Nightlife in Indonesia: Best Places to Go Out in Jakarta and Bali

Indonesia is best known for its landscapes and day trips, but its cities and islands also come alive after dark. Jakarta has rooftop bars with skyline views, and Bali has everything from beach clubs to traditional dance performances.

Bali’s nightlife has something for everyone, from laid-back beach bars to up-tempo clubbing, to traditional dance and performance and this could be said of other Indonesian island destinations. Nightlife of course doesn’t have to involve getting intoxicated and dancing the night away. The Indonesians are renowned for staging spectacular traditional song and dance performances. Urban areas also have a profusion of cinemas, Karaoke joints, and bowling alleys. Here are some well-known places to go out in Jakarta and Bali:

Before you go out: Indonesia has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Possessing or using even small amounts can mean a long prison sentence, and trafficking can carry the death penalty; police may ask for a urine or blood test if they suspect drug use. Never accept "free samples", and keep an eye on your drink. Clubs also open, close and change their hours often, so check each venue’s latest social media before heading out.

Cloud Lounge, Jakarta

One of the most sophisticated rooftop bars in Jakarta, offering a panoramic view of the city skyline from the 49th floor of The Plaza tower on Jalan M.H. Thamrin. Up here, you can enjoy vodkas in their most natural environment and relax with chill-out music.

Skygarden, Bali

Considered the best in Bali and one of the best in the country, Skygarden Club has hosted top DJs from around the world like Steve Aoki, Yellow claw, Bassjackers, Afrojack, Axwell, and R3hab. Located on Jalan Legian in Kuta, this club has a disco on one floor, bar on another and a rooftop lounge where you can relax and enjoy your drinks with the panoramic view of the city. It is especially popular with tourists, who make up most of the crowd. 

Watch Bali’s Traditional Dance Performance

With a collection of theatre and live shows from local folktales to ancient Hindu epics, Bali nightlife will allow you to learn more about the unique culture of the island and its people.

Single Fin, Bali

This place should be on the bucket list for every person who visits Bali. You can visit here during the day, and stay till the night as you enjoy surfing, chilling at the beach, and enjoying the beautiful sunset at the shore. They have a large range of cocktails, smoothies, and other beverages and serve delicious meals for the hungry. The place is usually crowded, as its breathtaking clifftop location in Uluwatu draws a large number of visitors.

The clifftop terrace has stunning views of one of surfing's spiritual homes and comes alive as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean. Great music (including regular international DJs and live acts), fantastic food, and a laidback atmosphere make coming to Single Fin a must-do for anyone who visits Bali, no matter if you're a frothing first-timer from far afield or a lifelong regular who grew up around the corner.

Mrs Sippy, Bali

This Mediterranean-style pool club in Seminyak pretty much has it all – booze, international DJs, a saltwater swimming pool, and three levels of diving platforms. It's not currently a late-night spot (the neighbors have complained too much about that), but it offers the best daytime and early-evening parties in south Bali.

Paddy’s Pub, Bali

If you are searching for nightlife in Indonesia in Bali then look no further than Paddy’s Pub on Jalan Legian. In a town that is filled with nightclubs and bars, Paddy’s Pub stands out as a fun and warm place. The pub has both indoor and outdoor space. It is busy most nights, especially with visitors staying in Kuta and Legian.

Cover photo: Judhi Prasetyo from Singapore, Singapore, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons