Welcome to the second guide in my Creative Escape to Bali series (read the Ubud guide here). The seriously fun town of Seminyak!
Generally the starting or ending point of your trip to Bali because of its proximity to the airport, the town is all about fun in the sun – delicious food, shopping and beach clubs. And whilst creativity might not be the first thing you think of when you think of Seminyak, when we discovered Katamama, a hotel that collaborates with Balinese artisans to produce every element from bricks to bed throws, we knew it would be a great stop off on our arrival. Read on for my guide to this deliciously decadent town.
Seminyak Travel Guide
Stay
We loved our stay at Katamama, a little tropical oasis with so much attention to (artisan) detail. Everything from the ceramic mugs, textiles, bathroom products to even the bricks the place is made of reflect Bali, its materials and traditions. Pretty special!
Eat & Drink
There are so many amazing places to eat and drink in Seminyak, so it’s always worth checking any new openings. These are the ones we tried and loved!
Eat delicious Indonesian food on the terrace at Kaum. It’s above Potato Head and is a great alternative for sunset if you want something more relaxed.
Or, do as everyone else does and have a cocktail at Potato Head.
Have a colourful Mexican meal at Motel Mexicola.
Have an amazing breakfast at Petitenget Cafe.
Have a romantic meal overlooking the rice fields at Sardine.
Grab a cocktail at La Favela.
Or try for a relaxed breakfast in the rice fields at Nook, try the acai bowls!
Hit the popular night time spot of Mama San for cocktails and pan-Asian food.
Get your fix at Revolver Coffee.
See & Do
Have a lovely afternoon being pampered at Bodyworks spa.
Shop for lovely outfits at Magali Pascal, Gooseberry Intimates, Bali Boat Shed, Auguste and Lulu Yasmine.
Stop over at Kim Soo Home and try not to buy every textile and decor item!
Spend sunset on the beach, we saw some incredible cloud formations glowing pink.
Have a workout class at Jiwa Bikram Yoga or do some reformer pilates at Bali Pilates Studio.
Good to know
I would personally always combine a few days in Seminyak with a trip to another part of Bali like Ubud, Uluwatu or North of the island so that you can experience everything Bali has to offer.
All the little details at Katamama.
Playing on the streets in the rain. Wearing Paddo to Palmy and the Nude Simple Sandals.
That perfect, perfect furniture at our hotel.
The view from Kaum onto Potato Head.
Chasing sunsets!
We became utterly addicted to Indonesian food in Bali… Usually I get sick of the same cuisine over and over but not in Bali!
Pops of pink at the local gelato store.
Nature at its best.
Photos by Nicola Lemmon.
All those colours are so stunning, what a beautiful place and what beautiful pictures!
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It really is an amazing place! 🙂
Potato Head must be now one of my favourite bar names ever, haha.
Hahahaha isn’t it the best?
In awe of these pictures, the colours look beautiful! Defs got to make it to Bali sometime soon.
mads xx
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That’s so great to hear! 🙂
Beautiful guide and photos! Love your blog <3
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Thanks Kay! That’s so kind of you. x
Bali is one of the top places on my travel bucket list!!! These pictures are so stunning and I love all of your gorgeous outfits!!
Thanks so much honey! So happy to hear that. x
Yes! I’m going in September for my cousins wedding! Looking forward to checking out some of these spots you recommended 🙂
That’s such great news. I hope you enjoy it!
Oh my, that sunset photo with the purple sky!!!! 😀 <3 So beautiful! You've made me want to go to Bali even more now! Thank you so much for this thorough guide! And the photos are a definite plus! Literally drooling over all of the delicious food!
XO, Elizabeth
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The food. The FOOD!! It was so amazing. In an effort to a)not get sick and b) experience local culture I generally always only eat local food and in Bali it’s just so so sooooo good.
I love the colours in this guide! And those watercolour breakfast plates…wow.
I know right? Our hotel had the most epic ceramics. Literally (or figuratively?) mouthwatering.
Geneva- I love your blog & enjoy following it each week, and have even noticed other popular blogs referencing your posts which is exciting! However, lately I notice that nearly EVERY post has typos, I think it would be worthwhile to proofread posts in advance, especially since you are also a go to guide for others on the dos & don’ts of blogging. Just an annoyance that might deter readers away- like you say, it’s in the details 😉 cheers
Hi love, thanks so much for your feedback, I always appreciate it! I completely agree it’s all in the details and will definitely be taking your advice. 🙂 x
Absolutely gorgeous!! Hoping to cross Bali off my bucketlist this year, Seminyak has just made it on the radar too! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
xoxo from American Samoa
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Yay! thats so great to hear x
So magic! I love the photos 🙂
May I ask you if you know if there are any bloggers or photographers around in Bali?
Because I am traveling on my own but still would love to get some nice photos for the blog too…
Or do you know where I can look out for that?
What would you say – Do you prefer Seminyak to Canggu?
Kisses
Michaela
Michaelablog
Bloglovin
Hi love! So happy you like this post. I think there are probably lots of photographers in Bali actually, both locals and expats. Have you looked at the bali/seminyak hashtag on instagram? 🙂 In terms of where to stay, Canggu is more hip and relaxed, where as Seminyak is a bit more busy and with more things to do. But there’re only about half an hour away from each other so you would do both. Next time I would probably try out staying in a villa in Canggu, I know Ben would like to spend some time surfing so that would suit. 🙂
Ah, Geneva! Thanks for your immediate reply! Ok I’m gonna try to check this out some days/weeks in advance 🙂
I have booked a tiny airbnb escape in Canggu 🙂 So I am super excited to explore Seminyak on a few day trips 🙂
That sounds absolutely heavenly. You must go to Betelnut Cafe, it was so so delicious. I am actually doing a Canggu guide too shortly, we did two day trips there so I saw a few different things. Next time I’ll try it out as a base 🙂
Oh I’m super excited! I have marked it on my map 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
Oh we are heading to Canggu for a big family gathering and booked a villa for the whole family. Literally reading everything you wrote about Bali to ensure we make the most of it. Amazing suggestions. Betelnut Cafe already saved on my list. 🙂
Thats so great to hear Laura! It’s such a lovely place, with so much amazing culture and food. You have to go! 🙂
I’m so happy to hear you like them! xx
Thanks honey!
I’m so glad I came acoss this, I fly out to Bali next Wednesday and I’m staying in Seminyak for a week. Thanks for the recommendations 🙂
That’s such great news, it’s such a great place to base yourself!
Love, love the photos and the experience you’ve shared! Such a beautiful place! http://www.creativesis.com
Incredible images! I’ve been to Bali a few times, as we help out a local family who lives just outside of Seminyak. You’ve really captured the picturesque side of the country, and this seemingly popular town X
Great post! I love how the hotel supports local artists, I wish more places did that.
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Love your travel inspiration and advice Geneva! I will be going to Bali later this year. Do you have any recommendation of clothing shops to check out? I would like to support more local/ ethical/ sustainable brands. Thanks!!
Hi! could you please tell me what camera you use to take these beautiful photos!?!?!?!? <3