New Year’s in Bali is one of the busiest times of the year. Travellers come from all over the world to enjoy year-end festivities by the beach. While some may consider this peak season a reason to not visit Bali, the island is the most alive during this period of time.
Even though the Balinese celebrate their New Year earlier in the year during Nyepi, the entire island’s accommodations, restaurants, bars, and clubs, cater to creating an electrifying 31st of December for all visitors.
If you’re here for the holidays, here are just some of the ways you can celebrate New Year in Bali.
Watch the fireworks on the beach
Ringing in the new year isn’t the same without fireworks. In Bali, most beach clubs will set off spectacular firework displays at the turn of the year.
However, if you don’t care for the party but still want to celebrate with a pyrotechnic performance, head down to a beach nearest to a beach club. On the sand, you can still enjoy the fireworks for free!
For the best New Year’s fireworks, drop by beaches like Berawa Beach right by Finns Beach Club in Canggu or Double Six Beach right in front of Double Six Hotel in Seminyak.
Attend a beach club New Year’s Eve party
If you specifically came to Bali for the party, you have plenty of bars and beach clubs to choose from along the coast from Kuta to Canggu!
At the end of the year, almost all beach clubs through parties with drinks promos, DJ performances, pool parties, and all the glitz and glam you can imagine. These exclusive events are perfect for those looking to ring in the new year in a rager.
Beach clubs like Atlas, Finns, Potato Head, Mrs. Sippy and more are ready to welcome you to their year-end shebang.
Enjoy a quiet restaurant meal
Sometimes, you just want to spend the final hours of the year surrounded by loved ones. Restaurants are the perfect place to enjoy each other’s company over a nice meal.
To make the night even more special, why not spend New Year’s with elevated dining experience at one of Bali’s many fine dining restaurants?
Merah Putih restaurant in Petitenget is ready to serve you a stunning New Year’s Eve dinner of Indonesian cuisine paired with the best international wines and house cocktails.
Book your table today and enjoy exclusive gift vouchers for your year-end meal.
Make use of resort or hotel packages
Five-star hotels and resorts offer year-end accommodation packages for visitors who wish to spend New Year’s in one location but still enjoy the festivities. These packages often include 1-2 nights’ stay and New Year’s Eve celebrations in the restaurant or lounge. Here, you can expect dinner and drinks with live music performances leading up to countdown.
Hotel and resort celebrations are also the suitable choice for those travelling with family, as there are activities for kids as well.
Tips for celebrating the New Year in Bali
Stay where the celebrations are
Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu are where most New Year celebrations happen as they are the center for Bali’s nightlife.
As the traffic is notoriously bad at this time of year, staying in these areas can save you some travel time.
Book way in advance
This applies to everything from restaurants, accommodation, to parties. You don’t want to miss out on the festivities!
Be extra sure to book wrist bands for beach clubs and nightclubs in advance, as these tend to sell out quick for New Year’s Eve.
Mind your belongings
The crowds in Bali are bigger during peak season. It’s better to be safe by wearing crossbody bags and bringing only the essentials with you. Leave important items in your accommodation’s safe if available.
FAQ
While some may consider the New Year’s Eve peak season as a reason not to visit Bali, the island actually offers plenty of activities for travellers to celebrate the new year.
The Balinese celebrate their New Year earlier in the year during Nyepi, in which time the whole island shuts down and people spend their time silently at home. However, on the 31st of December, you’ll find plenty of celebrations like parties at beach clubs, firework shows, and grand count downs to the new year.
For those looking to ring in the new year on a tropical island, the end of the year is the perfect time to visit Bali. However, be aware of the extra traffic around this time.
Bali remains up and running on the 1st of January every year. The island only shuts down completely during Nyepi, which occurs once a year at differing dates dependent on the Saka calendar.
