Live music in Bali is separated into three parts; top 40 bands, jazz and blues, and the local original music scene. Top 40 cover bands can be found all over the island in hotels, restaurants and bars. Some of them are very good, some are so so, but the bands have all come a long way since back in the day of only playing tracks like ‘Hotel California’. The jazz/blues scene features top musicians from around the archipelago and the world. There are many talented musicians in the live music scene around Bali in the cover band and original scenes. Over the past decades the local original music scene was dominated by punk music, but has become more melodic in recent times. Here below are some of the best venues to catch live music in Bali.
Hard Rock Café
Live Top Forty bands are on stage seven nights a week from 10pm till late. Special guest bands from around the country and the world play here periodically.
Hard Rock Café: Jalan Pantai Kuta, Kuta. Phone: (0361) 755661
Centerstage at Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Up the driveway to the Hard Rock Hotel Bali you can find Top 40 bands playing seven nights a week on top of the stage in the centre of the bar. It starts and finishes early and is normally quite busy.
Centerstage: Jalan Pantai Kuta, Kuta. Phone: (0361) 761869
Boshe VVIP
The right place to see big bands from all over Indonesia. They have resident bands every week and big events every month, worth checking out!
Boshe VVIP: Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai no 89x Tuban. Phone (0361) 754461
Ryoshi Seminyak
The jazz and blues centre of Bali offers great old time classic, modern style jazz, ska and blues played by some of the best musicians on the island every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Ryoshi Seminyak: Jalan Seminyak Raya no 17, Seminyak. Phone: (0361) 731152.
Laughing Buddha
Live music six nights a week with a mix of soulful jazz, guitar and world music. Special international guests are often playing here too.
Laughing Buddha: Jl. Monkey Forest Kedewatan, Ubud. Phone: (0361) 970928.
Casablanca
Cover bands seven nights a week and normally quite busy with locals and tourists filling the bar.
Casablanca: Jalan Danau Tamblingan no 120, Sanur. Phone: (0361) 287263.
Old Man’s
Come every Friday night after a long day surfing or just a friendly visit to this bar at Batu Bolong in Canggu and you will find a band playing rock n roll music. Head down early to get a seat, because normally it will be packed!
Old Man’s: Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu. Phone (0361) 8469158
Single Fin
They have acoustic gigs almost every night, but we can assure you that Sunday is the best time to visit this place to get a large beer, to see the sun setting and catch the live band.
Single Fin: Jalan Mamo, Labuan Sait, Uluwatu. Phone (0361) 769941
Deus
Sunday is a fun day in Deus’ backyard, let them warm you up with live band, beers and babes!
Deus: Jalan Batu Mejan no 8, Canggu (62) 8111-388-315
The Orchard
The Orchard is like a small English pub with live music three nights a week showcasing the very best of the island’s musicians and bands. Normally shows are on Tues, Thurs and Saturday nights from 8pm.
Jalan Nakula, Gang Baik No. 99x, Seminyak. Tel: +62 857 89419634
Nu Lazer
Nu Lazer is at the forefront of the new Sanur – the less sleepy Sanur. They have live Top 40 bands every night then DJs till late. Good food and atmosphere guaranteed.
Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 82, Sanur. Tel: (0361) 288807
