The Monkey Bar at Bella Vista

Mountain retreat with a day‑club heart

Perched on Bukit Abah above Klungkung, The Monkey Bar at Bella Vista sits far from Bali’s usual Kuta–Seminyak circuit. Linked to Bella Kita Mountain Retreat & Spa, it blends a hilltop day club, restaurant and hotel into one destination, with guests arriving for everything from a quick lunch to a two‑night stay.

Visitors describe the setting as “in the middle of nowhere” yet rewarding, with cooler air in the hills and wide views towards Bali’s east coast. Several travellers (Google 2024) say they found it on Instagram and planned their next trip around coming back.

Views, pool and that giant monkey head

The visual hook is strong: an infinity pool, sweeping jungle and ocean outlook, and the giant monkey head statue that fills social feeds. People come to stretch out by the pool with cocktails, soak in the scenery and chase those wide‑angle photos.

More than one review highlights that the view stays special even in hazy or rainy weather, with one guest relishing a mountain rainstorm during wet season. Despite the name, recent visitors note there are “no real monkeys” on site, which some actually count as a plus.

Food, drinks and the 150K entrance fee

Expect a mix of traditional Balinese dishes and Western comfort plates, with multiple reviewers praising the nasi goreng, smoothies and “great food” overall. Portions are described as good and consistently tasty, and menus span both food and creative cocktails.

Day visitors pay an entrance ticket of 150K per person. Several reviews explain how it breaks down: 50K for towel/swimming (or F&B credit if you don’t swim) and 100K credited toward food and drinks. Some call drinks “the most expensive we paid in Bali”, but many accept it as the price of the setting.

Service, atmosphere and music

Service is widely described as friendly, with staff checking in often to see if guests like their orders or need anything. A few visitors enjoy this attentiveness; others feel it can become a bit pushy around ordering.

Music is another dividing line. One reviewer loved the great playlist, while another felt very loud music disturbed the otherwise relaxing mood. When it’s quiet, guests report a super‑relaxing vibe; once a big group arrives, the compact pool area can feel busy.

Access, rules and practical notes

Access involves a “beautiful drive into the hills,” but multiple sources flag the broader approach roads as steep and challenging, especially for new scooter riders. Bag checks at the entrance ensure no outside food or drinks; this is mentioned clearly in recent reviews.

Capacity is limited: one guest warns that “any more than a dozen people around the pool and it’s a bit too busy,” so arriving early helps you secure a better spot. For many, the combination of 150K entry, attentive staff and that cliff‑edge infinity pool adds up to a satisfying full day out away from the crowds.

Who it suits

The Monkey Bar at Bella Vista suits travellers willing to trade easy access and low prices for dramatic views, a photogenic infinity pool and a hilltop day of slow drinks and scenery.