For those of you reading this, the name Batu Belig must sound very foreign indeed.
Not many people have heard about it, nor do they know where it is. But, the small area of Batu Belig is literally 5-10 minutes from the hottest tourist mecca in Bali Seminyak. In fact, it’s right next door.
Everyone assumes they are staying in a Seminyak villa because that’s the way most villas are marketed. Agencies heavily promote the Seminyak location as most people want to be near or in Seminyak because that’s where the most popular bars, restaurants, cafes and shops are located. However, people are unaware of the fabulous little pocket right next to Seminyak, Batu Belig. This is what’s so great about the area: it’s sort of undiscovered – don’t wait too long, as the area is growing rapidly!
Where is Batu Belig?
It is located just north of Seminyak as you pass through the Petitenget area.
If you grab a taxi, it will take you about 10 minutes to get there, depending on the traffic. It fits snugly between Seminyak and Canggu / Berawa, which is a seriously good location. Because you are far enough away from the hectic pace of Seminyak, yet still close enough for a night out for dinner or spending the afternoon shopping. The location is great for a family or group getaway.
If you tell most people they are in Batu Belig, they would simply shrug their shoulders and say they thought they were in Seminyak.
But, there is a visible difference between the 2 areas. Batu Belig is still somewhat untouched by the mass tourism that has engulfed other parts of Southern Bali like Seminyak, Legian, Kuta & Canggu. They have bypassed this little enclave.
The area has a rustic, peaceful charm, but it is warned that this will not last forever as the eventual tide of tourism and development slowly creeps its way northwards. The inevitable developments of convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, day spas and villas all cater to the growing tourist market and are gaining strong momentum in Batubelig. Slowly but surely, the visible lines differentiating Seminyak and Batubelig will disappear.
However, this rise in tourism and development has an upside; there are some divine and very luxurious villas that are so much more affordable than Seminyak available as holiday rentals.
Now, I know this is a villa booking website, and I am giving us a free plug here, but honestly, if you’re planning a holiday in Bali, you really should consider this area for its level of affordability, prime location and family-friendly villas being newly developed. Just have a look at the two amazing villas below, which are both literally 250 metres from the beach.
Also read: Rent a Villa in Batu Belig for Under $500 AUD per night
Villa Boa ( 3 bedrooms ) in Batu Belig
Villa Ipanema ( 5 bedrooms ) in the heart of Batu Belig
Advantages of holidaying in Batu Belig.
#1: You can get around really easily. All you need to do is rent a scooter, and you can be in Seminyak within a couple of minutes and the very hip area of Canggu ( if you can find your way there) within 10.
# 2: There are some amazing restaurants in this area that you must try. Make sure you don’t miss Wild Hog for those fabulous ribs or Cafe Del Mar & Tropicola for a couple of drinks at sunset. There is also the popular Watercress restaurant, Strawberry Fields & the wonderful patisserie/cafe called Follie.
# 3: If you’re coming to Bali as a family, then the kids are going to want to go to the Finns Recreation Park. This place is a MUST-SEE attraction with water slides, ten-pin bowling and a massive indoor trampoline centre. The adults can chill out at the swimming pool or restaurants in the complex while the kids go wild on the water slides & exhaust themselves on the trampolines.
# 4: Fabulous and very trendy restaurants, cafes, fashionable boutique shops and chic day spas are popping up everywhere. There is not a day that goes by when someone will notice a new café, yoga school, convenience store or patisserie opening. In late 2019, the huge Cafe Del Mar opened up, which really put Batu Belig on the map.
Visit Cafe Del Mar – Address: Jl. Subak Sari, Canggu
# 5: There are 2 huge supermarkets in the area, Popular & Canggu Station, which have everything you could want to stock up on your villa supplies & alcohol.
# 6: Ladies, there are no shortages of chic day spas in Batu Belig where you can get your hair and nails done, some waxing, facials and a dreamy Balinese massage. Head to Think Pink Nails, Rob Peetoom or Sundari Day Spa.
The place has a real buzz about it. Batu Belig is still a ‘ go-to’ destination where people from Seminyak or Canggu come for the day to do some exploring or hang at the beach. If you’re staying here, all these wonderful experiences are right on your villa doorstep!
Dining out in Batu Belig
There is no shortage of dining options in Batu Belig. In fact, there is an amazing choice and variety of options, from 5-star gourmet dining to local warungs serving seafood on the beach. The place has it all. Most of these can be found dotted along the main road Jl. Batu Belig. Definitely try the stylish Watercress cafe, and if you’re with the kids, they will love Wild Hog ribs or perhaps Greek at Slippery Stone.
The beach is where it’s really happening, and here, you can eat in a very casual atmosphere for next to nothing. These beach restaurants really cater to the backpacker market, but you will find the food is seriously good, and when washed down with a cold Bintang, it only gets better.
Most tourists come here in the late afternoon to watch the sunset with friends and family and then have a meal afterwards before making their way back to the villa. This is holiday bliss and what makes Batu Belig so popular.
Batu Belig Nightlife
People really don’t come here to party the night away. If you want that sort of thing, you need to head to neighbouring Seminyak, where there are more nightclubs and bars than anywhere else on the island ( perhaps even in the whole of Indonesia).
Batu Belig has a more relaxed nighttime scene where the most trouble you can get up to is a few drinks at the beachfront restaurants or bars. There is, however, the new huge Cafe Del Mar, which has cemented Batu Belig as the ‘in place’ to be – definitely worth a look if you want to let your hair down. If you want to party a bit, then 707 or Cabina is also a decent club with music, food and a great vibe.
The good news is that getting home won’t be an issue as there are always taxis & Go Jek ( Indonesia’s Uber ) passing by.
Batu Belig Shopping
Most people will walk the main street and stop off at small boutique shops that take their interest. There is really no shortage of cute jewellery, homewares, fashion or local vendors selling the usual souvenirs. Have a wander and spend your time looking at the array of boutiques & shops. Perhaps break it up with a soothing massage in one of the many day spas along the main thoroughfare, such as Think Pink Nails.
Batu Belig for the kids
You’ll find there are heaps to do if you’re coming to Bali as a family and have a few kids that need to be entertained. Firstly, you have the beach, which is close by and secondly, the Finns Recreation Club with water slides, ten-pin bowling and a huge in-door trampoline centre, which is right in the heart of the area, perfect for keeping the kids occupied while the adults grab some time to themselves – check the video below.
Batu Belig Activities
If you’re into being pampered, there are so many day spas that you are really going to be spoiled for choice. You can opt for the cheaper local version where you can get a massage for AU$10, or your nails and hair done for roughly the same price. There are also higher-end options where you can indulge yourself in a wonderful world-class spa with all the latest treatments ( facials, waxing, etc ).
Ladies, head to the popular Think Pink Nails in Batu Belig to get your hair and nails done.
For those who like the beach, Batu Belig is the place to head. Here you can surf, jog and walk as far as you like. The beach goes on forever if you head south towards Kuta. The ocean here is more tranquil than other parts of Bali, so it’s ideal for a family day out where you can enjoy the balmy warm tropical waters.
If you are keen on renting a luxury Bali villa in the Batu Belig area, please get in touch with us here at Bali Villa Escapes.
Steven is a die-hard Bali island addict and committed surfie. When he's not writing or taking videos of the latest restaurants or cool places, he's at Echo Beach surfing or riding his scooter around Seminyak, Berawa or Canggu. Steve is part of the Bali Villa Escapes marketing team and has been living in and out of Bali for the last 15 years.
