A wonderful 3 days in Seminyak itinerary
Are you spending 3 days in Seminyak and need a little help with planning?
If this is your first visit, you can find anything you need in my Seminyak itinerary. I spent a month in Bali with almost a week in Seminyak, and I’ve included the main things to do, where to stay and how to get around.
If you still have questions at the end, reach out in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer!
Let’s dig in.
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The perfect Seminyak itinerary
So, what is the perfect Seminyak itinerary?
Well, it’s an itinerary that includes all the best things that Seminyak has to offer. Such as luxury hotels, beach clubs, shopping, surfing, yoga and massage.
As opposed to Kuta, a party hub for the younger crowd, Seminyak is upscale. It’s more suited for couples, families and solo travelers who are not looking to party all night.
In Seminyak, high-end stores lie side by side with exclusive hotels, rooftop bars and fancy beach clubs, so this is the perfect place for luxury and pampering.
How to get to Seminyak
Seminyak is located on the western coast of Bali, a quick 20 minute ride from Canggu and just 1,5 hour from Ubud.
If you arrive by plane, Denpasar airport (also known as Ngurah Rai International Airport) is only 30 minutes away.
I always book a private airport transfer in advance, but you can also get around with taxis or Bali Uber called BlueBird. Just be aware of the common scams in Bali that often involves taxi drivers.
Best restaurants in Seminyak
Ah, the food in Bali. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also some of the most Instagram-worthy food you’ll find.
Below are some of my favourite spots you should check out:
- The Shady Shack: Local produce for breakfast or lunch.
- Revolver Coffee: This is the trendiest coffee shop in Seminyak!
- Cafe Organic: Go here for an acai bowl.
- Mama San: Delicious Southeast-Asian fusion food! It’s one of the hottest places right now so you’ll need to book in advance and dress nicely.
- Sea Circus: A funky space with a Mexican-inspired menu. It has some of the best breakfast in Seminyak.
- Nook cafe: Enjoy a fresh acai bowl and local dishes surrounded by lush rice fields.
Best time to visit Seminyak
Bali, the island of the gods, has a wet season and a dry season.
The dry season / high season runs from May to September. It’s warm and sunny with little rain. The dry season is the perfect time to visit Seminyak and the rest of Bali.
The wet season / low season, between October and April, is pretty wet. Some days it’ll rain non-stop, although most days have showers that rarely last more than a few hours. There are fewer crowds in the rainy season and still plenty of chances of getting a tan in-between storms.
Where to stay in Seminyak
If you love luxury hotels, you’ll adore Seminyak. I stayed in Petitenget, which according to most guide books is the best beach in Seminyak:
The Akasha Boutique Hotel (⭐8.7) is a unique luxury hotel. Each room has its own unique theme, from ocean blue to a flamingo-themed room with a hand-painted mural. Add to that a 24-hour mini gym, stunning swimming pools and even a rooftop garden with swing chairs, and you’ve got yourself the perfect hotel in Seminyak. Check rates and availability at Akasha Boutique Hotel.
Day 1
On your first day in Seminyak, you’ll be taking it easy. Your first stop is a morning yoga class, then shopping and pool time.
Join a yoga class
If you’re in search of that zen feeling during your 3 days in Seminyak, why not try a yoga class!
Jiwa Bikram Yoga is a great studio if you want a bikram class.
Another renowned yoga studio is Yoga Shala, which even has an awesome raw food cafe onsite. Whether you want to try something new like Ashtanga or Mysore, or stick to your favourite type of yoga, there are options available every day.
Shopping
In the heart of Seminyak, you’ll find Jalan Raya Seminyak – the place to go shopping.
This road is the epicentre of small boutiques, while Jalan Kayu Aya road and some corners along Jalan Petitenget complete the list of the most fashionable places for shopping, from designer boutiques to famous brand outlets.
The best places to shop:
- Uma and Leopold
- Gooseberry Intimates
- Jetset Gypsy
- Lulu Yasmine
- Frockk Boutique
Relax by the pool at Potato Head
After a few hours of shopping, head back to your hotel and grab your swimsuit, a towel, your sunnies and a book. You’ll be spending the afternoon, unwinding and relaxing by the pool at Potato Head beach club.
Potato Head is one of the glamorous beach clubs in Seminyak and it’s a great choice for spending the rest of the evening. It has a chic atmosphere, infinity pools and a wide selection of drinks and food, so you’re sure to have a great time here.
I sure did!
Day 2
After breakfast, pack your swimsuit and head to the beach. You’ll be doing a mix of activities, relaxation and cocktail-drinking today.
Surf lesson at the beach
It wouldn’t be a proper Bali travel guide without surfing, amirite?
And Seminyak just so happens to be the perfect place to book a surf lesson. You can choose from several courses all designed to improve your surfing whether you’re a beginner or advanced.
Relax at the beach
There are four beaches in Seminyak:
- Batu Belig beach (best for relaxation)
- Petitenget beach (best for surfing)
- Seminyak beack (best for day drinking and hangouts)
- Double Six beach (best for swimming)
All lined with palm trees, bean bags, and salty ocean air. After your surf lesson, pick a bean bag and relax. If you want to swim, be aware that the waves at Petitenget beach can be pretty insane, even in the dry season.
I might get dramatic on you for a second here, but the first day I visited, they were monstrous. And I’m not talking about cute little splashes here. I’m talking meter-high waves that slammed onto the beach with a giant roar, each embodying a destructive power nearly beyond measure.
Bottom line, if you see a ‘no swimming sign’, obey. Don’t get in the water.
Visit a Hindu temple
On your way back, you’ll walk past Pura Petitenget, which is a Hindu temple and one of six important sea temples that line the coast in Bali – from Uluwatu temple to the more famous Pura Tanah Lot.
Petitenget beach is named after the temple. Make sure to add it to your Seminyak itinerary.
Enjoy a Balinese massage
Now it’s time for my favorite activity (if you can call it that) on this 3 days in Seminyak itinerary:
A massage.
I got a massage almost every day when I was in Bali and it complemented yoga perfectly – so peaceful and relaxing. You can get a massage here or enjoy a lovely wellness experience at the rooftop Spring Spa or the popular Bodyworks Spa!
With a range of treatments available, there’s something for everyone – whether it’s Balinese massage, aromatherapy or reflexology.
Beach club
After your massage, go freshen up and put on a nice dress. You’re going out 🙂
One of the must-have experiences in Seminyak is visiting a beach club. And since you’ve already been to Potato Head, go to Ku De Ta tonight.
Their signature cocktails and resident DJ keep the party going all night long – and you can also relax on one of their bean bags or lounge chairs while you enjoy the best views of the ocean!
Pro tip: Arrive early or make a reservation for sunset to avoid waiting in line at the entrance.
Day 3
On your last day, this Seminyak itinerary takes you on a culinary and cultural journey. Ready to see what I have planned for you? Let’s take a look.
Join a cooking class
Your day starts with a cooking class. I love taking cooking classes when I travel, it’s such a fun way to get to know a culture and to eat local food.
Book your cooking class with an expert chef and choose from three menus, including a vegetarian option, and learn to make Balinese dishes like coconut pancakes, papaya soup and fried banana.
Snap photos at the Bamboo tunnel
Next, head to the W Bali hotel. Upon arrival, you enter this beautiful bamboo tunnel which leads you to the hotel entrance and lobby.
I ended up going to the rooftop bar for lunch, but you can just go here for the natural beauty of the tunnel.
Sunset at Tanah Lot
The afternoon is reserved for a little tour out of town. You’ll be going a little further north to Tanah Lot temple.
Tanah Lot is the most popular sunset spot in Bali and you can easily go there on a tour, by taxi or with a private driver.
I recommend arriving a few hours before the sunset so you have enough time to walk around and explore the site. It’s quite big.
Day trips from Seminyak
If you have more than 3 days in Seminyak, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Ubud and Nusa Penida.
With a private driver you can make your own perfect Bali itinerary with your favorite things to do – you decide when and where to go. That’s what I recommend.
Ubud is all about rice paddies (especially Tegallalang rice terraces), the Ubud Monkey Forest, the spiritual atmosphere and temples.
If it’s beautiful beaches you’re after, Nusa Penida is blessed with white sand beaches and the iconic dinosaur-shape that makes it so unique. Both places are worth visiting, and if you start early you can visit both places in one day.
More posts from Indonesia you’ll love
- How to spend an amazing day at the Butterfly park Bali
- How to best enjoy the sunset at Tanah Lot
- The Best Gili Islands Hotels & Accommodation
- 14 dreamy things to do in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
- Where to stay in Bali
- 10 things I learned from my Balinese yoga retreat
- How to Plan a Yoga Retreat in Bali
- Bali scams – and how to avoid them
- 10 most popular temples in Bali you have to visit
- How to spend 3 days in Ubud – Itinerary for first timers
- Tips for visiting the notorious Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali
- How to spend an amazing day at the Butterfly park Bali
- How to join the best Ubud cycling tour
- 5 reasons you should avoid Luwak coffee in Bali
Hey Miriam 🙂
I don’t think I’ve really been somewhere posh like that!! It looks wonderful though.
It’s funny your comment about the waves. The first time I saw a beach *without* waves I was so confused. Now I’ve learned in many parts of the world that’s normal, and many people are frightened by waves! Growing up the beaches near my grandparents house were a the sort with 1m-1.5m waves, and playing in them is the best fun. As the waves hit, you jump and turn sideways, and the water pulls you upwards and rushes and bubbles all around you. It’s great! I much prefer beaches with waves. But then, if there was a sign saying don’t swim, I wouldn’t. You never know if there’s a rip, or worse yet, jelly fish or something horrible that stings or kills.
Martina
That’s some pretty big waves. We have semi big waves in the Northern Sea, but they’re not anywhere near the ones in Bali. I think the undercurrent was pretty strong in Seminyak… and I didn’t feel like testing it.
A really cool post again, Miriam! And great you felt at ease on your own, I know that can be quite a challenge sometimes when you’re traveling alone! I’m putting Seminyak on my list for next year. We’re planning our second round the world trip, starting with traveling from Istanbul to Beijing overland. After four months of hard core traveling I think I’ll need a place to eat, work on my tan, eat some more and test out many spa’s 😉 First I had Ubud in mind (love that place), but Seminyak sounds even better!
That’s so exciting, Karlijn! I look forward to hearing more about it. If you’re going to Bali though, I’d definitely recommend Ubud over Seminyak any day. Hands down, it’s one of my favorite places in the world.
Hi Miriam, I totally agree with you: Ubud is one of my favorite places in the world too. It’s just that we want to do absolutely nothing and just lay next to a pool for about four days. I think we’ll need it after four months in Central Asia (with many home stays, bad roads and long, long Chinese train rides) ;).
But maybe you’re right, Ubud is much nicer than Bali’s south coast. Maybe I’ll just find a fancy hotel with a spa there! Shouldn’t be too hard 🙂
In that case, have you thought about Gili Trawangan? This island is absolutely gorgeous and the water is crystal clear – perfect for relaxation. It’s only a few hours by boat + bus from Bali.
Hi Miriam, thanks for your advice! I love the Gili’s, we were there in 2010 and we’ll go there again next year. The plan for our world trip is this: first we’ll fly to Istanbul, then travel overland through Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. Then we’re off to Indonesia. First our relaxing 4 days on Bali, then Sulawesi and the Sunda Islands. After all that traveling, it’s time to hit the Gili’s for some well deserved relaxation. Can’t wait! After that, one week in Japan, three in French-Polynesia, almost for on Hawaii and three in Mexico. And then, back to The Netherlands!
Looks like a gorgeous place to stay! I’m with you on the feeling slightly awkward in posh settings. One of my freelance jobs includes occasionally reviewing luxury hotels and restaurants. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s awesome, but I’m the most un elegant person ever! I always feel rather out of place haha. And I’ve never quite got used to being in these places by my self, it’s fantastic you felt at ease with it!
That’s sounds like a great freelance gig, Charlie! I think I’m coming to terms with not being the most elegant person in the world. In the end, I’d rather feel at easy with myself than try to be something that I’m not.
WOW this looks amazing!! I also feel awkwards in posh settings – like we don’t belong there lol – which is funny because I always dream of what it would be to liv that kind of lifestyle, like Emily in revenge – but when we do get the odd opportunity to experience it we feel out of place!!
Sounds like you had a fantastic time though and OMG that sunrise photo is AMAZING!
Haha, exactly Meg! Feeling posh once in a while is fun, but at the end of the day, I’d rather just have a beer at the local pub in unpretentious settings. And I’m okay with that.
Wow, this is so posh, girl! You totally spoiled yourself and this is what travelling is all about!!! I absolutely love this place… 🙂 <3
That’s absolutely true. We need to be spoiled once in a while 😉 x
I’ve heard so many great things about Seminyak! That sunset and infinity pool shots look incredible! Glad you had a great time and treated yourself AND didn’t feel awkward relaxing by yourself, big plus!
I’m thinking about where to go next year and Bali is looking like it would be a good option for a nice, relaxing holiday. How long would you recommend to stay there for? x
Bali is the perfect place for relaxation, Kelly. How much time you need there depends on what you want to see. I’d say 1 week is fine, but 2 would be even better. Then split them up between Ubud and the coast (Kuta area, but not Kuta beach). Let me know if you have any further questions.
What a gorgeous looking place, I’d be very happy there too! 🙂
It is, isn’t it? Bali surprised me on so many levels, and I’m defintely coming back!
That sunset shot is beautiful, I can see why it makes you happy 🙂 We looked into going to Seminyak when we were in Bali but it seemed really expensive and we couldn’t find cheap hotel options (maybe we were there at the wrong time?) we certainly would have given it a go if we’d found your $16 place!
Oh, really? I found that prices in the Kuta area were the cheapest in Bali. I was searching via Booking.com. If you ever come back, Amy, you should give it a try. It’s a nice little getaway.
Oh man, this looks amazing!! I need to go there, like YESTERDAY! I can’t believe I still haven’t made it to Indonesia after living in Asia for 3 years. 2015 is going to change that!
Beth, that sounds like a great idea! I’ve been traveling in SE Asia for many years and this is my first time in Indonesia too. Now, I don’t understand why I haven’t visited sooner. It’s amazing!
This post made me laugh out loud. I first wen to Kuta and HATED it, so my friends and I decided to escape to Seminyak. Let’s just say we felt similarly out of place, haha.
Ha, I know exactly what you mean! Maybe we should just stick to backpacker-friendly destinations in the future 🙂
I’m sure I’d love it there, those pictures make it look out of this world! Thanks for sharing!
Love Seminyak! Resort pools are the best budget-travel hack. Glad you allowed yourself a little bit of luxury. Looks like you a beautiful trip!
Thanks, Kiersten! Seminyak was lovely just like the rest of Bali.
No place in the world does affordable luxury better than Bali … I wanna go back so bad!
I couldn’t agree with you more, Ian! I’m definitely going back.
Hi may I know the name of the USD16 hotel u stayed at in Seminyak?
Sure, Dee. The hotel is called Taman Rosani Hotel & Villa.
Beautiful scenery with beautiful beaches
Bali is so amazing!
I too love the Seminyak and Petitenget areas… cool bars and beach clubs ahoy! Isn’t walk into The W really cool? Although i did actually pay IDR350k for an infused water there which is normally free in most other restaurants! 🙂
Yes, it’s definitely not cheap. But I guess it comes with the territory 🙂
Wow that’s good photo shoot moment, I like that. The infinity pool looks very cool. But I do not agree with the statement that Seminyak is opposite of Kuta, cause I think Seminyak feels same like Kuta with their crowded population haha. Seminyak is also a cool place to see sunset, right?
Sure, Seminyak is touristy, too, but you don’t see the same amount of drunken travelers or garbage on the beach for that matter. It’s not completely different, but still much better in my opinion.
Hey Miriam, your post was really informative & looks amazing. We’re a family of 4 booked to stay in Legian for 10 days. Is it possible to get to Ubud with a driver for a day and if so, what would be your “must do” family activities in a day (kids are 14 & 11).
Hi Marie, I booked a driver from Ubud to Seminyak so I’m sure you can find one, too. I’d ask at your hotel, they might have a driver or recommend a good one.
For Ubud, you should visit Monkey forest (just beware of the little buggers). I also recommend going to the rice fields, and there’s a butterfly garden not too far from Ubud – you still need to drive though. You could also visit a coffee farm in the area, it’s quite popular and fun because you get to taste the coffees and teas, and there are a few animals. I’d think it’s a fun activity for kids and parents.
Hey Miriam! I’m new to your blog, I found it looking for tips for my upcoming Bali trip. I’d love a blog on the best beaches to swim/snorkel at in Bali. Seems to be hard to find a swimming beach or even a review of one. Any info would be amazing!
Hi Lauren, welcome to my blog! The thing with Bali is that while it’s an amazing island, the beaches aren’t that wonderful. They’re great for surfing because the waves are huge, but if you’re looking for that turquise blue and clear water, you have to go to the Gili islands. It’s a 1 hour ferry ride away and well worth the trip!