As one of Bali’s premier party and entertainment venues, we are at the forefront of Bali’s alcohol scene. We work with some of the world’s top brands and suppliers to provide our guests with the highest quality alcohol, not just for delicious tropical cocktails and wines but also to ensure that everyone is served safely and in a secure environment. We know that there are a lot of questions and concerns surrounding alcohol in Bali. So we are happy to provide a guide and guidelines for you. Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, but it’s also home to a vibrant nightlife that revolves around alcohol consumption. Our main goal is that all of our guests, to FINNS and this island that we call home, can enjoy the best Bali offers – whether it’s beers on the beach, bubbles on the daybed, or cocktails at our swim-up bars.
Understanding the Legal Age for Drinking in Bali
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the legal drinking age in Bali. The legal age for consuming alcohol in Indonesia is 21 years old, but enforcement of this law can vary from place to place. Tourism has had a significant impact on alcohol availability and consumption in Bali. It’s important to always carry identification with you when purchasing alcohol, as some establishments may ask for proof of age. With that said, let’s dive into the availability and cost of alcohol in Bali so that you can make informed decisions during your stay on this beautiful island.
Decoding the Cost: Factors Influencing Alcohol Prices in Bali
If you’re looking to indulge in some alcohol during your Bali trip, you’ll find that prices can vary depending on where you purchase it from and what type of establishment you’re at.
Pop-up beach bars and luxury resorts offer a wide range of alcoholic beverages at varying price points.
Here are four factors that influence alcohol pricing in Bali:
- Local vs International: As with most countries, local brands are more affordable than international ones. If you want to save money, opt for Bintang beer or Arak instead of imported wine. Imported international brands bring a lofty import tax, and availability depends greatly on shipment arrival dates, customs inspections, and approvals.
- Alcohol taxes: The Indonesian government imposes a hefty tax on alcohol, so prices can be higher than expected. This tax is also why many establishments markup their prices even further.
- Popular brands: Certain popular brands of alcohol will always come with a higher price tag due to their reputation and demand. As mentioned above, when popular brands on the island become scarce, establishments may charge higher prices due to the demand.
- Tourist vs local pricing: When prices aren’t regulated, tourists are charged more than locals for the same drinks at certain establishments. The difference won’t be much, and it’s not done maliciously. It’s simply because the general feeling is that tourists can afford higher prices and don’t know about “local prices.”
When purchasing alcohol in Bali, remember these factors so you can make an informed decision and avoid any unpleasant surprises when receiving the bill. At FINNS, all prices are listed clearly on our menus, so all our guests know the cost before they order.
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Alcohol in Bali
When buying alcohol, be cautious. We have already mentioned the factors that can lead to higher prices. You should be prepared to pay higher prices for international brands and premium spirits. Most resorts, bars, clubs and restaurants that cater to tourists will have a wide selection of international and premium brands. For better deals on beer and wine, check out local supermarkets and mini-marts, which offer lower prices than upscale venues. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tasting sessions at Bali’s vineyards for Hatten Wines, Plaga and Two Islands.
Again, we urge everyone to drink responsibly and adhere to alcohol regulations. Sip in style without breaking the bank on your Bali adventure.
Refreshing Beers by the Beach: Enjoying a Cold One in Bali’s Coastal Paradise
Sip cold beers by Bali’s beach paradise. Beach bars offer stunning sunset views, with affordable local options like Bintang and Bali Hai, and you can also find most of the bars also serve Heineken or San Miguel. For craft beer lovers, in the last few years, the island has also seen the rise of local microbreweries. The popular Black Sand Brewery now offers Island Brewing Company beers in establishments around the island. Other locally brewed brands include Kura Kura and Stark Beer. Years ago, beer lovers were left without many options outside Bintangs, but now they will love the choices for local and imported brews.
Local Wines of Bali: A Selection of the Island’s Wineries
While Bali may not be known as a top wine-producing region, the island does offer some local wines that have been gaining popularity in recent years. Here are some of the most popular wines and wineries in Bali:
Sababay Winery: Located on the northern coast of Bali, Sababay Winery is one of the island’s most well-known wineries. They offer a variety of wines, including white, red and rosé, made from locally-sourced grapes.
Hatten Wines: Hatten Wines is another popular winery in Bali, specialising in producing wines from the local Balinese grape varieties, such as the Alphonse-Lavallée and Belgia, and international grape varieties. Visitors can tour this winery, vineyards, and the tasting room in Sanur for dinners and special events.
Plaga Wine: Plaga Wine is one of the most well-known wineries in Bali, producing a range of red and white wines from grapes sourced from vineyards across the island. You’ll find Plaga Wines in almost every grocery store or mini-mart.
Two Islands Wine: Two Islands Wine is known for producing crisp, refreshing wines from grapes from Bali and Lombok. Their wines are popular choices for pairing with the spicy cuisine of Indonesia. Two Islands also has a finer selection of roses and sparkling wines.
For those looking for imported wines, restaurants, bars and wine stores catering to the tourist regions will have a wide selection of wines from all over the world, with Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Italy and France being the most widely available.
Convenience at Your Doorstep: Exploring Alcohol Delivery Services in Bali
Experience the ultimate convenience with 24/7 alcohol delivery in Bali. Order online and have your favourite drinks delivered within 30-60 minutes. Popular providers like The Boogaloo, Bossbotol, and Wow Booze Bali offer quick service and accept cash or credit card payments. Stay safe by ensuring you’re of legal drinking alcohol age (21 years old) and buying from authenticated sources. Avoid homemade brews that may contain methanol. Enjoy the convenience of alcohol delivery for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute parties in Bali.
Unveiling Alcohol Prices in Bali: How Much to Expect for Your Favorite Drinks
Alcohol prices in Bali vary based on factors like drink type, location, and brand. Depending on the brand, local beer is the cheapest, ranging from USD$1.50-$4 per bottle or can, with the local microbrews often on the higher end. Imported beer costs USD$ 6-8 per bottle. For wine enthusiasts, local wine is approximately USD$ 3-5 per glass, while imported wine ranges from USD$ 5-10 per glass. Cocktails and spirits range from USD$ 6-10 per glass. If you don’t want to break the bank, look for local brands for better deals and avoid star-rated hotels and international brands with higher prices. Cheap options like pop-up beach bars are perfect for sunset drinks. Any night of the week, you can find places with drink specials and happy hours at bars for discounted beer, cocktails, spirits, and even local specialties like the famous drink in Bali, such as refreshing Bintang beer or tropical cocktails infused with fresh fruits. Join us at FINNS Beach Club for our 2-for-1 happy hour is from 8pm – 9pm .
What is Arak?
Arak is a spirit that has a long history and cultural significance throughout Southeast Asia. It is a distilled liquor made from fermented rice, sugarcane, or coconut and is traditionally consumed in Bali, Indonesia and other neighbouring countries as part of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
Arak is often described as a clear and potent liquor with a distinctive aniseed flavour due to the added herbs and spices used in its production. It is commonly used as a base for cocktails or mixed with fruit juices and sodas to lighten its strong taste.
In Indonesia, Arak is intricately woven into the country’s social and cultural fabric, with many special occasions traditionally marked by the ceremonial consumption of Arak. The drinking of Arak is an important part of Balinese Hindu culture, particularly during religious ceremonies and offerings.
Is Arak dangerous? Arak is traditionally a potent distilled liquor with a high alcohol content (typically over 40% ABV), which can lead to serious health risks if consumed in large quantities or without moderation. Tourists should also understand that the distilling process of Arak is not regulated, and the cheaper versions are often associated with methanol poisoning. Arak is not poisonous; some restaurants and bars use it in cocktails to infuse local ingredients. But just be aware that Arak is a potent alcohol, and as with any alcoholic beverage, excessive consumption of Arak can result in dangerous and harmful effects. It is best enjoyed in moderation and always with respect for local customs and traditions.
What is methanol poisoning?
While we are on the subject, we want to warn you about an issue that often arises in Bali.
Methanol poisoning is a serious and potentially deadly medical condition caused by the ingestion or inhalation of methanol, a type of alcohol that is extremely toxic to the human body. This can happen in Bali due to unregulated, locally brewed spirits. At FINNS, we are extremely careful to only use quality ingredients and spirits from our network of trusted suppliers. When drinking outside of FINNS, we want all guests of Bali to be aware of dangers that can arise when establishments are not as strict as ours.
Methanol poisoning is a type of toxic alcohol poisoning that can occur when someone ingests methanol, a type of alcohol that is often used as a solvent or fuel. Unlike ethanol, which is found in alcoholic beverages, methanol is poisonous and can cause serious harm if ingested. Methanol is sometimes added to cheap alcoholic drinks to increase the alcohol content, but this can lead to contamination and subsequent poisoning.
When someone drinks methanol, their liver metabolises it into formaldehyde and formic acid, which can cause significant toxicity and damage to the body, including blindness, coma, seizures, and even death. The symptoms of methanol poisoning often include gastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness, and confusion. As the condition progresses, symptoms can worsen, including seizures, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
To reduce the risk of methanol poisoning, it is essential to only purchase alcohol from reputable sources and to avoid homemade or bootlegged drinks. Methanol poisoning is often associated with drinking cheap alcohol in Bali, which is why we wanted to address the questions in this guide, as the safety of our guests is of utmost importance to us. We want everyone to be cautious and safe while here in Bali.
Have fun and stay safe while drinking in Bali.
Enjoy Bali’s nightlife and party responsibly and stay safe. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid excessive drinking or driving under the influence. For affordability, look for local brands, shop at local mini-marts or alcohol delivery services, or take advantage of happy hours and drink specials. Follow these guidelines to fully embrace Bali’s offerings while prioritising responsibility and safety.
You can check our prices for our drinks for FINNS Beach Club or FINNS Rec Club on our menus, or simply ask your server or bartenders any questions.
Cheers!
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