Padang Bai maintains a relaxed pace of living complemented by an equally laid-back nightlife scene. Since most travellers visit Padang Pai en-route to other islands, bars in Padang Bai usually stay open until midnight, when tourists head back to their hotels and villas to rest. Here is a handful of the most popular bars in Padang Bai for those wanting to spend an evening out, sipping cocktails while socialising and relaxing in style.
1. Buddha Bar and Restaurant
Buddha Bar is famous for offering delightful cocktails at very reasonable prices. The drinks are complemented by a trendy setting and the only swim-up bar in the area. Located just across the road from the beach, this modern beachfront venue is a perfect place for immersing yourself in a sumptuous infinity swimming pool, savouring a colourful cocktail and witnessing a fantastic Bali sunset.
2. Babylon Reggae Bar
Babylon is a beachfront bar that serves exotic cocktails and great live music (including reggae, blues and pop) in relaxed, hippie chic atmosphere. Catering to travellers from all walks of life – solo travellers, groups of friends, families and couples – the bar is a great spot to have a beer (or three!) and rub shoulders with other travellers while laid-back reggae tunes float through the air.
3. Sunshine Bar
Another reggae bar with a slightly more upscale decor and an incredible range of inexpensive drinks, Sunshine Bar guarantees an unforgettable evening in Padang Bai. Offering a vibrant atmosphere and regular live bands, the venue draws in big crowds, especially during high season.
4. Ozone Bar and Cafe
Relaxed, popular and friendly, Ozone Bar and Cafe is the unofficial centre of Padang Bai’s bar scene. Frequented by resident divers, locals and occasional visitors, the venue provides generous happy hours, amazing music and delicious burgers for those feeling a bit peckish.
5. Topi Inn
Topi Inn offers wonderful live music and a good selection of cocktails, mocktails, shakes and other fresh drinks. The bar’s lovely atmosphere is complemented by a full menu featuring fresh seafood and Western favourites once you start feeling hungry.
Laid-back and low key, the bars in Padang Bai offer a nice change from the trendy beach clubs in Seminyak and the rowdy bars in Kuta. While most people only visit Padang Bai en-route to the Gili Islands, this charming coastal village has a lot to offer in its own right.
