Seminyak
If you are looking for stylish and sophisticated beach life, Seminyak offers beautiful beaches, hip hotels, cool cafes, superb surfing, luxurious spas and a wonderful selection of designer shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy. The people watching is legendary and the stylish beach bars make this one of our favourite spots to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
During the 1960s, the small village of Seminyak was one of the original haunts of the surfers who came to Bali in search of swell, breaks and waves. Since then, this humble hamlet has become one of Bali’s top coastal attractions for its upscale and upmarket scene, attracting a cool and stylish crowd of 21st century lotus eaters.
While the sea remains more suited to surfing than swimming, there’s still plenty of reasons to visit the beach, which is full of beach clubs, bean bags and loungers, from where you can see and be seen. Stroll along the long sandy beach, stopping at one of the beachside restaurants for the freshest of seafood, before taking your seat to enjoy the sunsets this area is famous for. If you’re lucky, you may even see the locals in traditional dress making their way to the shoreline, where they will place ceremonial offerings to the gods.
If you enjoy fine dining, Seminyak offers some of Bali’s best options for world-class cuisine, although there is a broad spectrum of dining options for those on a budget. These include the warungs, where you can eat delicious Indonesian dishes, such as fried fish, chicken curry and beef Rendang, for more local prices.
For those looking for a taste of local culture, we think that Petitenget Temple, which is one of seven important sea temples built along the coast, is a must-see attraction. If your visit coincides with a Bali festival or temple ceremony, all the better. But if you’re seeking retail, as opposed to spiritual therapy, there are many boutiques and galleries to explore. We’d suggest browsing for homewares, wooden carvings, beach and surf accessories and if that leaves you weary, head to one of the first-class spas for a relaxing and rejuvenating massage.
The hotels in Seminyak are some of the most luxurious on the island and there are also many beautiful villas with private pools to accommodate you. Although Seminyak is not the Bali of green rice fields, cascading terraces and small villages, if you’re looking for sophisticated beach life, it makes an excellent destination and is a great choice for combining with a trip to one of the island’s more traditional areas, such as Ubud or Munduk.