As one of the most popular islands in Indonesia, Bali is rich with culture, provides travellers with a relaxed/no-fuss getaway, and showcases stunning surrounds.
Travel Beyond’s Entertainment Team Leader, Bridget gives us the five things that she likes about Bali, her guide to Seminyak, and her tips and tricks for all those first-timers to Bali.
Country: Indonesia
Closest International Airport: Denpasar Airport
Major Airlines (from Sydney, Australia): Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Jetstar Australia, TigerAir, Garuda Airlines, and Air Asia X.
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hours, 45 minutes
Traveller Type: The Rejuvenator, the No-Hassle Traveller, the Cultural Explorer, the Party Practitioner, the ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Traveller
Best Time of Year to Visit: June to September
Minimum/Maximum Temperature: Between 22 – 31 degrees
Ideal length of Stay: Five days to feel refreshed and ready to tackle the work week
Budget: $2000 – $7000 (AUD)
1. Accommodation at W Retreat & Spa Bali
Situated in Bali’s most vibrant neighbourhood, W Retreat & Spa consists of 229 retreats, suites and villas offering breath-taking ocean and garden views. This quirky establishment offers a range of amenities for guests including spa and gym access, boutique shopping facilities, world class restaurants and cocktail bars and lounges. Even if you aren’t staying here, both pool side and resort bars allow public access and superb views of the beach. W Hotel did not disappoint our consultant and is perfect for travellers wanting to immerse themselves in the new vibrant and trendy area of Bali.
Address: JI. Petitenget, Denpasar, Bali – Indonesia
Photo: W Retreat and Spa
Photo: W Retreat and Spa
Photo: W Retreat and Spa
2. Drinking Cocktails at Rock Bar & Old Man’s
Located on natural rocks 14 metres above the Indian Ocean lies Rock Bar: a luxurious open top establishment. With a DJ booth on the cliff-face, Rock Bar is ideal for those wanting to drink delicious cocktails, enjoy high quality food, and take in the stunning water views.
Drinks are a little on the pricey side (roughly the same if you were to go out in Sydney CBD), but Bridget highly recommends Rock Bar as it is well worth the night out. You can now enjoy the new Rock Bar Seafood Dinner consisting of Mediterranean cuisines to eat beneath the stars with an artisan crafted cocktail in hand.
Address: Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali – Indonesia
Photo: Rock Bar/@Trudy_Ana
Photo: Rock Bar/@cahyampramarta
Drive a short 40 minutes out of Seminyak and you’ll be greated by Old Man’s: a rustic 70s beach inspired establishment which Bridget highly recommends as the best night you’ll have out in Bali. Providing a relaxed and fun atmosphere, Old Man’s is situated on the Batu Bolong beach front and is guaranteed to impress even the most seasoned traveller.
With an array of live music throughout the week and constant local food and drinks, Old Man’s is ideal for those wanting to kick their shoes off and dance the night away.
Address: Jalan Batu Bolong, Badung, Bali – Indonesia 80361
Photo: Old Man’s
Photo: Old Man’s
3. Coffee and a Breakfast Burrito at Grain
With their quirky designs and unique architecture, Bridget loved the interiors of the restaurants and cafes around Seminyak. One of her favourites for breakfast, lunch and a coffee or two was at Grain.
As the “new face of coffee and food in downtown Seminyak”, Grain has an all day breakfast and lunch menu currently serving in their airy upstairs terrace and alfresco dining areas. Priding themselves in sourcing the most fresh produce from local markets and farms, the vast menu did not disappoint our consultant.
Grain also features their own original coffee blend from their “Seed to Cup” initiative involving a monthly rotation of Indonesian single origin coffee. Grain’s industrial styled interior features, along with the friendly service and outstanding food make it a refreshing alternative for your next meal in Seminyak.
Address: Jalan Seminyak 16B Seminyak, Badung Bali – Indonesia 80361
Photo: Grain
Photo: Grain
Photo: Grain
4. Markets and Boutique Shopping Stalls
Markets are the go-to hot spot for shopping in Bali, and are known for providing cheap prices at every stall. With bright colours, flavours, and sounds around every corner, any markets will be sure to impress with a bargain or two.
Those wanting to splash a bit of cash, head into Seminyak where there are an abundance of boutique and designer stores where you are bound to find something to fit into your suitcase before you make the trip home.
Photo: Samantha Chalker/Lonely Planet
5. Unwinding with a Spa Treatment
The top of Bridget’s to-do list in Bali was to book into a spa and massage to end a relaxing getaway in Seminyak. W Hotel has an amazing array of spa amenities for guests to use throughout their stay.
However, if you’r wanting to do a bit of exploring, why not spend a day in Ubud to experience the abundance of rice terraces and stunning country sides – you may even spot a monkey or two!
Photo: Lonely Planet
Wanting to explore Bali like Bridget? Leave her a comment below or contact us to book your own Balinese getaway with Travel Beyond…
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