Gay in Bali: What It’s Really Like for Gay Travellers

So… I went to Bali with my childhood friend Richie.

Was it wholesome? Yes.
Was it chaotic? Also yes.
Did I accidentally turn it into a full-on “gay research trip”? Absolutely.

If you’re a gay traveller thinking about Bali, you’re probably wondering:

• What’s the gay scene like?

• Is it easy to meet people?

• Is Bali actually gay-friendly?

Let’s get into it.

Where I Stayed in Bali

Canggu (Beach Area)

I stayed in a villa in Canggu, about 10 minutes from the beach.

This area is:

• Very tourist-heavy

• Packed with digital nomads

• Full of beach-body gays

The crowd felt like:

• ~60% locals

• ~20% white travellers

• ~10% Asian

• ~10% mixed

But somehow… it felt like everywhere you looked was a fit tourist walking by.

Ubud (Nature & Mountains)

Then I moved to Ubud, which is more:

• Peaceful

• Local

• Surrounded by nature

The crowd here shifts to:

• Mostly locals

• Tourists mainly in central Ubud

The vibe?
Less party, more spiritual retreat energy.

Gay Scene in Bali (Apps & Dating)

Grindr in Canggu vs Ubud

In Canggu:

• Very dense

• People within 1–2 km radius

• Mostly tourists with insane beach bodies

In Ubud:

• Much more spread out (up to 7–8 km away)

• More locals

• More diverse body types

The “Money Boy” Situation

This surprised me the most.

A huge percentage of profiles were offering paid services.

Honestly… it felt like:

• 70–80% of people I messaged

• Turned out to be money boys

Maybe I was unlucky.
But compared to other places in Southeast Asia—Bali felt noticeably higher.

Who You’ll Find in Bali

If you’re a gay traveller, Bali is great if you like:

• Fit, lean, gym-type guys

• Slightly tanned beach bodies

• Digital nomads

• International crowd

Communication is also easy: Most people speak decent English.

Is Bali Gay-Friendly?

Cultural Reality

Indonesia is generally conservative.

But Bali is different.

• Predominantly Hindu

• More relaxed than other parts of Indonesia

• Used to tourists

My Personal Experience

I was… not subtle.

Like at all.

• Slightly flamboyant

• Clearly gay energy

• Zero attempt to hide it

And honestly?

No issues.

Especially in:

• Canggu

• Ubud (tourist areas)

Still, be mindful:
Respect local culture and avoid excessive public displays.

Bali Gay Nightlife (Gay Street Guide)

There’s a small gay street in Bali where most of the action happens.

Mixwell Bar

My favorite

• Fun crowd

• Good music

• Drag/entertainment shows

• Energetic vibe

Bali Joe

• Smaller space

• Older crowd

• More classic/retro music

Not really my vibe—but depends on your taste.

G Club

• Biggest venue

• Great layout

• Surprisingly quiet when I went

Potential to be amazing on a busy night.

Bonus Recommendation

A lot of locals recommended: La Favela

Not specifically a gay bar—but:

• Very popular

• Great nightlife energy

Tips for Gay Travellers in Bali

1. Check Your Bathroom Setup

If you rely on:

• Bidets

• Detachable shower heads

Double check your accommodation.

Not all places have them.

2. Be Smart on Apps

• Expect many “money boys”

• Don’t assume everyone is looking to date

• Clarify early

3. Try—but Don’t Trust—the Coconut

As someone who loves coconuts…

Bali coconuts tasted… off.

• Slightly sour

• Not as refreshing

Still try one—but manage expectations 😅

4. Snake Fruit (Salak) Warning

• Very unique taste

• Not for everyone

Buy ONE first. Trust me.

5. Bring a Power Adapter

Bali uses:

• European-style plug (2 round pins)

Don’t be like me…
Bring one.

6. Get a Physical SIM Card

Especially if you’re based in Vietnam:

• Order ahead online

• Insert when you arrive

• Works instantly

Way less stressful than eSIM (especially if your phone is… aging like mine).

Final Thoughts: Is Bali Worth It for Gay Travellers?

You’ll Love Bali If You Want:

• International crowd

• Beach bodies & fitness culture

• Easy communication

• Chill + party balance

You Might Struggle If You Want:

• Deep local dating connections

• Non-transactional app experiences

• Dense gay scenes outside tourist areas

Overall Verdict

Bali is gay-friendly, fun, and easy to navigate—
but like any destination, it has its quirks.

Find a place to stay in Bali!

Find things to do in Bali!