8 Local Nightlife Experiences in Bali
Where to Go in Bali at Night?
Bali nightlife caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Beach clubs with sunset views, night clubs with live DJs, rooftop bars, theater shows, and easygoing dinner cruises, all prove that there’s much to enjoy after dark in Bali. The list below present the best of it all.
Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak reign supreme as the epicenters of nightlife in Bali with their rows of bars, pubs, and nightclubs, each with its own unique features and specialties. Those looking for a culturally enriching way to spend an evening may opt for quieter Nusa Dua, Sanur, or Ubud. Rest assured our best Bali nightlife experiences cover it all.
1. Night clubs
To dance the tropical night away
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Nightlife
The world-renowned clubbing scene in Bali mostly starts around midnight, with a great range of nightclubs and bars offering pumping bass, dance floors full of revelers, and late closing which allows you to party till sunrise. The most popular night spots feature the best combination of sights, sounds, and surroundings.
Top picks for great nights out include Mirror Nightclub on Jalan Petitenget with its faux gothic architecture and glass ceiling, Hatch Uluwatu with its jungle-like decor, and the Atlas Super Club with its impressive pyrotechnics.
2. Beach clubs
Soaking up the sunset from down on the sand
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Bali’s beach clubs feature stunning locations overlooking the Indian Ocean, some with Ibiza-inspired party vibes, while others offer a laidback beach-shack atmosphere. Many of Bali’s beach clubs spread beanbags or deck chairs out on the sand, allowing guests to truly get comfy while they enjoy the incredible sunsets.
Top beach clubs include Ku De Ta, Potato Head, and Cocoon. They spice up the splendid sunny coastlines with gorgeous cuisine by day and, in the evenings, host gorgeous sunset sessions followed by live bands or DJs.
3. Night markets
Crafts and budget local cuisine
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers
A truly fun and insightful evening of shopping and dining awaits you at Bali’s wealth of night markets. Referred to locally as “pasar malam” or “pasar senggol,” these markets often function in the day time too but, at night, transform into bustling hubs of delicious local cuisine. They’re great places to grab an authentic, budget dinner as a vast number of food kiosks appear to cater to the hungry locals.
The most popular markets are in Sanur, Kereneng, Gianyar, and Badung, which mostly comprise traditional stalls selling local food, snacks, clothes, arts and crafts, and souvenirs at seriously good prices.
4. Rooftop bars
Incredible cuisine paired with great views and cool breezes
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
The latest trend in Bali is relaxed rooftop bars that combine gorgeous settings, incredible views over the ocean or city, great music, and innovative drinks. If the combination of an open starlit sky, a cool breeze, and a great cocktail menu sounds like your thing, Bali has lots of fantastic options to choose from.
One of the most iconic rooftop bars is Rock Bar which is literally built into the cliffside at Jimbaran’s stunning sunset coast. Alternatively, the UNIQUE Rooftop Bar and Restaurant in Ubud offers spectacular views of the Uluwatu Hills paired with Mexican-inspired cuisine.
5. Traditional dance performances
Bali’s rich culture of dance and drama
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Bali’s enormous selection of theater and live shows range from culturally insightful dance performances staged in ancient temples to modern theatrical shows that are intricately choreographed, including dramatic lighting effects and soundtracks.
Contemporary shows blend storytelling with lively dance troupes in elaborately designed costumes and even aerial acrobatics. From local folktales to ancient Hindu epics, watching some performance art in Bali is a great way to learn more about the unique culture of the island and its people. It also, of course, guarantees an incredibly fun and entertaining evening out.
6. Bars and pubs
So many great venues to choose from
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Bali’s bustling nightlife scene emerges as the sun sets over the western coastlines of Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian, where the island’s main collection of bars and pubs comes to life. There’s a bar or pub to cater for every taste, whether your preference is watching sports on the big screen, enjoying a delicious dinner, or dancing to live bands.
If young, wild, and free is your thing, head to the hip-and-happening party-hub of Kuta. If you head further west, you’ll find more sophisticated offerings in Seminyak, where signature cocktails and fine-dining options abound. For chic rooftop bars with incredible panoramic views, head down to Uluwatu on the Bukit peninsula.
7. Live music venues
Jazz, jamming, and jiggling on the dance floor
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Unusual
For a laidback and enjoyable evening, break away from the usual deep bass, dubstep, and dominant EDM trend. Instead, head to one of Bali’s many incredible live music venues that feature stage performances with great local and international bands performing regularly.
Tucked away in Canggu, Baliwood has a relaxed, local atmosphere with guitars, drums, and keyboards available for visitors to use, so you can join in with the jamming sessions. For lovers of jazz and improvisation, the place to head to is Goro Goro Cafe and Kitchen, which is run by a renowned Japanese jazz musician.
8. Cabaret shows
Glitz, glamor, and stunning acrobatics
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
For a touch of fun, glamor, and extravaganza, cabaret shows are the way to go for some evening entertainment. Bali has plenty of great venues featuring vibrant cabaret shows that combine great songs and music with incredible costumes and scenery.
From expertly lip-syncing drag queens to stunning aerial acrobats, there’s plenty of options, guaranteed to keep you in fits of laughter or dumbfounded with amazement. Dinner is often included as part of your ticket price. The best shows can usually be found in the bars and theaters of nightlife hotspots like Seminyak.
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