Things to do in Bali Seminyak in 36 hours: a shop + eat guide

Seminyak is one of the most popular towns in Bali. While some might argue that it’s too touristy, its great amenities and proximity to the airport make it an ideal place to stay. Because of the influx of tourists, Seminyak isn’t as cheap but it also has a great variety, and I do like a good mix of western and local influence. While it might not be an ideal place to discover Bali’s culture or to escape from it all, it’s a great place to eat, shop, spa, and party.

In 36 hours, of course.

• Check out my full Bali guide.

Seminyak Shopping

While it would be better to shop in Ubud or Tegalalang markets, it isn’t that much more expensive to buy things in Seminyak. For more information, you can read it on my price guide (coming soon)! But we are going to talk about where to shop in Seminyak. The truth is there are a million shops around the entire town, but below is where I found the best (budget) shop clusters:

Double Six Street

We basically went everywhere before we stroll down the Double Six Street, only to find that it is actually is the best place to shop in Seminyak!

There is a great range of products here: clothes, accessories, leather products, crochet products etc. We also saw a few sarong shops with great choices, you just need to haggle firmly.

Bonus: this street leads straight towards the beach

Jalan Raya Basangkasa

The main street in Seminyak that cuts parallel to the sea, so naturally, you’ll find a lot of shops along here. One of the hidden gems I found is a little clothing store on one of the side street – although it’s not very cheap but it makes up for it with variety (location on the map). The Double Six Street is connected to Raya Basangkasa, as do a lot of side streets that head off towards the sea.

Seminyak Village

Seminyak Village is THE shopping center in Seminyak that combines modern design with a local touch. This mall features a diverse mix of local and international brands, ranging from fashion boutiques to artisanal shops.

To my surprise, there are more boutique local brands than before, and prices are clearly marked. There are also cafes and restaurants, plus Sisterfield is just across the road! It’s right next to Seminyak Square.

Address: Jalan Kayu Jati No. 1, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Opening times: 10:00 – 22:00

Seminyak markets

Around Seminyak Square

The real town center of Seminyak is around its market, and there are a lot of cute boutique shops here. The prices will reflect that, but you should consider this more of a high street rather than a flea market.

Flea Market Oberoi

There is also a flea market in Seminyak, though again, not as cheap as one would like. The Flea Market Oberoi is a small cluster of shops with netted cloth ceiling, and it’s a neat collection of stores selling the most popular products and souvenir in Bali. Of course, the influx of tourists to this spot will mean that they aren’t as cheap as the markets in other places, but with some haggling, you’ll do fine.

Address: Kayu Aya Square Oberoi, Jalan Kayu Aya, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Opening times: 9:00 – 21:00

Best restaurants in Seminyak

Motel Mexicola

After a chat with Lola from Miss Filatelista in Ubud, we tracked down Motel Mexicola for some taco time. Because honestly, who doesn’t like tacos? While we had taxied past it the night before, nothing prepared us for the glamour and colours that is Hotel Mexicola. We were one of the first people to arrive for lunch and couldn’t help but roam around for some photos:

The main order of business, of course, was to eat some tacos. And they were amazing. We ordered some guacamole too, naturally. Everything was delicious and I have no complaints. I wish I can go back for a second meal but I was stuffed.

Address: Jalan Kayu Jati No. 9X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Opening times: 11:00 – 01:00

Potato Head Beach Club

I’m going to be honest here and say that people don’t go to Potato Head for the food. But the vibe makes up for it ten times over. One of the coolest beachside restaurant and club I have been too, everything is perfect from the beachside pool to the atmospheric lighting. Although that did mean that I had to turn on my flashlight to read the menu.

Between the dining area and the pool, there are sofas and hammocks for people who are there for a drink. The red leaves hanging across the open plan area added to its surreal, holiday vibe.

The food at Potato Head was bar food type, and the portion is on the small size. We ordered the pizza which turned out to be amazing, as well as the starters. The mains, however, was less spectacular, with the pork belly skin being too tough and the burger fries too thick.

*while there were free tables when we got there, it’s probably best if you book ahead

Address: Seminyak, Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Opening times: 10:00 – 02:00

Buzo

Buzo is a vibrant Japanese-Italian restaurant that brings a unique fusion dining experience to Bali. Their menu features everything from sushi and handcrafted pasta to wood-fired pizza. We tried one of their fusion pasta, but it wasn’t really my cup of tea.

But I enjoyed their cocktails and skewers a lot, and their decor is super dreamy.

Address: Jl. Raya Seminyak No. 21, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia

Opening Times: Daily from 12:00 PM – Late (Lunch: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Dinner: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM)

If you want more options or is looking for cute cafes, here are some top cafes for digital nomads!

Seminyak Beaches

While the beach is continuous, they do have different section and names. So let’s start from the south.

Double Six Beach

Given what I’ve heard about the urbanization of the area, the Double Six Beach is much prettier than I anticipated.

While we had visited on a gloomy day, the reflection on the shallow pools on the beach and the dramatic clouds made it a different kind of beautiful. There are plenty of beachfront restaurants and sun loungers for rent, so it is a great beach day recipe.

Many people learn to surf here as well, and it’s pretty much the only stretch that has surfers in Seminyak. Notable beach clubs are La Plancha and Double Six Beach Club, but you’ll also find sun loungers up for rents up and down the beach.

Seminyak Beach

Seminyak Beach is more in the center of Seminyak and a popular spot for strolls and kite flyers.

You can also find iconic beach clubs like KU DE TA, which would need advance reservation! We spent a really lovely sunset here, renting 2 sun loungers for 150k rupiah.

Petitenget Beach

Petitenget Beach is a more tranquil and scenic spot, known for its picturesque views and serene atmosphere. The beach is characterized by its black sand and unique rock formations, making it a stunning backdrop for sunset views. Notable beach club is the super popular Potato Head Beach Club, and also where Alila and W Seminyak are located on. There is also the Petitenget Temple, which adds a cultural touch to your beach day.

Where to stay in Seminyak

voco Bali Seminyak

voco Seminyak Bali is ideally situated in Seminyak right on Sunset Road, and it’s a 20-minute walk from the beach and most other locations. It’s the first voco Hotel in Bali with comfortable, modern, and spacious room, as well as this beautiful pool.

Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak

There is no shortage of hotels in Seminyak, and it’s definitely one of those places where you don’t even know where to choose. We end up staying at GrandMas Plus Seminyak Hotel – and I really like it!

Not only are the staff friendly and warm, we were immediately greeted with welcome drinks on check-in.

We were happy to find that for once there is a lift (some would call it an elevator) to bring us up to our floor. I love the previous hotels we stayed at but lugging my luggage up and down was a torture.

The rooms are on the small side and remind me of a serviced apartment. But everything you need is present, and the bed is super comfortable!

The fact that the light switch is right next to the bed is a bonus – the little things really matter!

They also have a swimming pool, albeit a very small one, at the back of the restaurant.

Breakfast is also a highlight – with a western and Indonesian option. Apparently, they have 3 2-set menus – so if you stay for 6 days you can have a different breakfast each day! It also comes with juice and fresh fruits. Definitely the best breakfast quality in our entire trip.

Pros: centrally located, comfortable bed and pillow, friendly and helpful staff

Cons: room is on the small size and it can be cleaner.

Best spa in Seminyak

Bodyworks Spa

Bodyworks spa is famous for its Moroccan-inspired design with a stunning courtyard with twinkling turquoise water in the reflective pool that immediately puts you at ease. 

They are a family-owned spa that is super popular and it’s recommended to book at least a few days, if not a week, in advance. We booked late and only tried their hair treatment, which was different to the ones I’m used to in other countries as we didn’t stay at the washing station but sit in front of the vanity most of the time.

Note: you are allowed to arrive up to 30 minutes before your appointment to enjoy the scenery, but professional photography is not allowed.

Address: Jl. Lebak Sari No. 3, Petitenget, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening Times: Daily from 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Now I don’t know if it is the best spa, but De Nyuh Spa & Beauty Salon is on top of GrandMas hotel, ranked highly on Tripadvisor, and is a very affordable spa. The corridor from the entrance to the spa area is a mini-highlight itself.

A 60 minutes Balinese massage costs 180,000 rupiahs.