Owing to its high density and up market boutique shopping, combined with the clusters of fine-dining restaurants, Seminyak has rapidly become one of the most well-recognized tourist precincts in Bali. In addition to the lively commercial strips with popular dining establishments Seminyak is home to a number of bars, craft houses, independent furniture makers and antique shops.
Seminyak has been labelled Bali’s best destination and party spot in several notable magazines. Land and accommodation prices are amongst the highest in Bali and plenty of luxury hotels and spas abound. The ambience of the area is best described as relaxed sophistication.
Renowned as the boutique shopping capital of Bali it’s difficult to believe that as little as ten years ago this area was awash with rice fields and far from the elite tourist precinct it is today. The area from Kuta in the south to Legian & Seminyak in the north is highly congested with traffic with only two routes in and out of these coastal communities. Although there are a multitude of taxis and transport options available, visitors are best advised to travel on foot.
The beaches of Seminyak and Petitenget are tourist magnets with endless stretches of sand in both directions, for as far as the eye can see. The beaches in the area are noticeably quieter than those further south around Kuta and the sunsets are a must see during your stay. A number of popular bars and restaurants such as the world-renowned Ku De Ta are located here and provide excellent venues for a pre-dinner cocktail or ice-cold beer.
Countless spa and massage treatment facilities are available in the area. The spa experiences are high-end and offer luxurious and sophisticated settings. Despite being more expensive than other locations in Bali, you will still find these services to be far cheaper than you would pay in other places around the world.
The dining offered in this northern beaches precinct is nothing short of world-class. If you choose to splurge on just one special meal whilst in Bali then look no further than the multitude of fine dining options around Seminyak. Prices are high by Bali standards but still excellent value when viewed on an international scale. The best restaurants are always full in the evening so arrive early or make a booking.
Petitenget is where the chic ambiance of Seminyak continues to the north. The emergence of a number of stylish venues in the Petitenget precinct, including some of Bali’s best restaurants, indicates that this area now serves as an extension to the fashionable playground of south Bali.
Canggu, another notably attractive area, is still home to vastly spread rice fields in spite of its close proximity to Seminyak and Petitenget. As the region continues to grow, a number of luxurious villas have begun to appear on the landscape along with the famous Canggu Club.
Where To Stay In The Seminyak Area:
Clio Studio Apartments: A modern, boutique resort property with thirteen rooms furnished in a minimalist style. There are 5 studio size rooms and 4 varieties of loft spaces available to guests. Clio is extremely good value by Seminyak standards with prices starting from US$80/night. Facilities include WiFi, flat screen TV’s, stereo system and wonderful friendly service.
Cicada Luxury Townhouses: Consists of 6 contemporary single and double story townhouses with cutting edge designer interiors. Each townhouse has a large tropical outdoor bathroom, private gardens and full service kitchen. Most have private plunge pools. The resort offers 24-hour room service and security as well as a 25-meter lap pool and Jacuzzi. This property offers excellent value and comes highly recommended from US$170/night.
The Haven:This 160 room modern style hotel began operations in mid 2009. As an alternative to the multitude of villa accommodation in the area The Haven offers regular hotel rooms and suites with just a few private villas. The property is located on the main street in Seminyak though once inside guests are blissfully unaware of the busy street outside. Packages and special discounts are available throughout the year.
Accommodation options are virtually endless in the Seminyak area. If you are looking for a high level of sophistication in a calm and relaxed area then this is the place you want to be in Bali. Everything you could need is at your fingertips, and this is my location of choice for your next holiday in Bali.
