13 Best Things To Do In Seminyak Bali Travel Guide Indonesia

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Not trying to age my blog or anything, buuut The Awkward Traveller has been around for almost eight years. EIGHT years. Eight YEARS. Isn’t that bonkers?? And after all that time…I had never been to Bali. Well, until now. A destination where every travel blogger/influencer seems to visit, I finally made the pilgrimage myself after my 4 days in El Nido, Palawan in the Philippines. Since the trip was already on a relaxed trend, we decided to skip Kuta’s busy nightlife scene and stayed in the next door town of Seminyak instead. Our only hesitation was trying to find things to do in Seminyak during our 4 full days in Bali.

For those unfamiliar with the geography of Bali…first things first. Bali is not its own country. Bali is one of MANY islands that make up the country of Indonesia. On the island of Bali, there are a few different towns you can base yourself in. While the island is “technically” small, it takes a lot longer to commute between cities than you may think, or even what Google Maps estimates. The traffic on Bali is pretty robust, let me tell ya.

So specifically Seminyak – let’s get into it! Just a short 30-minute drive from the airport, Seminyak is a great spot to kick off your Bali adventure or to use as your home base throughout your stay. It’s a lot more lowkey than cities like Kuta, Canggu, or Ubud, which are also the biggest tourist hubs and where most Bali itineraries focus. Seminyak on the other hand feels a bit more residential, but upscale, with lots of highly rated restaurants, boutique shops, and even a few beach clubs.

If you don’t want TOO many crowds (though, it is Bali, so there will still be some crowds), Seminyak is a pleasant alternative to the busier towns, and is still centrally located enough to explore the rest of the island on day trips. When I was planning my trip, I had a hard time finding things to do in Seminyak specifically, so I decided to put this post together.

But that said, I’ve only been to Bali literally once, so I don’t have ALL the info. So I’ve teamed up with my fellow blogger Charlie from She Roams the Globe to help me round up all the best things to do in Seminyak for your trip!

Best Things To Do In Seminyak

Now this is a general list of things to do in Seminyak, so don’t feel pressured to do everything – or even do any of it. Bali is PLENTIFUL in activities, especially for an island, so you could literally do none of these things to do in Seminyak and still have a fantastic trip.

But if you ARE looking for suggestions of things to do in Seminyak, we got chu.

1. Be A Beach Bum For The Day

If you’re looking to stay somewhere in Bali where you’ve got easy access to beaches then Seminyak is the place for you!

While there are several beaches in Seminyak, in my opinion, the standout is Double Six. Now, let me clarify, this isn’t your typical postcard-perfect, white sandy beach you might see in holiday brochures. There are technically “prettier” beaches in Bali. However, Double Six has an incredible atmosphere and is perfect for a day of sunbathing, watching surfers, and indulging in delicious food from one of the beach bars – especially for being in Seminyak.

Although Double Six is a fun beach to spend the day, if you prefer a quieter sun-bathing experience, Kayu Aya Beach is a great alternative. You can still rent sunbeds for the day and it’s a relaxing spot to enjoy a fresh coconut.

2. Learn To Surf

While we’re on the topic of beaches, Seminyak is one of the best places in Bali to learn how to surf!

It’s especially great for beginners, with loads of surf schools and classes to get you started on the right foot. If you’d prefer to have a surf experience scheduled ahead of time, then you can book a private or small group surf lesson in Seminyak and they’ll even pick you up from your hotel! But don’t think it’s just for newbies – there are also some more advanced breaks around if you’re a more seasoned surfer looking for a challenge.

The waves in Seminyak are beginner-friendly and are perfect for practicing or improving your skills without feeling overwhelmed. The water near the shore is pretty shallow, so it’s safer and more comfortable if you’re a beginner.

The months of May – September in Bali are the best months for surfing but there are waves in Seminyak all year round that will be suitable for learners.

3. Enjoy A Yoga Class

While yoga is often associated with Bali destinations like Ubud, you might be surprised to find that Seminyak is also home to numerous yoga studios that are scattered throughout the town.

Some of the best studios in the area include Jiwa Yoga, which offers a variety of classes such as hot yoga, yin, ashtanga, and even pilates. Yoga 108 is another great option, with classes ranging from yin to hatha and vinyasa. If you’re interested in aerial yoga, Pondok Yoga, run by a local couple, specializes in this unique practice along with hatha and vinyasa.

If you prefer a more private setting, you can arrange for yoga lessons right from the comfort of your accommodation. You can even take a yoga-focused day tour that includes visiting a temple and a meditation ritual, with hotel pick up!

4. Shop, Shop, Shop

Seminyak isn’t just about beaches and yoga, it’s a shopper’s paradise too! As a very boutique side of Bali, shopping is one of the best things to do in Seminyak! This is where you’ll find awesome local stores selling sweet souvenirs and gifts, perfect for bringing home a piece of Bali.

Some of the best shops in Seminyak are Bamboo Blonde, Bali Boat Shed, and Uma and Leopold, but also make sure to hit up the two shopping malls. Seminyak Square offers a mix of souvenirs and dining options, while Seminyak Village is your go-to spot for mainstream and boutique stores.

But the shopping fun doesn’t stop there, Seminyak is also home to the Kereneng Night Market where you’ll find hundreds of vendors selling anything from mouthwatering street food to clothes and bags.

5. Indulge in cafe culture

In case you haven’t noticed, Seminyak has a really trendy vibe, and let me tell you, cafe culture here is next level!

One of the best things to do in Seminyak is to hit up some of the awesome cafes and restaurants dotted around the area. Whether you’re craving a laid-back brunch, a refreshing smoothie bowl, or just a really good cup of coffee, Seminyak’s got it all.

Eat Street is right at the heart of Seminyak’s food scene and is where you’ll find everything from local warungs to hip cafes. Some of the best spots on Eat Street include;

• Kynd Community is hands down one of the best plant-based cafes in Bali. Not only is it super Instagrammable, but the food is seriously next-level.
• Motel Mexicola is where you can get your Mexican fix in Bali. During the day, it’s a chill eatery serving up tasty bites, but at night, it turns into a buzzing tequila bar slash nightclub.
• Warung Nia is the go-to spot for authentic Indonesian food with big portions and reasonable prices.

6. Take A Cooking Class

If you fall in love with all the flavours of Indonesian cuisine, you’ll be happy to discover that you can take a cooking class to learn how to replicate those delicious dishes yourself!

Classes usually kick off with a visit to a local market, where the chef walks you through all the fresh ingredients required for the dishes you’ll be making that day. Once you’ve finished cooking, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the meal you’ve prepared!

From learning how to make tempeh to cooking a three-course meal you can choose to join a fun group Balinese cooking class or book a private lesson right at your villa! There are even vegetarian Balinese cooking classes!

7. Enjoy A Pamper Day

Bali might be known for its surfing and beach clubs, but it’s also a great place for some R&R.

Having a spa day is one of the best things to do in Seminyak, because there’s no shortage of options when it comes to pampering yourself. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself to a relaxing spa day with a variety of treatments to choose from, including relaxing massages, rejuvenating facials, manis and pedis, and even hair salons.

With plenty of spas to choose from, some of the best in Seminyak include Bodyworks, which has been a popular choice for almost twenty years. Then there’s Spring Spa, where you can enjoy their sunset package paired with a cocktail or a cold Bintang beer. And then there’s Prana Spa, which you might have seen on Instagram with its Moroccan-inspired theme, but don’t worry – this is a spa that DEFINITELY lives up to the hype!

8. Watch The Sunset At A Beach Bar

Although I’m not much of a bar person, this is actually one of Charlie’s favorite things to do in Seminyak because Bali in general has a fantastic allure to nightlife.

The atmosphere around sunset buzzes to life and the beach is filled with music, colourful umbrellas and bean bags for you to sit back and relax on. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sunset over the ocean.

La Plancha is the best beach bar in Seminyak, but it’s not a secret so make sure you get there early as you might have to wait for a spot.

9. Party at a beach club

While Seminyak is definitely more laid-back compared to Kuta, it still has a small party scene with a more relaxed vibe. Trendy beach clubs line Seminyak’s sandy shores, and are the perfect setting to unwind with drinks, delicious meals, music, and, of course, plenty of sunshine! If you want an environment to hang out and potentially mingle with new friends, hitting up a beach club is one of the best things to do in Seminyak.

Potato Head

Potato Head is a great spot to spend your day and has an infinity pool with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, cosy day beds, and stunning architecture. The Beach Club has daily DJ sets and is free to enter, but if you wish to use the lounge area, there’s a minimum spend of 500k Rupiah for up to 2 guests.

Ku De Ta

Having been around for almost twenty years, Ku De Ta is one of the original beach clubs in Bali. It is where you’ll find well-thought-out sustainable meals, signature cocktails and daily sunset sessions with one of their resident DJs.

Ku De Ta also hosts events where you can take part in crafts such as making soap, bath bombs and hair masks.

Mano Beachhouse

This beautiful boho-themed beach club has a more laid-back and low-key feel to it with its stunning decor and mellow tunes. Here you can enjoy a drink by the pool with ocean views or enjoy one of their delicious meals made with fresh produce from the island.

10. Visit Petitenget Temple

Petitenget Temple, also known as Pura Petitenget, is a bit of a different experience from the usual Seminyak scene but is definitely worth checking out.

It’s said to be one of the temples that protects Bali’s coastline. Nestled among shops and hotels, this charming temple showcases traditional Balinese architecture and hosts various ceremonies and festivals year-round.

Visitors can’t wander into the inner section as this is reserved for locals and prayers, but stopping by is one of the best things to do in Seminyak for those looking to see a more cultural side to Bali.

11. Hike Mount Batur

Although Mount Batur is not found in Seminyak, it’s one of the best “things to do in Seminyak” as a day trip for million-dollar views and enjoy outdoor activities.

Yes, the wake-up call is early and by early I mean around 1 am, but there’s good reason for it. This is to make sure you have enough time to be driven from Seminyak to Mount Batur which takes about 2 hours, and then to hike to the top in time for sunrise.

Once you’ve met your tour guide, the hike itself takes around 2 hours. Although the hike is classed as beginner-friendly, it is quite difficult as some areas are steep with loose rocks, so there is some level of fitness involved.

Once at the top, you’ll be treated to stunning views over Lake Batur and the sun rising over Mount Agung. Totally worth the early wake-up, and if you book a Mount Batur tour in advance you can even get a hotel pick-up!

12. Visit Ubud

What better way to spend the day than the heart of Bali’s spiritual and wellness scene. Surrounded by lush jungle, Ubud is packed with health food cafes, yoga retreats, local markets and a palace. You can go out on your own, or join a guided day trip to Ubud.

If you venture just a short distance out of town, you’ll be able to explore one of Bali’s most iconic attractions, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and you’ll have countless waterfalls to explore. You can also indulge in Bali’s iconic “flower baths” that you might have seen on Instagram, but just a heads up…there are a few things influencers don’t tell you about Bali flower baths…

But more on that later.

If you want to go somewhere more secluded than Ubud then Sidemen is one of the more rural, untouched areas in Bali. Here you can visit rice paddies and waterfalls without the crowds.

13. A Day Trip To Nusa Penida

Okay, it may seem like the best things to do in Seminyak is…to leave, but truly, Bali is just too diverse to stay in one area! So another awesome day trip from Seminyak is hopping over to the island of Nusa Penida. It’s just a quick boat ride away and is a must-visit destination while in Bali!

Nusa Penida is one of the “quieter” locations (compared to say, Canggu) close to Bali and has jaw-dropping scenery, like the famous Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, and Crystal Bay. The island is covered in lush jungle that tumbles down the cliffs into some of the bluest waters you’ve ever seen.

To really enjoy your day in Nusa Penida, I’d recommend hiring a private driver when you get there. Some of the roads can be quite steep and are unpaved meaning they can be hard to navigate by scooter if you’re not very experienced.

How to Get Around Seminyak

So we now know all the awesome things to do in Seminyak but how do you get to them?

The centre of Seminyak is actually pretty walkable and if you enjoy getting your steps in, and your accommodation isn’t too far out, then walking is a good option.

But, if you’re travelling further afield or just don’t feel like walking, then there are lots of great ways to get from A to B. Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek work in a similar way to Uber and are my preferred way to travel around. You can order a driver to come pick you up either by car or by scooter.

If you’re keen on driving yourself, renting a scooter is a budget-friendly option. You can easily arrange a rental through your accommodation or book one in advance before arriving in Bali. However, CRASHING your scooter is NOT one of the fun things to do in Seminyak, so drive carefully and cautiously – and ALWAYS wear your helmet!

Car rentals are also available and are great if you’re planning to explore beyond Seminyak. However, navigating through Seminyak’s traffic can be quite challenging at the best of times, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend renting a car if you’re only exploring within the area.

If you plan on hitting lots of different locations in a day, then hiring a private driver is the perfect way to explore.

Where To Stay In Seminyak

There’s no shortage of boutique hotels, trendy accommodations and budget-friendly hostels in Seminyak. Since the area is ideal for kicking back and relaxing, the best things to do in Seminyak actually starts at your accommodation and picking a fantastic place to…well, kick back and relax!

Luxury

Cyrus Villa Seminyak is the perfect spot near the main village and all the key areas you’ll want to visit. The staff are super helpful and kind, and the villa’s Moroccan-inspired theme, private pool, and outdoor bath make the perfect place to relax during your stay.

Mid Range

Calm Villa is a recently renovated retreat with an outdoor pool, just a 5-minute walk from restaurants, cafes and shops. The rooms are spacious and modern and each villa has its own private pool.

Budget

James Guest House is a budget-friendly accommodation with clean rooms, a relaxed vibe, and is just minutes from the action. The comfy rooms come with TV, Netflix, and air conditioning, plus a shared pool area.

Conclusion: Things To Do In Seminyak

Whether you’re looking to spend the day at the beach, ride some waves or shop till you drop, there is no shortage of things to do in Seminyak. It’s a great place to base yourself to visit other locations and you’ll be spoilt for choice on delicious food and drinks, especially if you want a lowkey vibe to your Bali vacation.

I want to thank Charlie again for all of her amazing advice! It really makes me want to head back to Indonesia to see more of the great things to do in Seminyak!

Have you ever been to Bali? What would you recommend as fun things to do in Seminyak? Let me know in the comments below 🙂

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