Bali is the Island of Gods, a place where beaches, rice paddies, and a unique culture exert a strange pull on travellers from around the globe. There’s no doubt that a holiday in Bali is worth it, but what about one of its newest phenomena? Beach Clubs.
The beach club scene in Bali is becoming almost synonymous with a trip to Bali, luxury, laid-back places with infinity pools, bespoke cocktails with the mandatory umbrella and, of course, a glimpse of that to-die-for Bali sunset.
You’ll find beach clubs everywhere on the island from Canggu to Uluwatu to Amed and Lovina, and they all promise a little slice of this paradise perfectly packaged for you, the visitor.
But then there are the entrance fees, the minimum spends, towel rentals, locker fees, etc. and even the occasional outright tourist trap, so are beach clubs in Bali really worth it?
Let’s take a closer look and see if they are. (Hint: This is Bali’s best beach clubs, so if you want to cut to the chase, you could always say, “they are”, but we think the reasons are important too and there are downsides you might want to consider before you book your bed).
So, What’s The Appeal Of Bali’s Beach Clubs?
The idea of spending a day by the Indian Ocean with it glittering in the sunlight, on a really comfortable daybed (the beach club lingo for “super modern sunlounger”) with a DJ laying down some funky beats and with an ice cold mojito in your hand.
That’s the appeal of Bali’s beach clubs, they’re part pool party, part night club, part fine dining restaurant, part Instagram photoshoot (and one that’s open to everyone, not just the Kardashians of this world).
A beach club is tailored to make you feel like you’re experiencing the best life. From the parties at FINNS where the fun never stops to the days chilling in the sun at Potato Head, it’s all about you.
However, there’s no doubt that beach clubs can vary wildly in both vibe and price. Take a look at La Brisa and you find a small elegant place with an emphasis on sustainability, at the other end of the extreme you have Atlas which is huge and clearly hoping for an audience bigger than it has.
Nearly all beach clubs have a pool area (though these vary hugely too), some music, a bar or more, and dining facilities.
There are party-hard beach clubs, family friendly beach clubs, chill out beach clubs and much more.
The appeal is clear but there is, of course, a catch. Most beach clubs aren’t cheap. You may be asked for an entrance fee (we don’t like entrance fees, mind you and you will find that in our beach club reviews, we always highlight if a club charges you just to walk-in), you might need to agree to a minimum spend for that cushy day bed by the pool and drinks are often pricier than in the warungs.
So, we need to weigh up the promise against the costs and then decide, are beach clubs value for money? Or are they just a waste of your time and cash?
Why We Think Bali’s Beach Clubs Are Worth The Cost
So, let’s turn to the pros first and there are some very good reasons that Bali’s beach clubs are worth the money you’re going to spend.
Unmatched Vibes And Atmosphere
There is no doubt at all in our minds, and we’ve seen a lot of beach clubs in Bali, that the best clubs nail the atmosphere that you’re looking for on holiday.
Think the boho-aesthetic of La Brisa with its reclaimed wood and sandy shore appeal, the bamboo and classic Balinese architecture of FINNS, or the cliff edge perspective of places like Klive. The design will make you feel good as soon as you step inside.
Then, there’s the music whether it’s resident DJs or live bands, there’s a certain energy in a beach club that you won’t find in your local warung.
And if you’re on the right side of the island, then the sunset views are pure magic, the sky lights up over Berawa Beach, for example, the home of FINNS and it’s like gazing into a painting of paradise.
Visitors to the island rave about their experiences in beach clubs, they say things like “I was transported to a Mediterranean party for the day” or “this is the ultimate day-to-night party spot”.
In short, if you want to experience that carefree, hedonism of a Bali vacation, the beach clubs deliver in spades.
The Convenience Of It All
There’s something wonderful about not having to attend to the small details when you visit a beach club. There are towels, lockers, showers, Wi-Fi, phone chargers, etc.
You can just trot in with a swimsuit and sunglasses (and a credit card, of course) and the beach club takes care of everything else.
There’s no need for you bring your own gear, fight off the crowds for a spot on the sand as you would at a public beach, no need to pack a lunch that will end up with sand on it, etc. that’s all down to the beach club.
And we should note that the food at beach clubs is often next level, FINNS offers an incredible array of dishes from around the world thanks to the huge number of onsite kitchens serving their restaurants. Potato Head offers a sustainable, plant-based, zero-waste menu that is very popular with a certain crowd.And so on..
Sure, you can eat a $2 Nasi Goreng from a street stall or a warung but it’s not in the same league as the food at our favourite beach clubs, not even close.
The Gram-Worthy Appeal Of These Places
You’re on holiday and one of the best things about being on a break from home is making your mates jealous of your good times and that means pics for your social media feeds.
Bali’s beach clubs know this and they’re built for the ‘Gram. Whether it’s watching the sunset on Berawa Beach or swimming in the glass bottomed pool above the beach at One Eighty, you’re going to want to keep your camera on hand.
And you don’t need to be an influencer, these spots are all set up for you to be the star of your own show. Check out the reviews of beach clubs and you’ll soon find travellers gushing about how “every corner of this venue is picture perfect”.
Diverse Experiences That Appeal To Everyone
There is no “one-size fits all” beach club. While if we want to party, we’re most likely going to end up at FINNS because it’s the best place to party on the island, if we want a more chilled out experience we could head to Mari or to Suka Sunset Beach Club, instead.
If we’re in the mood for a family day out, then Flamingo Beach Club might be more to our liking as they’re really set up to cater for the kids.
Heck, if you’re not in the mood for the beach, then you might check out the Jungle Clubs of Ubud, which are essentially beach clubs with rice field and jungle views, instead.
The crowds are diverse too, you’re never too far away from people like you in a beach club in Bali.
The Social Side Of It
And that brings us to our final major advantage of beach clubs in Bali, they’re a social haven. The best beach clubs bring together expats, locals and travellers from around the world.
Walk into FINNS most days and there are thousands of sun-worshipping party people gathered together to share the relaxed and open vibe. Conversations flow around the pool bars, at sunset with those views, and so on.
If you’re looking for human connection on your holiday, you will find that beach clubs are the place to do just that in Bali.
Why You Might Struggle To Find Bali’s Beach Clubs Worth It
However, as much as there are some awesome things about days at Bali’s beach clubs, there’s also no doubt that it might have its downsides too.
The Price Can Be Higher Than “Bali” Suggests
There’s no doubt that a day at a beach club in Bali costs more than a day in a beach bar in Amed is likely to set you back.
While for most travellers, this isn’t a big deal. A day at a beach club is going to cost less than a night out in most Western cities, for those on tight budgets, it can feel like a serious splurge.
Watch out for entrance fees. Clubs like Atlas and Savaya are notorious for charging you just to walk through the door, there’s really no need to pay this when places like FINNS and Potato Head will let you in without one.
Always book in advance if you want to get the lowest possible minimum spend with your day bed too. Walk-in visitors usually have to agree to a higher minimum spend.
And yes, a cocktail in somewhere like Ku De Ta or Woobar can run as much as $15 USD. But if you use happy hours and other promotions, you can certainly keep your drink costs down.
Overall, we think beach clubs in Bali offer enough additional benefits to justify their pricing. It costs more than a warung, because a warung doesn’t have DJs, daybeds, world class entertainment and service, infinity pools, etc.
The Crowds And Influencers
You will need to book in advance, particularly in high season, if you want one of those awesome daybeds at clubs like FINNS and Potato Head. They’re super popular and turning up in July without a reservation? It’s like asking to win the lottery for a seat.
And while most beach clubs tend to keep their influencer brigades under tight control, there’s no doubt that in places like El Kabron, you can find yourself waiting forever for a turn in the pool because of the posing posse of people trying to get the perfect shots.
Also, if peace and quiet is what you’re looking for, you need to choose your club carefully, many beach clubs are about partying, not chilling with a book.
It’s Not A Traditional, Authentic Balinese Experience
Yes, it’s true that Bali didn’t traditionally have beach clubs. It’s also true that traditionally it didn’t have airports, taxis, McDonald’s, ride-sharing, Wi-Fi, etc. too.
Sure, you might feel more authentic at a warung eating that nasi goreng but tourism in Bali represents about 90% of the local economy.
A place like FINNS, alone, employs around 2,000 local staff. It might not be “authentic” but Bali needs both warungs and beach clubs to ensure a better future for everyone on the island.
The Bali Traffic Can Be A Hassle
Yes, it’s true the logistics of a day in a beach club can be a bit of a pain, particularly, if you intend to travel across the island from your hotel to a beach club.
But then, that’s true for anything else that you might want to see in Bali. Traffic here isn’t great. The best way to approach that is to stay near the things you want to experience, and then move locations when you run out. This isn’t beach club specific.
Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Day At A Beach Club
We’ve got some simple tips that will help you get the most out a day at any beach club in Bali:
- Book ahead if you can (particularly in high season) – we can’t stress enough how frustrating it can be to get to a beach club and not be able to sit where you want to be. In some cases, no reservation will mean you can’t even get in if the club is packed out.
- Time your arrival – everybody wants to be in a beach club at sunset, which means if you arrive just before, there will be queues and a lot of competition for a seat. Turn up two hours in advance, on the other hand? You can have the best seat and be chilling while everyone else is in the line.
- Know your happy hour – happy hours give you a chance to substantially boost your budget at a beach club by getting you two drinks for the price of one
- Pick your vibe – do your research (this site has reviewed nearly every beach club in Bali to make this easy for you) and choose a place that suits your mood. FINNS is for partying, Potato Head for chilling, Flamingo for families, etc.
- Budget smart – many beach clubs will let you share a daybed with friends, even if there are more of you than the bed officially accommodates, that lets you reduce the minimum spend per person and it means you will be surrounded by people who you know and like.
So, Overall, Are Bali’s Beach Clubs Worth It?
Yes, as we said at the start, Bali’s beach clubs are absolutely worth it. However, we have to acknowledge that this comes with the codicil “if that’s the kind of experience that you want”.
If you’re in the mood for a day of luxury, convenience, amazing photos and memories, etc. then the beach clubs of Bali are a no-brainer.
You can’t beat the combination of a stunning setting, attentive service, first rate food and drink, excellent amenities and amazing social energy. The best beach clubs get consistently brilliant reviews because they deliver on their promise of a wonderful day in Bali.
But if you’re on a tight budget or trying to seek out an old-school pre-beach club experience, then you might prefer to spend your time in the island’s warungs and taking some sandwiches to the public beach.
As one traveller said, “I spent a fortune at FINNS, but the memories of dancing by the pool at sunset? They’re priceless.”
Final Thoughts On Are Beach Clubs In Bali Worth It?
Bali’s beach clubs are the icing on the paradise cake that is this tropical island. Sure, they’re not absolutely essential to a holiday here, but they can help elevate your holiday to the next level.
Whether you’re watching the sunset in the infinity pool at FINNS, relaxing in the shade at Potato Head, or spending a day with your family at Flamingo, you’ll enjoy a touch of glamour and fun.
Make sure to plan ahead, budget wisely and pick the right club for your vibe and then, grab your swimsuit, book your daybed, and dive into beach club life. It’s the best time in Bali.
