The Balinese are Hindu/animist, unlike the rest of predominantly Muslim Indonesia. They are self-assured, genuinely friendly, curious, and always make time to chat. Some of your most memorable experiences will come from warm interaction with locals. Everyone here seems to be an artist of some kind and daily offerings and rituals are a way of life. While men and women no longer wander about in innocent nakedness, you will certainly encounter unselfconsciousness at the morning and evening bathing hours at rivers, pools, and public baths (Balinese become invisible when they slip out of their sarong).

While Bali is one of the most tolerant and gay-friendly destinations on the planet, you will not find much in the way of open gay lifestyle except in the touristic southwest coastal area. Open gays you encounter will usually come from Java or other islands. Locals have quiet and discreet cruising areas of their own away from both the tourist areas and their villages. Many Balinese mythical figures celebrated in music and dance have androgynous characteristics. However, for the Balinese, marriage and the union of opposite genders is a requirement for their full participation in village life. That said, homosexuality is certainly not a serious matter or one requiring a moral judgement. Murals in The Hall of Justice in the Taman Gili luridly depict the punishments of hell, represent a wide range of sins -- from incest and bestiality to gossiping and farting -- but no proscriptions against homosexuality are recorded.

Not surprisingly, Bali has been a famous haven for homosexuals, and a number of its renowned foreign residents lead comfortable, open lives here. Respected artists like Rudolf Bonnet, Donald Friend and, most famously, Walter Spies, all contributed to the thriving cultural synthesis that is Bali today. The spectacular kecak monkey chant, perceived by millions of tourists as a glimpse back in time to the "real" Bali, was actually re-choreographed by Spies, who combined several languishing performance traditions, increased the number of male performers, stripped them to loincloths, and set them in a circle around a central fire light.

On the topic of sex, it needs to be said that the Balinese are not especially given to going out and having a few drinks at a bar and getting picked up. These are people who believe you can go into full-fledged demonic possession at the sound of a gong, and being drunk is not a happy feeling for them. On the other hand, they are not shy about physical contact between people of the same gender. Friendly encounters may lead to a chance to get better acquainted, but you are likely to be disappointed if you arrive with the expectation of finding a holiday boyfriend. Knowing a little Indonesian, and the gentle art of teasing and flirting, will go a long way towards making friends.

In mid-2012, two Indonesian ISPs, IndoSat and Telkom, began blocking websites with gay content. If you want to access your favorite websites on holiday, use SIM cards from one of the other ISPs that don't censor (such as Axis) and choose hotels that provide non-censored Net connections. Or, more easily, go to your device Settings menu and navigate to your Wi-Fi settings to find the DNS settings for the provider you are using in Indonesia. Then, insert [8.8.8.8,] (without the brackets) in front of the other DNS numbers in this field. That work's for iOS, and something similar works for OSX and Windows. You can then use your device as a Wi-fi hot spot for your laptop as well.

The population of Bali is about 2.5 million (that's about 100,000 Utopians).

Navigating the local gay scene is easy with our interactive Utopia Map of Gay & Lesbian Bali:

Click here for Bali accommodations.

• Full Moon Magic
  

Click here for Bali bars and clubs.

Click here for Bali cabaret.

Click here for Bali massage and spas.

SOUTH BALI: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, SEMINYAK
• Batu Belig Beach UTOPIA VISITED SEP 2013
  Canggu, Utopia Map

  At the end of Jln Batu Belig, turn left to go down the sandy beachside road to Warung Cantina (just to the right of W Hotel as you face the ocean). You will see small rainbow flags hanging from a tree trunk (see Warung Cantina listing under Restaurants). This is a gay hang-out and cruise spot, especially towards sunset. Also some trees, shubbery and hidden nooks next to the building developments here.
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• D'Office Beach Bar UTOPIAN VERIFIED JUN 2019
  In front from Kusnadi Hotel, Utopia Map

  Flies a rainbow flag. Open from 9am, but it's a meeting point from sunset (around 5pm).
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• Seminyak Beach UTOPIA VISITED SEP 2013
  At the end of Gay Street, Jln Champlung Tanduk (still referred to by locals as Jln Dhyana Pura), not far from all the gay bars. Utopia Map. Late in the evening you will find many local Balinese, Javanese and Indonesian guys walking along the footpath on the opposite side of the street to the gay bars. There are usually a lot of guys to chat up, with something to suit just about everybody's taste. Further down the street toward the beach is where the ladyboys usually hang out and the more you drink the better they may look.
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  SOUTH BALI: DENPASAR

• Lumingtan UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012
  Off Jln Gatot Subroto, Denpasar, Utopia Map. A true, non-commercial gay cruising scene takes place here after dark until about 11pm (after 11pm police occasionally hassle hangers-on for bribes). This spooky, abandoned lot used to house government offices (long gone) and the surviving spectacular Balinese gates on three sides, and spooky statuary inside, give this place an unexpectedly gothic ambience. Local men park their motorcycles and wait for others to join them in conversation. Sometimes clusters develop, and the dark perimeters, especially near the shrines in one corner, get active. The crowd is a mix of all ages and it is friendly for the adventurous foreigner who wants to experience a totally non-touristic gay hot spot. Destined to be re-developed (bulldozers were already leveling land as of Aug, 2012), catch it while you can. There are more empty lots and a park nearby that are also sometimes active, so you might want to walk across the street to the north and northeast to check it out. Don't take valuables.
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• Puputan Park UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012
  Denpasar, Utopia Map. Not as popular now that more families use the park during the evenings, so best from 11pm-4am. Locals do seem to hit the foreigners except the hustlers who approach in droves. May be cruisy for Asians who can pass for locals. Some transgenders.
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• Tohpati riverside recreation area UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012
  East side of Denpasar, Utopia Map. Take the road downhill to the parking lot next to the river. This non-commercial cruising spot for local gay men is busiest in the heat of afternoon when most straight people are indoors. May also be active at night.
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  SOUTH BALI: OTHER AREAS

• Kuta Beach UTOPIAN VERIFIED AUG 2012
  Between the beach side McDonalds and Anggrek Hotel. The best time is 8pm-midnight. You need to walk along the beach side of the footpath. Also facility at far end parking lot. A mix of local hotel workers, foreign tourists and expats here, so the scene is more consensual fun and less commercial.
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CENTRAL BALI: UBUD

• Café des Artistes
  Jalan Bisma, 9 X, Ubud
  972-706, email

  A nicely decorated, gay-owned restaurant, with excellent food, full bar and winelist. Enjoy your meal on a streetside terrace or in a lounge with soft cushions. Reasonably priced.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT on food, FREE WELCOME DRINK with dinner.
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  SOUTH BALI: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, SEMINYAK

• 66 Corner (western and Indonesian) UTOPIA VERIFIED JAN 2023
  25 Jln Arjuna
  730-403, email

  Gay-friendly restaurant close to the famous 66 Beach. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT on food and beverages.
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• Bali Beach Shack (western food) UTOPIA VERIFIED SEP 2020
  Jln Sahadewa 7, Utopia Map
  0819-3622-2010, email

  Gay Aussie-owned restaurant. They also host Hulu Café, Indonesian drag shows Thu-Sun, two shows nightly at 10 and 11:15pm. Dinner and show bookings available.
  Utopia Member Benefit: FREE WELCOME DRINK.
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• Banana Spa (drinks and snacks) UTOPIA VERIFIED SEP 2020
  69 Jln Drupadi, Seminyak, Kuta, Badung Regency, Utopia Map
  +62 813-3893-9220, email

  Easy to find and conveniently located in the heart of Bali's gayborhood, just a short walk from Dhyana Pura gay street. The spa sits beside Harris Hotel. Enjoy snacks and finger food in their bar area or poolside. Refreshments range from healthy tropical juices to a favorite glass of wine, to accompany snacks and finger foods. Meet both locals and other intentional travelers and make new friends while you relax in privacy and comfort. If you would like to celebrate a special occasion, birthday or private function, they will arrange every detail including food service.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT on all services for cardholding members.
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• Café Local (Belgian and world cuisine)
  Poppies 2, Jln Benesari (next to Suka Beach Inn)
  860-3274, email

  Owned and managed by a Balinese/Belgian gay couple. They offer Belgian specialities like vlaamse stoofkarbonade (Flemish beef stew), Italian pasta, woodfired pizza and a selection of Asian favourites. Serving nicely dressed plates and lovely food in a beautiful setting need not always be expensive as Café Local proves. Warm interior colors, 70s wallpaper and modern furniture are the decor here. Staff are very friendly, helpful and handsome. Say hello to Gert and Pande on your next trip to Bali!
  Utopia Member Benefit: FREE WELCOME DRINK on first visit.
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• Diane's Thai Warung (Thai) UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2015
  128 Jln Raya Kerobokan
  +62 815-5894-8668, email

  Gay-friendly little slice of Bangkok in Bali. Intimate and fun. A mix of street food and home cooking served by the charismatic Thai owner who will always share a joke with you.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT
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• Gado Gado Restaurant and Café (international) UTOPIA VERIFIED JAN 2023
  99 Jln Champlung Tanduk (still referred to by locals as Jln Dhyana Pura), Seminyak
  Reservations: 736-966, email

  Gay-friendly Gado Gado has earned its reputation as one of Bali's top restaurants through its fine food, romantic seaside views and attentive service. They offer a diverse menu that incorporates seasonal fresh produce. Selection of international wines, champagne, and cigars from their humidor are also on hand. A multi-functional space, it can also be arranged to accommodate large groups up to 800, events, birthdays, etc. Private, aircon dining room with bar is also available for up to 14 people. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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• La Lucciola UTOPIA VERIFIED NOV 2022, UTOPIA VISITED SEP 2013
  Jln Kayu Aya Beach, Oberoi, Utopia Map
  Reservations: 261-047, 730-838

  Open air restaurant, bar, and beachside oasis. Located just past The Legian Hotel, access is from the beach or via the parking lot in front of the large Pettitenget Temple. Owned and operated by a gay couple from Sydney. This is the place to chill-out, with fabulous international cuisine and great breakfasts (perfect eggs Benedict!). Sun bathe in their lounge chairs and enjoy the passing parade on the beach, or sit in the shade of their two-story, thatched restaurant and enjoy a meal. Friendly, gorgeous sarong-clad staff and reasonable prices.
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Click here for Bali saunas.

SOUTH BALI: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, SEMINYAK

• Meng UTOPIAN VISITED AUG 2012
  Paul's Place, Jln Laksamana 4A (near the Oberoi Hotel), Oberoi, Utopia Map
  736-715

  Gay owned and operated boutique selling a variety of clothing made in Bali along with gifts, furniture, homeware and art.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT on clothing, homeware and furniture.
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  SOUTH BALI: OTHER AREAS

• Leon Savalo Hairdressing and Make-up
  63 Jln Raya Tuban, Kuta
  990-3330, email

  Gay-owned hair dressing and make-up salon with multiple branches in South Bali.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 20% DISCOUNT.
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