“Effortless bars feel like an extension of someone’s home: they keep you relaxed; keep things informal, and serve consistently great drinks.”
We, as human beings, have this natural instinct that pulls us together. We have the needs to connect with other people, we are curious about something or someone, or in some cases, we are horny and we go bonkers if we sit alone too long. For whatever reason it may be, we need to see how our lives are going by meeting new people face to face and see how their lives are going. This is where bars are making their marks.
Bars provide the social lubricant to relax us by giving us the atmosphere to bump into one another and say ‘Hey’. For me, personally, I say most people go to bars to connect, relax, wind down, have fun, meet people, look at people, root for their team together, break up the monotony of life, stay in touch with their friends, be seen, be heard, listen to music, play games, and so on. And how convenient that the alcohol just happens to be there.
There are no best bars in Bali. That’s very subjective! However, we can recommend some of the bars that do things effortlessly and make you forget you’re even in a bar. By all means to disagree, but our carefully balanced smorgasbord comprising both quirky and classic, traditional and edgy, high class and laid back, has something for everyone to sip on.
Hard Rock Cafe Bali
For the last 29 years, Hard Rock Cafe Bali has been the trendsetter and the heart of Kuta’s live music scene and nightlife, and remains that way until now. This legendary American restaurant and live music venue provide the best live entertainment 6 days a week – from Monday to Saturday while also serving high-quality comfort food in a friendly ambience. The bar is a perfect place to enjoy a drink from 2 people to 450 with the Hard Rock Cafe playlist providing songs from all eras, with their video channel said to be the most watched TV channel in the world! Be wowed by an awe-inspiring collection of authentic one-of-a-kind music memorabilia.
hardrockcafe.com/location/bali
Temple Lounge at Karma Kandara
Driving all the way up to Ungasan, this spot at Karma Kandara is definitely worth the 1-hour drive from the south. Presenting a new level of unparalleled views experience for an extraordinary sunset view of panoramic Karma Beach, this bar highlights a killer sweet and savoury cocktail list. Expect stellar international DJs to be helming the decks or bands playing unplugged sessions while you soak up the five-star ambience. But be warned – the line isn’t short here, so get there early for your best chance of a seat before the sun goes down.
The 18th Rooftop Bar at The Trans Resort Bali
Bali Best Kept Secret in Seminyak, The 18th Rooftop Bar is a stylish open air rooftop bar featuring sunset views over the Seminyak landmark, that becomes a favourite amongst globetrotters alike for its enchanting setting, tapas and signature cocktails. Ideal for 120 pax standing capacities, a chic rooftop bar with glass shades and complemented by a round whimsical interior bar. East meets West here, with contemporary Indonesian touch and international influences fusing in a stylish mixture of cultures, reflecting the sparkling luxury style of Trans Touch.
Have a sip of their signature cocktail, Transpolitan. A well-mixed of Vodka, Triple Sec, Cranberry Juice and Sweet Sour, froze into an ice ball and served over smoking bubbly dry ice. Have yourself some bites of tapas and selections of light bites to pair with a perfect glass to conclude your evening on the island.
Pala Rooftop Bar at The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Located on the second floor of Pala Restaurant, this sophisticated rooftop bar is offered as an addition to the venue, providing an ideal space for all-day relaxation with friends and family. Once the sun goes down, you are invited for dinner under the night sky, uncovering the secrets of the stars.
Terraza
Inspired by the terrazas and vermuterias of Barcelona and Lisbon, the hangout spot is located at Santanera’s rooftop, an extension to the restaurant’s sprawling architecture. Sporting a sunny and breezy spring garden vibe, the bar can accommodate up to 90 guests while offering a ravishing assortment of small bites, wines and cocktails. In addition, Terraza hosts a DJ set every Friday night as well as regular events and parties.
Kabana
Here at Kabana, you can immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, dance, follow your rhythm, or lay down enjoying the serenity with the beauty of design as the K-Club Ubud infinity jungle pool. The pool club has four different levels and eight swimming pools. Multiple food and beverage outlets cascade down the natural contours of the ravine to a river below. This is the place for all kinds of celebrations, with various exclusive events with some of the world’s best DJs.
Ombak Bar at Soori Bali
Facing the black sand beaches and crashing waves of Tabanan, this venue is well worth a trip off the beaten path to this hidden resort gem. The chic bar area features a compact wooden terrace with limited tables for a truly exclusive experience – you’ll feel like the only ones around. Ombak, ‘wave’ in Bahasa, offers fine dining options. This signature restaurant features a premium Western cuisine selection. Hands-on creative cocktails are made using the island’s abundance of fresh fruits with the addition of premium spirits at the bar. The Ombak Bar and Lounge is the perfect place to watch the ever-changing sunsets of the beautiful west coast.
Smoqee Sky Bar at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran
The rooftop Smoqee Sky Bar at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran offers a 180° view over the sparkling Indian Ocean and Jimbaran Beach. This is the perfect spot for you and your mates to chill out, embracing the iconic Jimbaran Sunset. You can catch a gorgeous sunset while enjoying cocktails paired with small sharing plates or an array of sweet and savoury treats at the lounging area overlooking the Jimbaran milieu and sunset.
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dpsmd-le-meridien-bali-jimbaran/dining
The DECK at The One Legian
Offering a choice of premium to Irish whiskeys, this bar at The ONE Legian has become one of the main spots to beat the night crowds in Legian. The interior is casual-modern with wooden floors and walls as well as black iron bar chairs facing straight to the pedestrians. The main interior features unique carved high pillars, with display sports and a pool table. With a week-long agenda consisting of 2-for-1 promos for special drinks, you can sing along in a relaxed atmosphere with Reggae music on Wednesday or jammin’ in live acoustic on Monday, Friday & Sunday. Those partygoers can find the right beat with DJs spinning on Saturday.
BARber at The Sintesa Jimbaran
This unique bar at The Sintesa Jimbaran offers a unique concept with a two-in-one fun bar and barbershop experience. The barbershop is at the front and a cleverly hidden entrance within to reveal a full-service bar. The interior is decorated with lush wooden panels and furnished with cosy sofas, a pool table and vintage photographs covering the walls. The BARBer is an artisan’s workshop, constantly seeking quality in order to offer its guests a unique dining and liquor experience, a magical blend of carefully studied details. As for the entertainment, The BARber presents live music with a selection of jazz jams, soul grooves, pop hips, R&B and blues on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Choka at Radisson Blu Uluwatu
Meaning ‘awesome’ in surfer lingo, this bar lives up to its name by having friendly bartenders who stand ready to create the ideal blend of rum, coconut and tropical fruit for a refreshing poolside beverage. Also featuring live music and light meals, Choka is a popular destination for relaxed hangouts. Enjoy a pizza, sandwich or other light meal while you take in the activities and fun atmosphere around you.
www.radissonblu.com/en/resort-bali
Woobar at W Bali – Seminyak
With a minimal down-to-earth design to attracts the cosiness, Woobar goes from a fun, playful, and relaxed during the day to a vibrant ‘see and be seen’ experience at night. Throwing regular world-class gigs, you can enjoy the unmatched views of Seminyak beach and sip on signature cocktails while dancing the night away with resident DJs and international line-up.
Akademi Bar
Focusing on the exploration of Indonesia’s fine tropical offerings, this bar houses a vast range of infused locally produced arak. This Balinese traditional spirit is made from coconut, rice and cane infused with the best produce in Bali such as snake fruit, pineapple, rambutan, rosella, honey, strawberry and many more. A mixologist behind the bar is creating all classic cocktails with a mix of infused arak in the recipe.
Tree Bar at Maya Sanur
Living up to its name, a three-level open-air retreat that takes full advantage of Bali’s soothing sea breeze, this bar at Maya Sanur will treat you to informal dining on the beachfront deck, a perfect place to meet friends for cocktails and light bites. Their rustic wooden floors and glass partitions that offer the unobstructed panoramic views of the sand and sea is reminiscent of a stylish beach house. Sip on your cocktails and feel the cool afternoon onshore breeze kicks in. Listen to the sounds of enthusiastic adjectives describing the whispering sound of the wind that has danced through the bar. Is there anything else better than this?
