AllWays Traveller Features
Bali, Indonesia: Seminyak comes to the fore
Bali is often called the "Island of the Gods," and is renowned for its beaches, contrasting landscapes, rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourism scene.
It is a favourite destination of Australians, who make up a quarter of all international arrivals. With a flight time of between five and six hours from Sydney and only three to four hours from Perth, it's hardly surprising.
Bali is also popular with Brits, and the UK is one of the top five visiting nations. Surfing is eagerly sought after by almost all visitors and surfing lessons for beginners are offered at many beaches.
Among the island's diverse regions, Seminyak has become one of the most popular and fashionable destinations for both relaxation and adventure. It's located on Bali's southwestern coast, just north of the busy Kuta and Legian districts. It sits along the beautiful stretch of beach that extends from Denpasar Airport, making it easily accessible for travellers. While Kuta is known for its party atmosphere, Seminyak attracts visitors seeking a more refined experience.
Seminyak is known for its chic resorts, upmarket shopping, stylish dining and decent beaches where stunning sunsets can be viewed. However, it's not a place where you'll find much of the traditional Bali. Even Bali.com says there's not much local culture in Seminyak.
We were there in August staying at the Double Six Hotel. The Rooftop Bar there is legendary and the place to be at sunset, that is if you're not watching it from down on the beach.At 1700 square metres, it's one of the most spacious rooftop bars in Bali, fitted out with private seating pods and designer daybeds sunken into an infinity pond, all overlooking the Indian Ocean.
After the nights activities are over the bar is converted into the hotel's breakfast room, where made-to-order breakfasts can be had while enjoying the views by daylight.
This hotel and others like it are good places to stay if you just want a relaxing holiday without moving far from the resort and the beach. However, if you want to see more of what Bali has to offer, be prepared for the traffic. There is no way of sugarcoating this, the roads are chaos. At first glance the traffic looks no worse than in many other Asian cities, but unlike theirs it doesn't move for minutes on end. Scooters are everywhere, zipping between cars and trucks, but even they get held up. See the title picture. The travel times between various attractions are seriously understated on many websites.
Beaches
Double Six Beach is a well-visited destination, named after the once-popular 66 nightclub that was located on its shores. Today, the beach and surrounds are renowned for their bustling atmosphere, drawing families, surfers, and tourists from all walks of life.
The natural beauty of Double Six Beach is characterized by its fine white sands and crystal clear seawater, contrasting with the dark golden sand of other beaches in Bali. The gentle slope and moderate, consistent waves provide ideal conditions for surfing, but snorkelling is not recommended.
In addition to its natural allure, Double Six Beach is known for its lively atmosphere and array of amenities. The beach is situated in front of a row of beachside restaurants and nightclubs, ensuring an energetic ambiance.
The heart of Seminyak is undoubtedly its beach of the same name. Seminyak Beach, which stretches all the way from Legian Beach, offers golden sands, pristine waters, and clear skies, perfect for sunbathing, surfing or simply enjoying a beautiful sunset.
The beach is also a prime location for some of Bali's best beachfront bars and restaurants. Popular spots like Ku De Ta and Potato Head Beach Club offer panoramic views of the ocean and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for sundowners while watching the sky turn into a canvas of colours at sunset.
Luxury Resorts and Villas
Seminyak is home to some of Bali's most luxurious resorts and private villas. Visitors who seek top-tier accommodations can choose from world-renowned properties such as The Legian Seminyak Bali or the Alila Seminyak. These resorts offer unrivalled comfort, exceptional service, and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The design and architecture of these hotels integrate seamlessly with the natural environment, often using local materials, traditional Balinese motifs, and modern touches to create unique, serene spaces.
For those who prefer a more intimate and private experience, Seminyak also boasts a wide range of luxury villas. Many of these villas come with private pools, gardens, and even in-villa chefs, offering guests the ultimate in privacy and relaxation. Some even provide butler services, making it the perfect place for a romantic getaway or a family retreat.
Dining and nightlife
One of Seminyak's key attractions is its vibrant and diverse culinary scene. From casual eateries serving traditional Indonesian dishes to high-end restaurants offering international cuisine, Seminyak has something to offer for every palate.
For a taste of authentic Balinese flavours, you can visit Bambu, which serves traditional Indonesian cuisine in a sophisticated, modern setting. But if you're looking for something simple and inexpensive, the quirky eateries dotted along the beachfronts are hard to beat. A more upmarket version of these is La Lucciola.
For coffee lovers, Revolver Espresso is the go-to place for a decent brew. It provides a cosy atmosphere and excellent artisanal coffee blends.
Seminyak is home to some of Bali's best nightlife spots, where you can enjoy a mix of classy cocktail bars, beach clubs, and nightclubs. Unlike Kuta, where the nightlife scene can get rowdy, Seminyak offers a more sophisticated vibe.
Shopping in Seminyak
Seminyak is a shopper's haven, although why you would go to Bali to shop is beyond me. The main shopping areas are along Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Raya Seminyak, where you'll find designer brands, home décor stores, unique fashion pieces, and jewellery. The area has an eclectic mix of high-end international brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton alongside locally made products.
For a more authentic Balinese shopping experience, make sure to explore the local artisan shops selling handmade crafts, textiles, and jewellery. Seminyak Village is a high-end shopping mall with a mix of designer stores and boutique shops. It also has a food court with several dining options and an expansive rooftop bar with panoramic views.
Beyond Seminyak
With the aforementioned remarks about traffic firmly in mind, some popular attractions outside the district include the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, the picturesque but unfortunately commercial Tegallalang Rice Terraces and the stunning Tanah Lot Temple, known for its dramatic coastal setting. Our favourite was Bali Zoo, which is well worth a visit, particularly the Sumatran elephant sanctuary.
New entry procedure
From 1 September, international tourists travelling to Bali and elsewhere in Indonesia now need to complete online the All Indonesia arrival card up to 72 hours before arrival.
Visitors arriving at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta and certain other entry points can download the All Indonesia app to complete the process, which streamlines immigration, customs, health and quarantine declarations into a single digital form. This requirement will be extended to all international entry points at airports and ferry terminals from 1 October.
This system replaces the former process of completing four different forms, however, visitors must still apply for a visa (online or on arrival) and pay a tourist levy of 150,000 IDR. For more information go to the All Indonesia website.
Title picture: Anil Baki Durm/Unsplash
Other photos © Judy Barford
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