Gay & Lesbian Bali
 The all-male chorus of the Kecak dance. |
Bali has a relatively rich gay scene. It's probably due in large part to its status as an international tourist destination, and no doubt helped along by the fact that Bali is predominantly Hindu rather than Moslem like most of the rest of Indonesia. Like the tourist scene in general, the gay scene is centered in South Bali around Kuta.
There's lots of 'eye candy' around for those that just like to look at the male form. Whether it's surfer dudes at Legian or locals performing the Kecak Dance, Bali has plenty to see!
When you get hungry, no matter what time of day, a really good option is La Lucciola, located right on the beach in Seminyak. This gay-owned open-air restaurant has some of the best food in the Kuta area. The food is a sort of international Italian. It's a bit expensive, but in Bali "expensive" means that you just might spend more than $20 per person for a meal. The restaurant has no discernible signs; so if you're on foot, look for the Pura Petitenget temple. La Lucciola is right next to the temple. In fact, the best way to find the gay beach is to find La Lucciola, then turn right and walk up the beach about five minutes. The place is now very popular for sunset dinners, so reservations are recommended.
After dinner, for drinks and music, most people seem to head over to Q-bar on Jalan Dhyana Pura (also known as Gado Gado Street). This large bar, which spills out onto the street, fills up with tourists and their local friends by about 11 pm. The food here is also very good, but be prepared for a wait. We were almost starving by the time our food arrived, more than 45 minutes after we ordered. You may want to try Antique restaurant just a couple doors down. The club scene starts late - after 2 am - at the Double Six (66).
Outside of the Kuta area there isn't much in the way of exclusive gay places elsewhere on Bali. Around Ubud, the island's cultural center, you will find some gay-friendly bars, and of course, you won't want to miss a chance to visit the gallery of Symon, a Bali-based artist who paints huge colorful canvases depicting local young men in all their lithe splendor.
Gay Bali Resources
- Utopia
- The best place for up-to-date travel information for gays and lesbians about Indonesia as a whole, and Bali in particular.
- Bali Gay Travel Info
- "Simple and brief gay Bali information. What to do in Bali for gay visitors, from gay bars to gay driver, from gay boys to gay massage."
Gay-Friendly Bali Accommodations
- Unseen Bali
- There are a number of gay-friendly, and even some gay-only, hotels, guest houses and other accommodations on Bali. For a complete list of these, as well as other activities you may want to participate in, check out Unseen Bali. This site can also handle all your reservations at many of the places listed.
- Bali Friendly
- Another Bali-based agency handling gay and gay-friendly accommodations all around Bali. Seems to have some surprisingly good deals on some places.
- Abian Bui Residence
- Small gay owned accommodation with a mainly gay clientele. Located in Umalas, near the gay beach. Check Bali Friendly (above) for rates which are often better than through the hotel site.
- Umah Watu Villas
- Two villa accommodation in Seminyak, very close to the gay beach and night life. Has a pool and many other nice features. Check Bali Friendly (above) for rates which are often better than through the hotel site.
- InfoHub
- Among the wide variety of accommodations available on Bali are some gay-only, clothing optional resorts. Unseen Bali lists most of these, or you can request more information from InfoHub.
Bali's Gay Nightlife
- Kudos
- Gay owned and managed nightclub, across from the gay institution of Q-bar. There are cabaret shows almost nightly as well as go-go boys. Don't even think of going there before 1:00 am. Web site also offers beauty services as well as accommodations.
Bali Travel Guides for Gay Travelers
| Utopia Guide to Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia : the Gay and Lesbian Scene in 60+ Cities Including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Johor Bahru and the Islands of Bali and Penang | ||
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by John Goss Cover Price: $28.80 Binding: Paperback |
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