9 Things to Do in Bali This Month: May 2018

Enjoy Bali this month with the number of international DJs jetting into town and party spots like Jenja, Potato Head Beach Club, Ulu Cliffhouse, and OMNIA Bali. Those preferring to indulge in cultural pursuits, not to worry; May will be seeing two powerful displays of Balinese history and heritage.

Carl Cox & Eric Powell’s Mobile Disco at ULU Cliffhouse

With their extensive record collection, Carl Cox & Eric Powell’s Mobile Disco has grown from a small Melbourne-based party to a sold out national tour of boutique shows at some of the most picturesque locations across Australia. The venue of Mobile Disco’s first overseas gig is no less stunning; with an intimate boutique vibe rather than a festival one, Carl and Eric will be digging deep through the crates for their favorite soul, funk and house tracks for the folks of Bali this month.

When: Saturday, 19 May 2018, 10am till late

Where: ULU Cliffhouse, Uluwatu

Entry: Starts from Rp. 800,000 per person, available here.

Bali Blues Festival 2018

Taking place at their beautiful yearly venue Peninsula Island in Nusa Dua, the fourth edition of Bali Blues Festival returns with a line-up of local and international blues musicians such as Gugun Blues Shelter, Jakarta Blues Factory featuring Dikta Wicaksono, Joni Agung And The Bluesers, Fernando Brazil with Bali Jamz, Malaysian Blues Brothers, Rama Satria, and South West Blues Club.

When: Friday-Saturday, 11-12 May 2018

Where: Peninsula Island, Nusa Dua

Entry: Tickets start from Rp. 125, 000, available here.

Indigenous Celebration

Indigenous Celebration is the first ever gathering of indigenous Balinese people, and a celebration of diversity deep ancestral connections. Happening at ARMA Museum & Resort In the heart of Ubud, the weekend festival is a journey to the spirit of dance, music, wisdom, education, and unity. Besides the sharing of traditions, rituals, stories, and tribal knowledge, there will also be special performances by international and local indigenous artists who are members of the Maori, Lakota, Australia Aboriginals, Dayak Iban, Dayak Ngjau, and many more.

When: Friday-Sunday, 11-13 May 2018

Where: ARMA Museum & Resort, Ubud

Entry: Tickets start from US$28, available here.

Jenja Weekenders x Frankey & Sandrino

Jenja

The electronic dynamic duo from Germany is coming to shake the basement dancefloor of Jenja Bali with their live set of remarkable house/electronic beats. While Frankey’s establishments align from completing a music institution all the way to a string of full-length albums and singles, Sandrino’s longtime love and passion for house music in all forms and shapes drew Frankey to join forces over their mutual passion for deep and melodic music.

When: Saturday, 19 May 2018, 11pm-5am

Where: Jenja, Kuta

Entry: Rp. 250,000 at the door, free entry for those who RSVP on their FB event page before the deadline. More information here

Bamboo Structure Workshop

This three-day artisan bamboo craft workshop explores the sustainable and eco-friendly architecture of Bali and its construction techniques. Happening at Asali Bali’s bamboo factory, learn about bamboo’s principles of construction, potentialities and constraints of bamboo as a building material, and observe their artisan craftsmen at work. The workshop includes coffee and croissant breakfasts at the factory, bamboo presentations, lunch and a screening of modern and engineered designs by Asali Bali.

When: Monday-Wednesday, 7-9 May 2018

Where: Asali Bali, Gianyar

Entry: Contact Olivia at +62 (0) 811 388 643 for pricing and more details.

Claptone ‘The Masquerade’

Put your glamorous masks on and partake in the unique experience of Claptone’s The Masquerade, set at Mrs Sippy Bali. With the Australia gig sold out, the mysterious deep house DJ is bringing his theatrical show to the Island of the Gods as part of its Australian tour, along with acrobats, performers, and special guests yet to be announced. Don’t have a fancy mask? No worries, masquerade face wear is available at the entrance.

When: Sunday, 13 May 2018, 12pm-1am

Where: Mrs Sippy, Seminyak

Entry: A$45 per person, available here.

MATOMA

Following their epic series of weekend gigs last month celebrating their grand opening, one of OMNIA’s upcoming events will be bringing groovy tropical house tunes to the dancefloor by the cliff this May. Norwegian DJ and producer MATOMA has been rising on electronic music charts with his tracks in cross-genres collaboration with a number of pop musicians like Jason Derulo, Jennifer Lopez, and The Vamps, as well as catchy remixes for artists such as Coldplay and Eminem.

When: Saturday, 26 May 2018, 11am-7pm

Where: OMNIA Dayclub, Uluwatu

Entry: Rp. 200,000 per person, available here.

Secret Guests

After successfully establishing their live shows, boutique festivals and flagship event series Sun Down Circle’, Potato Head Beach Club are back teasing us with a Secret Guests gig. Clues dropped to the guest DJ identity include “Grammy-nominated electronic British DJ duo”, “past collaborators include Mary J. Blige, JessieWare, Hudson Mohawke and The Weeknd” and that they making a comeback to the decks of Potato head! In other news, the club is also turning their Saturday night dance party into one of eclectic dance music and world rhythms.

When: Wednesday, 2 May 2018, 7pm till late

Where: Potato Head Beach Club, Seminyak

Entry: Rp. 200,000 per person, includes one drink. Tickets available here.

Galungan

Image courtesy of Eviyani Lubis

Another Balinese celebration is around the corner, and it’s time to go for a walk around Balinese neighbourhoods with a camera because it’s sure to be a colourful one! The 10-day celebration of Galungan honors and shows gratitude to the creator of the Universe and the ancestors. Expect roads filled with the iconic penjor (long ornamental bamboo poles), street decorations, temple festivities, and parade, and to experience the deeply spiritual island of Bali. We’d say the best spots to really enjoy Galungan in Bali is Ubud ‘hood and Penglipuran Village in Bangli.

When: 30 May 2018

Where: All around Bali

Entry: Free

Top Image: Mrs. Sippy Bali


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.