A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE
Seminyak is a destination known for its beaches, food, shopping, beach clubs and sunsets. This popular neighbourhood on the west coast of Bali, just north of party towns Kuta and Legian, caters for both to the upmarket traveller, with five-star resorts, spas and world-class dining, as well as the budget-conscious tourist. Seminyak has affordable quality restaurants and bars, a walkable town centre and is a cheap taxi ride away from many other must-see neighbourhoods and attractions.
QUICK LINKS
BEACHES
Being on the west coast of Bali, one of the main attractions of Seminyak is the beach. The neighbourhood covers a long part of the coastline, with each beach offering a slightly different atmosphere.
Double Six, Jalan Mesari and Seminyak Beach are at the southern end of the area. They are littered with beach bars, colourful beanbags and umbrellas. This area is always busy, with children frolicking in the water, couples lazing on lounges, friends enjoying drinks at the bars and locals playing soccer on the sand.
One of the most popular beach bars, La Plancha, is located here on Jalan Mesari beach. For more, check out our food guide for Where To Eat in Seminyak.
Kaya Aya and Petitenget Beach are at the northern end of Seminyak. This part of the coast has fewer beanbags and umbrellas but is instead home to the popular beach clubs. Potato Head, Mrs Sippy, Ku De Ta, Woobar and Mano Beach House can all be found in this area, and that is just the start of the list. These beaches feel less busy during the day, but mainly because the crowds are inside the club walls rather than on the sand.
No matter which beach you find yourself on, you will always be treated to Bali’s spectacular sunsets.
BEACH CLUBS
Lining the coast of Seminyak are some of Bali's most famous beach clubs. Most will start filling up in the early afternoon as people race to the lounges, cabanas and pools with the best views of the sunset. When the sun goes down though, the party is just getting started, with most clubs hosting live music, DJs and dance parties until the early hours of the morning.
Some clubs require reservations and will have a minimum spend or entry fee. Best to check their websites for the most up-to-date information.
THE FLEA MARKET & BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
Along the main streets of town are a range of shopping opportunities. Seminyak features both high-end brand names as well as boutique stores and local markets. On the northern end of Jl. Kayu Aya is the Bali Boat Shed, a clothing store that is also very popular for its colourful shopfront. Heading south down the same road, you will reach The Flea Market. Browse through the rows of stalls selling clothes, jewellery, bags, gifts and, of course, souvenirs. You will get to try your hand at bartering if you find something you like.
DAY TRIP TO GARUDA WISNU KENCANA CULTURAL PARK
In the centre of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula is Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. Its most iconic landmark, the 120-meter-tall monument, Patung Garuda Wisnu Kencana, can be seen all the way up the coastline as it towers over everything surrounding it. The 60-hectare park features gardens, paved plazas, spectacular sculptures, an amphitheatre, and museums that provide insight into Hindu mythology and Bali’s culture. On top of all this, the park also offers panoramic views of the island and a range of food and shopping opportunities.
A taxi from Seminyak takes between 40 minutes to an hour. There is a small cost for taxi parking, so bring cash with you.
We would also recommend arranging a taxi to wait for you (which our driver was happy to do), as there are no opportunities to flag down other taxis inside the park.
From this car park, a carriage takes you to the main entrance, where you will purchase the entry passes. The price for admission is 125,000 IDR per person, which also includes two complimentary drinks at the restaurant and entry to the Asana Artseum. Come prepared for a few hours of walking with good shoes, sunscreen and water. There are shuttle services and tour guides on offer when you purchase your ticket.
OUR GOOGLE MAPS
When planning our travel destinations, we pin our bucket list of sites to see and recommended places to eat and drink on Google Maps. We are then never lost for ideas, and can easily share these lists for our friends and family to use too.
Click here to see our Google Maps for Things To Do in Seminyak.
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