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Nikki Beach Bali

July 29, 2014, 11:02 pm
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Nikki Beach is planning to open its 11th Beach Club in the World in Bali in the second half of 2014. The famous brand already has locations on the hottest beach destinations worldwide such as Mallorca, Marbella, St Barth, Phuket, St Tropez, Miami, Ibiza, Koh Samui, Cabo, Marrakech. Founded by an American, Jack Penrod, the concept of the Nikki Beach is to be as bling bling and ostentatious as possible. A look at the pictures from their other beach clubs (above and below) will give you an idea.

Even though the prices and style of Nikki Beach Bali will probably not suit everyone, it is still a welcome addition to the island. We can expect it to make the Nusa Dua area a bit less sleepy in terms of nightlife and events.

Other luxurious beach clubs that you may want to check in Bali: Ku De Ta, Sundara, W Hotel, Potato Head, Cocoon...

Nikki Beach Bali
Sofitel Nusa Dua
Lot N5 Nusa Dua Tourism Complex
80363 - Nusa Dua, Bali

Phone number: +62 (0) 361 8492888 (Sofitel)
Email: info@sofitelbalinusadua.com

Facebook: Nikki Beach Club

Twitter: Nikki Bali Nusa Dua
Website: http://www.nikkibeach.com/

Photo credit: All photos taken on Nikki Beach facebook page.
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The Best Chinese Restaurants in Jakarta

July 30, 2014, 7:23 am
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There are probably as many Chinese restaurants as there are streets in Jakarta. To guide you through this maze of culinary delights, we made this list of what we consider are the best in the city. Of course we have forgotten some, so please help us keep this page updated by adding your comments or your suggestions at the bottom. Many thanks, Thibaud.

Ah Yat Abalone
in Golden Boutique Hotel, Jl. Angkasa St, Central Jakarta, Ph: +62-21 612-8833
in Mid Plaza 2, Jl. Sudirman Kav. 10-11, Ph: +62-021/570-7333
High-end dining popular with the older generation. Known for pricey delicacies like abalone, scallop, and  sharks' fin. Dimsum on weekend is quite good but not really worth paying the full price (look for discounts offered by various credit cards instead).
in Kelapa Gading Square, Ph: +62-21 458-66333
in Ketapang, Jl. Zaenal Arifin, Ph: +62-21 634-3030
The undisputed darling of the older Chinese generations, especially those coming from out of Java. Extensive menu featuring all the classics with generous servings fit for the number of people around the huge round tables.
Apollo
in Jalan Gadja Madah no8, Ph: +62-21 6392064
A hidden gem in Jalan Gadja Madah (Kota). You can taste the quality ingredients in the fragrant hainanese rice and fresh clean taste of the chicken broth.
Specialty: Hainanese chicken rice

Atek
in Jalan Tubagus Angke, Komplek Taman Duta Mas, Ph: +62-21 5649115
The sign outside their place said "the best roast pork in town", and they have truly earned the right to boast.
Bubur Ayam Mangga Besar (Bubur Hostess)
Main location in Jl. Mangga Besar I No. 46 A, Ph: +62-21 6280474
Late night porridge place in Kota (hence the nickname : hostess - the eighties indonesian slang for "working girls"). Limited menu available, but people really do come here for the porridge and thousand year egg (telur phitan).
Specialty: Porridge, Thousand Year Egg

in Jl. KH. Wahid Hasyim No. 9, Menteng, Ph: +62-21 3143077
Unremarkable décor, unforgettable food. Since the 1940s, they have catered to the who's who of Jakarta (including former Presidents, high-ranking government officials and celebrities). Oldie but goodie.
Cahaya Lestari/Sinar Lestari
in Jl. Hayam Wuruk no 124, Ph: +62-21 6397528
Old school establishment known for its fish head soup and butter fried frogs, also serves Hakka style dishes - which is  quite uncommon for Jakarta.
in Intiland Tower, Jalan Sudirman, Ph: +62-21 5785 2579
in Mall Kelapa Gading III, Ph: +62-21 4587 6421
in Pluit Village, Ph: +62-21 6667 0189 
Bbq specialties, quite expensive for an average quality.
in Jl. Tomang Raya No. 29, Ph: +62-21 568 1712 / 566 7766 (main branch)
in Jl. Taman Ratu D11 No.18, Ph: +62-21 565 1544 / 565 1548
in Jl. Boulevard Raya Blok I 4 No. 7-8, Ph: +62-21 452 6453 / 452 6526
in Jl. AM Sangaji / Petojo Utara Raya No. 8, Ph: +62-21 633 4187 / 633 3852
in Jl. Bulungan Raya No. 22, Ph: +62-21 724 6900 / 726 0089
A classic favorite, especially for formal wedding banquets. Specialized in luxurious dishes designed to impress your in-laws, like sharks fin soup, lobster with fruit salad.
Chopstix
More than 10 locations in Jakarta: Grand Indonesia, Kemang, Cilandak, Pondok Indah, Gandaria, etc...
Greasy goodness of wok fried street food at reasonable price. Don't bother with reservations, people tend to finish their meal quickly and escape the ever busy tiny space.

Many locations, please check their website.
Elegant dining experience with wide selection of dishes. Multinational chain originally from Singapore.
Specialties: Suckling Pig, Lamian Noodles
in Pluit Village, Ph: +62-21 66670367
in Prisma Kedoya Plaza, Jl. Raya Perjuangan, Kebon Jeruk, Ph: +62-21 5310001
in Jl. Mangga Besar Raya, Ph: +62-21 6594613
Simple tasty dishes commonly found on foodstalls in Shanghai. Variety of noodles, fried rice, dumplings and xiao long bao. Some say their xiao long bao is better than Din Tai Fung's
Specialty: Xiao long bao, Shanghai noodles with clear broth and bacon

in Mall Taman Anggrek, 3rd Floor, Ph: +62-21 5639 679
in Emporium Pluit Mall, Ph: +62-21 6667 6635
Their herb roasted duck offers something different than the usual Peking style duck dishes. A bit on the pricey side but well justified.

Many locations, please see website for complete list.
The place to go for xiao long baos (the yummy dumplings filled with tasty broth inside). Also servers à la carte Chinese dishes with excellent quality, small portions and quite pricey. International Chain originally from Taiwan. Pork available in selected locations.
Specialty: Dumplings (xiao long bao)

in Jalan Kemang Raya No.29, Ph: +62-21 7182963
All-you-can-eat halal dimsum in Kemang under IDR 100K. Good value for money, especially in pricey Kemang.

Fong Tu
in Jl. Pluit Barat 1 No. 1, Ph: +62-21 6696017, 021 6696118
Tasty home-cooked Hakka dishes made from fresh ingredients. Quite difficult to secure a seat during lunch hour since the place is quite small.

in Grand Indonesia Mall, 3rd Floor, Ph: +62-21 23580810
in Gandaria City, LG, +62-21 2900 7897
Chinese roadside foodstall turned hipster by the Ismaya group. Surprisingly tasty although prices quite steep considering the small portions. Try their alcoholic bubble drinks (a twist on the classic bubble milk tea currently trending in Jakarta).

in Jalan Hayam Wuruk no. 45, Ph: +62-21 625 7272
The Hayam Wuruk institution has seen better days. Still quite popular as a wedding venue but the food is not quite what it used to be.

Hailai
in Jl. Lodan Raya, Ancol, Ph: +62-21 6459868
Located in Ancol theme park complex, the place has seen its glory days in the 80's. Popular wedding reception venue on weekends, chinese businessmen crowd on weekdays.

Hay Thien
in Jl. Boulevard Raya, Ph: +62-21 45841682
in Ruko Pasar Puri Indah, Jl. Puri Indah Raya, Ph: +62-21 58353347
Chinese version of Hanamasa DIY style restaurant, with both steamboat/shabu-shabu and the usual grilling plates available. Good value for money. Poor exhaust system, so be prepared to walk out smelling like your meal.

in Jalan Sunda no. 5, Menteng, Ph: +62-21 310 7868
Located next to Sarinah, the chic minimalist décor and sunlit space is somewhat unusual for a Chinese restaurant. The menu features HK/Macau dishes with Portuguese influence (baked rice, creamy desserts). From the group behind Penang Bistro and Seribu Rasa.

Hunan Kitchen
Jalan Mangga Besar 1 St. No. 61, Ph: +62-21 6252666
Next to Jayakarta, good value Sichuan food with some odd dishes. Close very late which is convenient for clubbers.

Imperial Treasure La Mian Xiao Long Bao
in Plaza Indonesia, Ph: +62-21 3983 5100
Specialized in La Mian (hand held noodles) and Xiao Long Bao (dumplings). One of the most popular in Jakarta.

Jiuzhai Valley
in Jalan Marina Raya, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Ph: +62-21 3300 3007
Spicy szechuan dishes cooked by a native Chef, popular with families living in North Jakarta.

Several locations, please check their website www.junnjan-seafood.com
An oldie but goodie. Order anything with their name on the dish and you got satisfaction guaranteed
Specialty: Seafood (Jun Njan sauce squid, Jun Njan braised prawns)

Several locations in Kelapa Gading, Penjaringan, Grand Wijaya Center, PIK, Puri Indah Pesanggrahan, Gading Serpong, Green Bay Pluit, Taman Palem Lestari.
Not sure what glasses has to do with the honey grilled pork, but they sure are delicious! Also serves staples like noodles, porridge, and basic dimsum items.
in Jalan Mangga Besar I no.26, Ph: +62-21 649 2319
The place to go for chinese style porridge. Wide varieties of toppings and side dishes, cheap, opens 24 hours. Serves Pork.
Specialty: Porridge

Jalan Mangga Besar 1 No. 63K, Ph: +62-21 7078 3892
Authentic Szechuan seafood dishes. Spicy and fresh - you can pick and choose from the live ones on display (including the famous sea snails, turtles, and oysters).

in Four Seasons Hotel, Jalan Rasuna Said, Ph: +62-21 252 3456
Expensive. One of the few places to go for Sunday all-u-can-eat dimsum brunch in South Jakarta. Serves Pork.

Lim Thiam Kie
in Jl Kh. Agus Salim (Sabang) No. 48, Menteng, Ph: +62-21 310 0465
Vintage restaurant from the 70's, probably more popular for their steamed buns (bakpao)
Little Sheep Chinese Shabu-Shabu
in Jalan Gajah Mada Raya No. 17, Ph: +62-21 6387 5080
Actually more Mongolian, than Chinese. The usual mix of protein and veggies is available to pick and choose for DIY cooking fun. Mix and match broth with the various sauces available to suit your palate. No pork.

in Jl. Asemka Raya no. 168A, Ph: +62-21 693 0108
in Jl. Batu Tulis Raya No. 37, Ph: +62-21 345 1504
Old school restaurant near Kota Train Station. Prawns with salted egg yolk and crispy baked pork prepared in classic Hakka cooking style. Quite pricey but definitely worth it.

Mandala
in Jl. Wolter Mongonsidi 80, Ph: +62-21 739 8537
Probably the only vintage chinese restaurant serving pork in South Jakarta, next to Santa Supermarket in Jl. Wolter Monginsidi. Consistently great classic dishes such as Nanking Chicken, Crispy Eel with Veggies, and Prawn Spring Rolls
Mangkok Putih
in CITOS, Cilandak Town Square, Ph: +62-21 759 20300
in Wisma Mulia City Plaza, Ph: +62-21 529 71204
in Setiabudi Building I, 2nd Floor, Ph: +62-2152 10548
Quick and simple basics with more localized (sweet) taste profile. Affordable yet unmemorable.
May Star
in Le Grandeur Hotel, Mangga Dua, Ph: +62-21 612 7880
in Emporium Pluit Mall, 4th Floor, Ph: +62-21 6667 6280
in Central Park Mall, LG, Ph: +62-21 5698 5422
One of the best Chinese restaurants in Jakarta. Specialized in exotic seafood, excellent dimsum, lovely dessert. Pork available in selected locations only.
Specialty: Exotic seafood (shark snout, lobster sashimi), coconut pudding

Epiwalk Rasuna Epicentrum, 2nd Floor, Ph: +62-21 2991 2323
Stylish high-end establishment in South Jakarta, usually crowded with businessmen. Features a bar in the middle of the restaurant, which makes it more western fusion rather than authentic chinese. Belongs to Tunglok group, also behind Taipan and M.A.D. It is not related to Ming Village in Senayan City.
Nan Xiang Steamed Buns
in Sultan Hotel, Jalan Gatot Subroto, Ph: +62-21 570 3600
Mainstream dishes with westernized taste profile, a bit on the pricey side.
Oen Pao
in many locations across Jakarta (Radio Dalam, Kemang, WTC, etc), Ph: +62-21739 9763
Halal hawker dishes : noodles with variety of toppings, hainanese chicken rice, basic dimsum items. Lacks the freshness that identifies quality chinese cuisine (noticeable poor texture and color of reheated dishes).
Paradise Dynasty
in Plaza Senayan, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8, Ph: +62-21 5790 0146
Belonging to the Singaporean Paradise Group, which is behind Taste Paradise, Canton Paradise, Paradise Inn, and which is also related to Boga Group (Bakerzin, Pepper Lunch). It is known for its eight colorful fusion xiao long bao with exotic fillings like foie gras, black truffle, cheese, and crab roe.
Specialty: Xiao long bao

Paradise Inn
in several locations in Jakarta, see website for details. 
Teahouse-style simple yet unique dishes and desserts, casual chic atmosphere. Same owner as Paradise Dynasty above.
Specialty: Double boiled soup, infused tea

Paramount
in Menteng, Jl. R.P. Soeroso, Ph: +62-21 31923111
Legendary wedding banquet venue for upperclass Chinese of the 70s-80s with exotic delicacies like deep fried pigeon and sweet&sour garoupa with lychee. Quite hard to believe that the owner is closely related to the owner humble Trio Restaurant right next door.

Pearl
in JW Marriott Jakarta, Ph: +62 21 5798 8992
Large selection of dishes all-you-can-eat for IDR 365 ++ per pax includes suckling pig and Peking duck. Cantonese food, naturally rather expensive as it is in a 5-star hotel.
Putri Kenanga Nasi Campur
Several locations in Jakarta (Plaza Semanggi, Kuningan City, Central Park, Grand Indonesia, Bay Walk, Kemang Village, Alam Sutera, Lotte Ciputa Mall, Supermal Karawaci, Electronic City, Plaza Indonesia, Emporium Pluit, Mega Glodok)
Fragrant rice topped with all sorts of porky goodness : pork satay, pork siomay, crispy/honey grilled pork, braised pork ear and intestines, ngo hiang (pork rollade). 
Rendez vous
in Jalan Johar, Menteng, Ph: +62-021 31923468
The name might sound French, but it's one of the oldest establishments in old-money Menteng area. Unpretentious setting with vintage red folding chairs, excellent choice of classic chinese dishes. Quite pricey but the generous servings and consistent quality justifies it.

Red Bean
in almost every malls in Jakarta, see website for detail list.
Affordable chain restaurant serving halal popular dishes like sweet and sour chicken, salt and pepper calamary, and faux asparagus soup.
Rose Garden
Gedung Graha Indramas, Jl. KS. Tubun Raya No. 77, Slipi, Ph: +62-21 5367 3235 
Tasty all-you-can-eat dimsum and lunch at affordable price.
Samudra Seafood and Dimsum Restaurant
in BRI Tower II, Jl. Jend. Sudirman kv. 44-46, Ph: +62-21 571 3600
in Jl. Wijaya 1 no.17 Kebayoran Baru. Jakarta, Indonesia. Ph: +62-21 7223 958
in Alam Sutera Living World Mall, Ph: +62-21 2923 9509
Known for their head-spinning variety of dim sums and desserts on their all-you-can-eat buffet. The à la carte dishes are rather bland, although still quite good.
Sense Dining Theater (previously called Sands)
in Mangga Dua Square, 5th Floor, Ph: +62-21 6231 2888
Affordable all-you-can-eat dim sum at below IDR 100K per person. The place is always crowded so be prepared to get aggressive and persistently stalk the waiters to get your orders. It is also the location of a male spa and karaoke.

Shang Palace
in Shangri-La Hotel, Jalan Sudirman, Ph: +62-21 2939 9562
All you can eat dim sum for IDR 288 ++ on weekends covers appetizers, steamed dim sums, fried dim sums, chang fens, and desserts.
Shanghai Blue
Jalan Kebon Sirih 77-79, Ph: +62-21 391 8690
Created and managed by the people of Tugu group (Lara Djonggrang, Dapur Babah), it is more a lounge/bar than a restaurant. Beautiful setting worthy of an epic Ang Lee movie. The updated menu features a quirky Chinese/Betawi/Dutch fusion like Rijstaffels, Nasi Semur, Bebek Goreng Shanghai, and Udang Mabok (drunken prawns).
Shantung
Jl. Antara No. 31, Pasar Baru, Ph: +62-21 3441415
Established over 35 years ago, this humble place is a piece of history. The owner hails from Shandong Province and till now his granddaughter still serve the traditionally prepared kuotieh (pork dumplings).
Specialty: Pork dumplings (kuotieh) - fried/steamed/grilled
Siaw a Tjiap
in Jalan Pancoran 60 for the good branch
Old school establishment with several branches around Jakarta, although with somewhat inconsistent quality between branches. So always opt for the original one in Pancoran.
Sinar Medan
in Jalan Batu Ceper No 42, Ph: +62-21 345 5959
in Jalan Boulevard Raya No 22-23, Ph: +62-21 458 58545
in Jalan Gading Selatan no 22-23, Gading Serpong, Tangerang, Ph: +62-21 564183
Underrated no-frill place serving excellent seafood dishes. The spicier taste profile shows the Medan influence and sets it apart from the other chinese restaurants.
Singapore Kwetiauw Kerang
in Jalan Pluit Selatan Raya No. 61, Pantai Mutiara, Ph: +62-21 662 3232
in Jalan Purworejo No.28, Menteng, Ph: +62-21 391-7789
A North Jakarta institution, the place is always crowded with families. Don't let the extensive menu divert you from the true shining star : What else? Singaporean Clam Kwetiauw.
Soup Restaurant
in Plaza Indonesia 3rd floor, Ph: +62-21 39838220
in PX Pavilion @ St Moritz 1st floor, Ph: +62-21 583 56063
in Lippo Mall Kemang UG Floor, Ph: +62-21 2952 8353
in Senayan City 4th Floor, Ph: +62-21 7278 1331
The healthier side of Chinese cuisine, serving herbal soups and steamed dishes highlighting functional ingredients like ginseng, ginger, and lotus root
Specialty: Samsui Ginger Chicken, Double boiled healthy soups, Deep fried venison
South Beauty
Thamrin Nine-Podium, UG, Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Ph: +62-21 29937227
Fine dining establishment serving spicy szechuan style dishes
Sun City
Lindeteves Trade Center, 6th Floor, Jalan Hayam Wuruk N°127, Ph: +6221 6220 1900
One of the fancier establishments in Kota Tua. Mostly booked for wedding banquets. Have VIP rooms with karaoke and a men's spa. Serves Pork.

Surya Rumah Makan
Jalan Raya Bogor No 54 (near Kramat Jati Plaza), Ph: +62-21 809 6039
A hidden gem - probably the only Chinese restaurant that serves pork - in East Jakarta (near Taman Mini). Old school, no frill pork fried rice, fried noodles and fuyunghai is the must have here.
Ta Wan
19 branches in all Jakarta, see website for full list
Affordable family restaurant with rich flavors. Also known for their porridge.
Specialty: Three flavor porridge, Tahu lapis (layered tofu)

in Hotel Mulia, Jl. Asia Afrika Senayan, Ph: +62-21 5753271
One of the few places in Jakarta where the fanciness of the décor matches the quality of the food. A must try, especially if you're dining with VIP guests to impress. Serves pork. Possibly the best Chinese restaurants in Jakarta.

WTC Mangga Dua, 6th Floor, Ph: +62-21 3001 8877
The mecca of dim sum establishments. Impressive settings, great variety of dishes. Part of Tunglok group (Ming, MAD)

Taste Paradise
Plaza Indonesia 4th floor, Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Ph: +62-21 2992 3838
High-end Cantonese style cooking. Quite tasty but rather over-priced. Part of the Paradise Group (Paradise Inn, Paradise Dynasty, Canton Paradise).
Specialty: Sharks Fin soup, Cantonese style Foie Gras

Teo Chew Palace
Pluit Village Mall, Festival Walk, GF, Ph: +62-21 6683 688
Typical Teo Chew dishes (less salt/pepper/oil used, mostly steamed/braised/poached) focusing on the fresh seafood ingredients.
Specialty: Yin Yang porridge, steamed dishes, teo chew yam/taro desserts

Easily found in all major shopping malls in Jakarta (see list here). A bit on the pricey side but well worth it. It has a more sophisticated version called Grand Duck King.
Specialty: Peking Duck

The Mango
Citos, Cilandak Town Square, LG, Jl. TB Simatupang, Ph: +62-21 021 75920269 
Modern Chinese bistro popular with the South Jakarta non-chinese crowd for its halal dishes and casual chic setting.
Tian Xi Traditional Roast Duck and Seafood
Senayan City Mall, LG, Ph: +62-21 7278 1532
Halal chinese cuisine in Senayan City. Good clay-pot dishes, quite pricey.
Tien Chao
in Gran Melia Hotel, Jalan Rasuna Said, Ph: +62-21 526 8080
Cantonese and Szechuan dishes elegantly served with some interesting seasonal twist like dragon fruit or mandarin orange incorporated to the dish. One of the few hotel restaurants that serves live crabs. Impressive set menu for Chinese New Year at IDR 788,000++ per pax.
Trio
Jl. Soeroso No29A (Gondangdia Lama), Ph: +62-21 319 36295
A stubbornly vintage place from the 40's (no air con, no frills). Don't let the modest setting fool you. They serve the tastiest dishes in town (ham fried rice, prawn springroll, crispy eel with veggies) and the menu features unique Dutch-Chinese fusions like Huzaren Sla (fruit salad with ham and cheese).

Most of the content of the review was written by Antonia... You can contact her through Google+ here.

Photo credit: Taken from https://www.facebook.com/JunNjan/. Don't forget to add a comment about your favorite Chinese restaurant in Jakarta at the bottom!
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Superman Pizza (Seminyak Bali)

June 22, 2014, 3:11 am
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Superman Pizza is a locally-run restaurant on Jalan Drupadi, Seminyak. They serve mostly pastas and pizzas, cooked in a wood-fired oven. 

Superman, the owner of the restaurant, is an easy-going Balinese who chats with guests, take orders, and manage the place in his own way. As a result, the quality of your service or your food is not always consistent. They also often run out of ingredients or drinks. The staff was friendly, but Kuta-style, calling you "dude" or "bro", which is not my kind of thing. Australians and surfers would feel more comfortable probably.
Romana Pizza (Rp65,000+15%)
The pizza I tried was good (Romana Rp65,000+15%), very thin and crispy. It could have been better with a bit more tomato sauce and toppings, but I was happy enough. The price is reasonable.
Overall: I would come back to Superman to eat a decent crispy pizza under 8$. It terms of taste, it is just under Trattoria, Pepenero or Ultimo, but with a more local atmosphere. 

Superman Pizzaria
Jalan Drupadi No. 2000, Seminyak
Badung, Bali, Indonesia 80361
Phone number: +62 (0) 361 365 2000 (Delivery minimum 2 pizzas)


Facebook: Superman Pizza Bali

Opening Hours:
Every day from 2pm to 10pm (except when on public holidays)
Pizza Menu Superman
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KZU - Cheap Healthy Restaurant Bali

June 22, 2014, 4:05 am
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There are two KZU restaurants in Seminyak, one on Sunset Road and one on Jalan Drupadi. They are headed by a young Japanese Chef, Kazuya Takami.

In both places, you will find the best selection of cheap food in Bali: Indonesian, Western, Japanese, Indian... The branch in Drupadi is famous for its Nasi Campur, while the other one has a larger menu with an outside barbecue. I usually visit KZU to eat some great healthy salads under 5$.
Mixed Salad + Quinoa Salad = 32,000rp NET
Overall: Very recommended if you are looking for an inexpensive place to eat healthy food in Seminyak. It is not fancy but the service is friendly and it is clean.
KZU Restaurant (Nasi Campur)
Jalan Drupadi 2 No 84, Seminyak, Bali , Indonesia

KZU Restaurant and Grill
Jalan Sunset Road 6 (opposite of Burger King)

Phone number: +62 (0) 361 805 4252 or +62 (0) 878-6053-7373
Email: m@kzu.me

Facebook: KZU Bali
Website: KZU Restaurant

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 11am to 9pm (Sunday 11am to 6pm)
Menu KZU Sunset Road
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Swich Sandwiches (Bali)

June 22, 2014, 4:48 am
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Swich is a cheap sandwich joint with several locations in Seminyak/Kuta. It is friendly, tasty and healthy. Unsurprisingly, it is very popular with expatriates, especially those in their 20s. The owners themselves are trendy young mixed Indonesians with a fine sense of marketing, branding and public relations. Their website is a good testimony of that (www.swichbali.com).

I never tried their signature sandwiches, I always prefer making my owns (around Rp50,000 for one):
Overall: Recommended, I visit Swich on a pretty regular basis. The only criticism I have is that as it is small and often crowded, it can get messy when you want to order a sandwich during rush hours. You have to struggle a bit with other customers and the order may take a while to come to your table.
Swich (Legian Branch)
Jalan Werkudara 538,
Legian Bali
Phone number: +62 (0) 361 2120 028
Opened everyday from 9am to 5pm

Swich (Seminyak Branch)
Jalan Drupadi (in front of Harris Hotel, next to Dupa)
Seminyak Bali
Phone number: +62 (0) 361 713 2410
Opened everyday from 9am to 5pm

Swich (Canggu Branch)
Jalan Pantai Brawa No46
Canggu, Bali
Phone number: +62 (0) 361 9284688

Opened everyday from 9am to 5pm

Delivery possible with minimum order Rp100,000 for an additional Rp10,000.

Website: www.swichbali.com
Facebook: Swich Sandwiches Bali 
Instagram: Swich Bali
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Corner House - Breakfast Seminyak

June 22, 2014, 5:39 am
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Corner House is a resuscitated restaurant located at the end of Jalan Oberoi, at the intersection with Jalan Drupadi. It burned down a couple of years ago (it was called Corner Store) and it just opened again today (June 22nd 2014).

It was a popular breakfast place back then, and it seems that it will be even more crowded now. They improved the design and the menu, making it the place to be in Seminyak on Sunday mornings for expatriates. The owners are a mixed couple French and Australian, Magali Pascal a fashion designer and Matt Neville, a photographer. There is now a second floor and they also open for lunch and dinner.

Even though the Corner House looks great, it is almost a copy of some existing restaurants such as Le Bistrot, Petitenget or Loewy in Jakarta. I wouldn't give them too much credit for originality. Also, they pushed the vintage theme a bit far, especially by putting old black and white picture of people on the walls near the toilet. I visited the place with Indonesians and they freaked out: It reminded them more of a haunted house in a horror movie than a place to hangout...
Even the waitress was scared to go to the toilet...
I had a croissant and pancakes. The croissant was really good, the pancakes just ok. They were very nicely presented though.
Pancakes (Rp48,000 + 16% Tax and Service Charge)
Croissant (Rp35,000 +16% Tax and Service Charge)
Overall: Recommended to have breakfast in style. The prices are reasonable, the food is good, and it has air-conditioning. There is also a small garden area which seemed very peaceful.
Corner House Bali
Jalan Laksmana no.10 A
Phone number: +62 (0) 361 730276
Email: info@cornerhousebali.com

Website: http://www.cornerhousebali.com/

Facebook: Corner House 
Instagram: Corner House Restaurant Seminyak

Opening Hours:
Every day from 7am to 12pm
Drinks Menu Corner House Bali
Breakfast Menu Corner House
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Mozaic - Fine Dining Restaurant - Ubud, Bali

June 22, 2014, 9:57 am
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My experience in Mozaic could be summarized in simple terms: It is the best restaurant I have tried in Indonesia (if you are a reader of this website, you will know that I visited a lot of them!).

Mozaic is located in Ubud, about a kilometer away from the central market. It is not too big, with the main dining area in a quiet garden. The standards of service are as high as one can achieve in Indonesia I believe. The table set-up is perfect, the staff is great, and the atmosphere ideally romantic. It was opened by French-American national Chris Salans, who also opened Mozaic Beach Club in 2012. The restaurant has received several awards, in particular being included in Restaurant Magazine's list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.

There is no à-la-carte menu: You must choose from one of the 6-course set menus, which change every day depending on the mood of the Chef or the availability of ingredients on the market. The prices are very high for Bali:

The Discovery Menu costs Rp700,000+21% Tax and Service: It is a fusion menu of Indonesian dishes cooked and prepared in a Western way.

The Tasting Menu (Rp900,000++) is more "classic" and features mostly French gastronomic dishes.

The Vegetarian Menu (Rp600,000++ ) is self explanatory.

The Surprise Menu (Rp1,250,000++) includes more fine gourmet ingredients such as Foie Gras or Caviar.

There are also additional wine pairing options. In the end, it is easy to spend between Rp1M and Rp2M for a full meal in Mozaic.

I tried the Tasting Menu which was truly amazing from the first bite until the end. Including the amuse-bouches, the petits fours and the complimentary bites from the Chef, there must have been around 10 kinds of food that arrived at my table every few minutes. Everything I tried was a hit, even the bread. This was not an innovative or provocative set menu as I tried a few weeks earlier in Cuca, but it was some of the best food I have ever had. 

The food presentation was also great, here are some pictures I took (with a non-professional camera, it looked better in real):
Overall: Mozaic has one major flaw, it is bloody expensive. If you can afford it, just enjoy and try not comparing too much with restaurants in France or elsewhere in the world. You are in Indonesia, and trust me, it is extremely difficult to bring such high standards of food and service here.

Another concern is that Mozaic could lose its soul as it is more and more becoming a "brand" and a profitable business. Mozaic Beach Club in Seminyak for instance is far from achieving the same quality as in Ubud.

Mozaic Restaurant Ubud
Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Phone number: +62 (0) 361 975768
Emails: info@mozaic-bali.com or reservations@mozaic-bali.com or workshop@mozaic-bali.com

Website: www.mozaic-bali.com
Twitter: Mozaic Bali
Facebook: Mozaic

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 6pm to midnite (last reservation at 9.45pm)
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Taco Local (Senopati)

June 24, 2014, 2:14 am
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Taco Local is a tiny Mexican joint located in Senopati. They just reopened after being closed for a few months for renovation: Actually they used to be even smaller than that... They extended the restaurant to the bicycle shop just next to them (that is why you will find some old bikes hanging from the ceiling).

In a nutshell, the food is cheap, delicious, worth every penny and the staff is friendly. What more can you expect ? In Taco Local, until recently, you had to get your food yourself at the counter because they did not have any staff for the service. Then the place became more and more popular and just now they are turning into a more proper restaurant.

For what I ordered on the picture, I paid less than 100 000 Rp with a beverage!

Overall: Strongly recommended if you happen to be in the Senopati area. You can also check Holy Gyu Restaurant, which is located right across Taco Local.
Taco Local Mexican Restaurant
Jalan Panglima Polim 5
Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 9494 9538
Email: tacolocal@gmail.com

They also have one outlet in Seminyak, Bali:

Taco Local Seminyak:
Jalan Petitenget #900
Seminyak, Bali
Phone: +62 (0) 361 7979 900

Taco Local: Website
Taco Local (Bali): Facebook
Taco Local: Twitter

Check my list of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Jakarta.
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Warung Ocha - Cheap Eat (Bali)

June 25, 2014, 10:04 pm
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Warung Ocha is an "upgraded" warung at the intersection of Jalan Dyana Pura (where all the gay nightlife in Bali is located) and Jalan Raya Seminyak. It is clean, cute and offers good value-for-money.

They used to be famous for their cheap Indonesian food buffet, but its quality has decreased (and its price increased) compared to other "real" warungs nearby. Now it is mostly tourists or local expats going there. They have a strategic location, great to watch people pass by if you sit on the street side. If you need more calm, they also have a courtyard area.
Baguette Sandwich (Rp43,000++)
Wild Salad (43,000rp++)
I go to Warung Ocha to eat easy-to-make, cheap foods such as pastas, salads, sandwiches or breakfast dishes. It is usually good enough for the price you pay. If you don't feel comfortable eating Indonesian food from local warungs, you may be interested to try in Ocha as it has a Western feel.

Overall: I wouldn't cross mountains to eat in Warung Ocha, but if you are looking for a cute, affordable place to eat in the area, you will be satisfied. They only have waitresses, some of whom can be quite unfriendly (one in particular).
Warung Ocha
Indonesian and International Food
Jalan Raya Seminyak No 52
Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia 80365
    Phone number: +62 (0) 361 736 222

    Facebook: Warung Ocha Seminyak
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    Warung Sobat (1 & 2) Bali

    July 9, 2014, 1:56 am
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    Warung Sobat is a cheap open-air restaurant serving a mix of Indonesian, Asian and Western food. They currently have 2 locations in Seminyak, one on Jalan Batu Belig (Warung Sobat I) and one in Kerobokan (Warung Sobat II). It is owned by a Balinese family.

    It is nicknamed the "canteen" by the French community in Bali, which makes up about 30% of Warung Sobat's customers. This is due to the casual and homelike atmosphere, the decent (yet unspectacular food), and the high number of regulars.

    I tried the second branch for diner with a friend. The place was almost full and it was not easy to get one of the two waiters attention. The menu is a long list of any dishes that you could possibly think of: Steaks, Pastas, Soups, Salads, Seafood, Asian and Indonesian favorites, etc... 

    We had the Caesar Salad (Rp27,000 net), the Spring Rolls (Rp16,000 net), the Filetto Voronoff (Rp70,000 net) and the Spaghetti Pesto (Rp39,000 net).
    Caesar Salad (Rp27,000 net)
    Spring Rolls (Rp16,000 net)
    Beef Voronoff (Rp70,000 net)
    Spaghetti Pesto (Rp 39,000 net)
    I found that the food was just worth its price. The portions were small and the ingredients used are probably the cheapest ones. In the end the taste is ok, similar to home cooking, but far from being exceptional. 

    Overall: If I was living nearby, I could indeed be a regular as it is still better than what I would cook by myself. It is not worth a long drive though as there are many similar restaurants in South Bali (you can check my reviews on this blog about Cheap Eats in Bali). The service can be slow during rush hours as the number of staff is limited.
    Warung Sobat I
    Jalan Batu Belig No.11A (before Naughty Nuri's)
    Seminayk, Kerobokan, North Kuta, Bali 80361

    Phone number:+62 (0) 361 473 8922

    Warung Sobat II
    Jalan Pengeubengan No.27, Kerobokan, Bali
    (a bit hard to find, it is also near Scratch restaurant)

    Téléphone :+62 (0) 361 731256 or +62 (0) 361 88 21 988

    Website: Warung Sobat

    Opening Hours:
    Everyday from lunch time to midnight.
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    Livingstone Seminyak Bali

    August 17, 2014, 4:07 am
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    Livingstone is a restaurant, café and bakery, located in Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak. It is bright, clean and modern, just like the kind of venues you would find in cities like Singapore or Sydney.

    I visited during Lebaran so it was full with Indonesians, most of them seemed like they were from the upper class, probably from Jakarta or Surabaya.

    The staff was very friendly but they were overwhelmed and it was hard to get their attention. They also made a mistake in my order. I imagine this was because of the high season so I didn't really mind.

    They have a menu with mostly western foods: Sandwiches, Pastas, Pizzas, Burgers + all the usual appetizers. Nothing really original here.
    Baker's Steak Sandwich
    I had the Baker's Steak Sandwich (Rp95,000++) which was quite generous in beef and heavy on the sauce. The quality of the meat and the baguette were average. I enjoyed it like I would have enjoyed a Whopper in Burger King: It's not great food but it feels comfortable on the stomach.

    Overall: Livingstone is a reasonably priced eatery serving mostly classic dishes.
    Livingstone Cafe & Bakery
    Located in Kokonut suites / Surabaya owner
    Jl. Petitenget 88x Kerobokan – Bali

    Phone number: +62 (0) 361 473 5949
    Email: info@livingstonebakery.com

    Website: Livingstone Bali 
    https://www.facebook.com/livingstonecafebakery
    https://twitter.com/LivingstoneBALI

    Menu of Livingstone:
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    Dating Indonesian Men: 5 Tips to Expat Women

    August 19, 2014, 4:06 am
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    By Simone Roberts, an Expat woman living in Bali, author of the blog http://dontforgettherice.com.

    Moving to Indonesia alone and/or especially as a woman can be a daunting experience, but if you are prepared and educated about what to expect then you will be able to surround yourself with good, decent people. You will be able to find long, lasting relationships and spare yourself a lot of heartache and disappointment. Here are my 5 tips on finding love in Indonesia.

    1.Be Understanding
    Relationships are hard, mixed race relationships are harder. In mixed relationships you will find your fair share of cultural differences, and there will be times when compromise just seems near impossible. 

    The secret to a lasting happy connection is a willingness from both parties to want to understand each other. Take the time to talk to one another, listen closely and don’t assert dominance (as either a man or woman) as it just won’t work. 

    When starting a new relationship with an Indonesian man is best to be aware of where they came from and what customs are important to them too. For example the Balinese are very family orientated and if you expect to marry a Balinese man you might just end up playing house with the mother in law. 

    2.Be Honest
    You must make it a point to be aware of what is expected in the relationship. Indonesian men can be very sensitive people when it comes to matters of the heart. So if it’s a holiday fling or a ‘just for fun relationship’ you’re after make sure that the other person is aware of this. You might not think it is necessary, but it’s the best way to prevent it from getting messy down the track.

    Also everyone knows that the male race is famous for not showing public displays of emotion. This too is the case in Indonesia, with the exception being the freedom of expression on facebook.  Expect it to be an all or nothing approach. Try to create a trusting and honest relationship so that the airing of your dirty laundry will be kept to a minimum. I cannot stress it enough, from the very beginning be honest.

    3.Be aware
    It is most essential that you as a non-Indonesian keep your wits about you as well, when you start playing the dating game. There are many playboys and playgirls out there that are ruining it for the good ones. Horror stories are aplenty of local men and women getting into relationships with foreigners just for the money and status.
    4.Be 'prepared'
    For most everyday Indonesians, sex is a taboo topic and sex education is not taught enough in schools. This is because generally men and women are not allowed to live with one another until they are married. Indonesian modern society just tends to turn a blind eye in favour of us foreigners, mainly in places like Bali and Jakarta. It also goes without saying remember to be prepared, especially if you are holidaying/working in Bali. STIs are common here as the waves of tourists come and go. 

    5.Be the housewife…sometimes
    From my experience as an expat but more so as a woman in Indonesia, money is also taboo topic. Let me re-phrase that, never talk with your partner about how much you make. Society dictates that men are the breadwinners in Indonesia and if your male partner cannot at least provide some financial security for you, he will lose face completely. Try suggesting to eat at warungs and local cafés to your partner so that you can try the local cuisine. That way he can pay for you and keep his pride intact.

    Ultimately starting a relationship with an Indonesian man is a lot of fun; you will see the country in a new light and will be able to gain many more experiences. In order to make your relationship work with that special someone from Indonesia just remember to be prepared, be educated and be willing to understand one another.

    Find more insights into the daily lives of Indonesians and more over at Simone’s blog http://dontforgettherice.com or stay tuned as she will be writing more for us here at Jakarta100bars. 
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    Batam Nightlife Guide (Updated Sept 2014)

    August 27, 2014, 11:00 am
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    Nightlife in Batam - Overview:
    Batam is a small island in the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) located about 45 minutes from Singapore by ferry. With a population of 800,000 souls, it is the home to a small community of expatriates, most of them working in the Oil & Gas or in the High Tech manufacturing. Unlike in other parts of Indonesia, you'll find that Batam is rather well organized and clean. Close to Singapore and very little traffic.

    The Indonesian island of Batam has long been one the best kept secrets as a low cost getaway for Singaporean local and expats.  The island has seven golf courses, several resorts and the costs are a fraction compared to Singapore and Bali. There is also an expat entertainment area like Blok M / Kemang.

    Four – Five Star hotels run from as low as USD $50 - $80 per night and green fees can range from USD $60 - $105 which includes twin buggy sharing & caddy.  Beers at the pubs run from USD $2 - $5 and mixed drinks from $3 - $6. Batam also has a fair share of spa’s and traditional massage outlets that will cost you USD $10 for 60 minutes and slightly higher if you want sauna etc.

    The Batam nightlife is very active, as you will read on this blog post and our goal is to write comprehensively as possible. We urge visitors to share your experiences, updates and feedback.

    Batam for Fun: Nightlife, Massage, Pubs, Golf, Casinos and Shopping:
    The main entertainment centre is located in downtown Nagoya: ‘The Nagoya Entertainment District’ or commonly referred to by expats as ‘The NED’. This area attracts a fair number of Indonesian girls working in massage parlours, karaokes, or freelancing in some bars & clubs.

    The NED is a bit like Blok M in Jakarta, only bigger, with a decent concentration of nightlife venues, catering to different markets. Generally speaking though, the atmosphere is laid-back and girl-friendly, and you won't find very chic or sophisticated bars & clubs like in Singapore or Jakarta. You may meet all kind of girls there, but you should be aware that most of them are thinking in dollars.  Meeting local girls is not easy as they rarely frequent the expat entertainment district although you can meet some in venues like "Noname Club" in Harmoni Hotel or simply in the malls.

    During the day, there isn't much to do in Batam, except for golfing, some shopping (cheap clothes, knock-off handbags, Chinese electronics, and liquor is very cheap.(If buying spirits whether traveling back to Singapore or other parts of Indonesia you are only allowed one bottle of spirits and one bottle of wine – they will check at the airport!)  The massage parlours / spa’s are popular with Singaporeans. All of these activities will be reviewed below.
    Click on the map to enlarge
    Getting there:
    From Singapore: 
    You have to go to Harbour Front ferry terminal and there are about 5 ferry companies with service to Batam.  There are several port destinations in Batam:  Batam Centre, Sekupang, Nongsa & Harbour Bay (Batu Ampar)   The closest location to downtown Nagoya and the entertainment district is ‘Harbour Bay’ which is 5-10 minutes from The NED and all the pubs. Wavemaster has far more ferry service but you’d need to go to Batam Centre which is about a 20 minute taxi ride and costs Rp.50,000.

    The ferry ticket from Singapore is SGD $48 for two ways or SGD $42 for one way. This includes the SGD $21 fuel surcharge from the ferry operators. If you are coming from Jakarta, you can purchase a Wavemaster Ferry Ticket at most money changers or in Nagoya Hills mall and the cost of the ticket (2 way) is only SGD $30. (Add SGD $6 if traveling on the weekend – limited promotional price).

    By Air from Jakarta:
    By Air you can take Garuda, Lion Air etc. The flight is one hour twenty minutes. The air fare on Lion runs about Rp. 380,000 each way (1 week advance booking). On Garuda it can run twice that amount.

    Visa from Singapore:
    ASEAN nationals can get a free visa upon arrival good for 30 days. Most westerners can get a holiday visa on arrival for USD $35 for 30 days or USD $15 for 7 days. If you need to extend your visa, you can go to the Sumatera Building, 3rd Floor and can extend a 30 day visa for Rp. 300,000. Go in the morning and pick up the same day after 3PM (The Sumatera Building is next to the ferry terminal at Batam Centre).

    If you require a visa it is suggested you pay with USD – otherwise you be charged a premium in the exchange rate.

    Taxis
    Taxis in Batam are far more expensive than in Jakarta. Although a law was passed to have the taxi’s metered – the taxis installed the meters but disconnected them!  Many of the taxis are substandard ‘rust buckets’ and if you are western, the taxi drivers will try to charge you a premium (2 to 3 times the standard rate and they can be aggressive and rude).

    Taxi fares from the airport to the downtown Nagoya is Rp 80,000 – and the ride is approx. 30 minutes

    Taxi fares from the ferry terminal to downtown Nagoya should be no more than Rp 30,000 – for a 5-minute ride!  The taxi drivers will try to charge you Rp 50,000 and show you a paper with a government logo and insist that this is the published regulated price!  Negotiate – there are tons of taxis available.

    Good News! - Bluebird Taxi is now operating in Batam. They are metered and costs’ less than the others.  You can call Bluebird: 0778-421 234  Very professional service.

    Hotels in Batam
    There are many hotels in the Downtown Nagoya area close to The NED and the nightlife.

    4-5 Star Hotels:

    Planet Holiday– One of the best with rooms running about SGD $90 2 blocks from the action

    Harmoni Hotel - closest hotel to all the pubs. Rooms run about SGD $90 per night

    Goodway Hotel  - an older hotel but it has big rooms & a nice spa. Rooms will run around Rp, 500,000

    SwissBel Hotel– next to Planet Holiday Hotel and you can book a nice room for SGD $50 – including breakfast and taxes.

    There are many cheaper hotels near The NED that cost  Rp, 250,000 – 350,000.  (Lai Lai Hotel is across the street from Harmoni and rooms start at Rp 230,000)

    Your best bet it to buy a hotel voucher from Kaha Travel– located in Nagoya next to the Jamsostek Bldg. I suggest you call them before you arrive to ensure availability.  Batam often has many government events and the hotels fill up quickly. It’s also wise to avoid Batam during major Singapore holidays.                                                                                    
    Kaha Travel in Nagoya:  +62 778 703 4790

    The Pubs
    In the past few years there have been an explosion of pubs!  Way too many for a small expat community. A visitor may find many of the pubs empty or with less than a handful of customers. In our Batam Pub Listing below we only added those that are the most entertaining and/or of interest.


    There are over 35 pubs and counting with more opening every few months.  Only several Batam pubs have "real" kitchens but most can provide you with a menu and will order food for you from the other pubs.  The majority of the pubs are ‘entertainment’ driven featuring SPG’s. In the past two years some pubs have adopted a Pattaya / Manila approach.  The girls will ask you to buy them ‘ladies drinks’ which can cost anywhere from USD $5 – USD $12. It’s a good idea you ask the girl what kind of drink they want before you end-up with a huge bar tab for enumerable ‘Long Island Ice Teas’ (They will try to coax you into buying drinks for other girls. It is not uncommon for a girl to approach you, introduce herself, and then order a drink on your bill!) .

    Several pubs charge a bar fine if you want to leave with one of the girls or you will need to purchase several ‘ladies drinks’ like in Manila.  This policy varies from pub to pub. At last, most of the pubs have happy hours from 17:00 – 19:00. Several charge bar fines of Rp 1,2 million during the week and Rp.1.5 million on the weekend – that’s just the bar fine!  (not popular with the local expats)  At last, most of the pubs have happy hours from 17:00 – 19:00.

    Batam Nightlife Pubs listing:

    Lucy’s Oarhouse
    Lucy’s is the oldest expat pub in The NED. It’s a major networking hub for the oil & gas industry. A good place to catch-up with your mates and Lucy’s features the largest selection of Classic Rock. Beers run 22,000 – 25,000. The have a western menu and a great ‘barbecue pork pulled sandwich and chips for Rp,65,000 and they added a selection of Thai Curries. They have a pool table & free WiFI. A Bottle of Jack Daniels is only: Rp. 660,000. 
    The New Place – Sports Bar
    The New Place has several large screens with global sports events. They have the best steaks on the island, Fried Chicken steak and TexMex, (Texan founder)   They have one of the largest selections of wines & spirits. Happy hour till 7pm. 
    New Place Batam
    Hot Spot
    The Hot Spot is a popular traditional British pub known for its curries & pizza. Popular after work and the background music is kept at a reasonable level so you can chat with your mates. Free WiFi.

    Cock & Bull:
    (Formerly known as ‘The Red Cock’): The Cock and Bull expanded their menu but no Haggis. Best known for their pies and mushy peas (cost: Rp.60,000) and has beer for 19,000 per bottle during happy hour – which is from opening till 7PM. Great burgers too.  Prices for entree’s range from $6 - $12. Nice ambience, consistent quality and a very professional staff. Very popular.  Excellent service.
    Cock and Bull Batam
    Red Rose:
    Red Rose is one of the oldest landmark British / Scottish style pubs in The NED. With 5 screens it’s very popular for sporting events. Good atmosphere and a ‘home away from home’ for the UK lads. They serve an excellent British style breakfast (all day) Happy hour till 7pm.

    Goodies / Smiling Hill
    Goodies / Smiling Hill is located less than 10 minutes away from downtown Nagoya, tucked-away on top of a hill with breathtaking vistas overlooking Singapore. This quaint enclave has a fully serviced guest house, western standard furnished flats, a large 1st class pool and an open air restaurant offering the best in western & local dishes.  Every Friday from 5:30 - 7 PM they provide FREE beer. To expats that affectionately refer to Batam as ‘Tombstone Indonesia’ for its wily, western frontier vibe, Friday’s at Goodies is where the ‘Wild Bunch’ meet – the movers and shakers in the oil and gas industry. THE meeting and networking place for the oil and gas industry on Friday.

    On Sunday’s starting at noon, they host a Buffet Roast: Roast Beef, Roast Chicken, Roast Pork and they recently added Southern Deep Fried Turkey. (try to get there around noon - the food goes quickly!)  The price is only Rp.150,000 (plus tax)  (about USD $13!)  Awesome!

    Please - Visit their website or better - stop by.  www.smilinghillbatam.com

    Entertainment: 

    With over 30 pubs within a few block radius, you can easily do a pub crawl and explore many of them in one night, till you find one you like.  Some of the most popular are:

    Fat Willy’s/Dirty Dicks– Fat Willy’s is a very popular pub with a large staff. It usually kicks-off after 9PM, with crowds coming in at midnight. Attracts a good crowd every night. No pressure if you don’t want to buy ladies drinks and professionally run. (SPG’s must place their hand phones behind the bar!) Very good deals on bottles – ask the owners, who are there nightly.
    Fat Willy's Batam
    The Last Pub– One of the oldest and most popular party venues. Great music with a DJ and popular with expats and comfortable for couples. No ‘lady drink’ hustles, some freelancers and the occasional local gals from the office. Open Late. Worth checking out.
    Last Pub Batam
    Konings– an interesting pub. Nice ladies and a large selection of wines. Happy Hour house pours only Rp 35,000.  No hardcore lady drink hustle.

    Our Bar– One of the older pubs in The NED and has a large Singaporean following. Comfortable atmosphere. No pressure from the SPG’s and a pool table.

    Dragon Bar– This is relatively new, quite popular and open late. Can get wild…

    Candy Bar– Quite a lively staff, plenty of SPG gals and opened late. LOUD & known for their pizza.

    BB Bar (Bintang Bar)– Bali style decor and they just opened KTV rooms upstairs.

    Mad Cow– beautiful ladies (SPG’s) but be prepared to buy ladies drinks mista…

    Club 81– new – ‘mini disco’ with pole dancers. Loud, party atmosphere and the ladies drinks run Rp 100,000 each.

    (List of Pubs: 007, 4 Play, Asylum, Bar Fly, BB Bar Bingo’s, Bottles, Candy Bar, Chili’s, Circles, Club 81,Cock & Bull, D’Angels, D’Cents, Dirty Dick’s / Fat Willy’s, Dogs Bollocks, Dragon Bar, Hot Spot, Ice Pub, Java Pub, Lusys, Konings, Mad Cow, New Place, Our Bar, Red Rose, Slainte, Steps,Sullivans, The Last Pub, TiTi Bar, Wallabies)

    For free Batam / SE Asia newsletter  ‘THE NED REPORT’ – send an email: nedreport@yahoo.com
    Our Bar in Batam (Picture from Our Bar Facebook)
    IMPORTANT!

    Please be advised that some bars will attempt to exploit an unsuspecting expat and are rip-offs.  Loaded with girls that push expensive ladies drinks and before you know it - you will have spent $100 ++ with nothing to show for it.  Insult to injury - if you fancy one of the girls you have to pay a bar fine. (billed as ladies drinks.)  The gal will charge you another $100 + for the booking!  You may find that in some pubs the gals are older than the women you will find in Blok M or Kemang etc (5 or 6 pubs have this policy whilst others charge Rp200,000 bar fine – best to ask upfront as these prices can change).

    ALSO – don’t leave your drinks unattended. A few expats have been drugged & robbed. Better to pay for your drinks as you go to preclude your bill from being padded. Keep your hand phone secure and don’t lay it on the bar..

    Live Music
    Noname– Located on the ground floor of the Harmoni Hotel is a popular live music venue for locals and expats. Most of the acts are flown in from Jakarta and one of the best place to meet local ladies.

    Java Pub– just reopened, and has live music on Friday & Saturday. Older crowd, (like Jaya pub JKT but smaller)  Comfortable place to hang out.

    Bingo’s Pub– just opened and has live music on Friday’s & Saturdays. Good place, nice staff and occasional celebrity entertainers popping in for a song or jam. A nice alternative to the usual very loud rap / trance pubs.
    Bingo's
    Sullivans– Used to be Ria Rita and has live music on the weekends. Mostly a local crowd. Across the street from the side entrance of Lusys (helps to speak Bahasa – mostly local gals).

    Discos (Trance clubs like Stadium Jakarta)
    Pacific Disco: One of the most famous place for Singaporeans in Batam when in comes to nighlife, it is a huge club with loud techno and girls everywhere. North Jakarta style entertainment, not everyone will like it, especially if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.  It has a young crowd and be sure to carry a small torch with you!  (pitch black!  Beware of pick-pockets, popular with ojek drivers).

    Planet - Located in Planet Holiday Hotel. Similar with all One Stop Entertainment nightlife venues in Indonesia.

    Newton Disco– located about 10 minutes from the NED is a 4 story entertainment complex. They have hotel rooms and a spa.  Newton is more popular than Pacific and is the #1 choice for Singaporeans that visit every weekend (Batam’s version of Malioboro).

    WARNING!– using or possessing drugs in Indonesia is a criminal offense and possession can land you 5 years in jail!  & a stiff fine!   When in these clubs be very careful of women that approach you and want you to buy them ‘obat’ (Xstacy) – you may find yourself being arrested by an undercover police officer…  If a police officer wishes to search you – be sure it’s done in front of witnesses and YOU empty your pockets...

    Good Restaurants (local food):
    As far as 'food' goes – Batam has some excellent local food but is limited in western cuisine options.(aside from the fast food venues)  The most popular western food locations in the NED are listed above. Near the Ned are some alternatives worth checking out. They serve western and local dishes: (we will be expanding this list)

    Citra Rasa - In the NED opposite Lucy’s side entrance is CitraRasa -  great local and Chinese dishes. Sweet and sour chicken costs Rp 35,000, Sizzling ginger beef platter Rp 40,000 – many selections and quite good. Cans of beer 16,000 – 18,000.
    Citra Rasa Batam
    Satay Centre: If you like Indonesian food, on the main drag near the entrance to the Nagoya Hill Mall are several stalls that specialize in satay – very reasonable. Opens after 5PM (about a 5 minute walk from the NED) You can’t miss it – very crowded with seating outside.

    Matabak– if you like Indian food – roti prata, tandoori, curries etc. – check out Martabak. Around the corner from Lusy’s, on the main carriageway – corner location. Dishes run 30,000 – 50,000. Wide selection and been there forever.

    Massage Parlours:
    There are many, many massage parlours / spa’s in Batam. One of the best in the traditional category Adorabella, located in the Pacific Palace Hotel. In the sleazy category, you will find many that offer similar services around the bigger hotels like Harmoni. They offer massage for USD $10 for 60 minutes and are often frequented by Singaporeans.  For a little more, you can have private room / spa with a jacuzzi. The most expensive one in that category is Atalanta spa, with high end equipment and the prettiest girls. Very popular with Asian tourists.

    Check out the Spa in the NEWTON complex. Upscale: pools, Jacuzzi’s and massage.

    Gambling and Casinos in Batam
    Scattered about the island and in some malls are ‘arcades’ with gaming machines – locally referred to as ‘Jackpots’ (geleper: It should be noted that these types of machines are not electronic slot machines per se). Players buy tokens to use with the games and are paid any winnings in tokens. Attendants outside the arcades exchange tokens for cash, which, according to critics, is done to prevent the impression that the arcades are involved in gambling.   You should note that when redeeming your tokens for cash, expect to have 10-20% premium deducted from your winnings!   If you win $100 – you will only net $80 -$90.
    The payoffs in these machines is very, very low and you should be very careful.  Although the operators have a license to operate these arcades, they are subject to being raided and closed and at any time as ‘gambling’ is outlawed under Indonesian Law and clearly, they are operated for gambling purposes.  You don’t want to be caught in one in a raid!  A no-win situation!

    Although some of these locations have opened, they can be closed at any time. You DON’T want to be there during a police raid – it will cost you~! (Often raided on a weekend!) 

    Dangers, Annoyances and Scams:
    Taxi Drivers  - Be careful. Taxis in Batam are not metered and if you look like a newbie – you’ll be taken for a ride!  Across from Lusys there are some local drivers that you can trust or ask some of the pub owners / managers for a reliable driver or CALL Bluebird – 0778 – 421 234.

    NEVER take-up a taxi driver on an offer to ‘find you woman mista?’ - !!!

    One last thing about taxis: Prepare the correct amount of change if you can to avoid being rounded up...

    STD ‘s– ALWAYS use protections. Statistics from 2007 state that 9% of commercial sex workers in Batam re HIV + ~ ~!

    Drug Dealers– Western Expats are a far and few in-between in Batam. Be careful.  If you are in a club you could be targeted.

    A Batam Nightlife Alternative: Golf!
    Batam has 7 golf courses and green fee’s run from USD $65 - $105 which includes twin buggy sharing & caddy.

    Courses:
    •    Batam Hills Golf Resort (designed by Max Wexler)
    •    Indah Puri Golf Resort (designed by Arnold Fream)
    •    Palm Springs Golf Resort
    •    Southlinks Country Club
    •    Sukajadi Golf Club
    •    Tamarin Santana Golf Club (designed by Jack Nicklaus)
    •    Tering Bay Golf & Country Club (designed by Greg Norman)

    The Batam Social Golf Society host a tournament the last Sunday of every month. The cost is only  S$60 for members or S$80 for non-members. Price includes all green fees, caddy, buggy and buffet dinner!  Contact Batam Social Golf Society: bsgs@ymail.com.

    For More Information on Golf Packages you can contact Peter Williams  (UK national) from Paradise Golf Holidays by email (pete.w@paradisegolf.co.uk) or by mobile: +62 813 64 339 449 (Batam), +65 90848070 (Singapore).

    We will complete this review from time to time with new information about Batam nightlife. Please help us also keeping this updated by sending new infos or comments.
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    Is Bali Becoming a Sex Tourism Destination?

    August 31, 2014, 3:47 am
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    One of the biggest changes to Bali nightlife since the past 5 years is the seemingly growing number of prostitution or semi-prostitution venues in Bali.

    Those places were once discreetly located in Sanur or in some seedy streets in Denpasar, but they are now everywhere and they are certainly not trying to hide.

    In Kartika Plaza, you have the new District Club which features sexy dancers and karaoke rooms with Lady Companions. It is owned by Tommy Winata, famous for being behind naughty clubs like Golden Crown in Jakarta.

    In Denpasar, Akasaka was extended with a new room called A-Club, also with sexy dancers and prostitutes. The old room in Akasaka is packed on weekend and during my visit there, I saw fully naked women trying to sell tequila shots to customers in exchange for private lap dances. Considering the head-banging music that was played there, we can imagine most people inside were taking drugs (I was offered ecstasy pills upon entering too, which I declined).

    Boshe is another example: Opened on Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai about 3 years ago, it is one of the most popular clubs in Bali for Asian people at the moment. Most customers are men who book a karaoke room or a table, and lady companions.

    Adora (ex-Blue Eyes) is, according to my sources, in the process of being bought by the Alexis group from Jakarta (owned by Alex Tirta, behind Colosseum, Zen Club, 1001, Tease Club, Alexis, Club 36). If you live in Jakarta, you will know what it means: Adora should be turned into a complete luxury sex place with strippers and karaoke rooms.

    Delta has finally opened in Bali a spa, a karaoke and a club. They are not afraid to advertise about their Russian sexy dancers on a huge billboard in Sunset Road and with a full booth inside the Domestic Airport.

    Speaking of spas, the number of plus plus massage parlours has also tripled! It used to be only a few spas such as Star Bugar. You now have Delta Spa, Riverview Spa, Royal Palace, etc...

    It is still nothing compared to what is available in Jakarta, but you have to consider all these places did not exist just 5 years ago... What surprises me is how easy they advertise about their facilities and services, most of which are illegal in Indonesia.

    Since the closure of Dolly, the largest red light district in Southeast Asia, it also seems many prostitutes have relocated to Bali, particularly in Sanur (see that article for more information Anticipating Dolly's Relocation To Bali). There may be also more freelance prostitution in several bars in Bali such as Crusoe's, La Vida Loca, Mint, DeeJay Café, Skygarden, Paddy's Pub but I do not have any reliable data to support my claim.

    In the end, there is an increase in the number of venues offering sex services but I believe it would not be appropriate to say that Bali is becoming a sex tourism destination. Organized prostitution caters mostly to a local market: Indonesian and expats residents in Bali, and also some Asian tourists from Jakarta, Malaysia and Singapore. It is very limited compared to Thailand where even the smallest island has dozens of massage parlours and gogo bars. I hope it will stay that way!
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    Bali Nightlife Tips from an Expat in Bali

    August 31, 2014, 8:36 am
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    As South Bali is becoming more crowded and more urban, its nightlife has somewhat improved. It is still much less interesting that Jakarta nightlife, but if you come to Bali for the weekend you will certainly enjoy it.

    Most things haven't changed for many years so you can also read my previous Bali Nightlife review from 2013. Here are my top recommendations for partying in Bali in 2014/2015:
    Skydome in Skygarden Kuta
    In Kuta, Skygarden is still the number one club: It is the most crowded, the largest, has the best marketing and the best line-up of international DJs (famous House/Trance/Progessive DJs comes at least twice a month). If you are a tourist between 18 and 30-year old, this is where you should go. If you are single and looking for a place to get a guy or a girl, this is the place too. The prices before midnight are very low so it can be a cheap way to get drunk before heading somewhere else too. At last, it is the only club in Bali which is happening 7 days a week. Go there on Sunday or Monday night when everything else is empty.

    Walking distance from Skygarden, you may walk into several other nightclubs or bars such as Eikon (popular with Australians), Engine Room, Bounty and Paddy's Pub (popular with Bogans), Vi Ai Pi (good for live music), MBarGo (Hip/Hop), Apache (reggae). All of them are normally busy as they are located in the heart of Kuta.
    Still in Kuta, bars and clubs located on Jalan Pantai Kuta are more popular with Indonesians, in particular those from Jakarta. You have the new Velvet bar and Hypnotized club in BeachWalk Mall, maybe one of the best new clubs in Kuta in 2014. They have good events with international DJ about once in a month. Not too far from there, The Stones hotel also organizes regular events but it is almost always empty. Still on Kuta beach, Hard Rock Café is mostly popular with the Asian crowd: Indonesians, Malaysians, Singaporeans. This is the same crowd that visits the new District (replacing Musro) which gets busy only when they have concerts.
    Concert in District
    Party in Hypnotized Beach Walk
    Speaking about the local and Asian market, there are a handful of clubs where you will find them. The largest is Akasaka, in the heart of Denpasar, which has two dance-floors, one with Western-style house music and the other one with Funky House / Chinese-style Techno Kota. Some expats go there too because the music reminds them of places like the Stadium in Jakarta. It is also full with prostitutes, among which a fair number of stunners (in A-Club in particular). There is also Boshe VIP Club, not far from the airport, which is a classier version of Akasaka. At last, you have Adora Club in Sanur, again with a similar concept of one-stop entertainment with bar, club, karaoke, live music.

    Regarding these clubs, you can also read my review about Sex Tourism in Bali.
    Sexy Dancers in Adora Club
    Seminyak is still the favorite party location for expats, older tourists, residents from Java and regulars of Bali. Seminyak nightlife has actually spread out to the limits of Legian in Jalan Nakula (Jenja), Jalan Dewi Sri (Pyramid) or Jalan 66 (Double Six Rooftop). There have been quite many openings and closing in the past two years. The popular nightlife venues in Seminyak at the end of 2014 are the following:

    - To have a drink: Mantra, La Favela, Jealous Lovers' Dive Bar, Mamasan, Red Carpet Champagne Bar (if you are above 40), Rumours, Zappaz (live music), Charlie. Jakartans usually prefer going to Motel Mexicola or Vin +. JPs Warung has closed and it was replaced by a strange Frankenstein bar which seems to be popular as well.
    Mantra in Petitenget
    Red Carpet's remarkable waitresses
    Motel Mexicola
    - To Party: Early in the night, Townhouse (European crowd), Huu Bar (Jakartans, Indo-Chinese). After 2am, move to Mint, Jenja, Pyramid. Coming in September is a new club called Mirror / Gardin: Opened by the owners of Fable in Jakarta, we can expect it will target the same crowd as Hu'u bar.
    Hu'u Bar
    Mint Club
    Pyramid
    Jenja
    - For Special events: Check the facebook pages of W Hotel (Silent Disco), Kudeta (White Party, Bikini Party, New Year Party), Potato Head, Cocoon (Hed Kandi, Splash Pool Party). Check also parties such as Disko Afrika or beach parties in La Plancha). You can also see most events in the guidebook The Beat Magazine which is available in all Circle K store.
    Silent Disco in W Hotel
    White Party in Ku De Ta
    Disko Afrika
    Splash Party in Cocoon
    - For scoring with girls, hookers, transexuals: La Vida Loca, Mint Club, Bahiana, Jenja (and later in the night in DeeJay Café). For gays specifically: You should head to Jalan Dyana Pura to Mixwell, Bali Joe, and other places whose name I forgot. If you are not gay but open-minded, you can visit these bars and still have a lot of fun since they have great cabaret gogo dancers shows.
    Mixwell Gay Bar in Seminyak
    To conclude, it is good to know that DeeJay Café is the club that stays open the latest in Bali. It is still busy early morning at 8-9am. Needless to say most people who go there are on drugs.
    Dee Jay Café in Kartika Plaza (Paradiso Kuta Hotel)
    Warning about Safety in Bali: There is an increasing number of complaints about safety around nightclubs in Bali. Be careful with pickpockets. The main victims seem to be girls putting their purses in front of their motorbike. It is really recommended to put all your valuables in your trunk instead. If you have any problems, it is probably more effective to report it on the Bali Expat forum on facebook than to the police.

    Photo Credit: Most of the pictures illustrating this review of Bali nightlife were taken on facebook. If you wish to have a photo you are in removed, just drop me a mail thibaud@jakarta100bars.com.

    Please comment and help me keep this page up-to-date!
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    BART (Bar at the Rooftop) Artotel Jakarta Thamrin

    September 2, 2014, 2:18 am
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    BART is the latest of the Rooftop Bars in the city. Going on the roof is a very good option in Jakarta since most of the place are closed, with no windows and with full AC. That is maybe one of the reasons why so many rooftop bars have opened recently in Jakarta, and why it is so trendy.

    BART (Approximate Acronym of Bar at the Rooftop) is the latest of this long series, it is located in Artotel Hotel on Thamrin near Sarinah. The Hotel itself is very art-friendly with a different Indonesian artist decorating the rooms for each floor. This hotel opened in late 2013 and in October 2014 they are just opening the rooftop bar, maybe after the huge success of Awan Lounge, rooftop bar of Kosenda Hotel, located 200 meters away.

    I went to BART for a private party, before the official opening and I was quite impressed by the size of it. It is bigger than Awan Lounge. It is approximately 2 times the size of it and you can actually walk and navigate in the whole place. The other positive thing about BART is that you get some breeze, some air so you are not totally hot and sweaty while drinking your cocktail. The design of the place is not extraordinary I would say, the whole black and white theme colors on the furniture and on the ceiling makes you feel you are a zebra. Girls, you know what colors to wear if you want to be in tone with the place ! If you feel a bit hungry, try the food there: it comes from the restaurant located on the lobby of the hotel and it is very tasty. The Menu is mostly Asian with some western dishes. I had the chicken panini and it was great.

    The Bar is located on the seventh floor of the Hotel and you can have a great view at Jakarta Skyline, towards Thamrin, Sudirman and Rasuna Said. This bar is a great addition to Jakarta's nightlife Rooftop Bars list along with Skye Bar and Cloud Lounge in the same area.

    Last but not least, you cannot seat on the counters located all around the place.. Even though it is at the perfect height to seat, and there will be a shortage of seats when the bar will be packed, the waiter/waitress will gently tell you that you cannot do that...

    Give us your impressions in the comments box and tell us which is your favorite rooftop bar in the city ?


    BART @ Artotel Jakarta (near Sarinah Mall)
    Jalan Sunda #3
    Jakarta
    Phone: 021 3192 5888
    Website: Artotel
    Twitter: Artotel

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    Red Square (Senayan Arcadia) - CLOSED

    September 23, 2014, 5:08 am
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    Update: Red Square is currently CLOSED: According to the management, it will reopen in a new location to be announced...

    Red Square is one of the most popular bars in Jakarta for foreigners, and for many, it is the only place they go to for party in the city. Extremely busy on Friday and Saturday, it is so crowded that it is best to book a private table if you want to avoid suffocation. On other nights, it varies a lot: Thursday can be quite good, but from Sunday to Wednesday, it is empty the more often.

    If you are a single, male expat looking to score with "normal" girls, this might be the most easy spot in Jakarta. Most girls aren't prostitutes (but more and more are), yet they are hunting foreigners with a lot of energy. This is probably why Red Square is so famous and popular. The other reasons could be the sexy dancers on special nights, the pumping house music (mostly famous western songs), their funky bartenders and the people dancing on the tables. 

    The bar has a nice selection of cocktails, especially those with Vodka. The entrance fee is now around rp100,000 on weekends and the drinks are pretty expensive.

    Here are two videos of Red Square (the first one at closing time, the second one on full party mode):
    Red Square Jakarta
    Plaza Senayan Arcadia
    Unit X210-211 Jl. New Delhi No 9
    Pintu I Senayan Jakarta 12710

    Phone number: +62 21 5790 1281
    Fax. : +62 21 5790 1286
    Email : redsquarejakarta@gmail.com
    Website: Red Square Bar Jakarta
    Facebook fan page: Red Square Fan page

    Red Square Balikpapan
    Hotel Sagita Jl. Mayjend Sutoyo No. 69
    Balikpapan 76113 Indonesia
    Website: Red Square Sagita Balikpapan

    Phone number: +62 542 820 300
    Fax: +62 542 820 333
    Email : info@hotelsagita.com

    Red Square Bali (CLOSED, replaced by 88 Club):
    Pullman Legian Nirwana
    Jalan Pantai Kuta Legian, Kuta, Bali 80361
    Website: Red Square Bali

    Phone number: +62 361 767540
    Fax : +62 361 767541
    Email: redsquarebali@gmail.com

    Similar clubs (small urban afterwork clubs for young executives and expats): Luv's bar & Dine, Only One Club, Flo Lounge (closed), Nu China.
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    Bengawan Solo Restaurant (Indonesian/Javanese Food)

    October 14, 2014, 10:27 pm
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    I rarely go to Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel on Sudirman (it is located right next to Le Meridien Hotel), but I did go there recently because I heard there was a new Indonesian restaurant. The name of the new place is "Bengawan Solo" (it is not related to the popular coffee chain located in many malls in Jakarta), named after the longest River in Java. It is located on the lobby level of the Hotel.

    I had a great dinner there, I like the idea of having truly Indonesian (or Javanese) food like chicken satay, Sosis Solo, Nasi Goreng, Bebek Goreng, Gurame Bakar or Iga Sapi Asam with a modern presentation you would find in any western restaurant. The decoration of the place is also modern with Indonesian Wayang and other javanese objects.

    The place reminded me another Indonesian restaurant Seribu Rasa, located in Menteng, but with a more indonesian crowd. I would recommend Bengawan Solo for a business lunch or dinner or if you want take somebody who is in the city for just a few days and you want him to discover tasty indonesian food in an elegant place. The price are very reasonable for Jakarta standard and for the quality I had there (200 000 Rp per person for a Menu).

    The plus: they have a dessert menu, which is quite rare for an Indonesian restaurant. I had a Vanilla ice cream and it was a blast !


    Bengawan Solo in Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel 
    (near Le Meridien Hotel)
    Jalan Sudirman Kav 86
    Jakarta 10220

    More information on their website
    Phone: 021 570 4444 ext 1610 - 1613
    E-Mail: prm@grandsahidjaya.com
    Hotel website
    Facebook
    Twitter

    Opening Hours:
    Everyday from 11 AM to 11 PM

    Other pictures from Bengawan Solo Restaurant:







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    Jakarta Restaurants: Why Are They So Bad?

    August 7, 2014, 2:22 pm
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    I may have tried about 400 restaurants in Jakarta, and I would say only 25% of them taste good enough. Restaurants with Asian food are usually better, especially Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese ones.

    For Western food, it is very rare to find a restaurant that serves good food unless a westerner is involved at some point (as a manager, chef, owner or consultant). My most common criticisms: Low-quality ingredients, over use of industrial cheese, sauces too salty or too greasy, no real butter, too much sugar, absence of taste, over or undercooking, etc...

    Only when eating in the most expensive places (usually in 5-star hotels or reputed chains), the standards are satisfactory, though fast to deteriorate. Very few venues in Jakarta, to my knowledge, offer constant good western food at reasonable prices.

    For Asian food, I consider that most restaurants serve street food quality at best. If you do not mind the hygiene and hot weather, you'll eat better sitting on a bench in Mangga Besar than in most restaurants in malls.
    I believe the reasons for this problem comes from the following issues:

    - Difficulty to hire trained staff and to maintain this staff within a restaurant on the long term

    There are some fine schools to learn cooking in Indonesia (all the STPs, Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata), but they produce few graduates. Basically almost 100% of a class will be hired by 5-star hotels or by the biggest restaurants chains. Most of them are also still young and it will take them many years to grow into fully developed chefs. Among those who reach a certain level, very few are opening their own restaurants.

    Since the good staff is on such a high demand, the turnover for each places is quite high. New restaurants open weekly in Jakarta, so there is nothing easier than getting a higher salary for anyone a little ambitious. The lack of stability of the teams plus their relative lack of experience is the number one problem for restaurants in Jakarta.
    - Difficulty to get a regular supply of quality ingredients at a reasonable price

    The second problem is the quality of ingredients coming from Indonesia. I don't mean to offend anybody but until now, the agro-industrial companies in Indonesia fail to manufacture or produce quality products.

    Take chocolate for instance. Indonesia is one of the largest producer of cacao beans in the world. And yet, chocolate made in Indonesian is low standard and any restaurant/bakery who wants to have a decent dessert with chocolate must import.

    Fruits and vegetables also are rather disappointing, especially when you know how they taste in neighboring countries. Compare a mango from Indonesia and a mango from Thailand and you'll understand what I am talking about.

    The same goes with dairy and meat products (especially cheese, yoghurt, beef, lamb and of course pork).

    The Indonesian government is protecting local industries by imposing high tariffs on most imported food, but unfortunately this has not led to an improvement of the quality of locally-sourced ingredients.  I think it creates just the opposite: Producers feel protected and they do not invest to improve their methods and processes.

    - Few independent restaurants

    Restaurants owners in Jakarta are rarely chefs themselves. Most often, restaurants are owned by business people with a training in finance, accounting, marketing, public relation. They know how to make the place busy and profitable, but the food comes last. Spending millions of rupiah for the design and marketing of a place while buying the poorest quality ingredients in the kitchen is the norm. If restaurants where opened by chefs or by people with a real interest in food, I am sure that the quality of restaurants in Jakarta would improve dramatically. Unfortunately, the access to financing or the right connection needed to open a restaurant in the city makes it very difficult for anybody who does not belong to a certain elite.


    There is also a bunch of smaller issues who contribute to the problem also:

    - The price of kitchen equipment is usually imported and expensive. Smaller restaurants do not have the possibilities to buy the necessary tools for cooking properly.

    - The menus tend to be extensive with many favorites from different countries. Keeping the menu short to a few well-mastered items could certainly help.

    - Lack of control from authorities regarding the hygiene and the standards. I imagine that you can put a sign saying your food is organic with no MSGs, and no one will really check.

    If so many bad restaurants in Jakarta continue to exist, it is because people still go there. Hopefully the public will become more demanding with time and put more pressure on restaurateurs to improve their quality. Changes can only come from them.
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    Why Are Ojeks More Expensive Than Taxis?

    September 10, 2014, 10:39 am
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    I had an argument this morning with the ojek driver (moto taxis in Jakarta) who works outside of my residence.

    I was planning to go to Pacific Place Mall, just one kilometer away. This normally takes about 5 minutes and with a taxi it costs less than 10,000rp.

    The ojek's starting price was 30,000rp, which is crazy, and after much talking he gave me a last price of 20,000rp. I tried to bargain harder but I felt I didn't have the upper hand. I gave up and I took a taxi (for which I paid a sweet 8,000rp).

    This experience made me wonder: How can a taxi be cheaper than an ojek? This is not the first time it happens. On average, I would say it is more expensive to go around with ojek or bajaj than by taxi in Jakarta.
    At first glance, it seems that taxis should be more expensive: Their job requires more skills, they provide more comfort and safety to their customers and above all, they have more costs to bear.

    A taxi driver usually gives back to his company more than half of his daily revenue. A Blue Bird driver told me that they must make a minimum of 500,000rp per day before they can start making money. Once they reach that target, they get 50% from any ride (another driver told me his minimum was 450,000rp and he received only a 30% cut). They must also deduct up to a third of their revenue to pay for gasoline.

    In the end, a taxi driver may get a monthly salary of approximately 1,5M rp to 3M rp. That's only a small percentage of all the money he received from clients.
    On the contrary, ojek drivers keep most of the money they make to themselves. Often, they are the owners of their motorbike (or they will be if they took a credit). They pay their gasoline too but it is much cheaper. To make 3M rp per month, an ojek driver only needs to do a few rides per day.

    So why are ojeks more expensive?

    The reason is that the bargaining power of ojek drivers is stronger.

    Ojek driver can make their prices fluctuate according to the time of the day. During peak time, they can be strong with the pricing because they know they will get another customer soon. Taxi drivers cannot do that; they just take whoever stops them (except the taxis that don't put their meters on). This logic tends to make them wait for a big fish instead of taking small jobs.

    The price given by an ojek driver can also change according to who is requesting a ride. They will not give the same price to an expatriate, to a maid, or to an executive working on Sudirman. Since I am a bule, I am not surprised I got a high price.

    People who need ojeks are usually in a rush: They must go somewhere fast and they need to beat the traffic. They don't have much time to negotiate or to find cheaper alternative. They will tend to agree on any price, even if it is unreasonable.

    Ojek drivers are also located in strategic areas: They do not compete directly with taxis but complement them. You will find them waiting for you where there are no taxis available. They have to wait longer for a client, but to compensate they charge him more.

    At last, you would think that it is very easy for an ojek to go wherever he wants and to wait for a client. This is rarely true: A newcomer will probably be rejected as he is bringing more competition. This self-regulation of the ojek's industry certainly limits the options for the client, and therefore the price war.
    Ojek drivers get more money than taxi drivers, and they work less. I guess the new question that would need to be answer is why taxi drivers don't change job and become ojek?

    I asked this to a few of them, and their answer was that their status as a taxi driver was more prestigious. They are clean, they wear a uniform, they can stay inside their car and they belong to a corporation. All of this makes it worth having a lighter paycheck at the end of the month.
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