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Seseh is a relaxed seaside village weaving together serene rice paddies and dramatic views of the Indian Ocean. Located right up the coast from popular Seminyak and trendy Canggu, Seseh has maintained its rural Balinese charm and offers a relaxed seaside setting away from the crowds, with amazing luxury villas surrounded by the real Bali. If you keep moving up the coast, you will reach the iconic sea temple of Tanah Lot.

Ministry

Seseh Overview

Seseh offers an irresistible combination of rolling green rice fields and dramatic black sand beaches, framed by authentic Balinese village life. This relaxed seaside village has maintained much of its original charm, offering discerning travellers a taste of the real Bali in luxury villas hidden beyond the trodden tourist track, but still within a short drive from all the action.

Seseh caters to travellers looking for a relaxing stay away from the crowds, wether that means hitting the (often deserted) beach for a surf session, exploring the local villages or lazing about your villa while gazing at the rice fields or out to the Indian Ocean. Much of Seseh is part of a protected “Green Belt” so there is little fear of those beautiful rice fields disappearing any time soon and for the most parts, the local way of life remains unaffected by the major changes tourism has brought on in other parts of the island.

While Seseh is ideal for some scenic rest and recuperation, the area might lack some of the creature comforts craved by travellers – namely, a vibrant dining scene. As a result, most of the villas in the area are staffed with a skilled private chef and if you’re craving more options, it’s only a short drive to the thriving dining scene waiting in neighbouring Canggu.

Ministry

Planning Your Trip to Seseh

Seseh remains a relaxed destination throughout the year, with beach conditions at their best during the dry season spanning from May to September. Our Seseh travel guide aims to give you the essential information, list the most popular things to do in Seseh, provide more information on locations you want to visit, and finish with some inspiration from our travel writers. For more information on events and festivals taking place throughout the year, check out our comprehensive Bali guide.

Seseh Weather

Bali is pleasant all year round! May through September has the best weather (drier, less humid) and is the best time for many activities including diving and surfing. November though March is rainy season – though rainfall is never excessive so you can do most activities except volcano treks.

Bali Weather Month-by-Month
Average temperature by month
Average rainfall by month
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE

The temperature ranges from 24 degrees to 31 degrees all year round.

AVERAGE RAINFALL

Rainfall ranges from 0cm to 140cm during the wet season.

Ministry

Things to See & Do in Seseh

Seseh is the perfect destination for ultimate relaxation, surrounded by serene natural scenery and away from the madding crowd. If you find yourself craving some action, it’s only a short drive to the vibrant surfer neighbourhood of Canggu.

Tours & Activities

Rather than feverishly ticking items off your bucket list, Seseh invites you to simply relax and live in the moment for a change. This might mean hanging the proverbial “do not disturb” sign on your private beachfront villa’s door or enjoying leisurely walks through the local rice fields and villages. Seseh maintains some of Bali’s innate mystique (something you might find lacking in the highly developed southern areas), with endless opportunity to explore and discover the unexpected. Turn off the GPS, head for the unknown and prepare to be wowed by the unbridled beauty of the real Bali.

The oft deserted beaches which frame the coastline are covered in velvety black sand which owes its unique colouring to the region’s volcanic activity. If you head out to the water, it’s important to note that the beaches can be rocky and the currents unpredictable. The beaches also attract surfers looking to escape the crowded line ups down in Canggu and Kuta.

Driving further up the coast to Tabanan, you will reach the iconic Tanah Lot Temple. This revered seaside temple is one of the holiest temples in Bali and attracts hordes of visitors, especially during sunset when the views are particularly beautiful.

Ministry

Eating & Drinking in Seseh

Much of Seseh’s charm lies in the fact that the area has maintained its authentic rural charm while the rest of southern Bali has been transformed into a real cosmopolitan hotspot. On the flip side, this also means that there aren’t that many restaurants in the area – all the more reason to make full use of your villa’s private chef!

Restaurants

There are a few local warungs along Jalan Pantai Seseh which leads down to the beach and a few more options up on the main street of Jalan Bypass Tanah Lot. For more dining options, it’s about a 15-minute drive to central Canggu where you’ll find countless restaurants and cafes catering to both local and Western tastes. The culinary mecca of Seminyak can be reached in about 40 minutes, depending on traffic (which you should never underestimate).

Nightlife

If the dining scene in Seseh is low key, the same goes double for nightlife in the area. There are no pubs or clubs in the area and your nights will likely be spent relaxing in the privacy of your villa, digging into a gourmet meal prepared by your private chef. If you’re after a more lively night out, the beach clubs and bars of Canggu are only a short drive away. After a fun night out, nothing beats the luxury of retreating back to your serene villa, surrounded by rice fields and the Indian Ocean.

Ministry

Seseh Neighbourhoods

Seseh is a relaxed and rural area where the main consideration is usually how close to the beach you would like to be. There is a small community of villas surrounding Seseh Beach and a little further up the coast, close to the beautiful Pura Gede Luhur Batu Ngaus temple. Beyond that, you will find a handful of villas scattered further inland, offering a serene setting surrounded by picturesque rice fields and local village life.

Seseh & Surrounds

Nestled on Bali’s western coastline, Seseh is a peaceful locale neighboured by the iconic Tanah Lot temple and the verdant Tabanan regency up the coast. Heading down south, Seseh blends in with relaxed Pererenan which in turn gives way to the popular surf breaks and trendy dining and nightlife of Canggu. From Canggu, a drive through the laid back neighbourhoods of Batubelig and Umalas will bring you to the chic Seminyak district which is home to the most popular beach clubs and restaurants on the island.

Villa Delmara Bird’s Eye View | Tabanan, Bali

Tabanan

Tabanan is a verdant region characterised by rice fields, secluded beaches and amazing luxury villas.

TABANAN GUIDE
Old Man's | Canggu, Bali

Canggu

Canggu is a popular surfers’ destination offering a trendy interpretation of modern day Bali.

CANGGU GUIDE
Villa Melissa Bale with Ocean's View | Pererenan, Bali

Pererenan

Pererenan is a coastal village with a stress-free pace and rice fields, providing a feeling of utter tranquillity.

PERERENAN GUIDE
Bali Seminyak La Plancha Beach

Seminyak

Located on the southwest coast of Bali, Seminyak is home to all the best restaurants, beach clubs and boutiques.

SEMINYAK GUIDE
Casa Cinta 2 Pool Area | Batubelig, Bali

Batubelig

Batubelig is located between chic Seminyak and trendy Canggu – perfect for those wanting to sample both areas.

BATUBELIG GUIDE
Bali Umalas Eko Cafe

Umalas

Umalas is a hidden gem located inland between Seminyak and Canggu, with a relaxed pace and rice paddy villas.

UMALAS GUIDE
Ministry

Seseh Villas

There are over 20 Ministry Approved villas in Seseh. As Seseh is home to some of the most luxurious beachfront villas in Bali, prices tend to be higher than other parts of the island.

Seseh villas range from around USD $300 per night for a two-bedroom villa to over USD $8,000 per night for a ten-bedroom luxury villa. All of our villas come with professionally trained staff. Many villas offer personalised services including: butlers, chefs, nannies, 24-hour security personnel, drivers and other services you won’t find in a hotel.

  • Add to Wishlist
    The Beach Villa Cemagi Outdoor Seating Area with Swimming Pool and Sea View | Seseh, BaliThe Beach Villa Cemagi Living Area with Garden View | Seseh, Bali

    THE BEACH VILLA CEMAGI

    Seseh, Bali – 5 Bedrooms

    The Beach Villa Cemagi is an elegantly styled beach house with a Zen garden and two pools, surrounded by serene Bali.

    US $1,143
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    Ambalama Villa Master Villa | Canggu, BaliAmbalama Villa Garden And Pool | Canggu, Bali

    AMBALAMA VILLA

    Seseh, Bali – 5 Bedrooms

    The ultimate holiday villa to experience the magic of Bali, complete with stunning rice paddy views, two pools and fully staffed with a team to look after you

    US $1,126
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    Villa Jagaditha Lounge with Sea View | Canggu, BaliVilla Jagaditha Dining Area with Sea View at Night | Canggu, Bali

    VILLA JAGADITHA

    Seseh, Bali – 6 Bedrooms

    Set amidst luscious Balinese gardens, Villa Jagaditha is a vast estate with jaw-dropping views of the Indian Ocean in Bali.

    US $1,836
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    Villa Ombak Laut Pool Bale I Canggu, BaliImpiana Cemagi Outdoor Dining Area | Seseh, Bali

    IMPIANA CEMAGI

    Seseh, Bali – 6 Bedrooms

    Impiana Cemagi is a breathtaking Balinese villa set amidst fairytale gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean.

    US $1,225
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    Sale!
    Villa Karein Outdoor Dining Area | Seseh, BaliVilla Karein Pool | Seseh, Bali

    VILLA KAREIN

    Seseh, Bali – 5 Bedrooms

    Villa Karein is a dreamy white villa with boho chic appeal and room to roam, framed by rice paddies in serene Seseh.

    US $504
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    Villa Bella Bambu Pool | Pererenan, BaliVilla Bella Bambu Living Area | Pererenan, Bali

    VILLA BELLA BAMBU

    Canggu, Bali – 4 Bedrooms

    Villa Bella Bambu is a tranquil tropical oasis with a sparkling lagoon-style pool, gym and library – located just a 10-minute drive from trendy Canggu.

    US $437
Ministry

Practical Information

Getting There

Bali’s only airport, Ngurah Rai International, is located in Tuban in South Bali and serves over 20 million passengers a year. The busy airport is widely connected to international destinations, with direct flights offered from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Dubai, Melbourne, Sydney and beyond. Carriers offering direct flights to Bali include Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Air Asia, Jetstar and more. A second airport is set to be built in North Bali but these plans are still in their early stages.

Alternatively, you can also reach Bali by boat. This would usually entail landing at an international airport on one of the neighbouring islands (Java or Lombok) and then crossing over to Bali by boat or ferry. From Java, ferries arrive in Gilimanuk which is located about three hours from Seseh. From Lombok, boats arrive in Benoa, Sanur, Serangan, Padang Bai and Amed. Benoa, Serangan and Sanur are all located about one hour from Seseh.

Nationalities from over 160 countries are eligible for visa free entry into Indonesia. This means your passport will be stamped on arrival at the airport, allowing you to stay in the country for 30 days. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa which will require further arrangements. Please note your passport must be valid for six months after your date of arrival in Indonesia.

AIRPORT TRANSFER

There is no public transport to get you from the airport to your accommodation, so the only option is to use a private driver or a taxi. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa. This service is included for most villas when booking more than four nights. To avoid queuing at the immigration counter, we can also arrange a VIP airport service for guests. This service includes lounge access, allowing you to relax while waiting for your luggage.

AIRPORT TAXI

If you haven’t arranged your airport transfers prior to landing in Bali, you can also get a taxi directly at the airport. There is a taxi stand in the arrivals hall, next to the information desk. This official taxi stand offers fixed price and metered fares across the island. The prices are updated frequently, making it very difficult to find up to date pricing online. Besides the official taxi stand, there are countless independent drivers offering rides at varying rates. To save yourself having to negotiate the taxi jungle right after landing, we strongly recommend arranging your airport transfers prior to arrival.

Getting Around

There are a few options for getting around Seseh, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers.

PRIVATE CAR

Having a private car and chauffeur is the perfect way to explore Seseh and the wider area. Not only will you be able to navigate the local rice fields and make your way to the beach with ease, but you can also hop over to neighbouring Canggu or further out to Ubud or Uluwatu. Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. This little luxury is remarkably affordable and we can also help you arrange an itinerary, instructing your driver in advance.

ON FOOT

Seseh is a peaceful area with not much traffic, so you can feasibly make short distances on foot. Walking through the villages, rice fields and along the beach can make for a very scenic outing. That being said, Seseh is a remote and well spread out area so if you’re looking to explore beyond your immediate surroundings, you will need to get some wheels.

RENTAL SCOOTER

Hiring a scooter can be a great way to explore Seseh. With little to no traffic in the area, driving is generally a more easy going affair than along the congested streets of the southern tourist hubs. That being said, the roads can be narrow, bumpy and dark after nightfall. You should only hire a scooter if you have previous experience driving and have a valid international driver’s licence. And of course, you should always wear a helmet.

TAXI

Seseh is considered a somewhat remote area, so no official metered taxis are available in the area. This means you can reach Seseh by taxi (we always recommend using the trusty worthy Blue Bird taxis) but it will be challenging ordering an official taxi when staying there. Alternatively, you can use the transport options offered by locals, though it’s always important to find a trustworthy driver and to agree on the price before getting in. The use of ride hailing apps (Go-Jek and Grab) is also banned in the Seseh Beach area.

Etiquette

The Balinese are among the friendliest and most welcoming people on the planet. This is all the more reason to return the favour and be respectful towards the local culture. Like anywhere else in the world, common sense and basic human decency goes a long way. For more detailed information about local culture, language and safety in Bali, check out our comprehensive Bali guide.

SHOPPING & BARGAINING

Bargaining can be an enjoyable part of shopping in Bali… or it can be frustrating! To ensure a smooth exchange first decide what the item is worth to you, then ask the seller for their price – your first offer can be from one-third to two-thirds of that price. They are likely to respond with a counteroffer, which you can either accept or negotiate further. If you don’t like the price and you walk away there is a good chance the vendor will call out to you with a better (usually final) price. Keep in mind, if an agreement is reached, you’re committed – you should buy if your offer is accepted.

In late 2018, Bali’s governor banned single use plastic on the island, meaning shops, boutiques and supermarkets no longer give out plastic bags. When out and about, it’s best to carry a reusable bag with you.

TIPPING

Most restaurants and villas include a service component already so tipping is not expected, but if service is good, an additional cash tip is appreciated.

TELECOMMUNICATION

Indonesia’s country code is +62. Data speeds of 3G and faster is the norm across Bali. Local prepaid SIM cards are sold everywhere; any modern mobile phone will work. As of 2018, all prepaid SIM cards need to be registered which you can usually do with a copy of your passport directly at the shop where you purchase your SIM card. Prepaid SIM cards come loaded with pulsa (credit) or mobile data which you can later easily top up at other outlets. Most if not all minimarts and local phone shops can top off your SIM card when needed. Most villas provide broadband Internet and free Wi-Fi is common in cafes, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls.

Health & Safety

It’s important to note that compared to many places in the world, Bali is fairly safe. There have been some high-profile cases of visitors being injured or killed on Bali, but in many cases these tragedies have been inflamed by media sensationalism.

SWIMMING

Many of Bali’s beaches are subject to heavy surf and strong currents. Be careful when swimming over coral and never walk on it. It can be very sharp and coral cuts are easily infected. In addition, you are damaging a fragile environment. Lastly, water pollution is a problem in busy neighbourhoods. Avoid swimming near open streams flowing into the sea as they are often contaminated by run-off from built-up areas.

THEFT

Violent crime is uncommon in Bali, however bag-snatching from motorbikes and petty theft does occur. Take extra care with your phone if riding pillion on a motorbike as phones regularly get snatched from unsuspecting tourists using a navigation app. Otherwise, take the same precautions you would in any urban area and secure your money before leaving an ATM (and don’t forget your card!), don’t leave valuables on a beach while swimming, and use in-villa safes to store your valuables.

WATER

Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and cheap, however Ministry of Villas encourages visitors to keep a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic consumption.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is absolutely essential for every traveller. A typical travel insurance policy will have coverage for a traveller’s main concerns, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost luggage. Most policies are built to be comprehensive to protect travellers from a variety of events that may cause financial loss before or during their trip. Some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’ which can include scuba diving, renting a local motorcycle and even trekking.

Ministry

Seseh Stories

Seseh is an idyllic seaside escape offering an alluring blend of deserted beaches, rolling green rice fields and exclusive luxury villas neighboured by ancient Balinese temples. Check out our latest Seseh blog posts written by experienced Ministry of Villas travel writers.