The 10 Best Bars to Visit in Bali

Created by the innovative genius of the Japanese designer Yasuhiro Koichi, the Rock Bar lightly perches on Ayana Resort’s imposing cliffs, washed by the continuous touch of the ocean and kissed by the sun in its golden hours. Sunset time is when you want to be there – gazing at the infinite horizon while enjoying one of the signature cocktails designed by Sebastien Bonnefoi, prepared with the best liquors, mixed with tropical fruits, local herbs and spices. Your thirst for both nature and quality drinks will be satisfied here. Reserve a spot – it can get busy.

Recently featured on the Netflix series Chef’s Table, Room 4 Dessert is a must-visit when in Ubud. Chef Will Goldfarb surprises his guests with mesmerising handmade desserts, classic cocktails and fine wines. The ambiance is relaxed and classy, perfect for enjoying a sip of a good old Manhattan. Also, try their Negroni and Old Fashioned.

There are so many things to love about this beachside bar and swimming pool, including the amazing horizon view and lively atmosphere. Whether you want to go swimming or just rest those tired toes from walking around the city, the Woobar will welcome you with a mouth-watering menu, fresh drinks, vibrant colours, and a divine view of the Seminyak beach. Upon purchasing a drink, visitors can plunge into Woobar’s gorgeous pool for free.

Folk is that surprise spot in the backyard everyone is keen to find. Located off the back of Jalan Monkey Forest, it’s an oasis of relaxation, with bean bags and comfy beds on the green grass or right on the edge of the large swimming pool. But here is the best thing: the bar is in the pool. You can sit in the water while ordering and drinking your favourite drink. A must for the hot tropical days!

The Night Rooster is the cocktail bar of the exquisite restaurant Locavore (which just so happened to be voted the best Indonesian restaurant in Ubud in 2017). Here Raka Ambarawan, the talented Balinese barman, creates his magic. The results of his alchemy are ten rotating cocktails, based on the seasonal and locally sourced herbs, fruits and spices. For example, their Nangke Ditebe – meaning ‘jackfruit from our backyard’ – a mix of home-distilled local liqueur and fresh jackfruit. For a classic revisited try their Nee-groni – ‘S**t! We forgot the Campari!’

Can you imagine sipping on some delicious homemade Sangria on a wooden terrace, overlooking the lush Balinese jungle? That’s The Sayan House in a nutshell. A dreamy restaurant and bar proposing unique Japanese-Latin fusion dishes, accompanied by a breathtaking view on the Ayung river gorge. Pro-tip: Going at sunset (around 5 and 6pm) complements your drinks with golden light and a dreamy ambiance.

Imagine entering a modern Coliseum through an elliptical corridor. And then, right in front of you, a green-grass amphitheatre overlooking an infinity pool merging with the blue ocean. That’s Potato Head Beach Club, opened in 2010 in Seminyak and designed by world-famous architect Andra Matin. Another perfect sunset spot, topped up by signature cocktails and mouthwatering tapas. Some pretty epic DJs have played here too, so if you’re keen for a dance, do come here.

Rising on the shores of Echo Beach, in Canggu, La Brisa is an eco-friendly oasis and temple of chill. This dreamy spot has a quirky home vibe, reminscent of a tropical fisherman shack, with benches, swings, nets, straw baskets, sand, seashells, ancient buoys, and handmade fishing rods. Go back in time and enjoy your exotic drink in this magical place.

At Omnia, the party lasts all day. Nestled on the breathtaking cliffs of Uluwatu, this bar is an architectural wonder. With a 360-degree view deck and bar, you’ll dance and be mesmerised by the ocean and the sun. Some cutting-edge electronic DJs play here – perfect for party animals!

Sundays at Single Fin are famous all over the world. Imagine sipping on an ice-cold beer, looking at the waves and the surfers, listening to the cheering of happy people on holidays, with an ambiance permeated by the chill and relaxing vibes. Be sure to check their events schedule – you can catch some pretty good bands here, too.