RadarBali reports that The Maha Club – a popular nightspot at Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan No. 1, Canggu, North Kuta- is under the spotlight for being the source of public unrest due to noise pollution and for possible violations of zoning and spatial planning laws for being illegally built on land allocated exclusively for agricultural pursuits,
Neighbors of The Maha Club have long complained to local law enforcement and authorities that booming music from the venue, which operates late into the night until dawn, disturbs the local community.
Beyond noise and operating hours, the venue’s presence has also raised questions about its business permits and land-use status.
Residents have long suspected that the nightlife venue sits on agricultural land—specifically designated as Protected Rice Field Land (LSD)—and, as a result, are urging the Badung Regency Government to intervene by conducting a thorough inspection. The investigation demanded by the neighborhood should, in the community’s view, cover everything from compliance with business rules and regulations, including possession of the required operational permits, to the designated land’s status.
Speaking to RadarBali, several residents said they could still clearly hear the music within a radius of about 50 meters.
Residents say they previously complained to Badung Regency to no avail. To date, members of the public say they have yet to see any follow-up action, including an on-site official inspection of the venue’s activities and verification of its operating hours.
”Moreover, the complaints aren’t just about the music volume, but also the venue’s operating hours,” said a resident on Friday, 02 October 2026.
Residents are demanding that the Badung Government step in to conduct an official inspection—not only regarding the noise but also to verify The Maha’s activities and operating hours, which are suspected of violating permits and applicable regulations. Residents insist that officials should regularly oversee nightlife venues, rather than waiting for public complaints to surface before addressing issues. “Don’t wait for reports; regular inspections must be carried out,” one resident demanded.
Public concern also includes the status of the land used by The Maha and the site’s applicable zoning. According to information held by residents, The Maha is situated on land designated as agricultural or Protected Paddy Land (LSD).
Residents believe the land’s status needs verification via a review of spatial planning documents and permits by the relevant authorities.
”The information indicates it is LSD land. So, how was a nightclub allowed to be built there?” a resident questioned.
Residents are calling on the Badung Regency Government not only to inspect nightlife activities but also to investigate the business’s compliance with land zoning, physical structure regulations, and business operating permits held by management.
The Maha Night Club operates in cooperation with the legendary Bangkok nightspot, Soi Cowboy Nightclub. The venue advertises operating hours until 4:00 am on Thursday and Friday nights.
According to press reports, an employee revealed that activities at The Maha run from around 11:00 pm until 4:00 am each day. The nightly program reportedly features performances by disc jockeys (DJs), including both domestic and international performers.
Event schedules published online also confirm operations lasting until 4:00 AM. One of The Maha’s event listings for September 2026 shows an event running from 11:00 om until 4:00 am. The Night Club self-brands as a “trendy nightlife venue featuring DJ sets, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, and R&B nights.”
What the Law Says
Complaints from the surrounding community state that loud noise can be heard up to 50 meters from the business. Although selectively enforced, local regulations in Bali stipulate that outdoor sound systems or noise emanating from an entertainment venue must stay at or below 70 dB when measured/monitored in the surrounding areas. Local standards generally require amplified music to be reduced by 1:00 am, with earlier “reduced sound rules” applying when the venue is adjacent or near residential or temple areas.
Again, although enforcement is selective, Bars and nightspots are also required to operate behind soundproof walls and doors that limit outside sound levels to 70 dB or below.
Meanwhile, an employee commented, “It really does stay open until dawn. Peak guest arrivals are usually between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM. He also stated that dance performances take place as part of certain events.
Related Links
A Hair of the Dog that Bit You: Ubud Hotel Finds Itself in a Legal Conundrum
Restoring Peace and Quiet to Bali’s Shores
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update