10 Things to Do in Bali This Month: August 2019

Heading to Bali this August? Well, besides the sun, sea, and surf, you’re in luck. There’s plenty to keep you occupied, from exploring the culture of the Dayak people in Borneo to the return of the Ubud Village Jazz Festival and Sunny Side Up. On the music and festival circuit, international DJs jetting into town include Young Marco, Ray Mang, Flume, and TOKiMONSTA.

Harvey Sutherland at Hatch

Following his original cinematic disco suite performance alongside Melbourne Sympathy Orchestra, Melbourne house producer, DJ and funk synthesist Harvey Sutherland will be making his way to Bali to boogie down on the dance floor of Hatch by Bingin Beach. With Harvey’s initial EPs garnering rave reviews by international tastemakers like Gilles Peterson and Jamie XX, expect a night of tunes rooted deep in soul, disco and funk.

When: Saturday, 3 August 2019

Where: Hatch, Uluwatu

Entry: Free, table bookings available at bookings@peaceloveandhatch.com

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From Forests to Fashion: Dayak Arts & Culture

In a bid to raise public awareness on the importance of forest preservation as well as the life and arts of the Dayak people, social enterprise Handep is presenting a two-day showcase at Workshop in Ubud in collaboration with indigenous filmmaking community Ranu Welum Foundation and ethical jewellery brand Gardens of the Sun. This weekend, meet weavers flying from the heart of Borneo and learn how to weave your own pouch, taste Dayak village food with Dayak and Plaga wine, see traditional Dayak tattoos, and more

When: Sat-Sun, 3 – 4 August 2019

Where: Workshop Bali, Ubud

Entry: From US$17 per person, see here for more information and tickets.

Sun Down Circle #028

When Dutch selector Young Marco put his spin on Bali’s day-to-night legendary musical journey with a five-hour set five years ago, it marked Potato Head Beach Club’s first Sun Down Circle. This month, celebrate their fifth year with a sunrise view, followed by a sound bath at the beach, a communal breakfast with anthropologist Lawrence Blair, and daytime activities by Green School’s Innovation Hub. Come late afternoon, look forward to Young Marco back on the decks, as well as local musical heroes Dea Barandana and Belda on a video livestream with NYC indie station The Lot Radio.

When: Saturday, 3 August 2019

Where: Potato Head Beach Club, Seminyak

Entry: From IDR 200,000 per person, available here

Sundaze: Bohemian Summer By The Sea

Amp up your Sundays at Manarai Beach House this August with the golden shores of Nusa Dua paired with Moroccan motifs, lush bohemian-inspired décor, local artisanal craft, and tasty cocktails. Sundowners will be accompanied by ethnic-electronic rhythm with a touch of soul and afro funk by Bali’s best DJs, DBRA, Aurovision and Mistral.

When: Every Sunday in August 2019, 4pm-11pm

Where: Manarai Beach House, Nusa Dua

Entry: Free, see here for more information

Berawa Food and Wine Festival

Attention Canggu-based foodies! The first ever Berawa Food & Wine Festival (BWFWF) is happening this August in the up-and-coming neighbourhood. The community event will showcase 25 local and international gourmet food and beverage retailers, master classes conducted by industry leaders such as The Hatten Group, live music by some of Bali’s best performers, and even a kids bazaar for the little ones!

When: Saturday, 10 August 2019, 10am-10pm

Where: Tamora Gallery, Canggu

Entry: Free, see here for more information

Some Like It Hot!

Slip into a tropical state of mind with another round of Some Like it Hot! this year. Headlining the decks at KUDETA is one of the world’s premier disco producers of all time and the owner of label Mangled, Raj Gupta a.k.a Ray Mang (UK). Revellers can also expect to hear the likes of Roland Clark (US), Joeski (US) and Loco Heroes (NL). To help you get into the mood, the space will be transformed into a lush, rustic hideaway, so embrace the tropical atmosphere and bring out your ultimate island wear.

When: Saturday, 3 August 2019, 2pm-10pm

Where: KUDETA, Seminyak

Entry: From IDR 300,000 per person, available here

Ubud Village Jazz Festival 2019

The seventh edition of Ubud Village Jazz Festival returns to the cultural heart of Bali with a stellar lineup of  award-winning Indonesian musicians in line, starring of Sri Hanuraga Trio feat. Dira Sugandi, saxophonist Anggi Harahap, and the Hajarbleh Big Band. International jazz acts include Aaron Goldberg (US), Michaela Rabitsch & Robert Pawlik Quartet, as well as Russia’s Ilugdin Trio and New Centropezn Quartet.

When: Fri-Sat, 16 – 17 August 2019

Where: Agung Rai Museum of Art, Ubud

Entry: From US$35 per person for a one-day pass, available here

Rave of Thrones Pool Party

Miss Hodor in the Game of Throne? Well, catch actor-DJ Kristian Nairn in action at the Rave of Thrones edition of OMNIA’s Swim Into Saturdays parties this month. Look forward to his take on progressive trance and electronic melodies; the daytime party will also feature OMNIA residents Boyd and Flip. And, as always, don’t miss out on the Sake & Sound after party in Lounge.

When: Saturday, 17 August 2019, 11am-9pm

Where: OMNIA, Uluwatu

Entry: IDR 250,000 per person, available here

Doorly + Bali All Stars

Set to play at Ulu Cliffhouse, rapidly rising producer and Ibiza legend Doorly will be taking us for a spin on his selections of dance & electronic beats this August. Doorly’s label Reptile Dysfunction has been serving as an outlet for some of his more leftfield productions, all the while championing the wealth of worldwide talented artists through his travels around the globe, as well as releasing records from rising stars such as Charlie Rope, Tan Dem , Skream and DJ Sneak. Doorly will be sharing the deck with some of Bali’s hottest DJs, Manu L, Damiant Saint, Andy Chunes (PNNY) and Kaiser Waldon (Escape).

When: Saturday, 10 August 2019, 12 noon – 12am

Where: Ulu Cliffhouse, Uluwatu

Entry: IDR 150,000 per person, available here

Sunny Side Up 2019

One of the most anticipated music festivals of all time will be gracing Manarai Beach House as well this August. Sunny Side Up 2019 is one tropical festival to remember with international DJs and musicians such as Sydney-based musician Flume making his live set debut in Bali, Grace Carter, and TOKiMONSTA headlining. The rest of the line-up is to be announced; hotel packages available with Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, located next to the festival venue.

When: Saturday, 24 August 2019, 12 noon – 12am

Where: Manarai Beach House, Nusa Dua

Entry: IDR 1.1 million per person or IDR 4.4 million for five, available here

Top image: Manarai Beach House


An art curator turned a nomad as of late, Chitra currently spends her days juggling between cooking, journalism and pottery. Having lived a few years in multiple countries away from home, the photography-and-poetry enthusiast decided to reside back in Indonesia, choosing Bali as the place to reconnect with her creativity and passions.