Seminyak: Balinese Prestige

While visiting the southern end of Bali, why not make it a point to visit the beach town of Seminyak. This exclusive area north of Legian is the more upscale area where you can find many privately own houses and people willing to pay the higher Bali villa rent. Here you can find some of the more luxury accommodations and fashionable restaurants and bars. The atmosphere is one of sophistication and is more laid back than Kuta. The beaches are quieter and you can find some of the most amazing shopping and spas in the area.

A decade ago this was actually a small backwater village and when developments started in the area, it happened at an amazing pace. The developments pretty much overtook the forest lands and grassy areas between Seminyak and Legian in order to build the posh boutiques, high end spas and high priced Bali villa complexes. Now you can’t really discern where Seminyak ends and small villages such as Petitenget, Kerobokan and Umalas begin. One thing that the increased local income brought was a large area filled with shops, homes, and such instead of the natural beauty that was there before.

One of the main draws to the area besides the shopping and relaxing and pampering spas are the beaches. This beach extends for as far as the eye can see and at the south end it eventually becomes Legian Beach and then Kuta Beach. But the beaches near Seminyak are noticeably quieter than Legian and Kuta beaches. The sunsets at Seminyak and Petitenget Beaches are truly spectacular and one of the most famous on the island.  You may even find a chance to rub elbows with some wealthy and famous people while checking out high end beach establishments like Ku Da Ta and La Luciola. Afterwards you can go back to your Bali villa, relax and run through your memories to enjoy the evening once again.

If you are interested in seeing more of Bali’s Hindu religious places, then you can visit some of the area temples. Pura Petitenget is a small but beautiful temple where you can view a few of its beachside ceremonies.  It isn’t one of the famous nine directional temples but it is a link in the west coast temples between Pura Uluwatu and Pura Tanah Lot, which was what their designer, Dang Hyang Nirartha, had in mind. If adventure is what you seek then a visit to AJ Hackett Bungy should be included in your stay this part of the island. Here you can plummet over 140 feet over a pool all while enjoying dance beats from the Double Six nightclub.

After your adventurous night, you can arrange for a spa treatment at your high end hotel’s in house spa service or if you are staying at a Bali villa rent, you can have an in villa spa treatment which can be arranged by the staff.  So if you have the money to burn and want to enjoy it, then visit Seminyak and soak up the prestige and sun. You won’t regret the expense or the memories.