Transportation in Seminyak
Renting a motorbike is a great way to get around
Seminyak is often considered to be a northern extension of the Kuta area but it has its own individual atmosphere. It is the most cosmopolitan and sophisticated beach resort in Bali and is home to the island’s largest expat community. The main town centre is relatively compact and can easily be explored on foot, however a vast number of the larger hotels and villa resorts are spread out over a wide area.
Public transport is very limited with no scheduled mini bus (bemo) services in the resort. There are numerous tour agents who can organise a car and driver for the day. Expect to pay around rp400,000. One of the most reputable companies in town is Usana (Jalan Kunti no5, Tel: +62 (0)361 733901).
Metered taxis can be hailed everywhere in the resort and are the most popular and convenient way of getting around. Strolling around town, you will notice a clear difference in the hassle factor compared to Kuta or Legian.
The presence of street hawkers is much less noticeable and spending a day browsing its art galleries and boutiques is usually a stress-free experience. Seminyak is not completely bereft of transport touts but, in keeping with the more salubrious surroundings, they are generally polite and less persistent.
The town centre runs along the main high street of Jalan Raya Seminyak which is an extension of Jalan Legian. Several winding roads lead off it towards Seminyak beach which is where you will find many stylish bars and restaurants and some of the smaller boutique hotels. Seminyak also encompasses the outlying villages of Basangkasa, Kerobokan and Umalas, which are delightful rural areas, boasting rice field views yet just a short hop to the beach. This is where you will find some of the most upmarket hotels and villas in the area along with a host of celebrated fine dining restaurants.
Things become rather spread out here and although some hotels lay on free transport into town, hiring a car will be much more convenient. Seminyak is a good base for travel around Bali and there is easy access direct to Denpasar via the Sunset Road bypass on the edge of town.
