Nightclubs in Bali
Truth be told, your body can only handle temple tours, yoga retreats, and watersports for so many days in Bali.
Sure, it’s the place to be for those activities. But when you just want to party like it’s 1999, then the island’s dance floors are where you want to be. To help guide you, here’s a list of 10 finest nightclubs in Bali. You’re welcome.
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What to take note of while visiting nightclubs in Bali
Before you and your rave-loving gang rush off to have a blast at these nightclubs, here are some things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure the fun doesn’t get halted by any mishaps.
Firstly, some of the more upscale nightclubs may impose dress codes, so pack some clothes that adhere to them. Keeping it smart casual is a safe bet, especially for the guys. This means long pants, covered shoes, and a collared shirt, so keep that Bintang singlet for when you’re lounging at home.
A fair share of club-goers have had nasty encounters with pickpockets and scammers, but that shouldn’t deter you from having a good time; just stay vigilant and keep an eye out for one another. That said, do drink responsibly too. No one likes to babysit that one friend who’s had too much to drink, much less in a foreign environment.
For the ladies, keep your drinks close and never leave them unattended, just in case someone slips you a mickey. Some signs to look out for include excess fizziness and cloudiness within your drinks.
Planning your route home beforehand is also a smart idea; consider booking a private hire car via Gojek or Grab so you’re not left stranded when the party dies down. On a lighter note, let’s not tempt the Bali curse and try to find love while you’re out and about too.
Here’s a breakdown of the nightclubs in Bali and where they’re located for convenience:
Nightclub | Price | Location | Dress Code |
Motel Mexicola | Free entry | Seminyak, Canggu | No dress code |
40 Thieves | Free entry | Kerobokan | No dress code |
Red Ruby | Free entry from 11pm-12am, afterwards from Rp250,000 (~S$21.22) | Seminyak | No dress code |
ShiShi Nightclub | Free entry for ladies, men from Rp100,000 (~S$8.50) | Seminyak | Upscale fashionable .No singlets, hats, sandals, ripped or baggy clothing, beach, or athletic wear) |
VAULT | Rp150,000 (~S$12.75) | Tibubeneng | Smart casual |
Mirror Lounge & Club | Rp150,000 (~S$12.75) | Seminyak | Smart casual |
Engine Room | Enquire with establishment | Legian | No dress code |
Behind The Green Door | Enquire with establishment | Canggu | Smart casual |
La Favela | Enquire with establishment | Seminyak | Smart casual |
Da Maria | Enquire with establishment | Kerobokan | No dress code |
1. Red Ruby
We hope you like house and techno because that’s pretty much all they spin up in this club.
Image credit: @redrubybali via Instagram
Featuring go-go dancers, disco balls, and cages, Red Ruby sets the mood for a wild night out. Inspired by New York’s disco scene from the 70s and 80s, you’ll be pressed shoulder-to-shoulder with a crowd that pops, locks, and drops to heavy-bass underground tunes till the morning.
Located on the hip stretch of Seminyak, Red Ruby opens all week, and also hosts several themed nights sprinkled throughout the month. March saw club goers letting loose at a circus-inspired backdrop, complete with free-flow drinks and dance performances to boot.
2. VAULT
Fun facts about VAULT: it’s hidden beneath a strip mall in Canggu, serves legit sushi in its cocktail lounge that’s separated from the raucous dance floor, and only admits people aged 21 and above.
Image credit: @gilgaaaa via Instagram
Despite its edgy warehouse vibes, this mega-club understands there’s more to music than house and techno. That’s why Thursday nights are dedicated to pure hip hop and RnB. For alternative tunes,Wednesday’s a good time to hit up VAULT too as they’ll be supplying the dance floor with Afrobeats courtesy of Nigeria.
Just remember to bring a photo of your ID. The bouncers here are famed for denying entry to those without proper documentation.
3. Mirror Lounge & Club
If you want to ditch your flip-flops and denim for a night of glitz and glamour, right this way to Mirror Lounge & Club.
Having been around since 2015, this Vegas-esque venue in Seminyak needs no introduction. Its interior design is of a church in Europe, with colourful mosaic glass windows, dangling chandeliers, and a tall dome-like ceiling.
Image credit: @mirror_alin via Instagram
The main event, however, is probably the lineup of DJs that counts Andrew Rayel and Dillon Francis among its high-profile headliners. On a typical night, get ready to brave the sardine-like mass on the dance floor.
4. Engine Room
Image credit: @engineroombali via Instagram
If you’re looking to kick it with a younger crowd, the Engine Room is where you should be headed for. It’s located in the heart of Legian, and boy is it a hot spot for party-loving folks. Overhead, several disco balls reflect a kaleidoscope of colours making for a stunning light show. They’ve even erected poles in the middle of the club if you’re daring enough to flaunt what you’ve got.
Of course, the bevvies here are nothing to scoff at either. Apart from affordable beer towers and liquor-filled pitchers, they offer buy 1 get 2 free deals on some of their fan favourite cocktails (Rp95,000, ~S$8.07).
5. Behind The Green Door
Just when we thought Canggu couldn’t get any better, it did. Recently added into the mix of the trendiest drinking dens in this part of town is Behind The Green Door.
Image credit: @celinahidajat via Instagram
Owned and operated by the peeps behind Kilo Lounge, this sophisticated speakeasy turns into a wild party after 11pm. But prior to that, you can still sip on tasty cocktails and tuck into some satisfying bar grub. We hear that the Quesadillas (Rp60,000, ~S$5.10) and Tacos (Rp95,000, ~S$8.07) pair well with most drinks.
Image credit: @nakenazavedo via Instagram
Judging from the mysterious look and location, we suspect the DJs here might be ripping it up with house and techno genres. But we ain’t complaining.
6. 40 Thieves
Getting dressed up to go to a casual ramen joint in Bali sounds like the start of a joke; unless there’s a swanky speakeasy called 40 Thieves above the noodle shop, then feel free to throw on your best outfit.
Image credit: @40thieves.bali via Instagram
But if all you have is tank tops and shorts, by all means. In fact, at this OG hipster bar, there’s no dress code or entrance fee. Come by on Tuesday for some throwback RnB, Thursday for live performances, and any other day for good vibes.
Though it doesn’t seem to have 40 actual thieves roaming around, the drinks here are priced on the premium side. After one too many, things might get dangerous for your wallet.
7. La Favela
Buzzy Spanish restaurant La Favela is the spot to be for when dinner with friends rolls into a rager.
Image credit: @lafavelabali_ via Instagram
The 3-storey space is almost always packed with diners munching on tacos and tostadas most evenings. But once the dinner crowd slinks out, the tables are removed, and the party animals turn up to throw down.
Image credit: @lafavelabali_ via Instagram
If textbook Top 40 jams and throwback RnB remixes are your things, you’ll fit in just fine, but if you’re looking to jam out to more contemporary beats then head right up to the premises’ 3rd floor. That’s where the ATIKKA BALI nightclub is housed, and they’ll be dishing out House and Techno-inspired beats all night long.
As a rule of thumb, book a table to guarantee entry and leave your casual beachwear at home. Or, show up for dinner and linger at the bar in order to avoid the snaking queue that wraps around the block.
8. Motel Mexicola
It doesn’t matter whether this is your 1st or 10th time travelling to Bali because Motel Mexicola is worth a visit every time.
Image credit: @motelmexicola via Instagram
They’ve got 2 locations, one in Seminyak and another in Canggu, but both vibrant venues sling killer Mexican dishes and rock an eclectic range of tunes from Elvis to Britney Spears. Drinks-wise, complement the Latin American vibes and go for their wide range of Margaritas (from Rp150,000, ~S$12.74), served either shaken or frozen.
Image credit: @motelmexicola via Instagram
As always, making a reservation is a smart move to ensure you won’t be denied entry or get stuck at a table on the patio. Motel Mexicola gets lit around 9pm so be there early or be square.
9. Da Maria
Italian joint by day, party spot by night, Da Maria transforms every evening to feature DJs unlocking the latest beats in the booth.
Image credit: @damariabali via Instagram
Unless you want to wait in an agonising long line, come by early – especially on Sunday nights. It gets busy after 10pm when the beach club crowds pour in. Or, stop by on Wednesday and Thursday for a true rager that’s mainly hip hop and reggaeton.
There’s no dress code at Da Maria so feel free to rock your shorts and flip flops.
10. ShiShi Nightclub & Izakaya Lounge
Image credit: @shishibali via Instagram
ShiShi Nightclub has got you and your sisters covered, as they’re well-known for their ladies’ nights. Held on Wednesday nights, drinks are on them as you’ll be able to indulge in free-flow alcohol from 8pm-11pm; we’re talking unlimited refills for draught beers, spirit pours, and even imported wines.
On level 1 is where you’ll find their izakaya lounge, so make sure to fill your belly up with Japanese delicacies like Wagyu Beef Tartare (Rp80,000, ~S$6.79) and Sashimi (Rp60,000, ~S$5.10) before going ham on the dance floor.
Essential guide to nightclubs in Bali
On your trip spent bouncing all over Bali, somewhere between inner peace-finding and soul-searching, there’s the urge to get lit af at a club. So we’ve done the leg work and sought out the best nightclubs.
Just make sure you get your ducks in a row. Book a table, buy tickets, show up early, and assign a sober sister in the group to sort out transportation there and back.
For more Bali-related reads:
- Private Jet Villa in Bali
- Guide to applying for new automated gates at Bali Airport
- Mario Kart-inspired Jungle Cart Bali
Cover image adapted from @mirror_alin, @gilgaaaa & @motelmexicola via Instagram
Originally published on 14th July 2022. Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 30th March 2024.