Think of Seminyak as the more mature version of neighbouring Kuta. Instead of party-loving crowds and all-night ragers, Seminyak has become an escape for Bali's expat community and their creative pursuits. Art galleries, boutique hotels, stylish beach clubs and open-air restaurants are just the start of what makes Seminyak among the cooler Bali towns.
One of Seminyak's greatest draws is its beaches, whose golden sands see far less crowds than its neighbors. From dawn to dusk, you can watch surfers tackling the waves, horseback riders tracing the waterline and traditional ceremonies where attendees dedicate offerings to the gods. From Seminyak's sands, you'll hardly ever be out of sight of a stylish beach club or two. Ku De Ta and Potato Head are particularly legendary, with bars, restaurants and pools that face the sunset.
For a glimpse of Balinese culture, pay a visit to the Petitenget Temple – a centuries-old Hindu structure near Petitenget Beach featuring a large courtyard lined with shrines. Shopping in Seminyak is another local pastime. On Jalan Laksmana, the village's main shopping strip, you'll find independent boutiques selling everything from high-end clothing to artisanal jewellery to furniture.