So you’re heading to Canggu, and everyone and their mother is telling you that you must go to The Lawn. Well, grab a coffee (or a Bintang, I don’t judge) because I’m gonna give you the real tea on this place. It’s one of those spots that’s all over Instagram, but like most things that look perfect on a screen, the reality is a little more… let’s say, complicated.
Here is my totally honest, slightly chaotic guide to surviving and thriving at The Lawn.
What is The Lawn even?
Okay so basically, The Lawn is this super chic beach club sitting right on the black sands of Batu Bolong. It’s called The Lawn because, well there is a big patch of grass. Revolutionary, I know.
It’s owned by the same people who do Skool Kitchen (which is upstairs and actually fire—literally, they cook with fire) and it’s designed to look like a very expensive living room that happens to be on a beach. It’s all white stone, umbrellas that probably cost more than my rent, and a pool that looks out over the ocean.
Is there an Entry Fee? (The Money Talk)
This is where people get confused. Technically, there is no entry fee just to walk through the door. You don’t have to pay 200k just to see the pool, which is nice because Bali is getting expensive lately!
But—and it’s a big “but”—if you actually want to sit down anywhere comfortable, you gotta pay the “minimum spend” tax.
Breaking down the damage to your wallet:
- The Beanbags: Usually, you can snag one of these for around 500,000 IDR ($30ish USD). It’s the “budget” option, but your back will probably hurt after an hour.
- The Daybeds: Expect to drop between 1.5 million to 2.5 million IDR ($100–$160 USD). You get this money back as credit for food and drinks, but honestly, unless you’re drinking top-shelf tequila, it’s actually kinda hard to eat that much food.
- The Bar: If you’re a solo traveler or just want one drink, just head to the bar. No minimum spend, but you’ll be standing or sitting on a hard stool like a peasant while everyone else lounges. (I joke, I do this all the time).
The Good, The Bad, and The “Meh”
I’m gonna be real with you—is it worth the hype? Short answer: No. Wait, don’t close the tab yet! It’s not worth the massive hype that makes it seem like the center of the universe, but you should definitely visit once. It’s a Bali rite of passage, like getting a scooter scrape or buying a beaded bag you’ll never wear again.
Why the property is “Eh.”
The property itself is actually quite small compared to the giant clubs like Finns. When it’s crowded—which is basically every day between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM—it feels a bit like a stylish sardine can.
The pool is also way smaller than it looks in photos. If there are more than 20 people in there, you’re basically bathing with strangers. Not exactly the “private oasis” vibes they put on the website, right?
The “I’m gonna lose my mind” Traffic
If you try to take a car to The Lawn, just bring a pillow and a snack because you will be living in that car for the next hour. The road (Batu Bolong) is a literal nightmare. Always, always take a Gojek or a Grab bike. Even then, you’ll be weaving through tourists who don’t know how to walk in a straight line. It’s stressful, man!
Best Time to Go (So you don’t hate your life)
If you want to actually enjoy the space without being kicked in the head by a “content creator” doing a transition video, you have to time it right.
1. The “I’m Actually Here for the Food” Lunch (12:00 PM)
The food is surprisingly decent. Get the Truffle Mushroom Pizza or the Tuna Crispy Bites. If you go at noon, it’s quiet, you can actually hear the waves, and the staff aren’t running around like they’re in a marathon.
2. The Sunset Shuffle (4:30 PM)
If you want to see the famous sunset, you gotta get there early. If you show up at 5:30 PM, all the good spots are gone and you’ll be stuck behind a pillar. The sunset here is beautiful, though. Watching the longboarders catch the last waves while the sky turns purple? Yeah, okay, that part is worth the hype.
Insider Tips (From your friend who’s been there too many times)
Watch out for the “Dress Code”
They say it’s casual, but don’t turn up looking like you just rolled out of a swamp. They have this weird “smart casual” thing in the evenings. If you’re wearing a Bintang singlet, they might give you a side-eye or ask you to cover up.
Friday Nights are the Move
If you’re gonna go, go on a Friday. They usually have a DJ and the vibe becomes less about “looking pretty for photos” and more about actually having a dance and a drink. It’s the only night the place feels truly alive and not just like a photoshoot set.
The “Secret” Top Floor
If the downstairs area is too loud and chaotic, check out Skool Kitchen upstairs. It’s much more expensive, but the view is better and it feels way more “grown-up.” Plus, the food is actually some of the best in Canggu.
So, Should You Go?
Look, The Lawn is like that one popular girl in high school. She’s pretty, she’s expensive, and she knows it. Is it the best beach club in Bali? Probably not. Is it a bit overpriced? Absolutely. But should you go at least once? Yes. Just go for a couple of drinks at sunset, take your one “I’m in Bali” photo, and then move on to a local Warung for a $2 dinner. That is the true Bali experience.