The island's beaches vary from serene stretches of soft white sand with gentle waves to more rugged shores favored by surfers.

Each of Bali's eight regencies offers distinct charms, ensuring a diverse experience for travelers.​ But which one suits is best, you may ask? Well, it really depends on what you expect to do while on the island.

Bali’s magic lies not just in its natural beauty or luxurious resorts but in the unique local experiences that make each region distinct. While the beaches, temples, and restaurants may be the first things travelers think of, there are many other authentic encounters waiting to be discovered in these three distinct areas.

Overview of Seminyak, Keramas and Canggu

Each of these very different areas offer something compelling, making it worth experiencing them all in one trip if you can, or just choose one or two to suit your desires.

* Seminyak is the best area to indulge in the very best of luxury accomodation, fine dining, and high-end shopping, while still being able to experience Balinese culture in stylish settings. The refined atmosphere, coupled with its world-class beach clubs, makes it a prime spot for those who want a mix of relaxation and entertainment.

* Keramas is a black sand beach haven for those seeking adventure and authenticity. Whether it’s surfing under the stars, experiencing traditional salt farming, or discovering the underwater world at nearby Blue Lagoon Beach, this area feels like a glimpse into Bali before mass tourism took root. It’s the perfect spot for travelers looking for something off-the-beaten-path.

* Canggu is where Bali’s modern creative energy meets its spiritual heart. It’s a place where you can start the day with a smoothie bowl at a trendy café, ride through rice paddies on horseback, and then end the night around a beach bonfire. Its bohemian-meets-traditional vibe makes it one of the most dynamic places to stay.

Seminyak: The Epitome of Elegance



Located along Bali's southwestern coast, Seminyak exudes sophistication and tranquility. Unlike the bustling energy of nearby Kuta, Seminyak offers a more refined ambiance, with its pristine beaches serving as peaceful havens during daylight hours.​

The culinary scene here is nothing short of spectacular. Streets like Jalan Kayu Aya, fondly known as "Eat Street," are lined with world-class restaurants and chic cafes. From traditional Balinese dishes to international gourmet delights, the options are nearly endless.

As the sun sets, Seminyak's nightlife comes alive. Beach clubs such as Potato Head and Ku De Ta are renowned for their vibrant atmospheres, offering the perfect blend of music, cocktails, and ocean views.​



Shopping enthusiasts will find much joy in the myriad of boutiques and art galleries in Seminyak, offering everything from high-end fashion to handcrafted souvenirs.​

Seminyak stretches from Double Six Street in the south and morphs into the villages of Kerobokan and Umalas, north of Pura Petitenget temple.

Most of the smaller shops line Seminyak's main road called Basangkasa Street, while a collection of trendy boutiques can be found along Laksmana Street and on several corners of Petitenget Street.

The Oberoi Experience: Gold-Standard for a Luxury Beachside Holiday



Well hidden from all the shopping hustle and bustle, elevated slightly from the nearby beachside, The Oberoi Beach Resort in Bali sprinkled around 15 acres of lush, landscaped gardens.

This very well established gold-standard beachfront sanctuary seamlessly blends traditional Balinese architecture with modern luxury in the heart of Seminyak. Good to know is that it was built initially to host guests including Mick Jagger, Salvador Dali and Princess Grace.

The long list of famous names staying here also includes David Bowie, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gianni Versace, Art Garfunkel and Henry Kissinger.

The resort is built on the site of several 'kampongs' and each 'kampong' temple has been carefully retained by The Oberoi here in Bali.

Descendents of these 'kampong' residents are invited into the resort on all auspicious days to pray at their particular temple, so that they can maintain contacts with their ancestral heritage.

Given these facts, The Oberoi in Bali is considered locally as an authentic part of the rich fabric of the island.


In the early 1970's when the resort was built, it was completely surrounded by rice paddies. These days it is enveloped by a network of vibrant streets filled with boutiques, bars and restaurants that now define the Seminyak area.

Designed by the renown Australian architect Peter Muller, following a lavish model with open walled bales and buildings with pitched Alang-alang roofs set within manicured tropical gardens.

This Oberoi style has since become known as ‘tropical modernism’ and is replicated worldwide.



Accommodations here range from spacious Luxury Lanai Rooms to Private Pool Villas, with each space elegantly and thoughtfully fitted with teak furnishings, handpicked local art, and expansive windows that invite natural light.​

Since you only live once, this is the resort to confidently 'push the boat out' to experience the magic of Bali in a Luxury Villa with Private Pool.

That said, in case you choose to stay here in a Luxury Lanai Room Garden View Room, you won’t be disappointed either, one reason is that the resort’s pool is open 24/7.



With traditional thatched roof and air conditioning, for comfort these spacious rooms with sizeable interiors - between 49 & 54 square metres - feature handpicked local artwork, cushioned cane furniture and a king size or twin beds.

Glass paneled doors frame picture perfect views of the lovely gardens. Open these floor to ceiling door and step out onto your large private terrace; the perfect space to relax or dine al fresco.

If you do opt for a Luxury Ocean View Villa with Private Pool, congrats, you’ll remember your stay for the rest of your life. Great care has been taken in these villas to maximise natural light and natural materials to create an authentic, relaxing ambience.



This accommodation is truly perfect for those who wish to totally switch off and take a luxury break - and it has won many awards to prove the fact.

The spacious 80 square metres interior include a canopied king size bed and an ensuite bathroom with private garden views. Outside, a large terrace, a private pool and an al fresco dining pavilion provide ample opportunity to relax.

The beach fronting The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali is considered by the Balinese to be one of the holiest on the western coast of Bali. Guests staying here will often see ceremonies being carried out on the beach by local villagers.



Among the charming daily activities at the resort is afternoon tea with a cultural performance in the poolside amphitheatre. Local delicacies are served to keep guests going until dinner, and painting, art and ceramic classes are offered - all free of charge.

Dining at The Oberoi is a special journey in it’s own right, complete with impeccable service and traditional ‘Angklung’ music.

The Frangipani Café offers alfresco beachfront dining in the morning, making breakfast a truly exciting experience. Colourful fringed parasols match the mood of this seaside garden café, while manicured lawns dotted with frangipani trees, pandanus and coconut palms, roll towards the beach.



Breakfast here features all the usual Western suspects and freshly squeezed tropical juices, plus Indian favourites are available including paratha, poori bhaji (puffed bread and potato curry) and dosa (a thin-crust pancake) which are excellent for a change.



In the evening, Kura Kura Restaurant serves a curated menu of Indonesian, Indian and international cuisines in an elegant setting. Simply put, it's one of the top 5 star restaurants in the whole of Bali.



Affectionately named after the turtles that nest on the nearby sands, this thatched, open air, fine dining space is decorated with traditional artefacts and provides endless ocean views. Good to note is that many vegetarian options are available here too.



The nearby Kayu Bar provides a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy refreshments while overlooking the ocean, with experienced bartenders concocting unusual cocktails with tropical fruits grown on the island. It also serves superb bar food, unlike any other bar you may visit on the island.

The resident Italian chef makes the best authentic pizza in town, and along with that on the light meals and snacks menu is American comfort food including first-class Wagyu sliders and truffle fries.

While at the resort a visit to the spa is really a must, with talented therapists using only the finest fragranced oils and perfect technique to achieve the highest standards of relaxation and rejuvenation.



If you so choose you can work out at the gym, which is open 24 hours. Also, a yoga class is held regularly, and there is a tennis court on the property too.

A PADI certified Beach Club on-site can take you to a private dive site or bring you to snorkel with turtles on a secluded reef.

Also on-site you can shop for jewellery, clothing or wellness products at the resort’s boutique, arrange a special meal on the beach, or you can take the complimentary shuttle service into Seminyak to shop and dine there. Click here to virtually visit The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali.



Sunset Horse Rides and Balinese Perfume Making in Seminyak

Beyond the resort's confines, guests can easily explore nearby attractions. The vibrant Seminyak Square and the eclectic Seminyak Village are just a short stroll away, offering a mix of shopping and dining experiences.

For those interested in art and culture, nearby local galleries showcase contemporary Balinese artworks, providing insight into the island's creative spirit.​



One of Bali's holiest temples Pura Petitenget is located nearby The Oberoi here, just north of the hotel's beach.

The legend has it that a Balinese Priest Ida Pedanda Sakti Waurauh who lived in the 15th century was travelling from the Tanah Lot temple, on the northwest coast of Bali, to Uluwatu temple, on the southern coast. On a spot close to The Oberoi beach, the Priest rested and left a 'Peti'-wooden box, in honor of which his followers built a temple nearby.

Plus, Seminyak offers cultural and sensory experiences you won’t find anywhere else, like a ride into the sunset on Petitenget Beach. While watching the sunset from a beachfront bar is a classic Seminyak activity, taking a sunset horseback ride along Petitenget Beach offers a far more active holiday experience.



In Seminyak you can ride across the shoreline as the sky transforms into hues of pink and orange, all while feeling the ocean breeze against your face. Several stables offer rides for all skill levels, making it an unforgettable way to experience Bali’s coast.

Bali is also known for its lush floral landscapes and exotic spices, and here in Seminyak you can capture the island’s essence by blending your own custom perfume at a local fragrance atelier. The workshop takes you through the process of selecting traditional Balinese scents like frangipani, sandalwood, and pandan leaves.

Not only do you leave with a personalised fragrance, but you also take home a bottled memory of your Bali experience.

Top Tip for Seminyak



Instead of shopping at big-name boutiques, seek out Balinese-designed brands that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Stores like Magali Pascal and Biasa offer high-quality fashion pieces designed and made in Bali, ensuring your souvenirs are unique and ethically produced.

Keramas: A Surfer's Sanctuary

On Bali's eastern coastline lies Keramas, a destination that has garnered acclaim among surfing aficionados, but it has so much more to offer adventurous travellers.

The black sand beaches here contrast beautifully with the azure waves, creating a very picturesque setting. Keramas Beach is particularly celebrated for its consistent surf breaks, attracting both seasoned surfers, beginners and also eager spectators.​


Beyond the waves, Keramas offers a glimpse into traditional Balinese life. The nearby Sukawati Art Market is a bustling hub where visitors can purchase handcrafted goods, from intricate textiles to unique artworks.

Known locally as ‘Pasar Seni Sukawati,’ this traditional market has been a staple in Bali’s art scene for decades. Whether you’re an art connoisseur, a souvenir hunter, or just someone eager to soak up local culture, Sukawati really has something for everyone.

For nature enthusiasts, the Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang presents a challenging yet rewarding trek through sculpted rock formations and flowing streams. Another natural marvel is the Tegenungan Waterfall, a cascading beauty nestled amidst lush greenery, perfect for a refreshing dip.​

Enjoy Coastal Delights of Keramas from Desa Swan Villas

Perched on the edge of Keramas Beach, Desa Swan Villas & Spa offers a harmonious blend of luxury and local charm. The resort's architecture draws inspiration from traditional Balinese designs, featuring thatched roofs and open-air layouts that allow the gentle sea breeze to flow freely.

Accommodations range from Deluxe Garden Rooms to expansive Private Pool Villas, each providing a secluded stay with modern amenities.​



For instance, a one bedroom private villa is the perfect getaway for solo travellers or couples looking for a peaceful and relaxing escape. Here you can immerse yourself in your own tropical hideaway by the sea, with beautiful botanical gardens surrounding the spacious garden and pool area.

Each villa is equipped with large dining and living spaces, a private pool and 24 hour concierge service. The naturally smaller deluxe rooms are also designed to awaken your senses and transport you to a paradise beyond compare.

The on-site Swan Restaurant is a culinary adventure, specializing in both international and local dishes.


Emphasizing fresh, locally sourced seafood, the restaurant's signature "Bakaran Ulam Segara" platter showcases a delectable assortment of grilled lobster, prawns, tuna, and more, all seasoned with traditional Balinese spices.

Dining here is an immersive experience, with panoramic views of the shimmering black sand beach and the soothing sounds of the ocean.​

Afternoon tea is especially delightful in this setting, and taken soon after noon it is more than sufficient to provide an excellent mid-day meal.

For those seeking relaxation, the resort's spa offers a range of treatments all tailor-made to rejuvenate the body and mind. Traditional Balinese massages, herbal scrubs, and aromatherapy sessions are conducted in serene treatment rooms overlooking verdant gardens.

Massage treatments here can also be enjoyed in the privacy of your own villa to refresh your mind, body, and soul in total tranquility.

The signature massage is designed to alleviate tension and restore balance, using local herbal ingredients on a journey towards totally relaxation.

As well as offering a wide range of activities which you can book via reception, the resort also provides yoga classes on the beach, allowing guests to find inner peace amidst nature's splendor.​

Click here to virtually visit Desa Swan Villas & Spa

Experience Unique Local Activities in Keramas

This area of Bali is all about adventure and authenticity. Unlike the well-trodden tourist paths of other parts of Bali, this area offers raw, untamed nature and ancient traditions that are still alive today.

From special classes in the art of temple offerings with visits to holy temples, to beautiful beach walks, and excursions through neighboring villages and rice fields, guests here have the opportunity to experience local village life up close and personal.

So much so you will be able to feel the vibrant colors, enchanting sounds, and rich flavors that shape the tapestry of Balinese culture.

Go Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon

From this location you can easily discover a world beneath the surface, as you dive into the extraordinary realm of underwater exploration at relatively nearby Blue Lagoon Beach – 45 minutes away by car, the hotel is happy to help arrange a driver for you.

There you can immerse yourself in the depths of the ocean, where truly vibrant marine life and breathtaking coral reefs await. So whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious snorkeler, experiences at this beach promise a captivating adventure filled with wonder and awe, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and marine creatures.

Try Night Surfing Under the Stars

Keramas Beach is famous for its world-class waves, but what makes it truly unique is the opportunity to surf at night. A handful of beachfront resorts and surf operators illuminate the waves with powerful floodlights, allowing experienced surfers to ride Bali’s famous breaks under the moon and stars.

This experience is surreal - there’s nothing quite like paddling into the glowing ocean as the moon reflects off the water, or safely watching others do so!

Learn the Art of Balinese Salt Farming

One of Bali’s oldest traditions, salt farming, has been practiced for centuries along the island’s black-sand beaches. In the small village of Kusamba, near Keramas, local farmers still produce salt using time-honored techniques.

Visitors can witness the entire process - from collecting seawater in bamboo trays to evaporating it under the tropical sun. It’s an opportunity to learn about an endangered craft and support local families who keep the tradition alive.

Top Tip for Keramas

Unlike the bustling markets of Ubud or Seminyak, Keramas offers intimate artisan shopping experiences. Look for handcrafted silver jewelry at small family-run workshops in nearby Gianyar.

These artisans create intricate, high-quality pieces using techniques passed down through generations, often for half the price of what you’d find in tourist-heavy areas.



Canggu: Bohemian Beachside Blast

Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Canggu attracts a diverse crowd, from surfers riding the waves at Echo Beach to digital nomads working from trendy cafes.

The area is dotted with rice paddies, offering a rustic charm that seamlessly blends with its modern establishments, located 30 mins drive to the north of Seminyak.

This coastal village that has transformed into a very popular bohemian haven, and accordingly Canggu's culinary scene is vibrant and varied. Health-conscious eateries serve organic and vegan dishes, while beachfront and resort bars offer fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.



The shopping experience here is equally eclectic, with boutiques like Love Anchor Market and The Locals showcasing local designers and artisans.

For nightlife enthusiasts, venues such as Pretty Poison combine live music with unique experiences, like skateboarding showcases, creating an unconventional yet captivating evening.

Beachfront Bonfires and Floating Temple Visits in Canggu



Canggu’s reputation as a hipster paradise is well-earned, but beyond its digital nomad cafes and yoga studios, this area hides some truly one-of-a-kind experiences that showcase its laid-back yet deeply spiritual atmosphere.

While most of Canggu’s nightlife is found in trendy bars, a more local and intimate experience is to join a beach bonfire gathering at Pererenan Beach. Unlike the heavily commercialized club scene, these bonfire nights bring together locals and travelers alike to enjoy live acoustic music, grilled seafood, and storytelling under the stars.

Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s most iconic temples, is stunning at any time of day, but very few visitors experience it at low tide, when you can actually walk across the seabed to the temple’s base. In the evening it provides the perfect setting for iconic Bali photos.

This is a rare opportunity to see the temple up close, receive a holy water blessing from a Balinese priest, and even spot sea snakes that locals believe protect the sacred site.

Local Insights & Tips for Canggu

To provide an insider’s guide and top tips, Jari Nielsen the General Manager at Eastin Ashta Resort Canggu took the challenge to answer 7 key questions about his property and the super popular area around there.



Q1: What sets Eastin Hotel Canggu apart from other accommodations in the area? How do you define the hotel’s unique appeal?

A: Key is that we are just 200 meters away from the famous ECHO surfer's beach in Canggu.

We have a total of 120 accommodation rooms and suites with sizes ranging from 37 – 162 sqm, ensuring very spacious rooms in all categories. The overall design has bright contemporary Balinese influences throughout its interiors.

What makes us unique is the closeness to the beach, while still being in the midst of central Canggu, along with our spacious rooms, delicious menus and entertainment, and great value for money.

Other unique selling points include our brand standard extended breakfast hours to 11.30am, Children Policy up to 16 years old and 48 hours room arrival guarantee otherwise 1st night is free (for direct bookings only).

Q2: Canggu is known for its mix of surfers and digital nomads. How does the hotel cater to these different types of travellers?

A: Indeed, Canggu has a lot of Surfers and digital nomads. Well, first of all we ensure we have value for money and competitive pricing, we also have long stay packages as the Surfers and digital nomads often stay for longer periods.


A tip for digital nomads is that we offer a special package for them to use the hotel and our facilities even when they are not staying with us.

For surfers our lobby features a custom-made rack where they can safely store their boards.

Q3: With Canggu’s growing popularity, how does Eastin Hotel connect to the area’s lively Café & restaurant culture atmosphere?

A: When I came to the hotel, I made a plan to improve the F&B offerings, both menu wise and entertainment wise as I identified a shortfall in offering what the market here is looking for as the market share of the lively market was not sufficient.

We started by drastically improving our breakfast menu and presentation, which is now getting great reviews.



With our new chef at the time, we started developing new menus and tasting each dish until it was perfect, we then trained the chefs and service teams before launching the new menus, which has been a great success.

I started working with a music company called ‘Music Styling’ to customize our music throughout the hotel’s lobby, restaurant, pool bar and gym.

Music and lighting to me is one of the most important components to creating the right atmosphere, the music needs to be right according to where it is playing, the people there and the time of day.

‘Music Styling’ really understood the emphasis I put on this and delivered perfect music styling in all areas, it has really lifted the experience in particular in our Pool area.


After having spent some time in Canggu, I realised one of the most important things in the Canggu scene is entertainment.

Accordingly a tip for anyone in the area is that we now host weekly Stand-up Comedy Shows, Market Day, Big Screen movie night at the pool, Pool Party with DJ, foam gun, Beer Pong and other pool games.

Plus this week we just launched a weekly ‘Ladies Pool Party’, where there is bottomless Mimozas and 50% Off all Food & Beverages for the ladies.

Q4: Food is a huge part of Canggu’s identity. How do compete and get your offerings out to the local and visiting markets.

A: Indeed, Canggu is what we call an ‘Instagram Destination’ for both residents, long stays and visitors - including honeymoon couples.



For this reason, I hired a Marketing Executive to support our Marketing Manager for social media. They have significantly improved our social media presence and impact.

With all our new food and entertainment offerings, we started working with a local media partner who are pushing our ‘SALT’ Restaurants brand awareness with both strategies and content, which has resulted in much better awareness of our offerings.



We now see a big increase in guests who are not staying in the hotel coming to our ‘SALT’ restaurant and our Pool bar, enjoying our special menus and events.



Q5: Sustainability and responsible tourism are becoming more important in Bali. Does the hotel have any initiatives or partnerships focused on eco-friendly practices?

A: You’re very right, sustainable and responsible tourism is becoming urgently important in Bali, and in general in the travel industry worldwide.

We are working with ‘Green Globe’ for sustainable tourism certification, to ensure we create sustainable value, every day at Eastin.

Q6: Eastin Ashta Hotel has been open since 2018, how do you ensure the property is well maintained?

A: Maintenance of our property is essential for our guests experience and something I and the management teams take very seriously, especially in the rooms of course which we keep immaculate.



When I arrived at the hotel the pool was in need of a renovation, we planned this and informed our guests well in advance and completed the project, while retitling the pool.

Recently we also added cabanas, more bean bags and larger parasols to our pool so to improve the guests experience even further there.

Both our public areas and rooms are weekly inspected by our Chief Engineer, Executive Housekeeper, Front Office Manager and me where we identify any rectifications needs, and all our rooms are refurbished minimum once a year.

Q7: Does your hotel have any new plans on the horizon?

A: Yes, we do indeed, we are in the midst of converting our street facing meeting room into a Café & Bar called ‘The BREAK at ASHTA’. 

I developed a new concept which was approved by our owner, and corporate office, so I am now working with our team to soon launch ‘The BREAK at ASHTA’, and I’m very excited to see it added to the Canggu scene.

The aim is to be Canggu’s new go-to place to hang out and chill ‘All Day + Later at Night' with a relaxing atmosphere and exciting bistro dishes.

Click here to virtually visit Eastin Ashta Resort Canggu



Ultimate Bali Experience: Combine These Three Key Areas

Combining Seminyak, Keramas, and Canggu into one trip allows you to see and enjoy the island from three completely different and amazing perspectives.

1. Starting with a luxurious stay in Seminyak, which is closest to the airport, you can unwind after a long flight, enjoy fine dining and top shopping.

2. Then to explore the island, drive 1.5 hours to Keramas for adrenaline-filled adventure, surfing legendary waves or trekking through scenic rice fields.

3. Finish in Canggu, where you can slow down, experience Bali’s creative energy, and soak in one of the best sunsets on the island.

Bali is so much more than any other tropical destination - it’s a collection of diverse experiences, each offering something unique and touching. By exploring multiple areas, you’ll gain deeper enjoyment and appreciation for the island’s culture, landscapes, and way of life, making your journey truly unforgettable.