Seminyak is a suburb of Kuta, which itself is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Bali. Filled with high-end shopping, fine dining, luxury spas, and resorts, Seminyak is a fun-loving place popular with holidaymakers and expatriates from around the world. Once you visit Seminyak for yourself, you'll understand why – and you won't want to leave.
Party or Relax?
Kuta is Bali's main destination for anyone interested in Bali's hip, exciting nightlife. Known for years as one of Asia's prime surfing spots, Kuta caters to a younger crowd and has the bars and nightclubs to prove it.
Seminyak's atmosphere is similar to that of Kuta, but in general it caters to a more mature, sophisticated crowd. In Kuta, for example, it's easy to find budget hotels and backpacker-style accommodation. By contrast, in Seminyak the main choices for accommodations are high-end hotels or luxurious villas. Likewise, there's still plenty of nightclubs, bars, and gay bars to be found in Seminyak, but they are generally a little more expensive and not quite as wild.
Here are a few nighttime hot-spots in Seminyak that you might want to check out:
* Double Six: Double Six doesn't open until 2 am, and it stays open until dawn. Located right on the beach, it brings in crowds by the thousands, and world-renowned DJs. Unique features here include a swimming pool and bungee jump.
* Ku de Ta: If you're looking for chic, you'll find it here. A stylish bar-restaurant, Ku de Ta offers beach-side seating on divans, accompanied by DJs mixing an eclectic mix of old and new tunes. If you visit, be sure to try their famous black pepper and grilled pineapple martini.
* Hu'u: Part of a Singaporean nightclub chain, Hu'u is a more relaxed venue where most patrons laze around the garden and the pavilion. Like Double Six, Hu'u features a swimming pool in its centre.
But if you're not into the nightclub scene, you won't feel left out in Seminyak. You can always relax and enjoy some pampering in a five-star hotel like The Legian, or rent a villa with a private pool at Aqua Villa. You also might want to just lounge on the beach; Petitenget Beach in particular is a lovely black sand beach famous for its beautiful sunsets.
Spas and Shopping
Seminyak is widely regarded as the spa and shopping capital of Bali. Start by satisfying that craving for a day-long shopping trip, and when you're done, rest your weary body at one of the best spas on the island.
One of the reasons shopping in Bali is so popular is that the prices are very reasonable. Seminyak Square, for example, hosts a number of designer stores, eateries, and a bookshop, but the prices are far lower than anything you would expect to pay in Britain. You might also enjoy Lukisan, an art gallery that sells both traditional and modern Balinese art.
Then there are the spas. Although many of Bali's beach towns are well-known for their spas, the spas in Seminyak are without rival. Furthermore, despite the unrivaled level of luxury at these spas, you'll still pay less than 50% of what you would pay for similar services in a western nation, thanks to the exchange rate and the catering to tourists.
Other Things to See and Do in Seminyak
One of the best parts about making Seminyak your base for exploring Bali is its proximity to several other holiday hot-spots. Kuta, for example, is just fifteen minutes to the south. In Kuta you can explore more nightclubs, enjoy the surfing, and expand your shopping trip.
Tannah Lot is another one of Bali's famous directional temples. Located 40 minutes' from Seminyak, Tannah Lot is a great place to watch the sunset and witness beautiful Balinese traditional architecture. Golfers will also be happy to know that one of Bali's best golf courses lies just south of Tannah Lot. Designed by Greg Norman and set on a cliff top, the Nirwana Golf Course is considered by some to be one of the best courses in Asia.
Even if you decide to stay elsewhere in Bali, be sure to at least visit Seminyak. You'll be glad that you did.