“Are you even in Bali if you don’t go to Finns Beach Club?” Yeah, I’ve heard that line a hundred times. So, girls’ day, camera in hand, and off I went to see if this world’s best beach club really lives up to the hype.
Spoiler: Finns is big, bold, and beautiful… but there’s a lot you should know before you hand over your credit card.
Arrival: Security & First Steps In
Right away, you’ll notice Finns isn’t your casual walk-up beach shack. It feels like entering an airport. Cars get searched, you walk through metal detectors, your bags are checked, and selfie sticks? Confiscated (you get them back when you leave).
Insider detail: Security can be strict about what you bring. Even reusable water bottles get flagged sometimes, so don’t bother packing your own drinks.
Once you’re in though bam. Pools sparkling, music floating out, staff greeting you with big smiles.
First Impressions: Chill by Day, Chaos by Sunset
Midday at Finns? Surprisingly calm. People stretched out on daybeds, sipping coconuts, snapping poolside selfies. It’s polished, clean, and well-managed.
By 4PM, the energy shifts. The DJ turns it up, cocktails start flowing faster, and sunset sets the stage for peak Instagram hour. That’s when it feels like half of Canggu is here.
Thing to notice: The best beds for sunset views are gone by early afternoon. If you want prime seating, show up before 2PM or book ahead online.
Minimum Spends: The Real Game at Finns
So here’s the thing—nothing at Finns is free except walking in. If you want a bed, booth, or table, there’s always a minimum spend:
- Bar seating: no minimum
- Daybeds (2 people): 1.4 million IDR
- Premium booths: 4–5 million IDR
- VIP areas: can be 6 million+ depending on the season
Insider detail: Those “VIP grass booths” aren’t actually that special. Some are stuck facing random greenery, not the pool or ocean. If you’re paying premium, double-check the view.
Food & Drinks: Big Menu, Mixed Results
Cocktails are colorful, strong, and pricey (think $12–15 USD each). You’ll see lots of “sharing cocktails”—giant jugs with straws (the famous fishbowls). Fun for groups, less fun if you’re squeamish about sharing.
The food? A hit-and-miss buffet of options: sushi, pizzas, burgers, salads, Indonesian classics. My grilled fish was great, my pancakes tasted like cardboard.
Insider detail: Finns automatically adds a tax + service charge (21%) to every bill. That 4 million IDR minimum? It’s actually closer to 4.8 million after charges. Budget for it.
Lockers, Pools & The Photo Scene
Want to dip in the pools or float around with your cocktail? You’ll need somewhere to stash your stuff. Lockers are available—but here’s the catch: you need cash or a physical ID card to rent one. We only had phones. Fail.
Pro tip: Bring some small cash or a card you don’t mind leaving. Don’t be like me babysitting your tote bag poolside.
As for the pools, there are four, each with their own vibe:
- Infinity pool: best for ocean views and sunset selfies
- Party pool: DJs, cocktails, floaties, energy level = high
- Family pool: yes, Finns even has kids splashing around
- VIP pool: quieter, if you’ve shelled out for it
And honestly, don’t even pretend you won’t take photos. Everyone’s doing it. Staff are used to snapping pics for you too.
Customer Service: A Mixed Bag
Here’s where Finns could tighten up. Ordering can be slow, and once it took 30 minutes just to get a bottle of wine. We almost bailed, but they smoothed it over with a complimentary jumbo cocktail, which helped.
nsider detail: Service improves drastically if you’re in a higher-spend section. Bar seats? Expect waits. Premium booths? You’ll get faster attention.
The Vibe: Flashy Playground, Not “Real Bali”
Let’s be clear—Finns is not about authenticity. You won’t find barefoot locals grilling satay on the beach here. You’ll find DJs, infinity pools, influencers posing, and sunburnt Aussies sharing buckets of cocktails.
Thing to notice: If you’re craving raw, soulful Bali skip Finns. But if you’re in the mood for glam, social vibes, and a Vegas-by-the-sea energy? It’s worth a day.
Tips Before You Go
- Budget wisely: Minimum spends are steep, and with tax/service, it adds up fast.
- Go early: Best seats are gone by afternoon.
- Bring cash/ID: Needed for lockers + smoother check-ins.
- Charge your phone: It’s Instagram paradise.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit: You’ll want to be in and out of the pool all day.
- Go with friends: Way more fun to split the minimums in a group.
FAQs About Finns Beach Club
Q: Do I have to pay to enter Finns?
Nope entry is free. But if you want a bed/table, you need to hit the minimum spend.
Q: Can I just grab a drink without spending millions?
Yes, the bar seating has no minimum. You’ll still pay premium prices for cocktails though.
Q: Is Finns family-friendly?
Yes, they even have a family pool. But the main vibe is adult party energy.
Q: Dress code?
Beach chic. Swimsuits, cover-ups, sarongs. People dress to impress—expect influencer energy.
Q: When’s the best time to go?
Afternoon into sunset. That golden hour sky over the infinity pool is the moment.
Julia’s Verdict
Finns isn’t “real Bali” it’s Bali’s shiny playground for people who want a party, a tan, and a ton of Instagram shots. It’s pricey, it’s flashy, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But if you go in with the right mindset (and a healthy budget), it is fun.
Would I call it the world’s best beach club? Nah. But it’s definitely Bali’s most famous. And sometimes, you just gotta tick the box and see it for yourself.
My Take: Do it once, with friends, on a day you want to splash out. If you’re hunting for authenticity, go elsewhere. If you’re hunting for vibes and sunset selfies? Finns delivers.
Hidden Alternatives to Finns (Same Vibe, Less Hype)
Okay, so maybe Finns feels too flashy, or maybe you don’t wanna drop half your holiday budget on one afternoon. No worries—Bali’s got other beach clubs that can totally scratch that itch.
- La Brisa, Canggu
Boho dreamland built out of reclaimed wood and fishing boats. Hammocks, fairy lights, eco vibes, and an infinity pool overlooking Echo Beach. It feels more magical Bali than Vegas. Great for sundowners. - Potato Head, Seminyak
Old-school legend. Still artsy, still vibey, with a focus on design and sustainability. The music’s on point, and the oceanfront views? Killer. - Café Del Mar, Canggu
Spanish-style, Ibiza-inspired. Huge pool, whitewashed décor, and a touch more laidback compared to Finns. Think Mediterranean glam meets Bali chill. - Oneeighty, Uluwatu
For cliffside drama. Glass-bottom infinity pool hanging 500 feet above the ocean. Smaller crowd but unforgettable views.
My tip: If you’re after Bali authenticity, go La Brisa. If you’re after style + music, Potato Head. If you want bougie glam but slightly less chaos than Finns, Café Del Mar.