Aside from its gorgeous beaches and abundance of daytime activities, Bali is praised for its thriving nightlife culture and expanse of bars and clubs that flood the cities. Dance to classic Balinese music, taste-test traditional liquors or swap stories with locals over a cocktail. Regardless of what you choose, come ready to immerse yourself in a new world of pleasure.
Bars and Clubs
Balinese coffee and cocktails. Yiannis Chatzitheodorou. CC BY-NC SA.
A great way to meet Balinese citizens is through the local bar scene, which features an expanse of traditional cocktails and insight into the reality of life in Bali. Monkey Forest Road in Ubud is home to many of these venues and is a must-see location for bar-hoppers. The Laughing Buddha serves their drinks with tapas and stories and invites travelers to connect with the culture and each other over conversation and cocktails.
The bar scene is lively past Ubud, and another great option is Rock Bar, near Uluwatu, which offers stunning sunset views and unique cocktails to enjoy with family and friends. Enjoy a drink from the spread of rock formations that tower over the Indian Ocean whilst enjoying live music and specialized appetizers.
For a more relaxed experience, visit Single Fin beach club to admire the talented surfers of Uluwatu. Food and drinks are served all day, making the location a perfect spot to enjoy with friends and people-watch.
For an amazing all-day beach club and restaurant in Canggu, check out La Brisa. With beautiful reclaimed wood architecture, this beach club has curated the perfect vibe to hang out all day or party all night. This eco-friendly venue is a great spot to enjoy the sunset or attend one of their many amazing events!
La Favela in Seminyak offers the perfect blend of international and local experience. Prioritizing tradition and culture over luxury and hospitality, La Favela ensures travelers get a true taste of Bali.
Nightlife
Dancer at Bali restaurant. Shankar. CC BY 2.0.
Alongside traditional bars and clubs, Bali is known for their all-day events that feature dancing and music from sunrise to sunset. Guests can indulge in these events at Savaya, an all-day club in Uluwatu situated on a cliff towering over the Indian Ocean. Stunning views and an array of cocktails greet guests, but the rotating calendar of visiting DJs and musicians is the prize of the location.
Live music is a large part of Balinese culture, and local bands are well-placed throughout various bars and restaurants. The Blue Door in Ubud is popular for hosting local music performances and dancing for guests to appreciate in-between cocktails.
The nightlife varies from town to town, but certain bars and clubs host themed nights or music events weekly. For example, every Tuesday night, Rolling Fork in Uluwatu hosts Latino night, with great music and dancing. You can always ask the hostel staff for advice on their favorite spots in town and recommendations for the day.
Insider Tips
Be aware of the dress code when bar-hopping around Bali — many places require smart attire and will deny entry to those not in accordance. Beach bars and cheaper locations may not have these same standards, but it is still important to be respectful of the venue’s wishes.
Something else to note is that many of these locations require entry fees, which vary based on season, guest and location. Entry can cost up to 200,000 rupiah (US$12) per person, so make sure to bring spending money on your visit.