The Ultimate Guide To Seminyak Beach: All You Need To Know For An Amazing Time
Seminyak Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bali, and it’s ranked as the 10th best out of over 150 beaches on the island by Beach Searcher, the ultimate ranking site for beaches.
With that in mind, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Seminyak Beach so you know what to expect, what to see, what to do, where to stay and more when you go to Seminyak Beach.
Where Is Seminyak Beach?
Beautiful sunset and silhouette of different people on the beach seminyak
Seminyak is on the West Coast of Bali, to the North of the most popular tourist areas, on the island of Legian and Kuta.
Seminyak Beach is the main beach, which runs alongside the village/town of Seminyak itself.
It’s probably fair to say that Seminyak has grown so large that it’s technically merged with Kuta now, and you can certainly walk to Kuta Beach or Legian Beach from Seminyak Beach.
How To Get To Seminyak Beach?
Picture Source: expedia.co.id
If you’re coming from Ngurah Rai International Airport, we’d recommend that you arrange a transfer with your hotel or resort.
These tend to be free (or low cost) as part of the room deal and involve you being met at Ngurah Rai International Airport by someone with a card with your name on it, and you will then be driven directly to your accommodation.
Given the size of Seminyak and how close almost all of it is to the beach, you can then walk to the beach from your hotel.
However, if you’re coming from further afield on a day trip, you can catch a ride-share from Kuta or Legian and Canggu, and it shouldn’t take too long to reach Seminyak.
From Ubud or other more remote parts of the island, you probably want a private car and driver.
You can, of course, rent a scooter to get to Seminyak, but we would stress that if you don’t have a current driving license with a motorbike endorsement and a current International Driver’s Permit, you cannot drive legally in Bali.
That means if you have an accident, you won’t be insured, and if you’re stopped by the police, you will be fined.
We’d also note that Balinese traffic is horrible, and it’s very easy to have an accident, even for experienced motorbike drivers.
It’s definitely not somewhere you want to learn to ride a motorbike.
How To Get Around Seminyak Beach?
We’d recommend that you walk around Seminyak Beach and the local area.
You could also rent a bicycle, but given the Balinese traffic issues, we just don’t recommend it.
When’s The Best Time To Visit Seminyak Beach?
Seminyak Beach is the perfect location for a holiday all year round and many surfers base themselves in the area because of the white sand and water sports opportunities and then travel to other parts of the island in search of a great wave when necessary.
We think it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy nightlife, luxury resorts, and shopping at any time of the year. The dry season has lower temperatures and less humidity.
Even during the wet season, you can expect 9 hours of sun a day on average, and when it rains, the bar at your Seminyak Beach Resort is likely to offer plenty of opportunity to stay dry, and your Seminyak Beach Resort spa can help to pamper away the pain of missing an hour on the sandy beach too.
When Is Seminyak Beach Open?
The beach area is completely open and you can enjoy the beautiful white sandy beach at any time of day or night.
Of course, if you want sun beds, etc., you will need to come during the day. They tend to be put away at night.
What’s The Entrance Fee For Seminyak Beach?
There are no entry fees, officially, for beaches in Bali, but many of the beaches are out of town, and you may need to pay for parking.
However, Seminyak Beach is within a short walk of the town’s resorts and hotels, and thus, most people won’t need to pay anything to enjoy the beach.
There’s no fee for the beach parking either, but it can get busy at times.
What To Expect At Seminyak Beach?
The beach runs along a long, attractive piece of coastline and has gorgeous turquoise waters that are matched by the soft, bright and fine sandy beach.
There’s no need to buy beach shoes for this beach, and you can easily get away with wearing thongs or going barefoot. There are no rocks to cut yourself on, and the sand is soft and warm.
It’s a very welcoming place, and Seminyak Beach sees all sorts of visitors, from solo travellers to elderly couples.
However, it can become very crowded and during the peak season and Xmas months, you can expect to have to search for a sunbathing spot.
Some of the beaches are “restricted access” as the hotels reserve space for their guests. They’re not supposed to do this, but they do.
You may also find that some of the facilities on the beach are exclusive to hotels or beach clubs and are either off-limits or require you to pay a fairly substantial fee to use them.
The whole of Seminyak Beach has a lifeguard service and it’s fine to do a little swimming in the marked areas.
It’s one of the most accessible beaches around, and you can easily walk to Seminyak Beach as it’s within walking distance of most luxury resorts in Seminyak, and there is parking nearby if you want to drive.
Seminyak Beach isn’t the cleanest of Bali’s beaches, sadly, and it’s fair to say that litter and garbage that washes up on shore is a fairly common sight.
You can help improve the place by participating in a rubbish clean-up exercise when you go to Seminyak Beach.
If you don’t fancy taking part in a formal exercise, you can always do what we do and take a bin bag with you and just pick up some rubbish that you find in your immediate vicinity.
The area around Seminyak Beach is full of high-density but high-end shopping experiences (including both malls and small boutiques) as well as fine dining restaurants, luxury resorts and endless nightlife spots.
The main drag in Seminyak is Jalan Raya Seminyak, and as with many towns in Bali, it runs parallel to the beach directly through the town.
What To Do At Seminyak Beach?
There’s, perhaps, not quite as much to do at this beach as there is at some of the other beach locations in Bali, but that doesn’t mean you will be bored, either.
Seminyak Beach Tours
Picture Source: hotels.com
If you want to sample the nightlife, bars, restaurants and local action, then one of the easiest ways to do so is to book yourself on one of these tours.
That will ensure that you have a great group of people around you for your night out and that you go from bar to bar in a safe and orderly fashion.
It’s one of the most popular activities with the young, hip and beautiful people who spend their holidays in Seminyak.
Surfing Adventures
Picture Source: pelago.co
Surf adventures are a big reason to travel to Seminyak, along with windsurfing and kite surfing.
There are plenty of surf schools in the area, and it’s a solid place to learn to surf.
While you can swim on this beach, you can only do so within marked areas, and you should know that the currents can be quite strong.
It’s best left to experience swimmers to make the most out of the water here and for beginners to stick to the infinity pool in their resort.
Horseback Riding
While the surfers visit the surf schools, many others opt to visit the riding schools, which will let you take a horse ride down this lovely beach in Bali.
If you’ve never ridden a horse before, don’t worry, you’ll be in excellent hands, and it’s a very romantic sunset activity.
Just make sure that you listen carefully to your instructor and you’ll have some safe fun that remains in your memory for years to come.
Kite Flying
Picture Source: hotels.com
Kite flying is a very popular activity in Bali, and you can buy a kite in one of the numerous local stores and just start flying for yourself.
If you get stuck, a helpful local is bound to come up and offer you some advice, that’s Balinese hospitality for you.
Beach Bars
Picture Source: hotels.com
There are a huge number of beach bars in this part of Seminyak, and you can enjoy cold beers and delicious cocktails galore here.
However, be warned, it’s not the cheapest spot to go drinking on the island, and some of the places hereabouts have minimum charges if you want to sit down or charge an entry fee.
That doesn’t apply to all the bars, mind you, so if you don’t want to pay that much, just keep walking until you find somewhere less avaricious to drink at instead.
A Note On Dress Codes On Seminyak Beach
Picture Source: triggerproduction.com
You should know that many of the bars in this area also have a very strict dress code. You will not be allowed into their establishments if you are wearing anything that is associated with alcohol or a sports team.
So, no Bintang singlets or AFL shirts, please. You’re going to be turned away from almost every place in Seminyak wearing those.
During the day, most places are fine for you to wear your beach attire inside, but at night, you may be required to wear resort-chic smart casual for entry.
Don’t Drink Cheap Booze Or Arak
It’s not that you can’t find a fairly priced drink in Seminyak but if you find a drink that’s way, way cheaper than anywhere else – avoid it.
Fake alcohol is no longer the problem that it once was in Bali, but it can still resurface occasionally.
People have been known to die from drinking these drinks. So, no matter how tight your resources are, you’d be better off on soft drinks than drinking arak or cheap booze in Seminyak.
Sunbathing
Picture Source: thehoneycombers.com
With brilliant white sand that’s so soft that you can’t help but want to lie on it – sunbathing is a very popular activity on this beach.
However, make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen (waterproof) if you want to spend any time in the water. Sunburn is no joke.
Massages
Picture Source: pinterest.com
While some folks will head off to the luxury Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa for a massage, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t enjoy a much cheaper massage on the beach.
Sure, it won’t be quite as good as the luxurious spa but it will do a decent job of getting all the knots out of your muscles and alleviating your stress and leave you more cash to spend on room service later.
Eat at Local Warungs
Picture Source: bali.com
If you’re tired of spending a fortune on food at the fine dining establishments of Seminyak, there are some local warungs within walking distance of the beach.
These are much more reasonably priced and will deliver tasty and authentic Indonesian food to a hungry diner within a reasonable time frame.
Visit Petitenget Temple
Picture Source: booking.com
Not far from Seminyak is the Petitenget Temple, which is near Petitenget Beach.
It’s one of the oldest temples on the island and one of the very places of “culture” still to be found in this heavily touristed part of the island.
The temple was built to ward off negative energy and prevent evil spirits from harming people on the island.
It remains very charming to look at, and it’s nice to see something of the history of this paradise island on your holiday.
Take In The Sunset
If there’s one thing that Bali is not short of, it’s amazing sunset views, and Seminyak Beach doesn’t disappoint in this respect.
If you’re staying at a Seminyak beach resort, then you will probably find that they have a great place for you to sit and drink in the light show as the fiery Balinese sun dips below the horizon.
A Balinese sunset is a really unusual experience as the light tends to produce truly incredible colours that you just don’t see in other parts of the world.
In fact, we’re pretty certain that this is a top factor for people who opt to stay in a Seminyak beach resort.
Where To Shop Near Seminyak Beach?
There are plenty of popular shopping places within a short walk of the beach, and these include:
Seminyak Village Picture Source: seminyakvillage.com
this is a small mall with shops selling mainly designer beach and resort wear.
The Flea Market Picture Source: Tripadvisor.com
if you’re in search of a bargain, this is going to appeal to you
Seminyak Square
Picture Source: hotels.com
this is another small-ish mall with plenty of boutique stores to choose from
Jalan Raya Seminyak Picture Source: hotels.com
this is the mile-long street that has plenty of local and international brand-name stores, cafes, galleries and more.
We’ve got a full guide to shopping in Seminyak here.
Where To Eat?
There are plenty of popular sports to eat in this area, too, though they are quite pricey compared to some of the other parts of the island.
Check out:
La Plancha Picture Source: instagram.com/laplanchabali
Bali Juice Park Picture Source: facebook.com/balijuicepark66
Warung Bola Picture Source: qraved.com
Chez Gado Gado Picture Source: dishcult.com
MoonLite Kitchen & Bar @ The Anantara Picture Source: facebook.com/MoonliteBali
The Champlung Bar & Restaurant Picture Source: facebook.com/thechamplungseminyak
Sunset on Seminyak @ The Anantara Picture Source: traveloka.com
Warung Chiringuito Picture Source: Tripadvisor
D’Joglo Beach Bar & Restaurant Picture Source: hibur.id
The Plantation Grill Picture Source: facebook.com/plantationbarandgrillbali
Where To Stay Near Seminyak Beach?
There are plenty of great places to stay in this area, though not very much for those on a tight budget.
You’d probably be better off in Kuta, Legian or Canggu if you want to keep the accommodation costs down.
The Best Luxury Seminyak Beach Resort Options
If you want high-end luxury resorts, you should check out:
Hotel Indigo Bali Picture Source: ihg.comthis is a very chic resort that is all about celebrating Indonesian heritage and culture. They have amazing suites and some pleasant pool villas, too.
Alila Picture Source: booking.comthis is a seriously over-the-top beachfront luxury resort, and as a local brand, they rock. Seasalt, the restaurant there, is rated one of the best on the island.
The Colony Hotel Picture Source: thecolonyhotelbali.comthis boutique resort just drips class and style, and it’s a lovely retreat in the centre of the area.
The Best Mid-Range Seminyak Beach Resort Options
Tijili Hotel Picture Source: jurnaland.comthis is a great family-friendly hotel with a superb pool area and a decent array of restaurants, shops and bars within a few minutes’ walk.
Amalfi Hotel Picture Source: amalfihotelbali.comthe pool here is fantastic, and it’s a very central location, which makes beach access super easy. We like the 24-hour room service too.
Kokonut Suites Picture Source: makemytrip.comthe rooms here are far more luxurious than the price tag suggests, and they have an onsite gym, spa and more.
The Best Private Villas Near Seminyak Beach
You might also consider staying in a private villa nearby if you fancy a more rock n roll lifestyle in Seminyak. Try:
Villa Yasmin Picture Source: Tripadvisoran elegant villa with four bedrooms and four bathrooms and an amazing private pool
Villa Kupu Kupu Picture Source: villa-bali.coma stylish eco-villa with a beautiful interior design and Balinese features
Impian Villa Picture Source: booking.coma smaller but stylish and sleek villa with a stunning pool area
Magic Garden Bella Vista Villa Picture Source: Tripadvisoras the name suggests, this villa comes with a private and rather lovely garden
Other Beaches Near Seminyak Beach
There are a couple of other pleasant beaches near Seminyak as well.
Petitenget Beach
Petitenget Beach runs just North of Seminyak Beach, and it’s another expanse of beautiful white sand. The beach runs for a length of about 3 kilometres.
It’s the poshest part of Seminyak, mind you, and if you want to spend time in this area other than to visit the temple of the same name, you’re going to spend a fair amount of money.
As you might expect, it’s also a very pleasant beach to walk along, and it’s a lovely place at sunset.
Double Six Beach
This is the part of the beach that connects Seminyak to Legian, and it’s actually named after a long-since-demolished nightclub that used to be nearby!
It’s a golden sand strip that has pleasant places to chill during the day and some active nightlife later on.
FAQs
Does Seminyak Have Good Beaches?
Yes! In fact, the white sands in this area are among the softest and most pleasant underfoot in the whole of Bali.
Seminyak is a hugely popular beachfront destination, in fact. There’s not much of the “authentic Balinese” experience of this part of the island left.
It’s all luxury resorts, amazing restaurants, and nightlife. People come to Seminyak to work on their tan, enjoy great sunsets and be seen having the time of their lives.
It’s a great place that offers easy access to the rest of Bali, too.
What Is The Prettiest Beach In Bali?
This is probably a matter of personal taste. After all, some beaches have white sand, others have golden sand, and some even have dark sand.
This beach area is known for luxury hotel and resort choices. Great bars and dining options. And it’s shopping experiences.
There’s a Seminyak resort for nearly every taste, and if you want an infinity pool, awesome room service, a fitness centre, easy access to the beachfront, amazing staff, a concierge service and an extremely clean place to be among the crowds? You can’t go wrong with any luxury Seminyak resort, really.
What Is The Nicest Part Of Seminyak?
Most people consider the Petitenget Beach area of Seminyak to be its finest postcode.
That’s because it’s the area with the most luxury resorts and fine dining restaurants.
It may not be where you want to be if you want to experience the area on a tight budget, mind you.
Is Seminyak Beach Family-Friendly?
Yes, very much so. While the area doesn’t have quite as many family-specific activities as Kuta, Legian or Nusa Dua, it’s a great place for kids to have fun.
There are plenty of cool market stores, gelato parlours, water sports, etc., for the kids to stay happy.
Family Friendly Seminyak Beach Restaurants
BossMan Burger – amazing burgers and other kid-friendly dishes for a sensible price (for Seminyak). Our kids loved the pulled pork here, and the vibe is fun, too.
Grill’d Burgers – we think these might be some of the best burgers in Seminyak, and it’s always quiet and relaxed here. The staff are super friendly with children.
Is Seminyak Beach A Good Couples’ Holiday Destination?
Yes! Stay in a luxury Seminyak Beach Resort, and you’ll find that it’s a great place to enjoy a romantic break together.
Romantic sunsets, horse rides on the beach, soft sands, no shortage of champagne and cocktails, and some of the finest dining around, you really can’t go wrong as a couple in Seminyak.
LGBT couples are also very welcome in this area and there’s a nearby LGBT nightlife district too. Bali is very different to the rest of Indonesia in this respect.
Is Seminyak Beach Worth It?
We think so. Once you’ve experienced sunset beneath the palm trees or surfing on the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean, here, we think you’ll be very glad that you came.
It’s also not very far from Ngurah Rai International Airport, so you won’t need to spend forever in a taxi getting to your Seminyak Beach Resort, either.
How Do You Arrange A Trip To Seminyak?
We’d recommend talking to our friends at the Bali Res Center. It’s the best locally owned and operated travel agent in Bali.
They can get you competitive deals and use their local knowledge to really find you the perfect location for your holiday!
Final Thoughts On When You Visit Seminyak Beach
The beach in Seminyak is one of the nicest in Bali but also one of the most popular.
The area is quite expensive and tends to attract young, hip and trendy tourists, but it’s fine for families and older people, too.
We’d recommend that you, at least, take a day trip to this beach to see what all the fuss is about.
