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Bali Travel Diary Part 1: Seminyak

Bali Travel Diary Part 1: Seminyak

While doing research for my trip to Bali, I was overwhelmed by how big the island is. Bali is composed of several different areas, each of which has something unique to offer. So instead of doing one Bali travel guide, I’ve decided to split it up into four parts, each one dedicated to a different area. Here, I will share where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Seminyak.

First things first, here are the basics you need to know:

  • Get a private driver. It’s the easiest way to get around, and they will double as your tour guide. I used Putu (recommended by Filipa), and he is wonderful. He charges between $50-60 USD a day and can take you anywhere you’d like to go. Just make sure you book in advance.
  • If you’re looking for a SIM card, Telkomsel is your best bet. Don’t buy it at the airport because it’s overpriced. Instead, ask your driver to take you to a shop.
  • When it comes to exchanging money, ask your driver or any of the hotel staff to recommend a good exchange shop. The best ones don’t charge commission.
  • Most hotels will provide you with a multi plug, but in case you want to bring your own, make sure it’s a 2 round pin one.
  • October to March is rainy season, so expect rain at some point during the day. I don’t recommend you get discouraged from coming here during this period, the rain comes and goes very quickly, and on certain days you get no rain at all. Also, because of the fact that it’s monsoon, it is much less crowded than during summer (peak season).

Where to stay

Dress: Revolve; Hat: H&M (similar here)

During my time in Seminyak, I stayed at the gorgeous Hu’u Villas in collaboration with The Asia Collective. As soon as I walked into my modern, two story villa, I fell in love. Each villa has its own private pool and the decor is very chic and minimal (just the way I like it).  It is also incredibly central, just down the street from all the best restaurants and cafes.

What to do

Before I get started on specifics, I want to recommend that when you come to Bali, you split your time between different areas. They are each very unique and you won’t get the feel of the place by just staying in one area. Seminyak specifically is very developed. It’s like a mini Australia with gorgeous concept cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. People will try to sell you stuff on the streets and there are cabs galore. It really gives you a taste of metropolitan life in Bali. However, if you’re looking for blue waters and white sand, go to Uluwatu instead. While Seminyak itself doesn’t have a ton of natural beauty, it is fairly easy to go to places from there with a car.

Tegenungan Waterfall: I recommend leaving at 8am and driving for an hour to see it before it gets filled with tourists.

Dress: Everything But Water

Batuan Temple: It’s in the same vicinity as the Tegenungan Waterfall and is definitely worth seeing. It is an ancient structure that dates back to the 11th century.

Tanah Lot Temple: A temple that sits on a cliff on the ocean, and makes for a pretty spectacular sight. I highly recommend you go in the morning. I made the mistake of going at 11am, and it was brimming with people.

Catch the sunset: You can do this at the public beach (like me), or you can also go to Potato Head, but I thought it was incredibly crowded, and not nearly comparable to the beach clubs in Uluwatu (more on that later).

Where to eat

This was undoubtedly my favourite part about Seminyak, so hold tight for this list.

Sisterfields: there is absolutely nothing bad on the menu, you literally can’t go wrong. Their avo toast was delicious, and so were their burgers.

Sea Circus: I only went here for coffee, but I loved their quirky interior and their cappuccino was lovely!

Cafe Organic: Too many good things to say about this one. I loved their acaii bowl and their eggs benny was incredible.

Shanghai Baby: Fancy Asian fusion with serious flavour. Their beef tenderloin is to die for.

Strawberry Fields: It’s a little outside the bustling Seminyak restaurant strips (you will need to take a car), but well worth the trek. They are known for their burgers, and definitely live up to their reputation.

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32 Comments

  1. Morgane
    January 28, 2017 / 8:41 pm

    Major wanderlust!!

  3. Edye
    January 29, 2017 / 2:43 am

    These photos are breathtaking! I’m glad you’re enjoying your time in Bali! <3

    Blessings,
    Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com

  4. Vanessa Ortynsky
    January 29, 2017 / 6:17 am

    I love Bali, but I haven’t been in 7 years. You’ve convinced me I need to go back. Beautiful photos and super helpful guide!

  6. Biki
    January 29, 2017 / 6:09 pm

    WooohHoooo! There you are- great summary, I’m sure it wasn’t easy writing this as there seems to be so much goodness around! Loving the pic of you by the waterfalls in the white dress- fraaaaame it! And guuurl, as I was reading I was thinking, ‘Now where’s the food?’, I love Thai soooo would love to actually eat the cuisine in its natural habitat. Your pics didn’t disappoint. I’m totally drooling. Looking foward to seeing more of your travel pics, have a good week hon ( :

  9. Jess
    January 29, 2017 / 9:11 pm

    Aghh, I’ve been wanting to go to Bali for so long, it looks amazing! It just seems like the platonic ideal of paradise. All the rainbow food looks incredible, and I love the idea of having your own private villa and pool to swan around all day. Your tips about getting to attractions early are really sensible – I hate it when things are crowded with tourists too. I can’t wait for your next travel posts! xx

    Jessthetics

  12. Kathryn
    January 30, 2017 / 3:26 pm

    All of these photos are so beautiful, and it sounds like such a wonderful trip! I’m really intrigued by the temple right on the ocean cliff. That must have been amazing to see!

    Kathryn • simplykk.com

  13. Tamara
    January 30, 2017 / 5:37 pm

    I’ve been enjoying following along on Insta Stories! Bali looks so much fun!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

  15. venswifestyle
    January 30, 2017 / 6:31 pm

    WOW, Bali is such an amazing place for holiday. Love your post and love your dress.

  16. Anouk
    January 30, 2017 / 7:54 pm

    The place and the food look amazing! I would love to visit Bali at some point in my life.

    ANOUK

  18. Deborah
    January 31, 2017 / 1:59 am

    Wow!!! So many interesting tips AND stunning photos. Everything is so full of vibrant colors, it truly looks like paradise. The photos of the waterfall, the Temples and that incredible sunset were my faves, but the whole post is so visually interesting!
    xx

    http://www.stylebydeb.com

  19. Yasmin
    January 31, 2017 / 3:51 am

    Gorgeous photos! Love the photography, the colours are vibrant and the food pics are so yummy. 🙂

    xo, Yasmin
    http://www.iamyasmin.ca

  25. Nora Gouma
    January 31, 2017 / 2:08 pm

    Glad to find this great post, the pictures are really amazing, this blog inspires me a lot, I love it. I have been to Bali a long time ago, might go there soon. Thank you for sharing!!!

    xxx

    http://www.modelonamission.com

  27. emily
    February 1, 2017 / 2:34 am

    Oh isn’t Bali just amazing! Some really great tips here babe, and your food recommendations are spot on! Sisterfields and Sea Circus were my two FAVOURITE brunch spots! So good!
    x Emily
    http://shedoes.com.au/2017/01/denim-and-white/

  28. Tina
    February 1, 2017 / 12:38 pm

    OMG this looks sooo incredibly nice!!! Bali is also on my bucketlist to travel to this year even maybe, so I will for sure save your tipps, especially for the food 😀 Haha!! And also the Villas you stayed in – looks fabulous 🙂

    Have a lovely week babe ♥
    xxx
    Tina
    http://styleappetite.com

  29. Julia (The Velvet Runway)
    February 1, 2017 / 2:45 pm

    These are such beautiful photos! Bali sounds and looks amazing and thank you for sharing these great tips! I will be sure to follow them if I ever make it to Bali (and I hope I will one day!).
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

  31. Margaret
    February 3, 2017 / 9:09 am

    Reading this as if I was back to Seminyak again! I was just there in December and I am already missing it! Honestly the choice of restaurant is unlimited!

    xx Margaret
    http://www.maleemaleehong.com

  32. Priscilla Ivette
    February 4, 2017 / 2:19 am

    This looks so amazing, Bali is beautiful and your photos are fantastic !

    Much Love,
    Priscilla Ivette
    ThePollenblog.com

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