If you visit Bali, also known as the Island of Gods you must visit Seminyak. Surrounded by the beautiful Indian Ocean, there are numerous things to do in Seminyak; stunning beaches and parks, classical temples, Balinese architecture, coral reefs, and volcanic mountains. One of the best things about Seminyak is it’s relaxed atmosphere. So Seminyak is a place where you can truly unwind and enjoy quality time with family and friends. This place is more busy then Amed and Ubud and more focused on luxe resorts than Canggu.
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Essential Things to Know About Seminyak:
Here are some basic things you should know before planning your vacation in Seminyak. Let’s uncover them one by one!
The best time to visit Seminyak is from April to October, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Traffic can be heavy in Seminyak, so it’s worth considering hiring a driver for your stay. Or rent a scooter so you can drive easily to Canggu.
The language in Seminyak is Indonesian, but English is widely spoken, so the language barrier is not an issue.
The currency in Seminyak is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
The best way to visit Seminyak is by scooter or car. Taxis are also readily available in Seminyak, but it’s worth noting that most drivers don’t speak English.
Remember to stay hydrated and beware of sunburn. The sun is powerful in Indonesia, so wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
» This place is excellent for solo female travelers, read our tips here
Getting around in Seminyak
Getting around in Seminyak is best to do by scooter in my experience. Of course if you’re relocating to another place like Amed, Ubud or Uluwatu a car is better if you’re bringing suitcases. But if you stay in Seminyak, a scooter is the best option. The prices are between 50.000 IDR – 70.000 IDR which is around €4,60 a day.
In this way, you avoid traffic + bonus (you have a parking space). Important to Know: Driving under the influence of alcohol is not tolerated in Seminyak.
» This place is excellent for solo female travelers, read our tips here
Best hotels in Seminyak
As I already mentioned this is the place to enjoy world class resorts, chic apartments and sophisticated cocktail bars. Also it’s very well located on the island and from here I’ve visited Amed, Uluwatu, Ubud, Canggu and Balangan Beach. So it’s high time to share you my list of favorite places you should check out.
Budget proof:
- Destiny Boutique hotel – A bit out of the busy streets of Seminyak (5 min) with great pool & comfort
- Bliss Surfer Hotel – Cool, chilled and laidback! Located in the Legian and the rooms are a bit funky
- Clio Apartments – Stylish rooms, spacious rooms and only 3 minutes from the shops
Mid-range:
- Amadea Resort & Villas (rent your own private villa) or room and experience affordable luxury
- Pelangi Bali Hotel – good location with access to the beach! With wellness, pool & jacuzzi
- Blu-Zea by Double Six – own balcony, friendly staff and near Kuta + close to the beach
Luxury:
- W Bali (always a winner when it comes to luxury and fun and after my visits in Dubai, Ibiza and Amsterdam I cannot wait to visit W Bali)
- I already told you about Potato Head Beach Club here and it’s part of the Katamama hotel. Five star plus with infinity pool, bold design and great tunes of the beach club
- The Oberoi Beach Resort, amazing staff, gym, tropical gardens and Balinese architecture
» Check out all available hotels & villas in Seminyak
Where to Eat in Seminyak?
When it comes to dining, Seminyak has plenty to offer. From beachfront cafes to fine dining restaurants, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Let’s discuss 5 of my top restaurants and cafés.
1. Sisterfields
It is one of the most popular Melbourne-inspired cafés, perfect for trying different yet tasty snacks and having brekkie for lunch or dinner. It opens daily from 8 am to 8 pm allowing its foodie visitors to taste multiple cuisines by staying on budget.
2. Neon Palms
Neon Palms offers an extensive menu of delicious beverages and tapas-style cuisine for all-day brunch from 8 am to 6 pm. The location is ideal for hosting private events and exciting parties on the island.
Seminyak is home to the plant-based cafe Kynd community that offers pure vegan food. Kynd was developed to demonstrate to you how delicious plant-based eating is. Timings are 6 am to 10 pm so you can avail yourself of meals anytime.
4. Boy’N’Cow
Boy’N’Cow is a high-end luxury meat restaurant, cocktail club, and dry-aged industrial steakhouse that serves high-quality food made from scratch with the best meat and ingredients available worldwide. It remains open from 12 pm to 10 pm.
5. Bambu
Bambu is another luxury restaurant specializing in traditional Indonesian food with a modern twist. Everything you love about the little warungs, like chicken sate, prawns, and spicy sambal, is served in a sophisticated dining environment in Bambu. It opens at 6 pm and closes at midnight.
» Check out all hotels & villas in Seminyak
Top Things to Do in Seminyak:
- Explore the beauty of the beaches in Seminyak
- The temples around Seminyak
- Go shopping at the different markets
Explore the beauty of beaches
You can visit several worth-seeing beaches all around Seminyak and some say you can find the prettiest beaches here. So I’ve made a list with all the beaches.
Seminyak Beach
Seminyak, widely regarded as Bali’s chicest beach, is also home to a sizable portion of the island’s opulent resorts, world-class dining establishments and a lot of entertainment! Foodies can choose from various top dining establishments lining the streets with foreign chefs creating world-class cuisines.
Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran Beach offers vacationers all the amenities they might wish for. Great coral reefs, five-star hotels, and beach chairs round out the package. See some coral reefs, eat well, take photos, and watch the sun go down.
Double Six Beach
Double Six Beach is a popular hangout for families, couples, young people, and anybody else, thanks to it’s chill atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, solid surf, and attractive beach bars like La Plancha.
Legian Beach
Legian Beach is an extension of the popular Kuta and features the same white sand and gentle waves preferred by surfers and swimmers. Legian’s beachfront district faces a pedestrian walkway without passing traffic, making it an appealing option for families.
♥ Remember that: If you’re planning on surfing, be aware of the strong currents
Other beaches to visit in Seminyak in Bali
- Pandawa Beach
- Kuta Beach
- Livadi beach
- Kayu Aya beach
The temples around Seminyak
Here are some most famous temples to visit near Seminyak.
The renowned temple, known simply as the Bali temple by worldwide tourists who swarm, is situated near Bratan Lake. It is a beautiful temple and a popular destination for travelers in October.
Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s largest water temples, and its holy water is revered for ritual cleansing. In front of the gate, statues stand between verdant gardens and tropical vegetation; behind the gate, the first pools create an impressive scene.
The temple’s significance can be deduced from the steady stream of explorers who visit it. The ceremonies and celebrations that take place there are fascinating to observe.
The Masceti Temple is one of Bali’s nine directional temples and serves as a defense against evil sea spirits. This temple is located on the eastern coast of Masceti Island and is worth a visit for tourists.
♥ Want to visit more temples? Read more here about Ubud and Uluwatu
Go shopping at the different markets in Seminyak
And, of course, no visit to Seminyak would be complete without some shopping. Except for other things to do in Seminyak, it has plenty of shopping options, from designer boutiques to local markets that suit every taste and budget.
● Flea market Oberoi is the best shop for clothes and small accessories like handbags and jewelry. It stays open from 9 am to 9 pm.
● Kereneng Night Market is considered to be the second largest market in Seminyak. It is best to window shop and buy handicrafts and farming tools. It stays open from 6 pm to 2 am.
● Seminyak square market is meant to provide quality stuff and is the best place to shop in Seminyak. This market has something for everyone from kids wear to home accessories.
Travel further in Bali
No matter what and when you choose to go to this great place, I hope this guide filled with tips of the top things to do in Seminyak will help you out when you visit this place. Are you looking to travel further in Bali? Make sure to read our articles about Uluwatu too (world-class waves), go up the mountains and off beaten track in Amed or go and enjoy the chilled vibes in Canggu. Want to visit the most beautiful rice fields and experience you’re own eat-pray-love moment? Go to Ubud.
» Read more about the other 10x unique destinations to visit in 2022
