Seminyak may have once been Kuta’s shy and retiring little sister but she’s grown up and now she’s way cooler. Here are a few reasons you should skip Kuta and head straight for sexy Seminyak on your Bali holiday.
It seems that travellers visiting Bali go for one of two very different experiences, and the type of holiday you desire depends largely on what type of traveller you are.
You have the largely Australian ‘schoolies’ and British backpackers looking to party, then you have the yoga pants-clad Julia Roberts types; out on their own Eat Pray Love journey. (Did you know you can even take an Eat Pray Love themed tour in Bali?)
Don’t fall into either of those categories? Then Seminyak is for you.
Why you should holiday in Seminyak, not Kuta
In recent years, Kuta has gained a bad reputation for attracting the rowdy sorts, and many people skip this part of Bali altogether and head straight for Ubud when visiting the archipelago.
That’s a shame, because there’s a little town right next to Kuta that will melt away your preconceptions about the south of the island.
It was once a well-kept secret, but now savvy travellers and luxury holidaymakers in Bali know that charming Seminyak is the antidote to its sightly scruffier, definitely drunker neighbour.
This upmarket town will draw you in with its smiling locals and sophisticated tourists. Whether you come for the high-end spas, the exclusive resorts or just to indulge in a little retail therapy, you won’t want to leave.
1. Location location location
Seminyak is within easy reach of the airport, which is perfect for lazy travellers who go to Indonesia to relax, rather than to traipse around the country on trains, planes and automobiles with humongous backpacks.
The drive from Bali Denpasar airport to Seminyak will take around 20 minutes and it isn’t expensive – just be sure to haggle with your driver. Or pre-book an airport transfer, if you want reassurance when you land.
What’s more, Seminyak is close enough to Kuta’s nightlife for you to get in and get back out as and when you want. This makes it ideal for people who want to let loose for a night or two but are turned off by the idea of rubbing shoulders with vomiting teenagers at the pool the next day. Retreat back to your resort in Seminyak and reenergise while sipping coconut water from the shell with a good book instead.
Fancy straying from the beaten path on a tour from Seminyak? Iconic Mount Batur is just over two hours from Seminyak by car. You can do a trip to Lake Bratan and Handara Gate from Seminyak easily.
Vibrant foodie paradise Petitenget is just to the north, and the tiny but up-and-coming Umalas or the black sands of Canggu aren’t far away.
Find the best tours and places to visit from Seminyak on Viator
2. A Balinese surfers’ paradise
What Seminyak Beach lacks in white sand, it makes up for with its rip. You’ll find the best waves in April.
Seminyak beach is much cleaner than Kuta’s and it stretches in both directions as far as the eye can see. To the south it becomes Legian Beach and then finally Kuta Beach, but the atmosphere is much more relaxed than its bookends.
Book a surfing lesson at Legian Beach in Bali with experienced local surfers, who will pick you up and drop you back at your hotel on scooters.
3. Chic boutiques
An amble down Seminyak’s wonky streets reveals a plethora of tiny boutiques where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces as well as big Australian brand names. Try Bamboo Blonde for Aussie cool, Indigo & Rose for beach wear and Sabbatha for accessories.
The delightful decor in Seminyak’s boutiques will make your Instagram grid look fierce.
You can plan a full girls’ day out with a tour that includes brunch, shopping in Seminyak and a sundowner at Potato Head Beach Club. Sounds like a perfect day if you ask me.
4. Guilt free cafes
Bali attracts health-conscious backpackers, flash packers and families on their annual vacation, and Seminyak serves them well.
There is some delicious food to be found in the town’s cute cafes and again, plenty of Instagram material. You can’t go to Bali and not order a acai bowl!
Favourites with the Bali expat crowd include Grocer & Grind for your morning flat white and eggs, Zula Vegetarian Paradise for everything vegan and virtuous, and Sea Circus for the unusual but winning combination of tapas and take-home artwork.
5. Indonesian food done right
Seminyak boasts some of Bali’s best restaurants. Upscale eateries like regal Merah Putih provide a stunning setting for a special occasion, and the food is just as easy on the eye – and tastebuds. Try their ‘Sapi Bumbu Rujak’ – a Javanese beef cheek curry with shimiji, chilli and bone marrow. You might just be surprised.
While you can find flavours from around the globe in Seminyak, why not stick to Indonesian cuisine while you’re in a town that will cook it fresh – and cheap? Gado gado is the taste of Indonesia, and you can grab a quick bite that won’t break the bank at Ginger Moon.
One of the best things to do in Seminyak is take a cooking class and a tour of the local market, where you’ll learn to make lots of Balinese favourites.
Check out this list of the best food tours in Bali
6. Stunning resorts
Palms swaying in the afternoon breeze, your tanned toes dipping into the infinity pool and a cold drink being expertly mixed for you at the bar… sounds like paradise, right? Seminyak has its fair share of hotels that will make your Bali holiday the ultimate relaxation.
The Legian is uber luxurious, and a short break there will leave a lasting impression. Ask for a top floor room and enjoy ocean views in supreme comfort.
If it’s space and serenity you’re looking for, you’ll find it within the fifteen acres of tropical gardens at The Oberoi. They offer personalised ‘experiences’ for guests, so whether you’re renewing your vows or want to romance someone over a private candlelit dinner, this is the place to stay.
You can book both of these hotels plus many more for every budget on booking.com.
7. The sunset scene
Even those of you who have watched the sun go down all over the world will be stopped in your tracks by sunsets in Seminyak. As the air cools and the sky turns to dusk, the beachfront bars and restaurants come alive. Nestle into a brightly coloured beanbag on the sand, order a Pina Colada and watch the day melt into night on the Indian Ocean.
The beach bars all blur into each other, but a few more refined sundowner spots are Potato Head Beach Club, Ku De Ta (something of a Bali institution, don’t you know) and Mosaic Beach Club.
Want to spend a day exploring some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches like Tanjung Benoa, Kuta, Nusa Dua and Padang Padang before watching the sunset over the clifftop temple of Uluwatu? This tour departs from Seminyak.
When you plan a holiday to Bali, make sure you stay a while in the south’s most sophisticated stretch. If you’re planning to travel around, Claire’s Footsteps has an excellent Bali itinerary that you might find useful.
Getting to Seminyak, Bali
Check out options for ground transportation to Seminyak here. If you’re planning to explore Bali, check out this ten day Bali itinerary.
You can find decent travel deals for Bali on Expedia or compare flight prices using Skyscanner.
Be sure to get travel insurance as soon as you book, so you don’t forget!
Use my Travel Resources page to save on your trip
Getting around Bali
It’s a good idea to hire a car to explore Bali. You can compare prices here. If you’re travelling in Bali, I recommend getting a copy of the Lonely Planet guidebook.
Where to stay in Seminyak
There are plenty of cheap hostels in Seminyak, if you’re on a budget trip to Bali. M Boutique Hostel is great for people travelling solo who want a bit more comfort.
Mid-range accommodation options in Seminyak include Grandma’s Plus Hotel, Amadea Resort & Villas and The Haven, which offers a free beach shuttle.
Got a bit more to spend? Hotel Indigo and U Paasha look divine.
Booking.comBest things to do in Bali
Check out this guide to luxurious things to do in Seminyak on a budget to get some inspiration for your trip.
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Vicky says
Yes – I totally agree! We stayed in Seminyak on our trip to Bali and loved it! We spent about two hours in Kuta one evening and left as soon as we could to be honest. The shops in Seminyak are great and we just loved the range of cute little places to eat. And of course – sunset at Potato Head is a must! Take me back! 🙂 x
Christine P. says
One of the most beautiful vacation spot is Bali. In Bali there are beautiful beaches are located in the Kuta area. Try to stay in the Seminyak area. A very strategic location for access to Kuta beach, dining and other leisure places. As Le Jardin Villas provided a very comfortable room. Visit lejardinvillas.com to get your best deals.
Benita @ Asia Holiday Retreats says
Couldn’t agree more! The standard and service in Seminyak is far better than Kuta. The Petitenget area (just slightly north of Seminyak) is becoming the new upmarket area to stay, with many top restaurants and bars. My advice to anyone visiting for the first time is to stay in the Seminyak/Petitenget and have one random night out in Kuta just to see what it’s all about 🙂