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15 Best Luxury Hotel Spas in Jakarta

September 30, 2015, 6:51 am
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Jakarta must be one of the cheapest places on earth for luxury spa treatments. Massages that would cost hundreds of dollars in Europe cost less than 50$ here, including the tax and service charge. If you ask some expat wives, this is one of the reasons they can cope with living in the city.

Unfortunately, most hotels do not have proper spas with branded products and inviting facilities, especially compared to those in Bali. In general, they will use the Decléor brand from France, meaning all therapists receive a similar training.

To help you figure out where to get a luxury massage in Jakarta, I reviewed below all the spas located in the city's best 5-star hotels. In particular, I indicated the prices of the most popular treatments. If the price changes, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below.

Willow Stream Spa in Fairmont Hotel Jakarta

Willow Stream Spa is currently among the best in Jakarta. It is brand-new and features modern equipments such as steam room, sauna, multi-temperature showers, vitality pools and a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool. Products used: Decléor (imported) and Banyu Spa (local products).

Prices:
Balinese Massage 60 minutes: Rp575,000++
Jakarta Signature Massage 90 minutes: Rp900,000++
Romantic Couple Massage in VIP Spa Room for 90 minutes: Rp1,750,000++ per couple

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 8am to 11pm. Only for guests above 18 years old.

Location:
Fairmont Jakarta, Jalan Asia Afrika No. 8, Gelora Bung Karno, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62 21 2970 3333 ext. 3244
Email: willowstream.jakarta@fairmont.com

Bimasena Spa at Dharmawangsa Hotel

Bimasena is one of the most popular spas for couples in Jakarta. It is famous for having Private Suites where people can go kinky after their treatments. You will also find a hydrotherapy room and a full range of salon services including haircare, manicure and pedicure.

Prices (20% discount for hotel guests):
Hydrotherapy session for 20 minutes: Rp250,000++
Indonesian massage for 60 minutes: Rp340,000++
Romantic massage package for 210 minutes: Rp2,650,000++ per couple inclusive of a massage, hydrotherapy, private spa suite (half day), facilities, facial, light meal
They also have a Wedding spa package at Rp2,500,000++.

Opening hours:
Every day from 9am to 11pm

Contact:
Bimasena Spa at Dharmawangsa Hotel
Jalan Dharmawangsa Raya No. 23, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 725 8668 ext. 6300/6420
Email: listya.suhita@the-dharmawangsa.com
Website: Bimasena Spa

Mulia Hotel Spa

Surprisingly for the biggest hotel in Jakarta, the spa in Mulia is very small (4 rooms only) and it has very limited options. It serves almost exclusively hotel guests who need to relax after a business trip. The only originality is that they offer mud bath treatments.

Cost:
Traditional massage for 60 minutes: Rp500,000++. Rumors has that you can get a plus plus massage in the spa depending on the therapist. 

Opening time:
9am to midnight, everyday.

Contact:
Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jalan Asia Afrika, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62 21 5747777

Spa Mandarin Oriental Jakarta

The spa in Mandarin Oriental is not branded and it focus on a business clientele. Facilities include steam and a sauna.

Open/Close:
Daily from 9am to midnight. Guests must be at least 18 years old.

Prices:
Javanese / Balinese Massage 60 minutes: Rp500,000++

Location:
Mandarin Oriental, Jalan MH Thamrin, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 2993 8999
Email: mojkt-fitness@mohg.com

Kempinski The Spa

Kempinski The Spa is located on the 17th floor of Hotel Kempinski, in the center of Jakarta and next to the popular mall Grand Indonesia.

Prices:
Javanese Massage / Balinese Massage: Rp450,000 for 60 minutes
Romantic couple massage: Sumatra Sunset Rp3,200,000
Signature treatment: Royal Java massage (body scrub, herbal spa, massage, facial): Rp1,600,000 for 180 minutes
Couple's room available also by choosing two treatments.

Opening time:
Everyday 8am to 11pm. Last order 10pm. Last appointment at 22:00.

Location:
Kempinski The Spa at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Jalan MH Thamrin, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 2358 3882
Email: kempinskithespa.jakarta@kempinski.com

Alameda Spa in Marriott Hotel

Alameda Spa is rather old and unappealing, yet it is among the priciest in Jakarta. It is mostly aimed at hotel guests who have the option of ordering the treatment in-house with a 10% surcharge. You must always book in advance. Facilities are limited to the swimming pool and a steam room. The spa in Mayflower Apartments is run by the same company and it is half the price.

Prices:
Indonesian massage: Rp600,000++
Four hands massage with two therapists: Rp998,000++

Location:
JW Marriott Hotel
Jalan Doctor Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung, Mega Kuningan
Phone number:  +62-21 579 88888

Spa in Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan

Pricey and average, the Spa in Ritz-Carlton is a disappointment. I don't recommend unless you are staying in the hotel. Facilities are nice and include a jacuzzi, a hot and cold pool, a sauna and a hammam. The 50-meter long swimming pool is adjacent to the spa. They have great couple massages that will give you all the privacy you need. Male therapists are available.

Prices:
Spice Island massage: Rp950,000++ for 90 minutes with a body scrub and aromatherapy massage
Romantic couple massage: Rp4,300,000++ per couple for 210 minutes with body scrub, body masker, massage, facial, private time in jacuzzi with a glass of wine
Special promotion every morning before 12am: Bath ritual + Massage + Facial for Rp660,000++ (90 minutes)

Opening hours:
Daily from 7am to 12am, last order at 10;30pm. 

Location:
5th floor Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan, Jalan Ide Anak Agung Gede Agung, Mega Kuningan
Phone number: +62-21 255 18888

Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place Spa

The spa in the Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place is more recent just as expensive as the one listed above. You will find the same facilities: Steam room, jacuzzi, hot and cold pools, sauna and fitness. One of the few differences is that it specializes in stone treatments (massages with hot stones). Only guests older than 16 years old are allowed.

Prices:
Luxury massage (the cheapest on the menu): Rp888,000 for 75 minutes
Romantic couple massage (massage, scrubs, facials): Rp3,618,800 for 120 minutes

Opening hours:
Every day from 9am to 11pm. Last order 10.30pm.

Location:
8th floor, Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place, SCBD, Jalan Sudirman Kav 52-53
Phone number: +62-21 2550 1888

CHI Spa in Shangri-La Hotel

Located inside Shangri-La Hotel, Chi Spa has small but luxurious facilities. Therapists are well-trained. Local oil is used. It used to be called Gaya Spa.

Prices:
Swedish massage for 60min: Rp530,000++
3 hours package treatment with Javanese scrub and Balinese massage: Rp1,450,000++

Opening Hours:
Every day from 8am to 11pm

Location
4th floor, Shangri La Hotel, Kota BNI, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 1
Phone number: +62-21 293 99612
Email: healthclub.slj@shangri-la.com

Spa at Intercontinental Jakarta

The spa in Intercontinental hotel has a good reputation. It has a wide range of services available, from shiatsu to 4-hand massages. It is also a good place for waxing for both men and women. Facilities include a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym with a yoga studio, a hammam, a sauna and a jacuzzi. Therapists use Decléor products for most treatments. Male therapists available.

25% discount available from 12am to 6pm daily.

Operating hours:
Daily from 7am to midnight. Massage in-room available. 

Address:
InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza, Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav. 10-11
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 251 0888 Spa Reception Ext. 46609


Le Spa at Le Méridien 

Le Spa is well-equipped with an hydrotherapy room, effusion showers, a relaxation lounge, a sauna, a jacuzzi, a cold plunge pool and a swimming pool. It also offers salon services. For their most expensive spa treatments, the products used are from Thémaé Paris.

Prices:
Indonesian full body massage: Rp500,000++ for 55 minutes

Operating hours:
Every day from

Contact:
Le Méridien, Jalan Sudirman, Kav 18 - 20
Phone number: +62-21 251 3131
Email: reservation.jakarta@lemeridien.com
Website: Le Spa

Keraton at the Plaza

The Spa in the Keraton at the Plaza Hotel is one of the best in Jakarta. Therapists are tall, pretty and friendly. The facilities are modern with hot and cold pools, steam rooms, infrared saunas and a couple's massage room. Products used are from Decléor, except for local treatments.

Prices:
Anti Fatigue 90 minutes massage: Rp600,000++ for 90 minutes
Sido Asih Couple Massage: Rp1,900,000++ for 105 minutes
Half-day and full-day packages are also available for respectively Rp1,450,000++ and Rp1,880,000++ per person inclusive of a free meal in Bengawan Restaurant.

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 10am to 11pm. Last order at 9.30pm.

Contact:
Spa Keraton at the Plaza, Jalan MH Thamrin, entry from Plaza Indonesia
Phone number: +62-21 5068 0000
Email: keraton.spa@luxurycollection.com
Website: Keraton Spa

Club Olympus Fitness and Welness Center at Hyatt Hotel

Club Olympus has great gym and spa facilities, but the atmosphere is not particularly charming. You will find a hammam, a sauna, hot and cold plunge pools with TV, a tennis court and a lagoon-shaped swimming pool.

Services available are reflexology, facials, scrubs, and body massages.

Prices:
Rp330,000 for a 60 minutes Traditional Javanese Massage or Swedish Massage. In-room massage possible.

Opening Hours:
Daily from 6am to 11pm

Address:
Olympus Fitness and Wellness Centre, Hotel Hyatt, Jalan M. H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 2992 1234
Email: jakarta.grand@hyatt.com

Fit and Spa - The Spa by Pullman

Fit and Spa is the official name of the spas in both Pullman hotels in Jakarta (Central Park and Thamrin). They are a bit cheaper than other spas but they are recommended because their facilities are still quite new. In particular, they have Vichy showers and a traditional hammam.

Prices:
Indonesian traditonal massage + Javanese scrub: Rp580,000++ for 120 minutes
Couple Package (signature aromatic massage, body scrub, facial, mask): Rp1,790,000++ for 3 hours per couple

Operating hours:
Every day from 10am to midnight for Thamrin, from 9am to midnight for Central Park.

Addresses:
Pullman Thamrin
Jl. M.H. Thamrin 59, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 31 92 1111
Email : H8491@accor.com
Website: Spa Pullman Thamrin Jakarta

Pullman Central Park
Jl. Let. Jend. S. Parman Kav. 28, West Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 29 20 00 88
Email: info@pullmanjakartacentralpark.com
Website: Spa Pullman Central Park Jakarta

Spa at Raffles Hotel Jakarta

The newest hotel in this list, Raffles, opened in March 2015. The spa is still close but it will feature modern facilities including steam room, cold pool, experience showers and a beauty salon.

Address:
Raffles Jakarta
Ciputra World 1, Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 2988 0888
Website: Raffles Spa

Within the next few years, two new properties will open brand new spas in Jakarta: Four Season Hotel (2018 after refurbishment) and the St Regis Jakarta in Gatot Subroto.

2 hotel spas have the reputation of being popular with the gay crowd: Sari Pan Pacific Hotel and Millennium Sirih Hotel, both in Central Jakarta.

Photo source: Instagram
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21 Best Weekend Brunches in Jakarta

October 4, 2015, 7:56 am
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Sunday or Saturday brunches in Jakarta are one of the best things you can do here during the weekend. The prices are usually very reasonable without alcohol, starting 30$ per person.

I only listed here information about the weekend brunches available in luxury hotels. You also have many brunches served in independent restaurants, but they generally do not have as much choice and they are not served as buffets. You can try those in Loewy or Koi for instance.

This is the list of the best weekend brunches in Jakarta, ranked in no particular order. Please leave a comment below if you think I forgot a great address.


C’s Steak at Hyatt Hotel
Specialties: Char-grilled steaks, seafood (lobsters, oysters, prawns), healthy salads

Time: Every Sunday from 11.30am to 3pm

Price:
Rp. 700,000++ per person
Rp. 900,000 ++ per person with white or red wine
Rp. 1,100,000++per person including wine and champagne

Reservation is mandatory:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 2992 1383
Email: cs.ghjakarta@hyatt.com


Bengawan at Keraton at the Plaza 
Specialty: Most expensive brunch in Jakarta with oysters, lobsters, caviar, foie gras, kobe beef and champagne.

Time:
Every Saturday and Sunday from 12am to 3pm

Price:
Rp1,345,000++ inclusive of free flow Billecart-Salmon Champagne
Rp595,000++ without alcohol
Rp297,500++ for kids under 12 years old

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 5068 0000


Spectrum Fairmont Jakarta
Specialties: All kinds of mojitos, fresh seafood (oysters, lobsters, shellfish), foie gras, dim sum, Indian food (tandoori), Sunday roast, pork station (crispy pork belly, cold cuts), desserts

Time:
Every Sunday from 12am to 3pm

Price:
Rp595,000++ per person
Rp1,200,000++ per person with free flow alcohol

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21) 2970 3333
Email: reservations.jakarta@fairmont.com


Rosso at Shangri-La Jakarta
Specialties: Italian cuisine (antipasti, Italian cheese, charcuterie, seafood, live pasta, italian desserts). Guests can also choose one of the dishes of Rosso’s regular à la carte menu.

Time:
Every Sunday and Saturday from 11.30am to 2.30pm

Price: 
Rp470,000++ without alcohol
Rp575,000++ including free flow prosecco and wine

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21) 2939 9562


Rasa Intercontinental Hotel
Specialties: Family brunch with access to swimming pool. Colorful kid’s buffet. BBQ grill, sushis, tandoor, wok dishes.

Time:
Every Sunday 11.30am to 3pm

Price:
Rp 375.000++ per person

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 2939 9562 


Scusa at Intercontinental Hotel
Specialties: Italian dishes. Antipasti served at the table. Buffet stations with pastas, Italian regional specialties, cheeses.

Time:
Every Sunday from 11.30am to 3pm

Prices:
IDR 395,000++

Reservation:
Phone number: +6221 2514188


Signature Restaurant at Kempinski
Specialties: Western food, Indonesian food, Chinese food, Japanese buffet. Kids friendly.

Time:
Every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm

Price:
Rp360,000++ per person with ice tea and water

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 21 2358 3898
Email: signatures.jakarta@kempinski.com


Pearl Restaurant at JW Marriott
Specialties: "Sunday Yam Cha or Yum Cha" with peking duck, shrimps, double boiled soup, Hong-Kong style dim-sum.

Time:
Every Sunday from 10am to 3pm

Price:
Rp300.000++ per person

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 5798 8992


Lyon Restaurant at Mandarin Oriental
Specialties: French food, including oysters and foie gras and breakfast specialties such as crêpes, french toasts or eggs benedict. You can order your food from the table. 

Time: 
Every Saturday from 11.30am to 2.30pm

Price:
Rp428,000++ per person without alcohol, including chilled juices, coffee and tea
Rp628,000++ per person with selected wines and beer

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 2993 8888
Email: mojkt-enquiries@mohg.com


Xin Hwa at Mandarin Oriental
Specialties: Dim Sum Brunch

Time: 
Every Saturday from 10am to 12am (first session) and from 12.30am to 2.30pm (second session)

Every Sunday from 12am to 2pm (first session) and from 2pm to 4pm (second session)

Price:
Rp268,000++ per person (Rp134,000 for kids between 5 and 10 years old).

Reservation:
Phone number: + 62 (0) 21  2993 8825
Email: mojkt-enquiries@mohg.com


Cinnamon Restaurant at Mandarin Oriental
Specialties:
Freshly-prepared seafood BBQ 

Time:
Every Sunday from 12am to 3pm

Price:
Rp378,000 Nett (inclusive  of chilled juices, coffee and tea)

Reservation:
Phone number: + 62 (0) 21 2993 8823
Email: mojkt-cinnamon@mohg.com


Il Mare at Hotel Mulia
Specialties: Modern Italian seafood, meat and pasta. Live music.

Time:
Every Sunday from 11am to 2.30pm (last order)

Prices:
Rp588,000++ with sparkling wine, red and white wine, beer and selected cocktails
Rp468,000++ without alcohol (including juices and soft drinks)
Rp228,000++ for children

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 5753272


Table 8 at Hotel Mulia
Specialties: Szechuan and Cantonese favorites with Chinese tea counter. Dim Sum.

Time:
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 8am to 2.30pm (last order)

Price:
Rp338,000++

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 5747777


Orient 8 at Hotel Mulia
Specialties: French, Thai and Vietnamese food with imported French cheese

Time:
Every Sunday from 11am to 2.30pm

Prices:
Rp538,000++ with free flow wine (including sparkling)
Rp418,000++ without alcohol
Rp258,000++ for children

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 5753278


Edogin at Hotel Mulia
Specialties: Japanese food with sushi bar, robatayaki and teppanyaki

Time:
Every Saturday and Sunday from 12am to 2.30pm

Prices:
Rp379,000++ for adults
Rp209,000++ for children

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 5753274


Pacific at Ritz Carlton Pacific Place
Specialties:
Seasonal buffet, international cuisine. Signature items: Foie gras, oysters, sushis, beef ribs, tacos

Time:
Every Sunday from 12am

Price:
Rp658,000++ with alcohol (wine, sparkling wine, beer)
Rp358,000++ without alcohol
Rp188,000++ for children under 12

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 2550 1888


Asia at Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan
Specialties:
International cuisine with live music. Kids corner.

Time:
Every Saturday and every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm

Price: 
Saturday:
Rp438,000++ per person with free flow of wine, beer and bloody mary cocktails.
Rp. 288,000++ per person with iced tea only

Sunday:
Rp408,000++ with free flow of wine, beer and bloody mary cocktails.
Rp258,000++ with iced tea only

Reservation:
Phone:  +62 (0) 21 2551 8888


Sana Sini at Pullman Thamrin
Specialties:
International food with kids corner and activities

Time:
Every Sunday from 12am to 3pm

Price:
Rp789,600 nett with alcohol
Rp459,800 nett without alcohol

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 390 6444
Email: H8491-fb3@accor.com


Collage at Pullman Central Park
Specialties: Champagne brunch

Time:
Every Saturday and Sunday from 12am to 3pm

Price: Rp800,000++

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 29 20 00 88
Email:  info@pullmanjakartacentralpark.com


Arts Cafe at Raffles Jakarta
Specialties: International cuisine, classic food.

Time:
Every Sunday

Price:
Rp800,000++ with wine and beer
Rp550,000++ without alcohol
Rp275,000++ for kids under 12 years old

Reservation:
Email: concierge.jakarta@raffles.com


Shang Palace at Shangri La Hotel
Specialties: Dim sum buffet and Chinese cuisine

Time:
Every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 2.30pm

Price:
248,000++ without alcohol, only tea

Reservation:
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 2939 9562
Email: fbreservation.slj@shangri-la.com

Photo credit: All pictures from Instagram
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25 Best Markets and Shopping Streets to Visit in Jakarta

October 11, 2015, 5:22 am
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Apart from the ubiquitous malls, Jakarta is filled with traditional markets and shopping streets. This review covers all the shopping areas to visit as a tourist. Some of them are very famous and some completely off-the-beaten track.

I've listed them in 4 different categories:
  • Traditional markets used by Indonesians for their daily household needs
  • Interesting shopping streets for the tourist or the urban explorer
  • Low-cost / wholesale shopping centers and malls with fake goods and great bargains
  • Specialty markets (Precious stones, birds, flowers, fish, etc...)

There are probably a lot more places worth mentioning so don't hesitate to comment below if necessary.

Traditional markets in Jakarta
Traditional markets in Jakarta are managed by Pasar Jaya, a public company controlled by the provincial government. There are around 150 traditional markets all around Jakarta, with over 100,000 stalls and 2,000,000 daily visitors. The opening hours may vary but they will always be the most crowded early morning. I only visited a few, often by coincidence:

Pasar Rumput
Pasar Rumput and nearby Pasar Manggis are quite old and kind of dirty. If you are adventurous though, they will provide plenty of great photo opportunities. They are located along the Manggarai railroad, not far from Jalan Sudirman so they are quite easy to reach.

Pasar Manggis, Jalan Guntur, Setiabudi, 12970
Pasar RumputJalan Raya Sultan Agung No.4, Setiabudi, 0218296376

Pasar Petojo
Pasar Petojo Ilik and Petojo Enclek are nearby traditional markets in relatively good condition. Very colourful, the outside has a lot of small shops selling fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and meat.

Pasar Petojo Enclek, Jalan Suryo Pranoto Gang IX, Petojo Selatan
Pasar Petojo Ilir, Jalan A.M. Sangaji, No.16-18, 003/04, 0216329375

Pasar Mayestic
Pasar Mayestik is located in the affluent district of Kebayoran Baru. For this reason, you may see some expats going there. It is popular for fashion and fabrics.

Pasar Mayestik, Jalan Tebah III, Kebayoran Baru, 0217209918 / 021 722 2294

Pasar Pagi Kota
Pasar Pagi is not far from Taman Fatahillah (see below). Painted with bright colours, it is teeming with life, especially outside. It is a good idea to visit it on a day trip to Kota.

Pasar Pagi, Jalan Petak Baru, Malaka, Tambora 11230, 0216927675

Pasar Blok A Fatmawati
If you are an expat living in South Jakarta, you will find that Pasar Blok A is conveniently located. It is similar with other traditional markets with a large choice of food, fruits, vegetables, spices, meat and fish. A revitalisation of the market is planned in the upcoming years.

Pasar Blok A, Jalan R.S. Fatmawati Raya, 008/09, Kebayoran Baru, 0217393088

Shopping streets for tourists

Taman Fatahillah
Taman Fatahillah is probably the number one thing to do in Jakarta for tourists, both local and foreign. Naturally, lots of street vendors are trying to sell anything from precious stones to fake watches and temporary tattoos. 

Jalan Pemenangan (Glodok)
Jalan Pemenangan is a small street off Jalan Pancoran. It is the street that bring you to the Dharma Bhakti Temple. Most shop keepers are Indo-Chinese and sell from frogs to fireworks. Don't forget to walk in the small gangs (tiny streets). It is one of the few areas in Jakarta with becak (cycle rickshaw) and sepeda ojek (bicycle taxi).

Petak Sembilan
In the heart of Glodok, Petak Sembilan is one of the best streets to visit if you are a tourist in Jakarta. It has an indoor market with mostly Chinese goods and ingredients for Chinese cuisine. I recommend you to visit during Chinese New Year. There is also great street food stalls nearby.

Jalan Pintu Besar Selatan
Jalan Pintu Besar Selatan is located at the end of Jalan Gajah Mada. It is popular with street artists and caricaturists. It can be visited on a day trip to Kota as well.

Jalan Thamrin on Car Free Day
Every Sunday from 6am to 11am, Jalan Thamrin and Jalan Sudirman are blocked to cars from Sarinah to Plaza Senayan. Near Plaza Indonesia, you have a sort of Sunday market with mostly clothes and fashion accessories.

Pasar Santa
Pasar Santa or Shanta is a traditional market, still managed by Pasar Jaya, that recently turned into a trendy spot for young Jakartans. Located in a rich neighborhood, many of its shops are now targeting hipsters, expats and students.
Photo by Reyna Jung

Low cost / wholesale shopping centers and malls

Tanah Abang
Tanah Abang is probably the craziest shopping experience you can have in Jakarta. It is made of several markets, malls, blocks and shopping streets that will probably get you lost. Most shops sell clothes and fabrics, in particular Muslim wear. Don't hesitate to go on the small streets such as Jati Baru or Jelita: They are the closest you'll get from an arab-style open-air bazaar in Jakarta.

Pasar Baru
Constructed in 1820, Pasar Baru is one of the oldest markets in Jakarta. An institution in the city, it is famous for its large and affordable choice of fabrics and tailor shops, many of whom are owned by Indonesians from Indian ancestry. You will also find sports accessories, glasses, gold and shoes shops.

Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua
Mangga Dua is made of several malls, from low-end to mid-range. Pasar Pagi is one of them. It is a multi-storey wholesale shopping center with tons of great deals on clothes, especially if you buy large quantities. Not to be confused with Pasar Pagi in Kota listed above.

Pasar Senen
Pasar Senen is the oldest traditional market in Jakarta. Located next to Senen Atrium and the Senen rail / bus station, it was severely affected by a fire in 2014. You will find some cheap bags, shoes, luggage, glasses and vintage clothes.

Blok M Square
Located next to Blok M Plaza, Blok M Square is a popular shopping center, particularly for clothes. It also has a wide range of electronics, phones, kid's games and accessories.

Pasar Subuh Blok M Square, Jalan Melawai V, Kebayoran Baru, 0217262295

Pasar Induk Kramat Jati
As the biggest traditional wholesale market in Southeast Asia, Pasar Induk Kramat Jati is open 24 hours a day. In particular, you will find endless fruits and vegetables shops. Due to its off-center position, it is not as popular with tourists as it should. 

Specialty markets (Precious stones, birds, flowers, etc...)

Pramuka Bird Market
Pramuka is a bird and pet market started in 1975. It has attracted some bad reputation recently as a center for endangered species trafficking.

Pasar Burung Pramuka, Jalan Pramuka, Matraman, East Jakarta

Flower Market Pasar Bunga Rawa Belong
With over 430 shops, the flower market of Rawa Belong is reputed to be one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Prices are easily 20% less than anywhere else in the city. It is best to avoid street sellers and go directly inside the market. Bargain hard. Photo by https://instagram.com/fxheri/

Pasar Bunga Rawa Belong (Flower market), Jalan Sulaiman No.1, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta

Gem Market (Precious stones) - Rawa Bening
There are several places to buy gemstones in Jakarta, including several temporary exposition. One of the most famous is the Jakarta Gems Center in Pasar Rawa Bening, East Jakarta. Prices are very cheap but be careful to buy from reputed sellers only.

Jakarta Gems Center (Pasar Batu Akik), Jalan Bekasi Barat Raya No. 2, Jatinegara, East Jakarta, 0218197064

Antiques / Handicraft: Jalan Surabaya and Jalan Kebon Sirih Timur
Jalan Surabaya and Jalan Kebon Sirih Timur are both in Menteng, distant by a few kilometers. On both, you will find many antiques, Indonesian artefacts and souvenir shops. Prices are not fixed so you will need to be a tough negotiator. There are many fake objects too. The good thing is you can get prices much lower than in any of the specialized boutiques in Kemang or Bali.

Fish market: Pasar Ikan Luan Batang
Pasar Ikan Luar Batang is nice to visit for several reasons. It is just in front of the Bahari Museum (Maritime Museum) and from there, you can take a nice stroll to the Luar Batang mosque nearby. The fish market in itself is smaller than the one in Muara Angke listed below.

Pasar Ikan Luar Batang, Jalan Pasar Ikan 14-15, 011/04, Penjaringan, 0216621556

Fish: Pasar Ikan Muara Angke
The fish market in Muara Angke is the largest in Southeast Asia. It is recommended to visit it early morning. You have some great seafood restaurants as well, making the trip a must-do if you live in Jakarta.

Pasar Ikan Muara Angke (Fish Market), Jalan Dermaga I, Pluit, Penjaringan

Fruits and Vegetables: Pasar Minggu
Located in the South of Jakarta, Pasar Minggu is known for its large fruit and vegetables market, especially popular on Sunday. The area used to be cultivated but most of it is now residential housing.

Viagra, sex toys and accessories: Jalan Gadja Mada
Starting 10pm every night, dozens of small shops open on Jalan Gajah Mada and Jalan Mangga Besar. Here you can find a multitude of medication to make your manhood bigger and stronger. Some stalls also sell sex toys, blue movies (porn), condoms and weird accessories.
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Should Jakartans Be Shocked by this Topless Statue?

October 13, 2015, 10:46 am
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I was recently walking in the mall Artha Gading in Kelapa Gading and found this statue of a topless woman.

It made me laugh but I was thinking that in the US or Australia, some mom would have probably asked the management to remove it. See this story for instance about the Department of Justice spending $8,000 to cover topless statues. In Indonesia, kids, families and women with headscarves were walking next to it and nobody seemed to care.

Is it a sign that Indonesians can be more open-minded and less conservative than many foreigners?
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34 Most Beautiful Miss Indonesia Contestants Ever

October 19, 2015, 2:19 pm
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There are two beauty pageants in Indonesia. Miss Indonesia, sponsored by Martha Tilaar, was created in 2005 and it is related to the Miss World contest.

Puteri Indonesia is sponsored by Mustika Ratu and it has existed since 1992. The winner of the pageant gets a ticket to go to Miss Universe.

I chose the 34 most beautiful girls to have ever competed in either one of these competitions. They are ranked in no particular order. All photos were taken from their social media accounts (twitter, facebook, instagram). 

Anindya Kusuma Putri, Puteri Indonesia 2015, was born in 1992. Originally from Semarang, Central Java, she studied Urban and Regional Planning at Diponegoro University where she was President of AIESEC. She is 1,76m tall.

Elvira Devinamira is one of the hottest Puteri Indonesia ever. She was crowned Miss Indonesia 2014 at 21 (born 28 june 1993) and she went on to be among the top 15 contestants at Miss Universe 2014.

She studied in law in Airlangga University in Surabaya (one of the best in the country for law). She is 1,77m tall. 

Whulandary Herman is a beautiful Padangnese model and actress from Pariaman, West Sumatra. She was born on June 26th, 1989 and was crowned Puteri Indonesia 2013. She also reached the semi finals of the Miss Universe 2013 beauty pageant (Top 16). She is 1,76m tall.

A Javanese by blood, Maria Selena was born in Palembang on September 24th, 1990. She was Puteri Indonesia in 2011 and she participated in Miss Universe 2011. She is a graduate from ITB Bandung and a talented basketball player.

Born in 1991, Qory Sandioriva was the youngest woman to win the crown of Puteri Indonesia, just a few months after she turned 18 (2009). She was also the first one from Aceh (she is half sunda, half aceh), which caused a problem because she did not wear a jilbab like previous contestants from the province. She is a student at the University of Indonesia, majoring in French literature. She is 1,73m.

Rhesa Putri Junia was born in 1993. She entered several beauty pageants including Wajah Femina 2014, Aneka Yess Magz 2008 and Miss Earth Indonesia 2013. She is a student in Mercu Buana University and she measures 1,74m.

Artika Sari Devi won Puteri Indonesia in 2004 and reached the semi finals of Miss Universe. She also graduated from the Gajah Mada University in Yogyakarta and appeared in the movie "Opera Jawa". She is 1,68m and she was born on September 29th, 1979.

Ayu Pratiwi was Puteri Indonesia Pariwisata in 2009 (title of the 2nd runner up for Puteri Indonesia). A favorite of the public, she had main roles in several movies and sinetron too. She was born on May 23, 1987.

Sheryltha Pratyscha was Miss East Java in 2014 and participant in the Puteri Indonesia contest in 2015. Born in Malang on August 1st, 1994, she is a student in International Relations in the University Brawijaya.

Liza Elly Purnamasari is a beautiful girl born in Malang. She has participated in a lot of contest, including Puteri Indonesia (1st runner up in 2011), Miss International and Miss Earth Indonesia. She is also a TV host and she graduated from the London School of Public Relations in Jakarta. She measures 175cm.

Chintya Fabyola is a sexy Indonesian beauty pageant who was became runner up to Puteri Indonesia Anindya Kusuma Putri in 2015 at just 20 years old. Originally from West Kalimantan (Pontianak), she studied Business Administration in Politeknik Negeri Pontianak. She is 1,70m.

Alessandra Usman was 2nd runner up to Puteri Indonesia 2010 and 1st runner up to the Miss Asia Pacific World 2011 beauty pageant. A native from Gorontalo in Sulawesi, she is 1,68m.

Super cute Inesh Putri Tjiptadi Chandra was born on September 5th, 1989. She won the Miss Indonesia title and represented Indonesia to Miss World 2012.

Originally from Bali, she launched a few businesses in the island. She dated Chef Juna and she is now with Adrian Khoo (behind Bali Gourmet Catering). She also started a professional golfing career and was a member of the Indonesian golf team.

Born on April 29th, 1993, Oky Putri represented Jakarta in the 2015 Miss Indonesia pageant, finishing in the Top 7.


Born on January 20th, 1992, Maria Harfanti was voted Miss Indonesia in 2015. She is a student in management at Universitas Indonesia. She is 1,75m tall and was born in Yogyakarta.

Born on June 23, 1995 and originally from Lampung, Fadhila Hananing is a student in hotel management in Trisakti University in Jakarta. She joined Miss Indonesia in 2014 and finished in the Top 7.

Nadine Alexandra Dewi Ames was Puteri Indonesia in 2010 and represented Indonesia in the Miss Universe 2011 competition. She was born on May 23rd, 1991 and she is 1,71m tall.

Dinantiar Anditra represented Jakarta in the Puteri Indonesia 2011 pageant. She was also the first runner up in the 2009 Wajah Femina. She was born on May 16th, 1989 and she is 1,70m tall.

The hot Andi Natassa was born in South Sulawesi on August 11th, 1992 and finished 2nd runner up in the Puteri Indonesia 2011. She also participated in the Miss Asia Pacific World 2012. She studied International Business in the Swiss German University. She is 1,72m.

Faradina Mufti Rachmawati was one of the contestants for Puteri Indonesia 2011, representing the Jakarta province. She finished in the top 10. She was born in Yogyakarta on December 1st, 1989.

Cok Istri Krisnanda Widani, born in Bali on March 27th, 1992 was the 2nd runner up of Puteri Indonesia 2013. She was also the 3rd runner up at the Miss Supranational beauty pageant. She studied Communication at Udayana University. She is 1,72m.

Gresya Amanda Maaliwuga was the 2nd runner up at the 2015 Puteri Indonesia. Originally from Ternate (Moluccas), she represented North Sulawesi. She is 1,75m tall and she was born on May 27th, 1995.

Maria Rizky Chrisliany was a finalist of Puteri Indonesia 2014, representing Manado. She also appeared on the cover of Male Magazine. She was born on May 1988.

Born on February 7th, 1995, Vensca Veronica Tanus is from Gorontalo in Sulawesi. With her typical Manadonese beauty, she was a finalist in Puteri Indonesia 2014 at 19. She is now studying in Surabaya and she is 1,69m.

Bebie Ayura was born on October 5th, 1994 and she is 173cm tall. She is currently studying medicine in Medan. Raised in Balikpapan, she represented East Kalimantan for Puteri Indonesia 2014.

Elfin Pertiwi Rappa is a beautiful, quirky Indonesian girl who became the 1st runner up of the Puteri Indonesia beauty pageant in 2014. Born on September 23rd, 1995, she was only 18 at the time. She then ranked 10th at the Miss International 2014 competition. She is originally from Palembang, South Sumatra where she is studying Management at Sriwijaya University. She is 1,70m.

Savina Wibowo is a beautiful Indonesian woman. She was first runner up in the 2015 Miss Indonesia contest, representing South Sumatra. She is also the youngest person on this list as she was born on January 14th, 1997.

The stunning Maria Asteria Sastrayu Rahajeng was born on October 3rd, 1991 in Central Java. She won the crown of Miss Indonesia in 2014 and was placed in the Top 25 at Miss World 2014. Her height is 168cm. Her instagram account is the best I've seen.

Bunga Ghassani is your ideal girlfriend. A kind of easy-going girl next door who happens to be blessed with beautiful traits. She was born in 1995, she is 170cm tall and she was a finalist of Miss Indonesia 2014.

Born in 1995 and 167cm tall, Indah Kusuma was among the top 15 contestants of Miss Indonesia 2014, and she won the award "Miss Beauty with a Purpose". She is currently a medical student in the University Jenderal Achmad Yani in Bandung.

Windi Dwi Apsari represented Gorontalo in Miss Indonesia 2014. She is a student in Jakarta in the London School of Public Relations and she is a reminder that girls in North Sulawesi are among the hottest in Indonesia.

Vania Larissa from West Kalimantan (Pontianak) was crowned Miss Indonesia in 2013. Born on November 8, 1995, she was only 17 when she received her trophy. She also won Indonesia's Got Talent in 2010 with her singing and music skills. She ranked in the top 10 at Miss World 2013 held in Bali. In July 2015, she married Wilson Pesik, heir of the owner of Terry Palmer Indonesia.

Anastasia Praditha was Miss Banten and she finished in the top 15 for Miss Indonesia 2012. Born on November 30th, 1993, she is currently a TV host for TVRI.

Putu Tri Bulan Utami was one of the top 15 contestants in Miss Indonesia 2011. In particular, she won the award for best body. Born on April 19th, 1994, she is originally from Bali.

I probably missed a few beautiful contestants of Miss Indonesia and Puteri Indonesia. What is your favorite? Please share with me by commenting below!
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12 DJs I Want to See in Jakarta in 2016

October 27, 2015, 4:37 am
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If there is any club owner/manager reading this website, please invite one of the following DJs/Musicians to play in Jakarta :-)

Full playlist and more available here: Playlist Jakarta100bars 2016

Gui Boratto

Stephan Bodzin

Extrawelt

Recondite

Oliver Schories

Max Cooper

Kollektiv Turmstrasse

Dominik Eulberg

Andre Sobota

Marek Hemmann

Paul Kalkbrenner

James Holden - Nathan Fake
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Why Restaurants in Jakarta Should Serve Free Water

July 16, 2015, 9:41 am
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Do you know that restaurants make their highest margins on bottled water?
Very few restaurants in Jakarta will offer free water to their clients. And even if you are willing to pay, more and more venues will only give you a tiny 330ml bottle instead of at least 500ml so you may need to buy a second one to quench your thirst.

I've promised myself to boycott any places using this trick as I believe it is an indication of poor customer service. Unfortunately, it is so common that I may have to blacklist all the restaurants in Jakarta if I want to abide by that rule.

Would you pay to use a restaurant's toilets or parking space?

I don't visit restaurants to buy water. I have water at home or I can buy it easily in any convenience store. I go to restaurants to eat food that I cannot cook myself. Incidentally, I need to drink because that's a natural and healthy part of any meal. It is not a choice but a necessity. 

It is the same reason I would not pay for using the toilets or for parking (and you probably wouldn't either). All are a peripheral activities that a restaurant should include as part of their services.

Is it too expensive to serve free water in Jakarta?

Tap water is normally free in most countries I've been to, provided you order a meal of course. In France or Italy for instance, you will get free water and free bread pretty much anywhere.

Restaurants owners in Jakarta would argue that it would be more costly here because there is no drinkable tap water. That's a poor excuse: A 19-liter gallon of Aqua costs 15,000rp, so it would amount to approximately 400rp per person drinking half a liter. To cover their cost, they could just add a reasonable surcharge of a few thousand rupiah.

What can justify a 1,500% markup?

The only reason you are not served free water is that those restaurants want to force you to pay for drinks. A small aqua bottle costs a little over Rp1,000 and can be sold up to 15,000rp. That's a 90% margin. I have to admit that it's hard to resist such easy money.

Yet, even if restaurants make some profit, this policy is short sighted. Customers are not stupid and they are aware of what they end up paying. They know that the dish advertised at 65,000rp++ may finally cost well over 100,000rp once the drinks and the 21% tax and service have been added. The result: Restaurants are losing business because of their greed.

Look how fast venues are opening and closing down in Jakarta. It sometimes takes less than 6 months for the full cycle to happen. In most cases, people visit a place after it opens just to try it, but they don't come back because they are not getting enough value for their rupiahs.

Based on my experience, if a restaurant wants to survive more than 5 years in Jakarta, it needs at least one of the following:
- A popular brand name or a powerful network of clients (Union, Ismaya)
- A long term lease or, even better, ownership of the building (Otel Lobby)
- A captive clientele due to its strategic location (hotel restaurants)
- Money from corruption or from illegal activities
- Exceptional customer satisfaction

If you own a restaurant and you don't belong to one of the first 4 categories, you need to start thinking immediately about how you can provide customers with the satisfaction they are looking for. How about not cheating them? Remember that this is not Bali but Jakarta where repeat visits based on trust are a crucial part of success.

Last but not least, here is another obvious reason for not serving bottled water:
Littered Double Six Beach in Bali (Seminyak)
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Sikh Temple Gurdwara (Pasar Baru, Jakarta)

July 17, 2015, 11:25 pm
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Visiting the Sikh Temple Gurdwara, just a few hundred meters away from Pasar Baru market, is one of the most interesting and original things you can do in Jakarta.

Indonesia has approximately 15,000 sikhs, most of whom live in Jakarta or Medan. I was told that there is a slight difference in the origin of the two communities. Most Sikhs in Medan came to Indonesia as warriors for the Dutch army in the 19th century, while Sikhs who came to Jakarta were mostly traders and businessmen.

Built in 1955, the Gurdwara Sikh Temple in Pasar Baru is the largest in Jakarta. There is another one in Tanjung Priok (built in 1925) and two smaller ones in Ciputat and Tangerang. All were built by Sikhs families from Medan who migrated to the capital.

To enter the temple, you must obey certain rules such as taking off your shoes, washing your hands and feet, and wearing something to cover your head. You can borrow a hat or a veil at the entrance if needed.

The main prayer room is on the ground floor:
The Vaisakhi (Punjab harvest festival) and Gurupurbs (festivals dedicated to one of Sikhism 10 gurus) are celebration days that make a visit even more interesting. They also have weddings, which are held in the second floor:
Wedding room of Gurdwara Sikh Temple Pasar Baru
Since the temple is not exactly a tourist attraction, it is best to make a phone call before visiting (see below for contact details). Ideally, the caretaker can take you around as he did with me and he can tell you a bit of history about the Sikh community in Jakarta.

You can also go there early morning between 6am and 9am, during prayer time. A free meal of Indian/Punjabi food is offered to anyone visiting, whatever their religion. It seems there are also some Sindhis who come to Gurdwara to pray as well. 
Yes free Indian food every day!
Gurdwara Sikh Temple
Jalan Pasar Baru Timur No 10
Central Jakarta, Indonesia
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 - 3843338 / 3453734 
Surprisingly, it has two Facebook pages: Gurdawara or Sikh Temple Jakarta

Visitors can request accommodation too.
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Why So Many Indonesians Resent the West?

August 6, 2015, 9:45 am
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If you can read or understand Indonesian, you will discover that while almost everyone condemns the Paris attacks, many are bitter. It has become impossible to express grief for France without being shamed because “other people have died before and you didn’t grieve for them”.

Among Indonesians posting on Facebook, the most popular statuses are not the compassionate ones. Instead, you will read things like "I won't pray for Paris because Paris didn't pray for Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon". Western medias are accused of being biased and having double standards whenever Muslims are involved. Some go further and imply that it is normal to be attacked because France attacked Muslims countries and killed innocent civilians.

Most comments mention humiliation, abuse or neglect they consider developing countries are facing from developed nations. In particular, Muslims feel they are being victimized and blamed whenever there is a terrorist attack. Many believe that ISIS is in fact a creation of Israel and the US to spur troubles in the Middle East (no joke, you can see it here for instance: Was Isis Created by America?). 

Some people feel Facebook is forcing them to use the French flag filter and that it is, again, a proof that lives in the West are worth more than in the rest of the World. This reminded me of the executions earlier this year: Many Indonesians were against clemency because they felt that sparing the inmates' lives would be a sign of submission to foreign influence.

This illustrates the resentment towards the West in Indonesia, even though few Indonesians would directly admit it. For some people, this anger becomes hate. And for some, it becomes madness. I’m convinced that this is exactly the kind of feeling terrorists had in their heart when they blew themselves up. They are no different in that sense from the lone wolves that regularly go on shooting sprees in the US.

A major misunderstanding exists because few Westerners are aware of this silent hatred. Behind the smiles, the “Hello Mister” and the fascination for "white skin", few of them really understand how they are perceived in Indonesia. 

A Negative Perception Based on Stereotypes
Westerners are seen as being rich as a result of the exploitation of the wealth from poorer countries. The difference in wealth is seen as unfair. This is further exacerbated by the feeling that all Westerners have an easily life with cash growing in their backyards. This rhetoric is conveniently repeated by the Indonesian elites (for instance Jokowi here) to shift the blame from themselves to the West in order to justify the poor economical results of the country. 

On the contrary, Westerners will blame corruption for the country’s lack of development. Just look at the list of the World’s most corrupt countries and you can see the obvious link between corruption and development. Corrupt countries are poor, non-corrupt countries are rich. It’s as simple as that.

Westerners are also often viewed as arrogant, rude and “acting like kings”. This is something I can understand as I’ve often seen visitors behave in ways that are not acceptable. In a country where politeness, pride and respect are valued so highly, it is not surprising that many Westerners do not fit. But to say that all foreigners are disrespectful in such ways is racist and untrue. Ask a maid if she prefers being employed by an expat family or an Indonesian family and you’ll see what she has to say...

Another reason Indonesians feel humiliated is that they believe Western countries are racist. Again, while racism exist and is a major issue in Western societies, it is simplistic and dangerous to generalize. Anti-racists are much more numerous and represent the majority of the people. There are no laws in Europe/US/Australia discriminating against the color of one’s skin or a religion. On the contrary, the reason many people from all races are looking to immigrate in those countries is that they know they will benefit from the same rights as others.

In France, it is actually easy for foreigners to obtain citizenship compared to Indonesia, even for “non-white”. Citizenship means that people get access to free medical care, free schooling and social benefits.

Are Indonesians Made to Hate the West?
While there is some legitimate reasons for Indonesians to feel angered by the West, I think that some people try to make things look worse than they really are because they benefit from this hatred.

As I mentioned before, the political elites will explain that the country is not developing as fast as, say Singapore or Japan, because of foreign countries and companies. They will blame also blame colonization, forgetting Indonesia has been independent for 70 years now.

More worrying, I think that some organizations are politically and religiously motivated. For instance, you will notice that Indonesians are obsessed with Jews and Israel. It is not surprising considering the money being poured in the country from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

You would be surprised how little a typical Indonesian know about Palestine/Israel, yet almost all Indonesians I know will say they don’t like Jews. Anti semitism is so widespread it is like a reflex that does not need any justification.
The country is not short of contradictions when it come to the Israeli/Palestine conflict. They will support the Palestinians' right to their lands while refusing the same right to Papuans. They will shout "Save Palestinians" but they closed the door to a few hundred Rohingyas. They will mix in the internal politics of Israel but criticize any country interfering with Indonesian internal politics. If you ask them about Tibetans, Kurds, or Armenians, they will wonder what you are talking about.

Most information victimizing Muslims is not accurate. I could give tons of example. For instance, saying that there is no media coverage of the death of Palestinians or Syrians is plain wrong. There is not a day without news from the Middle East in Western media. 

In France, I have heard about the plight of Palestinians every single day since I’m a kid. There is not one topic that is more widely discussed that this one. Every single day you hear about protests, calls for boycotts, exhibitions, charity trips, etc, in favour of Palestinians. There is not an earthquake, a tornado, a bombing, etc that is not reported in the media. We follow everything and we care each time. 

The bombing in Beirut made the headlines of all French newspapers. To accuse French people, and Westerners of not caring for those lives is insulting and hurting. Worse, I think it is a lie intended to create more hatred and to break any possibilities of people uniting.

I was reading a very interesting interview (in French) of an anthropologist, Dounia Bouzar, explaining that the brainwashing of future jihadist starts with the victimization of Muslims. ISIS recruiters show them videos of civilian deaths in Syria, Myanmar, Irak or Palestine and tell them that the rest of the World does not care. Sounds familiar?

I would be very curious to know who were the first persons spreading rumors that the Lebanon attack was not reported on media.
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Draft Gastropub (Manila)

October 7, 2015, 9:04 pm
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Draft Gastropub is a small chain of European-style pubs in Manila. They have 3 locations at the moment in the expat-heavy areas of BGC (The Fort) and Makati (Greenbelt 2 and Rockwell).

They serve European food, including Mussels, Steaks, Pastas, Sausages, Burgers for around 400-500 PHP per person. It is above average but far from the quality you would actually get in Europe. On the menu, they do offer a wide range of imported beers.  Don't get your hopes too high as they often have problems with their stocks. Prices range from 170 PHP (Heineken) to 550 PHP (Delirium Tremens). That's a bit higher than in most pubs in Manila. For this reason, Draft attracts mostly young executive and expats instead of students.

Both locations are usually crowded and lively. On Friday and Saturday it might be hard to get a table without advance reservation. Most people come with groups so it is not really a bar where you can meet people. I struggled quite a bit to get noticed by the waiters when I was there, I actually had to get up and ask them for the bill because waiters were busy talking to each other.

Overall:
Draft is a decent place for meeting with friends before going out in the clubs in Makati or BGC. Not recommended if you are alone. Music was really crappy in the Fort.

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 11am to 2am (1 am on Sunday)

Addresses:
Draft Gastropub Rockwell (this branch will close soon)
3rd Floor, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City
Phone number: 02 553 2604 or +63 9177240514
Facebook: Draft Rockwell

Draft Gastropub Greenbelt 2
Level 1, Ayala Center, Makati City
Phone number: 02 9541639 or +63 9164697436
Facebook: Draft Greenbelt

Draft Gastropub BGC
The Fort, Unit C, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Phone number: 02 8469725 or +63 9178195830
Facebook: Draft The Fort

Email: draftgastropub@gmail.com
Instagram: Draft Manila
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13 Illogical Facts About Drugs in Indonesia

October 9, 2015, 5:04 am
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"Indonesia has some of the World's strictest drugs laws". 

This statement is repeated in most local and international media, but it is quite inaccurate if you look at the facts. A more realistic statement would be to say that Indonesia has some of the world's most inconsistent laws and policies against drugs.

The official rhetoric from the Government is that the country wants to protect the nation's children from the danger of drugs, yet the current policies are causing even more suffering while failing to stop drug use.

An example? Parents in Indonesia are required to denounce their own children if they become aware of them taking drugs. This causes drug users to hide their addiction to their family, and in the end prevent them from getting the support they need.

Unfortunately, there are quite many other troubling incoherences. I have found 13 of them as follow:

1) Sensationalistic speeches about drugs without any reliable statistical data


The National Drug Agency (BNN) has shown its incapacity in providing the public with credible statistics regarding the number of deaths from drug use in Indonesia.

Jokowi once spoke of 50 deaths per day, but after the figures were criticized, he started to use new ones: "33 people die of drug addition every day in Indonesia".

This number comes out of nowhere (it might be based on surveys) and it must be used with the utmost precaution. Furthermore, this number does not say whether these people died from overdose, from suicide, or from drug-related diseases such as HIV. It does not tell as well if those deaths were from heroin, ecstasy, marijuana, misused over-the-counter drugs, etc. 

Even if we consider 33 deaths per day, it means 12,045 deaths per year for a population of 250 M people. That's a 48 per million death rate.

Surprisingly, the Netherlands, one of the countries with the less punitive drug laws on the planet, has a 10.2 per million death rate only.

If the Indonesian statistics are correct, then we should wonder why the Indonesian death rate is 4 times as high as in the Netherlands. What is the point of having the World's strictest laws against drugs only to fail miserably?
    If the Indonesian statistics are incorrect, thus inflated, we have to wonder why would the government try to sensationalize the drug issue?

    I was reading an interview of one of Indonesia's top policemen, Budi Waseso, following the seizure of 2 tons of Marijuana. According to him, the 2 tons of marijuana could have killed 21 million Indonesians. This kind of statement is a proof of either abysmal ignorance or a deliberate will to fool people. 
    The Indonesian medias are also very active in spreading questionable information. Metro TV was mentioning 117,400 potential victims of marijuana per day!

    2) Making the drug issue a national priority while ignoring other preventable causes of death


    Let's give the benefit of the doubt to Jokowi and consider that there are indeed 12,045 drug-related deaths every year in Indonesia. This data should be compared to other causes of avoidable death in the country:

    Tuberculosis: Indonesia has more than 90,000 deaths from tuberculosis every year, a preventable and curable disease. Most of the efforts to fight it are not coming from the Government but from international aid agencies, namely the Global Fund. Read More on the NY Times: Losing the Fight Against Tuberculosis. 

    The fight against Malaria, which used to be one of the top causes of deaths in Indonesia is mostly undertaken by International organizations as well and almost all of its funding is foreign:
    Financing of Malaria Programs in Indonesia (WHO)
    Car accidents:  In 2002, there were just over 8,000 road deaths every year in Indonesia. In 2014, that number rose to almost 40,0000 deaths, that's a 500% increase!
    Yet, you don't see the Government declaring war on potholes nor many campaigns of prevention. 

    Tobacco kills over 200,000 persons every year in Indonesia. The number of smokers is actually rising as Indonesia is failing to tackle the issue. Isn't it ironic that the top two richest men in Indonesia are legal drug sellers -> Budi Hartono (Djarum - 16,5 billion $) and Susilo Wonowidjojo (Gudang Garam - 8 billion $)?
    Don't Quit Smoking ? Advertising for LA Lights cigarettes
    I am not saying that drug is not a problem. On the contrary, like every issue, it requires rational and pragmatic solutions. Populist, emotionally-charged speeches about "saving the nation" and "waging war on drugs", based on questionable statistics, are actually damaging. They encourage only the most punitive solutions, the ones that have failed so far everywhere else in the world.


    3) Indonesia is the country in Southeast Asia that spends the less for healthcare (after Myanmar)



    While the Indonesian Government talks a lot about the health of its citizens and how it is threatened by drugs, it actually spends very little for them. According to the World Health Organization, only 2,6% of Indonesia's GDP is spent for healthcare. 

    This is to be compared with the spendings of the following countries: Vietnam 6,8%, Thailand 3,9%, Singapore 4%, Laos 4,5%, Malaysia 4,4%, Philippines 3,6%, China 5,1%, Cambodia 5,6%, Japan 9,5%, South Korea 6,9%.

    Only Myanmar is spending less as a percentage of its GDP, namely 2%.


    4) A War on Drug, but not a War on Drug-Related Deaths


    The efforts of Indonesia to prevent drug-related deaths are very limited. Most harm reduction programs currently existing are actually financed and led by Foreign donors. 

    Drug use and the spread of HIV are intrinsically linked as it is estimated that up to 50% of injecting drug users in Indonesia are contaminated with HIV.

    Reducing the number of drug-related deaths would require fighting against the transmission of HIV through needle sharing and educating drug users about safe sex practices.

    The budget to fight Aids in Indonesia is mostly financed by International sources, not by the Indonesia Government itself. Out of $50,831,105 allocated in 2010, only $19,841,442 was financed by the domestic/public sector and the rest by International donors.

    People would argue that Indonesia is a poor country and cannot afford to spend more money. What I would argue is that the Jakarta Council was able to find over $14 million dollars to purchase UPS systems that no one asked for. It seems that money can always be found when the objective is to fill the pockets of a few.

    Furthermore, Indonesia's strict drug laws have been known to worsen the difficulties for drug users. Harsh punishments will cause them to hide instead of seeking for help. If they do not have access to clean syringes, they are more likely to get HIV, and in turn, more likely to spread it to other people. The longer they are hiding, the longer the risk of spreading the disease.

    It makes me very confused about the objectives of the Government. Is it trying to help drug users as it pretends it is, or is it only interested in punishing them for making the wrong choices?


    5) More Indonesian on death row in foreign countries than in Indonesia itself


    In 2013, there were 188 Indonesians on death row abroad on drug charges (236 in total). This number should be compared to the only 56 Indonesians on death row in Indonesia.

    If we take Malaysia, it has 250 Malaysians on death row abroad, but 600 on death row in the country. This makes more sense to me.

    I find such an imbalance, more inmates abroad than in Indonesia, quite revealing: Most likely, Indonesians who are arrested in Indonesia for drugs can simply buy their way out to escape the death row while Indonesians arrested abroad cannot.

    What disturbs me is that it means poor people are more likely to be in jail while rich ones will not risk anything. According to Rudhy Wedhasmara, the founder of 'Empowerment and Justice Action' (EJA) Surabaya, an NGO that helps victims of narcotics: 

    "We see that in practice the majority of those who are caught, then eventually sentenced to death are those who are weak, psychologically vulnerable to exploitation, and pressed for financial crush".


    6) The executions target foreigners in priority, even though they represent only half of the death row inmates


    Foreigners are often subjected to harsher sentences than Indonesians, unless they can bribe their way out or benefit from mysterious help (see below about incoherences).

    Many people don't seem to understand how the death penalty works in Indonesia. When a death penalty sentence is given to an inmate, there is not a specific date given for his execution. He could spend the rest of his life waiting.

    In fact, the one who decides about the execution is the President. He is the one who chooses who should be executed and when.

    In January 2015, Jokowi hand-picked 6 persons to be executed, among which 5 foreigners. In April 2015, Jokowi selected 9 foreigners among 10 persons to be executed. 

    What is surprising is that there are only 35 foreigners on death row in Indonesia and 56 Indonesians. This mean that foreigners represent 87,5% of the executed, but only 38% of the inmates on death row.

    In several cases, it has been blatant that there is a discrimination between Indonesians and Foreigners. For instance, Frenchmen Serge Atlaoui was given the death penalty but the Indonesians who were running the lab he was working at were only condemned to a life sentence.


    7) Indonesia is sending drug users to prison instead of rehabilitation 


    "These young folks who have become drug addicts have lost their past and present so we should not allow them to lose their future. We should guide them back. They don't belong in a penitentiary but in a rehabilitation centre" Susilo Bambang Yudhono

    In spite of the recent efforts to build more rehabilitation facilities, 54,000 detainees in Indonesia in 2013 were drug users, out of a total of 162,000 inmates. This should be compared to the 18,000 only who were sent to rehabilitation the same year. 

    The first explanation is the law itself. Even though officially, Jokowi talks about drug users as victims who should be protected, the fact is there is little differentiation made between a drug user and a drug trafficker. 

    Even the 2014 amendment to the 2009 Drug Law stipulates that unless a drug user turns himself in to the police, he will face jail time. Judges and courts are themselves not following the law and sending people caught using drugs in prison most of the time.

    The other issue of course is the lack of rehabilitation centers. The Government talks about building more facilities, yet it still has to act on its promise. 

    Because of this, the prisons are full of simple users which is even more risky for them. They are more likely to keep using drugs in prison as it is known to be widely available there while being more exposed to risks of HIV. Read more on the UNODC website.

    In spite of the "save our children" speech, many Indonesians have a negative view about drug users and do not seem to be interested in rehabilitated them. 

    Even the Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, one of the largest Islamic organisations in Indonesia which is in charge of establishing drug rehabilitation centers in the country declared :"Drug addicts deserve severe punishment, namely death".


    8) Frequent cases of abuse of drug users by police officers, including rapes


    Another incoherence about the so-called will from the Indonesian Government to protect drug users is the fact that many of them, instead of being guided by the police are actually abused.

    There are several stories reporting these cases, but if you want to know more, I advise you to read the following: Abuses against injecting drug users in Indonesia

    According to this study, 60% of drug users faced police abuse during their detention time, including beating of the feet, hands, chest, and head by officers. Sexual abuses were mentioned in 6% of the testimonies.

    I also advise you to read this article about girls, sometimes prostitutes, who were gang raped by policemen so that they would not be charged with drug abuse.

    Again, are we trying to punish drug users or are we trying to help them?


    9) Celebrities, VIPs, Drug Lords, Policemen avoid harsher sentences


    Sentencing in Indonesia is extremely arbitrary. In general, VIPs, celebrities, policemen and military officers avoid prison and go directly to rehabilitation (if not home).

    For instance, when Putri Aryanti Haryowibowo, the great granddaughter of Suharto was caught using crystal methamphetamine, she avoided prison and was only sent to rehab (I wonder if she actually went).

    Raffi Ahmad, a local celebrity, has not been tried yet more than 2 years after being arrested with several types of drugs.

    The Head of Shariah Police in Aceh, Zulkarnain, crashed his car into a tree in 2013. Hashish was found in his car and he tested positive for drugs. Nothing happened to him. He actually threatened a journalist that if he reported on the story he would be turned to ashes.

    Leeza Ormsby, from Australia, was less lucky and she spent 9 months in jail for a joint. A 14-year old Australian boy also spent 2 months in jail for being caught with 3.6 grams of marijuana. Foreigners may have lenient sentences sometimes: Thierry Verchere did only 10 months after being caught with almost $50,000 worth of cocaine which is strange considering another Frenchman, Vincent Petrone, was sentenced to 6 years for 69 grams of hashish (less than $1,000 value).

    If you follow Indonesian news, you will read quite often about policemen or military caught using or trafficking drugs. Some reports, though a little dated, mention that it is very common for policemen to keep the drugs confiscated or to sell them.

    Yet, it is rare to hear of a policeman being jailed for drug use, and even more to be executed. On the contrary, in some cases it seems like they can benefit from preferential treatment: 34 policemen tested positive, nothing happened.

    More recently in April 2015, the death sentences of two Iranians were commuted to life in prison. This came as a surprise because simultaneously, Jokowi was refusing clemency to several inmates, among which some had shown signs of rehabilitation.

    The case of Hengky Gunawan is even more disturbing. He was caught with 11.1 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and materials for drug’s production worth over $1 million but his death sentence was reduced to 15 years in prison and then to 12 years only.

    The proportionality of sentences is unfortunately inexistent in Indonesia and there is no improvement in sight on the subject. 


    10) Drug is mostly seen as an imported, Western problem


    For most Indonesians, the drug problem comes from Foreigners only. Medias and politicians are responsible for that as they tend to misrepresent it as if all the drugs traffic was in the hands of International traffickers. 

    They also often forget to mention that large quantities of drugs are produced in Indonesia to be exported. Naturally, since the problem is seen as a Foreign one, Indonesians are very supportive of harsher sentences against them.
    Drug use has actually been prevalent in Indonesia for centuries, even long before the Dutch arrived in the country. In the 17th century, numerous documents attest that the use of opium was widespread in Java. The habit of smoking opium by adding it to tobacco was developed in Indonesia before spreading to China. In other parts of Indonesia, some narcotics obtained from plants and trees have also been consumed for ages such as betel nuts in Nusa Tenggara or marijuana in Aceh.


    The truth is, Foreigners are part of the problem, but also a big part of the solution. Rehabilitation centers, harm reduction programs, trainings and distribution of needles/medication are largely funded by International donors. 


    11) Nightclubs known to be ridden with drugs operate freely and are protected by the police



    When police raids or "Razzia" happen in North Jakarta clubs, the result is usually quite small: According to a BNN spokesperson, 100 drug users were arrested in 25 raids last year.

    If you have ever been to those clubs, you will understand that there is something wrong. A single raid in a place like Mille's or Golden Crown should cause at least 500 arrests.

    The BNN spokesperson also mention that after 25 police raids, they haven't caught a single drug dealer yet: ""Everytime a raid is held, we always encounter in drug users, but never caught a dealer or courier. This proves that drug dealers doesn't always appear in night clubs". 

    The BNN seems either very naive or very corrupted. I let you choose one.

    It is well known that clubs are always warned in advance when a police raid is planned, thus naturally no dealers will be present. Only a few people who have no clues, including foreigners, will be caught.

    After 25 unfruitful raids, maybe the BNN should make an investigation on who informs the clubs? Maybe the BNN should make an investigation on who owns those clubs?


    12) Impunity for the bosses of drug trafficking and drug distribution


    Since Jokowi has declared a war on drugs, I don't remember of a single mafia boss or big trafficker who has been arrested.

    In the past, as mentioned above, known traffickers suck as Hengky Gunawan have escaped not only the death penalty, but also life sentences.

    I invite you to read my article about the 30 Groups who Own Jakarta Nightlife to better understand this point. You will learn the links between Tomy Winata, one of Jakarta's alleged mafia boss with some notorious drug-ridden clubs in North Jakarta.

    While Indonesia is said to be at war against drugs, I was surprised of see that Tomy Winata paid all the expenses of a trip to Las Vegas on May 21st, 2012 to several police officials and high executives of the National Drug Agency (BNN) including Gories Mere the Head of BNN at that time.

    More recently, we could see Tomy Winata together with the new head of the BNN, Anang Iskandar to promote a "Drug Rehabilitation Program"[sic].
    Tomy Winata with the head of the National Drug Agency
    Top politicians like SBY, Megawati, or current Vice President Yusuf Kalla have been known to frequent him.
    Tomy Winata with Megawati, previous President of Indonesia, mentor of Jokowi
    Tomy Winata with SBY, former President of Indonesia
    Tomy Winata with Yusuf Kalla, current Vice President of Indonesia
    Even though Tomy Winata has never been convicted for drugs, he has also never been subject to an investigation.


    13) Indonesia is ignoring the fight against illicit financial flows


    According to the UN, the most effective method to fight drugs is to combine those three approaches:
    • Reduce demand with prevention programs and treatments
    • Reduce supply by dismantling drug trafficking organizations
    • Control illicit financial flows
    We have seen that prevention programs and treatments are ignored by the Government and mostly managed by International aid agencies. The fight against drug trafficking organization by the Government is just smoke and mirrors as it is mostly mules, drug users and small fish that are being caught.

    The Government is also failing at controlling its illicit financial flows. According to the Global Financial Integrity organization, Indonesia ranks 11th in the list of countries with the largest illicit financial outflows. In 2012 alone, over $ 20 billion left the country illegally, among which drug money.

    Yet, the Government has not shown any commitment in its fight against suspicious funds. Budi Gunawan, currently the number 2 of Indonesia's police force is known to have had over $7 million of suspicious money in his family's bank account. Yet Jokowi didn't push for a proper investigation...

    Bonus #14: Indonesia makes no differences between drugs


    Marijuana and ecstasy have been known to create less casualties and to be less addictive than alcohol, tobacco or other solvents that are easily available:
    Addiction and harm caused by several drugs (from The Lancet)
    Yet, Indonesians are made to believe that heroin, ecstasy, mushrooms or marijuana produce the same effects and create the same addiction. Acknowledging that those drugs are different would allow the government to implement more effective solutions.

    It makes no sense to send a marijuana or ecstasy smoker in rehabilitation as there is no addiction to the product. I don't see the point of sending these people to jail as well, unless we want millions of Indonesians behind bars. A fine would be more appropriate in my opinion.

    Heroin users should absolutely go to rehabilitation as it is proven that most of them cannot get rid of their addiction without medical help.

    If heroin and marijuana do not cause the same harm, it would be logic to give their traffickers differentiated sentences as well. 

    Conclusion


    I am convinced that there is a deliberate effort from the government and the medias to sensationalize the problem of drugs for political gain. I will end this article with a quote from Thích Nhất Hạnh, a buddhist monk and peace activist.
    If you are Indonesian, there are 80% chance you disagree with me. Please don't hesitate to comment, I'll love to have an interesting discussion about the topic.
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    20 Best New Year Eve Parties in Jakarta for 2016

    October 15, 2015, 12:21 am
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    The period from Christmas until New Year is rather quiet in Jakarta. During this time, many people leave the city: Expats go back to their home countries and many upper class Indonesians fly to Bali, Singapore or Bangkok for holidays.

    For the rest of us, stuck voluntarily or not, things are not that bad. The atmosphere in Jakarta during New Year is similar to the one during Lebaran: Less people, less traffic, less pollution.

    In terms of parties, clubs will be busier than usual, but not ridiculously overcrowded and expensive. You can expect to pay double what you would normally do in terms of entrance fee / first drink charge (FDC) but that's it. The most famous nightclubs are asking about Rp400,000 for one person and to book a small table you'll need to spend at least Rp3,000,000 and up to Rp30,000,000.

    Important Note about Traffic:
    While I'm usually a fan of bar hopping in Jakarta, you should know that Thamrin and Sudirman will be closed to cars on New Year. For this reason, you should avoid moving too much. It is best to stay in an area with many bars and clubs near from each other so you won't need any taxis. I suggest Mega Kuningan, Kemang, Plaza Indonesia-Grand Indonesia, Gatot Subroto and Pacific Place-SCBD.

    My best recommendation would be to choose a rooftop bar like SKYE or Cloud until midnight so you can be sure to enjoy the street noise and the fireworks. You can then proceed to a proper nightclub or a bar. On my side, I will go to Cloud + Immigrant. I'll also walk around a bit on Sudirman as the atmosphere is usually very nice. If the weather is not too hot I'll go to MoNas as well.

    Here is the list of the 20 Best New Year Eve events for 2015-2016 in Jakarta:

    Cloud Lounge

    Minimum Charge: Rp250,000 Net. Great for countdown. Most people won't follow the dresscode so don't worry too much about that. They also propose a dinner for Rp750,000++ per person. Tel: +62 (0) 21 29922450 / Whatsapp: 0878 80001023.

    SKYE
    Slightly more expensive than Cloud with Rp300,000 cover charge. You also have a great gala dinner at Rp1,100,000++ that gives you free access later on to Dragonfly and Blowfish. RSVP: +62 (0) 21 2358 6996.

    Cork and Screw Pacific Place
    For a pre-party dinner until countdown, Cork and Screw is recommended. You can expect a trendy crowd partying in groups (not good if you are alone or with just a few friends). It is not far from most nightclubs in Jakarta. Bookings: +6221 5797 3303.

    Union PIM
    If you are looking for the best place to celebrate New Year Eve in South Jakarta, I would go for Union in Pondok Indah Mall. DJ Justin Jay plays mostly great house and disco tunes. Reservation: +62 21 295 297 81.

    Loewy
    Loewy will be most likely packed for New Year Eve. They are welcoming DJ Kyodai, two brothers from Berlin and New York. Booking in advance is a must: +62 21 2554 2378.

    Potato Head Garage
    Mafia-themed 31st December Party in Potato Head Garage: You are invited dress as your favorite mafioso from famous Hollywood movies. First Drink Charge of Rp200,000. Book in advance: +62 21 5797 3330.

    Bauhaus
    Bauhaus is recommended if you want to welcome 2016 with the best DJ of the evening. Justin Van Der Volgen will play electro until 4AM. The place should be packed with hipsters so book ahead: +62 8 21 1162 4070.

    Paulaner Brauhaus
    With a central location near several clubs and bars, Paulaner Brauhaus is a great place for starting your New Year's Eve party. I'll recommend going there for dinner and beers before going to places like Skye, Cloud or Immigrant. Call 021 2358 3871.

    SafeHouse
    For an intimate NYE, good music, good food and free tequila (for ladies), head to SafeHouse in Mega Kuningan. Buy 1 get 1 bottle of vodka for 2,200,000rp++. The place is small though so it is best to make a booking: +62 (0) 2130050510.

    Immigrant
    Immigrant will be one of the most busy clubs on New Year Eve. They know it and that's why the FDC is whopping 400,000 rupiah. The party should continue until 5am. Phone number: Rp+62 815 8560 1100.

    Blowfish
    Blowfish nightclub, freshly renovated and as trendy as ever has a 400,000rp cover charge that includes a free entry to Dragonfly. Not a bad idea for those who want to try several venues. For more information: 085710800001 / 021-5297 1234.

    Dragonfly
    Dragonfly is the most expensive nightclub in Jakarta for NY with IDR400,000 excluding drinks. Sofas and tables are already fully booked since several weeks and they started at Rp8M minimum charge. Info: 08 57 10 80 00 03.

    Colosseum

    I would recommend going to Colosseum only to those living in North Jakarta. The DJ playing on the 31st, Ummet Ozcan is great if you are a fan of EDM. Call 021 690 999.

    Fable

    If you are below 23 years old, Fable is probably where you will feel the most comfortable. Entrance fee with a drink is Rp350,000. Contact: 08118035666 or 0215151501.

    X2
    X2 will most likely be the most happening and most crowded nightclub in Jakarta for New Year Eve. The entrance fee is reasonable at Rp300,000 and they are planning a special Amazonian theme. You can book a sofa with minimum charge Rp3M, inclusive of 5 free entries. Contact them: 089657044767.

    Domain
    Domain is a good option for those who want to party without spending too much with a Rp150,000 first drink charge and a free flow house pouring from 10pm to 00h30. RSVP: 081285542229.

    Empirica
    Empirica is having a famous Turkish/German EDM DJ. The FDC is Rp350,000 inclusive of a glass of champagne which is a good deal I think. If you are with groups, you can get a table for 10 people for Rp7M (1 bottle of spirit + 1 Champagne Moet + 1 mixer), Sofa for 20 people for Rp15M (4 bottle of spirit + 2 Champagne Moet + 2 mixers) and finally VIP Package for 25 pax cost Rp20M (5 bottle of spirit + 3 Champagne Moet + 2 mixers). To book: 08 77 823 81417.

    Musro
    While I haven't been to Musro for quite some time, it seems they are having an interesting New Year's Eve Party 2016 with bartending shows and dancers. The atmosphere is likely to be very Indonesian. Entrance with drink at Rp150,000.

    Exodus
    The main attraction in Exodus on New Year will be the hot DJ Patricia who plays Riri Mestica/Stadium kind of music. Exodus is better if you book a sofa as the dancefloor is rather small. Tel: 08 58 11 567 567.

    Mille's
    Mille's is the nightclub where the most hardcore clubbers will go. Be careful with drugs though, it would be too bad to start 2016 in prison.
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    The 10 Best Spas & Massage Parlours in Jakarta (Updated 2015)

    October 30, 2015, 9:02 am
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    There are two broad kinds of massage parlours in Jakarta:

    * The massage parlours not associated with any sexual services, which are often referred to as "family spa". They are located mostly in South Jakarta, in malls or in the 5 stars hotels for the best ones. I wrote an article (here: Jakarta's Best massage & Spa) about these to help you find the best one for you.

    * The second kind of massage parlours offer a "plus plus", or an extra service (handjob finish), and cater only to men. Almost all of them are located in the Northern part of the town, after you pass the Monas. Most of them are inside large buildings called "one-stop entertainment complex", with other facilities included (the more often a hotel, a lounge, a club, a restaurant, a karaoke). Such massage parlours are extremely popular among Indonesians and it’s a common practice for them to patronize these libertine establishments. Actually, they won't consider it as cheating, but I will let you be your own judge.

    Are you looking for a hotel with a naughty spa inside? Check: Ochardz Industri, Orchardz Jayakarta, Orchardz Bandara or B'Fashion. All these hotels can be booked on Agoda and they have famous massage parlours with extra service. More information about girl-friendly hotels in Jakarta in my Jakarta Hotel Guide.

    These are hedonistic temples like you won't find any in Europe or in the US, especially at those prices. Indeed, it’s not only massage you can get there, but various services to help you relax and feel good. When you pay for the massage, you are entitled to use the facilities of the spa, which typically include a jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room, a lounge, a gym, a swimming pool. Some have more stuff, such as an oxygen room, a theatre with large screen, etc. You can spend an entire afternoon there for $30 dollars (for the nicest ones) before actually getting your massage. Don’t say Jakarta is a boring city if you’ve never tried one of these!

    The quality of the service, the cleanliness of the spa, the kind of massages provided, the number of facilities, the beauty of the masseuse, the price: There are many factors that can make your experience more enjoyable. To help you choose the good spa for your need, here is the list of Jakarta’s best massage parlours & spa (you can click on the names for a complete review):

    1) Sun City Luxury Spa

    2) Alexis Hotel’s Bathhouse

    3) Malioboro Hotel & Spa

    4) Fortune

    5) Delta Spa

    6) Sumo Spa

    7) B'Fashion Spa

    8) MyPlace

    9) Emporium

    10) Sense (ex Sands) Spa

    Update November 2014: New places have opened in Jakarta. There are two massage parlours that are the hottest at the moment, because they keep the price quite low compared to Malioboro or Alexis, for a quality of service which is excellent: Terminal Classic and M Star. Other popular spots include: Orchardz spa, Kimochi spa, D'Heaven, King Cross.

    Some massage parlours offer, of course, full sexual services (among which some of the places listed above), but since I've never used these, I will leave this for other people to review.

    NEW POST: To find the nearest massage parlour near where you live, read my article Guide To Massage Parlours in Jakarta.




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    Medan Nightlife: Top 5 Nightclubs & Bars

    November 4, 2015, 3:59 am
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    I spent a few nights in Medan in April 2015, unfortunately on weekdays only. I had the opportunity to try a few clubs there but most weren't too busy and I imagine it is more lively on weekends.

    If you need to book a hotel in Medan, I recommend Grand Delta Hotel, which belongs to the Delta Spa group.

    As you would expect, Medan is far from being a party town. It is more conservative than many other Indonesian cities and there are also very few tourists. Most foreigners living there are Singaporean and Malaysian businessmen with a small community of expat english teachers.

    As I wrote on the review Spa and Massage Parlours in Medan, the police is active in controlling nightlife activities, in particular when it comes to drugs. Last February, the Lee Garden club was shut down after ecstasy pills were found (Diskotik Lee Garden Tutup). In spite of this, recreative drugs do not seem difficult to find and clubs such as Tobasa, XXX3 or Retrospective are known to be popular with users. I strongly recommend you not to take anything illegal as you have no idea where you could end up if you get caught.

    In spite of being Indonesia's third largest city, the number of decent clubs in Medan is incredibly low. To do a top 5 of the best nightlife in Medan, I had to include some underground clubs that most people wouldn't feel comfortable visiting. For this reason, if you are a "normal" clubber, I would only recommend trying the first two venues listed below:

    1) Entrance

    Located in Grand Aston Hotel, Entrance is the favorite club for expats in Medan. If you are a westerner, that's probably the first place you should visit. It is open everyday but you can expect it to be crowded only on weekends. They have more foreign DJs and the crowd is less static than in Retrospective (see below).

    Check their events on Facebook Entrance Music Temple Medan or Twitter: Entrance Club

    Entrance Medan
    Grand Aston Hotel
    Jalan Balai Kota No 1 Medan, Sumatera
    Phone number: +62 (0) 61 4573 900 - HP +62 (0) 87867551188
    Email: marcom@entrancemusictemple.com

    2) Retrospective


    If you are ready to spend a little money, another decent club to try is Retrospective, in Capital Building. Also nicknamed "Retro", it is located not far from the city center.

    Nearby landmarks include the train station, the Marriott Hotel and the Grand Aston. Also in the vicinity is the Merdeka Walk, a string of restaurants which is one of the most lively areas in town in the evening. I would recommend to go there for a food-court type dinner.

    Retrospective is a bar, nightclub and live music venue. The best events are almost exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays: You have a "big" performance once a week, either from a local celebrity band/singer, or from a special guest DJ. Guest DJs are usually coming from Jakarta, but they also had foreign ones. They seem to love female DJs and sexy dancers.

    Check their events on their facebook page Retro Medan or twitter: Retrospective. There is also a high end KTV in Capital Building and SoHo lounge on 2nd Floor.

    Retrospective
    Capital Building 6th Floor
    Jalan Putri Hijau No. 1A, Medan, Indonesia
    Phone number: +62 (0) 61 4555 933 or +62 (0) 81375213828


    3) 4) 5) Tobasa Medan, XXX3 and New Zone


    Tobasa Club Medan
    Sexy clubbers in Tobasa
    Tobasa is an underground club which is part of the Danau Toba International Hotel. The place looks quite run-down and it is very dark. The music is typical funky house (listen below) unless they have a special event. It seems to be gay-friendly.

    I also put XX3 and New Zone in the same category. Those places are very local and cater mostly to hardcore clubbers using drugs.

    Tobasa Medan
    Facebook: Tobasa Club Medan
    Danau Toba International Hotel
    Jl.Imam Bonjol No.17 Medan
    Phone number: +62 61 8440717

    XXX3 club
    Twitter: XXX3 Medan
    Yang Lim Plaza 6th Floor (Jl. Emas No.10), Medan, Sumatra
    Phone number: +62 (0) 617351771 or +62 (0) 617333879
    XXX3 Medan

    New Zone Disko
    Facebook: KTV New Zone Medan
    Jalan Mangkubumi No 789, Medan
    Phone number: +62 877-9901 9185
    New Zone Medan

    Bars and lounges:


    If you are only looking for a place to listen to live music or to have a drink, I recommend you one of the 3 following options:

    Prime Bar is the live music venue of the JW Marriott Hotel.
    JW Marriott Hotel Medan
    Jalan Putri Hijau No. 10  Medan  20111  Indonesia
    Website: Prime Bar
    For reservation : +62 61 4100 6500
    Prime Bar in Marriott



    Social House Medan (SoHo) is the trendy place in Medan for hanging out. It is in the same building as Retrospective. DJs or Live Music occasionally.
    Facebook: SoHo Medan
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/SohoClub06
    Jalan Putri Hijau No.1A Capital Building 2nd Floor
    Phone number: +62 (0) 61 4555677 / +62 (0) 812-6330-5080 / BB PIN: 29DEFC0A
    SoHo Lounge Medan

    Marin Lounge & Resto is the lounge of Karibia Hotel. I went there for a drink and the atmosphere was lively.
    Website: Marin Lounge
    Komplek Center Point, Jalan Timor Blok I No. I-IV, 6th floor of Karibia Boutique Hotel
    Phone number: +62 (0) 61 8050-1933
    Email marketing@marinlounge.com
    Marin Lounge Medan
    Photo credit: All photos were taken on the facebook pages of the venues, including the ones below (Retrospective):
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    Top 10 Striptease and Sexy Dancer Shows in Jakarta in 2015

    November 12, 2015, 3:38 am
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    Yes, even in self-righteous Indonesia you will find more strip clubs and sexy dancers than in most other Asian countries. Sure Bangkok has its fair share of gogo bars, but women there rarely go full nude in public. In Jakarta, you have dozens of places with daily naked shows for a male public, obviously, to enjoy.

    Remember that you are in Jakarta, not in Hollywood. Don't expect a spectacular striptease show with pole dancing, synchronized choreographies and splits, it is usually pretty basic. In most places, you can also book the stripper for a private dance and more depending on the size of your wallet. In all those places, the dancers usually try to get customers to buy them ladies' drinks after they've finished their routine. The price for a drink is between 50k and 100k. If you buy one, you will just get a thank you. If you buy at least 3, you will get a short lap dance. If you buy more than 3, you won't get much more. 

    The huge majority of those venues are located in North and West Jakarta in the following districts : Kelapa Gading, Taman Anggrek, Taman Sari, Hayam Wuruk, Gadjah Mada, Mangga Besar, Lokasari. If you stay in Sudirman area, the closest ones will be about 5 kilometers away. Without traffic in the evening it's a 15 minutes ride. 

    Following a hard work of research and investigation, here is my list of the Top 10 Best Striptease and Sexy Dancer bars in Jakarta in 2015

    1) Tease Club (Full Nude)
    Managed by Alex Tirta from Alexis Group. It may be the most sophisticated strip club to date in Jakarta in terms of costumes and choreography. They used to have a live sex show but it was probably too risky. Even corruption has its limits in Indonesia.

    Recommended hotels nearby: Red Top and Alila Pecenongan are both walking distance from Tease Club and Emporium Spa.

    2) Malioboro (Full Nude)

    Managed by the biggest competitor of Alex Tirta in the naughty nightlife scene, the Stadium group. There are dancers in two areas, the Malio Club with about 8 to 10 girls dancing non stop, and the Malio Spa which is less busy.

    Grand Mercure Kota is a 4-star hotel located just across Malioboro. You also have a nearby 3-star hotel, All Seasons Gajah Mada.

    3) King Cross (Full Nude)
    Managed by Stadium Group as well. Sexy dancers on two floors. The best ones are on the top floors. It is best to arrive early to avoid the crowd (like 10pm).

    The closest hotel is the Santika Kelapa Gading (3 minutes by taxi).

    4) Classic Hotel (Full Nude)
    3 floors have dancers in Classic Hotel: On the ground floor, you have the best dancers but there is an entrance fee and the drinks are more expensive. On the 2nd floor and 5th floor, you have a basic dance show in two huge rooms (they are also called Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 as you are given a boarding pass upon exit). You should be aware that Classic is more a bordello than a bar.

    Red Top and Alila Pecenongan are both 3 minutes away by taxi.

    5) Club 36 (Full Nude for Indonesian girls, Bikini for Thai Girls)
    Wait another hour and you will have the dancers instead of the band
    Club 36 is owned by Alex Tirta as well and it is located just next to Jayakarta Hotel. Intimate and usually crowded, you always have about 10 girls dancing on the main bar. It is the only place in Jakarta with Thai dancers.

    Club 36 is located next to the Jayakarta Hotel. It is also near from the brand new Santika in Hayam Wuruk.

    6) D's Place in Blok M (Bikini in Main Room, Full Nude in private)
    D's Place is one of the oldest bars of Blok M. You have a main room with a podium in the middle where girls will do sexy dances in bikini. Those girls are usually quite young and pretty. You also have a more private room, the "corner bar", where you can get a private lap dance from older girls. You can actually get more than a lap dance: D's place could be considered as the only blowjob bar in Jakarta.

    Jalan Falatehan, where D's Place is located, is close from Falatehan Hotel.

    7) V2 (Full Nude)
    V2 is a small one stop entertainment complex located at the beginning of Gadjah Madah street. If you come from Sudirman, it is quite easy to find. Nothing really special compared to the places mentioned above. They have live music and topless DJ from Eastern Europe once in a while.

    It is closest from Ibis Harmoni and Grand Mercure Kota.

    8) Golden Crown (Topless)
    Inside Golden Crown, you have a lounge with western music with sexy dancers during the week. You have a real hotel below the club that you can book here: Plaza Hotel Glodok.

    9) Diamond (Full Nude)
    Diamond Club is a discreet venue located just between Harco Glodok and Lindeteves LTC Mall. Dancers go full nude.

    Novotel Gajah Mada is located just accross from Diamond.

    10) Sumo Spa (Full Nude or Topless, I'm not sure)
    Sumo Spa in Kelapa Gading is also owned by the Stadium Group. They have a small lounge with dancers. It is located next to King Cross.

    In case you need more addresses:

    List of venues with non-nude sexy dancers:

    Play Club in Hotel Alexis

    Dreams Club in Plaza Indonesia: I didn't review it yet so I'll be interested to get more information. Apparently they have dancers/models from Eastern Europe.

    Illigals in Hayam Wuruk: They have regular events but no nude or topless dancing to my knowledge.

    Flirt Bar in Fashion Hotel: Daily - They've had topless dancing on occasion and some Russian TDJ (Topless DJ)

    Nebula: Occasionally

    Sun City: Daily, during break time of the live band:

    Other places with sexy dancers that didn't make the Top 10:
    Comfort Spa in Mangga Dua
    Galaxy Spa in Fatmawati (Owned by Delta Spa)
    CDs Club by Delta Spa
    M Star in Mangga Dua
    Top 1 Taman Anggrek
    Newton in Lokasari
    Fortune Spa in Sudirman
    MTR in Kelapa Gading
    Golden Hands Spa in Pluit

    For the following places I'm not sure if there are dancers or not, but it would not be surprising if they do:
    Zen Karaoke in Thamrin
    De Leila in Gatot Subroto
    New Medika in Daan Mogot
    Bandara in Taman Anggrek

    I've probably forgotten a few places, please comment on this list of the best Strip Club and Sexy Dancer Show in Jakarta to help me keep it updated and accurate. Thanks!
    Update May 2015: B'Fashion Hotel's club Oppai should be on top of this list: Oppai Club.

    You can also check: 4 Best Gogo Bars in Bangkok with Nude Striptease.

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    Bali Nightlife 2015

    November 12, 2015, 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 beginning of 2015 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, Mirror / Gardin (Opened by the owners of Fable in Jakarta, the current trendy place, 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.

    Update 2015: I wrote a guide to the hottest nightlife spots in Kuta and Seminyak. You can read it here: 12 Best Clubs in Bali.

    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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    Top 10 Rooftop Bars in Jakarta

    November 21, 2015, 10:27 pm
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    When you live and work in a city like Jakarta, you might want to elevate yourself above the traffic and the pollution. Rooftop bars give you this opportunity to enjoy a drink outside in the open air and to experience another sight of the city, most often spectacular. Most of Jakarta's Rooftop Bars listed here are located in Hotels or in landmark office buildings.

    Here is a list of the 10 best Rooftop Bars, to have a drink with friends, to bring your date, to enjoy Jakarta's skyline or to simply enjoy Jakarta's Nightlife while having a drink outside.

    1. Skye Bar
    56th floor,
    Menara BCA, Jalan Thamrin

    2. Cloud Lounge
    49th floor,
    The Plaza building, Jalan Thamrin

     3. Awan Lounge 
    9th floor,
    Kosenda Hotel, Jalan Wahid Hasyim

    4. Soupanova Ecosky
    23rd floor,
    GKM Tower, Jalan TB Simatupang

    5. BART
    7th floor,
    Artotel Hotel, Jalan Sunda (near Sarinah)

    6. La Vue
    Top floor,
    The Hermitage Hotel, Menteng

    7. SHY Rooftop
    Top floor,
    The Papilion Building in Kemang.

    8. 8 Lounge
    8th floor,
    The Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place, SCBD

    9. FJ on 7
    7th floor,
    The colony building in Kemang.

    10. Lobbyn
    Top floor,
    FaveHotel Kemang.
    Lucy in the Sky is also a good option for a Rooftop bar in the SCBD area, even though it is only located on the 2nd floor.

    Read more: The Best Bars in Jakarta in 2015, The Best Beer Gardens in Jakarta in 2015, The Best Strip Clubs in Jakarta in 2015, The Best Rooftop Bars in Jakarta in 2015, Jakarta Nightlife in 2015
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    Jakarta Nightlife: Top 10 Clubs in 2015

    December 6, 2015, 2:43 am
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    "What are the best clubs in Jakarta?" is one of the questions I get asked the most by readers of Jakarta100bars.

    The following list should answer this question though I imagine some of you may disagree with my rankings. If you do, please leave a comment below about your favorite clubs in the city.

    Surprisingly, there has not been so many changes in the past few year in the city's clubbing scene. All the venues listed below already existed in 2014. 

    As I mentioned in my review Jakarta Nightlife 2015, almost all nightclubs in Jakarta are expensive. If you are a heavy alcohol drinker and if you are with a small group, I would advise to always buy a bottle. That way you can get a table or a sofa close from the dance-floor and also avoid the First Drink Charge, FDC (usually amounting to Rp100,000 - Rp200,000). On weekends, it is essential to book in advance.

    Bouncers in Jakarta take their jobs very seriously. If you are not dressed appropriately, you will be refused no matter how much money you are about to spend. Girls should always wear high-heels. Men should not wear a t-shirt or a torn jean.

    Unfortunately, the quality of the music is not the focus in Jakarta. In most clubs below except Mille's, the playlist is similar and consists of a mix of mostly famous, mainstream international hits. You have an international DJ playing almost every weekend in Jakarta though. In this case, the music is more likely to be original.

    If those 10 clubs are not enough, I invite you to read my list of Jakarta's Best Bars in 2015. Most of these have a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays.

    1) Blowfish

    Blowfish was just renovated in 2014 during Ramadan. Since it reopened, it has managed to attract Jakarta's best crowd. Recent guest DJs include Dirty South, Fat Boy Slim or Richie Hawtin.


    2) Empirica

    Jakarta's SCBD is the best area in the city for a fun night out. The massive Empirica is always as fun and popular, I love their 50m long bar, the chic crowd and the great sound-system.


    3) Mille's

    Mille's is an unusual 3rd choice and most people would not like it. It is the only decent underground club in the city, and the best place to visit after hour. Be warned that for most people partying in Mille's, the only cocktail they need is ecstasy and water. The best time to visit is after 7am.


    4) Colosseum

    Colosseum is the best nightclub in Jakarta on the paper: The best layout, the best sound and lighting system and some of the best events. Yet, the crowd is mostly static and not very fun to hang out with. It is also quite far from the City center.


    5) X2 / Equinox


    X2 is the favorite nightclub of many clubbers in Jakarta. If you are a 20-something foreigner looking to meet an Indonesian girl (and vice versa), it is certainly your best choice. The entrance and the drinks are expensive.


    6) Immigrant

    Source: TM Projects
    I used to love Immigrant, but it has lost some of its appeal after their 2014 renovation. It is now smaller, without the possibility to go on the terrace to relax. It is still popular with expats and girls looking to meet expats.


    7) Fable

    If you are between 18 and 22, Fable could be your hottest party spot. You have all the cool kids from high school getting drunk with dad's money, which is even nicer when you get invited to a table.


    8) Domain

    5-year old Domain Club can have some great nights, but it is inconsistent. The crowd is a bit older than elsewhere, probably because it is made of those who used to go to Embassy 10 years ago. Recent events included a performance by the porn star Sasha Grey.


    9) Golden Crown

    Golden Crown is a typical North Jakarta nightclub with a high level of drugs and prostitution. It is almost always crowded, mostly with Indonesians. It is a sure bet if you want to go clubbing during weekdays and if you don't mind its seedy side.


    10) Illigals (Voyeur Club)


    Illigals is very rarely crowded. Forget it during the week unless they have a big name coming. Still, it deserves to be in the Top 10 because they have a decent list of events. Many DJs from Stadium are now playing in Illigals too.

    Bonus: Dragonfly

    Dragonfly is currently closed for renovation. Once it reopens, I am quite sure that it will become once again one of Jakarta's Top Nightclubs.

    Need more clubbing ideas? Check Exodus, Nebula, Umbra, Potato Head Garage. All of them are usually busy on Friday and Saturday nights and they have special events on a regular basis.

    Photo credit: Main photo Chris Seward - Other Photos from Facebook.
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    Top 10 Best Bars in Jakarta in 2015

    December 6, 2015, 6:02 am
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    As promised on my Jakarta Nightlife 2015 review, I am updating the blog with my list of Jakarta's best venues in 2015. 

    For more recommendation about the best bars in the city, you can check my review about Jakarta's Best Beer Bars and Beer Garden. You may also want to read last year's ranking: Jakarta's Best Bars 2014.

    More rankings coming in the next few days: Best Clubs, Best Spas, Best Live Music.

    Regarding this year's best bars, I made the list based on my personal preferences only. If you are a Western expat in your 30s, you will probably find it relevant. If you think a bar should be included here, please drop me a comment and I will visit the place if I haven't done it already.

    In this month of April 2015, my favorite bars in Jakarta are:

    1) Cloud Lounge
    Cloud is the best place for a drink in Jakarta in my opinion. You have good music, good people, good view, good service and good food/drinks. I only wish it could become more wild sometimes late at night.

    2) Safehouse
    The newcomer Safehouse is small and not particularly pretty, but it may have the best music in Jakarta. Visit it if you are into electronic music (and expats).

    3) Loewy
    The ever popular Loewy is always happening, especially in the evenings around its main bar. Lots of expats and lot of expat hunters.

    4) Potato Head Garage
    Potato Head Garage is not always happening, but when it does it is usually for fun events with a great crowd. Visit it on weekends only.

    Popular hangout for the cool kids in Jakarta. 

    6) SKYE
    First rooftop bar in Jakarta, similar to Cloud with a slightly less impressive view. The service gets messy when they are busy.

    7) BATS and CJs
    Band in CJs
    Some people prefer BATS, some people prefer CJs. Both are quite similar if not identical: They are hotel bars with live music and a crowd of husbands having fun away from home.

    8) E&O
    Primarily a restaurant, their bar can be a great place to go for a drink on the right evening. They are serving among the best cocktails in Jakarta.

    9) 365
    Alternative bar with usually a good music selection and an interesting crowd.

    Union in Plaza Senayan
    Those places have been around for half a decade now, which is an eternity in Jakarta. They are not exactly bars but they are still popular with upmarket Indonesians who want to drink and hangout.

    Update May 2015:
    Several friends criticized the fact that I didn't mention Bauhaus in my Top 10 of Jakarta's Best Bars 2015.

    It is indeed a nice place that I unfortunately visited during Ramadan so it didn't give me the best impression.

    According to my friends, Bauhaus is among the trendiest places in Jakarta for younger expats and rich Indonesians. You can read my review here: Bauhaus Jakarta.

    As you may have noted, there are 14 bars listed above. Indeed, Jakarta's Top 14 Bars did not sound well to my ears. Photo Credit: I took the liberty of taking them from each venue's facebook page.
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    Top 10 Beer Bars, Pubs and Beer Gardens in Jakarta in 2015

    December 14, 2015, 4:47 am
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    Starting 2015, you are normally not allowed to buy any alcohol, including beer, from minimarts all over Indonesia. It should take a few months before someone smart finds a way to bypass the law so until then, you'll need to find a friendly and cheap bar to grab a beer when needed.

    Beer bars are not difficult to find in Jakarta so to avoid listing 100 venues, I made a choice with the following considerations in mind:

    Is the place crowded? Does it have a large choice of imported beers? Is it friendly? Does it have regular events? Is it popular with expats? Is it affordable? Does it have good food? Is the atmosphere appealing?

    The more YES I answered to those questions, the higher the ranking. Please comment below if you want to add a venue. 

    For those looking for a place to celebrate St Patrick Day's or Oktoberfest, it is a good list to start with as well.
    Sorry to that guy for posting this photo. I hope his boss is not a reader.
    1) Beer Brothers (Kemang)
    Large choice of beers, mixed crowd of locals and younger expats, easy-going.

    2) Beer Garden (Menteng, Kemang, SCBD, Radio Dalam)
    All their locations are usually packed. Crowd mostly local.

    3) Paulaner Brauhaus (Grand Indonesia)
    High end beer bar. Good food, large choice of beers including their own Paulaner.

    4) Brewerkz (Senayan City)
    Singaporean owned. Rather posh and neat. They have their own micro-brewery.

    5) De Hooi (Pondok Indah)
    Friendly expat bar, many regulars, great food menu.

    6) Eastern Promise (Kemang)
    Meeting point of most expats in Kemang. Always happening. Good music.

    7) Murphy's (Kemang)
    First irish pub in Jakarta. Friendly staff and good management.

    8) Molly Malones (Senayan Arcadia)
    Second irish pub in Jakarta, same owner as Murphy's.

    9) De Burse (SCBD)
    Same owner as De Hooi and Eastern Promise. Similar concept but more intimate setting.

    10) Liquid Exchange (Rasuna Said)
    Reasonable prices, good location, eclectic crowd and decent choice of beers.
    The following bars and beer garden almost made my list but finally didn't:

    Melly's Garden: Uncomfortable
    The Barrels in Kelapa Gading - Too much noise from La Piazza Mall
    Joglo Beer in Kemang - Not visited yet
    Brew & Co Cilandak- No visited yet
    Top Gun in Blok M - Too loud, too dirty, too noisy, too many prostitutes
    Pizza e Birra - Horrible food
    Aphrodite in Taman Rasuna and Mad Dogs in Cilandak - Getting old now
    Minus 2 - A bit far in PIK
    Double Doors - Not city center
    La Bière - Central Park - Not a fun crowd
    Jimm's Sports Café and Everest Bar in Bellagio: Almost made it
    Bremer in Kemang: Haven't been there in a long time and I don't know if it still exist

    Photo credit: Pictures taken freely from the facebook page of Beer Garden and Beer Brother. 
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