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| Travel & Resources: BALI
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Please help us keep these listings current and correct. Special thanks to nucag, MARCELERIC, lawleyboy, deweydude, Trevelly, amadeusm, zack77, philophallus, Wolf789, thvvth, circa2022, itsme, Justinwilson, Kurt, jfyw, markar, kobeguy, cameron, flex11, peterbxl1, AsianSense, Princess, Edwin T., Fernando, Kurt, PJ, Santo, Paul, Michael, Ferdy and Natasha R.! |
While Bali may be 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 Kuta/Legian area. Open gays you encounter will usually come from neighboring islands. Many Balinese mythical figures celebrated in music and dance have androgynous characteristics. That, together with the high visibility of many gay visitors to the island and a quiet acceptance among the indigenous communities, mean that most Balinese are aware of homosexuality. However, for 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. Interestingly, murals in The Hall of Justice in the Taman Gili, which 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.
The population of Bali is about 2.5 million (that's 100,000 Utopians).
"If it is cruising areas that you are looking for, there is no shortage of them. If you are up for more cruising at night, you can try your luck at Kuta Beach between Hard Rock Hotel and the beach side McDonalds. The best time to be there is from sunset to about 8pm. You need to walk along the beach side of the footpath. Some guys are just looking for fun, some are looking for a free meal and others are looking for money. Later on during the night the cruising area moves from the beach side to Gay Street (Jln Dhyana Pura), and here 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 look." -- nucag, Jun 2, 2011 CENTRAL BALI: UBUD
SOUTH BALI: DENPASAR, KUTA BEACH, LEGIAN, JIMABARAN, NUSA DUA, SANUR, SEMINYAK
"Renowned for its inexpensive breakfast served overlooking the beach - a great way to start the day. The food at night is of an international Italian flavor and can be a little bit expensive by local standards (US$20+ per person for a meal). -- nucag, Jun 2, 2011
"Bali's most famous gay restaurant where the food is delicious and so, too, are the waiters." -- nucag, Jun 2, 2011
"One other place you should not miss is KU DE TA. This beachfront restaurant and bar features the most unbelievable vantage point from which to view Bali's spectacular sunsets. It is also the place where anyone-who-is-anyone can be found mixing with all the beautiful people from around the world. You may have guessed by now that it comes at a price and if you would like a good seat up near the front then be prepared to slip the maitre d' a substantial tip." -- nucag, Jun 2, 2011
SOUTH BALI: DENPASAR, KUTA BEACH, LEGIAN, JIMABARAN, NUSA DUA, SANUR, SEMINYAK
BALI -- area code (62-361)
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 local folk. 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).
Bali Gay Scene Updates message forum
Men in Bali message forum
Travel in Bali message forum
Comments from Utopians:
"Tourists have always enjoyed Bali's unspoiled beaches, crystal clear waters, pulse-pounding surf, enchanted temples, mesmerizing dance performances, amazing rice terraces and unsurpassed scenic beauty. Bali now welcomes the gay tourist with open arms, especially in the Seminyak area. There you will find many gay-owned and gay-friendly restaurants. Jln Dhyana Pura is commonly referred to Gay Street. Gay Street, is where you will also find the gay bars side-by-side. All of the gay bars offer non-stop entertainment from about 10pm till about 3am, including everything from international drag shows to sexy male go-go dancers, all of which are experiences not to be missed. There are always plenty of local guys happy to talk to gay tourists but if you plan to go out to the gay bars on a Fri or Sat night, it is a good idea to get there early if you want a seat because, by midnight, the crowds are overflowing out onto the street." -- nucag, Jun 2, 2011
44 Jln Hanoman, Ubud, (62-361) 970-992, email. A centralized registry of Bali's holistic venues including accommodations, healthy foods,
yoga and meditation retreats, health and spas. Gay and lesbian-friendly, Earth-friendly, socially responsible and health-mind-body conscious.
Utopia Member DiscountJln Danau Tamblingan 59x, Sanur, 270-852, email. Gay-owned and managed Padi 5 Star Dive Center, offering all courses and IDC.
Utopia Member DiscountJln Petitenget 2000X, Seminyak (next to Bonita restaurant), Utopia Map, 731-918, 0817-975-5656, email. The legendary Bonita, owner of the gay Bonita Spa and Bonita Restaurant, offers complete travel planning and real estate services. Wide choice and best prices for accommodations throughout Bali, from nice budget hotels to luxury party villas, and custom-tailored tours. Expert advice in land investment in Bali.
Email. Offering gay yoga, nude yoga and Gay In Touch seminars that take place at beautiful places on Bali.
Utopia Member DiscountEmail. A small, proficient, dedicated team of professionals with western real estate knowledge and a close-knit crew of locals that are familiar with Lovina and the areas beyond. They also sport the rainbow flag and promote HIV awareness.
Sanur, 288-610 , 271-316 , email. Gay and lesbian-friendly scuba diving instruction courses and career development divemaster internships training.
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Email. The BGLBA was created to provide a positive and dynamic environment in which to expand social and business interactions among its members and provide information and assistance to visitors.
Jln Sakura IV No. 8, 780-8250, email. A resource for locals and visitors. They also organize once-a-week volleyball games on Sat or Sun (call for details) for transgenders that's lots of fun.
Jln Raya Petitenget 2A, Kuta-Seminyak, Utopia Map, 473-8020, FAX 473-8021, email. Gay-friendly dive specialists and Bali's only British owned and managed dive company, PADI R-6344. They offer day trips and custom-made diving and accommodation packages to Bali's best dive sites. They also offer PADI courses and introductory diving programs. See their website for full information on Bali's dive sites.
Utopia Member DiscountP.O. Box 3581, Denpasar, 286-283, FAX 286-284, email. Without a doubt one of Bali's very best and gay-friendliest family of travel experts. Accommodation, tours, activities and transportation services. Great rates and ready suggestions for gay-friendly holidays in Bali. Specialists in arts and culture, the offbeat, the spiritual and the less-touristed.
Utopia Member Discount61 Jln Ratna, 862-7457, 0813-5308-5225, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly English speaking driver, specializing in open road, customized tours for individuals or couples.
Utopia Member Discount28 Jln Nakula, Seminyak, Kuta, 730-326, FAX 730-326, email. Gay-owned online reservation agent for gay-only, gay-friendly, and clothing optional accommodation, hotels, villas, massage, spas and tours in Bali.
Jln Raya Kuta 129, Denpasar, 812-365-5080, email. Bali for gay visitors, from gay bars to drivers, to the best shops and spas.
49 Jln Danau Tamblingan, 270-594, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly dive center situated in the heart of Sanur. They offer all PADI dive courses at very competitive rates. Their facilities include accommodation, bar and restaurant, swimming pool and state-of-the-art dive center and dive boat.
Utopia Member Discount081-7974-7268, email. Introducing the beautiful underwater world of Bali to gays and lesbians in a relaxed and easy community atmosphere. They offer the whole range of PADI dive courses as well as dive trips and dive safaris to any spot in Bali.
Jln Arjuna, Gg. Villa Coco No.3, 819-3307-9922, email. Komodo Sailing operates sailing and diving cruises in Komodo National Park, home of the famous Komodo Dragons. This is also one of the top Diving destinations in the world and a place of extreme natural beauty. Certified PADI Dive Instructor and U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain operate gay and lesbian-friendly trips from a minimum of 4 days. They accommodate groups of up to 8 people, joiner basis or full charter. Fly to Labuan Bajo in Flores for transfer to the boat.
Jln Umaalas - Klecung No. 10 Kerobokan, Kuta, 736-568, FAX 736-569, email. Unseenbali is the direct representative for three exclusive gay and clothing-optional luxury accommodations, with personal attention, in Bali and beyond. They also offer a one week guided tours of Bali (with accommodation in gay clothing-optional resorts), as well as Balinese M2M spa massage. Day-passes for the only gay clothing-optional resort in Kuta with steam room and whirlpool, swimming pool, TV room and including massage in Kuta are available.
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Click here for Bali accommodations.
Click here for Bali bars and clubs.
Click here for Bali discos.
CENTRAL BALI: UBUD
email. Located just across the Champuan Bridge on the way up the hill out of Ubud. Symon carries on the tradition of Balinese painters of male nudes with his bold, colorful paintings and surreal sculptures and has gained an international following of avid collectors.
Click here for Bali massage for men.
SOUTH BALI: DENPASAR, KUTA BEACH, LEGIAN, JIMABARAN, NUSA DUA, SANUR, SEMINYAK
Comments from Utopians:
"With great sadness, I hear that Callego, the gay beach, has finally closed due to another 5-star resort development. It was the favourite gay daytime meeting spot for decades. I suppose the best beach spot for gays now will be Seminyak Beach, at the end of the gay street, Jln Dhyana Pura, not far from all the gay bars and Banana Spa/Mango Villa area." -- nucag, Nov 29, 2011Denpasar (opposite the Museum of Bali). Best after 8pm, but cruisy all day long. Beware of hustlers.
103 Jln Diponegoro, Denpasar. Somewhat cruisy, especially 2/F.
Go to La Lucciola Restaurant and, facing the sea, walk to the right about 5 minutes. You will see a few huts on your right offering cold drinks, massage and lounge chairs with umbrellas. A little bit further down the beach you will find sunbathers (sometimes nude) and a few paths into the bushes can be very cruisy in the afternoons.
Comments from Utopians:
"A new daytime beach bar has been opened by Putra on 66 Beach just along from Kumala Hotel. Look for the collection of cute Indonesian guys looking for a talk, drink or whatever." -- jcdani2009, Jan 20, 2012
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.
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Abimanyu Street (2 doors down from Q Bar), Seminyak-Kuta, 730-907, email. Owner, Joshua, holds court in this trendy eatery perfectly located in the midst of the gay scene. The artistic interior is full of original art and funky design. A nice place to dine before or after clubbing. Joshua has also opened a spa (see under massage) and gallery to showcase contemporary work by Balinese artists.
Utopia Member DiscountComments from Utopians:
"Ever popular, with chic decor and serving its meals on unique designer plates." -- nucag, Jun 2, 2011Jln Sahadewa 7, 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 DiscountJl. Pratama, Matahari Terbit Bali, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, reservations: 774-502. Chef Heinz von Holzen is famous for his utterly superb Indonesian-inspired cuisine as well as his attempts to rescue endangered turtle eggs from the local markets. You can dine on some of the best food in Bali and also observe newborn turtles which hatch from sand incubators placed around the open-air dining pavilions. Chef Heintz also offers a fantastic half-day cooking class!
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 DiscountCallego Beach. Five minutes walk from The Living Room and 10 minutes walk from Spartacvs. The owner is a straight Balinese. This is where the white and brown Tarzans (who are all Jane) meet. The café is open for lunch and early dinner. Food and beverages are very reasonably priced. Often you may find gay foreign and local men showering after the beach and some may slip away to the bushes on the right (as you face the sea).
Next to the Harmony Hotel (corner of Jln Drupadi and Dyanapura), Seminyak, 813-3789-4243, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly. Wonderfully relaxed and slightly off the main Dyanapura gay club strip. Fantastic place for cocktails, dinner and conversation before a night out with the party animals.
99 Jln Dhyana Pura, Seminyak, 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.
Jln Danau Tamblingan No.178, Sanur, 0361-289-252, email. Gay-managed traditional Japanese restaurant. Japanese manager is very cute and friendly. Sushi, sashimi, tempura, sukiyaki, and yakitori served. Open daily from 6pm-1am.
Jln Kayu Aya Beach, Oberoi, reservations: 261-047, 730-838. Open air restaurant, bar, and beachside oasis at the end of Jln Dhyana Pura. 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 hang-out, with fabulous international cuisine and great breakfasts. Sun bathe in their lounge chairs and enjoy the passing parade on the beach (facing the ocean, the gay beach is just a hundred meters to the right from here), or sit in the shade of their two-story, thatched restaurant and enjoy a meal. Friendly, gorgeous sarong-clad staff and reasonable prices. Drop by and say hi to general manager.
Comments from Utopians:
Jln Petitenget 40X, 733-045, email. Gay-managed, friendly restaurant with good food at a reasonable price. Open for breakfast and lunch with various choices of food, from classics like Eggs Bennedict to delicious shrimp croquettes. By dinner time they change to French cuisine with all well known French dishes such as coq au vin, boullibaise and many more.
Utopia Member DiscountPaul’s Place, Jln Laksamana 4A (50 meters from Oberoi Hotel), Oberoi, 736-715. Two gay-owned and operated restaurants here. One features a Thai kitchen and pan-Asian cuisine, and the other, Shanghai Breeze, serves up Chinese food.
Utopia Member DiscountJln Mertanadi 63, Seminyak, email. Gay-owned warung offering a relaxing, friendly environment with tasty food.
Jln Drupadi (on the Jln Dhyana Pura side), Seminyak, 738-307, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly bar and restaurant offering the flavors of Italy. A warm, friendly, spacious eatery. Tropical decor infused with a sensual island feel. Candle-lit niches offer a romantic retreat. A good selection of wines and fine food at a friendly price.
Utopia Member DiscountJln Petitenget 2000X, Seminyak, 731-918, email. Gay-owned and operated garden restaurant, located on a quiet corner of the beach road. Loyal following among local residents and visitors from all over the world. Have a romantic dinner in a candlelit grove of fragrant frangipani trees, or try their Indonesian buffet lunch and heap your plate with tasty local treats. Open early for a hearty breakfast, and till late for a nightcap or latté.
Utopia Member DiscountComments from Utopians:
Comments from Utopians:
"I found a new, fab gay friendly restaurant in Jln Drupadi named Sorristo. You will be welcomed by Reza, a spunky guy from Jakarta who dresses in drag. She can even tell your fortune by tarot cards. The fare is Italian and medium priced, with elegant surroundings and sometimes live guitar music. The location is easy to find - it is located between the famous Banana Spa/Mango Villa area and the gay Jln Dyna Pura intersection." -- nucag, Sep 15, 2011
CENTRAL BALI: UBUD
14/3 Jln Raya Seminyak (opposite the Kura-Kura restaurant). Johann, fomerly of Depe salon, has set up shop in a little court set back from the street next to a gallery. Downstairs they have all the usual salon-hair stuff. Upstairs there are two massage areas.
Poppies Lane One No. 77, 756-454, 0818-568-364. This small gift shop is proudly decorated with rainbow colors and pink triangles thanks to its irrepressible owner, Hanafi, who is full of useful info on the local scene.
63 Jln Raya Tuban, Kuta, 990-3330, email. Gay-owned hair dressing and make-up salon with multiple branches in South Bali.
Utopia Member DiscountJln Laksamana 4A (50 meters from Oberoi Hotel), Oberoi, 736-715. Gay owned and operated boutique selling a variety of clothing designed by Paul and made in Bali, along with furniture, home wares and artifacts.
Utopia Member DiscountJl Pungutan 25, Sanur, 281-440, 286-042. The design studio of two gay artists who, among other wonderful decorative items, make fabulous goldleafed condom finials as part of their contemporary "Homozone" collection.
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