Photo Credit: Instagram @bethsandland
Bali is one of those places that wherever you look, you feel like you’re holding a picturesque postcard right in front of you.
Known to be the most popular island holiday destination in Indonesia, the sheer natural beauty of the island’s rustic waves and bustling culture will definitely entice you to come back again.
So be it for a romantic getaway or to indulge in mouthwatering indonesian cuisine, here is a guide on what to do and where to stay in Bali, Seminyak, based on your travel personality.
The Budget Traveller
Accomodation
Wallet-friendly places are all around Bali and they would exceed your expectations when you realize how little you can pay for such impeccable experiences. For $40 a night, you will be able to stay at GrandMas Plus Hotel in Seminyak. The hotel comes with a spa and swimming pool too. Although the hotel might lack the intimacy other boutique hotels can offer, it is definitely worth the price.
Food
What is a trip to Seminyak if you don’t try local authentic Indonesian food? Made's Warung does not just offer reasonably priced food and generous portions, but also performances that will keep you entertained throughout your meal.
Must-Do Activity
If you aren’t willing to pay to partake in activities or tours, fret not as there are always free things to do in Bali. From watching the sunrise or sunset at Seminyak beach to visiting the Petitenget Temple, enjoy this luxe town without spending a cent.
Photo Credit: Instagram @angelinewonglimin
The Honeymoon Travellers
Accomodation
You definitely deserve relaxation and to be pampered if your big day is finally over, and you’re trying to squeeze in some time for a break before you take on the responsibilities that come with the married life. The W Retreat is a chic and modern villa that will make you swoon as you immerse yourself in the vibrancy and nightlife of the resort. Partake in yoga classes or go for a swim during the day, but when night falls, party along with other tourists from around the world at the Woo Bar with their live DJ sets and delectable drinks.
Food
The romance does not end when the marriage begins! Be sure to continue treating your spouse right by making a reservation at Merah Putih, one of the most beautiful restaurants in Seminyak. Serving both traditional and modern Indonesian and fusion cuisine, the innovative culinary creations of the restaurant is truly unbelievable
Must-Do Activity
Marriage can be like sailing a boat. You get good tides on some days, and bad ones on others. However, whether it is a good day or a bad one, nothing will make it better like a romantic sail across the Badung strait to the Nusa Lembongan island. You will even be able to watch the beautiful sunset as you sail away on this perfect voyage.
Photo Credit: Instagram @wbaliseminyak
The Nightlife Traveller
Accomodation
Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa is one of the hottest nightlife spots in Seminyak. The sleek rooftop bar in the hotel is a good place to see the oceanic view while you dance to good music during happy hour with other tourists who are out partying like you.
Food
The Chandi Restaurant has always stood out as a restaurant that served Indonesian and Asian cuisine. The inspiration from their food is a fusion of Bali, Java and New York City’s taste and culture. Their generous range of food is suited for every type of eater as even gluten free meal options are available. Opened till 12AM daily, The Chandi Restaurant will be a good place to have dinner before heading out for a wild and fun night.
Must-Do Activity
Sit back and enjoy a spectacular one of a kind fire show while you sip on fruity cocktails or have a beer. The fire performers will awe you with their sleek tricks and bold moves, especially when fire sparks fly all over the bar. If this is not enough to entice you, there are even performances by magicians that will leave you mesmerized.
Photo Credit: Instagram @mr_spoon82
The Diving Traveller
Accomodation
Although diving or snorkelling locations can be further away from where you are living, it doesn’t mean that you can’t wake up with the view of the beautiful ocean. The Seminyak Beach Resort and Spa has a collection of modern rooms, suites and villas that overlook the beach. As the resort is only 20 minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport, there are famous dining establishments and popular shopping streets in the vicinity too.
Food
Serving modern and polished Asian street food in a casual dining environment, MAMA San is one of the most talked about restaurants in Bali by both tourists and locals. The trendy and chic restaurant will make you feel like ordering more and more food just so you can absorb the lovely environment while you bond with family or friends.
Must-Do Activity
Adventure Scuba Diving Bali is your one-stop destination that will settle on your diving or snorkelling needs for you. Whether you’re a beginner, advanced or intermediate diver, there are different programmes that will take you around to explore the beautiful coral life. If you want to take it up a notch, why not enroll to get a diving license that is valid for an entire lifetime? You will be able to choose from attaining a PADI Open Water or PADI scuba diving license. Be sure to free up 5 to 7 days as trainings are spread out over a couple of days.
Photo Credit: Instagram @Adventurescubadivingbali
The Luxury Traveller
Accomodation
Since Bali is a tourist destination, many of the prices there would be marked up. However, affordable luxury places are still to be found if you know where to look at. If you are looking to enjoy the luxurious life at a fraction of the cost, Blue Karma is the place to stay at. A great place for couples or group travellers, some villas even have their own private pools. Blue Karma is at a great location as it is a walking distance from not just the beach, but a number of shops and eateries too.
Food
If you are an early riser who would not mind leaving your luxurious villa to go explore and get some breakfast, do pay a visit to Ma-Kao for some irresistible South-East Asian street food dishes that have been incorporated to serve the taste buds of both locals and tourists. The dishes at Ma-Kao do not just come at affordable prices, but the place also offers you a quiet serenity away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Must-Do Activity
Being one of the largest spas in Bali, the Prana Spa will set you up for the optimum level of relaxation. The architecture of the place is a combination of Indian and Moroccan heritage and the treatment rooms will make you feel like you are entering a whole new world. The Simple Bliss Ayurvedia Treatment is highly recommended as essential oils are used for various massages from your head to your toes.
Photo Credit: Instagram @Pranaspabali
The Solo Traveller
Accomodation
Approximately 700M from Seminyak beach, Lotus Tirta Seminyak offers modern rooms with traditional accents. There are many unique cafes that are a walking distance away for you to catch up on some reading or just watch the day go by.
Food
One thing you should not worry about while solo travelling, is your waistline. Since you will not have anyone to share your food with, get ready to indulge on all the types of guilty pleasure food. Biku has a wide variety of mains and desserts for you to choose from, and you could even opt for a tea set that comes with aromatic pastries.
Must-Do Activity
One of the most popular activities to do in Bali, Seminyak is go horse riding along the beach. A trip usually takes about 2 hours to complete as you ride along from the beach in Seminyak to Canggu. With a professional guide leading you, you do not have to worry about the horse so all you have to do is be ready to enjoy the beautiful and serene environment.
Photo Credit: Instagram @Lotustirta
The Cafe Hopping Traveller
Accomodation
Villa Kubu’s rooms are uniquely designed to cater to each individual's taste and preferences. Apart from spas and beach club reservations, you can even island tours and shopping trips at the concierge. The villa is also near a number of cafes for you to get your coffee fix at any time of the day
Food
Sea Vu Play is a funky cafe with a nautical theme that has a bar that is built in the shape of a boat’s bow. Decorated with colourful flags and striped poles, this cafe serves affordable seafood with cocktail drinks that compliment it. If you are looking for a cafe with more healthier options, give Kynd Community a shot. Their brightly coloured smoothies and fruit bowls are creatively presented in mason jars or coconut husks.
Must-Do Activity
If you are a cafe hopper, you would definitely want to try the best coffee in Bali. Cafes like Ippolito Coffee, Livingstone Cafe & Bakery and NOOK serve aromatically fresh coffee and an array of food dishes you can order to make your meal an even more astounding one. NOOK is even highly recommended for giving you the experience of dining in the middle of paddyfields. So with a good cup of coffee in your hand, just sit back and soak in the sun as you watch the world go by.
Photo Credit: Instagram @Sea Vu Bali
The Instagram Traveller
Accomodation
The most important thing that Instagram enthusiasts look for is an aesthetic that will work well with their social media feed. With the walls around the villa being covered with climbing vines that will make a good backdrop for your #OOTDs, the Sahana Villa is a wooden villa that is right smack in the centre of Seminyak. When the sun is up and it shines through the cracks of the windows of your villa, be sure to take your phone out and snap some shots. You will definitely not regret it.
Food
Offering reasonably priced brunch and coffee, Nebula is a minimalistic looking cafe that will feed the inner hipster in you. It is not just the food that looks amazing, but the amount of sunlight that comes into the cafe will just make your pictures look better once they are uploaded onto Instagram.
Must-Do Activity
Even if you are not staying at Motel Mexicola, do pay the vicinity a visit as you will be awed by the mismatched bright colours that are ready to greet you at every turn you make. You will be able to use almost every unabashedly loud and funky coloured wall to take memorable pictures with your friends and family.
Photo Credit: Instagram @o.brooke.o
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