My Beach Club Obsession

I’ll never forget the day I realized that Bali’s beach clubs were a thing. I was sipping on a Bintang at Ku De Ta in Seminyak, watching the sunset with friends, when I saw the crowds flocking in. ‘What’s the hype about?’ I thought. Fast forward a few years, and I’m hooked. Beach clubs have become an integral part of my Bali experience. But are they really worth the entrance fee?

As a local, I’ve had the chance to try out many of Bali’s beach clubs. Some are overpriced and underwhelming, while others are pure bliss. In this post, I’ll share my honest opinions on the beach clubs that are worth the rupiah, and some that are, well, not so much.

Beach Club Prices: IDR 200,000 to IDR 500,000+

Before we dive in, a quick note on prices. Entrance fees at Bali’s beach clubs can range from IDR 200,000 to over IDR 500,000 (USD 15-35). That’s a lot of rupiah for a day of lounging on the beach. But are you getting what you pay for?

Here are some of my top picks for beach clubs in Bali, along with their approximate prices:

• The Lawn (Seminyak): IDR 250,000 (USD 18) per person, including a towel and a drink
• Finns Recreation Club (Canggu): IDR 250,000 (USD 18) per person, including a towel and a drink
• Ulu Cliffhouse (Uluwatu): IDR 300,000 (USD 22) per person, including a towel and a drink

The Good, the Bad, and the Overpriced

So, which beach clubs are worth the entrance fee? And which ones are overpriced and underwhelming? Let’s dive in.

The Good:

• The Lawn (Seminyak): This beach club is a must-visit for anyone looking for a luxurious beach experience. The lawn is pristine, the staff is friendly, and the food is delicious.
• Finns Recreation Club (Canggu): Finns offers a more laid-back vibe than some of the other beach clubs on this list. The food is great, and the atmosphere is relaxed.

The Bad:

• Ku De Ta (Seminyak): I know I mentioned Ku De Ta earlier, but let’s be real – it’s overpriced and overcrowded. The food is okay, but it’s not worth the entrance fee.
• W Retreat (Seminyak): This beach club is more of a resort than a beach club. The prices are steep, and the atmosphere is more suited to a luxury hotel than a beach club.

Practical Tips

So, you’ve decided to visit one of Bali’s beach clubs. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

• Arrive early to secure a good spot. Beach clubs can get crowded quickly, especially on weekends.
• Bring a refillable water bottle to save money and reduce waste.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a menu or a drink menu. Some beach clubs can be a bit sneaky with their prices.
• Consider visiting during the week instead of on weekends. Prices are often lower, and the crowds are smaller.

My Take

So, are Bali’s beach clubs worth the entrance fee? In my opinion, yes – but only if you choose the right one. The Lawn and Finns Recreation Club are two of my top picks, offering a luxurious and relaxed beach experience at a reasonable price. Ku De Ta and W Retreat, on the other hand, are overpriced and underwhelming. Do your research, and choose wisely.

Bali’s beach clubs are a fun and relaxing way to spend the day. But don’t let the hype fool you – some of them are worth the rupiah, and some are not.