Located right in the heart of the action in Kuta, the Sky Garden has brought a refreshing stimulus to the local nightlife scene and is among the most popular spots for discerning clubbers. It encompasses three floors of stylish lounging and dancing, including an open-air dance floor and terrace to admire the night sky and the hubbub of busy Jalan Legian below. The ground floor is made up of the ESC deli and café, and round-the-clock snacks and meals can also be had in the top floor lookout bar and lounge. Regular events, international guest DJ's and promotions ensure the place is packed most nights, with the added incentive of free entry and happy hours. The decor is very stylish, yet subtle enough to relax in comfort with inviting sofas and intimate wood-paneled alcoves. Sky Garden is open until 3am each night.
Potato Head Beach Club is renowned among seasoned travelers all over the world as one of the best beach clubs bordering the Indian Ocean. The brainchild of architect Andra Matin, it comprises of not one, but many distinct venues: an 18th Century-style Colosseum, two lounges, two restaurants, an infinity pool and a massive lawn. Relax on sunbeds by the pool and order Indonesian gourmet platters, enjoy traditional-style organic meals at the luxury restaurant, sip cocktails seated in one of the cabanas, and enjoy awe-inspiring panoramas of the sun setting in the sea bed. You can also experiment with novel cocktails concocted using a variety of foams, syrups and liquors. Head to their nightly DJ parties for unlimited fun, glamour and music in the company of the who's who of Bali.
La Favela is a rustic bar and eatery, that has garnered a position among the best eateries in town, for its toothsome Mediterranean cuisine. The bar section is among the best theme bars in the city, due to its cave like look and feel. For the foodies, Mixed Sea Food dishes and others like Classico, are show stoppers, while for those who love their drinks, Favela Breeze and Berry Taragon, are the most desired ones. The place has a private dining area and a garden, offering you space to hold your special events. With great food, fine drinks and an ambiance that is one of a kind, La Favela invites you to a great culinary voyage.
With live music every night, Hard Rock Cafe Bali is styled similarly to the famous US-owned Hard Rock venues. Located opposite Kuta Beach, it also boasts a convenient location. Dine in a unique and interesting atmosphere and enjoy good music. Although a little on the expensive side, a good crowd creates a vibrant atmosphere. Try the Hard Rock Hamburger or pork spare ribs in barbecue sauce while sipping a cocktail, beer or soft drink. Finish off a satisfying feed with some gratifying coffee or tea.
The Skyroom is not your average tourist friendly bar but a fun place to be if you want to see how locals let their hair down at night. It receives few western visitors but is no less enjoyable for that. It is a large two story joint with a fine dining seafood restaurant and adjoining bar lounge which plays host to raucous nights of karaoke and loud dance music later on. Weekends also see live local bands strutting their stuff. Bar prices are expensive but the restaurant offers an excellent menu of grilled seafood and Asian fusion dishes which wouldn't look out of place in a five star hotel restaurant. The atmosphere is always lively at SkyRoom and the few tourists who make it here are almost guaranteed to be coerced onto the stage for a ballad or too, so be warned! - Ray Montgomery
It may be located in the grounds of leafy Bali Beach Golf Club, but Sector Bar is a jumping bar and lounge offering clubbing aficionados the best night out in Sanur. It is a classy modern venue with an open plan aspect complete with trendy low seating and a breezy terrace. It hosts the hottest new dance bands and DJs on the weekends and puts on occasional celebrity launch parties and glitzy fashion shows. Sector has a small upmarket restaurant and well-stocked cocktail bar that is pricey but is nevertheless the place to be seen in town. -Ray Montgomery
Oscar's is a small open-fronted bar and lounge with an altogether unique decor. It combines vivid modern artwork, dimmed lighting and rustic bamboo furnishings, giving it the feel of an artsy student lounge bar. It has a decidely bohemian ambience with chilled out electronica background music and low, comfortable sofas. Twice weekly there is live rock and jazz music usually accompanied by cheap cocktail promotions and 2 for 1 beers. There is a full-sized pool table and an attractive sidewalk terrace. The menu at Oscar's is basic; pasta, sandwiches and a few Indonesian favorites like nasi campur and beef rendang make up the menu.
Warung Pitstop is a bright and airy all-American 1950s style diner with a distinct motor racing theme running throughout. The floor resembles a giant checkered flag and the walls are adorned with faded images of the golden age of motor sports. Expect the usual mix of ribs, steaks and burgers, frozen cocktails and loud rock anthems. A well-stocked bar serves up local and imported beers which are a steal during the early evening happy hours. The restaurant has a loyal crowd of homesick expats and becomes a lively spot during major sports events with two large screen TVs showing round the clock action. During the week there are pool competitions and the occasional live band. -Raymond Montgomery
Babylon is the most colorful of a small cluster of live music bars in central Padangbai. The place is tiny, no larger than your average lock up garage, but has breezy terraces outside front and back. Inside is a small bar serving up a great range of cheap spirits, cocktails and ice cold Bintang beer. The bar staff are the main attraction; when they are not belting out rock and reggae covers on the tiny elevated stage, they are serving drinks with a smile and encouraging good-humored debauchery. Babylon is as unpretentious as they come and features a wild and wacky decor of exuberant graffiti and brightly painted Bob Marley murals. Babylon guarantees good times in sleepy Padangbai, and when the vibe really sparkles, it often stays open well into the early hours. -Raymond Montgomery
This attractive diner-cum-cocktail bar is just one of several places tightly packed together, but Sammy's always seems to be the most vibrant. It is designed with certain simple elegance, despite its small size. In fact, its compactness encourages a friendly social atmosphere helped by a bunch of charismatic folks that work at the bar. It is a good place to meet fellow travelers with plenty of animated chit-chat and laughs. There is a fine menu of above average western fare, including Australian barbecued steaks, pasta and sandwiches. Sammy's has an excellent range of fruity cocktails, imported beers and the perfect spot for late night drinks whether in a large group or alone. - Ray Montgomery
A popular haunt amongst tourists and locals alike, Red Carpet Champagne Bar offers a fine blend of great entertainment and impeccable wine and dine experience. Its contemporary decor, friendly staff and energetic atmosphere sets the tone perfectly for a truly enjoyable experience. Its well stocked bar features a fascinating collection of wines, spirits and beers, as well as an impressive selection of innovative concoctions. Apart from its drinks, this spot is also known for its exciting live shows, DJ nights and the occasional game nights.
The Boardwalk Café is now under the management of the Bali Garden Hotel and, as its name suggests, affords an idyllic spot right on the oceanfront. It features modern design with raised platforms supporting low comfortable sofas around an attractive open-air swimming pool. A nautical theme runs through the establishment with plenty of sailing memorabilia. Its menu is predominantly Mediterranean and is surprisingly affordable. There is also a good selection of nutritious gourmet sandwiches. It features a lively poolside bar and plenty of sun loungers ensuring it remains exceedingly busy throughout the day. There are also traditional dance shows organized every evening, making it a perfect spot no matter what the time is.