Firstly you are thinking of going to Bali or even better, you’ve already booked! Below are the two main parts that people will look to visit during their time in Bali. Depending on time restraints you may only have time for 1 or have decide where to spend the most time. So I’ve gone and done you a favour by comparing the two to rate in my opinion which is better and why.
Having visited both myself they have very different vibes and can depend on the type of holiday you are looking to have, if you are looking to be in the heart of the action and enjoy western comforts and nightlife.
| Seminyak | Ubud | |
| Size | 3.656 km² | 6.610 km² |
| Population | Unknown | 74,000 |
| Highlight | Beaches / Sunset | The Culture |
| Location (times based on using taxis – Grab is a good option) | West coast of Bali and is about 35 mins from the airport | About an hour from the airport in the Gianyar Regency |
Seminyak
Located on the southwestern coast of Bali. Seminyak is known for its stunning beaches and upscale resorts and nightlife.
Firstly when you look at accommodation there is a wide selection from very cheap to luxury resorts and everything in between. If you are looking to really enjoy the beach fronts I would say spend the extra on the accommodation as it really is worth it.
Some of the beaches that are popular, Seminyak beach as well as Petitenget beach. You have the option to relax on the beaches along with water sports and a must is seeing the stunning sunset views that are truly breathtaking.
There is plenty to do in the shopping district for those that like to shop until they drop. The main streets for shopping are Jalan Kayu Aya, also known as Eat street and Jalan Laksmana. Both are lined with designer stores, trendy boutiques and souvenirs.
You can also enjoy the many cuisines on offer in Seminyak with a wide range of offerings, local warungs serving Indonesian cuisine to high-end international restaurants.
Beach clubs are very famous including Potato Head and Ku De Ta where you can eat, drink during the day and then at night they really come alive as people flock to drink and see the sunset and then head into the centre to continue clubbing at the many clubs.
The best bits
- The beaches
- Western comforts
- Nightlife and buzz
- Sunsets
The worst bits
- Can be busy with Tourists
- Expensive in places
Ubud
Ubud has plenty of natural beauty along with rich Balinese heritage and certainly a slower pace of life here. You will need to have a driver as most things in and around Ubud are driving distance only. You can visit ancient temples such as the Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) and the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave). Ubud is also known for its artistic community with artists coming from all around the world and hosts many galleries, studios and workshops.
Wellness is a huge driver for people visiting this part of Bali with many Yoga / wellness retreats. You can also join classes in healing practices, meditation sessions and even detox programs if you so wish. Like Seminyak, Ubud has great cuisine from local to international and there are a lot of twists and fusions of different dishes. Vegetarian, organic and healthy sustainable foods are on a lot of menus.
One of the biggest tourist drivers is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This protected site is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques(old world monkeys). This gives visitors the chance to observe these playful creatures in the natural surroundings of their home. The sanctuary also has many temples, providing a unique cultural and wildlife experience.
The best bits
- The Balinese culture
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Health and wellness
The worst bits
- Can be hard to get around
- Can be overcrowded at some tourist hot-spots
Conclusion
They both have their pros and cons. In Seminyak you have the amazing sunsets on the beach and the nightlife along with western creature comforts. Ubud is very much a slower pace and a lot closer to Balinese culture with vast amounts of natural beauty.
So in my opinion Ubud is better as I felt like I was experiencing the true local culture of Bali and maybe it’s an age thing but it was nice to have a slower pace and just having a few home beers at night rather than out til 2am in Seminyak.
If you do like to party and enjoy the sun then Seminyak is certainly the one for you!
Seminyak is best for
Beach sunsets – I cannot overstate this enough, best I’ve seen from around the globe.
My rating 4 / 5
Ubud is best for
Experiencing the Balinese culture and natural sights
My rating 4.3 / 5
If you are looking for areas to stay in Bali then check this post out. It covers a few different options and what you can expect there. One good thing about Bali is that hiring a car and driver is very reasonable so you can even look to stay in different places or visit different places in a day if you so wish.