Seminyak is a small coastal town in Southern Bali, one of the top destinations for party-goers in Asia. It is located between the villages of Kuta/Legian on one side and Canggu/Kerobokan on the other side. It is a 45-minute taxi ride from the airport.
The nightlife in Seminyak is upmarket compared to Kuta. One of the reasons is the high density of luxury accommodation, including resorts and villas. It is also where most expats in Bali live.
My selection of the best places to stay in Seminyak is available here: Best Bali Hotels Near the Nightlife. If you are on a budget, you have great hotel deals on Sunset Road just 10 minutes away from Seminyak but you'll need to get around with a scooter or a taxi. If you use a motorbike, make sure you have a travel insurance. Read my guide: Why You MUST have a Travel Insurance in Indonesia.
In Seminyak, I usually start my nights out by watching the sun set on the ocean from a beach club. The most stylish and happening venues for that are Potato Head, Double-Six Rooftop, Ku De Ta and Woo Bar. A cocktail there will cost you about US$12 and a meal at least 20US$. They normally have a DJ who plays chill-out tunes. The crowd is international and mixed, including kids.
To spend less money, you can go instead on Double 6 beach and visit one of the laid-back beach cafés. La Plancha is the best one.
To spend less money, you can go instead on Double 6 beach and visit one of the laid-back beach cafés. La Plancha is the best one.
Once the sunset is over, you can head to Jalan Oberoi. There are dozens of bars/restaurants, from expensive to cheap. You can just walk around and choose the one you like. For eating, the most popular is Ultimo (Italian food). The busiest bars on Jalan Oberoi are La Favela (also a club, great bohemian décor), Red Carpet Champagne Lounge (fun and chic with an older crowd), Rumours (busy with expats), Zappaz (crowd of regular, live music) and Mexicola (young crowd, Mexican theme).
An alternative to Jalan Oberoi for early-night drinks and food is Jalan Dyana Pura (also known as Jalan Camplung Tanduk). You can try the salsa bar Bahiana and the gay nightlife area around the Bali Joe pub.
Clubbing in Seminyak starts after 1am. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are normally quiet. On those days, it is better to party in Kuta.
Each nightclub has its own crowd and music (read my ranking 12 Best Nightclubs in Bali for more details):
- La Favela gets a trendy and young international crowd that enjoys Top 40 hits and retro songs.
- Jenja has mostly male expats and Indonesian girls (prostitutes or not). DJs play techno and electro in the basement room and hip hop in the upper room.
- Mirror is full of rich Indonesian Chinese from Jakarta. They have mostly Electronic Dance Music.
Occasionally, Potato Head, Woo Bar and Cocoon have interesting special events. You can pick up the free magazine The Beat for a detailed schedule.
Photo source: timotiusutji.
An alternative to Jalan Oberoi for early-night drinks and food is Jalan Dyana Pura (also known as Jalan Camplung Tanduk). You can try the salsa bar Bahiana and the gay nightlife area around the Bali Joe pub.
Clubbing in Seminyak starts after 1am. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are normally quiet. On those days, it is better to party in Kuta.
Each nightclub has its own crowd and music (read my ranking 12 Best Nightclubs in Bali for more details):
- La Favela gets a trendy and young international crowd that enjoys Top 40 hits and retro songs.
- Jenja has mostly male expats and Indonesian girls (prostitutes or not). DJs play techno and electro in the basement room and hip hop in the upper room.
- Mirror is full of rich Indonesian Chinese from Jakarta. They have mostly Electronic Dance Music.
Occasionally, Potato Head, Woo Bar and Cocoon have interesting special events. You can pick up the free magazine The Beat for a detailed schedule.
Photo source: timotiusutji.