Don't go to Savaya! Unless you know these 4 hidden rules…

Savaya Bali is so hyped up online, hailed as “Asia’s No. 1 Club”[1], and before I came, I was totally sold by all the beautiful pictures. But let's be real, if you just naively buy a general admission ticket and rush in, the experience, I can only say… is pretty much zero. Don't be so quick to argue, listen to a veteran like me who just paid the "tuition fee" break it down for you.

A Song of Ice and Fire on the Cliff

To be fair, the view at Savaya is truly Mantap! Built on the edge of the Uluwatu cliffs, the sight of the infinity pool merging with the Indian Ocean is truly stunning, and any random shot is a masterpiece that doesn't need Photoshop. When the sun is out in the afternoon, finding a spot to Nongkrong, feeling the sea breeze, and watching the sunset, the vibes are maxed out[2].

But once the sun goes down, the place instantly transforms. The lights and sound system go full blast, and when the big-name international DJs take the stage, the whole place just explodes. The music taste is on point, a paradise for house music lovers[3]. Since there were a lot of us, we ordered an impressive-looking Sushi boat[4]; the presentation was impressive enough, but the taste... was just so-so. On the other hand, the crispy pork belly rice[5], served with a unique torch ginger sambal, was a pleasant surprise.

"Money Power" Decides Everything

Alright, enough with the praise, let's get real. This place is a "class-based society" with clear price tags. If you spend the money to book a sofa or a Daybed (minimum spend easily starts at hundreds of euros[6]), then you're treated like a god, with waitstaff swarming around you. But if you're like us and only bought general admission tickets... Anjay! You're basically a "second-class citizen"[7].

Want to find a place to sit? Sorry, the few public seats are already taken. Want to order a drink? You have to squeeze your way to the bar, and even then, no one pays attention to you. The food prices and quality are seriously mismatched, and the value for money is rock bottom[8]. The worst part is the dance floor; it's suffocatingly hot, feels like a sauna, and there are absolutely no fans[6]. This kind of experience really doesn't live up to its famous name.

Editor's Guide to Avoiding the Traps (Save this now!)

So, is it worth going? My advice is: It's only worth it if you're willing to spend the money.

One last thing: Once you're in, there's no re-entry allowed[11], so plan your schedule carefully. Don't even think about popping out for a meal and coming back—no way

• 1. Don't just buy a general admission ticket! This is the most important rule! For a good experience, you must book a seat in advance, whether it's a sofa or a poolside bed. Otherwise, you'll literally be standing the entire time, like you're being punished for hours[9].
• 2. Go at the right time! If you want to watch the sunset and take beautiful photos, arrive around 4 PM. If you're purely there for the party and the DJ, you can just stroll over around 8-9 PM, as the main act usually doesn't start until after 10 PM[10].
• 3. Make sure your wallet is thick enough! Let me stress this again, this is a place to burn money. From tickets to drinks to the minimum spend, be mentally prepared and don't expect to save any cash.
• 4. Arrange your transportation in advance! Getting a ride when it's over is extremely difficult; you can barely get a Gojek. You either have to battle over prices with the drivers waiting at the gate or pre-book a car. Otherwise, you'll really be stranded at the entrance.