Here is the ultimate list of the best things to do in Seminyak, Bali. Seminyak is a stunning resort area in Bali that sits along the ocean and is positioned in the ideal spot. It is located between the infamous Kuta and the up and coming Canggu and is the perfect place to set up a base for day trips all around Bali.
Although Seminyak is located right beside Kuta, these two areas could not be more different. Kuta is the famous party area of the island which means a very specific crowd is attracted here. Whereas Seminyak is a more luxurious and elegant area of Bali with beautiful resorts, world-class beach clubs, and high-end restaurants. Seminyak is the ideal place to visit in Bali for a visit full of excitement and amazing things to do.
Seminyak’s prime location and close proximity to various other areas and attractions are what make it the optimal place to stay in Bali. Whether you are staying in Seminyak for a few days or dropping by on a day trip, find out here all the best things to do in Seminyak.
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Top 12 Things to do in Seminyak, Bali
Go to the Beach
Seminyak is blessed to have a vast sandy beach that stretches for miles. The beach is made up of soft white sand and aqua blue waters which make it the perfect place for a beach day. At this beach, you can choose to find your own place to sunbathe or you can rent a sun-bed for half a day for around 50,000 IDR, depending on how much you negotiate the price!
The ocean at Seminyak’s beach can get pretty rough some days so be sure to take a look at the flag rating for the day. Red means dangerous, yellow exercise caution and green is fine.
Eat at the Best Restaurants in Seminyak
There is no denying that one of the absolute best things about Seminyak is the FOOD! In no other place is there such a wide variety of delicious and healthy vegetarian / vegan restaurants with such unique dishes. Like most people, I eat with my eyes and my taste buds and I’ll say that Seminyak satisfied both senses beyond belief.
From desserts to breakfasts to dinners there are a ton of restaurant options to choose from. All of which serve cuisines ranging from classic Indonesian dishes, Italian pizzas, huge salad bowls, vibrant smoothie bowls, and more. Not only are the dishes beautiful and tasty, but the restaurants in Seminyak are all beyond aesthetic and Instagrammable.
Some of the best vegetarian / vegan restaurants in Seminyak are:
- KYND Community
- Coffee Cartel
- Dough Darlings
- Neon Palms
However, there are a ton of amazing vegan restaurants in Bali you should visit.
Day Trip to Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a beautiful area on the South-West tip of Bali that is known for its daunting cliff views, luxurious beach clubs, beautiful beaches. It is a more laidback area of Bali and is home to some of the best luxurious resorts and hotels on the island. It is located only 40 minutes from Seminyak and is the perfect day trip destination.
A day in Uluwatu is best spent heading to the amazing clubs and secluded beaches. One of the most popular places here is The Edge Villa, which has a pool that extends over the high cliffs with a glass bottom. This relatively undiscovered area is yours for the finding!
Enjoy Seminyak Shopping
Whether you are looking for traditional Balinese items, unique summer clothes, or beach day boho clothing Seminyak has you covered. There are local and international shops scattered all around Seminyak all with unique and super cute clothing to pick through. Most people don’t think of shopping when they think of Bali, but shopping just so happens to be one of the best things to do in Seminyak.
The stores range in their offerings and prices. Some of the best places to shop in Seminyak are:
- Bamboo Blonde – Here you will find super trendy, girly clothing items that are perfectly suited for Bali sun.
- Uma & Leopold – Trendy, unique clothing, and stunning accessories.
- Magali Pascal – Chic, high fashion clothing.
- Souvenir Shops – There are souvenir shops all around Seminyak with clothing and accessories that are beyond cute. The street shops are the reason for the now very popular straw purses.
Go to a Beach Club
Beach clubs are very popular in Bali and one of the best things to do in Seminyak. And luckily there are quite a few great options to choose from. The beach clubs in Seminyak come fully equipped with breathtaking ocean/sunset views, top-notch music and vibes, glamorous infinity pools, and great food and drinks. They are great as a full-day event where you can rent a sunbed, order from a menu to your sunbed, and basque in the lively atmosphere all day. They are also ideal for those looking to catch the sunset from an amazing viewpoint in great company.
If you are looking for the perfect places to enjoy great drinks and meals, and maybe even a pool, check out these beach clubs in Seminyak:
- Potato Head Beachclub – This is the most popular and famous beach club in Seminyak. This beach club sits right along the beach, has a full courtyard and a stunning infinity pool.
- Ku De Ta – Lovely beachfront beach club with delicious food and tasty cocktails.
- Cocoon Beach Club – Stunning beachfront views, fancy white sunbeds, delicious drinks, and cocktails.
- Woo Bar – Top spots for drinks and partygoers in Seminyak. If you are looking for an exciting night out this is a great option.
Day trip to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a magical island off the coast of Bali. This island and its smaller neighbors, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, are a hot spot for Bali tourists. They are best known for their stunning views, inhumanly blue waters, and lush green cliffs.
There is a ton to explore between these three islands like Angel’s Billabong, Pasih Uug Beach, Kelingking Beach, and Nusa Penida. The best way to see everything with a limited amount of time is by booking a day trip tour. The tours last around 10 hours and will bring you from Bali to the islands and to the main attractions.
Enjoy a day in Ubud
A one hour drive from Seminyak is the famous town of Ubud, Bali. Ubud is a more authentic and traditional area of Bali and is the best place to visit for an “in the jungle” Bali experience. If you are looking for adventure during your Seminyak stays this is the place to get it in.
Here you will find the famous Tegallalang Rice Terrace, the Ubud monkey forest, and stunning waterfalls. There are so many amazing things to do in Ubud, and a day trip here is something that should be on everyone’s to-do list.
Get Pampered at a Spa
Spas are in abundance in Bali and Seminyak is no different. There are resorts and villas scattered about that have private pools and offer services like massages, facials, and nails. The prices for these things are very low compared to the prices they go for in other countries and the services are very professional. Getting a massage every day is commonplace while in Seminyak and a relaxing spa day is a great way to spend some time in Bali.
Explore the City
While in Seminyak you should take some time to walk around and see more of Bali and its areas. Walking or renting a scooter is a great way to do this because you can venture into areas you haven’t explored. Exploring is great for discovering new shops and restaurants that others have yet to find. Just be sure to protect yourself from the heat and wear sunscreen. I made the mistake of walking around with my shoulders out and got very burnt.
Learn How to Surf
Seminyak is not the number one place in Bali for surfing but it does offer some smaller waves that are perfect for beginners. There are surf schools all around Seminyak that will give you some lessons on how to stand and a beginner’s guide to surfing. You might not be a pro by the end of your visit, but you can cross off “surfing in Bali” from your bucket list.
Day Trip to Canggu
Canggu is an on the rise resort village just a short distance from Seminyak. It is the most popular place to stay and visit for digital nomads and for good reason. In Canggu, there are a ton of cafes to work in and the village is hip and has a relaxed atmosphere. It is a great place to relax and admire picturesque views with a fun vibe. The laid back charm of Canggu is perfect for a day trip to experience this new, artsy area of Bali.
Kick Back at a Cafe
Sitting in an amazingly decorated cafe enjoying a fresh beverage is a holiday must. Seminyak has some of the best cafes in Bali all with delicious drinks that are perfect to cool off with during a hot day. Finding a cafe in Seminyak is very easy as there are options all around the area. I loved Coffee Cartel, which is where I got the pink iced chai tea latte pictured below!
What’s also great to note about Seminyak is that all cafes are very vegan and vegetarian friendly. Meaning finding milk alternatives is very accessible which makes the experience very enjoyable!
When to visit Seminyak
Seminyak is a beautiful travel destination all year. The island of Bali doesn’t have the traditional seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter but operates with a wet season and a dry season.
The dry season is from April – October, and during this time the months of June – August are the most popular. However, the wet season (November to March) only has about an hour of rain a day and with fewer visitors and lower prices, it is a great time to visit. If you want to visit Seminyak when sunny days are almost guaranteed try to visit in the dry season. Just be prepared for more tourists than the wet season welcomes.
How to get to Seminyak
Seminyak is located 30 minutes from the main airport and is best reached by car. You can arrange a car beforehand with your hotel or villa to ensure you have a safe and reliable ride waiting for you. Another option is to use Gojek or Grab which are similar to the ride-sharing app Uber. With this option, you need a sim card in order to find the car.
If you do end up taking an airport taxi, try to look up the price that a Gojek car is asking. You can use this to bargain with the local taxis at the airport to get a more fair price. They will try to overcharge you!
Where to stay in Seminyak
Here are the best places to stay in Seminyak:
Booking.comSeminyak is a tropical wonderland that is just waiting to be explored. This Balinese town is full of wonderful things to do and experience. If you are planning a trip to Bali be sure to add Seminyak to your must-visit list. Prepare to fall in love with Seminyak and all the amazing things it has to offer.
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Love,
SSW
Thanks for taking me back to Bali. We were there for a week and certainly did not see or do it all. We loved to watch the surfers when the water was too rough for us to swim! We are sorry we did not get to visit any of the smaller islands off of Bali. We definitely would want to head underwater. But we did try lots of Bali coffee. Hubby is a coffee snob and he had some of the best coffee in Bali.
Love the food options of Seminyak, actually the whole of Bali offers good food options. Beaches are indeed class apart. I am reminded of my trip to Nusa Penida. Been to Bali twice and both time was pampered well at the spas. Great options of things to do there.
I’ve always wanted to visit Bali but I’ve never heard of Seminyak before. It really is stunningly beautiful. And it really seems to be in the perfect location. I just love the cliffs at Uluwatu and Ubud and Canggu are so close!
I’m glad I got to visit Seminyak when it wasn’t crowd like today. When we went there three years ago, we didn’t even bother to go there. But of course, we visited in June, the high season. I think it’s a bit different when you visit during low season. But you’re right. Food and shopping in Seminyak are great!
While I’m not really a beach person Bali is definitely somewhere I’d like to visit, and I could imagine lying on that beach! I think I’d prefer Seminyak to Kuta as my partying days are long gone. Good to know that it’s close to Ubud and plenty of other sightseeing! Hopefully I’ll get to visit before too long.
This post made me want to get on the first flight to Bali! The food in Seminyak looks amazing – as does the shopping!