Once upon a time, Bali’s beer scene was dominated by a single name: Bintang. Ubiquitous, easy-drinking, and always served ice-cold, it was the go-to for tourists and locals alike (and for many, let’s be honest, it still is). In recent years, however, something’s been brewing — quite literally — across the island. Bali’s craft beer scene has taken root, matured, and is now pouring some of the most exciting, creative, and genuinely delicious beers in Southeast Asia.
Today, that familiar frosty bottle has some serious competition.
The First Pour: Pioneers & Game-Changers
The craft beer movement in Bali didn’t begin with a bang—it started with a whisper. Early innovators like Storm Beer and Kura Kura helped crack open the market. Storm, one of Bali’s original microbreweries, appeared (and later disappeared) as early as the 2000s. But it was Kura Kura, with its island-inspired branding and ultra-accessible lagers, that really started turning heads. Its natural spring water base, preservative-free formula, and clean design made it the perfect gateway for Bintang loyalists.
Then came Island Brewing, a bold step forward. With a focus on freshness, flavour, and scale, they quickly became synonymous with Bali’s new beer identity. Their Summer Pale Ale and Pilsner are now staples from Pererenan to Ubud, and their signature venue, Black Sand in Canggu, adds a refined energy to the Island Brewing brand. More than just a taproom, it’s where Bali’s beer scene comes to hang out, connect, and get inspired. Many maintain that Island Brewing is the best of the craft offerings on Bali – they are rightly renowned for unfiltered, unpasteurised brews made without additives, using the finest ingredients.
But today they are not alone.
A New Wave: Creativity, Community, and Coastlines
The huge potential for new beers in Bali, with its holiday vibe and year-round party culture, has seen the market for craft offerings growing rapidly. The movement is expanding, and so are the number of players—and their personalities.
Beaches Brewing Co. in Uluwatu leans into surf culture with tropical wheat beers and mango sours made for sandy feet and golden hour sunsets. It’s more than a brewery; it’s a vibe.
Then there’s Islands of Imagination, a name that could double as an art project. Their beers are experimental by design—think hibiscus IPAs, coconut porters, and flavour profiles drawn from Bali’s abundant fruit and spice palate. It’s craft with a poetic twist.
Then there’s Islands of Imagination, a name that could double as an art project. Their beers are experimental by design—think hibiscus IPAs, coconut porters, and flavour profiles drawn from Bali’s abundant fruit and spice palate. It’s craft with a poetic twist.
Canard Brewing Co., pouring from HOPS Beer Garden in Sanur, offers a curated, in-house approach with styles like Kölsch, Witbier, and Session IPA. For now, it’s a quieter and less evolved scene, but no less passionate.
And in Kerobokan, South + East Brewing Co. is doing something entirely different. With 24 taps pouring house and guest brews, they’ve created a hybrid taproom that feels part lab, part social club. It’s where you go when you want to try something new—and maybe meet the brewer who made it.
Island-Inspired, Locally Brewed
What sets Bali’s craft beer scene apart isn’t just the players—it’s the ingredients. Think ginger, pandan, salak, tamarind, cacao, lemongrass, Balinese coffee. These aren’t gimmicks; they speak to an island ethos of flavour, freshness, and storytelling. Local brewers are redefining what beer can be when it’s grounded in place and climate. That said, not everyone’s convinced. While these tropical twists appeal to occasional drinkers—often women, according to some—serious sippers tend to crave a proper session ale: something crisp, balanced, and drinkable. Our advice? Check the ABV. Anything over 4.5% can sneak up on you, especially with craft beers, where the buzz hits different—even if Bintang swears it’s 5%, it still feels lighter than most of the artisanal rivals.
And then there’s the pricing. Craft beers in Bali are at least 1.5 to 2.5 times the price of regular local beers like Bintang, Bali Hai, San Mig Light or Singaraja. If you’re watching your wallet on holiday or as a resident, this can make you think twice as you hover over a six-pack in the Circle K convenience store. Add the bar or restaurant mark-up in most places from Sanur to Seseh, and the price of a craft-fuelled pint becomes a salient issue.
But despite the premium, people are buying in—and not just for the taste.
The Culture of the Pour
Craft beer in Bali is no longer a novelty—it’s a movement. From boutique hotel tap takeovers to barefoot sips in bamboo bars, the island’s drinking culture has evolved. And it’s not slowing down. Canning, exporting, and beer tourism are all on the horizon.
Whether you’re a hophead craving a citrusy IPA, a casual drinker looking for something clean and crisp, or a curious traveller chasing your next favourite pour, Bali’s breweries have something waiting for you.
So, Who Does It Best?
That depends on your vibe.
- Island Brewing & Black Swan: Consistency, quality, and additive-free.
- Beaches Brewing Co.: Surf’s up—tropical brews and coastal cool.
- Islands of Imagination: Experimental, artistic, and a little wild.
- Kura Kura: The perfect bridge from mass to craft – scalable, and accessible.
- South + East: Taproom energy with big-city curiosity.
- Canard Brewing Co.: Thoughtful pours in a relaxed, community-first setting.
The Final Sip
The Future of Foam
From boutique hotel tap takeovers to beach bar collaborations and limited-run seasonal brews, Bali’s craft beer wave is only gaining momentum. Canning and exporting may be next, but for now, the joy lies in the pour: fresh, local, and brewed with serious heart.
Whether you’re a hophead, a lager lover, or just craft-curious, Bali’s beer scene is proof that paradise pairs perfectly with a pint.
