A Weekend in Seminyak, Bali, is possible these days with so many affordable flights from Australia and Asia. And that’s just enough time to gaze at a few sunsets, savour some good food, do a little shopping, and soak up some sunshine.
Weekend in Seminyak, Bali – Two Days of Sunshine, Sipping and Shopping
Friday Sundowners
There are few more quintessential ways to start a weekend in Seminyak than with a walk along the beach followed by sundowners on the sand. Seminyak’s beach offers some of Bali’s best sunset watching spots. Begin with an icy beer slowly sipped from a bean bag at La Plancha, above.
Friday Night
Kick off what’s inevitably going to turn into a food-filled weekend in Seminyak with a fantastic pan-Asian meal at Chef Will Meyrick’s buzzy Mama San, followed by a cocktail upstairs in the sophisticated bar. If you’re up for another drink, head to music themed dive bar, Hank’s Pizza and Liquor (see previous link).
Saturday Breakfast
Start your Saturday with a breakfast burrito or eggs Benedict at Aussie-owned café Sisterfields, near Seminyak Square, which does some of the best coffee in Bali.
Saturday Morning
Surf some of Bali’s mythical waves, learn to surf if you don’t know how, or spend the morning soaking up some sun at one of Bali’s iconic beach clubs, such as Potato Head.
Saturday Lunch
Retreat from the heat during the hottest part of the day and head to Lantern for a casual lunch of light Asian food. Their fresh Vietnamese spring rolls are fantastic.
Saturday Afternoon
It wouldn’t be a weekend in Seminyak without some retail therapy. Although Ubud provides stiff competition, Seminyak is arguably home to Bali’s best shopping. My Seminyak favourites include Souq for an abundance of beautiful home décor, gifts, clothes, jewellery, and accessories; Uma and Leopold for everything from chic resort wear to hippy holiday gear, little crocheted dresses and woven sandals to flowing kaftans and maxi skirts; Bali Boat Shed for tropical-style frocks, flouncy blouses, and playsuits; and Drifter for a bit of everything, from swimwear and surfboards to books and jewellery.
Saturday Sundowners
Oh, we didn’t tell you that a weekend in Seminyak involves sipping sundowners by the sea each day? We know you’re not complaining, so slip into your new threads and head to stylish Woo Bar by the beach at The W.
Saturday Night
Start the evening with dinner at dimly lit Tiger Palm, which has a vintage topical style and some of the best Malaysian food we’ve sampled outside Penang. If you’re up for a party, mosey around to Motel Mexicola (see previous link) for tequila and table dancing.
Sunday Breakfast
If you’re famished after a night on the dance floor, order a double espresso (the coffee is good here too) and do as the local expats do and get the Big Breakfast at Corner House.
Sunday Morning
You can’t spend the entire weekend in Seminyak – well, you could, but how about you visit the neighbours and head over to Canggu instead? Drop into the Samardi Organic Market (only on Sundays) in Padang Linjong before sampling the best waves, cafes or spas, recommended by Canggu resident Chef Geoff Lindsay in his local guide.
Sunday Lunch
Take your pick from Indonesian street food at Bu Me, fish tacos and margaritas at Laca Lita, or health food at Shady Shack (see previous link).
Sunday Afternoon
After lunch, drive up to Tanah Lot to take in this enchanting water temple before it gets busy with the sunset goers.
Sunday Sundowners
Sneak back to Canggu for one or Bali’s best negronis and a nibble on Indonesian charcuterie and cheeses at Lindsay’s Salumeria Tanah Barak a Spuntini and Campari Bar. Just make sure you are on the road before the Tanah Lot traffic gridlock.
Sunday Night
Save the best for the last night of your weekend in Seminyak – a 9-dish tasting menu of contemporary Indonesian cuisine at Chef Kieran Morland’s sublime Sangsaka. Book your table here when you book your flight.
This post is part of a series from Indonesia, from Bali, Yogyakarta and Borobudur, produced on a trip supported by Tourism Indonesia and Skyscanner, which provided flights, some accommodation and some transport. Reflections, opinions and recommendations are obviously our own.
