19 Best Bars in Bali for a Tropical Night Out

Over six million tourists visit Bali every year, but let’s be honest, this island isn’t just about sun-kissed beaches and epic surf. Bali’s nightlife has a pulse all its own, full of laid-back beach clubs, rooftop lounges, and intimate speakeasies. I’ve spent a fair share of evenings hopping between lively hotspots and hidden gems, hunting for the perfect cocktail-meets-sunset combo. 

From Uluwatu’s clifftops to Seminyak’s bustling streets and Ubud’s jungle vibes, you’ll find bars that serve more than just drinks. They serve experiences. So, dust off your dancing shoes (or flip-flops) and let’s dive into 19 of the best watering holes this tropical paradise has to offer!

Key Takeaways

• Bali’s bar scene ranges from cliffside sunset lounges to buzzing beach clubs and hidden speakeasies.

• Top spots include Rock Bar (Jimbaran), Single Fin (Uluwatu), La Favela & Motel Mexicola (Seminyak), and The Lawn (Canggu)

• Ubud surprises with refined jungle bars like Night Rooster and Apéritif Bar.

• Local twists shine with arak-based cocktails, jamu infusions, and Balinese design elements.

• Pro tips: arrive early for sunset views, book ahead for top venues, and always ride safely using Grab or GoJek

Bar Hopping 101 in Bali

Whether you’re new to the island or a frequent flyer, Bali’s bar scene can be overwhelming in the best way possible. Distances aren’t massive, but traffic can be unpredictable, so plan your route if you’re aiming to hit multiple spots in one night.

Apps like Grab or GoJek make hailing a ride straightforward, and many bars offer free shuttle services if you’re staying close by.

Wondering about the crowd? Prepare to mingle with surfers, digital nomads, honeymooners, and locals who know how to unwind after a day’s work. Embrace the diversity, it’s half the fun of a Bali night out!

Cultural Twists and Local Flavors

• Balinese Ingredients: Keep an eye out for cocktails featuring arak (a traditional Balinese spirit made from coconut or rice) and jamu-inspired mixes (herbal tonics thought to boost wellness). Local fruits like snakefruit (salak) and soursop (sirsak) also make unexpected but delicious additions to cocktails.

• Music and Dance: While many bars lean into global tunes, electronic, rock, or hip-hop, you’ll occasionally find live gamelan performances or Balinese dance shows. These cultural interludes can pop up around religious festivals or special bar events, adding a unique island flavor to your night out.

• Temple Festivals: It’s not unusual to see a local ceremony happening near a bustling nightlife district. Embrace the contrast: sacred temple ceremonies by day, vibrant bars by night. Just remember to be respectful, avoid loud or disruptive behavior if you see any religious processions close by.

• Supporting Local Artisans: Some of Bali’s bars, especially those focusing on sustainability or bohemian vibes, showcase local artwork and crafts as part of their décor. Buying small items or souvenirs directly supports local communities and keeps Bali’s artistic traditions thriving.

19 Bars You Need to Try in Bali

1. Rock Bar, Jimbaran

Carved into a dramatic cliffside at the AYANA Resort, Rock Bar serves up killer cocktails with jaw-dropping ocean views. Time it right, and you’ll catch the sun melting into the sea, an unforgettable golden-hour performance. Arrive early or be prepared to wait in line. This place is just that popular.

2. Single Fin, Uluwatu

Perched high above the famous Uluwatu surf break, Single Fin draws a diverse crowd of surfers, backpackers, and locals looking for breezy vibes. Sip an ice-cold Bintang or go for their signature fresh-fruit cocktails. Sunday Sessions here are legendary, merging live music with epic sunsets over rolling waves.

3. Potato Head Beach Club, Seminyak

This iconic beach club wows with its distinctive “collected shutter” facade. Beyond the Insta-worthy design, you’ll find a spacious infinity pool, delicious small plates, and DJs spinning feel-good tracks. Perfect for day-to-night transitions, start with a lazy afternoon dip and stay for the lively after-dark scene.

4. La Favela, Seminyak

Step into a tropical bohemian wonderland. La Favela’s quirky décor, think vintage furniture, overgrown greenery, and hidden alcoves, sets the stage for fun nights. Cocktails like the My Favela or Raspberri Dulce will keep your taste buds entertained while resident DJs keep your feet moving.

5. Motel Mexicola, Seminyak

If you’re craving neon colors, Latin beats, and a fiesta vibe, Motel Mexicola is your go-to. Decorated with vibrant tiles, religious iconography, and funky murals, this taqueria-by-day transforms into a dance fiesta by night. Grab a margarita, devour some tacos, and don’t be surprised if spontaneous conga lines break out.

6. Old Man’s, Canggu

A laid-back surfer bar fronting the popular Batu Bolong beach, Old Man’s is the neighborhood’s hangout spot. Check out their happy hours for beer pong, ping-pong, and good-natured banter with fellow travelers. If you’re up for a little friendly competition, the Sunday markets often include live music and community events.

7. The Lawn, Canggu

With a plush lawn (naturally) facing the crashing waves, The Lawn is beachside lounge perfection. Low-slung sofas, breezy cabanas, and a sophisticated menu of drinks and bites make it ideal for watching the sun fade into the horizon. Stick around after dusk, when DJs kick off mellow tunes under twinkling lights.

8. 40 Thieves, Seminyak

Hidden above Mad Ronin Ramen, 40 Thieves is Bali’s answer to a proper speakeasy. The decor exudes an industrial-chic vibe with exposed brick and dim lighting. Whiskey lovers will rejoice. These bartenders craft serious cocktails, and there’s often live funk or hip-hop to elevate the energy.

9. KU DE TA, Seminyak

A veteran on Bali’s party scene, KU DE TA still holds its own with a sleek, minimalist design and a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets. Their themed events, like White Parties, draw international crowds. If you’re hungry, the on-site restaurant cooks up stellar modern cuisine to pair with your tipple of choice.

10. El Kabron, Uluwatu

Perched atop a clifftop in Uluwatu, El Kabron feels like a stylish slice of the Mediterranean transplanted to Bali. Whitewashed walls, a sleek infinity pool, and panoramic views set a dreamy stage. Specializing in Spanish tapas and sangria, this spot is perfect for late-afternoon chill sessions that morph into DJ-driven nights.

11. FINNS Beach Club, Canggu

A favorite for day-long pool parties and lively evenings, FINNS Beach Club offers multiple bars and swim-up refreshment stations. Order up a refreshing cocktail or a cold beer, then lounge in one of the poolside beds. With direct access to Berawa Beach, you can dip into the ocean and return to your sun chair without missing a beat.

12. Mrs Sippy, Seminyak

Famed for its massive saltwater pool and diving platforms, Mrs Sippy knows how to serve up good times. The vibe? A chic, modern oasis with palm trees, lounge chairs, and an upbeat soundtrack. Their cocktails feature playful twists, like the Coco Magic, coconut water, rum, and fresh tropical fruits.

13. The Sayan House Bar, Ubud

Ubud isn’t just about yoga and monkey forests. The Sayan House Bar overlooks lush valleys and the Ayung River, blending Latin and Japanese flavors in its cocktails and cuisine. Go for a sake-based sip or an inventive tequila blend and bask in the jungle sunset. Far quieter than the beach clubs, but every bit as mesmerizing.

14. Night Rooster, Ubud

From the masterminds behind Restaurant Locavore, Night Rooster is an intimate cocktail bar focused on local, seasonal ingredients. The cozy interior features a dark-wood bar, quirky artwork, and friendly bartenders. Drinks are inventive—think tamarind or jackfruit infusions, paired with gourmet bar bites.

15. Apéritif Bar, Ubud

Situated within the luxurious Apéritif restaurant, this elegant bar offers a refined escape in the heart of Ubud’s greenery. The menu leans toward artisanal spirits and handcrafted cocktails, often with a touch of Balinese botanicals. Don’t miss their barrel-aged mixes aged in-house for extra depth and complexity.

16. Savaya (formerly Omnia Dayclub), Uluwatu

Clinging to the cliffs of Uluwatu with a glass-bottom bar and panoramic sea views, Savaya is all about big-name DJs and high-end vibes. Expect an impressive lineup of electronic music, a sprawling infinity pool, and an upmarket bar menu. If you’re looking to dance the day away in jaw-dropping surroundings, you’ve found your spot.

17. Tropicola, Seminyak

Bright pastel tones, 80s Miami aesthetics, and upbeat tunes make Tropicola a fun alternative to Bali’s more subdued lounges. Their signature cocktails lean toward fruit-forward flavors, and the pool area is prime for Instagram shots. It’s a laid-back place to start your night before venturing out to Seminyak’s bustling scene.

18. La Plancha, Seminyak

Colorful bean bags, umbrellas, and music that ranges from chill-out to reggae define La Plancha’s carefree vibe. Located right on Mesari Beach, this Spanish-inspired bar is a popular sunset hangout. Order a round of sangria, grab a front-row seat on the sand, and let the ocean breeze do its magic.

19. Vault, Canggu

If you thought speakeasies were only for cityscapes, Vault is here to prove you wrong. Tucked discreetly below street level, it features a gritty-chic interior reminiscent of a New York basement bar. Think exposed concrete, neon graffiti, and a curated menu of craft cocktails that cater to adventurous palates. Hip-hop nights are a highlight, drawing a lively, dance-friendly crowd.

How to Stay Safe and Savor the Moment

• Mind Your Drinks: Stick to reputable bars, and never leave your cocktail unattended.

• Plan Transport: Bali’s roads can be chaotic. Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or organize a driver in advance, especially if you’re bar-hopping.

• Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to forget you’re in a tropical climate when the music’s pumping. Alternate with water to keep your head clear.

• Respect Local Customs: Balinese culture is steeped in traditions and ceremonies. If you stumble upon a temple celebration near a bar, observe quietly and be respectful.

• Embrace the Island Time: Bars here don’t always follow rigid schedules if a DJ starts late, just roll with it. You’re on island time, after all.

Dress Code and Etiquette

Bali may be famous for flip-flops and board shorts, but certain venues, especially those with a chic or upscale vibe, expect a slightly polished look. That doesn’t mean formalwear is necessary, but a neat shirt and proper sandals (as opposed to sandy, wet ones) go a long way.

Avoid showing up without a reservation for sunset cocktails at places like Rock Bar or KU DE TA, as prime spots fill quickly. And always bring some cash. While most bars accept cards, the occasional card machine hiccup does happen. Polite interaction with staff and fellow patrons is common courtesy, so channel your chill island spirit and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Conclusion

Bali’s bar scene isn’t just about knocking back drinks. It’s about finding your own slice of paradise with a cocktail in hand. I’ve clinked glasses in cliffside hideaways, toasted with surfers fresh off the waves, and savored artisanal concoctions infused with local spices. 

Each bar on this list offers a distinct perspective on Bali’s ever-evolving nightlife, from luxury lounges to boho-chic hangouts. Whether you’re all about the DJ sets or prefer a chilled vibe under the stars, there’s a perfect spot waiting in this tropical wonderland.

So pack your sense of adventure, get ready to raise a glass, and experience the after-dark magic that keeps this island on every traveler’s bucket list. Cheers!

And if your Bali nights need a little balance with unforgettable days, our Bali Travel E-Guide has curated itineraries, hidden gems, and local tips to help you explore the island beyond the bar scene.