Bali never seems to fall short on its offerings of nightlife with all its beachfront bars and boozy hangouts.
While we love and cherish our regular hotspots, sometimes we need something a little spicier to get us off the cozy couches in our Bali Villas.
We decided to hunt down a few of the more unique bars and venues that provide just that little bit more when it comes to character and creativity. If you’re feeling open-minded when arriving at your luxurious Bali accommodation, venture out to one of these spots to make the most of your first night out.
Related Article: Some of the best places to go for yummy cocktails in Seminyak
Pretty Poison
Jalan Subak Canggu, Canggu.
This one’s at the top of our list not simply because of its convenient location to all the Canggu villas, but for its simultaneous simplicity and originality. The only way to properly describe Pretty Poison is to call it a “skate bar”. It’s fitted out with an empty swimming pool slash skate bowl for those that like to hit kick-flips with a beer and a DJ. If you’re not into skating yourself it’s surprisingly fun to watch or you can even opt to get a tattoo! Visitors rate Pretty Poison highly for its chilled-out vibe, fun music, well-priced drinks and overall creativity.
Visit Pretty Poison – Jl. Subak Canggu, Canggu – Phone: +62 812-4622-9340
The BARber
Jalan Kencana No. 1, Jimbaran.
Yes, the name is a play on words and yes, it is both a bar and a barbershop. Not so sure about combining alcohol and haircuts? You can head out back to relax on one of the 90 seats in the speakeasy-style lounge area, have a swim in the pool, or indulge in the full-service bar and restaurant. Sip on the signature cocktails or single malt liquors and kick back on a comfy sofa while you float back to the 1930s. The upscale nature of the bar means that it tends to be lively but never crowded.
Visit The BARber in Jimbaran – Jalan Kencana No.1, Jimbaran – Phone: +62 361-472 5333
Mirror Lounge and Club
Jalan Petitenget No. 106, Seminyak.
This place can be hit or miss depending on what you value in a bar experience, but the wild interior decoration and sweaty dancing earned it a spot on the list. While some have complained about the cover charges and oftentimes terrible music, something keeps pulling people back in. Perhaps it’s the Gothic Cathedral themed design with the addition of glittering, mirror-clad walls and stained glass windows with neon lasers bouncing off the dazzlingly reflective surfaces. So maybe it’s not for everyone but hey, it’s definitely unique. You can have a laugh about it when you get back to the serenity of your Seminyak villa.
Karma Beach Bali
Jalan Villa Kandara, Ungasan.
This spot is a little more than a beach view from your bar stool. It is literally on the beach and in such a secluded spot you actually have to get on a cable car to gain access. Some people get scared off by the day pass that is required just to get down to the sand, but it’s part of what keeps this gem so clean and private, and you get a drink thrown in! There is a reef here that allows for a shallow dip in the blue waters but that isn’t even half of it. You can spend the day leisurely sipping on cocktails from your full beach bed on the sparkling white sand or opt for a massage in the shade. Some nights you can enjoy the DJ that walks around playing the saxophone or you might even catch a movie under the stars.
Visit Karma Beach Club – Karma Kandara Bali, Jalan Villa Kandara, Ungasan – Phone: +62 361 8482200
Shisha Temple
Jalan Bali Deli No. 28, Seminyak
This one is a tad unconventional for a list of Bali bars considering they don’t actually serve alcohol. Perhaps this is why it is so unique. In lieu of the liquid courage, Shisha bar is famous for its relaxed yet high-quality hookah experience. Sit around on comfy couches with blankets and board games and choose from 5 different tobacco flavours served out of the smoking mouth of a dragon. They also serve soft drinks and sweet cakes but many visitors claim the coffee is some of the best they’ve ever had. If you’ve booked a Seminyak villa, this is definitely a one-of-a-kind spot you’ll want on your list.
Visit Shisha Temple on Instagram – Jalan Bali Deli No.28, Seminyak
Frankenstein’s Laboratory Bali
Jalan Camplung Tanduk No. 6, Seminyak.
Is it a bar, a restaurant… a cabaret? We were intrigued enough by the name, but things just kept getting stranger as we explored this somewhat frightening Halloween-themed venue. Not only do you get to be scared by zombies and vampires while listening to the live Monster band, but you also get to watch cabaret while sipping on their self-proclaimed “creepy cocktail concoctions”. To matters more exciting, the owners have even opened up their very own Frankenstein themed tattoo parlour! If you’re just itching to jump and scream at those risen from the dead while enjoying your night out, make sure to call and make a booking for either the family hour or adult session. At the very least, you’ll look forward to getting back to your luxurious, not-terrifying, Bali accommodation.
Visit Frankensteins Laboratory – Jl. Camplung Tanduk No.6, Seminyak – Phone: +62 361 731622
La Favela
Jalan Laksamana Oboroi No. 177, Seminyak.
As La Favela’s owners describe it, this bar is “completely crazy and totally magical”. This is a pretty apt description for this eclectic mishmash of Balinese Jungle, stencil art graffiti walls mixed with 1990’s New York and underground London bars. To make matters more confusing, the interior is decorated with pieces from the homes of the owners as well as their friends, featured alongside enchanting artificial ponds and waterfalls with alfresco dining tables. The best part about La Favela is that it was truly created out of love and passion for bringing people together to party and have a great time. The vibe is equally beautiful as it is extraordinarily friendly. Come here to dine, drink, socialise and dance before falling into bed in your Seminyak Villa. Nights here are often fondly remembered for years to come.
Visit La Favela – Jalan Laksamana Oboroi No.177X, Seminyak – Phone: +62 818-0210-0010
Motel Mexicola
Jalan Kayujati 9X, Petitenget
Seminyak, Bali
Like most visitors to Seminyak, you simply must stop by Motel Mexicola. This 1950’s inspired Mexican themed restaurant, bar, the club has all the ingredients for a huge night out in Bali. Music is awesome, tequilas and sangrias keep flowing while you dance with your mates till the early hours of the morning. Mexicola is all about letting your hair down in a fun environment while having some of the best tacos and burritos in Bali. But, your probably not going to really want to eat once you’re there. It’s all about the vibe and letting yourself go.
Visit Motel Mexicola – Jl. Kayu Jati No.9X, Kerobokan Kelod – Phone: +62 361 736688
Steven is a die-hard Bali island addict and committed surfie. When he's not writing or taking videos of the latest restaurants or cool places, he's at Echo Beach surfing or riding his scooter around Seminyak, Berawa or Canggu. Steve is part of the Bali Villa Escapes marketing team and has been living in and out of Bali for the last 15 years.
