Aside from the sunsets, temples, waterfalls, and beaches, partying in Bali is on countless bucket lists. The island is home to world-class beach clubs, massive night clubs, and unique bars that cater to every imagination.
While my days of partying are long gone, I still join my mates on a few nights when they’re on holiday in Bali. I’ve spent much of my younger days exploring nightlife scenes from all over the world, and countless nights playing tour guide, showing them what Bali’s like after the sun sets.
But before you dive headfirst into the nighttime shenanigans, let’s talk about partying safely. You don’t want to end your epic night with a story that begins with “I didn’t think it would happen to me…” Here is my detailed guide on how to safely navigate Bali’s nightlife while having fun.
1. Is partying in Bali safe?
Generally speaking, partying in Bali is considered as safe as anywhere else. Our small island attracts millions of tourists each year, many of which seek out the vibrant nightlife. And with the influx of international visitors, the safety measures have tightened, resulting in a safe environment to have fun.
However, when it comes to combination of alcohol, loud music, crowds, and late night hours, these things tend to attract a bit of trouble. And like any other party destination, your safety will depend largely on your choices and awareness.
2. Is it safe to drink alcohol in Bali?
Alcohol is available everywhere in Bali and ranges through the entire price spectrum. You can grab a Bintang beer at a beach club in Kuta at 9:00 am, and a mid-day happy hour 2-for-1 cocktail at a Seminyak cafe for lunch. You can even buy booze from some convenience stores like Circle K.
Yes, it is safe to drink alcohol while partying in Bali as long as you drink from reputable establishments and take a few basic precautions. Luckily, many of Bali’s restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that cater to tourists, serve drinks that meet international standards.
3. Pick the right venue
Picking the right venue before you leave your hotel or villa is a great way to ensure your night of partying in Bali is both fun and comfortable. This is the first step to a safe night out.
Do some prior research and browse through Google Maps to find a reputable establishment. Disregard how popular or trendy a place might be and check through their reviews yourself.
Hint: filter reviews by lowest rating first. If there’s a significant amount of 1-star reviews, that might be a red flag.
In addition to checking the reviews, check their Instagram page, stories, and highlights to give you a general vibe of the place and the crowd. This is a perfect strategy if you tend to have social anxiety with bigger crowds and cramped places.
4. There’s safety in numbers
As the saying goes, there’s safety in numbers. I highly recommend partying in Bali with your friends instead of going out alone. It’s exponentially more fun and the odds of getting into any trouble are decreased while watching each other’s backs.
If you’re partying in Bali alone, share your plans and intended locations with someone. This can be through texting your best friend back home – initially and throughout the night – and or even your concierge at your hotel. You can even use the excuse of sending them pics and videos during the night as updates (maybe not to the concierge).
5. Don’t drink and ride a scooter
If you’re renting a scooter in Bali, odds are you’ll be tempted to drive it to the nightclub or bar you’re planning on going to for the night. I get it, it’s convenient. Just hop on and off you go. Happy hour here I come!
Drinking and riding a scooter is like texting your ex. It might seem like a brilliant idea at the time, but it almost always ends in disaster. No matter what your skill level is on a Scoopy, leave it at home and opt for one of the alternatives below.
Option 1: Leave your scooter at your villa or hotel and order a rideshare service or call a Bali Taxi. Do the same to return at the end of your night. Plus, you won’t have to stress about finding your scooter in a crowded parking lot.
Option 2: Book a private car and driver for the night. You can visit as many places as you’d like. Your driver can wait for you while you’re partying and take you back safe and sound at the end of the night. This is also a great option if you plan on visiting multiple spots during the course of the night.
Option 3: Ride your scooter to the venue (sober), but at the end of the night, leave it there. You can notify the staff that you’re not willing to drive back after drinking and you prefer to leave your bike there. It’s very commonly done and many reputable venues encourage it. You can pick it up the next day. Don’t forget your keys!
6. Free drinks aren’t always free
Ladies, this one’s for you. I understand it’s tempting to accept a drink from the handsome, well-dressed gentleman at the VIP booth across the room. Hey, he seems like a nice, generous guy. What can possibly go wrong?
Even if his table is filled with the most expensive bottles and your brain might be thinking this is an “economical decision”, no matter how friendly and genuine he seems, this isn’t a risk you should take. Don’t let the flattery get the best of you.
The only scenario where it might be safe to accept a free drink while partying in Bali, is if the person offers to order you a drink instead. This way, you can accept the drink directly from the bartender or waiting staff.
Remember, you are not obligated to be his friend nor do you owe him anything just because he bought you a drink. If he’s too pushy or makes you uncomfortable, walk away and/or give him his drink back.
7. Sob story scams
Very commonly I hear the typical tale of a young fella on a night out partying in Bali, meeting a beautiful girl at a nightclub and building up some chemistry, just to get swindled for a few hundred bucks.
The sob story scams are quite subtle and anyone could fall for it. It typically involves them talking about how they needs money for university or someone’s in the hospital. They will suggest a couple hundred should do. And you never see them (or the money) ever again.
The same scenario can happen with female tourists partying in Bali and meeting a young man. Point is, don’t fall for this cunning, subtle scam. Try your best to be aware (even though you’ve had a few drinks) and simply walk away or don’t bother responding to his / her requests. A “No thank you. I don’t have any money,” should suffice.
8. Don’t give out contact info
Apply the scenario above, but via text on WhatsApp or Instagram DMs. But aside from asking for money, there’s a few other reasons you shouldn’t give out your number to random strangers who ask for it.
Though it might seem harmless, it can lead to some unwanted situations. Some people might persistently contact you to ask where you’re staying, where you’re going, etc. They might even share your number with their peers even after you’ve blocked them. Other reasons for not giving out your personal contact info include potential scams or stalking.
Don’t get me wrong. While partying in Bali, you’ll meet tons of friendly people – tourists and locals alike. This is where your intuition will come into play. If they’re too insistent on getting your contact and keeping in touch, something might be off. Assess the interaction and politely decline.
9. Skip the drugs
Obviously, this isn’t exclusive to partying in Bali. Wherever there’s a party, illegal substances seem to manifest themselves into the conversation. Walk in any direction down the street in Kuta at 2:00am and you’ll find an entrepreneur sitting in a dark alley asking if you want to buy something.
It doesn’t matter what country you come from and how legal certain substances are in your country, it means nothing in Bali. There is absolutely no tolerance for drugs in Indonesia. No slap on the wrist, no fine, no collecting $200 when you pass Go. Straight to jail.
Aside from the threat of being incarcerated, there’s also the safety factor. If you do somehow end up buying something from a stranger, you risk ingesting substances that have been tainted or mixed with very dangerous fillers. This can lead to some serious health problems. Don’t ruin your Bali holiday. Stay safe. Keep your nose clean.
10. Avoid Escorts
Even though prostitution is illegal in Bali and all of Indonesia, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Where there is tourism, there will be a darker side of the industry for escorts. Engaging with an escort can expose you to some unwanted complications during your Bali holiday.
If you’re partying in Bali without an ‘off’ button, you may end up at an after-hours spot. These nightclubs and bars normally operate much later than the other places and sometimes open until 6 or 7 am and tend to attract escorts. It’s best to refuse any transactions to avoid getting into any legal trouble.
11. Is it safe to drink Arak?
Arak is a traditional alcoholic drink that’s quite popular among the locals. It’s a really cheap drink that you can buy from local shops (and some local bars). This liquid is a potent drink that punches you in the face with just a sip. Brace yourself for an intense recoil!
While partying in Bali with your new local friends, there are some factors to consider before you give it a shot. The main concern with drinking Arak in Bali is the likelihood of it being mixed with methanol. This is commonly used to increase the potency of the Arak but can lead to some serious health issues.
I’d suggest skipping the Arak to be on the safe side. It isn’t considered rude to refuse, so you can politely admit that you don’t want to have it and that should be the end of the conversation.
12. Watch your glass
Spiked drinks aren’t common in Bali, but it can still happen. It’s quite easy to get caught up in the excitement of partying in Bali and losing track of your drink. Never leave your drink unattended, not even if you’re going to the loo.
Even though the venue might be safe and reputable, you never know who is among the crowd and has bad intentions. If you really need to head outside or use the toilet, leave your drink with a friend (and return the favour) or ask the bartender to keep it safe for you behind the bar.
13. Remember to respect the Island
It’s important to remember that Bali’s culture and traditions are rooted in peace and harmony. People always seem to forget that they’re visiting someone’s home after a few drinks and get carried away with their behavior.
There have been many tourists over the years that were caught urinating on a holy site, fornicating on a public beach, or being rude to locals. You don’t want to be a part of these viral videos. In addition to the disrespect it will cause, it’s also embarrassing.
Maintaining a respect for Bali’s culture doesn’t mean you can’t let loose a little. It just means being mindful of the locals and their traditions which is really what made Bali what it is in the first place – before all the parties even started!
14. Get a driver for the night
One of the best ways to make the most out of your night of partying in Bali while staying safe is to book a private car and driver. It’s convenient, relatively affordable, stress-free, and let’s you focus more on exploring Bali’s nightlife as opposed to brainstorming how to navigate it.
With the private car and driver booking, you’ll have your own knowledgable, English-speaking driver who will pick you up from your hotel or villa. Your driver can take you to any nightclubs, bars, or beach clubs of your choice.
You can choose to stay for the entire night in one club, or explore several in one night – entirely up to you! Your driver will wait for you while you let loose. At the end of the night, your driver will take you back to your hotel or villa safe and sound.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few bonus tips to take home with you. These aren’t just for partying in Bali but for partying anywhere else in the world. Whether it’s your first time exploring nightlife or a seasoned veteran, everyone needs a reminder every know and then.
15. Grab a bite before you drink
Drinking on an empty stomach, even though it may seem like the most effective way to get the party going quickly, isn’t the best idea. Eating a meal before you start drinking helps slow down the alcohol absorption which will help you regulate yourself during the night.
16. Invest in water
I understand you might be on a budget and prefer allocating your funds towards alcohol instead. Prices do tend to be inflated at nightclubs in Bali – a bottle of water can cost the same as a beer. Outrageous.
But if you can afford cocktails, you can afford some bottles of water. Yes, it’ll run you back a few bucks extra but I promise it will help. Perhaps ask for a glass of ice and a slice of lemon blend in with the crowd. Sneaky!
17. Bring condoms
With so many single men and women partying in Bali, spontaneous connections are bound to happen. Run to the mini mart and grab a pack just to be prepared. A few extra bucks can save you a lifetime of stress and health problems. No matter how clean they claim they are, wear it.
18. Charge your phone
The last thing you want after a night of partying in Bali is being stuck outside of a nightclub with a dead phone after recording Instagram stories all night. It’s 2:00 am with no taxi in sight and not a single person around that’s capable of helping you. Not the most ideal scenario.
If you do happen to have your charger with you, find a local convenience store like a Circle K or Mini Mart, many of which are open 24 hours and have free seating and electrical outlets out front.
19. Sip slow, party longer
I don’t mean to sound like a nagging father here. But perhaps you need a friendly reminder. It’s quite easy to get carried away while partying in Bali. With relatively low cost drinks, a bar at every corner in certain parts, it’s almost an automatic decision to grab another drink without giving it any further thought.
Final Thoughts on Partying in Bali
Don’t let the safety tips above scare you from going out a night in Bali. While many of the scenarios mentioned are extremely rare, it’s always a plus to be knowledgable and aware of them, so if or when it does happen, you’re alert.
Uluwatu’s glamorous beach clubs, Seminyak’s vibrant nightclubs, Kuta’s live music bars, Canggu’s underground DJ sets – the party scene here in Bali is as diverse as the people who visit the island. The thing is, it isn’t just about the venues and the performers, it’s about the memories you’ll create.
Bali is a place where a few Bintangs on the beach for sunset can seamlessly transition into a rum and coke at a club without you even realizing it’s already been 5 hours – which is why you should be more mindful while partying in Bali. Go ahead, live it up, dance until you’re exhausted, and create an unforgettable night (or nights) in Bali.
