So, you’ve booked your holiday and you’re heading to this paradise island in the tropics and you’re starting to wonder, how can you get the most from the amazing Bali nightlife that you’re heard about?
Well, the good news is that we’ve made it easy for you. We’ve put together this awesome guide to the best Bali nightlife so that you can concentrate on having fun and partying hard.
How To Get The Most From A Night Out In Bali
Before we take a deep dive into what’s available on the island in terms of nightlife, we’d like to offer a small handful of tips that will help you have a great time and stay safe on your nights out.
- Always research the dress code before you head out – most places in Bali are as casual as it gets and as long as you’re covering the bits that are always meant to be covered, you’ll be fine. But some places do have a dress code and they tend to be fairly strict about it, call the venue and see if that’s the case before you jump in a cab. It’ll save you time and embarrassment later.
- Always stay respectful – the people of Bali are pretty cool about holidaymakers having a good time when alcohol doesn’t play a huge part in the local culture. However, they do expect you to respect their homeland and that means keeping your clothes on and acting reasonably towards others and very respectfully in and around religious sites.
- Always be mindful of your situation – this is a great place to party, but there are still some folks around that could cause trouble. Keep an eye on your possessions at all times, move away from particularly rowdy or aggressive people, and only take a drink from a stranger if you’re sure it’s not been tampered with.
- Always pay attention to hydration – one of the reasons that Bali is so much fun it it’s hot all year round, that means that alcohol can go to your head much faster and you can easily end up dehydrated. When we go out, we alternate between bottles of beer and bottles of water. It just makes sense.
- Always use a ride-share to get home – Grab and Gojek are affordable, safe and reliable and by far, the best way to get home without having to brave a dark alleyway or two on the way back. It’s always better to ride home than stagger, particularly on Bali’s poorly maintained streets.
What Can You Do At Night On The Island?
Depending on the kind of night you want to have there are plenty of options for nights out here including:
- Nice restaurants – not every night out needs to be a party and the island’s dining scene is an absolute delight for foodies
- Cabarets and cultural events – from the Devdan Show in Nusa Dua, to the Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple, there are always some lovely cultural activities in the evenings and they’re usually kid-friendly
- Night markets – if you want a few beers and some cheap food but aren’t intending to rage all night, the night markets are awesome value
- Bars and pubs – you can’t really go wrong with these and you will find them almost everywhere on the island but in greatest numbers in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Legian
- Rooftop bars – an upgraded bar experience that often involves live music or DJs plus some wonderful views of Bali or the ocean
- Beach clubs – FINNS Beach Club is the world’s best and the one we always recommend, it’s the place to party on the island by the sea
- Night clubs – when the beach clubs are closed, then they offer the last great chance to dance until the dawn comes
Which Areas Have The Best Nightlife In Bali?
You can find bars and pubs all over the island but many of them don’t stay open too late. If you want to find a great nightlife spot, these six places have the best options:
Canggu: Always The Premier Nightlife Spot In Bali
In the last couple of years, Canggu has displaced Seminyak as the island’s most in-demand vacation spot and that’s because it’s the hippest, most happening area in Bali.
Whether you want beach clubs, night clubs, bars, pubs or cafes and restaurants that turn into nightlife venues after the day’s trading is done, Canggu has it all.
You can’t turn around for parties in Canggu but our favourite spots include:
- FINNS Beach Club – the world’s best beach party experience every single day is what they promise on the wrapper and they always deliver. Sip cocktails in the infinity pool watching the best sunset on Earth and then dance the night away.
- Vault Nightclub – a subterranean night club with a cozy lounge area and live DJs and a very active dance floor. Ladies get in free. It’s got an excellent sound system and very friendly staff.
- Segno – one of the best speakeasies on the island, it has a lively, friendly vibe and the music is always excellent. The cocktails are expertly crafted by their onsite mixologists and the place is buzzing.
Kuta: For When Cash Is A Little Tight
If you’re not looking to spend a fortune on a night out and are willing to go with older, slightly shabbier venues, then Kuta still has plenty to offer the parsimonious partygoer.
The area is packed with bars, pubs and nightclubs that all tend to give drinks promos and other incentives to let your hair down.
- Shipwreck Bali – a great rooftop venue for some food, entertainment and drinks. The happy hour is not always forthcoming as promised in the adverts but it’s very reasonably priced all the same.
- Made & Jimmy’s Beach Bar – a decent warm up spot on the beach with cold beers for sensible prices and more hawkers than you can shake a stick at. It’s where people head at sunset before moving on to a real party.
- The Seven Rooftop – a place for a nice evening with friends listening to the local bands play and enjoying comfortable outdoor seating and good views over the ocean and the beach below.
Seminyak: For When Money’s No Object
Seminyak is one of the most popular places to party in Bali after Canggu. The crowd tends to be a little snobbier than in Canggu though and the drinks tend to be a bit pricier.
However, some of our nightlife gems in this area include:
- The Orchard Bar – one of our top spots for live music, this fun bar down a road far removed from the beach serves some very innovative cocktails and they’re buy one-get one free for a long period of the evening.
- La Favela – a Latin-influenced spot where you can enjoy some very interesting drinks, some excellent music on some of the floors and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all.
- Red Ruby – a modern nightclub feel where they play house and techno all night long. There’s a decent terraced lounge area as well as a fairly upscale cocktail bar. The sound system is something of a beast and it’s one of the most varied crowds on the island.
Uluwatu & Ungasan: For When You Want To Settle In For A Night
Uluwatu is great for a party but you need to understand that the area is really space out and you can’t engage on a pub crawl without spending most of the evening in traffic.
So, it’s best to pick one cool spot and settle in for the evening with some friends. Here are some of our favourites:
- Urban Beats Uluwatu – this place is definitely premium but still affordable. The outdoor seating area is cool and has a nice view of the ocean. THe music is first rate and the overall vibe is boho without pretention.
- The Little Irish – if you’re in the mood for a classic pub vibe then you won’t be disappointed at this often rowdy but always friendly Irish pub. The sound system is excellent and you’ll find that the music really lives up the night here.
- Banana Lounge – a top spot for upmarket cocktails and some tasty treats. If you want a chilled out evening with mates and no distractions, this is the place to be. They have some decent music in the evenings too.
Ubud: When You Get Away From The Beach Towns
Central Bali rarely has as much going on as the beach towns but Ubud’s nightlife has come on leaps and bounds over the years and you can find a good time in this town without too much effort. Check out:
- Kabana Ubud – with a live DJ on every night and a pool available to the crowd, you can’t really go wrong at this place. The crowd tends to be young, fun and friendly and you can dance all night long at Kabana.
- CP Lounge – they’ve got DJs, pool tables and an outdoor pool at this lively lounge and restaurant. The drinks are strong and very good and the vibe is so good that you’ll find yourself happy to stay as long as they’re open.
- Divya Bar – a cocktail bar with some of the best music in Ubud and it’s not too loud, so you can hear yourself speak between bouts on the dance floor. We like the second floor location and the view it gives you over the local streets.
Nusa Dua: When You Bring The Little Ones On Holiday
Nusa Dua isn’t about partying so much as refined experiences in expensive 5-star hotel resort bars and some of the best include:
- Club Millésime – this attractive hotel bar has excellent facilities and some of the finest cocktails around. It also has access to the Sofitel pool and swim-up bar facility which is very nice.
- Soora Bar Nusa Dua – one of the most elegant and inviting cocktails bars on the island and oddly, it’s not part of a resort. The team here will make sure you have the night of your life.
- Veranda Lounge and Bar at the Grand Hyatt – this is a fabulous old school colonial style bar with amazing views of the ocean and excellent cocktails. It’s rarely busy and offers refined indulgence.
FAQs
What Time Can You Party Until In Bali?
The local government in Bali doesn’t set any limits on pubs, clubs, etc. as to when they can open and close their doors. It’s up to the venue itself.
While most beach clubs are closed at about midnight, night clubs, bars, pubs, etc. can often stay open much later with a typical closing time of 2-3 a.m.
However, there are places that choose to stay open even later and it’s entirely possible to find yourself on a beach at 6 a.m. with a drink in hand having never gone to bed.
We’d recommend checking with the venue if you are angling for a certain for finishing time, to make sure they’re staying open.
Do They Have A Legal Drinking Age In Bali?
Yes, there’s a legal drinking age which applies to the whole of Indonesia, not just Bali, and it’s 21. Now, that might sound pretty restrictive to those coming from the UK, Europe, Australia, etc. but in reality, it’s almost never enforced.
In fact, we can’t remember the last time we went anywhere where they asked to see ID. The only time we can think of that you might be asked is if there is a published age limit for the door (such as the 16+ policy at FINNS Beach Club) and the person trying to enter looks a lot younger than that.
Is There A Party Street In Bali?
There are several party streets in Bali. Canggu has two, the beach roads at Berawa and Batu Bolong. Seminyak also has two the beach road at Petitenget and Jalan Laksamana Oberoi near the Oberoi hotel. Kuta also has Jalan Legian which runs to nearby Legian.
Why Do People Love Bali’s Nightlife?
We can’t speak for everyone but we think most people love coming to Bali and going out because it’s relatively safe, it’s extremely inclusive (a crowd always consists of a diverse group of folks from around the globe) and there’s lots of variety (whether you love punk or EDM, you’ll find your crowd).
But most of all, we think it’s because it’s very affordable when compared to most Western nations. You can spend all day and night raging in Bali for the price of a couple of drinks in Ibiza or a night out in Sydney. The freedom not to worry about the bill at the end of the night, makes for a lot of fun times.
Can You Get Drugs In Bali?
We doubt that there’s anywhere on Earth that you can’t get drugs if you try hard enough. However, we just want to say that if you’re thinking about doing drugs, choose a different destination than Bali.
The drug laws in Indonesia are extremely strict. This week as we go to press an Englishman has been sentenced to death by firing squad for the possession of MDMA.
His embassy cannot help him and the local people and media are fine with this sentence, there’s nobody in Indonesia that wants leniency for drug crimes.
That’s why it’s a bad idea to even think about doing drugs here, the punishment for doing so if you are caught will ruin or end your life.
Is Methanol Poisoning A Risk In Bali?
No, not really. Methanol poisoning is usually the result of buying cheap, locally produced, and untaxed and thus, not safety tested alcohol.
Bali has seen a few incidents of methanol poisoning in the more distant past, but today, pretty much everything is well regulated.
If you buy your drinks in the convenience store, a bar, pub, club, beach club, etc. then they are are guaranteed to be free of methanol.
Just don’t buy your alcoholic drinks in a plastic bag in a dark alley and you should be fine.
If you do take such a risk and find yourself thinking that you have methanol poisoning, go straight to the hospital. It might just save your life.
Will I Need To Tip On A Night Out In Bali?
No. There is no need to tip in Bali. That’s because you are already tipping every time that you pay the bill. Indonesia has a mandatory service charge which is added to the bill when you pay. They also add a mandatory 10% sales tax to the bill.
That service charge is placed into a pool and the distributed, by law, among the staff as appropriate. So, you’ve already tipped.
However, if you want to recognize amazing service by giving somebody an extra tip, please do, they’ll be very appreciative but they won’t be expecting it and it’s not mandatory to do so.
Where Is Safe To Party In Bali?
We would recommend partying in Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Uluwatu. These areas are more upmarket and less prone to seeing alcohol-related incidents, which are your main worry on a night out in Bali.
Is Partying Always Safe In Bali?
We doubt that it’s possible for any venue that serves alcohol, anywhere on Earth, to be 100% safe all of the time.
However, as long as you keep your wits about you and move away from folks who look like they’re out for a bit of trouble, you’re unlikely to come to any harm in Bali.
The island is very much one of the safest places to party and most people have a great time without any incidents.
Final Thoughts On Bali’s Nightlife
Bali is one of the world’s most popular party destinations. The island’s sunny climate, beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets and relaxed, laid-back vibe, are perfect for good times all day and night long.
If there’s one spot on the island that you shouldn’t miss, it’s FINNS Beach Club which promises the world’s best beach party experience every single day.
However, there’s a lot to the island’s nightlife and you can have amazing and varied nights out all the way through your holidays.