The bustling beach town of Seminyak, on the west coast of Bali, is a popular destination for tourists and resident ex-pats because of its high-end resorts and restaurants. Unlike neighboring beach towns like Kuta which cater to backpackers and budget travelers, Seminyak offers a sophisticated night scene with stylish bars like Ku De Ta on the five-star strip of Jalan Oberoi; guests can sip pricey cocktails while listening to live DJs from all around the world.
Tips
- Splurge on waterfront accommodations. Seminyak offers a wide range of upscale places to stay, from five-star resorts to luxury villa rentals with swimming pools that overlook the Bali Strait. Consider The Samaya or the Sofitel Hotel, both of which occupy prime real estate along Seminyak Beach.
- Think beyond Balinese batiks. Bali is known around the world for its hand-dyed batik textiles. However, the chic boutiques along the main streets of Jalan Laksamana and Raya Seminyak offer more Balinese treasures. Explore Basia for locally-made cotton, linen and silk chiffon clothing. Choose Pura Vida for bohemian-style T-shirts, dresses, skirts and capri pants. Go to Kiki's Closet for fashionable kids' attire.
- Sample Seminyak's international fare. The range of food options in this small beach town may surprise you. Try Grocer & Grind for deli sandwiches and gourmet coffee. Order brick-oven pizzas like the Rustica, topped with chopped tomatoes, percino cheese, artichokes, spinach and braesola at Trattoria's. Enjoy authentic Moroccan meals with a shisha pipe at Khaima, or dine on Indonesian dishes like Ika Bakar at Breeze at The Samaya resort.
- Check out the surf scene on Petitenget Beach. Seminyak's black sand beach is a popular surfing destination. You can rent boogie boards and surfboards at various shacks along the beach, or sign up for a proper surfing lesson at Rip Curl School of Surf.
