Planning to spend an unforgettable New Year’s Day in Bali? You won’t be disappointed! During holidays, this island in the Indian Ocean transforms into a festive destination with gourmet brunches, parties, and live music nights.
In this complete guide to celebrating the New Year in Bali, we will help you plan the whole day of 1st January to recover from electrifying NYE parties or spend time with kids if travelling with your family.
Summary: How To Spend New Year’s Day, Editors’ Choice
- For adults, our plan for the day would be a late, lazy morning coffee in one of your favourite coffee shops, then head to Raffles Hotel brunch, and spend the rest of the day back at FINNS beach club, leisurely enjoying food and cocktails by the beachside pool.
- With kids, spend the day having the maximum fun either outdoors splashing at Waterbom Water Park or exploring rides and games at AeroXspace theme park.
5 New Year’s Day Dinners: The Main Event
From beach clubs to premium hotels, Bali offers amazing dining experiences, some more casual, some more upscale, for all vacationers.
If you’re booking a resort specifically for your Christmas and New Year holiday, they often make special packages including festive galas and recovery brunches with very nice early booking prices.
FINNS Beach Club,Canggu
If you’re not sure what you’re craving on the first day of 2026, but want to have the best time with DJs and tropical vibes, come sip a cocktail in one of the swim-up pool bars at the world’s best beach club – FINNS.
You can book a daybed under an umbrella and spend a lazy day here, enjoying really good food from one of the 7 kitchens. There are three different areas to choose from.
FINNS’ dance floor and social areas are also the best places in Canggu to mingle and make new friends.
Where Is It? Kawasan Pariwisata, Jalan Nusa Dua, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia
Online: FINNS
NEW YEAR’S SIZZLE @ Double Ikat, Uluwatu
This Indonesian restaurant at the Renaissance Hotels in Uluwatu has prepared a roster of holiday events, including a festive BBQ buffet dinner on the evening of the 1st January.
You will savour grilled meats and appetisers with sunset views by the pool, while enjoying live music as a background. Packages start from 690,000 IDR before tax (69 AUD).
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Balangan I No.1, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Teppan Dinner @ Mori Teppanyaki Ubud
From 6 PM onwards, you can book a table at Mori Teppanyaki to indulge in a seasonal, holiday-themed menu – an 8-course dinner with Asian flavours.
The experience has to be booked in advance and costs between 1,800,000 IDR (180 AUD) and 2,500,000 IDR (250 AUD) per person before taxes and without drinks.
Where Is It? Jl. Bisma No.68, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Copper’s NY Celebration @ Bisma Eight, Ubud
For 3 days (January 1st to 3rd), Bisma Eight in Ubud will host Copper’s Festive Season of Live BBQ, where you can get grilled meats or a vegetarian dinner on the rooftop starting from only 300,000 IDR before tax (30 AUD).
The event kicks off at 5.30 PM on the 1st at Copper Kitchen and Bar, and there will also be cocktail specials every night!
Where Is It? Jl. Bisma No.68, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online:
New Year’s Day Poolside Cookout @ Folk
Spend a chill day by the pool and join the cookout at the Folk’s gardens in Ubud. You will get the holiday vibes, great music (live band and DJ), and delicious food from 3 to 9 PM.
The menu is already available, and we bet the ribs will be amazing!
Where Is It? Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Folk Ubud
3 Best New Year’s Day Brunches: For Early-Risers
The closer we get to New Year’s Day, the more cafes and fine dining restaurants will announce festivities and holiday brunches.
Besides special NY-themed brunches, you can always hit your favourite breakfast and brunch spots in Bali – they will all be open on the 1st.
The Original Bali Brunch @ Boneka St Regis Bali Resort
Boneka is a beautiful, elegant buffet-style restaurant.
This fine-dining experience is open to kids and adults. Brunch starts at 11 AM and costs from 850,000 IDR (85 AUD) per child under 12 years, and 1,700,000 IDR (170 AUD) per adult.
Where Is It? Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot S6, St. Regis, Lt.Lobby, Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80363, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Raffles Hotel
An exquisite seafood brunch at Loloan Restaurant, paired with sparkling and breathtaking views of Jimbaran Bay.
You can choose between classic (non-alcoholic) drinks, French, or Italian brunch options. The menu is incredibly well planned and sounds delicious!
Where Is It? Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera No.1A, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
The Astor Brunch @ Kayuputi St Regis
Another upscale brunch at a beachfront restaurant with Ocean views and eclectic dishes, from caviar to a la carte desserts.
The Astor Brunch is more expensive than the Original Brunch at Boneka Restaurant and costs around 2,500,000 IDR (250 AUD) per person for brunch without alcoholic drinks.
Where Is It? Kawasan Pariwisata, Jalan Nusa Dua, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
New Year’s Day With Kids
Bali has many indoor theme parks, playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and water parks that will be a great activity for New Year’s Day.
Some ideas for a memorable day with family.
To Have An Active Day
- Splash at Waterbom Bali – the world’s most sustainable and Southeast Asia’s best waterpark. They may not have a dedicated party for NYE, but the vibes will be festive.
- Visit Bali Safari & Marine Park for a day or spend a few days in a resort inside the safari park. Dining with animals and learning about wildlife and marine life is a great way to start the new year.
- If you haven’t already, attend a fire show – traditional kecak dance – at the clifftop Uluwatu Temple or in Ubud.
- Spend a day at one of the indoor theme parks like Trans Studio or AeroXSpace Adventure. Trans Studio can even have a special holiday show, which they will announce around December.
To Spend A Day In Nature
1st January is the best time to visit rice terraces since many people will take it easy and won’t travel early in the morning.
If you weren’t partying when the clocks struck midnight, you can enjoy Jatiluwih Rice Terraces without crowds, cycle, walk, or enjoy a lunch with a view.
Apart from rice paddies, waterfalls are also a great place to visit on the very first day of the year. Not only to enjoy their beauty, but also to participate in melukat water purification rituals. The most stunning waterfalls are around Ubud, Munduk, and Gianyar.
To Spend A Day With Culture
Suwat Water Festivalis often held at the beginning of January (1st January) in Gianyar regency in Bali.
If you visit the Suwat village, you can be a witness to the Water Wars called Siat Yet and games between villagers. The festival is meant to celebrate the natural resources, especially water, a crucial resource for agriculture in Bali.
Be ready to get wet!
To Have A Lazy Day
With younger kids, the best thing to do is to visit Jiwa Garden Kids’ Playground, Park Life Bali, or Tiny Cafe and Kids’ Playground in Canggu. These indoor places are great to let kids play with other children while adults enjoy their brunch or socialise as well.
In the evening, you can still catch some fireworks on the beach. On NYE, the best locations are Berawa Beach (FINNS Beach Club), Lovina Beach by the dolphin statue, or Petitenget Beach, and places like FINNS will probably have fireworks on the 1st, too!
FAQs On New Year’s Day, Bali
Is New Year’s Day A Public Holiday In Bali?
Yes, New Year’s (31st December and 1st January) is a public holiday in Bali, although it is not a traditional Balinese holiday.
The good thing is that the majority of the restaurants, clubs, and places will still be open (unlike Nyepi or Balinese Day of Silence).
Is Bali A Good Place For New Year’s Eve?
Absolutely! FINNS Beach Club brings top world’s top DJs to organise the best countdown party in Bali, many restaurants will have special multi-course dinners, and the unique vibe of a “hot” Christmas and NYE is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Is December A Good Time To Visit Bali?
Absolutely, December is one of the best times to visit Bali – you can enjoy warm weather (24–33°C), occasional rain, the holiday season on the tropical island, lush green rice terraces, powerful waterfalls, and an array of activities.
The downside of visiting Bali in December is the pricing. It is one of the highest seasons, so accommodation and flights tend to be the most expensive and quickest to disappear.
Final Thoughts On Bali New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is the best time to enjoy lesser crowded island, promos at spas, holiday brunches, and sit down to write New Year’s resolutions. Bali is a great destination to start a fresh year!
