3 Days of Sun, Culture, and Adventure in Seminyak Bali
Updated: Aug 27
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Seminyak graces the southwestern coast of Bali, just north of the renowned Kuta Beach. It's a chic and upscale locale renowned for its luxurious resorts, fine dining, boutique shopping, and breathtaking sunsets. We imagined Bali as the perfect spot for relaxation, and Seminyak was just right for that. We were excited to spend time by the pool with the kids, soak up the tropical sun, and chill on the beach with comfy bean bags. Plus, our friends raved about how stunning the sunsets are at Seminyak’s beaches. So Seminyak was our other choice along with Ubud.
Table of Contents: 3 Days of Sun, Culture, and Adventure in Seminyak, Bali Explore Seminyak How to Reach Seminyak? When is the best time to Visit? What to Wear? Sunset and Shisha at La Plancha Seminyak Beach Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance Show Shop local and Get those Braids |
Explore 3 Days in Seminyak Bali
Seminyak is a popular beach area in Bali, Indonesia, located just north of Kuta Beach. It's about 10-12 kilometers (6-8 miles) from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). The drive usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, but it can take longer during busy times. Three days is a great amount of time to explore Seminyak. If you're looking to visit the Nusa Islands and see more attractions like temples and parks, you'll want to plan for 5-6 days to truly enjoy everything the area has to offer.
How to Reach Seminyak?
✈️ Arriving by Air - The nearest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), located about 10-12 kilometers from Seminyak. To get to Bali, book a flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport from major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, or other international hubs. Direct international flights are available from many global destinations. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS HERE.
🚖 Airport Transfers - Upon arrival, you can easily book a taxi or private transfer to Seminyak. For a convenient and reliable option, use EASY AIRPORT TAXIS BOOKINGS. Alternatively, ride-hailing apps like Grab are popular and efficient for getting around Bali.
🚆 Traveling by Train - Bali does not have a train system, so train travel isn’t an option. But, if you're coming from Java, you can take a train to Banyuwangi and then continue your journey by ferry to Bali.
🚌 Bus Services - Bali has several bus services that connect different parts of the island. For inter-island travel, you can use buses from major terminals like Ubung Bus Terminal in Denpasar. If you’re coming from the ferry terminals or other parts of Bali, you can catch a local bus or shuttle to Seminyak.
🚗 Car Rentals - If you prefer driving yourself, car rentals are widely available. BOOK YOUR CAR HERE for a hassle-free experience. Navigating Bali can be adventurous, so make sure to familiarise yourself with local driving rules.
Where to Stay?
Luxury
Bali Royal Heritage Villa (Petitenget, Seminyak) (INR ₹15,000 to ₹22,000/ USD $185 to $275)Experience traditional Balinese architecture and opulent amenities, immersing yourself in royal luxury in Seminyak.
Alami Luxury Villa (Petitenget, Seminyak) (INR ₹14,000 to ₹20,000/ USD $175 to $250)Contemporary design meets luxury in Petitenget, providing a stylish base close to Seminyak’s hotspots.
Sandi Agung Villa (Petitenget, Seminyak) (INR ₹12,000 to ₹18,000/ USD $150 to $225)Spacious private villas with personalized service, offering tranquility and comfort in Petitenget.
Medium
Annora Villas Seminyak (INR: ₹12,000 to ₹18,000/ USD $150 to $225)
Annora, meaning "light" in Sanskrit, is all about spreading happiness and brightening your stay and one of the reasons we chose to stay here. Just steps from the beautiful Seminyak beach, Annora Villas offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. With traditional design and a private pool, the villas blend classic style with modern comfort. The staff’s dedication to personalized service ensures every guest feels special, making Annora a standout choice for a relaxing, beachside retreat.
La Reserve 1785 Canggu Beach (INR ₹12,000 to ₹18,000/ USD $150 to $225)Enjoy modern luxury infused with a historical touch, located near Canggu Beach for a memorable stay.
Budget
Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak (INR ₹4,200 to ₹6,500/ USD $50 to $80)Modern amenities and a convenient location near Seminyak Beach and nightlife, providing great value for money.
Casa Batu Belig (Batubelig, Seminyak) (INR: ₹5,000 to ₹8,500USD: $60 to $100)A charming and affordable retreat in Batubelig, offering a cozy atmosphere and easy access to local attractions.
I chose Booking.com for my Bali hotel stays. For convenient booking, use my LINK. With competitive prices and reliable service, Booking.com ensures a hassle-free experience.
When is the best time to Visit?
August was fantastic, with the days being hot and sweaty but evenings were just perfect. Plus, there was hardly any rainfall, which made for a great experience overall! The best time to visit Seminyak is during the dry season, from April to October, when you’ll enjoy sunny days and pleasant temperatures ideal for beach outings and exploring.
What to Wear?
Basically, you can wear just about anything in Seminyak—I've seen guys going shirtless and girls rocking all sorts of beachwear on the streets. Just keep it casual and comfortable, and you'll fit right in! At the beach, rock a stylish swimsuit with a cover-up and don’t forget sunglasses and a hat. When visiting Uluwatu Temple, opt for modest attire like long pants or skirts and a top with sleeves; a sarong is often provided but bringing your own is handy. For exploring GWK Cultural Park, wear comfy clothes and shoes, and stay sun-safe with a hat or sunglasses.
Top Sights To Explore
Day 1:
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is about an hour’s drive from Ubud, and it’s well worth the trip! This beautiful sea temple is perched on a dramatic rock formation and is renowned for its breathtaking sunset views and cultural charm. Tanah Lot Temple was built to honor Bhatara Segara, the sea god. To protect the temple, he made a venomous snake from his sash. The legend says this snake lives at the base of the rocky island to keep away any evil intruders. There is also a fun rumor that the cave under Tanah Lot has a special spring with fresh water, although it is surrounded by a salty ocean. Locals say this "magic" water has special powers and brings good luck to those who drink it.
The journey from the parking area to the temple is quite a treat, with a lively local market greeting you along the way. As you pass through the beautifully decorated temple gates, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the sea and waves crashing against the rocks. To the left of the temple, you’ll find a hill dotted with restaurants that offer a fantastic view of the temple from below. We explored the temple, offered a small prayer, and then wandered up the hill through the market. There, we enjoyed the best coconut water of our trip and picked up some lovely leaf books and shell-plated serving dishes to take home.
Open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. Entrance fees are IDR 75,000 (approximately €5 / $5.50) for adults and IDR 40,000 (approximately €3 / $3) for children. Sunset is the ideal time to visit. Please dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees to respect the sacred site. Parking fees are:
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Seminyak Beach
Seminyak is buzzing with energy! After a long journey, I was ready to relax, but the beach scene was so lively that I was instantly revived. The vibrant atmosphere, great food, and fantastic beach made it an unforgettable experience—like a throwback to my Goa days but with my kids enjoying the fun too!
Here are some must-visit beach spots in Seminyak:
Chez Gado Gado: A beachfront gem known for its excellent sunset views and top-notch seafood. Located right on the beach, it's perfect for a relaxed dinner with a view.
La Plancha: Famous for its colorful bean bags and lively vibe, La Plancha offers a great place to chill with a cocktail while watching the sun set. You’ll find it right on the sand, making it ideal for sunset views.
Chiringuito Restaurant & Bar: This spot is all about fun vibes and delicious Spanish-inspired dishes. Located a bit further from the main crowd, it provides a more laid-back beach experience.
Cookies Beach Bar: Known for its casual, family-friendly atmosphere and tasty beach snacks, Cookies Beach Bar is a great place for a relaxed meal with the kids. It’s situated close to the main Seminyak area.
Kanoa Bali: This beach club offers a mix of lively music, cool cocktails, and a relaxed setting. Located right on the beachfront, it’s perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2:
Floating breakfast
It’s going to be quite the circus trying to cut bread and sip coffee in the pool 😅—let’s see if these influencers are really living the dream or just floating on hype!
The hotel set up a floating breakfast for us at an extra cost, and I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. I’d seen so many Instagram posts of influencers enjoying fresh orange juice from a floating breakfast basket in the pool. It all looked so dreamy and creative, but the reality was a bit different. I found it pretty tricky to enjoy my drink while sitting in the water and had a hard time slicing my bread. The only part that went smoothly was eating the fruit with a fork! It’s the hype! Sure it was a very fun experience and we laughed a lot while snapping ourselves away but it is just a great photo opportunity.
The Flea Market
Some of these shopkeepers here can get very fiesty since they know they have the upperhand and monopoly here in terms of the market. Just 2 lanes of shops but they have everything under the sun. It's fairly organized, but the items in those 80 shops are pretty similar, albeit at varying and quite high prices. The local street shops outside offered much better options. The bamboo cane woven bags and dresses of latest fashion are to die for. They even have really good home decor items.
Frustrating: Definitely the only place where people haggle over a fridge magnet.
Timings: Everyday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Lunch at Waroeng Bernadette
One of the best lunches I’ve had. The Mi Goreng and Ayam were simply delicious. The next door famed restaurant has many more reviews on Google but it’s majorly because they offer a cooking class and that one is a must do if in Bali. However Bernadette offered an AC section in the sweltering heat and we didn’t mind taking that offer up. To our surprise the food was just too good to be true ! I've heard their Beef Rendang and Chicken Satay too are absolutely amazing.
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya No.17 Kayu Aya Square Oberoi, Seminyak 80361 Indonesia
Timings: Everyday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunset and Shisha at La Plancha Seminyak Beach
One of the highlights of our trip was our evening at La Plancha, a popular beach shack in Seminyak known for its vibrant atmosphere, great service, cool DJ, and tasty shisha. While the food didn’t stand out from other shacks and beach dining often leaves things cold, their churros were a hit with the kids. We were lucky to snag a front-row seat with a fantastic view of the waves and the sunset. Watching the sky shift from dark blue to yellow, orange, and pink was unforgettable, and the music and shisha made the evening even more special!
Balinese Massage
You’ve got to experience the fantastic Balinese massage at Annora Villas! Their in-house spa, in collaboration with the highly rated Bhava Spa Seminyak, offers a truly special treat. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a refreshing cold tea that instantly revived me. The experience kicked off with a delightful foot cleansing ritual featuring a mud pack, scrub, orange-infused water, and soothing leaves. Then, I selected my preferred massage oil from a variety of choices and slipped into their comfy attire. A soothing gong sounded to set a calming atmosphere before my 90-minute massage, which cost Rp 550,000 and was worth every cent for the ultimate relaxation it provided. The session wrapped up with the gong ringing once more and a delightful hot cinnamon and ginger tea.
Address: Jalan Abimanyu No 999X, Seminyak, Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Email Id: guestexperience@annoravillas.com
Opening hours: 12:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M.
Dinner at Motel Mexicola
A must-visit when in Seminyak. It’s a colorfully done up place, mostly for the gram, but nonetheless a great place to chill and enjoy with family or friends. Until 10 PM, the restaurant is a family friendly affair, after that it becomes a night club and thus kids aren’t allowed post those hours. The cocktails are great, the tacos are okayish (I’d had way better ones in Spain) and the vibe is electric.
Pro Tip: When booking a table, request one downstairs near the dance floor for a lively experience with great music. If you prefer a quieter, more laid-back dinner, the top floor is your best bet for a more serene setting. |
Day 3:
We woke up on our last day in Seminyak Bali to a luxurious breakfast in Aurora Villas. I tried the Balinese breakfast which had a gorgeous spread of Nasi Kari Ayam (chicken curry served over rice with a hard boiled egg on top), Bubur Ketan Hitam (Black Rice Pudding in Coconut Milk), Dadar Gulung (Green coloured Coconut Pancake Rolls) and a tropical fruit salad.
Potato Head Beach Club
After enjoying a fantastic breakfast, we headed over to Potato Head Beach Club. Here’s the lowdown for your visit:
Potato Head Beach Club is open daily from 10 AM to 2 AM. During the day, the vibe is laid-back and family-friendly, with kids welcome until 4 PM. After 4 PM, it becomes a more adult-oriented venue with DJ music and a lively atmosphere. After that, it turns into an adult-only spot with DJ tunes and a lively atmosphere. The club is great for kids to splash around in the pool while you relax with a cocktail at the water bar or chill on a beach bed. You can also take a dip in the beach and then cool off in the pool.
However, if you’ve been to beach clubs in Dubai or Europe, this one might not live up to the hype. Despite rave reviews, it didn’t quite hit the mark for us. On arrival, you can choose between a free table at the back or pay for a prime spot closer to the pool.
Pro Tip: If you’re only staying a few hours, grab a free table at the bar. If you plan to be there all day, it’s worth splurging on a paid table that covers your food and drink. Helpful Tip: There aren’t any changing rooms, but the spacious toilets and baby changing area can be used to change into or out of your swimwear. Don’t forget to bring your own towels since they aren’t provided. |
Here's a friendly guide to the best beach clubs in Seminyak, highlighting what makes each one special, their kid-friendly options, and their hours:
Finns Beach Club has an amazing beachfront location with great views of the ocean and a big pool where kids can splash around. It's open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, so you can enjoy it all day long.
Ku De Ta is known for its stylish atmosphere and infinity pool that looks out over the beach. It's family-friendly during the day, but becomes more of an adult spot with music in the evening. You can visit from 9 AM to 1 AM.
Potato Head Beach Club is famous for its cool design and big pool area. Kids are welcome from 10 AM to 4 PM, but after that, it turns into a lively adult spot with DJ music. It's open daily from 10 AM to 2 AM.
Azul Beach Club offers a chill vibe with a rooftop bar and cozy seating surrounded by greenery. It’s great for families with kids all day and is open from 10 AM to 10 PM.
Atlas Beach Club features a large beachside pool and oversized loungers. It’s family-friendly with a special area for kids. You can visit from 10 AM to 10 PM every day.
Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance Show
Uluwatu Temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning sunset views and cultural significance. This sea temple is dedicated to the spirits of the sea and is a must-see for its breathtaking architecture. The Balinese Hindus believe that the powers of the Hindu Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva—come together here, making Uluwatu Temple a sacred place for worshiping Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity.
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Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM with an entrance fee of 50,000 IDR ($3.30)
The best time to visit is just before sunset.
The Kecak Dance Show at Uluwatu Temple is a mesmerizing Balinese performance featuring a fire dance and traditional chanting. However, we decided to skip this show, and here’s why. First reason to consider is whether its worth the drive. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the temple (up to 2.5 hours with traffic). Be sure to buy tickets online in advance; otherwise, you’ll be stuck waiting in long lines. By the time we checked, Uluwatu tickets were sold out, though we did find a pricier option on GetYourGuide if we were determined to go. If you want to catch the sunset show, booking far ahead is essential. From what we read, the experience can be quite disappointing, and once there, they cram you in with no regard for crowd control or safety, filling every corner of the stadium—even the exit rows. My two cents, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try the Kecak dance at MELASTI beach instead. It’s much less crowded and offers a better experience compared to Uluwatu. We’ve decided to catch this dance show during the off-peak season on our next Bali trip.
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Shop local and Get those Braids
After a delightful day, we were now all set to explore the Seminyak town center. The town center of Seminyak is busy, upscale and very vibrant. They have a number of branded shops, designer clothing and accessories and local products as well. I was very keen on exploring their local shops. Kayu Aya Square Market in Seminyak is a bustling hub for shopping, featuring a mix of trendy boutiques and local stalls.
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While I did that, Arya was on the hunt for a spa that offered braiding. We found innumerable number of spas and offering this service. Normally the full hair braiding costs Rp 500,000 ($34) per head but we negotiated tough and got it done for Rp 150,000 ($10) for Arya. It took an hour to get those braids done and it really took it a lot of their effort. Two ladies meticulously performed the job and the final outcome was just so cute! We tipped them handsomely and headed back to our resort.
Dinner at Dua Sisi
We ended our really relaxing Bali trip with a dinner in Dua Sisi. What a splendid night with delicious cocktails, food and live music in this restaurant slightly off the beach. After dinner we grabbed gelato at their Dolci Gelato next door, one of the best in Seminyak.
Other Places To Visit In and Around Seminyak:
Nusa Dua and Waterblow
Nusa Dua offers pristine beaches and the exhilarating Waterblow, where waves crash dramatically against the cliffs.
Open 24 hours with no entry fee for the Waterblow
Visit in the morning for the best conditions for parasailing and water sports.
Wear beach attire and bring sun protection for a fun day in the sun.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK)
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park features a massive statue of the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda, offering cultural performances and panoramic views.
Open from 8 AM to 9 PM with an entrance fee of 125,000 IDR ($8)
It’s best to visit in the morning to avoid the heat.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the vast park and bring a hat and sunscreen.
Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands are a trio of charming Indonesian islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. They’re just a quick boat ride away from Sanur harbor, with fares starting at 150,000 Rp ($10) one way.
Though not technically part of Bali, these islands are incredibly close and offer a great opportunity to experience more of Indonesia! Life on the Nusa Islands is all about unwinding, hiking, snorkeling, and cliff jumping.
Here are some must-do activities:
Visit Crystal Bay for stunning sunsets.
Hike through Tembeling Forest for a nature adventure.
Snorkel at Mushroom Beach for underwater wonders.
Explore the caves at Broken Beach for unique landscapes.
Take a boat tour through the mangrove forests.
Dive at Temple Point for an unforgettable underwater experience.
Go cliff jumping at Mahana Point for an adrenaline rush.
Discover Devil’s Tears for breathtaking ocean views.
Closing Thoughts
As we wrap up our Bali escapade, Seminyak’s been a total blast—sweaty days, breezy nights, and sunsets that could make a sunset-chaser weep with joy. From beach lounging in bean bags to chasing sunsets, we’ve had quite the time. Pro tip: if you want to avoid crowds, skip the long lines and head to the quieter spots. Until next time, may your travels be as fun and fabulous as our Bali trip! 🌴😎
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A phenomenal analysis! Thanks so much for sharing. Well written!!