Best Nightclubs in Bali
I just stayed in Bali for a month and I visited all the happening nightclubs and bars from Kuta to Canggu.
The venues I chose on this list are the busiest and most happening spots for partying. They are not ranked in a particular order as each of them targets a different crowd.
You can also read 10 Best Nightclubs to Meet Girls in Bali and Bali Nightlife: Where to Party?
How to stay up to date on Bali nightlife?
Bali nightlife evolves constantly. To stay up to date on the latest openings and events, I follow several Instagram accounts such as Beat Magazine, The Canggupedia, Bali Radar, Bali Chronicles, What's New Bali and Bali Event Promoters. Check also Bali Night Clubs on Facebook.
A benefit of these accounts is that they advertise promotions and deals, such as ladies' nights and happy hours. They might also be able to get you free entrances to clubs, especially if you are a woman. Just send them a message and ask if they have any "guest list" available.
I also follow the accounts of Disko Afrika, Who's Your Daddy and PNNY. They organize some of the best parties on the island.
Best Hotels Near Bali Nightclubs
It's better to choose a hotel near a nightclub. You'll avoid 4 things: Drunk motorbike accidents, bag snatchers, traffic jams, and crooked taxi drivers.
Here are some highly-rated and affordable hotels that are within walking distance from nightclubs:
→ For Kuta nightlife: Harper Kuta (US$40/night)
→ For Seminyak nightlife: IZE (US$55/night) or U Paasha (US$80/night)
→ For Canggu nightlife: Aston Beach Resort (US$40/night)
Best Nightclubs in Bali
Atlas Super Club: Biggest club in Bali
Where is it?
Canggu, Jalan Berawa
Who goes there?
Mostly upper-class Indonesians, with also fair share of foreigners
What is it?
Atlas Super Club is built like a warehouse: one huge rectangle room with brown bricks on the walls and a high ceiling.
It is decorated in an industrial style, with the upper part above the mezzanine made to resemble the inside of a clock. Despite this retro design, it has a modern and impressive sound and lighting system, probably one of the best in Bali and on par with what you could find in the best nightclubs in the world.
Mostly, the DJs play EDM and all the latest bangers. They also have famous international DJs about once or twice a month, such as Timmy Trumpet, Steve Aoki, Blasterjaxx, Krewella, etc.
On average, the entrance fee is IDR 150,000, but some weeknights are free while others can cost up to IDR300,000. Do check their Instagram before heading there to know about their latest events and promos.
Naturally, you can also book a sofa or a table if you spend at least 5 million for 8 people (on the second floor). This is the best option to avoid being squeezed with the rest of the crowd.
Shishi (Seminyak)
Where is it?
Petitenget, near Potato Head and Red Ruby
Who goes there?
Foreigners and Indonesians, lots of single people.
What is it?
Certainly the most crowded nightclub in Bali at the moment, it has 3 floors, with different DJs that play mostly Top 40, R'n'B, EDM, and Latin hits. They have a busy ladies' night on Wednesday where girls get free drinks and food while guys have to pay a first drink charge of IDR 150k. There are many prostitutes among the girls, though. Minimum spend to get a high table for 4 persons is IDR 2,5 millions.
Why should I avoid it?
More expensive than elsewhere. Too many people are smoking. Very mainstream.
La Favela (Seminyak)
Where is it?
La Favela is located in the heart of Seminyak's party area, on Jalan Kayu Aya. It is just in front of Red Carpet Champagne Bar.
Who goes there?
Mixed trendy crowd, Indonesian and foreign (mostly tourists).
Why should I go?
The interior design of La Favela is really amazing, a real work of art. The place is big, with an outdoor area (great to escape from the second-hand cigarette smoke).
Why should I avoid it?
I never liked the music in La Favela. The DJs just play a mix of Top 40 songs from the past 50 years, often without any proper transition.
When to go?
La Favela is open all day as it is also a restaurant. The place becomes lively only after 11pm, almost any night of the week.
Vault (Canggu)
Where is it?
On Jalan Berawa, in the basement of the shopping center Tamora Gallery.
Who goes there?
European expats, Indonesian clubbers, Canggu residents
Why should I go?
This is a proper nightclub with an underground style. Good music, including techno and Rn'B.
Why should I avoid it?
No holiday vibe, no windows, cigarette smoke.
When is the best time to visit?
It's more of a late spot so you can go there after 1 AM.
If you like Vault and techno, maybe you will enjoy Back Room, Behind The Green Door, and Dat Dash (that one is open until 5 AM on weekends).
Red Ruby (Seminyak)
Where is it?
Red Ruby is located on Jalan Petitenget, in the heart of Seminyak. It is not far from the W Hotel or Potato Head Beach Club.
Who goes there?
Single foreign guys above 30, Javanese girls (among which many working girls), some gays, some Western girls.
Why should I go?
Intimate club with many regulars. Friendly crowd. Good music (techno, tribal, afro, latin).
Why should I avoid it?
It is a closed air-conditioned club that has no "Balinese" or holiday feel. You might not be comfortable with the number of prostitutes.
When is the best time to go?
It is an after-hour club. You can visit after 2-3 AM as it closes quite late.
Mirror (Seminyak)
Where is it?
Mirror is located on Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak.
Who goes there?
It attracts mostly Indonesians from Jakarta, as well as some expats living near Seminyak.
Why should I go?
Unique décor, good crowd, full on weekends. They may also have relatively famous DJs. Strict dress code (no sandals, no short pants).
Why should I avoid it?
Mainstream electronic dance music.
When is the best time to go?
There are events from Wednesday until Saturday. You can go starting at midnight.
LXXY (Kuta)
Where is it?
LXXY is located on Jalan Legian, Kuta, in a busy part of the street. It is surrounded by other nightclubs and bars, among which Engine Room, SkyGarden and Paddy's.
Who goes there?
It attracts mostly Indonesians who live in Bali as well as tourists staying in Kuta.
Why should I go?
Big nightclub with affordable prices (free entrance on most nights). EDM music with some famous DJs once in a while.
Why should I avoid it?
Quite mainstream. Not always so crowded.
When is the best time to go?
Open every day. The campus night on Wednesday is pretty wild. Ladies night on Thursday.
Boshe VVIP (Kuta)
Where is it?
Boshe VIP is in Kuta on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai. You will need a 10-minute taxi ride to reach it from Jalan Legian and 20 minutes from Seminyak.
Who goes there?
Asians, mostly Indonesians (Javanese, Indo-Chinese, some Balinese), Malaysians and Singaporeans.
Why should I go?
Many people go to Boshe for the girls. They have some sexy lady companions and a popular karaoke. The events are usually quite fun: They have rather good local live bands and an excellent sound system. After the live music, you usually have a DJ playing electronic music. There is a really cool dressing code for the staff: All of them have dyed hair, tattoos and a rock attitude.
Why should I avoid it?
Guys usually book a table or a sofa, pay for some girls to accompany them, and get drunk. There are not many interactions between people. It is harder to meet a "normal" girl too. The live bands play a lot of Indonesian songs which can be boring if you are not familiar with them.
When should I visit it?
Boshe is decently crowded during the week, and it is busy from Wednesday to Saturday night. If you want to hear live music, come from 8am to midnight.
Thibaud
thibaud@jakarta100bars.com