Head upwards of Seminyak and Canggu where you’ll discover Seseh, a sleepy little village life consisting of a maze of verdant streets that’s adorned with blooming frangipani trees and home temples, where locals greet you with warm smiles. This idyllic seaside village has maintained much of its original charm, exuding a traditional Balinese atmosphere.

A truly tranquil oasis where travellers can relax on its deserted beach, explore authentic villages, or simply unwind in their accommodation while gazing at rice fields or beyond the Indian Ocean. 

Exploring the culture and beauty of Seseh

One of the best ways to explore Seseh’s natural beauty is to take a bicycle ride or a walk through the rice fields, with the verdant landscapes and serene atmosphere sure to provide moments of tranquillity. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can go surfing at Seseh Beach. While high tides can produce strong currents, low tides reveal the smooth, glassy black sand beaches in all their glory.

To learn more about Balinese culture and traditions against the beautiful backdrop of nature, further up the coast from Seseh is Tanah Lot Temple – a revered Hindu shrine perched on a rock formation amidst the crashing of waves, it is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks and a popular tourist destination. Once inside the complex, explore the various shrines and temples, including the Penyawang Temple, which serves as a spiritual proxy to Tanah Lot during high tide. You can also take a walk along the coastal pathways and enjoy the views of the temple and the surrounding ocean. If you are visiting at low tide, you can cross to the base of Tanah Lot Temple and view the legendary sea snakes that dwell in the crevices around the Tirta Pabersihan fountain. This natural spout is the source of holy water for all temples in the area.

There is also the sunset Kecak fire dance performance at the Surya Mandala Cultural Park near Batu Bolong, which is held daily at 6:30 pm and features a group of about 50 dancers donned in traditional fabrics in unique colour combinations. The dance is initiated without instruments, usually accompanied by rhythmic voices and is done against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.

 

Dining in Seseh

If you’re eager to sample local, authentic cuisine, a handful of warung (traditional Balinese eateries) line Jalan Pantai Seseh, the road leading down to the beach, with a few more options on the main avenue of Jalan Bypass Tanah Lot. For a drink in hand while looking out into the sunset, Seseh Sunset Beach Bar offers the quiet respite that travellers are looking for – run by local people from Seseh village where local ladies bring food from their houses, the beach bar possesses the kind of chill beach vibes that allow your stress to melt away.

 

Where to stay

With a traditional Balinese village comes a variety of villas that elevate the experience of your stay in Seseh. Villa Karein is a luxurious five-bedroom villa designed for those looking to enjoy peace and quiet while still being close to Bali’s hotspots. This villa is suitable for families or groups of friends and features minimalist interiors, traditional Indonesian handicraft, and a 15-metre pool. Guests will enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding rice paddy fields and the sunset from the elevated pavilion.

A newly refurbished holiday home, Villa Maison Matisse can host 10 guests in five air-conditioned bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The villa boasts a romantic style with colonial architecture, high roofs, pillars, and breezy, open windows, and guests can relax by the 22-metre infinity pool with stunning river, ocean, and beach views.

Villa Florimar, on the other hand, is a stunning five-bedroom villa with black and white interiors, an incredible array of Asian antiquities, and an 18-metre pool, the perfect place to relax and bask in the warmth and sunshine of Bali. 

Seseh is a hidden gem that offers travellers a glimpse into the authentic Balinese way of life. With its traditional villages, ancient temples, and stunning natural beauty, Seseh is the perfect place to relax and experience the real Bali.