Bali. Potato Head has turned into more than just a place to see a sunset or party, but a complete package of dining and relaxation.

The beach clubs in Seminyak are not just places to visit if you want to spend the day lounging by the pool or get your favorite cocktails in Bali. The daily DJ performances and the uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean are the kind of combinations that will get everyone in the mood for a fun time. The beach clubs in Seminyak also give you a break from all the cultural trips you have in Bali so you can recharge and chill out.

6. Try Surfing in Seminyak

Kuta is not the only place to learn about surfing in Bali because you can do that in Seminyak as well! Sharing the same coastline and the sandy ocean floor, the breaks in Seminyak are considered beginner-friendly. There are many surf schools around Seminyak, such as Balli Green Surf School and Santai Surf School, where you can sign up for your first surfing lesson! They have various packages that you can take, depending on the level and duration of your stay in Bali.

One of the great things about learning to surf in Seminyak is the crowd isn’t as intense as the ones in Canggu or Kuta. This means, as a beginner, it gives a relaxed atmosphere, which is important if you’ve just started to surf.

7. Enjoy Nightlife

Whether you’re into a speakeasy bar, a lounge, or looking for a place to dance your night away, Seminyak is the real deal. If you want some Latin beats, there are no better places than Motel Mexicola or La Favela. But if you’re into a chill evening, Woo Bar at W Hotel gives you the sophistication and view at the same time. ShiShi is the place to go if you want an all-night partying in a three-story club with different vibes. If you’re looking for live music, The Social and The Forge give you that classic British pub ambiance.

No matter what kind of vibe you’re feeling, your nightlife in Seminyak will exceed your expectations, and for sure, it will never be dull.

Top Tips for Visiting Seminyak

Before you visit Seminyak, here are some insider tips to ensure you get the best of what this part of the island has to offer.

• Choose the hotels in the center of Seminyak. This means you will not spend time getting stuck in the traffic, and you are within walking distance of some of the Seminyak attractions, be it the beach, the restaurants, the nightclubs, or the shopping streets.
• Booking your accommodation ahead. As a popular destination, hotels in Seminyak are always in high demand. Booking in advance also ensures you get the best deal on the best-located hotels in the area.
• Always have cash with you. Though you can pay with a card in many establishments, cash is still king. It’s important to keep some Rupiahs (Indonesian currency) in your wallet.
• Avoid visiting Seminyak in the rainy season. The rainy season in Bali starts from around November and lasts until March, and that includes Seminyak. Instead, visit from April to October for some pleasant weather where you will not have to worry about the rain since Seminyak is best explored by foot.