Bali

Bali is the most open corner of Indonesia – and yet it is no place for carefree hand-holding. Around one short lane in Seminyak there is a visible, tourist-oriented bar scene, while in the rest of the country pressure on queer people has noticeably increased.

Safety & legal situation

• Legal situation: Homosexual acts are not a criminal offence anywhere in Indonesia – with the exception of Aceh province, where Sharia law applies and caning is imposed, including on non-Muslims. Since January 2026 a new penal code has been in force under which extramarital sex can be punished with up to one year in prison; however, only spouses, parents or children of those involved may file a complaint.
• Raids in 2025: In 2025 the police repeatedly broke up private parties of men – in February, May and June in Jakarta (in some cases with dozens of arrests) and in October in a hotel in Surabaya (34 arrests). The legal basis is usually the 2008 anti-pornography law. These operations targeted group events, not individual tourists.
• Bali: According to the German Foreign Office, acceptance is higher in Jakarta and on Bali than in rural areas; however, homosexual relationships are hardly tolerated socially. On Bali, foreigners are often remanded in custody even for minor offences.
• Digital: Gay dating apps such as Grindr have been blocked in Indonesia for years. Keep chats and photos on your phone to a minimum and don’t arrange to meet strangers in private places.
• German Foreign Office advice: The Foreign Office points out that organisers of and guests at LGBTIQ events have repeatedly been prosecuted under anti-pornography legislation, and that sexual minorities may be particularly affected by the rise of religious-conservative forces (as of October 2026).

Jalan Camplung Tanduk in Seminyak

Bali’s gay scene is concentrated almost entirely on Jalan Camplung Tanduk (also known as Jalan Dhyana Pura) in Seminyak. Here the show bars Mixwell Bar and Bali Joe Bar sit side by side, both with nightly drag shows and a mixed crowd of holidaymakers, expats and locals. The former F Bar (Face Bar) and the Bottoms Up Bar have closed, according to the major guides. The atmosphere in the lane is exuberant and touristy; outside it, the local community lives more discreetly, and discretion also applies in villas and hotels.

When to go?

• April – October – dry season: The sunniest time to travel, with packed bars, especially in July and August; the rainy season from November to March is quieter and cheaper.
• March – Nyepi (Balinese New Year): A day of complete silence on which the whole island comes to a standstill, airport and bars included – travellers stay in their accommodation (check dates with the organiser).

Our favourites

• Mixwell Bar – the classic for the big drag show
• Bali Joe Bar – small, up close and always packed

Tours & activities in Bali

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Practical tips

• Only show affection inside the bars; on the street, on the beach and in villa complexes, restraint is the rule – not least because private celebrations and hotel parties elsewhere in Indonesia have been targeted by raids.
• Grindr is blocked in Indonesia; use dating apps only with caution, meet acquaintances in public places first and don’t keep private photos on your phone that others could see.
• Since October 2025 a digital arrival card has been required on entry, and Bali charges a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 – take care of both online in advance.

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organiser each year. Be sure to check the current security and legal situation with the German Foreign Office before travelling.

Places in Bali