The Rock Bar (Ayana Resort)- The Best Bar in Bali

by Christopher O'Keeffe September 21, 2018

I know this is quite a claim considering the countless bars on Bali, but I am going to go out on a limb and back myself that the Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort is something truly unique, even by global standards. Perched 14 meters out over the Indian Ocean this multi-tiered, elevated venue is something to behold. 

Even getting down to the bar is an adventure, as you have to cross the Ayana's grounds to the cliff face where you catch the inclinator (an elevator on an incline ) down to the bar. The inclinator can comfortably hold about 6 people and will get quite busy at the start of the evening as the bar fills up. The descent is leisurely and you have time to take in the view of the bar and the Ocean. It really is a great way to arrive.

The bar opens at 4 pm, however, if, as my friends and I did, you head down early to stake out a table, be prepared to sweat it out for a couple of hours as the sun is still high in the sky and there is very little shade at the bar to take advantage of. However, this is a small price to pay for the privilege of an unparalleled view of the sunset. Also, the cocktails and a large bottle of water go a long way to combat the heat.

The bar undergoes a magical transition from day to night: during the day the Ocean is bright blue and the white spray of the Ocean hitting the rocks is mesmerising. Then as the sun sets the sky transitions into gold and silver and the lamps, torches and candles bathe the bar in a warm glow. 

After the sun finally dips behind the horizon, the bar is then enveloped in an inky blackness, as the only area of the bar which receives any significant illumination is the bar itself, as from a practical consideration the bartenders have to see what they are doing to make the myriad of cocktails on their drinks list. I am a traditionalist at heart, and, judging from the picture, long island ice teas and some frozen lychee margarita were the preferred drinks when we went.

The bar serves tapas during the course of the evening and from 19:00 - 23:00 you can order dinner: here are links to the Drinks & Tapas Menu and the Dinner Menu for you to explore. Whilst you are enjoying the delicious beverages and food, there is a great music provided by live international DJs who are housed in their very own cave cut out of the cliff face. The selection tends to be mostly chilled out mixes of popular music, it is not invasive and adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

The Rock Bar has recently been expanded to increase its capacity to 880, as more seating has been built along the cliff face, and there is now a stunning illuminated round deck built on a massive rock sitting in the Ocean. Unfortunately, access to this new round deck is exclusively for Ayana guest who are staying in their Villas.

For a truly wonderful once in a lifetime night out in Bali, I cannot recommend the Rock Bar enough: the location is truly inspirational, the drinks, food and service are first rate and the music is laid back and perfectly in keeping with the ambiance. 

As far as dress code goes the bar says "Smart attire is required at ALL times. No singlets, board-shorts, alcohol-branded attire will be permitted." We had no problem getting in with shorts and short sleeve shirts, though it may be safe to choose something with a collar. 

A word of advice, in order to avoid baking in the heat of the midday sun as we did, you can make a reservation beforehand at resdiary.com

Address: Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364, Indonesia

Reservations: resdiary.com

Phone: +62 361 702222

Opening Hours:

• Monday 4pm–12am
• Tuesday 4pm–12am
• Wednesday 4pm–12am
• Thursday 4pm–12am
• Friday 4pm–1am
• Saturday 4pm–1am
• Sunday 4pm–1am

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