Seminyak, Bali: Bali’s Beating Heart

Should you stay in Seminyak?

It depends on what you’re looking for in Bali. Seminyak, along with Kuta to the south and Canggu to the north, are the busiest places on the island. If you want a bit of nightlife or shopping during your trip, then a stop in Seminyak is a good choice. Plus, there are the beach clubs.

However, if you’re coming to Bali purely for relaxation and nature, feel free to skip Seminyak for Ubud, Sideman, and the northeast of the island, and consider Uluwatu, Nusa Dua or Sanur for your beach time.

How long should you stay in Seminyak?

I recommend a few days at the beginning of your trip. You could use Seminyak as a base for your entire stay in Bali, enjoying the amenities and the beach, while taking day trips into the interior of the island, but that would mean dealing with the traffic and having only limited time in other places. A few days and nights will give you a good dose of Seminyak before departing for calmer parts of Bai. Alternatively, you could do the calmer parts first and party it up on your way out. All depends on how you like to travel.

Where should you stay in Seminyak?

Where you stay will depend on the experience you’re looking to have. Seminyak has the full range of accommodation options. Private villas are a good option and there are many on the most-used booking sites. There are a number of very nice 5-star resorts in Seminyak. I’ve stayed at the Alila Seminyak, which I would recommend. That said, if you’re keen on the full beach resort experience, there are better locations in Bali. Consider saving your resort budget for somewhere with a nicer beach and staying in one of Seminyak’s boutique hotels

What’s the best way to get around Seminyak?

Hiring a private driver and using the Grab app are the best ways to get around. The center of Seminyak is about 12 km from Denpasar airport. Not far as the crow flies, but the crow doesn’t have to worry about Bali’s notorious traffic. The drive will usually take around forty-five minutes but be prepared for longer. I suggest that you arrange your airport transfer before you arrive. Exiting the arrivals gate to find a sign with your name on it and someone ready to grab your bags and lead you to a waiting car is well worth it.

Once on the ground, you can continue to use a private driver to move around Bali. Alternatively, you can arrange tours with your hotel, from tourist shops in town, or from various sites online. Be sure to read reviews and once you find a driver you like, stick with them. For short trips around the area, download and use the Grab app.

You can hail taxis in Seminyak, but most of them are over-priced. The one exception is Bluebird, whose drivers will use the meter. Do be careful, as other taxi companies have liveries suspiciously similar to Bluebirds. These taxis will charge you rates several times what you’d pay on the meter or in a Grab.

Many people who come to Bali rent scooters. Legally, you are required to have an International Drivers Permit and a motorcycle license to operate a scooter in Indonesia, but rental places won’t check. Do be warned that police often pull over tourists and check for licenses. If you don’t have it, be prepared to pay a “fine.”

What’s there to do in Seminyak?

Beach and beach clubs

Seminyak sits on Bali’s west coast, right on the beach. Opinions on these beaches vary. What the area has is large stretches of wide, flat beach, and calm waves. Seminyak’s beaches are great for running or strolling, for dipping your toes in the cool water or for enjoying a sunset beer at one of the many beach bars. However, you won’t find curved, picturesque patches of white sand ensconced by swaying palm trees. If you’re looking for the latter, you’ll have to go elsewhere on the island.

The calm waves make Seminyak a good place for surfing lessons. You’ll find lots of places renting boards and giving lessons.

One of the best ways to enjoy the coast is at a beach club; think of a nice resort without the rooms. Two of the best beach clubs are Potato Head, which has a definite party vibe, and Ku de Tah, which is a nice place for a family dinner.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Café culture is alive and well in Seminyak, a result of Bali’s closeness to Australia. You’ll find good coffee all over and specialty coffee shops abound. Cafes also do a very good breakfast. If you’re a fan of fruit-laden acai bowls and fluffy pancakes and wobbly poached eggs perched atop picture-perfect avocado toast, you’ll love this part of Bali. For lunches and dinner, there are many international restaurants in the area, but your best bet is to stick mostly to the local warungs.

Seminyak’s nightlife is tilted decidedly towards the young. In addition to the beach clubs, there are several nightclubs and bars, mostly towards the northern end of town. La Favela, Motel Mexicola, and ShiShi are among the more popular. One place worth checking out is Shooters Bali, which is an adult amusement park with mini golf, beer pong and axe-throwing.

For folks like me who prefer quieter spots, there is a burgeoning cocktail bar scene. My favorite is 40 Thieves, which has made it onto past edition of the “50 Best Bars in Asia.” I stopped by on a quiet weekday night and it was mostly dead, but the bartenders were friendly and there was a really good band playing.

Shopping

If you’re looking for something nice to wear, then Seminyak is your best bet on Bali. Two shopping centers, Seminyak Village and Seminyak Square, sit side-by-side toward the northern end of town, and just down the road you’ll find a The Flea Market. There are also many small shops and boutiques around town.