Enjoying the surf-washed beaches and exploring the mystical jungles of Ubud should both be high priorities on your list of things to do while in Bali. So should sampling some of the best nightlife you’ve ever had. Yep, Bali’s nocturnal scene caters to a range of crowds, styles, and budgets. With everything from stylo beach clubs to jet-setter cocktail bars, it’s packed with places to let loose when the sun goes down. But where to stay in Bali for nightlife?
Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian are generally considered to be the epicenters of the nightlife in Bali. They come laced with strips of nightclubs and venues, some of which are famed throughout Southeast Asia. There’s all sorts, including beach bars where you can enjoy the sunset, live music options with rock bands, DJ clubs that pump all night, and riskay cabaret shows. The Bali beach clubs are a particular favorite among travelers and locals, offering a full-package party that starts in the day and doesn’t end until the next.
This guide will focus on where to stay in Bali for nightlife. It will pick out a number of hotels that put you close to the top bars and party areas. We’ve gone for a nice mix, offering luxury resorts with big pools and stylo villa rentals alongside backpacker hostels for those looking to dance and drink on a budget. Let’s begin…
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W Bali, Seminyak
Located in the heart of Seminyak – Bali’s vibrant fashion, nightlife, and restaurant hub – the W Bali – Seminyak plays by a different set of rules. It’s a top pick for entertainment and nightlife, all within a luxury setting. With garden or Indian Ocean views from all rooms, a pool modelled on Bali’s famed terraced rice fields, a 24-hour AWAY spa, and a FIT gym, you’ll be living the lifestyle of your dreams here. You can refuel with cocktails or a beer from the Woobar poolside bar, or rejuvenate at the spa during the day so you’re refreshed and ready for a night of clubbing until the sun comes up.
The Fire Restaurant here serves a great selection of BBQ, while the Starfish Bloo Restaurant offers a selection of Pan-Asian cuisine. Later on, there’s also a whole underground club ready for guests. That attracts acclaimed local and global DJs, and hosts some of the most prestigious EDM shindigs on the island. You could also take a short walk into town and sample some of the best restaurants in Seminyak, or hit other clubs in the area, like the Potato Head Beach Club, one of the south-west shoreline’s most epic beach bars, offering its own infinity pool and fusion Euro-Asian foods.
XOXO Kuta Legian Hostel
Right on the cusp between Kuta and Legian (two of the main party areas on the south-west coast of Bali), the XOXO Kuta Legian Hostel covers all the bases of an affordable stay and then some. It’s sort of nearly one of those new breeds of posh-tel, offering booth beds in multi-bed bunk dorms, each with private storage areas and pull-down curtains for added privacy. On top of that, the bathrooms are pretty chic (looking plucked from a Bangkok condo) and there’s a continental breakfast on offer to help you deal with the hangover.
You won’t have to venture far to find some of the best clubs in the area, either. The main drag of Jalan Legian is one block to the west of the hostel. Close to XOXO, you get the gritty LEGION urban bar with its heavy EDM and techno, noir dancefloors, and on-site pool. Some more legendary names on the Kuta nightlife line up are another 10 minute walk – think Sky Garden Bali and Paddy’s Irish Bar, both of which offer some of the most heady parties on the island!
Kos One Hostel, Canggu
Hit the hip and happening streets of Canggu by picking the Kos One Hostel. It’s a chic establishment that’s modeled on the elegant islands of the Greek Aegean. So, think whitewashed walls and sky-blue dashes of paint, interspersed with fresh and breezy interiors. The whole place looks like a villa plucked straight out of the Cycladic villages of somewhere like Mykonos or Ios. The vibes follow that. Big chill-out areas meet a bubbling hot tub and a swimming pool outside, and there’s a bar to keep you fueled up on cocktails and cold Bintang.
The location takes you a little away from the uber-popular nightlife haunts of Kuta and Seminyak. A little further along the coast in Canggu, the nightlife is more about big beach bars and bohemian alt venues. Not far from Kos One, you can hit Finns Beach Club (it has five bars and two pools!). In the other direction is the surf-side COMO Beach Club Bali. However, we love the surf-skate mashup bar of Pretty Poison, which is just around the corner through the rice paddies.
Double Six, Luxury Hotel, Seminyak
The Double Six combines luxury hotel service with the convenience of a proper Bali party location. The spacious rooms are all furnished with sofa sets and large windows for the best views of the waves. The great location of Double Six means you can witness stunning sunsets over Seminyak Beach while chilling at one of Bali’s largest rooftop bars, too. 24-hour butler and room service is available for all guests to crank up the pampering. Oh, and the hotel offers various restaurants and bars serving a fine selection of Italian and Western cuisine.
You’ll be able to step out of the door and visit one of Seminyak’s most famous and long-running nightlife institutions: Ku De Ta. A touch to the north along the coastline, that one’s become something of a trendsetter for upscale nightlife and beach dining in the region. There’s also the Potato Head Beach Club, which offers quirky architecture and invites international DJs and celebrities to the stage. Even closer to the door of your suite, the OO Beach Club is a mid-range beach venue with a lovely pool, while Jalan Legian to the north hosts jazz bars and all sorts of international gastronomy.
Griya Santrian a Beach Resort, Sanur
Located just 550 yards from the center of Sanur, Griya Santrian a Beach Resort is in a prime location to enjoy some of the vibrant nightlife Bali has to offer. There are two restaurants on-site: The Wantilan Restaurant and the Starfish Beach Lounge. The Wantilan Restaurant overlooks the beach and offers a tropical dining experience with a well-rounded menu of international cuisine and themed dinners. The Starfish Beach Lounge, located on the edge of Sanur’s sandy shore, was created for tropical relaxation. It’s a breezy hangout that invites you to unwind in true islander style.
Sanur town has a whole host of bars, restaurants, and clubs to enjoy the night at. Casablanca is a great place to go for an evening of live music, as is the Beatles Cavern Bar. The latter was inspired by the original rock and roll Cavern in Liverpool. It’s a hidden gem that is well worth visiting on a Friday night, especially if you like 60s nostalgia! You could also take a trip to Arena Pub & Restaurant, which is one of the island’s best-stocked bars – it’s also got a pool table.
Legian Beach Hotel, Legian
Located on Legian beach, the Legian Beach Hotel offers a comprehensive range of recreational activities both on and off-site. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the hotel features Balinese-style bedrooms with their own private balconies and free WiFi. A short stroll from some of the best nightlife spots in Legian, you’ll be ideally placed to stumble ‘home’ after a night of dancing and drinking. Azul Beach Club is ideal for a chilled-out night watching the sunset and taste some signature cocktails made by the acclaimed mixologist Joseph Boroski.
Water activities can be arranged directly with the hotel. Indulge in a traditional Balinese massage Usada Spa or lounge around the pool drinking cocktails. Enjoy Mediterranean flavors and al fresco dining at Gino’s pasta and pizza corner or taste local delicacies at the hotel’s Indonesian restaurant. Listen to upbeat lounge music with some light snacks at the poolside bar, Ole Ocean View Patio.
The Stones – Legian Bali, Legian
Enjoy the beachfront location of The Stones – Legian Bali is part of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection Hotel. Located on the southern tip of Legian Beach, the hotel boasts stunning garden or poolside views as well as a large outdoor pool with cabanas, sundeck, and vertical garden. The hotel offers family-friendly activities during the day as well as a spa and gym. Stone Kitchen serves a range of international delicacies whereas The Long Rice Table specializes in Indonesian cuisine. If you love seafood, the Big Fish Bar & Grill is the place for you.
The Stones hotel is located in a centralized location, with the town of Seminyak only a 10-minute drive away. You also have the buzzing town of Kuta a short drive from the hotel. Both towns offer incredible nightlife with clubs, bars, and restaurants just waiting to be discovered. The white sand beaches of Kuta and Legian are perfect for topping up your tan. Enjoy happy hour and nightly live gigs at ENVY bar in Kuta or go down to Engine Room in downtown Legian for a game of pool, dancing, and shots.
Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Kuta
Conjuring up images of old-school rock and roll, the Hard Rock Hotel Bali is located along Kuta Beach. It has the largest free-form pool in Bali, along with a sand island, a spa, restaurants, and rock climbing walls. Adorned with music memorabilia and IPTV entertainment systems in all rooms, it’s a music lover’s idea of paradise for sure. For those looking for a truly unique experience, there is even a recording studio within the hotel complex where you can sing your heart out. Oh, and don’t forget to purchase souvenirs for your family and friends at the Rock Shop.
Feast on Asian cuisine at the Starz Diner or for more western cuisine, take a trip to Splash Bistro right by the pool. Lively night entertainment can be found at the hotel’s signature Hard Rock Cafe and Centerstage bar. Once you’re in the dancing mood get yourself down to Bounty Discotheque for a ‘wet and wild’ party or the legendary Paddy’s Pub for a fun themed party.
The ONE Legian, Legian
The ONE Legian Hotel is within short walking distance of the vibrant party scene of Legian. From the lobby to the rooftop this boutique hotel is filled with entertainment. A buffet breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant or you can order room service. The poolside bar offers a wide range of cocktails and snacks for you to enjoy while relaxing on the sun loungers on the two-story pool deck.
The One often hosts rooftop parties and sunset drink specials. You will also find live entertainment in the Lobby bar. Walk into Legian town pop into Vi Ai Pi for exotic dance performances and glaring drag queen shows. For a more chilled night out go to TOA Rooftop Bar where you can recline in the comfy loungers and enjoy the mesmerizing ocean view while sampling their extensive drinks list and Tapas menu.
