Written by Beverley Lennon
Edited by Jiayi Ng
We all know that nightlife in Bali is completely off the hook, but it’s not always about the biggest parties at the most well-known venues – did you know that Bali also hides some precious, tricky-to-spot bars?
Hidden in a mini mart, tucked on top of a nondescript cafe or even open only to the ‘chosen ones’, it’s no surprise that you easily walk past them! But you know what they say, the best places to hang out at are always the hardest to find.
But besides being cool and playing hard to get, these bars also have exclusive funky cocktail menus, so trust us when we say the hunt is gonna be worth it! Take a jab at making deductions with the hints we leave and explore the concealed corners of Bali!
Can you find all five of them? You’ll have to read in between the lines to decipher all the clues! Your mission begins! 🕵🔎
P.S. All the names of the bars listed have been replaced by nicknames (surely you didn’t think it was gonna be easy)! 😉
Read more:
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18 unique bars in Bali where you’ll experience nightlife beyond your imagination
10 best rooftop bars in Bali: Paradise on high
14 Incredible bars in Bali for great live music, watch sports, scenic views or play pool
1. The ‘cool’ one hidden in a mini-mart – ‘Black Panther’s domesticated cousin’
As if Canggu wasn’t cool enough with all its hipster cafes, here comes another unique spot you’ll have to hunt for!
Like the best of all secret bars, this bar-in-a-mart does not have much in the way of front door signage – but following instructions doesn’t always get you where you want to be. After all, rules are meant to be ‘broken’! 😉
If you’re brave enough to poke around some unexpected spots in the mart, you might just find yourself in a hip speakeasy bar! The music is ridiculously good, and you’re even allowed to dance on the pool table. Booze? Hella cheap as well. For real!
It might be a little cold in there, but no one can say this bar isn’t chill!
Scavenger clues:
1. Find your way to the famous Canggu shortcut, and be careful not to end up in the paddy fields!
2. Look out for the smallest and sole mini mart at the end/beginning (depends on where you are coming from) of the street.
3. If you can’t find the drink you want, why not try somewhere unexpected? The answer’s often in the place you least expect it to be!
4. Also, what’s the cutest bad luck omen you know?
‘Black Panther’s domesticated cousin’
Price range: From Rp. 70,000 (Approximately USD $4.60)
Address: Asking, “Hey, how do I get to that hidden Canggu bar” is frowned upon and likely won’t get you an honest answer. Use our clues and make Sherlock Holmes proud!
Opening hours: 7pm – 1am (Daily)
“Hello, suckers” – this is how this bar affectionately refers to its patrons, but don’t worry, for you ain’t no sucker if you actually manage to find this place!
With a strict “no name-dropping” rule, this is one speakeasy that’s definitely not easy when it comes to drinks – the effort put into every concoction here is unmatched. In fact, there’s no menu! Pick your poison from whiskey, gin and a diverse range of spirits, and watch an artisanal cocktail come to life just for you!
We must say, this bar is actually rather ‘social’ for a speakeasy, for they have not just a Facebook page, but an Instagram account as well. But what’s the fun of having the answer handed to you, right? We’re trusting you to take this scavenger hunt seriously!
This watering hole is a little on the pricey side, but if you’ve had enough of the crowds at your usual hangouts and want to experience some fine drinks, you know where to go!
P.S. Make friends with Komang for even better cocktails!
Scavenger clues:
1. Navigate your way through the popular dining areas of Jalan Petitenget.
2. Look out for the tiny door that is the meeting point between India and Greece.
‘Where Potion-masters get social’
Price range: From Rp. 100,000 (Approximately USD $6.80)
Address: Come on! Allow us to keep the finer details a secret 😉
Opening hours: 8pm – 2am (Sun – Thurs) 8pm – 3am (Fri – Sat)
3. Can you find the secret entrance to this bar hidden in a ramen shop? – ‘Ali Baba and the You-Know-Whos’
If the only type of men/women you want in your life is Ramen, then you’re one step closer to finding this New York-style secret bar!
Finding the exact location of this neighborhood gem is part of the experience; who could ever guess that a hip bar would be hidden right within your regular ramen shop?
One step in (if you can find it!), and you’ll feel as though you’re entering a posh hidden bar back during the Prohibition in the 1920s. Here, serious cocktail aficionados are treated to classic and bespoke tipples, each painstakingly crafted by stylish servers. It’s the ideal intimate bar to impress your date or friends with a real hidden gem in Bali!
So how about it? Are you up for a smashing night with Ali Baba’s old friends?
Scavenger clues:
1. Now that you’re here, stay on Jalan Petitenget.
2. Spot the most crowded ramen shop.
3. Find it a little dark? Why not head to the end and let some sunlight in? 😉
‘Ali Baba and the You-Know-Whos’
Price range: From Rp. 95,000 (Approximately USD $6.47)
Address: We doubt the owner would want us to reveal that (but we’ve left so many clues!).
Opening hours: 8pm – 2am (Mon – Thurs) 8pm – 4am (Fri – Sat) (Closed on Sundays)
4. Can you spot the enchanted spiral staircase that leads to this hideaway spot? – ‘Throwback to the slinging Gatsby’
To find this gem located at the mezzanine level at a hotel in Seminyak, you really need to know who to ask or which staircase to take.
You might be able to find directions once you arrive at the hotel, but the bar is still often unnoticed as you have to be brave enough to go up the spiral staircase at the grillhouse to find this vintage hangout!
Once you do, you’ll feel like you’re in a real speakeasy joint right back in Jay Gatsby’s days, where you can enjoy the finest concoctions worthy of real Martini connoisseurs!
Hotel guests easily miss the bar unknowingly, as it’s set right between the restaurant and the rooftop sunset bar which overlooks a popular beach in Seminyak (you haven’t been to Bali if you haven’t visited the beach with rainbow-coloured umbrellas ;)).
That’s enough clues for now – are you up for this challenge?
Scavenger clues:
1. Ask locals for the best sunset spot in Seminyak.
2. If you don’t know by now, where’s the most colourful spot in Seminyak?
3. Head to No. 2, turn back and spot the luxury hotel where good things come in pairs!
‘Throwback to the slinging Gatsby’
Price range: From Rp. 50,000 (Approximately USD $3.40)
Address: From the beach, turn behind and look up in the sky (or a little lower…)
Opening hours: 6pm – 1am (Daily)
Dress code: Casual Smart (Wearing of alcohol-branded tops, singlets and flip flops is discouraged)
5. Conquer the jungles and rivers and you’ll find me for rewarding icy cocktails! – ‘You’re sow blind if you can’t find it’
Temples, waterfalls and rice paddy fields aren’t the only things that will mesmerise you while in Ubud.
Venture into the jungles of Bali’s centre of culture and arts to uncover a hidden bar with the finest speakeasy decor! This sleek and refined space is tucked away at a resort and is often overshadowed by a famous jungle bar that is located within the same property.
Of course, guests at the resort will find this hunt relatively easier, but other than that, this hidden bar is mainly known by word-of-mouth – even the resort’s website does not offer much information about it!
Drop by here if you’re looking for a place away from the rowdy tourists of Kuta, with cool chill vibes and great jungle views.
You won’t be disappointed, and it’s a whole lot of fun to try and find this hidden gem!
Scavenger clues:
1. Make your way to Bali’s spiritual centre and look for the boutique resort that’s right above Mother Nature’s ‘Osh’-ome bloodstream.
2. Head to the ‘no-beach’ beach club. There’s no beach, but there is a secret bar – if you’re not too blind to find it! 😉
‘You’re sow blind if you can’t find it’
Price range: From Rp. 100,000 (Approximately USD $6.74)
Address: Only Jane and Tarzan deserve to know this!
Opening hours: 6pm – 10pm (Daily)
Are you confident in hunting down these 5 hidden bars? Let us know in the comments if you do!
PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you!
Tell us
| PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us |
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