Gay Bali

Bali’s happening gay scene is centred around the area of Seminyak and while it is no Bangkok, gay visitors to Bali will find a number of great bars and even a couple of discos along the club street of Jalan Dyana Puna. Most nights out start with sunset drinks on the beach and the bars and clubs have two peak periods – before dinner and after, where the fun goes on way into the night.

Kudeta and La Luciola are two of the beachfront gay bars in Seminyak and most guys end their day with a couple of beers or cocktails here. Within walking distance are some of Bali’s top gay-friendly restaurants such as the superb, upscale Kafe Warisan and the gay and budget friendly Rumours.

Bali’s gay central is QBar, on Jalan Dyana Puna. There are nightly drag shows here and late at night the dancefloor is packed. There’s a good mix of local guys and tourists here and the atmosphere is frantic but friendly. Across the road is Kudos which is more beer-themed and has a breezy outdoor terrace.

Further along the road are Mixwell club and the Kween which also do good business, especially on the weekends. These two clubs are more popular with local gay guys but anyone and everyone is welcome. Club 66 and the adjacent Papparazzi Club are mixed venues but both very gay-friendly.

Bali doesn’t have a dedicated gay beach and no nude beaches, but most gay tourists settle at Petitenget Beach, also known as Ganesh Beach, at Seminyak. All the clubs and restaurants listed above are within a sandy stroll from Ganesh Beach, hence its popularity.

Hindu Bali doesn’t really stigmatise gay and lesbian people but as with most of Southeast Asia, excessive displays of public affection between people of any gender is frowned on. Also like elsewhere in Asia, two men holding hands should not be misinterpreted as homosexuality, as it very often isn’t.