Best 5 Clubs in Bali (in 2023)
Bali has become THE place to be in South East Asia over the last few years. Smoothie bowls and beach clubs may dominate the scene these days, but there are still plenty of people who want to go wild and party when they’re on holiday in Bali. Not every Bali itinerary has to be just rice paddies and waterfalls, right?
So if that description fits you (like it fits me!), don’t worry, I’ve got an updated list of the best 5 clubs in Bali in 2023 and beyond. You can’t leave Bali without nursing at least one awful hangover. And besides, you have all those smoothie bowl places to help you get through it the next morning.
Table of contents
Where are the best clubs in Bali?
The best clubs in Bali are all within the Kuta/Seminyak area. Generally speaking, the nightlife in Kuta is more popular with Australian tourists, backpackers and first-timers to the island. The prices are moderate and the party atmosphere is very laid-back. You will fit right in if you wear shorts, flip-flops and singlets.
Regulars of Bali, expats and Indonesians from Jakarta will tend to prefer Seminyak and Canggu which has more expensive and stylish clubs. The music, the cocktails and the décor will be more sophisticated, but you won’t get the same holiday vibe you have in Kuta. Whatever your preferences are, here are some clubs and bars that should be on the must-do list of anyone wishing to experience Bali nightlife.
BEFORE YOU GO CLUBBING THOUGH, INSTAGRAM TOUR OF BALI?
So, back to the 5 best clubs in Bali, in reverse order, starting at number 5:
SkyGarden Bali
I shouldn’t really add Skygarden in a list of ‘The best clubs in Bali’ because it’s a bit of dive. So if you’re looking for a cool spot, skip this one. But if you’re looking for a place to rage, for cheap, with guaranteed (drunk) people, then SkyGarden is for you.
However, it’s an icon of Bali and one of the oldest clubs on the island. It’s also a right-of-passage to at least go and have a few drinks here. SkyGarden Bali is the biggest nightclub in Bali and by far the most popular. It is built on 3 floors and includes an Irish pub, an R&B room, a huge nightclub “Sky Dome”, an EDM dance floor, and a rooftop bar. The music is mostly mainstream and commercial, and the crowd is a mix of people from all nationalities. Sexy dancers and fire dancers usually keep the party going until 3am.
SkyGarden is the only nightclub in Bali that is crowded 7 nights a week. If you are visiting on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, it is the place to go. The party starts quite early: At 11pm, you should already have a full crowd and at midnight, bouncers are starting to escort drunk kids out.
SkyGarden is one of the cheapest nightclubs in Kuta. If you come before midnight, you can buy a triple vodka for less than 8$. Also good to know, girls, drink for free before midnight every Sundays.
Where is Skygarden Bali?
Sky Garden is located in Jalan Legian, Kuta. You can walk to it from central Kuta
Who goes to SkyGarden?
Generally a younger crowd, lots of Australians, a fair few local prostitutes too (you have been warned!). It’s rough and ready.
Why do people go?
To get loose. It’s cheap (for food and booze), often has all-you-can-drink specials and it’s in the centre of Kuta, so you can imagine how each night kicks off.
TOP TIP: The rooftop is the best place to start-off and warm-up. It’s a little quieter there.
Bosche
Not one for the Instagram crew! I am mentioning Bosche here because it is the most popular nightclub in Bali with Indonesians. Few foreigners visit it but it is a mistake as the atmosphere is very lively and fun. It usually starts with a live band (singing both English and Indonesian songs) and continues with a DJ playing mainstream EDM after midnight. You will observe that most patrons will stay in small groups around a table with a bottle of alcohol in the middle. It is only after a couple shots that they will open up and start dancing. The sound system in Bosche is among the best in Bali. If you want to experience typical Indonesian nightlife, you can also visit Akasaka in Denpasar. Be warned though as the place is infamous for being full of drugs and prostitutes.
Where is Bosche?
Bosche is a bit of a walk away from Kuta’s main beach resort area, on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai
Who goes to Bosche?
Clubbers. Proper soundsystens, lasers, DJs.
Why do people go?
To party hard, have true Asian club experience (for better or worse!), and often to pick up girls.
Old Man’s
Canggu’s busiest club, Old Man’s is the centre of the party scene further north on the island. It used to be ‘the place’ to be seen, with a more laid back vibe but now its a mainstream party place, packed with people, and raging every night of the week.
It’s an open-air venue, often with local live music blaring. Dress code is casual, so you’ll see some people in vests, and some come dressed ready for a night out in London.
Where is Old Man’s?
At the end of Canggu’s main drag, right on Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu
Who goes to Old Man’s?
The 16-21 crowd generally stay in Kuta, so Canggu has a mix of 21-40. Digital nomads, expats, the Instagram crew.
Why do people go?
The vibes are fun, and they get wild as the night goes on.
TOP TIP: Warm up with sunset cocktails at ‘the Lawn’, a beautiful spot walking distance away.
La Favela
Seminyak’s most popular venue. Though more a bar than a club, the dance floor of La Favela is the most happening party spot in Seminyak these days. It should be on the must-see list of anyone for its impressive design, inspired by Brazilian Shanty towns. The music usually starts in the bar area at midnight, featuring old-school, hip hop, pop-rock, dance and disco tunes. Prices are average for Bali, around 4$ for a beer and 9$ for a cocktail.
Where is La Favela?
In Seminyak, right on Jalan Oberoi
Who goes to La Favela?
It’s mainstream, and halfway between Canggu and Kuta, so expect a mixed crowd. It’s PACKED on the weekends.
Why do people go?
The design. It’s gorgeous. Straight out of a club in Tokyo/New York/Singapore.
Mirror
Mirror is the latest nightclub to have opened in Bali in early 2015. It comes from the All-In group, which is also behind the popular Fable Club in Jakarta. It is the trendiest place in Bali at the moment and you’ll find it crowded every weekend nights, mostly by ex-pats and Jakartans. Mirror is designed to look like a church, which is a bit strange at first. They have famous international DJs almost once a month and it will most likely become the place to be for the next two years on the island. If you like Mirror, you may also be interested in Velvet/Hypnotized in Kuta BeachWalk mall.
Where is Mirror?
Mirror is at back of Gardin Bistro on Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak
Who goes to Mirror?
Locals, and expats. Tourists too, but only if they know about it!
Why do people go?
Cool design, proper equipment, great drinks. Probably the best real club in Bali
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST CLUBS IN BALI; WHERE SHOULD YOU GO?
Alright guys, Bali nightlife isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and Kuta may make Khao San Road look like a church fair but if it’s a party you’re after, Bali should be on your map. Personally, when I visit Bali I always hit up Old Man’s, La Favela and Mirror. Combine that with a couple of beach clubs in the day and that’s me done. SkyGarden and Bosh are a bit rough and ready for me now in my 30s, but 10 years ago, I was in the thick of it there too. So the clubs in Bali certainly have something for everyone. Go wild.
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