It’s a burning question that has been raised by a number of my first time clients who are thinking about visiting Bali.
The majority of tourists to Bali over the last lazy 40 years or so, have all been about Kuta, Kuta and Kuta.
But things change.
Tastes change.
And so has the town of Seminyak.
Think of the little brother syndrome and you have a perfect story of how little brother Seminyak side stepped and over took his bigger brother Kuta.
Not to put too fine a point on it but Seminyak took a look at Kuta, saw what was "wrong" with it and decided to do the opposite.
So what does this mean?
Quite simply – Seminyak decided to go upmarket.
Yes that’s right. ( And NO offence to Kuta here ) Seminyak saw the "style" of behaviour that Kuta seemed to attract and said "no thanks…we want to improve that image and offer discerning holiday makers and families a better alternative" and so they did.
Seminyak has established itself as the boutique area for Bali Villas, Hotels and Resorts, shopping, fashion and the best dining. Even the weather seems to be better here than other parts of the island!
The shopping and retail is special in Seminyak. Forget cheap touristy rip-off merchandise. The shopping here is based on quality designer name brands and upmarket fashion…but without the high westerner prices. Music to many of the shop-a-holic’s ears.
Seminyak has a recognized art culture, both of the traditional type and the modern avant-garde variety. You can purchase old school or new wave art here from some great pieces that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet. Think of your slightly bohemian lifestyle mixed in a tropical paradise and you have a quirky blend of Andy Warhol meets Balinese craftsman.
The restaurants are also of a very high calibre. Expect top cuisine in ambient surroundings and you will find it in Seminyak. The service is excellent right across the board and competition for the tourist business is hot. Therefore the standards are very high…meaning you win when you dine in one of these fine establishments.
For the dare devil holiday maker try the New Zealand run and managed AJ Hacket bungee jumping experience. Tie a big elastic band to your ankles, strap yourself in, cross your fingers and take the plunge off a 45 metre high platform over a pool of water at the beach.
Surfing is also a main stay with dedicated beach goers to Seminyak. The beaches are relatively safe and less crowded then down the coast a little further.
But I’ve saved the best little bit of Seminyak trivia to last.
This is the litmus test for the trendy and hippest locations around the world.
And Seminyak qualifies for this category in my book.
Why? Because Seminyak actually has it’s own lifestyle magazine.
Yes – you know you’ve arrived as a destination when you publish your own lifestyle magazine quarterly. Dubbed "The Yak" it covers all the socialite events, local people, restaurants, Bali Villas that Seminyak has to offer.
Now have I convinced you that Seminyak is a worthwhile place to visit?
If so, we have the Bali accommodation to suit you and your budget when you decide that Seminyak is THE place for you.
Happy travelling.