With its close proximity to the airport and the wide access to any type of activity, Seminyak can easily be your home-base when visiting Bali, or maybe the place you spend the first/last few days of your Bali vacation. Seminyak is located north of Kuta and is known as the more relaxed, less hectic area in comparison to Kuta (where you will mostly find a party-hungry crowd). There is plenty to do in Seminyak and it is a cool area that should definitely be explored, but keep in mind that (in our opinion) it is less of an authentic Bali experience and more of a fun, good-vibe vacation spot.

Where to stay

Jeje's Secret Wooden House
Check prices and availability
Great value for the price, these uniquely designed Balinese cabins with AC are located on a beautiful property. 10 minute scooter drive from the center of Seminyak. Approx. $38 per night.

Where to eat

La Favela

Owned by the same guys who own La Laguna in Canggu and a few other spots on the island, there are no words can truly do justice to describe this place. Take your time walking around to explore the one-of-a-kind unique design and art. The different floors and the many hidden rooms will leave you jaw-dropped. Food and cocktails are great. Pricier for Bali but nothing too crazy, and it's certainly worth it. Take note: At night the furniture disappears and the place turns into a well-known bar/club.

What to do

Shopping - WE'AR Yoga Clothing & Off Duty Wear

If you are looking for some unique yoga and casual wear, definitely check out this designer from New Zealand. Everything made in Bali.

Escape the Room

Whether you've played one these games before, or even if this is your first time, you are guaranteed to enjoy this cool experience! Nice activity for a way-too-hot, or rainy day.

Uluwatu features some of Bali's (and the world's) most unique and beautiful beaches and surf spots. Be sure to spend at least a few days there to relax and soak up some sun, surf or watch the awesome waves. Good food also guaranteed!

Where to stay

D'Padang Home ST
Check prices and availability
Pretty basic rooms with AC, cool pool and a great location. Approx. $38 per night.

Where to eat

T he Mango Tree Cafe

An awesome, laid-back restaurant with great prices. Definitely try the the zoodled carrot and beet vegetable salad with tahini dressing!

Bukit Cafe

Cool place for brunch. Service can bit a little hit-or-miss.

Single Fin

Great spot for beer or cocktails while watching an amazing sunset and some great waves. Weekend nights can get pretty wild so if you're into it, this is a bar with a party scene. A bit pricier for Bali.

What to do

Uluwatu Temple

A beautiful temple with amazing views on the edge of a cliff. They have a traditional Balinese dance performance daily at 6pm (approx. $8). It costs about 7 cents to enter the parking lot with a motorbike or 15 cents with a car. Entrance fee to the temple is about $1.5. Pro tips: You must wear a Sarong in order to enter the temple, bring your own or get one for free while buying your entrance ticket. Arrive around 5pm so you can walk around for 45 minutes before getting a seat for the show. They start selling tickets at 5pm and it can get pretty hectic pretty fast. Stay calm, have the exact cash ready (100,000 IDR per person), push your way through the many tour guides and wave the money while yelling the number of tickets ("two tickets please!!"). Kind of like Wall Street. Important: There are monkeys walking around the temple. Unlike the monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forrest in Ubud, these ones are pretty aggressive. Absolutely do not wear sunglasses, jewelry, hold a bottle of water, or generally have any loose articles. These monkeys will snatch your stuff in no-time, and there is no getting it back. Try to avoid these monkeys and do not make eye contact, there are plenty of other opportunities to meet some nice monkeys in Bali. :)

Bingin Beach

The many steps that lead to this magical beach are surely worth it. Spend the day there and as the evening unfolds watch all the fishermen set up tables on the sand for an awesome seafood feast. You will be able to choose your fresh fish on the spot, and sip a beer while they grill your selections.

Padang Padang Beach

As you drive across the main street (Jalan Labuansait) and cross a small bridge, you won't miss this gem of a beach. It is the one where many people stop on the side of the road to snap an awesome photo from above. If you pass the bridge driving east, the entrance will be on the left. They charge about 75 cents to enter but it is certainly worth it!

Suluban Beach (AKA Uluwatu Beach)

Although a bit difficult to find (take the left lane at this fork and follow the "Uluwatu Beach" signs), this one is truly a hidden paradise. Pro tip: when arriving down there, do not miss the even-more-hidden beach nicknamed "Sunny Beach". You will have to go through the cave on your left. Not to worry, it's really easy! And wait until you see the beach that gets revealed!

Surf

Bali, in general, and Uluwatu, specifically, features some of the world's most amazing waves. Whether you are a pro-surfer or just interested in taking some lessons, Bali has you covered. We spent a few days at Rapture Surf Camp and had fun. Things to note: they have two camps in Bali. Their "Padang Padang" surf camp is better-situated and generally has a warmer feel to it. I don't think this company is a good choice if this is your first time surfing. Also, be sure to surf with lycra on, no matter what they say. Even though the water temp is great, wax + salt water + exposed chest = a painful experience.