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Loading...Sipping a drink by the beach as the sun sets is an essential Bali experience. Whether you’re after a 7 star beach club or somewhere more laid back where you can kick off your shoes and watch the clouds roll by, you won’t be short of places to choose from.
On any given evening along Bali’s endless coastlines, DJ’s are dropping ambient beats and Bintangs are being downed by the truckload. Colourful tasselled umbrellas, live entertainment and mesmerising kite displays bring the shoreline to life from about 4pm – 8pm, and both travellers scrapping by on a shoestring and those ready to blow their life savings will find a place to suit. Prime time sunset hangs are everyone’s for the taking.
In Bali, life is slow paced and the hot weather often demands avoiding the sun during the thick of the day. But just before sunset, as the sun recedes towards the horizon and the symphony of clouds stage a visual delight, being outdoors is pure perfection. The ocean breeze, multicoloured skies and view of the vast open sea lines grant a much needed recharge. Here is our list of the best places to enjoy this daily phenomenon while enjoying a cheeky beverage or two.
La Plancha
La Plancha is the mother of all beanbag bars, found on the beach in Legian, on the strip of beach between Jalan 66 and Jalan Dyanapura. Bursting with color and hip electro music, La Plancha is always full to the brim with a happy, holiday making crowd.
Come early before sunset to grab a bean bag and find yourself in the most comfortable position. Amongst drinks, indulge in Spanish tapas and international food at moderate prices.
A sunset beverage at La Plancha is a token Bali experience. Not one to miss.
Address: on the Mesari Beach, between JL Double Six and Jl Dhyanapura, Seminyak, Bali,
Phone Number:+ 62 878 614-16310
Old Man’s
Famous for its atmosphere, this so called institution on Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu is a favorite local hangout.
Unlike Seminyak and Uluwatu which mostly cater to tourists, Canggu has a more of a community feeling, brimming with expats who’ve decided to call the village home.
The laid back atmosphere, street art and substantial food options are really starting to draw in the crowds. Old Man’s is also a good place to take the kids as there is a bit of room to run around and the lack of pretentiousness makes it easy not to fret that the little ones are going to smash a glass or disturb other patrons.
There’s no table service, but standing up to order can be a bit of a social affair and a good opportunity to stretch your legs. Make your Old Man’s sunset viewing a Friday night affair to see live music and the venue in full swing.
Address: Jl. Batu Bolong Beach, Canggu
Phone Number: +62 361 84159
Cocoon Restaurant and Bar Club
Cocoon envelops you in its stylish, modern design, upbeat music and fresh cocktails, right off Jalan Double Six in Legian.
Boasting a pool, cabanas and a stylish restaurant that transforms into a posh bar by night with electro beats that can be heard off the street, right in the midst of Legian beach. Cocoon is all about party, party, party. If you are in the mood for pool side lounging with a cocktail in hand, this is the place you want to be.
To get ready for the evening party, come before sunset and enjoy two for one cocktails from 4 to 7 p.m. The food is exquisite, with an award winning menu dishing up international and fusion recipes.
Cocoon features good DJs hand picked from both the national and international music scene at least once a week, so check their online event schedule to pick a prime sunset viewing.
Address: Jl Double Six 66, Blue Ocean Boulevard, Seminyak
Phone Number:+62 361 731266
KuDeTa
KuDeTa is fancy Bali at its best. A beach bar with day beds, perfect ambiance and exceptional five-star food, located on the beach in Legian next to the Oberoi Hotel, KuDeTa serves our favorite large breakfasts and hosts hip DJs from all over the world.
It is famous for themed parties during the high season, so check their schedule online and book tickets early – they will sell out. KuDeTa is also a great excuse to dress up to the nines and leave your flat shoes and tattered sarong at home for the night.
Address: Jalan Kayu Aya No. 9, Seminyak, Bali
Phone Number:+62 361 736969
La Lucciola
La Lucciola is an upscale, scenic, colonial style restaurant separated from the beach by a strip of soft grass and five large palm trees. Here, you can get refreshed by a fine selection of wines, Mediterranean salads, and the occasional spotting of famous movie stars (think Mr Big from Sex in the City). A fabulous view, great food and quality service – that’s an A+ from us.
Address: Jalan Kayu Aya, Petitenget Beach, Seminyak, Bali
Phone Number:+62 361 730838
Potato Head
A popular Indonesian restaurant brand from Jakarta sweeping hordes of hipsters off their feet with a large infinity pool, retro designed interior and hip music. Located on the beach in Legian, but a bit further to the north in the Petitenget area. From smoothies to cocktails, small bites to fully sized meals; Potato Head offers a modern touch on classic international dishes at moderate prices. The large day beds turn into fun, lazy hangouts for groups who stick around into the night.
A unique combination of the beach bar experience and modern metropolitan hangout. Potato Head has a relaxing atmosphere to be enjoyed with good friends or someone special. Book one day ahead to avoid standing in the line in high heels.
Address: Jalan Petitenget 51 B, Kerobokan
Phone Number:+62 361 4737979
W Retreat and Spa
If you have an inkling and love of design, fine food and world class entertainment, check out this much loved venue of ours. W Retreat and Spa is a modern concept hotel with a beach restaurant, large pool area and Woo Bar. Beyond sunset, venture here for a brunch of fresh seafood consumed whilst kicking back on the colourful day beds around the terraced pool, entertained by Cafe del Mar tunes. This is considered to be the high side of Bali life.
Excellent service, loads of clubbing events and concerts performed by popular world entertainers, and a lush interior from ceiling to floor make this place an absolute must. Quality comes with a price, but at a venue like this, we really can’t complain. When the crowd overflows, things can get manic and loud, so book a table early if you don’t want to elbow your way through the masses.
Address: Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan
Phone Number:+62 361 4738106
Komune
Despite the name sounding like a squatters neighborhood in Denmark, this beach club is a chic hangout at the surf spot of Pantai Keramas, north of Sanur.
A resort for surfers and surf admirers, the beach bar boasts great views from the pool and bar area. The comfy day beds are known to take the laziness to a new level. Komune heeds sustainability, and serves organically grown food from their own garden. It also spearheads beach clean ups and uses solar panels, putting it in a new league of luxury. If the rest of the hospitality industry in Bali was as conscious as our friends at Komune, the over development of the island wouldn’t pose such a threat to the environment.
The sea breeze and sound of huge waves add a natural rhythm to this beautiful isolated venue.
Address: Jalan Pantai Keramas, Keramas, Blahbatuh
Phone Number: +62 361 3018888
Karma Beach Club
Karma Beach Club is located on a fantastic spot on the beach beneath the cliffs of Ungasan in South Bali. Need we say more than location, location, location? It is one of the best pools to relax by in bali and the view of the sea from the cable car that brings you down from the top of the cliff to the beach is just stunning.
The impeccable service and delectable food cancel out the expensive pricing. Daybeds, DJ’s, a straw hut dining area, and the transparent blue ocean protected from the big waves with a reef, attract those seeking a luxurious beach getaway. Entry fee is 250.000, inclusive of food and drinks. The white sands, stunning view and chilled out music remind us all what living large feels like – if only for a day.
Address: Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan
Phone Number:+62 361 8482200
El Kabron
El Kabron is an award winning Spanish restaurant and beach club on the cliffs of Pecatu in South Bali, located between Bingin and Dreamland Beach.
Despite its kooky name, it offers earthly pleasures of sublime Spanish food; good wine; an infinity pool; and a view of the rolling waves while the sun drops behind the horizon; words cannot describe how amazing this experience is.
This hidden gem is a bit hard to find so make sure you go with somebody who knows the way to the location. Best for sunset, but it won’t harm you to spend the entire day there chilling by the pool.
Address: Jalan Pantai Cemongkak, Pecatu
Phone Number: +62 361 7803416
Uluwatu Surf Point
Uluwatu surf point, located right beside the Uluwatu Temple, is a focal point of surfing on the island of Bali and is supposedly the exact spot that made Bali a famous surf spot all over the world.
Surfers were the ones to discover Bali’s fantastic beaches in the 1960’s, then the tourists, culture lovers and the others hordes of travellers followed. So this is a historical spot that deserves attention. It takes 80 steps to reach this hidden gem, after taking the right turn on the road before entering the Uluwatu Temple.
It consists of many bars and restaurants perched on the rocks above the surf point that cater to the surfers and their fans. The vistas are breath taking, and it’s worth taking the trip all the way south, even though the places are low maintenance and the food is basic warung style Indonesian. Don’t let the local craft sellers spoil your relaxing time by being persistent. You really don’t need another woven bracelet.
Address: Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Kuta Selatan, Pecatu, Uluwatu
Phone Number: not available
Single Fin
Single Fin is a great cliff beach bar and surf shop perfect for young people and for those who are young at heart. Located in Pecatu, South Bali, it’s famous for its Sunday live music and DJ sessions, and if you’re lucky, you could spot some night surfing.
Come early to take your place before sunset, as it can get crowded as the night progresses despite the multilevel areas and massive outdoor deck. The food is moderately priced, but you can’t put a price tag on such amazing views.
If you are not staying local, bring your own transport as it is hard to get a taxi. Take a firm grip on your bintang and watch the surfers do their acrobatic dance while the sun slowly sets behind the incoming waves, and the ocean breeze gently caresses your face. Ain’t life grand?!
Address: Jalan Labuan Sait Pantai Suluban, Uluwatu, Pecatu
Phone Number:+62 361 769941
Bingin Beach
Bingin beach is the best kept secret in Bali, and of late, the hottest spot to chill out during weekends.
There are many stairs to conquer to get there but it’s quieter than all the others beaches on the Uluwatu strip making it well worth the hike. It’s peaceful, and plenty of warungs along the white sand offer fresh seafood barbeques and freshly squeezed fruit.
An unspoiled tropical beach preserved from the maddening crowds, great to surf or just watch the sea. Swimming is recommended during low tides only. If you want to escape from life for a day and let the world turn, this is a perfect spot.
Address: Ten minute drive north from Uluwatu, Pecatu
Phone Number:not available