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 (in alphabetical order) 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
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.
Kuta Social Club
In a spectacular triumph, Kuta Social Club has been named the Best Rooftop Bar Bali 2023 by the prestigious Exquisite Award. Renowned for its vibrant ambiance, innovative cocktails, and breathtaking panoramic views, Kuta Social Club has solidified its status as the ultimate destination for those seeking a chic and elevated experience.
This coveted accolade recognizes Kuta Social Club’s unwavering commitment to delivering a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that perfectly blends sophistication with an endless summer vibe. From the stylish décor to the expertly crafted cocktails, every detail has contributed to this well-deserved recognition.
Perched atop the hotel, Kuta Social Club offers an immersive setting for locals and tourists alike. Guests can revel in the award-winning concoctions while enjoying the stunning sunset or dance the night away to the beats of renowned DJs during the weekly rooftop events.
This accolade not only celebrates Kuta Social Club’s current standing as the epitome of Bali’s nightlife but also anticipates the continuous innovation and excellence that patrons can expect in the upcoming year. As the Best Rooftop Bar in Bali, Kuta Social Club invites everyone to join in the celebration and experience the pinnacle of rooftop entertainment on the island.
L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo
An avant-garde destination for a creative lifestyle, L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo is an elevated lounge and bar that seamlessly combines Kongo’s Lifestyle with magnificent ocean views and expertly crafted menu. L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo is ideal for a relaxed soiree, social gathering, art-inspired night out, multi-sensory dining experience or an after-dinner drink.
L’Atelier is home to Cyril Kongo, an internationally renowned graffiti artist whose unique Kongo Lifestyle serves as an inspiration for the lounge. He brings his vision to life through his graffiti art and is passionate about premium cigars, shisha, the finest champagne, wines, whiskey and spirits. The resort’s talented Chefs and artisans from behind the bar translate this unique lifestyle to an array of fresh and fragrant Mediterranean Tapas, complemented by crafted cocktails and finest drink selections, premium Cuban cigars and shisha. Ultimately, live entertainment featuring talented resident Pianists, DJs and Saxophonists enhances the artisanal dining experience.
kempinski.com/en/the-apurva-kempinski-bali/restaurants-bars/l-atelier-by-cyril-kongo
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.
Phoenix Bar & Tiki Bar at Karma Kandara
Nestled in a secluded private cove, Karma Beach stands as an undisputed gem among Bali’s beachfront bars, blending the island’s natural beauty with an enchanting ambiance. This secret sanctuary invites patrons to indulge in the artistry of expertly crafted cocktails, such as the refreshing Tiki Sunset made from strawberry, orange, tangerine, osmanthus syrup, and a menu that tantalizes the palate at the idyllic beachside haven, the Tiki Bar.
Lounge on sunbeds shaded by swaying palms and sip on signature cocktails as DJs provide the soundtrack to the surf, savouring the laid-back barbecue experience on island time. Their chefs grill locally caught seafood, juicy steaks, and seasonal produce to perfection all day on the Komodo Kamado grill. Tiki Bar’s rustic, toes-in-the-sand dining captures the quintessential beachfront lifestyle.
When the sun sets, make your way to the vibrant Phoenix Bar. This lively pop-up space brings weekly entertainment to the sand, with guest DJs on rotation. Challenge friends to a game of volleyball before gathering around the fire pit. Continue the night with Karma Kandara’s inspired mixology programme – creative cocktails made with local ingredients. From lazy daytime grilling sessions to buzzing nightlife, Tiki Bar and Phoenix Bar bookend quintessential beachfront indulgence at Karma Kandara.
karmagroup.com/karma-beach/tiki-beach-bar
SugarSand
Originally opened in September 2018, SugarSand has recently transformed, introducing a brand-new menu for lunch, dinner, and cocktails. The venue is created to become a haven for lovers of fine food and drinks, music and culture, relaxation and celebration. During the day, guests can indulge in a variety of Japanese delicacies.
Complementing the culinary offerings, SugarSand’s innovative Balixologists, led by head mixologist Dewa Ari, craft an array of enticing cocktails. Guests can explore the “homage to Japanese cocktail culture” series, which showcases Japan-inspired cocktails, or choose from the selection of signature cocktails that have been enjoyed since the restaurant’s opening. Additionally, SugarSand offers Slow Cooked Infused G&Ts, adding a unique twist to the casual drinking experience.
To enhance the ambiance, SugarSand features curated chill music, creating a perfect atmosphere for socializing and mingling. This beachfront dining destination and bar aims to provide a melting pot where people can enjoy fine food and drinks, music, culture, and celebrate beautiful moments in a beachfront setting.
seminyak.hotelindigo.com/sugarsand
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
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.
Woobar at W Bali – Seminyak
This is one of Seminyak’s hippest places to be seen. By day, Woobar is a super-chic, cool, relaxed beach club with delicious nibbles, and an intoxicatingly extensive choice of imported beers, wines, and the zero-waste concept cocktails. When the sun sets, Woobar welcomes you to play. Sip on high-voltage cocktails specially prepared by the liquid team, and let Bali’s hottest DJs whisk you away in the music. Enjoy tantalizing finger foods at the bar, or get cosy in one of Woobar’s many secret indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Woobar deck entices with sensual design both indoors and outdoors. Inside, the oval reef bar is awash in amber lighting and surrounded by coral-shaped cocktail tables. The bar leads out onto an extensive deck overlooking the sea topped by oversized fans with a custom mirror-polish finish. Within Woobar is the intimate Whiskey Lounge, which features a striking LED-lit bottle display that lights up the sizzling Seminyak night vibe. Crowned by a commanding chandelier, the Woobase stairway gives way to a dance floor swirling in a sea of electric colours. The music emanates from the raised podium, where the DJ holds a court under skylights that offer natural light onto the dance floor. Woobar guests can luxuriate on glamorous rooftop daybeds, by cosy cocktail tables, or in the surrounding WET pool deck.
The perfect place for day or night, Woobar features an enticing menu of traditional barbecue favourites, Asian delicacies, wood-fired pizzas as well as nibbles, zero-waste concept cocktails, wines, and an array of beers. Open daily from 10 AM until 1 AM, Woobar also features Shisha–flavored tobacco smoked in a hookah.