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| Travel & Resources: BALI
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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.
In mid-2012, one Indonesian ISP began blocking websites with gay content. If you want to access your favorite websites on holiday, avoid using SIM cards from Tel Komsel or staying at hotels that use Telkom as their service provider.
The population of Bali is about 2.5 million (that's 100,000 Utopians).
Navigating the local gay scene is easy with our interactive Utopia Map of Gay & Lesbian Bali:
CENTRAL BALI: UBUD
SOUTH BALI: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, SEMINYAK
"Every night I went to Batu Belig Beach and enjoyed eating delicious fish at the gay-popular restaurant, Warung Cantina." -- maersu, Feb 7, 2013
"Warung Cantina is fully operational. Good food and drinks for reasonable prices. Mostly gay, some MBs roaming around. A perfect spot for a quiet bite and a lovely view!" -- paulbavo, Jan 7, 2013
"Just got back from Bali and have to report that almost all the bars along the beach where Warung Cantina is located have been pulled down due to some permit hassle. On the plus side, Cantina is still trading, but on a small scale, beer being sold from Esky's and only a couple of sun loungers available." -- DIVER51, May 14, 2012
SOUTH BALI: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, SEMINYAK
SOUTH BALI: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, 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
ISLANDWIDE
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 Discount
SOUTH BALI: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, SEMINYAK
Jln Petitenget 2000X, Seminyak (next to Bonita restaurant), Utopia Map, 473-1918, 0817-975-5656, email. The legendary Bonita, owner of the gay Bonita Spa and Waroeng Bonita, 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.
SOUTH BALI: OTHER AREAS77a Uluwatu Dua, +62 878-6176-0402, email. Gay and lesbian wedding organizers for your union ceremony on the beaches of Bali.
Utopia Member DiscountJungutbatu, Nusa Lembongan island, Utopia Map, +62 877-6104-2438, email. Gay-owned Blue Corner Dive Resort is a friendly beachfront place on the north end of Jungutbatu village. Dive shop, chill-out beach bar and traditional bungalows. They host the island's Fri night beach party - the best place to party with surfers, divers, backpackers, beachboys, and anybody else who likes to enjoy the tropical paradise life!
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 DiscountSanur, 288-610 , 271-316 , email. Gay and lesbian-friendly scuba diving instruction courses and career development divemaster internships training.
Utopia Member Discount
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.
ISLANDWIDE
P.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 Discount+62 859-3500-9823, FAX 859-3500-9823, email. Experience the true culture and traditions of Bali with a gay and lesbian-friendly rou company. Private tours to show you what makes Bali a unique destination.
SOUTH BALI: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, SEMINYAKJln Raya Petitenget 2A, 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 Discount28 Jln Nakula, Seminyak, Utopia Map, Utopia Map, 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.
081-7974-7268, 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.
SOUTH BALI: DENPASAR61 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 DiscountJln Raya Kuta 129, Denpasar, 812-365-5080, email. Bali for gay visitors, from gay bars to drivers, to the best shops and spas.
SOUTH BALI: OTHER AREAS
Unseen Bali UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2012Jln Umaalas - Umalas Klecung No. 10, Kerobokan, Kuta, 811-388-681, FAX 473-6569, email. Unseenbali is the direct representative for four exclusive gay and clothing-optional luxury accommodations, with personal attention, in Bali. They also offer one week guided tours of Bali (with accommodation in gay clothing-optional resorts), as well as Balinese man-to-man 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.
Utopia Member Discount
Click here for Bali accommodations.
Click here for Bali bars and clubs.
Click here for Bali cabaret.
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: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, SEMINYAK
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 a small rainbow flag hanging from a tree trunk (see Warung Cantina listing under Restaurants). This is the new gay cruise spot since Callego Beach was developed. Also some trees, shubbery and hidden nooks next to the housing developments here.
Utopia Map. Across from the Lucky Strike sign near the Double Six (evenings). Also a good place to meet nice guys is the vollyball court on the beach at Double Six, go left 100m. As of Aug 2012 this area is not as popular as it once was.
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.
SOUTH BALI: DENPASAR
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.
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.
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.
SOUTH BALI: OTHER AREASBetween 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.
103 Jln Diponegoro, Denpasar. Somewhat cruisy mall, especially 2/F.
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 DiscountJln Raya Mas, Banjar Teges, Peliatan, 0812-385-7915, email. Directly opposite Rudana Museum and Babi Guling Ibu Oka 2. Gay and lesbian-friendly with a small, quality menu focusing on home style Indonesian specialties. Try the Sumatran beef rendang (a spiced stew). Friendly ambience with art adorning the walls. Open 10am-9pm.
Jln Arjuna (66), no. 23 Jln Werkudara, 730-403, email. Gay-friendly restaurant close to the famous 66 Beach. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Utopia Member DiscountJln 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 DiscountPoppies 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 DiscountNext to the Harmony Hotel (corner of Jln Drupadi and Jln Champlung Tanduk), Seminyak, 813-3789-4243, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly. Wonderfully relaxed and slightly off the main Jln Champlung Tanduk gay club strip. Fantastic place for cocktails, dinner and conversation before a night out with the party animals.
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.
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, 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 hang-out, with fabulous international cuisine and great breakfasts. 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.
Jln Mertanadi 63, Seminyak, email. Gay-owned warung offering a relaxing, friendly environment with tasty food.
Jln Petitenget 2000X, Seminyak, Utopia Map, 473-1918, email. Gay-owned and operated garden restaurant, with a loyal following among both local and visiting gays. Plush and cozy open air ambience. 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. Extensive drink and food menu with local and international specialties. Opens early for a hearty breakfast, and till late for a nightcap or latté. If you are lucky you may get to meet the fabulous Bonita, one of Bali's famously fabulous personalities and gay community entrepreneurs (he's also the owner of DIX nightclub). Popular cabaret show on Fri nights at about 8:30pm (make a reservation).
Utopia Member Discount5 Jln Sunset Rd, 745-2968. This local hole-in-the-wall serves up succulent Balinese-style roast pig in all of its unctuous incarnations. To find better you'll have to drive to Ubud. Inexpensive and authentic.
Batu Belig Beach, 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 a small rainbow flag hanging from a tree trunk. Gay-popular, no frills beach bar and restaurant. Good quality comfort food, snacks, drinks, beer and cocktails. Mostly gays (about 75%) and their friends at the tables with friendly straights and locals mixed in. Great place to view the sunset. Inexpensive. Cruisy (see Batu Belig Beach listing under Meeting Places).
Comments from Utopians:
Young Generation Sauna and Warung UTOPIA VERIFIED APR 2013Jln Tangkuban Perahu - Kerobokan Dekat LP, Utopia Map, +62 813-5300-4333, +62 899-555-8171, email. Adjacent to and entered from Young Generation Massage. Bali's first gay-friendly men's sauna. 1/F has steam and jacuzzi; 2/F has five relaxing rooms. A sauna/steam bath born according to the ancient Roman and Turkish criteria. An unforgettable experience for your skin, offering the possibility of a total relaxation while you socialize with the young locals who patronize this facility. Just as the old tradition requires, after the Turkish bath and jacuzzi, unwind in their relaxation rooms. In their warung you can taste Indonesian and international food while sipping fresh fruit juice or various types of tea and other soft drinks.
Utopia Member Discount
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.
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 Discount
SOUTH BALI: OTHER AREAS63 Jln Raya Tuban, Kuta, 990-3330, email. Gay-owned hair dressing and make-up salon with multiple branches in South Bali.
Utopia Member DiscountJln Mertanadi, Kerobokan. Look for the rainbow flag hanging out front of the small shop. Gay-owned men's clothing store. They have trendy clothing for going out to the clubs as well as sexy underwear and swimsuits, plus other fun accessories at decent prices.
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