Nusa Penida ! Seminyak is a popular seaside town located in the southwest of Bali, Indonesia. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and villas, world-class restaurants, and nightlife. Seminyak has gained a reputation as a luxury destination over the years, attracting travelers and celebrities from all over the world.
Seminyak Beach
The beaches of Seminyak are undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the region. They stretch for several kilometers along the coast, offering visitors an ideal place to relax and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The waves can be powerful but still allow for swimming if you are cautious. However, for surfing, it is better to go a bit north to Canggu or a bit south to Kuta or even to Uluwatu. For calmer and waveless beaches, it is better to go to Sanur or Nusa Dua. Sanur and Canggu are also good spots for kite-surfing.
Seminyak beaches are generally quieter and less crowded than those of nearby Kuta and Legian. They are usually clean and well-maintained. There are many beach clubs along Seminyak beach, which offer sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.
Sangria at La PLancha
My favorite spots for sunset drinks in Seminyak
Seminyak’s beaches face west, making them perfect for admiring the sunset around 6:30 pm. You have several options, from the simplest to the most sophisticated, to have a great time. Here are my three favorite places, each one very different from the others!
La Plancha on Seminyak Beach
La Plancha is located between Double Six Beach and Seminyak Beach, just north of Legian Beach. It’s a very lively place that you’ll enjoy, especially if you don’t mind crowds. The bar is very colorful with its bean bags, umbrellas, and, in the evening, colorful bulbs. Try to get there early, around 5:30 pm to get a spot, especially if the tide is high at that time because the size of the beach significantly reduces at high tide. The transition from sunny late afternoon, the orange and pink hues of the sunset, and the flashy colors of the beach bar at night is an experience in itself! I usually have a beer or a pitcher of sangria here.
La Plancha after sunset
Il Lido on Batu Belig Beach
I really like Il Lido on Batu Belig beach. You have the option to choose a bean bag on the beach, a sofa in the bar overlooking the beach with a minimum consumption of 650,000 rupiah. Or a table in the restaurant area, which is less charming but covered in case of rain. The music is nice and the owner is often on the turntables. For those who prefer techno music, you can go to 707 Beachberm nearby, where customers often dance once the night falls.
My favorite drinks at Il Lido are fresh coconut or a Spritz. The owner is Italian!
Batu Belig Beach
The Legian on Petitenget Beach
The Legian is a beautiful hotel in a great location. I never stayed in, but I often go there for a drink. If you’re not a guest at the hotel, you won’t be able to use the pool, but you can still enjoy some great (albeit pricey) cocktails in a very relaxing setting with a stunning view of the sunset. My favorite cocktail there is the Bloody Mary.
The Legian
My Favorite Beach Clubs in Seminyak
The beach clubs in Seminyak usually operate from morning until late at night, with each period of the day offering different experiences.
It can be nice to go in the late morning for lunch on a sunbed under an umbrella, alternating dips in the sea and the pool. Or simply relaxing or reading a book in peace, possibly until sunset. There is usually no entry fee, but the clubs will generally ask for a minimum consumption. Expect to spend around 300,000 rupiahs per person at a minimum. For this time slot, I like Café del Mar, which is not too big and quieter than giants like Finns or Atlas.
Most beach clubs fill up for sunset, so it’s best to reserve your sunbed or table in advance.
There is then a resurgence of people from 11 am until 2 or more when a world-class DJ performs for an electro night.
Ku De Ta
Ku De Ta has been around for over 20 years and has become an iconic spot for nightlife in Bali. It is a bar-restaurant-beach club that offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and is popular for its spectacular sunsets. Ku De Ta is known for its lively and sophisticated atmosphere, as well as its quality international cuisine. Renowned international DJs regularly perform at Ku De Ta, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd who enjoy music, cocktails, and dancing. Ku De Ta has become a true institution in Bali and is often cited as one of the must-visit places on the island for a memorable night out.
Personally, I like to go there for a drink when the bar is quieter, around 9 pm, after the excitement of sunset. I even once saw a turtle laying its eggs on the beach for two hours. The security staff made sure the turtle was undisturbed and that her eggs were protected afterward!
And I try not to miss the annual white party in August. The costumes and attractions are amazing, and the DJs are generally very good.
Ku De Ta white party
Café del Mar
Café del Mar opened in September 2019 between Batu Belig and Canggu. It is normally accessible without getting stuck in Canggu’s notorious traffic. Inspired by the famous beach club in Ibiza, Café del Mar Bali offers a similar experience with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and a chic yet relaxed ambiance. Known for its delicious cocktails, lounge and electronic music, as well as its spectacular sunsets, the venue regularly hosts special events such as themed parties, live concerts, and DJ sets
I like to spend a peaceful afternoon here, but reservations are recommended.
Cafe del Mar
Mari Beach Club
Mari Beach Club, one of the latest additions to Batu Belig, opened its doors in March 2022. This sophisticated and slightly pricier beach club offers a more comfortable alternative for those seeking a relaxed drink compared to El Lido or 707 Beachberm. The pool is stunning and you can expect to find a similar selection of cocktails and cuisine as other beach clubs in the area.
I have yet to visit the newest beach club in Canggu, Atlas Beach Fest. But truthfully, I am not overly eager to go. Billing itself as “Bali’s No.1 Destination and Largest One-Stop Entertainment Center,” this all-in-one entertainment venue seems massive, boasting (according to their website) :
- 1st Beach Festival in the World
- Biggest Street Market in Bali
- Longest Beach Bar in Asia
- Indonesia’s Best Food & Beverages
- Longest Pool Side in Southeast Asia
- Massive Communal Area
However, I should plan on checking it out one day…
Mari beach club
My favorite restaurants in Seminyak
Seminyak boasts some of Bali’s best restaurants. Renowned chefs from around the world come here to open their own restaurants, offering visitors a wide variety of culinary choices. There are restaurants serving local cuisine, such as Balinese warungs, as well as restaurants serving international dishes like French, Italian, Japanese, and Mexican cuisine.
Here are my favorite restaurants:
In the affordable category (around 200,000 IDR per meal):
- Warung Made, for Southeast Asian cuisine. I often have their basil chicken.
- Biku, for local cuisine. The daily specials change every week. Their Pavlova is amazing.
- Rev Bistro, if you’re craving French cuisine.
- Milos, for cheap and delicious Greek food.
- Corner House, for solid Western cuisine from breakfast to dinner.
- The Forge, for 24/7 Western dishes. My favorite is the Tomahawk pork chop.
- Nook, for a mix of local and Western cuisine. It’s located across from a rice field.
- Mano, by the beach.
- La Baracca, for their pizzas (I recommend the burrata pizza) or tuna salad.
Shishi
Shishi offers themed all-you-can-eat menus every night for 250,000 IDR for 2 hours. You have to order dishes as you go to avoid wasting food. They also have a package for unlimited cocktails for 2 hours. I like their Thursday and Sunday menus, which include sushi, sashimi, and gyoza, as well as their famous chocolate sphere dessert. After dinner, you can go to the club on the two levels above the restaurant, which have different music vibes. Wednesday is Ladies Night, and drinks are free for women.
ShiShi
More expensive
If you want to treat yourself, there are some great restaurants in Seminyak. Some are also much more expensive than Indonesian standards, but still much more affordable than their European or American equivalents.
- Sangsaka has an exceptional set menu,
- Mauri is another great option,
- Sea Salt, the restaurant at Alila, is also worth checking out.
- IJen, a popular Japanese meat restaurant, is so in-demand that reservations need to be made months in advance!
Where to stay in Seminyak?
Seminyak offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to vacation rental villas. Luxury hotels often offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean, private pools, spas, and world-class restaurants. Vacation rental villas are also very popular in Seminyak, offering the privacy and independence of a vacation home while still providing easy access to the lively nightlife of Seminyak.
You can find a one, two or 3 bedroom villa with a swimming pool for around 2 million rupiahs per night. It’s more affordable and much nicer than a hotel!
My recommended villas in Seminyak:
Villa Kinawa
For those who want to enjoy Seminyak’s nightlife and walk to the beach without renting a scooter, Villa Kinawa is perfect. It’s a 10-minute walk from Seminyak Beach and right in front of ShiShi. The villa includes 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a pool. However, since it’s located in the heart of Seminyak, there may be some noise disturbances until 1 or 2 am.
Villa Kinawa Seminyak
Villa Banua
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in the midst of nature while still being close to everything in Seminyak, Villa Banua is the perfect place for you. Located just 10 minutes away by scooter from the beach and the heart of Seminyak, this villa features 2 bedrooms each with their own bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and an open living area that overlooks the pool. There are 2 options : Villa Banua and Villa Banua Deluxe slightly more expensive
Villa Banua Deluxe Seminyak