Lifestyle
Mahjong in Bali: 10 Fun Places to Play with Friends
Where to play mahjong in Bali
You might have noticed mahjong popping up all over your friends’ Instagram Stories lately. Yep, this traditional Chinese tile game is suddenly cool again! And we’re not mad about it. It’s actually a pretty good excuse to put your phone down – take a break from doom scrolling, give your brain a workout, and spend some actual time with people.
I’m not exactly great at mahjong myself, but there are clubs and venues around Bali where you can join games, whether you’re a total beginner or already know your way around the tiles. I’ve also seen people looking for friends to mabar (main bareng, or play together), which makes it a fun social activity – especially if you’re an introvert.
Sooo, the Kata Bella team did some digging and rounded up the mahjong spots in Bali you can check out if you’re looking for something a little different to do beyond the usual beach, brunch and sunset routine.
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Table of Contents
Klik Hub
It’s a creative space that’s also home to all kinds of workshops, activities and community events. Their mahjong night is hosted by Bali Mahjong Social Club, and everyone is welcome, whether you’re a complete beginner or already know your way around the tiles. If you’re totally new to the game, no worries – they have a free mahjong lesson to get you started. Games are usually held every Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm, making it a fun after-work activity.
Living World Denpasar
Currently the largest shopping centre in Bali, this place is always buzzing on weekends. So, if you’re planning to spend your Sunday at the mall but have had enough of shopping, why not switch the shopping bags for mahjong tiles? Head to the Nusantara Market area, where you can play mahjong from 3pm to 9pm. What a different way to spend Sunday at the mall!
Sista Dumpling
One of my favourite dumpling spots in Canggu has started its own mahjong club, with games happening every Monday at both their Berawa and Uluwatu locations. It starts at 6pm and all levels are welcome, but you’ll need to book your seat in advance. And really, nothing makes a Monday better than a few rounds of mahjong and some good Chinese food!
Downtime Board Game Cafe
It’s your usual cafe for coffee and treats, with one fun difference: you can actually play various board games! They host all kinds of game nights, social gatherings, workshops, movie nights and trivia, so of course, mahjong has made its way onto the calendar too. Their mahjong night runs every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, welcoming players who want to learn, play and have a fun evening around the table. If you’re already a mahjong pro, they also run sessions for advanced mahjong players looking to take their game to the next level. Follow their Instagram to check out the latest schedule.
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Da Jia Hao
Play mahjong in a modern Chinese restaurant interior that feels straight out of a movie. They have a dedicated mahjong table that you can play anytime, so bring your friends for a friendly game or two, and stay for some delicious Chinese comfort food, lah! Bonus: everything is no pork, no lard and no angciu, so everyone can dig in.
Pung Pung Mahjong
Everyone is welcome at Pung Pung, from complete beginners to advanced players, and even kids! They offer coaching for kids from 4 years old. You can come with friends or show up solo – no problem, the game master will happily join you for a round. Just remember to book in advance, and if you’re coming with friends, make sure to book for the total number of players. As for the tables, an automatic mahjong table is IDR 50K per hour, while manual tiles are IDR 30K per hour.
Fine Ground Cafe
Fine Ground is a padel court in Renon, with Fine Ground Cafe right there for those who’d rather sit back than hit the court – or for anyone waiting for their loved ones to finish training. They now have an automatic mahjong table for IDR 50K per hour, so you can get a few rounds in while enjoying their selection of Indonesian and Western dishes. So, if padel is not your thing, no problemo, mahjong and good food sound like a pretty good alternative!
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Sunset Reserve Padel
Another padel-and-mahjong combo, this time at Sunset Reserve Padel. When you’re done on the court, or simply not a padel person, gather your mahjong crew and settle in for a few rounds of mahjong during their dedicated Mahjong Hours. It’s IDR 100K per hour, including four bottles of mineral water, so all you need to bring is your players and your best tile game.
Kula
Beginners and players of all levels are welcome to join. Mahjong games are held every Wednesday and Saturday from 6pm to 10pm – a perfect evening activity to play a few rounds while enjoying dinner. For local residents, it’s also a fun way to unwind and relieve some of that after-work stress. First-time players can join for free, while returning players pay for only IDR 25K per session.
Libera Space
Even a coworking space in Denpasar has caught the mahjong fever! At Libera Space, you can now take a break from replying to emails, swap your laptop for a set of tiles, and play mahjong all day, any day. For just IDR 20K per person, you can play as much as you like from 9am to 5pm, with drinking water included. And if you’re a Libera Space member, it’s completely free.
So, there’s really no shortage of things to do for fun and to keep your social life going in Bali these days! From creative workshops and pottery classes to run clubs, padel games, and now mahjong nights, the options are pretty much endless. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, meet new people or simply spend less time staring at your screen, there’s always something happening. Hope you find this list useful, and stay tuned for more!
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