The Beach of Seminyak in Bali

Seminyak Beach stands out from its neighbouring beach resort areas – the likes of Kuta and Legian to its south – chiefly in the type of crowd it attracts. Bali first emerged as a tourist destination for vagabond surfers, attracted to these south-western shores by its dramatic waves. Seminyak offers a splendid coast of gold to dark sand, complemented by gorgeous sunsets.

The coast is popular with resident expats and has a refined feel to it, where you’ll find a mostly fashionable and chic scene, with rows of designer boutiques along its main roads and side streets. A handful of the island’s best dining venues and world-renowned nightlife spots that host international gigs also call Seminyak their home.

The Beach of Seminyak in Bali - one of the highlights of 5 Best Surf Beaches in Bali for Beginners and 10 Most Photographed Places in Bali (Read all about Bali here)

Good to know about Seminyak Beach

The beach resort area presents some of the chicest resorts and villas on the island, and they, in turn, are surrounded by many luxury spas and dining outlets. The fine selection of lavish beachfront hotels started with the Oberoi, built during the hippie and surf craze of the 1970s, and went on to become a landmark, lending its name to the whole north-western end of Seminyak and the road that runs through it (officially Jalan Laksmana).

The main Jalan Raya Seminyak extends north from Jalan Raya Legian and ends at Jalan Raya Kerobokan and the westernmost end of Kuta’s Sunset Road. Jalan Raya Seminyak branches into three main streets: Jalan Dhyana Pura, Jalan Laksmana and Jalan Petitenget in its north. Each has distinctive characteristics and typical collection of venues.

Food and dining in Seminyak Beach

Jalan Dhyana Pura (also known as Jalan Camplung Tanduk) features an eclectic row of bars – mostly a gay bar scene with go-go dancers – and leads down to the Anantara Resort that hugs the Seminyak beachfront.

Jalan Laksmana is fondly nicknamed ‘eat-street’ by expats for its concentration of great restaurants. Further south is Jalan Petitenget, home to most of the area’s notable establishments, such as Potato Head Beach Club and Ku De Ta.

Seminyak Beach comprises 3 adjoining coastal strips: Pantai Arjuna (Blue Ocean Beach) that borders Legian, Petitenget Beach, and way up north to the quieter Batubelig Beach.

As Kuta typically rocks on with its lively beach crowd and budget stays, and Legian with its eclectic bar scene, Seminyak outshines them as the island’s most prized beach resort area. Undercurrents are usually strong, and surfing is mostly for the advanced. A popular activity in Seminyak is horseback riding, starting from the Umalas stables in Canggu in the north, down to Seminyak’s Petitenget coast and Legian’s Blue Ocean Beach area.

Seminyak sunsets are not to be missed, best enjoyed while chilling out with friends around the chic poolsides of WooBar at the W Bali - Seminyak, or down on the beachfront lawn of Ku De Ta or the Potato Head Beach Club.

Location: Seminyak, Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Ari Gunadi | Compulsive Traveller

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