A semiconductor light emitting device includes a semiconductor layer having a recess extending downwardly from a top surface thereof along a pattern of a closed line so that said recess defines and encloses a region of the semiconductor layer that emits light, said semiconductor layer having a downward slope in at least a portion of its side end face located outside the closed line pattern of said recess; a first electrode on said downward slope of the side end face of the semiconductor layer and electrically in contact with a portion of said semiconductor layer, wherein said first electrode downwardly reflects light that is emitted by said semiconductor layer and that reaches the first electrode; and a second electrode electrically in contact with a portion of said semiconductor layer located inside the closed line pattern of said recess.