BALI - 8 Things you must do in Seminyak
Bali is one of my favourite places to travel to. It’s hot, it’s close to Australia and the price you pay for luxury is marginal compared to Sydney prices. It’s the ultimate postcard holiday.
For me, Bali is part retreat, part cocktails and late nights. I go to Bali to relax, be pampered, eat delicious food, soak up the sun and sip cocktails while dancing the night away.
Every year there are so many new places worth visiting in Bali, it’s hard to keep on top of them all. To help plan your next trip here’s my 2018 recommendations for Seminyak.
If this is your first time to Bali, make sure you read the bottom section of this post to become well acquainted with the culture, customs and general tips like not drinking the tap water – VERY IMPORTANT!
8 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN SEMINYAK
1. Spend the day at a pool club
Though I love Potato head, Mrs Sippy is just so much more convenient. There’s an abundance of space and free beds for tanning, towels can be hired cheaply, music is very chilled, the food is delicious (The basic salmon salad and Kale salad were my go to's) and there’s no queuing for bathrooms. You don’t really need to get here early you can stroll in at any time. The crowd does start to change at around 3-5pm depending on the day, so make plans for afterward.
Potato head beach club Infinity pool, beach front, cocktails, sunshine & beautiful people. This place has stood the test of time. It’s popular and very busy so get here as early as possible, like 10am early to secure a cabana. It’s worth the wait, the Cabana is yours all day with your own waiter for cocktails and nibbles. Min spend applies.
Ku da ta This place used to be the most popular spot before Potato Head opened but this beachfront bar and fine dining restaurant still holds its own. It’s slightly more chilled out and relaxed. Music & cocktails are on point.
2. Enjoy quality food at ridiculously cheap prices
Grocer and Grind One of my favourite cafes for breakfast right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of Seminyak. Gotta try the palm sugar pancakes while your here!
Sisterfields The food is so beautifully presented you’ll need to take a moment to appreciate it. It has an awesome all day breakfast and lunch selection, not to mention fresh juices. My fave is the "refresher" and you'll definitely feel it while your surrounded by the polished white and green interior.
Sisterfields The food is so beautifully presented you’ll need to take a moment to appreciate it. It has an awesome all day breakfast and lunch selection, not to mention fresh juices. My fave is the "refresher" and you'll definitely feel it while your surrounded by the polished white and green interior.
KYND Community The quintessential plant based cafe serving salads, juices, smoothies and coffee – SO GOOD!
Biku It’s a gorgeous tea lounge serving English style High Tea. Great for lunch and dinner.
For a real cappuccino head to Revolver Espresso (There are two locations). Revolver coffee is also served at Mrs Sippy.
For a real cappuccino head to Revolver Espresso (There are two locations). Revolver coffee is also served at Mrs Sippy.
Strawberry Fields For burgers and loaded fries and everything in between, this place is legendary for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
3. Overindulge in daily massages & facials
There are so many cheap massage places in Seminyak however I’m too picky to just go anywhere. Amo Day Spa situated across from the W hotel has been consistently superb. It’s super clean, professional and priced incredibly well. At the time we paid roughly $22 for a 1 hour massage.
Esthetic Spa, it’s an older salon but the anti aging oxygen facial is still one of favourite facials.
The two most commonly known ones are, Bodyworks make sure you book in advance; it’s about $26 for a full body 1hr massage. I had the exfoliation massage (mandi lulur) 2hrs for $45 and worth every cent!
At Dancing Fingers a full body massage cost approx $35 for 75 mins.
4. Shop!
If you walk down the main strip near Seminyak Square, you are bound to find some great shops on your own. Just make sure along the way you pop into my favourites.
Wanderlust for swimmers – I made three trips here and literally tried every piece on before making a decision.
The Bali Tailor for any leather goods you want made to order! They have designs on display or you can take a picture of anything and they'll make it for you and deliver it to your hotel room or villa! (They need a minimum of 5 days to complete your order) Their sister store The Tailored Store is just across the road and they have linen and home wares to die for!
Another one of my fave spots to shop is The Bali Boat Shed it has so many great labels like Heron and more!
Wanderlust for swimmers – I made three trips here and literally tried every piece on before making a decision.
The Bali Tailor for any leather goods you want made to order! They have designs on display or you can take a picture of anything and they'll make it for you and deliver it to your hotel room or villa! (They need a minimum of 5 days to complete your order) Their sister store The Tailored Store is just across the road and they have linen and home wares to die for!
Another one of my fave spots to shop is The Bali Boat Shed it has so many great labels like Heron and more!
5. Explore, eat and get cultured with a cooking class
I decided to do something a little more interactive on my most recent trip, a Balinese cooking class. I am so glad I tried it! I now have new found respect for Balinese food, the fresh ingredients used and the effort and techniques involved.
The cooking class was led by the charismatic and highly experienced Chef Syahrul Imansyah, inside the kitchen at Dash Hotel. Pre-book the day before you plan on going, it'll cost you 30AUD for an hours class.
The class was educational and easy to follow. It was such a great experience, I’m really excited to make the dishes at home.
Next time I'll try the cooking class at The Amala, I've heard great reviews and can't wait to check it out!
Next time I'll try the cooking class at The Amala, I've heard great reviews and can't wait to check it out!
6. Watch the sunset
Potato Head Beach Club You will make more than one visit to this place as the sunset is spectacular here. Have a few cocktails, the Kookaburra is probably the most ordered drink. Bali Sunsets are so vivid and overwhelming, relax, sip and take it allll in!
Ku Da Ta If you decide not to visit during the day then you must for the sunset! The pizzas and drinks are delicious, specially the Vanilla & Passionfruit Mojitos – Yum!
La Plancha Beach Bar & Restaurant You’re mixing with an odd crowd here and you might want to be selective with your drinks (sorry I’m a bit of a snob) but it does has a great vibe, it’s very colourful with lots of bean bags everywhere and offers a stunning sunset.
7. Fine dining at Seminyak's top restaurants
It’s restaurants like these that contribute to my love for Bali. These are fancy places with dress codes, so dress like you’re going to dinner not to the beach. Also book far in advance!
Merah Putih Hands down my favourite restaurant in BALI! The architecture of this two story eco-sustainable restaurant is incredible. Luminous columns, floor to ceiling windows and indoor plants with fairy lights intertwined through them frame the venue beautifully. The menu is also a masterpiece, full of mouth-watering traditional and modern Indonesian dishes. Every dish is amazing. A must try! - The team behind this restaurant recently opened Sangsaka a much more intimate experience but just as divine.
Sarong is an opulent open structured restaurant situated in a gorgeous garden, serving an impressive range of cuisines inspired by India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. It’s a very romantic dining experience, the food is superb and the cocktails are divine. I loved everything we ordered; the chicken betel leaves and seared scallops were the perfect entrees. For our main we shared the slow cooked Sri Lankan lamb and the tandoori jumbo prawns – really freaking good!
Metis A beautiful two storey French restaurant, overlooking the stunning rice paddy fields of Seminyak. The menu is extensive, surprisingly affordable and extremely delicious. It’s the perfect restaurant for a romantic lunch or dinner. For an extra romantic experience, book into Metis’s exclusive bale (Balinese pavilion) for the best rice paddy views. Also a great spot for sunset cocktails (make sure you sit right up the back to really take in the view).
8. Stay up late
Da Maria, it’s described as the Bondi Icebergs of Bali… rightfully so! It’s a Maurice Terzini’s Italian restaurant serving Italian food and decent wine (hard to find in Bali). Expect a lot of beautiful people walking around and on the dance floor. Head here around 11pm on a Sunday night, to experience it in all it’s glory.
La Favela Go for dinner, stay the entire night. The food here is what really keeps me going back for more. The ceviche is to die for and not to mention the cocktail list! This place will suck you in and before you know it you're leaving as the sun is rising.
WOO Bar still remains one of my faves they throw epic parties, usually on a Wednesday night. I absolutely love the music here, their international guest Dj’s are very well curated. Check the website for any upcoming parties. Get here a bit earlier like 5-6pm to get a table.
Motel Mexicola this place is super fun! They literally pour tequila down your throat while you’re dancing. The food is also incredible – love all the fresh seafood dishes!
Motel Mexicola this place is super fun! They literally pour tequila down your throat while you’re dancing. The food is also incredible – love all the fresh seafood dishes!
CULTURE, TIPS & GENERAL ADVICE
WHERE TO STAY
For some, Bali can be a bit of a culture shock, I was well informed before my first ever trip so I eased into it just fine (hopefully you will be too after reading this). It also depends on where you stay. I personally prefer Canggu & Seminyak for accommodation. I’m NOT a fan of Kuta, not my scene and you tend to get hassled a lot on the streets. Sometimes the accommodation deals are ridiculously low and tempting in Kuta, don’t be fooled. Regardless of where you stay most places are a scooter or cheap cab ride away. On my first ever trip to Bali I stayed at the W, it was (obviously) outrageously good, I felt safe and was able to walk to most of the hot spots I've mentioned in this post. On my second trip I stayed at the Dash Hotel, eccentric vibe, super fun and very clean hotel, and every other time I've stayed in Villa Manggo and Villa Ariana Grande in Canggu.
TRANSPORT
Taxis are cheap but be sure to only catch the "Blue Bird Group" taxi, as you'll get ripped off if you jump into the similar looking, non licenced ones. A 45min trip costs between $15-30AUD, make sure your driver sets the meter before getting in. These taxi's are light blue sedans with "Blue Bird Group" logos on the windscreen and on the sides of the car, I should also point out the driver wears a uniform and has credentials on the dashboard. From experience, it's handy to take a picture of the licence each time you get in as its easy to track down the driver and car you've traveled in, in the event of leaving something behind! I think it’s also worth mentioning the road rules are very different over there. They use beeping as a way of communication. It does seem quite chaotic, even unsafe but they are very mindful of one and other. However, if you do hire a scooter or motorbike (only do so if you hold a riding licence - I've seen some horrific injuries) the roads can be unsafe for a foreigner. Do make sure you wear a helmet and clothing as you can get an on-the-spot fine from the police.
OFFERINGS
When walking on the streets watch the ‘offerings’ on the ground. These are gifts to the gods, read more about it here
DON’T USE money CHANGERS ON THE STREET
You will get ripped off! (trust me) of course the rate you see on the street will be slightly higher, its because they will short change you in the end and you'll have no idea how it happen! Use the ATMS. Otherwise, you'l find authorized money exchange booths inside most Circle K and other convenience stores.
STREETS
There’s a huge division between the rich (tourist) and the poor (locals) so expect a bit of pestering to buy things on the street… bikes, tours, massages etc. It may get annoying but remember that for them, selling on the street is their job and source of income. BE NICE!!
TEMPERATURE
It’s hooootttt and sticky!!! A little make up tip for you ladies – Don’t bother with foundation, your face will get so sweaty during the day. Also lots of mosquitoes at night so be prepared!
TIPPING
It’s customary, so carry some small notes with you.
WIFI
Is available almost everywhere.
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