About The Back Room
The Back Room is a hidden cocktail lounge and nightclub tucked behind Mason restaurant (M. Canggu) on Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, Bali (thebackroombali.com ). It’s designed like an urban speakeasy – dimly lit with concrete-style walls, deep red accents and leather booths – giving it a “modern metropolis” vibe away from the tropical beach scene (thebackroombali.com ) (thebackroombali.com ). The spacious underground space is fully air conditioned and features cozy seating along the walls, a pool table and a dedicated DJ area (masonrybali.com ). On weekdays it stays a relaxed late-night lounge, but on weekends DJs and dance parties turn it into a popular destination. It holds roughly a few hundred guests (roughly 200–300 capacity (sesh.sx )) and has become well-known among Bali’s clubgoers for its cutting-edge electronic and dance nights. (sesh.sx ) Its unique hidden entrance – “a large wooden door at the end of Mason’s courtyard” (thebackroombali.com ) – and its curated cocktails by award-winning Bar Director Zac de Git make it notable both locally and with international visitors.
Events and Programming
The Back Room hosts a mix of lounge evenings and focused club nights. A signature weekly event is “Afro Roots,” a Sunday night party dedicated to Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall and related genres. Launched in February 2023, Afro Roots quickly grew into a cultural fixture: the organizers note that each week the dancefloor fills with “200 to 300 people from every corner of the globe,” and the guestlist often sells out within minutes (thebackroombali.com ). Outside of Afro Roots, the club’s calendar features an eclectic range of house, techno, deep-house and global dance music nights. Guest DJs and promoters from Bali’s underground music scene frequently book the venue for electronic events. For example, Resident Advisor listings show international artists like Binh (techno) and Accent’ playing The Back Room on special nights (ra.co ). The venue also brought in forward-thinking talents such as Tantra, FFAN, Ivan Smagghe, Claudio PRC, Laurent Svara, Julian B., COLAS and Ziggy Phunk in past seasons (sesh.sx ). In short, the programming blends local DJs and regional party brands with touring underground acts. Performance dates are irregular – often weekend-only – so it’s best to watch the club’s announcements on social media or event sites. Despite Bali’s live-music focus on beach clubs, The Back Room distinguishes itself by delivering an intimate club experience (news pieces call it a “cornerstone of Bali’s dynamic nightlife” (sesh.sx )) rather than outdoors open-air sets.
Tickets and Booking
Most nights at The Back Room are general admission. For high-profile events (like gala club nights or headliner DJs) tickets are required, typically ranging about IDR100,000–200,000. For instance, a recent techno session listed on Resident Advisor was priced at IDR100K (ra.co ), while an Afro Roots party cost around IDR150K (ra.co ). These charges are modest by Western standards (roughly $7–$10). Booking info is usually handled online or via the promoters. The venue often uses Indonesian ticketing platforms and door sales – tickets can be purchased in advance through event pages or paid at the door until capacity runs out. For the wildly popular Afro Roots, the organizers note that signup is mandatory and the guestlist “fills up in the blink of an eye” (thebackroombali.com ), so it’s wise to claim a spot early via their social media notice (the event page even suggests messaging organizers ahead of time). In general, one tip is to check official event pages or local listings for presale announcements. Arriving early is also recommended: guides note that The Back Room can get quite busy on weekends, so arriving by opening time (around 6pm) helps secure a seat and avoid waiting lines (evendo.com ). Happy hours or early-door promotions may apply on some nights too. In short: watch the club’s social channels for event tickets (and even guestlist codes) if you’re targeting a headline show, or simply drop by in time for cover charge on normal nights.
Seating and Layout
The venue is essentially one large underground room with a central bar, DJ booth and surrounding lounge areas. Leather banquettes line the walls and corners, offering seated groups a private table and a view of the floor. It’s fully club-style general admission for most nights. The dance floor and DJ booth span the center or front of the space, so the best vantage is usually up close and standing. Booth areas provide comfortable seating for chatting or relaxing, but if you want the full audio/visual experience, the front-of-house by the speakers is ideal. The club’s sound and lighting are tuned to the room: SESH notes the “carefully curated sound system” creates an immersive feel (sesh.sx ). In fact, event listings indicate a professional VOID audio rig was installed recently to maximize clarity even at loud volumes (ra.co ). As a result, sound quality is strong throughout, with bathymetric bass and crisp highs. However, hearing the music best typically means staying within 5–10 meters of the DJ. Acoustically, avoid spots against far side walls where the sound can be muffled. Lighting is part of the experience too: designers use moody colored spotlights and strobes that play across the concrete-style interior. There are no obstructive columns or balconies, so head-on sightlines are generally good. If seeking a quieter corner, sitting in a booth at the rear works, but expect a distance from the bass. Unique touches in the layout include a pool table (for daytime or pre-party play (masonrybali.com )) and modern art installations on the walls (rotating exhibits keep the space feeling fresh) (thebackroombali.com ). In short, the club has an “industrial yet inviting” style (thebackroombali.com ), and guests can choose between active floor spots or more relaxed booth seating depending on how they want to experience the night.
Getting There and Parking
The Back Room’s address is Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong No.39a in north Canggu (thebackroombali.com ). It sits just off the main road, behind the popular Mason restaurant, and is accessible via the courtyard entrance. Most visitors arrive by car, scooter, taxi or rideshare. Private scooters are common; motorbike taxi (ojek) apps like Gojek and Grab work well in Canggu and can drop you at the doorway. For car drivers, grab a metered Blue Bird cab or use ride-hailing with GPS to the same address. Parking is informal: there is no dedicated lot for The Back Room, but the adjoining Mason restaurant sometimes allows guests to park in its courtyards or on the street right outside. Note that Batu Bolong road can get congested, especially on weekend evenings, so allow extra time. Expect to find spaces for scooters fairly close by, but car parking may require hunting for a spot along side streets or beachfront lots (some paid public parking exists near Batu Bolong beach). Public transportation in Bali is minimal – there’s no train or subway – so taxis and motorbike rides are the norm. (A few local shuttle buses occasionally come through Canggu, but foreigners rarely use them.) If coming from farther points like Seminyak or Denpasar Airport (Ngurah Rai, about 30 km away), best is to take a taxi or rent a scooter. Markers for walking? Your GPS app may guide you; you’re walking distance from Batu Bolong Temple (0.5 km) and the Deus Ex Machina mall (0.3 km) (evendo.com ). In practice, most visitors advise that taking an app-based ride or taxi is easiest after dark. Just keep the address (Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong 39a behind Mason) handy and confirm the exact entry point. As local tip sites suggest, arrive a bit early not only to grab parking but also to check in before big crowds arrive (evendo.com ).
Inside the Venue
When you enter, expect a trendy lounge atmosphere. The wooden front door gives way to a small foyer with security – typically a check of your ticket or ID. Dress is smart-casual; most people wear nightlife attire (neat shirts, jeans, or dresses). There’s no strict “dress code,” but flip-flops or beachwear would look out of place. Cameras and phones are fine for personal photos (no flash photography during shows, please). Inside, the main bar serves a full list of cocktails, beer, wine and spirits. In fact, The Back Room is known for its creative handcrafted drinks – the rotating cocktail menu highlights local Indonesian ingredients and international classics (thebackroombali.com ). Many visitors praise the bartenders for mixing inventive cocktails in the Bali lounge-bar style. In addition to drinks, the venue offers a small menu of bar bites and Asian-inspired dishes (sharing plates, appetizers and mains) that complement the cocktail list (evendo.com ). Patrons say the food (like satay, seafood or fusion plates) is surprisingly good for a nightclub lounge. There is a pool table and chat area for off-floor entertainment. The lighting inside is dim and colored: as the night progresses, spotlights and visuals play off the concrete-texture walls to create a clubby mood. Facilities include restroom(s) near the back and free Wi-Fi (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ) for guests’ convenience. Some basics: the bar accepts major credit cards, so you can pay by card or cash (Indonesian rupiah) for drinks and snacks. There is no formal coat-check, but staff will usually look after small bags or jackets if needed (Bali rarely has cold weather anyway). Note: smoking indoors is generally permitted in this venue (one TripAdvisor review even mentions lighting up inside) (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ), though the management says extraction systems are installed behind the bar. In short, inside you’ll find a polished yet relaxed club vibe – comfortably air-conditioned, with lounge booths, high-top tables by the bar, and a stage/DJ area at the center. Weekend nights typically have high energy (dancing, cheers, live DJs), while weekday evenings are more laid-back and friendly. The staff is known to be energetic and welcoming: reviews note helpful service and top-notch attention when the place isn’t slammed (wanderlog.com ). Keep in mind that space is at a premium on busy nights – it’s often wall-to-wall people near peak time – so plan seating or standing preference accordingly.
Nearby Amenities
Canggu’s Batu Bolong area offers plenty of amenities within a short walk. Right next door is Mason restaurant (stylized as “M.”), a full-service international bistro – many visitors have dinner at Mason before dropping down to the Back Room afterward. Within 100–300 meters on the same road you will find popular cafes and eateries: for example, Penny Lane café is about 0.1 km away and Billy Ho restaurant ~0.3 km (evendo.com ). Other notable spots include the Canggu Branch General Store and Bali Buda, which serve salads and wraps near the beach. For drinks, stretch your legs to the beachfront: Old Man’s Beach Bar is about 0.6 km from The Back Room (evendo.com ), and the Deus Ex Machina complex (called “Temple of Enthusiasm”) is 0.3 km away (evendo.com ) – both are lively venues for sunset cocktails or live music. Nearby attractions include the iconic Pura Batu Bolong temple (0.5 km) and the Love Anchor market (0.3 km) (evendo.com ), but after-dark the main draws are the food/drink scene. In terms of lodging, several hotels and villas are conveniently close. For example, the Aston Canggu Beach Resort is only about 0.5 km from The Back Room (evendo.com ), and the YOLO Villas complex is about 1.1 km away (evendo.com ). Other accommodations (hotels, Airbnbs) are sprinkled along Batu Bolong and nearby streets, making early-night arrivals very feasible. Public parking for visitors is limited, but some streets allow paid parking. Late-night transport: after the club ends (often 2–3am), rideshares or taxis can be scarce. Best plan your ride home in advance (apps like Gojek/Grab or a hotel shuttle), or enjoy a short 5–10 minute walk back to a hotel if armored by a friend.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Back Room stands out in Bali for blending big-city cool into a tropical island setting. Its “subterranean” speakeasy style is rare here – unlike the many open-air beach clubs and bahnars, this is an enclosed urban lounge hidden underground (masonrybali.com ). The design itself is distinctive: concrete walls offset by plush cabernet-red seating, combined with rotating art installations (thebackroombali.com ) (thebackroombali.com ). This approach of a “city bar in Bali” is exactly how the founders pitch it. It’s also special for its strong cocktail program. Curated by award-winning bar director Zac de Git, the menu explores local flavors (imagine a bamboo-infused sour or jackfruit-cream martini) in adventurous ways (thebackroombali.com ) (evendo.com ). This attention to craft makes it a destination for cocktail enthusiasts beyond just partygoers. On the cultural side, The Back Room was a pioneer of Canggu’s underground nightlife. SESH describes its evolution “from a modest local hangout into a renowned hotspot” (sesh.sx ), and for this reason it has gained a kind of cult status with Bali’s electronic-music crowd. Over the years it has hosted far-out lineups that put an otherwise sleepy area on the party map – international DJs like Binh (Berlin/Düsseldorf), Accent’ (Paris), and Jakarta-savvy crews like 3Lines have chosen it for gigs. These bookings brought global attention and helped define Bali’s nightlife beyond beach parties. Locals and expats often cite The Back Room’s events (especially Afro Roots Sundays) as legendary nights that combine passionate dancing and cross-cultural vibes. In essence, the venue matters because it offers a unique refuge from Bali’s typical scene: it’s a reminder of big-city nightlife. TripAdvisor and guidebook reviews commonly praise its fusion of great service, quality drinks and a genuine dance atmosphere (wanderlog.com ). Interior features like the leather booths and pool table also make it multi-functional – you can sip cocktails in style or cut loose on the dance floor. All of this – the hidden entrance, the polished design, and the forward-thinking programming – give The Back Room a personality that both artists and visitors love. (thebackroombali.com ) (sesh.sx )
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The club is underground and reached by stairs, so it isn’t wheelchair accessible. There’s no elevator – the entry is a short stairway down into the bar (thebackroombali.com ). Those with mobility issues will find access challenging. Once inside, the restrooms and seating areas require additional steps, so plan accordingly.
Age and Dress Code: The Back Room is a late-night venue (mostly 18+). Many events have an age minimum (often 18+, sometimes 21+ for international acts). Always carry photo ID (passport, driver’s license) as it’s typically checked at the door. Dress is smart-casual – neat shirts, dresses, slacks or jeans are fine. Beachwear and sports attire (e.g. board shorts, flip-flops) are discouraged, especially after dark.
Entry Policies: Bags may be searched at the entrance. No outside food or drink is allowed. Personal cameras and phones are fine for non-flash photos, but avoid disruptive behavior. Smoking is allowed inside, as is common in Bali nightlife venues (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ), but stay respectful of others. Some nights charge a cover; if none is posted, you usually only pay for drinks. Pay by cash or credit card (cards are accepted behind the bar) and always tip service staff (around 5–10% is customary in Bali).
Links & Apps: To plan ahead, follow The Back Room’s official channels. They often announce DJ lineups, guest lists or promotions on Instagram and Facebook. For Afro Roots or big events, RSVP early or join the guestlist. Customer reviews advise arriving at opening or early in the evening on busy nights to beat lines and reserve the best table (evendo.com ). (On weekdays or before 10pm, it’s usually easy to get in without a wait.)
On the Night: The staff and regulars are friendly. If you like dance music, head to the front; if you want a quiet chat or pool game, snag a booth. Prices for drinks are typical for Bali’s upscale bars – cocktails cost upwards of IDR 100k, and reviewers have noted drink prices as a bit high (wanderlog.com ), so budget accordingly. Like many clubs, The Back Room stays open late (often until 2–3am), so rides out of Canggu can get scarce. It’s safest to arrange transportation ahead of time (taxi, Grab car or scooter) if you plan to leave in the early hours. Finally, keep in mind Bali’s informal pace: while the entrance time might say 6pm, DJs often begin later in the evening. Use that extra time to relax, grab a drink, and ease into the night.
What is the capacity of The Back Room?
The Back Room holds roughly a few hundred people. Industry listings say its capacity is about 300 guests (sesh.sx ). In practice, a packed dance floor feels around 200–300 people depending on the setup. Note that any private event or sit-down dinner will limit the space further (for example, private cocktail events cap at ~200 guests (masonrybali.com )).
How can I buy tickets for a show at The Back Room?
For popular DJ nights or themed events you usually need a ticket or RSVP. Tickets are often sold on Indonesian event platforms (promoters use sites like RA or local ticket apps) and sometimes include a guestlist option. If online registration is required, follow the links or social media hints provided in the event announcement. Otherwise, unbooked events may allow walk-ins: simply arrive at the door (you’ll be charged IDR 100k–150k cover if required). In any case, try to buy early or join the guestlist for sold-out parties (Afro Roots for example “fills up in the blink of an eye” (thebackroombali.com )).
Are there seats or tables, or is it standing room only?
The Back Room is mostly general admission standing area around the DJ booth. Along the walls are leather booth seats where small groups can sit together. If you arrive early you can grab a booth table for drinks and relaxation. On busy nights, those seats fill up quickly, so late arrivals are likely to stand. The venue does not have reserved VIP seating sections aside from these booth tables. In short, anyone can stand and dance up front, while booths are first-come for seating.
What are the typical ticket prices or cover charges?
Cover or ticket prices vary. Small club nights often charge around IDR 100,000 (≈US$7) per person (ra.co ). Special parties (like guest DJs or Afro Roots) may be IDR 150,000 or more (ra.co ). If there’s no announced cover for a night, entry is likely free up until a certain time – then drink orders are expected. Always check the event details ahead of time: some listings specify the door price (e.g. 100k or 150k IDR) and age limit (ra.co ) (ra.co ). Otherwise, you’ll only pay for what you order at the bar.
Is smoking allowed inside The Back Room?
Yes, The Back Room allows indoor smoking. Bali’s nightlife venues typically permit cigarettes inside, and visitor reports confirm people smoking there (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). The management has added ventilation, but it can still feel smokey when many patrons light up. If you’re sensitive to smoke, beware that it won’t be a non-smoking environment.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
No. The Back Room is underground and accessed by stairs – there is no elevator or ramp. All areas are below ground level except the entrance, so it’s not wheelchair-friendly. Anyone needing step-free access would not be able to reach the main lounge. (This is common in Bali’s older bars.)
What is the dress code?
There’s no strict dress code, but smart-casual is recommended. This isn’t a flip-flop beach club. Patrons usually wear evening attire – neat shirts, jeans or slacks, dresses or nice tops. T-shirts and sandals are acceptable, but gym gear and beachwear would look out of place. As a rule, avoid really casual swimwear or torn clothing. For the best experience plan to look like you’re going out to a hip lounge.
Does The Back Room serve food or is it drinks only?
It serves both. The Back Room is primarily a cocktail bar, but it also offers a kitchen menu of Asian-inspired dishes. You’ll find bar snacks and small plates to full entrees (satay, fried appetizers, light mains) that pair with cocktails (evendo.com ). Many visitors have dinner there or grab a bite before later-hours partying. Keep in mind food service may end earlier than the bar closing time.
Are cameras or recording devices allowed?
Personal cameras and phones are allowed for taking casual photos or videos. Just be respectful: flash photography is usually discouraged when DJs are playing and crowds are dancing. Professional video or large camera setups would likely require permission from management or the promoter. In general, you can capture memories with your phone without issue.
What are the opening hours?
Opening times vary by night. Officially, the bar opens around 6:00–7:00 PM daily (Mon–Sun) and stays open late into the night (often until 2 or 3 AM) (thebackroombali.com ) (wanderlog.com ). On Sundays or special event days door time might shift (for Afro Roots on Sunday, early entry is by guestlist). Always check the specific event details – some DJs don’t start until 10 PM or later even though the door is open earlier.
Is there a coat check or storage?
No formal coat-check is provided. Bali’s warm climate and casual vibe mean people typically manage their own jackets or umbrellas. If you have a small bag or outerwear, staff will usually watch it behind the bar or keep it at your table. For anything too bulky, there isn’t an official storage – plan to keep valuables with you on the dancefloor or inside a booth.
What kind of music is played there?
The music varies by night. The Back Room is best known for electronic dance styles – deep house, techno, eclectic world beats or bass/jungle sets – depending on the DJ lineup. Its weekly Afro Roots event features African and Caribbean rhythms (Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall). Other nights might lean to deep house or indie dance. If there’s a live DJ flyer, it should list the specific genres. During quieter weekday evenings you might hear mellow lounge or downtempo before the party builds up.
Is parking available near the venue?
Parking is limited. There is no private lot for The Back Room. Scooter parking can usually be found curbside near Mason’s entrance. Cars may have to park on the street or in nearby paid lots (for example, there’s a small parking area by Batu Bolong Beach a few minutes’ walk away). During busy nights, find a motorcycle taxi (ojek) or rideshare instead. If you do drive, allow extra time to find any available space along Batu Bolong road.
What identification or documents are required?
Bring a valid photo ID (passport, international driver’s license, etc). Bars in Bali are strict about verifying age, especially for events. If an event is 21+, you will need ID. Even if the night is 18+ only, ID is usually checked at the door. No other documents are needed – just ensure you meet the age and possibly guestlist requirements as advertised.
Are there lockers or coat checks available?
There are no lockers or formal coat checks here. people usually keep their belongings at their table or booth. Staff can hold onto small items temporarily, but don’t expect a secure locker like at some clubs. Best to carry only what you need, and keep any valuables on you at all times.
Is the venue safe late at night?
Yes, The Back Room is generally considered safe by locals and tourists alike. As with any busy bar, watch your belongings, but it has typical professional security at the entrance. In the Canggu nightlife area, police patrols are present but onfoot, and the club is in a well-lit part of the street. Just exercise normal precautions (don’t leave drinks unattended, travel in groups), and you can enjoy the night out without major concerns.
