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Seminyak is like Bali’s version of Bondi with so many cafes and so many tourists so if you want to live like a local, eat late and take your time. Here are some of the top options to make your Indo excursion a breeze.
Best Coffee
Revolver Espresso is tucked neatly down a laneway just off Jalan Kayu Aya on Gang 51 where you can easily park your scooter or get an uber to drop you off. The walls are adorned with rock memorabilia and you’ll feel more like you’re in Melbourne than Indonesia as you sip a ristretto and tuck into toast with vegemite. If you want somewhere that’s a bit more open take a stroll to the Cornerhouse on Jalan Laksmana where you can eat your way through the extensive Aussie-Indo menu and stay all day if you like.
Best lunch
Shelter Café on Jalan Drupadi is a welcome and healthy relief from the busy-ness of the main drag. Bring your laptop and enjoy free wi-fi while you drink in the chilled vibes and fresh juices. Like most places in Bali the indoor-outdoor set up allows you to enjoy the rooftop view (it actually faces a school but you can see the sky…) and welcome the afternoon breeze until the sun goes down. Try the Mr Poke salad – it’s to die for.
Best day bed
If you’re coming from Australia the grey sand and wild waves don’t tend to offer the wow factor that you’re used to so hiring a cabana and settling in to a day club is what Seminyak does best – and Mr Potato Head on Jalan Petitenget is where it’s at. For 5million Rupiah (AUD $50) you’ll get towels, the use of the pool, free soft drinks and all-day ordering. It’s a first come first served deal so get there when it opens at 11am to score a beachfront view.
Best dinner
Mamasan on Jalan Raya Kerobokan offers fabulous Indo share dishes and never fails to please the cool-but-casual crowd. On the main drag – Jalan Kayu Aya – a mix of locals and tourists can be found at Batik which has one of the best wine lists in Seminyak and long tables for large groups. It’s fairly noisy but the people watching is fabulous and if you are looking for a cosy table for two you’ll find that here as well.
Best sunset drinks
When you’ve had enough sun and are ready for your first beer, La Plancha is a great place to transition from day to night. Beach attire is permitted (a sarong won’t go amiss) and the music starts at around 4.30pm. The trickiest thing can be finding a space among the ornate umbrellas and bean bags but that’s all part of the fun in Seminyak. Order a Bintang and pick up a bowl of free peanuts as you watch the sunset and the masses of people enjoying an early evening of Bali bliss.
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