We are on to you. You LOVE to travel. But when you are wanting some down time or escapism (yeah, even from Bali!), where do you go? Allow us to show you around the 9 best cinema spots to watch movies in Bali!
When it comes to watching films in tropical settings, there are some downright stunning places to catch up on the latest blockbusters. Just because you are in Indonesia, doesn’t mean you have to forego your Hollywood fix! In fact, the Indonesian people love a good movie as much as anyone.
Watching a movie is a very personal business. But it can also be a very communal experience! It all boils down to what you are wanting to get out of it. So, close your eyes and imagine your perfect cine-setting. Now open your eyes and read on! Because we have something for everyone: those who like the fresh air and communal experience of an open air cinema; those who prefer to be sat in the dark semi-alone; and those who like to drink and dine alongside!
Beachwalk Cineplex Cinema XXI Premiere
First up, and we are easing you in with the Cineplex Cinema XXI. A built-for-purpose movie theatre that is dark and quiet. Just as some cinema-goers like it. Located on the beachfront in downtown Kuta, this is one of four in the Bali chain. Its title of ‘Premiere’ means that guests get access to a special menu, with food and drinks that can be ordered and consumed whilst the film is on! You also get to sit on comfier seats, surrounded by less people!
The smaller rooms hold around 50 seats for customers—and they are something special. Pairs of leather armchairs becoming recliners, with a space between each for drinks and snacks. You can catch all the latest films in english at the XXI chain, as well as the odd classic. You can also look for the deluxe XXI cinemas, where tickets are slightly cheaper, and with a few more seats inside each showing room.
This cinema in Bali has the added benefit of being right by the beach, and inside the mall. So you can chill or do some shopping before catching a movie. Or, use it as a break from sun and retail therapy! There is also a Cineplex at the Level 21 mall, which is handy if you are in the Denpasar area. In fact, there are generally cinemas in shopping malls across Indonesia.
Address: Jl. Pantai Kuta No.2, Kuta, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80361
Cinepolis Lippo Mall
The second cinema in Bali we’re reviewing is also a chain, with four movie houses. Each one offers either a ‘Regular’ viewing experience, or the bigger better ‘Gold’ option. The former is much like any other cinematic action. The latter, however, features electric leather recliners and on-call food and drinks service. Chill out with a sumptuous meal, a cocktail, pillows and blankets! Most films are aired in english, with subtitles for those who require it.
This is the largest cinema in the Cinepolis chain, found in the Lippo Mall Kuta. Meaning you can get all your shopping done, and then celebrate with dinner and a movie. It is also 2 minutes walk from the Bintang Bali resort, which is a great place to stay.
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Lingkar Segara, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Yema Kitchen
This is an open air cinema where you can really get that Balinese feel! But the Yema Kitchen in Canggu is also a very beautiful restaurant/bar. Plush copper backdrops and muted jungle tones align with the sumptuous locally made furniture and stunning tropical views.
As a cinema, it is a little more relaxed. Guests can arrange themselves around the plunge pool, on beanbag chairs or at tables, and watch a film from 8pm every Wednesday. And if the atmosphere and the movies aren’t delighting you enough, their mouth-watering culinary exploits will!
Coffee, cocktails, and beautiful dishes are yours to try, any time of the day. Entry is free, though drinks and food will cost you.
Address: Jl. Tanah Barak No.31, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351
Black Box Movies
Black Box Movies in Kuta is a cinema in Bali different movie experience. You don’t pay per person, you pay for the whole room! Granted, there are only 8 seats per room, so you aren’t likely to pay much, whether you are booking just for you or for a group outing. Prices vary with happy hour every day from 3 to 5pm making things a little cheaper!
Imagine the bliss of being able to rent out an entire cinema, and only invite your mates! A range of blockbusters, Bollywood and other foreign language movies are available on a rotating basis. You can even view them in 2D or 3D, and the sound quality is fantastic!
You can check out their Instagram account for more information, or just head over to their store on Jl. Tegal Permai in North Kuta.
Address: Jl. Tegal Permai No.1, Dalung, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
5D Max Bali
Aside from the regular movie houses in Bali, you will also find ‘5D’ booths dotted around the island. These are small, hydraulically assisted rooms where thrill-seekers can embark on short journeys across the universe!
Don your 3D glasses, and enjoy a seven minute thrill-ride containing aliens, amusement rides, dinosaur stampedes, and much more! This is generally a ride that will thrill the kids, but adults can also get a kick out of the 3D images, squirting water, jolts, bubbles and rushes of air.
If you are a fan of rollercoasters and adrenaline, you will surely love this one!
Address: Discovery Shopping Mall, Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Paradiso Cinema
The Paradiso Cinema in Ubud, Bali is a really special option. It has a wonderful vegan restaurant and a fabulous cinema room with plush comfy seats, and cushions strewn across. These aren’t armchairs so you will be sharing a long seat with one or two other people. But this is perfect if you are a couple who wants to cuddle up in the corner. The venue seats 150 people, however, so keep your antics family friendly!
Guests can enjoy a range of features, from the latest documentaries to foreign language and Hollywood offerings. All in glorious high definition on a 25 square metre screen! The surround sound is top quality too. The Earth Café’s vegan menu is also organic, and full of delicious morsels. In fact, it is worth more than one visit! And with a sustainable business model, you know that they are committed to helping the planet.
Address: Jl. Goutama Sel., Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Karma Beach Club
This beach club has many facets. By day, you can experience the beautifully clear waters, music and great company while you relax in the sun and sand. The club has a laid-back inviting atmosphere, and the surf is always worth a ride, perhaps a little scuba diving? The food and drinks menu is divine, and the live music is always on-point.
But on a Monday evening, guests can indulge in an open-air theatre, set against the backdrop of the glittering ocean. Guests must pay for a ticket, but it is well worth it for the view, the movie and the wonderful eats! And you get popcorn, pizza and a cocktail thrown in for this price. Relax on beanbags strewn across the sand, with lights set around the area bathing guests in a dewey glow.
Address: Karma Kandara Bali, Jalan Villa Kandara, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362
Ku De Ta
This is another open air cinema in Bali, but with a difference. The Culinary Cinema is a chance for this Balinese resort to showcase its cookery. In October of 2020, for example, Ku De Ta showed an India-based film ‘100 foot kitchen—with Indian tapas dishes for guests to sample as they watched. This is a chance to invite more senses than your sight and hearing to a film-fest, and guests are always delighted!
The venue itself is a beautiful resort in Seminyak, opening up to a gorgeous white sandy beach. Guests can visit to see a movie set against the sea and sky, with palm trees either side completing the look. Films are generally aired in English, and it is free to watch, though charges apply for food and drinks.
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya No.9, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Folk Pool & Gardens
Last up in our run down of Theatres in Bali, and we have a beautiful one for you! Folk in Ubud shows movies every evening at 6:30pm! The cinema screen is set in front of the pool, with cabanas arranged around the sides. Guests can even take advantage of the swim up bar. And while you view, the tropical setting with string lights strewn above will make you feel super content.
This has to be the most decadent spot to see a film! And with sumptuous food, drinks and tonnes of fun events, this is likely to be one of the finest spots for meet-ups with friends, or making some new ones. And to top it all off, its right in the heart of Ubud. Just watch out for those mosquitos!
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Top Cinemas in Bali: Conclusion
Whilst going to the cinema is perhaps not high on your list of things to do in Bali, you cannot deny you are intrigued! Whether you like your films quiet and solitary, or surrounded by friends, food and booze, Bali has it all. And with a bevvy of outdoor settings, you can bring the tropical beauty of Bali to movie-time. And if you need some down-time, an escape from the sun and sand, Cinemaxx, Cineplex cinema XXI and the like are on hand to deliver the cool, calm escapism of a full-on cinema.
Whatever you end up doing in Bali, Selamat bersenang-senang! (Have fun!)
