A dependable classic and familiar comfort, Seminyak is Bali’s soft landing

Located on the southwestern coast of the island, and 40 minutes from the airport. Seminyak can feel a bit ‘frozen in time’ post COVID, and this is both its charm and its trade-off. If you’ve been to Bali before, chances are your first proper villa experience, bintang experience or designer sandal came from here. Seminyak quietly stayed the course and it’s still the place to go if you want solid eats, walkable streets, and a soft landing. Especially if it’s your first time here or you just want Bali without the burnout.

Famous for beautiful sunsets, chilled-out vibes, and volcanic sand beaches, it’s still very much a shopping and food haven if you know where to look. That said, it’s lost some of its edge with the rise of Canggu, Umalas, and now Pererenan. Seminyak spands 3 square kilometers surrounding the beach with as much action spilled into Kerobokan and Petitenget (dubbed Eat Street 2.0). Seminyak is lively and walkable, and still great choice for first timers or seasoned Bali goers coming back for its high-end restaurants, great cafes and world-class beach clubs.

Bali is also known as the Island of Gods, everywhere you look, you will see ceremony, ritual and sacred offerings. The Balinese carry out their religious obligations with pride and everyone takes part from the youngest child, through to grandparents, all dressed immaculately for the temple.

Located in the middle of many attractions and popular neighborhoods, Seminyak is the perfect base for day trips to the peaceful greens in Ubud and majestic cliffside views of Uluwatu. Canggu is 20 mins to the north and Nusa Dua beaches 40 mins to the south. 

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Need to know    Traveler Insight    Where to Stay 

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Need to Know 

Get around town 

Traffic is unpredictable in Bali. For braver souls, motorbikes are the best way to get around, both motorbike taxis and cars are easily bookable via e-hailing Apps like Grab and Gojek. If you plan to venture into other townships like Ubud or Uluwatu, it is recommended to hire a full-day driver ($45-60 for 8 hours) for there are many detours worth stopping for in the two hour ride each direction, and often cheaper than hailing one outside of touristy spots.

Warming up (and cooling down) 

Bali is hot all year round and you can expect tropical humidity with some rainfall. Pack slippers, sunscreen and insect repellents

Look both ways

Streets can be tricky to navigate, traffic can come from anywhere.

Making friends

Dogs are plenty in Bali, virtually found on every street as pets and strays. They love treats/food scraps, and while they generally ignore passersby, guard dogs will sometimes bark at you, in reality, they are generally more afraid of you. WARNING keep calm and never run from dogs.

Bali belly

While Balinese hygiene standards can differ from what many foreigners might expect, the food is by no means soiled, and tropical insects and passing dogs or cows are common sights. Bring some charcoal pills if you tend to have a weak stomach, tap water is NOT potable in Indonesia, boil only bottled water, and try not to chew too many ice cubes.

Pro tip

Book your airport transfer before you land, transportation can be overwhelming at the airport and prices depend on how well you bargain. Fares to most places in Seminyak with independent drivers should be $15-$20, hotels and private villas can be a bit more but it probably won’t break the bank.

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Traveler insight

Prices shown in USD

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Live in paradise

Private villas

Airbnb

Much of southern Bali and especially Seminyak has been transformed by a surge in private villas over the last couple of years. Private villas have become synonymous with a Balinese holiday experience, villas are often surrounded by greenery, open-air showers, and private pools; the options are plenty from Joglos (Traditional wooden Indonesian structures) to modern 5-bedroom villas for groups and large families, usually at unbelievably reasonable price points.

Two to three bedrooms villas with private pools are the most popular configurations, available from about $150 a night or equivalent to a mid-level hotel room at international chains. Over 90% of the villas in Bali are listed on Airbnb so it is the best place to start. Some villas come with breakfast and daily cleaning, however, it is not a standard practice.

Hotels and Resorts

Hotel Indigo, Seminyak

• 5-star Location • Design Forward • Avg $190 / Night
A stylish enclave with a blend of Balinese elements and design, a solid choice sunset dips after a day out. Hotel Indigo is quietly tucked away from the Seminyak buzz, but close enough when you want it.
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Katamama Suites

• 5-star Location • Unique Concept • Avg $300 / Night
Part of the Potato Head Company, Katamama is a beautifully designed all-suites boutique that offers contemporary living inspired by centuries-old Indonesian traditions. Located within Desa Potato Head, their flagship creative village with its own retail space and world-class beach club. It’s right next to the beach bar so expect it to come with full-day music and a pretty damn good sunset.
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W Bali

• Beachfront Resort • Avg $360 / Night
The W in Bali has kept much of its brand promise for luxury and trendy vibes, the Balinese property is housed in a large beachfront estate, it’s manicured driveway features a beautiful bamboo archway that has become an Instagram hit. While the scene at W has mellowed, it’s still a safe luxe bet if you want your Bali a little more polished.
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The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa

• Proximity to Eat Street • Beachfront • Avg $250 / night
This is the ultimate beachfront address in Seminyak, 5 minutes walk to Eat Street, and next to Ku De Ta, still one of the best beach clubs in Bali. Location and service are at the top of everyone’s praises, but they have been around for a while now, and age is starting to show.
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Cicada Luxury Townhouses

• Large rooms • Good Location • Avg $170 / night
Highly rated boutique hotel, Cicada is minutes to the beach and offers a range of accommodations from 50sqm studio units to 3-bedroom villas with a private pool, the hotel also has its own restaurant, spa, and a 25m lap pool.
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The Legian

• 5-star Location • Beachfront • Avg $550 / night
The Legian is an exclusive all-suite hotel set in landscaped tropical gardens, designed with the decerning traveler in mind, it is the epitome of luxury in Seminyak, the hotel has been around for 20 years but remains at the top of its game, renowned for its contemporary approach to traditional Indonesian design and its genuine Balinese bespoke service, The Legian is in a league of its own.
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