Bali beyond the usual: insider picks for your island getaway

By now, you probably know Bali well; the beaches, the cafes, the rituals, the rhythms. But what if you saw the island through the people who live and breathe it daily?

For this feature, Mixmag Asia spoke to a mix of island insiders—DJs, designers, artists, chefs, creatives, and long-time residents—who’ve generously opened their worlds to us and shared what makes Bali tick, from day to night.

Their picks? A bit unexpected, often refreshingly simple, and always personal. Think post-surf lunches at hole-in-the-wall warungs, waterfall hikes, vinyl digging in Ubud, and picnics under giant trees in Bedugul.

Amidst invitations to explore waterfalls and museums that hold olden day Balinese treasures, there's also tips on what to do when the sun goes down.

Ecstatic dance under the stars, secret DJ sets in intimate venues, or a perfectly quiet night wrapped in candlelight and jazz. Naturally, there’s also suggestions on where to go for sweaty club nights and exciting line-ups.

It’s Bali, yes, but through the eyes of the people who’ve built their lives around it.

These are the places and moments people actually return to, which sometimes don’t even need a photo or caption for clout. And along the way, you just might meet the people who shaped this list; under the lights on the dancefloor, laying on the grass at botanical gardens, or even in line for late-night Indomie goreng.

Amanda Marcella
Director of Sustainability at Potato Head

It’s my eighth year living on the island and also working at Potato Head, which is actually what brought me to Bali in the first place. So yes, I’m here to work, and that pretty much fills my days (in a good way!).

Right now, I’m involved in different projects, but one I’m especially excited about is the Community Waste Project. It is a collective of Bali-based businesses inspired by a zero-waste vision. Technically, it’s a waste facility, but it’s grown into something much more collaborative and community driven. It’s been such a rewarding experience, and keeps things interesting, to say the least.

As for music…Funny enough, it’s not really a big part of my daily life. I can listen to pretty much any genre depending on my mood. But if I had to give an example, I always go for classical music when I’m finishing reports. It helps me zone in 100%.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

I’ll take the example of my weekends, since weekdays are pretty much just "home–office–home" for me. I really love to eat, so a classic Bali day usually starts with brunch—either at a local warung or one of the many international cafés around. If I’m feeling a bit more adventurous, I’ll head out to Standar Lokal in Tabanan. They serve the best urutan (Balinese sausage). You really can’t go wrong with local cuisine, in my opinion.

Since I’m already out that way, I’ll sometimes keep going north to Ubud and do the Campuhan Ridge Walk. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s such an easy, low-effort activity to get rid of all those sausages and the scenery never gets old. It only takes about two hours, start to finish.

Then, on the way home, I’ll usually stop for one more meal, HOME by Chef Wayan in Pererenan is a favourite. A solid end to a pretty ideal Bali day.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

For nights out, it’s the classic combo: pre-drinks, dinner, and a party. And honestly, you can do all of that in one place—Desa Potato Head.

I usually start with drinks at Sunset Park, then head to Dome for dinner, and end the night at Klymax. It’s super convenient and has a bit of everything. Klymax offers an eclectic mix of genres, primarily focusing on dance and electronic music with a blend of house, techno, disco, Balearic, and other dancefloor sounds.

If you want to add more, stargazing by the beach is also a very relaxing way to end the night.

Raimondo Barbaro
Managing Director of The Iron Fairies Bali

I’ve been living in Bali for about eight years now, and it’s truly been a life-changing experience. I first came here because I was tired of Europe and needed a fresh start. My best friend was already living in Bali, and I wanted to explore Asia for the first time.

My goal was to find a new place to live and work. I quickly fell in love with the island’s laid-back vibe, vibrant community, and the way locals always greet you with a smile, no matter what. And of course, the endless summer weather is a huge bonus! What drew me in was the perfect balance between work and life.

Where I come from, routines can become monotonous it’s all about work, with very little time to actually enjoy life. Here, you can start your morning with a long walk, a good breakfast, some exercise, hustle hard, and still catch an epic sunset in the evening.

My days are usually filled with managing all the duties at the club, checking out new spots, and staying connected to the incredible nature that surrounds us.

Bali truly feels like home now.

When it comes to music, that’s a big topic for me! My taste has evolved a lot over the years. Lately, I’ve been more into hip-hop and pop. Studying music for work has gotten it stuck in my head, so you’ll find me listening to Drake, Future, Bad Bunny, Majid Jordan, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar. There’s nothing quite like a good beat to keep you moving. I also love chill music like Honne. As I always say, music is about mood and emotion.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

1. Big Walk on the Kuta Beach Walking Path
Escape the hustle and soak up some of Bali’s old-school charm with a long walk under the sun. Perfect for a vitamin D boost and friendly chats with locals, this scenic path stretches from Seminyak to the airport about 6.5 km of stunning views!

2. Explore the Tabanan Area
For a breath of fresh air and some adventure, head out to Tabanan. Grab a coconut or cold drink and enjoy the slower pace of this beautiful area, surrounded by rice paddies and jungle. It’s a perfect way to cool off and experience some of Bali’s authentic natural beauty.

3. Burn Off Steam at the Gym & Recover
I’m a big fan of sweating it out and an even bigger fan of recovery. Sauna and ice baths have been my addiction for the past six years! Lately, I’ve been playing a lot of padel and training at Wrong Gym, my go-to spot in Bali. We only have one body, and taking care of it is non-negotiable.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

1. Catch a Live Band or DJ Set at The Iron Fairies in Seminyak
I’ve been working in nightlife for over two decades, but I’ve never been prouder to be part of The Iron Fairies Bali. It’s truly one-of-a-kind. Five nights a week, you’ll find me there from live bands to DJs spinning the best hip-hop, R&B, and Amapiano, it’s the place to be for a proper night out.

2. Discover a New Restaurant
My girlfriend and I have a Sunday tradition: every week, we go out and try a new restaurant. Here’s a crazy fact: Bali has about 9,000 restaurants, and Canggu alone has over 650! With about 20.7 restaurants per 10,000 people, the density here is even higher than Tokyo’s. Thanks to some great local connections, we always manage to find incredible new spots to explore.

3. Looking at the Stars at the Beach
One of the most peaceful ways to end the day is to head down to the beach and just lie back to watch the stars. The night sky in Bali is stunning, and there’s something about the sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze that clears your mind and recharges your soul.

La Tessa Dwadiandra
Multidisciplinary Artist & Crafter

I have been living in Bali, specifically in Ubud for the past four years. I moved here when I had had enough of teaching online, realised the saddening view from where I sat, staring at the laptop screen, charging 24/7, blank wall, the sound of ambulance sirens every half an hour, and just felt like I needed to save myself from the depression that’s slowly but surely creeping in. So that’s that, that’s what made us (me and my husband) move to Bali.

My day is packed with crafting, creating, designing, exercising, and dancing.

When it comes to music, I have different genres for different moods and settings, but I'm currently looping psytrance, especially Gorovich, Astrix, and DJ Gerry. Other than that, find me listening to either Lianna La Havas or Sticky Fingers on repeat.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

1. During the day, being in Ubud means you’re exploring the surroundings. I love going to waterfalls when I have the time and Goa Rang Reng is one of my favourites to visit. Try finding a waterfall on Google Maps when you’re in Ubud; you’ll be delighted at how close they are. Note: Make sure it didn't rain the night before, the water level will be too high to visit.

2. Gallery visits. I love visiting galleries in Ubud to learn about other's perspectives on things, how they respond to feelings and moments, and how they turn them into artworks. There are Titik Dua, Tony Raka, and Nonfrasa to name a few, and Neka Art Museum is the go-to if you want to see the journey of art in Ubud from...a long time ago! If you're an artist, you might want to watch out for Ubud Open Studios which is held once or twice a year, where you can visit homes or workshops of artists from various backgrounds.

3. Wellness Hopping. Ubud is kind of the center of healing in Bali, there are lots of places to do yoga and friends. My go-to is The Yoga Barn and Pyramids of Chi. I took a Womb Wisdom class at Yoga Barn, which was life-changing, and I am currently waiting for the dome in Pyramids of Chi to finish! It will hold a Light Sound Vibration (LSV) session just like the one they have in Sanctuary at!


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

1. Ecstatic Dance. The dance community is a big thing in Ubud, with locals and expats sharing a dance floor accompanied by curated DJs, one of which is, Resonanz. Happening every Thursday at 6, Resonanz-curated DJs take you on a mindful sound journey. Oh! Also, Supermoon. Either happening in Yoga Barn or The Istana Uluwatu, this event is something else too!

2. When I’m feeling the party mood, I only have Boliche in mind. That’s where I can get the best Old Fashioned and best music for partying. They sometimes have secret performers, like that time when suddenly Polo from Polo and Pan played. Like… Excuse me?

3. Bali Bohemia is where I go when I feel like listening to endless jamming sessions held by local artists, often including spontaneous collaborations and a packed dance floor.

Reading back to my to-do list, I can see myself surrounded by art, music, and wellness. It is what I get by living in Ubud. There are more things to check out in Ubud, but that’s it from me and my routine. Hugs!

Chandra Revo
Co-Founder of Mad For Coffee, Mad Grass & Jakarta Vegan Guide

Hey, I’m Revo! I live in Jakarta, but my heart’s always had a soft spot for Bali. I’m someone who’s into mindful routines, slow mornings, and anything that lets me pause and breathe in a fast-moving world. Coffee helps too (a lot).

Bali used to be my escape whenever things got too noisy in the capital. But these days, it’s a bit more than that. I just opened a new Mad For Coffee location in Umalas, and let’s just say...now I have even more reasons to keep coming back.

I’ve also started sharing my slow travel experiences on TikTok under @slowexplore. Come find me there if you love quiet spots and underrated corners.

Here’s a little list of my favourite things to do in Bali; stuff I actually do when I’m on the island. No pressure, no itinerary stress. Just chill ideas if you’re looking to enjoy Bali in a slower, more intentional way.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

1. Chase the Sunrise
There’s something sacred about watching the world wake up in Bali. Whether you're soaking in the misty mountain views of Kintamani, strolling the soft sands of Kuta or Sanur, or joining a morning run in Seseh with the FLOWERBOY community—these early hours offer calm and clarity. And yes, waking up earlier makes the day feel longer; like you’re gifted a few extra hours just for yourself.

2. Coffee Shop Hop
Bali’s coffee scene is a dream for caffeine lovers and anyone looking to slow down. Honestly, I prefer small coffee shops for their vibe and simplicity, but I visit the bigger ones too—they’re often where I find my inspiration. Here’s my go-to list:
- Seminyak: Little Langkah, Mannaka, Expat. Roasters, Braud & Tanamera in Petitenget
- Umalas: Mad For Coffee (my baby!), Umalas Brew Bar & Kopitoko
- Canggu: Hungrybird, cøpenhagen in Pererenan, Fold, BGS & 7AM

3. Conscious Shopping
Support Bali’s creative souls and keep your spending meaningful!
- La Brisa Sunday Market: A seaside bazaar with handmade goods, local food, and barefoot energy.
- Lestari: A thrift gem where you can score vintage pieces and give fashion a second life.
- Ubud Art Market: A classic, filled with handwoven baskets, batik, and soulful crafts worth bringing home. Also great for window shopping if you’re not in the mood to spend. Just walking around can be inspiring!


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

1. Sunset By Yourself 'Til Late
Some of my most peaceful Bali evenings begin with watching the sunset; whether solo or with friends for a deep talk session. It’s a moment to slow down, reflect, and just be there.
- Seminyak: Double Six and Petitenget Beach offer golden skies and a good dose of calm.
- Kuta: Watch locals play basketball by the sea at Discovery Mall—grounding and oddly comforting.
- Canggu: The beach near La Brisa is lovely (especially with their night lights), or unwind at Times Beach Warung; great spot for stargazing when the sky’s clear.

2. Dinner at Local Warungs
Not every night has to end with fine dining or smoothie bowls; sometimes, you just want soul food.
- Warung Nads for comforting, home-style dishes.
- Dimsum Chika for a late-night, no-frills bite.
- Warung Kopi Klotok Seminyak when I crave Javanese flavors (and it’s way less crowded than the Jogja one).

3. Stroll Through Legian or Ubud
Legian may not be on the “cool list” anymore, but it still has that nostalgic charm. Meanwhile, Ubud at night feels like another world: soft gamelan music, dimly lit streets, and maybe a scoop of coconut gelato. Slow, soulful, and serene.

That’s it for now; just real places and routines that help me slow down. If you ever find yourself on the island, try a few of these and let me know how they feel for you. And if you’re into slow travel stories or café recommendations, come say hi on TikTok at @slowexplore or stop by Mad For Coffee in Umalas!

NOTEP
Musician & Environmentalist

I’m based in Thailand, but Bali has always felt like a soft landing place for me. I come often, usually for projects with Potato Head Bali that weave together music, design, wellness, and conscious living. Earlier this year, I kick started the LSV residency at Sanctuary, which was such a nourishing and inspiring time.

When I’m not on the road or performing, I’m usually in the studio, deep in sound, exploring textures, writing, recording, just following whatever wants to come through. On quieter days, I spend time with family, friends, and my dogs… slowing down, grounding, listening and nourishing myself.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

1. Melukat – A traditional Balinese water ceremony. If you take the time to find a local shaman and go to a lesser-known temple, it can be a powerful spiritual reset. Something shifts in your body after.

2. Swim at Bambu Indah. Their natural pool and tucked-away waterfalls feel like a fairytale. You can go for the day, float in the green water, and eat their gorgeous vegan Indonesian food. It’s calm, earthy, and beautiful.

3. Dive at Nusa Penida. Swimming alongside manta rays or even mola mola feels like entering another realm. But make sure you’re a confident diver—the currents are strong.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

1. Evenings at Potato Head Bali. I love starting with dinner at Kaum or Ijen, both so thoughtful in their food philosophy. Then maybe drift into Klymax for a little dance release.

2. Spa in Bali! Kōya Spa Bali is one of my favourite places to wind down. The space is serene, and the messages feel healing, not just relaxing.

3. Follow the energy...maybe a PNNY party? The night in Bali has its own rhythm. Best to listen and let it guide you.

Mesakh Tirtawijaya
Creative Director

I’ve been living in Bali for almost six years now. I first came to Ubud in 2016 and never shook the feeling — the nature, the people, the stillness, the global creative network. I came back later, choosing slow living and a more intentional life.

These days I mostly work from home as a creative director and producer—creating video content for wellness projects, managing a boutique villa, and I’m also casually managing a community through Space Konnekt, a word-of-mouth psytrance festival rooted in bush doof culture that I put together with friends.

Music is part of my daily rhythm. I work to hypnotic psy-techno like Grouch and Gorovich, then slow it down at night with spiritual jazz—Pharoah Sanders is always in rotation. Music is a map of where I’ve been, the people I’ve met, the festivals I’ve danced at, and the feelings that shaped me.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

1. Cycling
Cycling is a big part of my routine. I usually ride around Ubud and nearby villages with my community, Po-Ser Bike—cruising through rice fields, quiet backroads, and hidden corners that cars can’t reach.

2. Bathing in A Natural Spring
Whenever I need to reset, I go for a soak in a natural water spring. My go-tos are Sebatu Holy Spring and Pura Telaga Waja—sacred, peaceful, and perfect for a cold dip.

3. Chasing Pop-Ups
I love checking out exhibitions, markets, or jam sessions around Ubud—Titik Dua and ARMA Museum always have something on.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

1. Thursday Nights at Bali Bohemia’s Open Mic Session
Sometimes on Thursdays, I head to Bali Bohemia. It’s a laid-back open mic where musicians from all over come to jam—always a good mix of music and familiar faces.

2. Drinks and Music at Boliche or The Lair
When I feel like going out, I’ll head to Boliche for eclectic DJ sets and an easygoing vibe. Or to The Lair—another hidden gem to spend the night and catch up with friends.

3. Masakan Padang Cravings at Pitopang Jaya Tebongkang
Masakan Padang Pitopang Jaya Tebongkang is a solid go-to. It’s low-key, local, and honestly some of the best Padang food around when you need that Nasi Padang fix.

Mavka
DJ/Producer

Originally I’m from Ukraine. And while my life has found a new rhythm here in Bali for past three years, my heart hurts because of the war. A lot of musicians, club owners, photographers and other artists who were shaping our art community became soldiers to defend our country.

Because of the war it’s not easy to keep doing things I used to do. With my team, we spent over five years curating immersive events that brought together the local and international scene. Also we used to run an art space for electronic music events & media art called Dopamine in Lviv.

Since moving here, I’ve been curating Dopamine Night - an event series focused on intelligent, cutting-edge techno sound. It’s a space where like-minded artists and curious listeners can connect through deep musical experiences. Also I created another project, called Vortex, with no borders in genres to unite the finest selectors of the island.

Musically, I’ve evolved too. My core remains rooted in techno, but my sound has expanded - becoming more groovy, trancy, and textured. My travels across Asia, especially performing in China, Vietnam and Malaysia have deeply shaped this evolution. One of the defining moments was playing my first ambient & experimental live set in Solo (Beijing)—an intimate club with a powerful community spirit and my fav sound system.

In my live performances, I explore deep ambient soundscapes layered with field recordings, subtle textures, sometimes I chant or whisper. I pour my emotions, experiences and feelings into sound, hoping it leads people into a trance dreamlike state of mind.

Also I am very excited to share my small secret…I'm about to launch my own video podcast channel. The idea is to start with a series of performances from artists whose music resonates with my own vision. For those who wish to support Ukrainians impacted by war, I want to include links to verified fundraising initiatives. I know that even small support can truly make a difference.

Later, I hope to expand my channel into artist interviews, studio visits, and creative conversations. The first episode drops this month and I can’t wait to share it! The name of my channel of course gonna be…Dopamine, haha!

For me, music isn’t just sound. It’s a way to build community, to express resilience, and to explore the inner and outer worlds. Bali has given me the space to keep growing, keep dreaming, creating and I am really grateful for my experience.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

1. I am really into tea, I love to explore different cultures from around the world, so some of my daytime picks will be:
- Xiù Tea House by Rüsters; a beautifully curated space where you can immerse in Chinese tea culture through ceremony and mindful tea tasting.
- If you’re into matcha more than Chinese tea, there’s Chontea. Set among rice fields, this Japanese matcha house offers not just tea, but stories, knowledge, and deep reverence for the ritual.

2. Bali Botanical Garden is my favourite destination in Bali. Bali itself feels like a botanical garden, but here you can easily get lost in the diversity of greens. Misty, mystical, and unforgettable.

3. For trekking lovers, Mount Abang and Munduk offer trails through landscapes that feel almost surreal!


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

1. Klymax. Smartly designed nightclub in Seminyak with proper sound system, atmospheric lighting, and a finely curated roster of global talent.

2. Platonic. A community-rooted space in Canggu where Bali’s underground scene slowly unfolds, offering freedom, expression, and real connection. We’ve hosted many unforgettable nights there.

3. Boliche. A small but soulful venue with Void sound, a tight-knit vibe, and consistently tasteful selectors—truly one of Ubud’s rare sound sanctuaries.


And for the in-betweeners; here’s some suggestions for evening activities!

1. Aurora Media Park. An inspiring place in Nuanu, Tabanan with kinetic light installations that come alive as you move through them.

2. Woods. A restaurant in Canggu where candlelight, live jazz, and yummy flavours wrap around you in a slow atmosphere.

3. Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Cliff. Performed on dramatic cliffs at golden hour, the Kecak dance weaves fire, chanting, and myth into a haunting sunset ritual.

Nikolas Artha
Designer, Restaurant Owner & Co-Founder of FED

I'm half Australian, half Balinese, and grew up in Bali until high school. I spent the last six years in Melbourne for university and full-time work.

These days, I split my time between my design studio Sprint and my restaurant FED by Made—a daily mix of creative work and F&B.

My music taste really depends on the vibe—the season, the setting, and the Bali mood. Lately, I've been diving into a lot of dub and reggae. The weather’s been perfect, the waves have been pumping—and the soundtrack fits just right.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

1. Definitely go for a surf, or take a lesson if you're just starting out. It's dry season in Bali right now, which means fun waves across the island for all levels.

2. Grab lunch at my go-to local spot, Warung Melati.

3. And if you're an early riser, a morning bike ride along the beach is the way to go. My usual route runs from Seminyak to the airport, right along the sand before the crowds roll in.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

I sleep super early in Bali—like, 10pm bedtime kind of early, haha. But before that, my perfect mix of things to do would be:

1. Swing by my restaurant FED by Made to say hi to friends and guests.

2. Grab a drink at my favorite bar, Kawi in Ubud.

3. End the night at the cinema with a good movie.

Dewie Ang
Social Impact and Creative Consultant & DJ

I’ve been living in Bali since 2018, right after I graduated from university. But honestly, the dream started way earlier back I already knew I wanted to live here and I’m so grateful that I made it happen. Since then Bali really set me on a dynamic path. I’ve been involved in environmental and social-justice work, collaborating with grassroots communities on sustainability and human-rights campaigns. I'm also part of a women-led art collective that creates collaborative spaces for women to express themselves through creativity and art.

At the moment I’ve been pouring my energy into my little passion project, which I started last year, Dentum Lab. it explores sound in all its weird and wonderful forms. We do radio shows, mixes, archiving old songs and folklores, and anything in between, basically a playground for experimental music, forgotten sounds, and audio storytelling. I also do DJing, mostly I play leftfield electro, new-beat, house, ambient, experimental, or whatever feels right at the moment.

I grew up listening to jazz, and for the longest time I was obsessed with Miles Davis. Especially his use of call and response as a musical technique. That really shaped the way I listen to music, and maybe without realizing it, that’s something I try to deliver in my DJ sets too… like a sense of conversation between tracks, a call and a response.

As I’ve grown older, so has my curiosity and musical taste. Genre doesn’t really define my listening anymore. What matters more now is the feeling it creates or the story behind it. I could really listen to Sam Saimun on repeat and suddenly jump to Pink Industry and end up with Altin Gün. But these days, I find myself chasing sounds I’ve never heard before, more experimental or even very old way back. I like things that feel unfamiliar, strange to the ear, maybe a little off-center. There’s something exciting about not knowing where a track is going like allowing sound to surprise me. I think I’m always looking for that twist or unexpected element that makes me ask “Wait, what is this?”, haha.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

1. I love Kebun Raya Bedugul. I'd go extra miles just to have a picnic there. You can find a spot on the hill surrounded by big old trees, while breathing in the fresh air, with a view of Beratan lake in the distance. So peaceful and lush. Tips from me, go on a weekday if you want the place to yourself. Bring a mat, some snacks, and a small speaker to set up the mood.

2. If you’re looking for a chill daytime activity in Bali, gallery hopping is always a good idea. One of my favourite spots is Sun Contemporary in Pererenan, a super cool gallery space where you’ll find contemporary art exhibitions, art & activism talks. Then there’s Ruang Fungsi in Kerobokan, a cool grassroots space that showcases emerging local artists and feels really grounded in the community. And CushCush Gallery in Denpasar, has so many cool programs where they mix art, craft, and sustainability in such thoughtful ways they even host workshops sometimes. Each gallery has its own vibe, but all of them are totally worth checking out.

3. If you wanna dig for records while checking out local zines, swing by Tektonik Records in Ubud and Denpasar. It’s basically a local community clubhouse disguised as a record store. They have vinyl, cassettes, posters, zines, and other hand-picked merch line the shelves, and there’s always something happening, such as casual listening parties, cassette swap meet ups, zine and mixtape workshops, even live DJ vinyl sets and a little DIY radio stream.

3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

1. Kylmax Discotheque never goes wrong, one of the best clubs in the world with the best DJ lineup. it’s literally stepping up the game. The sound system hits just so perfect, the lighting is sick, and the crowd’s always on point. What really makes it stand out, though, is the DJ line-up with international and regional heavy-hitters and of course our local heroes who also happen to be Klymax residents like Gero, Dita, Bagvs, Seabass, and Archie, and many local DJs all share the booth here.

2. If you’re looking for a spot to just hang out, sip something good, and be around nice energy, Daisy’s and Karat are solid picks. Daisy’s feels like a laid-back house party, small, cozy, and lively enough to keep the night rolling. They’ve got great cocktails, natural wine, and every so often they whip out karaoke night, which somehow turns the whole place into one big sing-along (in the best possible way). Just down the road, Karat in Seminyak offers a super chill spot too. The space is warm and stylish, the drinks are on point, and they host many fun music programs like Offscript, album launches, and even fashion brand pop-ups. Plus, there’s a concept store inside, so you can find cool stuff while you hang. Perfect combo if you want a night that’s easy, social, and a little bit of shopping.

3. When the munchies hit, I rotate between three spots. MeVui is my ride-or-die for comfort food, their pho is the best. If I feel a bit more extra, I head to Teman Internet for Bali’s king-of-crab. They serve kepiting saus Padang paired with Indomie goreng. Sounds wild, but somehow it just works! And when the mood calls for a grown-up dinner, I book a table at FED by Made. You can’t go wrong with their menu; totally worth every penny!

Gilang
Owner and Founder of PNNY & PNNY BITES

I’ve lived on the island all my life basically, apart from my studies in Melbourne for four years. I was born and raised in Bali; it taught me everything about partying, haha.

I try to keep myself busy. Being an island boy can be slightly tricky. You’re stuck in a bubble, so keeping yourself busy keeps you sane! I would start my mornings by going to the gym or I’d go boxing at Pound4Pound. Then I have to go to PNNY BITES, and work on either PNNY or PNNY BITES itself. We have our nights three times a week at different venues: METTO Monday and Rumble at Luigi's Hot Pizza, Basement Love at La Brisa, and Summer of Love at Club Corazon. So after around four-ish I'd be heading home, freshen up, do some music and get ready to go to one of those venues.

Musically, I think coming from a hip hop background forces you to have a really big book. You would never hear us play any straight genre. But if I would have to pinpoint it, I'd say we go from house to breaks to bass to funk soul disco and back to the darker stuff. A little bit of techno, a bit of UKG and u cant really get away from some proper tech house to be honest.

PNNY all got started at Dubwill’s little studio from hours of us chilling, listening to music, practicing our DJing and talking shit. We always talked about how we felt like we just weren’t hearing what we wanted on the island and didn’t have the freedom to play the music that we wanted to play. We’ve been on the island most of our lives and were just sick of the music scene here.

We wanted to do something to change it so we decided to start our own little collective with all the DJs and party animals that have the same taste in music as us.

The island has created our fresh and unique sense of what it means to party and we’ve combined that with our experiences abroad to shape the sounds you now hear coming from us.


3 Things to Do in Bali During the Day

- There's so much to do on the island! If I had to choose three, I'd choose the beach for sure. There's so many nice beaches with amazing surf breaks if you're into that. But if not, a nice walk along the beach with the sunset around the corner never gets old.

- Second, I'd say doing some local culinary trips is not talked about enough. There's so many different types of food from different islands in Indonesia, and you can cover a lot of them in Bali! Or you can also just come and have a pretty mean breakfast at PNNY BITES TBH!

- Third but not least; get out of Canggu, man! Most of the time this point gets overlooked but seriously, go and see other parts of the island; they’re kinda pretty, too!

3 Things to Do in Bali During the Night

- I would start the point by stealing my second point above. When it comes to food, whether it's local or not, I think we’re blessed to have one of the best in terms of hospitality. Restaurants from all around with so many different varieties of food!

- Second, I’d have to say nightlife. The island’s awake from Monday to Monday. You'll find a night any day of the week! From Mondays at METTO Monday, to Thursdays at Rumble (both at Luigi's Hot Pizza). Fridays were a hit and miss for a minute, not going to lie. It's the most anticipated day of the week I would say. The last day of the week and everyone’s hungry for that escape, but for a minute we had nothing good. I mean for me at least. But now we have a new kid on the block, Club Corazon, which we (PNNY) get the privilege to curate every Friday. So that's been pretty fun and a good addition to Uluwatu. On Saturdays, a good Basement Love event at La Brisa will do you well—even though it's only once a month, it's always a banger!

- The third point would be pretty similar to my last point from the question above, but I've been loving getting out of town and going on a staycation somewhere nice and just get pampered for one night, to get over my hangover with room service (and a good massage!).

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