“Shopping is my cardio”, says Carrie Bradshaw to her girlfriends, while sitting in café in the central Manhattan. And I cannot but agree. Especially when living in such a place like Seminyak – home to some of the best shopping in Central Asia. Indeed, where else you could find such a large cluster of boutiques per square meter? Following the advice of the fanciest of journalists, I’ve created my own list of fave walking-shopping routes in Seminyak, with my top picks of shops and must-go locales.
1. From Café Moka Seminyak to Petitenget Beach
The route runs through main streets of Seminyak, and it’s the easiest and the most common path for Seminyak first-time visitors. From affordable souvenirs in street stalls to high-end boutiques selling anything from sunglasses to hand-made furniture pieces, even the most discerning shopper will be satisfied.
Route Length: 2.6 km
Approximate duration: 35 minutes (one way)
Highlights: Moka Café for fresh bakery and good coffee, Kayu Aya street – a haven of designer stores and world-famous brand boutiques.
Pro tip: Avoid mid-day hours as it might be sweltering; shops usually open at 10 am.
2. From Double Six Beach to Kuta Square
Easy walk and numerous shops collected under the same roof, this route is excellent as you might walk till the heart of Kuta on foot and catch a taxi on the way back, after successful shopping. You could also choose whether to walk along the beach or stroll through the busy streets of Seminyak and Legian.
Route Length: 4.7 km
Approximate duration: 1 hour (one way)
Highlights: numerous street-stalls; great shopping centres and multi-brand stores.
Pro tip: Bargain!
3. From Ku De Ta to Jl. Batu Belig (Beach) and Back along the Beach
The route might be enticing for those wanting to combine business with pleasure, as you might opt either for a beachside path or street walk depending on your goals, mood, and preferences. Try Seminyak’s best coffee at Revolver Espresso and pit-stop for delicious dinner in one of the sophisticated beachfront restaurants to marvel the stunning views of setting sun over the ocean.
Route Length: 5.5 km
Approximate duration: 1.5 hours
Highlights: Numerous shops and restaurants along the way; beautiful ocean vistas on Batu Belig beach.
Pro tip: The best time for a walk – afternoon; if you decide to stroll along the beach, opt for sunset time (from 5.30 till 6.30 pm) as the views of setting sun on Batu Belig beach are out-of-this-world.
These are my personal picks of the walking-shopping routes in Seminyak. Embracing numerous malls and designer stores, you could actually spend the whole day passing from one boutique to another, and taking pauses from retail therapy in one of the chic locales dotting the area. Pick up your favourite path close to hotel or villa, and enjoy retail therapy in the fanciest of Bali locations!
