Introduction
Bali is known as a tropical paradise even when the sun goes down. Bali has a wide range of things to do at night, from world-class beach clubs with international DJs to small jazz bars hidden away in Ubud’s jungle lanes.
This is the only guide you need to enjoy Bali’s nightlife in its most popular areas, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, want to dance until dawn, or want a classy night out with craft cocktails.
Seminyak: Where Sophistication Meet the Sunset
Seminyak is still Bali’s best place for upscale nightlife, where designer boutiques turn into designer cocktails as the sun goes down.
The Seminyak Signature: Beach Clubs
The Potato Head Beach Club
The famous Potato Head isn’t just a beach club; it’s a part of Seminyak. This venue has a beautiful Colosseum-like amphitheatre that faces the Indian Ocean. It goes from lazy afternoons by the pool to lively evenings without missing a beat.
What to look forward to
Famous DJs play house and techno music from 8 PM on. The time between 5:30 and 7 PM, when the sun goes down, draws huge crowds, so get there early to get the best seats. Sunday sessions are famous and often go on until well after midnight.
Prices
Cocktails cost between $12 and $18, and bottles cost $150 or more. Best for: people who love electronic music and groups celebrating special events
Ku De Ta (Now Gone, but there are other places to go)
The original Ku De Ta is no longer open, but its legacy lives on in several places that captured the essence of its upscale beach club. The area has changed, but the Seminyak beach club scene is still going strong with places like Mrs. Sippy and Tropicola.
Mrs Sippy’s saltwater pool in Bali is the biggest in the world. After dark, especially on weekends, it becomes a party spot. The two-story building has a main pool area for lively socialising and an upper deck restaurant for more sophisticated eating and drinking.
What to expect
There will be resident and guest DJs on Thursday through Saturday nights. The people in the crowd are mostly young (25–35), from other countries, and ready to party. Price range: Entry sometimes comes with drink vouchers and cocktails. $10–15 Best for: People who love pool parties and want a lively atmosphere
Late-Night Places to Go in Seminyak
Motel Mexicola
After 10 PM, this colourful Mexican restaurant turns into one of Seminyak’s most popular night spots. The neon-lit interior, loud Latin music, and flowing margaritas make for a fun party atmosphere.
Insider tip
You need to make a reservation for dinner (the Mexican food is really good), but the real party starts around 11 PM when the tables are cleared, and the space becomes a dance floor. By midnight on weekends, there are often lines.
Red Ruby
Red Ruby serves craft cocktails in a cosy setting for people who want a more upscale late-night experience. The bar is like a speakeasy and specialises in Asian-inspired cocktails made with ingredients like pandan, lemongrass, and yuzu.
What to expect
a classy crowd, bartenders who know their stuff, and a reservation is a good idea. Price range: Drinks $14 to $20 Best for: people who like cocktails, quieter conversations, and dates
Mirror Lounge & Bar
Mirror is the best club in Bali for when you want to dance without the beach club scene. DJs from all over the world play everything from house to hip-hop on two floors.
What you can expect
Opens at 10 PM, gets busiest between 1 and 3 AM, and offers bottle service. Cover: $10 to $25, depending on the night and DJ Best for: People who love to dance and go to clubs
Canggu: Chill but with a lot of energy
The nightlife in Canggu is like the culture there: it’s more laid-back than Seminyak, but there are also times when it gets really lively.
The Beach Clubs in Canggu
The Lawn
The Lawn is on the coast of Canggu and is a great example of how the area goes from chill to thrill. At sunset, the fire dancers put on a show against the sound of crashing waves.
What to expect
Expect live DJs from Thursday to Sunday. The crowd is calm at sunset and gets more excited as night falls. The local expat community really likes the Sunday sessions. Price range: Cheaper than Seminyak—drinks $8 to $12 Best for: people who like to drink cocktails at sunset and then dance, and people who like fire shows
Finns Beach Club
Finns is known for its daytime events, but it also hosts regular nighttime events that you shouldn’t miss. Their monthly Full Moon parties and other special event nights bring world-class production to Canggu’s beaches.
Tip from an insider
Look at their social media for special event nights. These usually have guest DJs from Ibiza or Miami and are worth planning your trip around.
The Bar Scene in Canggu
Old Man’s
Old Man’s is the godfather of Canggu nightlife. It is right on the beach and has everything great about the area. It’s where surfers go for beers after surfing, digital nomads meet for drinks at sunset, and by 11 PM, everyone is dancing.
What to expect: Bands playing live Four to five nights a week, DJ sets on the weekends, and always busy after 9 PM.
Price Range: Very reasonable—beers $4 to $6 for drinks, $7 to $10 for cocktails
Best For: Meeting new people, listening to live music, and getting a real Canggu vibe
Pretty Poison
This pink-hued, jungle-garden venue brings a touch of whimsy to Canggu nights. The eclectic decor, creative cocktails, and rotating DJ lineup create a unique party atmosphere.
What to expect
a later crowd (the busiest time is around midnight), a creative cocktail menu, and themed parties that happen often. Best for: People who want something that looks different and people who like to try new cocktails
Deus Ex Machina
Deus is more than just a motorcycle shop and café; it’s a centre of culture. On Sunday nights, live bands play in the open-air space behind the store, which attracts Canggu’s creative community.
What you can expect
music live on Sundays, art shows, motorcycle culture, and a wide range of craft beers Price Range: middle-of-the-road, with a focus on beer Best For: people who love music, motorcycles, and hanging out with friends.
Cultural Nights and Hidden Gems in Ubud
Ubud’s nightlife is different; it’s less about partying until dawn and more about cultural experiences and small venues that close by 1 AM.
Cultural Experiences and Live Music
CP Lounge
This jazz bar adds an unexpected touch of class to Ubud’s nightlife. Live jazz shows happen six to seven nights a week and feature talented local and regional musicians in a small space.
What To Expect: Great drinks, helpful staff, and music starts at 8 PM.
Cost of Drinks: No cover charge, $10–$14
Best For: Jazz fans, date nights, and people who love music
Night Rooster
This cosy, candlelit bar in a side street in Ubud has live acoustic music most nights. It feels like someone’s living room because it is.
What to expect
small shows, singer-songwriters, and limited seating (get there early) Price range: reasonable—beers $4–5 for drinks $7–9 Best for: Finding new music and a cosy setting
Traditional Kecak Fire Dance
The Kecak dance shows at Ubud Palace or nearby temples are a great way to experience Balinese culture in a unique way at night. Most shows start at 7:30 PM and end at 8:30 PM.
Cost
About $7 to $10 per person Best for: People who love culture, photography, and learning about Balinese history
The Bar Scene in Ubud
Bridges Bali
This beautiful restaurant and bar has a great view of the Campuhan River Valley and serves cocktails in the evening. This isn’t a party place, but the atmosphere is great for classy drinks at night.
What to expect
Cocktails at sunset with views of the valley and often live music Best for: watching the sunset, romantic drinks, and special events
Uluwatu: On the Cliff From sunset to starlit skies
Uluwatu’s nightlife is all about its amazing clifftop venues, where sunset sessions turn into starlit nights with the sound of the ocean in the background.
Clifftop Venues
Single Fin
Single Fin is on the cliffs above Uluwatu’s world-famous surf break. It hosts legendary Sunday sessions. Hundreds of people come to watch surfers ride the reef while DJs play music at sunset.
What to expect
The main event is on Sundays from 4 to 11 PM, but there are also DJs on Thursday through Saturday nights. Price Range: Mid-range for beers $5 to $7 for drinks $9–12 Best for: Surfer culture, Sunday sessions, and amazing views
Ulu Cliffhouse
This three-level complex on a cliff has fine dining that turns into cocktails in the evening, all with amazing views of the ocean. The cabanas on the upper deck are private areas for small groups.
What to look forward to
More polished than party music, with occasional DJ sets on weekends Best for: fancy drinks at sunset, special events, and amazing photos
Beach Club on Sundays
Sundays is a unique beach club that you can get to by taking an inclinator down the cliffside. The atmosphere at night is more laid-back than in Seminyak, but the quality of the production is just as good.
What to look forward to
Sunset sessions with resident DJs and a classy crowd Best for: A beach club experience without the craziness of Seminyak
Sanur: Chill Out at Night
Sanur’s nightlife is much more laid-back, making it a great place to spend the evening without the craziness of Seminyak or Canggu.
Kalimantan Bar & Grill
This beachfront venue has live music a few nights a week in a casual, open-air setting. The crowd is older and more laid-back; think of people talking over beers instead of dancing.
Character & Co.
Sanur’s upscale wine bar and restaurant has a great selection of wines and food in a cosy setting. Jazz music is sometimes played live in the evenings.
Best For
people who love wine, quiet nights, and getting away from party crowds
Important Tips for Nightlife in Bali
Getting Around After Dark
- Don’t drink and drive. Bali’s roads are hard to drive on when sober and deadly when drunk.
- Grab or Gojek: Ride-sharing apps work well, but they get busy between 11 PM and 1 AM.
- Driver for Villa or Hotel: Set up pickup times ahead of time. This is much more reliable than hoping for a ride at 2 AM.
- Designated driver: Many villa management companies, including OriVista, can set up professional drivers for night outings.
Price
Most trips between neighbourhoods will cost between $5 and $15.
Things to Think About for Safety
Be responsible when you drink
The tropical heat in Bali makes alcohol work faster. Drink plenty of water. Be careful with your drink: Don’t leave drinks unattended in any tourist area. Things of value: Only bring what you need. Pickpockets work in places with a lot of people. Women who travel: Bali is mostly safe, but you should stay in busy areas and go to well-known places. The big beach clubs and well-known bars have good security. Laws in the area: Indonesia has strict drug laws and harsh punishments for breaking them. Don’t take chances.
Things to Do with Money
Cash is king
A lot of places take cards, but smaller bars and beach clubs might only take cash. There are a lot of ATMs, but they charge fees. Tipping: 10–15% is nice, but not required. Many places add a 15–21% service charge and tax. Honesty in pricing: In Seminyak beach clubs, you can expect to pay prices that are close to Western prices. In Canggu, you can find better deals, and in local warungs, you can find budget-friendly options.
Rules About What to Wear
Beach Clubs in Seminyak
After 6 PM, you can wear smart casual. Men can’t wear flip-flops, tank tops, or boardshorts. Canggu: More laid-back. Casual cleaning works everywhere. Ubud: conservative because of its cultural importance. It’s okay to cover your shoulders and knees. Uluwatu: Relaxed but polite. Beach clubs allow people to go from swimming to dinner.
The Villa’s Nightlife Advantage
There are some unique benefits to staying in a villa, especially in Seminyak or Canggu, if you want to enjoy Bali’s nightlife:
Flexibility in location
Pick villas that are close to major venues or in quieter neighbourhoods where it’s easy to get around.
Privacy before the party
Get ready for your night out with your group at your own pace, with your own music and drinks before the party.
Comfort at night
Go back to private pools, full kitchens for late-night snacks, and big areas to relax with friends after the club.
No complaints about noise
Villas offer privacy for groups who want to keep the party going, unlike hotels with thin walls.
Cost-effectiveness
For groups, villa prices are often the same or lower than hotel prices, but they offer a lot more space and amenities.
If you stay at OriVista’s Seminyak properties, you’ll be only 10 minutes from Potato Head, Motel Mexicola, and the main nightlife strip. It’s easy to get to Old Man’s, The Lawn, and Finns from our Canggu villas.
Things to Think About During The Seasons
Peak Season (June-August, December-January):
- Lots of people at venues, so you need to make a reservation
- Cover charges are higher
- Special events and international DJs are common
- It’s very important to book ahead for beach clubs
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-November):
- More space and shorter waits
- A better chance of getting in on the spur of the moment
- Venues may close for maintenance from time to time
- Still lively but less hectic
Low Season (January to March):
- Venues are quieter, and some close for renovations
- There are better deals and promotions
- There are more locals in the crowd
- It’s great for people who like intimate experiences
Conclusion: Your Night, Your Way
Bali has something for everyone after dark. In Seminyak’s beach clubs, you can hear world-class DJs. In Ubud’s hidden bars, you can hear intimate jazz. In Uluwatu, you can watch the sunset from the top of a cliff. In Canggu, you can party on the beach.
The most important thing is to find a place to stay that fits your nightlife needs. Choose Seminyak if you want to be able to walk to high-end places, Canggu if you want to be near the surf culture and save money, Ubud if you want to experience culture, or Uluwatu if you want to see amazing sunsets from the top of a cliff.
No matter where you go, Bali’s nightlife will be better than you thought. Just make sure you have a nice villa to go back to when the night is over.
Are you getting ready for a night out in Bali? Orivista’s luxury villas in Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu put you in the middle of the action while also giving you a private place to relax and recharge. Get in touch with us to find the best place to stay in Bali after dark.
