Bali At Night

Bali is a vacation destination that has everything you need for your holiday. During the day, the island’s coastline and interiors have so many things to do and attractions to visit and at night, Bali transforms into a whole new place with a new set of things and activities to enjoy. The island’s large size also means many of the best things to see and do are scattered across and might require a bit of travel. 

The island is famous for its beaches, beautiful sunset points, cultural heritage, varied landscapes and the local night spa and wellness treatments. While visiting one or more temples at sunset is a must-do in Bali, watching a dance performance or a cultural show and tasting Balinese cuisine will give you an insight into the island’s spiritual heritage and way of life, like the Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park.

Bali is also a famous rice producer, and visiting the island’s interiors will give you a glimpse of the picturesque rice terraces carved into the hilly landscapes. Although the island is known for its beaches like Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Padang Padang, you can find a lot more activities like safari tours, jungle and mountain trekking, elephant rides, walking and cycling tours and many adventure activities that extend well into the evening. Slightly farther locations like Mount Batur, Ulun Danu Temple And Lake Beratan, Lovina Beach and nearby islands like Menjangan island, Gili islands, Nusa Lembongan have their own things to see and do, and good accommodation options to stay at night.

If you want to chill out and relax in the evenings or just want to explore the local life, head to a rooftop bar or take a stroll along the local night market. The purse friendly purchase options and the appetizing street food in a night market is surely going to make you happy. Bali has clubbing options in every area – from the upscale Seminyak and Nusa Dua areas to the party vibes in Legian and Kuta, you can pick and choose your venue and enjoy the island ambience of Bali at night.

Bali At Night

20 Things To Do At Night In Bali

1- Do A Night Sightseeing Tour Of Bali

During the day, Bali is this tropical paradise with ocean vistas and wide open fields.

As the sun starts to set, you’ll get some of the best sunset views from various points on the western coast of the island like Uluwatu temple, Tannah lot, Mount Batu, Seminyak and, Kuta Beach. 

Some of the off-the-beaten-track places to watch the sunset are Lovina beach in North Bali, Nusa Lembongan island off the southern coast, and even the Gili Trawangan island to the northeast.

As night falls, Bali’s nightlife come alive with streets and night markets having people headed to restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping.

Temples and places that have performance art facilities have indoor and outdoor traditional dance, music and theater performances.

Public and private beaches become illuminated with moonlight and torches, beach side restaurants and party venues.

Recommended tours:

• Kamandalu Ubud: Romantic Boat Dinner in Tropical Lagoon
• Bali: Jimbaran New Dewata Cafe Seafood Meal with Drinks

2- Attend A Cultural Performance

Bali is a tropical island that will surprise you with its depth of traditions and cultural activities.

Dance is an important part of Bali’s cultural identity, and watching a dance performance like Kecak Fire Dance or Barong Dance is one of the must-do things in Bali.

You can watch a dance performance at Uluwatu temple, Ubud Palace, Batubulan Village, Pura Luhur Batukaru, Pura Tanah Lot among other places.

If you are interested in a musical theater, watch the Devdan Show in Nusa Dua Theatre, cultural performances in Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park and ARMA Museum, theatrical art performances in Bali Agung Theatre at Bali Safari & Marine Park.

Many high-end hotels and resorts regularly host their own cultural shows.

Keep an eye on local festivals and night markets that often host impromptu cultural shows and traditional performances.

3- Indulge In Night Spa Treatments

Your trip to Bali wouldn’t be complete without taking a spa treatment or a massage.

Bali’s spa treatments and massages are famous for integrating traditional healing methods with natural ingredients.

A spa treatment will often include meditation, yoga, and other holistic practices, in a stunning setting like a cliff-top overlooking the sea, a serene lakeside retreat, or a setting in the midst of lush jungles.

Many luxury hotels offer unique spa services that are open till late-night that give you a chance to take a spa treatment even after a long day of sightseeing.

Many spas in Bali provide a variety of spa treatments and luxurious experiences at relatively affordable prices, so do check out a few spa centers before deciding which treatment you want to go for.

Recommended:

• Ubud: 2-Hour Indulgent Oriental Spa Ritual
• Ubud: 2-Hour Couple Spa Treatment by the River

4- Go On A Night Safari In Bali Safari and Marine Park

If you are travelling with kids, or you are an animal lover, you should visit the Bali Safari and Marine Park.

The park has 100 different animal species, animal safaris, elephant rides, an aquarium and even has Balinese dance theater and a water park.

The highlight of the park is the Night Safari, where you can have a safari experience after sunset.

From watching jungle animals like zebras, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat to witnessing lions and tigers roam freely around you, the nighttime experience is going to give you a lot of memories and get your adrenaline pumping.

All this while you remain safe in a sturdy vehicle with appropriate safety measures all the time.

If you like photography, the night safari will offer you hundreds of photo opportunities.

You can also stay overnight in the park’s African safari themed Mara River Safari Lodge, or enjoy dinner at the park’s Tsavo Lion Restaurant.

5- Watch Traditional Dance Performances Like Kecak Dance

In Bali, traditional dance performances are not just entertaining, they also have spiritual, cultural and social significance.

Dances like Barong and Pendet are integral to religious ceremonies and are performed to honor deities, appease spirits or tell stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Kecak Dance is a popular and unique Balinese musical drama without instruments and uses rhythmic chanting and movements.

You can find these dance performances at Arma Museum, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park at Uluwatu temple, Tanah Lot and other prominent temples, religious and public centres and theatres in Bali.

Recommended:

• Ubud: Kecak Dance and Royal Balinese Resort Dinner Ticket
• Ubud: Private Evening Tour with Legong Dance Performance

6- Dive Into Bali’s Cultural Heritage At Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Bali is known for its cultural uniqueness and the best place to experience Balinese culture is by visiting Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park.

The magnificent Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is one of the tallest statues in Bali and a symbol of Bali’s cultural heritage.

The park’s limestone plaza is a popular venue for international events and performances, and has even featured in some Indian and south Asian films.

You can explore the exhibition hall that showcases Balinese art and history, enjoy traditional Balinese music and dance performances, and even grab a bite at one of the restaurants within the park.

Skip the line and book your tickets here. 

7- Enjoy Sunset Views At Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu temple is and ancient sacred temple perched on a 70 m cliff in south Kuta in southern Bali with one of the best sunset views in Bali.

If you like panoramic ocean views with a dash of history, spirituality and tranquility, a visit to this temple is a must.

The 10th-century temple is surrounded by a small forest and strong concrete walls along the meandering pathway from the road provide ample protection from the elements.

When you’re here, keep an eye out for the playful and friendly monkeys that might approach you.

Do not miss out on the captivating Kecak dance performance while visiting Uluwatu temple.

8- Watch The Sunset From A Beach

Bali has many public beaches and private beach clubs.

Many iconic beaches on the west coast of the island have uninterrupted views of sunset, each providing a unique vantage point to witness the sunset.

From the hilly beach-sides of southern Bali like Ulawatu and Padang Padang, lively shores of Kuta and Seminyak, tranquil sands of Jimbaran Bay to the hidden beauty of Tegal Wangi Beach, Bali offers a range of beach options to watch the sunset.

Beaches like Uluwatu offer a unique backdrop to watch traditional Balinese dances like the Kecak Fire Dance as the sun sets.

Beaches like Seminyak are known for trendy beach clubs where you can lounge with a cocktail in hand, enjoying the sunset with background music from resident DJs.

If you are in Bali for a few days, you must try watching sunset in a unique way everyday, with every sunset experience giving you different memories.

9- Attend A Temple Ceremony In The Evening

Temple ceremonies in Bali are spiritual events and rituals celebrating different festivals and occasions on the Hindu calendar.

The ceremonies are an occasion for locals to visit the temple and offer their prayers, offerings, and seek blessings from the temple’s deity.

As a visitor, attending a temple ceremony will be a fulfilling experience for you as you’ll get a chance to enjoy the temple’s festive ambience, see the intricate offerings made from flowers, food and other natural materials offered to the temple deity.

Temple premises are lit by oil lamps and incense candles; many temples also play traditional music and even hold music and dance performances.

Be sure to follow the temple’s dress code when you’re attending a ceremony.

Recommended tours:

• Bali Sunset: Uluwatu Temple, Kecak Dance and Jimbaran Bay
• Bali: Skip-the-line Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Tour

10- Go On An Adventure Into Bali’s Jungles

A holiday is Bali is not complete without going on an adventure in the island’s jungles.

You can participate in various thrilling and adventurous activities like jungle and mountain trekking, quad biking, zip lining, jungle swing, bike and cycling tours, night jungle tours and even camping or glamping.

Once you go into Bali’s interiors, you will be surrounded with lush green forests, mountains and waterfalls interlaced with small villages and paddy fields, and you’ll be surprised you’re still on an island.

For any activity like trekking, cycling, zip lining, quad biking that extends to post sunset, take a local guide with you from reputable tour operators.

Recommended experiences:

• Ubud: Romantic 6-Course Candlelight Dinner in Ubud Valley
• Ubud: Romantic Dinner on a Forest Tree Deck

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11- Go On A Sunset Dinner Cruise

Bali is famous for its amazing sunset views over the Indian ocean.

And the best place to experience a sunset over the ocean is by going on a sunset cruise on the ocean itself!

Seminyak and Legian Beaches on the west coast of Bali have several charter boats and luxury catamarans that offer evening cruises complete with dinner and entertainment.

Benoa Harbour is one of the main starting point for most of Bali’s cruise operators where you’ll find a range of sunset cruise options from wooden boats to luxury yachts.

Lovina beach in the northern side of Bali is famous for its sunrise dolphin watching tours in the morning and sunset cruises in the evening.

Try the popular Aristocrat Evening Cruise, a luxury sailing catamaran that offers a unique sunset cruising experience as the cruise sails from Benoa Harbour to Nusa Dua and anchors for a sumptuous dinner before heading back.

Recommended cruises:

• Bali: Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music
• Bali Benoa: 5-Course Romantic Dinner Cruise with Live Music

12- Visit Ulun Danu Temple And Lake Beratan In North Bali

Ulun Danu Temple is a beautiful lakeside temple on the shores of Lake Beratan in North Bali.

Rent a car or join a day tour to visit this temple, where you can admire the iconic floating temple, explore exquisite gardens and even go on serene boat rides on the lake.

The cool climate and misty hills surrounding the lake add a mystical touch to your trip here.

The temple is very important in Balinese Hindu culture, and the temple premises consists of five compounds of temples and one Buddhist Stupa.

Taste local specialties like fresh strawberries and traditional Balinese dishes here.

Recommended tour: Bali: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Small Group Tour

13- Explore Bali’s Nightlife Areas

Bali is not just beaches and temples.

Bali has a number of areas where you can unwind and spend an evening shopping or try out local street food, singing karaoke in a cafe, bar hopping or eating delicious food.

Many areas in Bali offer you a range of experiences in the night.

For upscale nightlife, head to Seminyak and Nusa Dua, Legian and Kuta’s party venues. 

Or try the laid-back beach bars and surf clubs of Canggu, the traditional less crowded nightlife areas of Ubud and Denpasar – you certainly have a lot of choice when it comes to exploring nightlife in Bali.

Recommended: Finns Bali: Super Fun Pass

14- Trek Mount Batur With Sunset Camping

If you like hiking, you will love the sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Batur.

The 1,717 metre (5,633 ft) high mountain is an active volcano with one of the most of the most memorable sunrise views you will ever get.

The trek to the summit is easy and takes only a couple of hours, and you will be rewarded by a hot breakfast at the top in the company of other trekkers.

There are also many accommodation options near the mountain including a few resorts, cabin stays and glamping stays, making it convenient to take an early morning trek.

The guided trek begins in the early hours of the morning, usually around  2 to 3 a.m., to ensure that you reach the summit by sunrise.

Recommended tour:

• Bali: 2-Day Sunset and Sunrise Camping at Mt. Batur
• Ijen Crater: Midnight Trip from Bali

15- Join A Traditional Balinese Cooking Class

Taking a cooking class to learn about Balinese cuisine is a fun way to learn about local ingredients, flavours and get hand’s-on experience learning recipes you can try back home.

Most cooking classes start off with an evening visit to the local fresh produce market where the chef introduces you to the ingredients and gives you a chance to choose the protein and vegetables. 

You can visit the chef’s home or kitchen, learn about spices, herbs and recipes, while experiencing Balinese cooking traditions.

A cooking class gives you an insight into authentic Balinese flavours, cuisine and Balinese way of life, and takes your tastebuds through a delicious and flavourful journey.

Recommended class: From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village

16- Taste Authentic Street food In A Night Market

Your trip to Bali will not be complete without a shopping and dining experience in one of Bali’s night markets.

You will find a variety of shops for handicrafts, paintings, clothing and souvenirs at very pocket-friendly prices here.

If you are in the mood for local streetfood, most nightmarkets have street food stalls serving local delicacies like sate lilit (grilled meat), pisang rai (made from banana and coconut), tum ayam (minced chicken), laklak (made from rice flour and coconut milk), babi guling (roasted pork) and bakso (fried dumpling served with noodles). 

The most popular night markets in Bali are in Kereneng, Sanur, Gianyar, Kuta, Nusa Dua and Badung, where you will find local streetfood stalls, clothes, souvenirs and lots of other knick-knacks.

Recommended tour: Ubud Traditional Night Market Food Tour

17- Watch A Cabaret Show

If you are looking for a more unconventional entertainment option in Bali, try a cabaret show.

Cabaret shows are known for their choreography, shimmering costumes and some even have themed nights.

You’ll find multi-talented performers act, sing and dance to eclectic music from around the world.

The performers include drag queens and stunning acrobats who put on an entertaining show, often including witty banter with the audience that may even draw out a laugh or two.

You can watch a cabaret show in specialized theaters, nightclubs, or even upscale resorts in areas like Seminyak, Canggu, Legian and other places.

Recommended show: Bali Nusa Dua Theatre: Devdan Show Tickets

18- Chill Out On A Rooftop Bar

Chill out under a breezy starlit sky with a cocktail and sunset view, with vistas of green hills on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. 

With mood lighting, plush seating and a DJ playing in the background, check out the rooftop bars and restaurants in Bali.

Many four and five star resorts along with standalone bars have their own versions of rooftop bars, like the Double-Six Rooftop and Moonlite Kitchen and Bar in Seminyak, Sky Garden in Kuta, UNIQUE Rooftop Bar in Jimbaran.

Some of the rooftop bars also include swimming pools, special menus and live music, so you can choose according to your mood.

Recommended tour: Bali Party Pub Crawl – Seminyak

19- Stay On A Nearby Island

While Bali itself is a very large volcanic island, it is surrounded by many smaller islands.

Each island has its own history and story, and some of the islands have stay options ranging from budget stays to upscale resorts.

If you’re interested in diving and snorkelling, the Menjangan island to the northwest of Bali is great to spend a full day and stay overnight on the island or just across on the mainland.

The picturesque Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and the larger Nusa Penida in the south east of Bali has picturesque ocean views and upscale resorts beachfront resorts and worth staying overnight.

Gili islands and the nearby Lombok island have plenty of things to see and do, and have a range of accommodation options as well.

Recommended tour:  From Bali: Lembongan & Penida 2-Day Tour with Snorkeling

20- Watch Sunset Over The Rice Fields

Bali offers many ways to watch the sunset, and one of the most tranquil and unique ways for most of us is to see the sun set over the island’s interior rice terraces.

As the sun starts to set, you will start to see how different the rural setting is different from an urban setting in the evenings.

The whole visual experience is something you will love to remember once you’re back home.

You can find many unique stay options in Bali that are not on the coast, but lie in the heart of the island among the rice fields.

Boutique resorts and eco-luxury stays, private villas, jungle resorts, four and five star resorts nestled among jungles and paddy fields overlooking the mountains are some of the popular stay options in the Ubud, Gianyar and Sidemen areas. 

Recommended experience: Ubud: Romantic Dinner among the Rice Fields

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