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18 Best Hotels in Jakarta Near Nightclubs and Bars

February 22, 2016, 3:25 am
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If you come to Jakarta and you enjoy party, it is a good idea to choose a hotel located walking distance from a nightclub, a bar or a popular hangout spot.

If you don't know the city very well, you will avoid having to deal with traffic and taxis, and you won't lose any time going from one place to another.

Also, it makes things much easier with girls that you could meet inside the clubs and its a big plus to score with girls that you meet online. Just offer them to grab a drink in the bar next to the hotel, and half of the work is done.

If you are looking for a hotel near red-light districts or with massage plus plus, you can also check my review: Sex Hotels and Girl-Friendly Hotels in Jakarta.

The following list contains my recommended nightlife hotels in Jakarta: Those are located in the same building as some of the city's best nightclubs and bars. I started with the 5-stars and luxury hotels, and ended with the more affordable ones.

Hyatt Hotel is a great place to stay in Jakarta. Though the hotel is a little old, it is perfectly located just above the mall Plaza Indonesia.

Keraton at the Plaza is also located in Plaza Indonesia and it is more luxurious than Hyatt. It is actually where the owners of the mall are living.

This means you have direct access to popular bars like Cloud, Cork&Screw and Burgundy and to the nightclub Immigrant.

Kempinski is one the best and most expensive hotels in Jakarta. It is located just opposite Plaza Indonesia and it is connected to Grand Indonesia.

Grand Indonesia has dozens of great cafés and bars, including Paulaner, Social House and Common People.

Ritz Carlton Pacific Place is the most prestigious hotel in Jakarta. It is both a hotel and a luxury residence for some of Jakarta's richest people. Located inside the mall Pacific Place, it is full of bars such as Potato Head, Cork & Screw or Hard Rock Café. It is also a short taxi ride from all the hip venues of SCBD like Empirica, Lucy in the Sky or Fable.

The Shangri La hotel is one of the best 5-stars hotels in Jakarta. It is not connected to any malls but it has several high-end restaurants and bars.

In particular, it is home to BATS, a live music bar popular every single day of the week. Most clients are either businessmen and expats above 40 looking for prostitutes.

Hotel Mulia, also in Senayan, is the largest hotel in Jakarta with around a thousand rooms. It has a bar called CJs which is similar to BATS: They have live music every day and a lot of prostitutes.

Raffles is part of the Ciputra World 1 complex which includes Lotte Avenue Mall. As such, it is close from several bars like Bacco and Revolution.

The new Fairmont Hotel is next to Plaza Senayan and walking distance from the nightclub X2/Equinox and the bars Prohibition and Union.

Le Meridien has a live music bar called 30 (Tiga Puluh) that used to be happening. It is rather quiet nowadays though.

Oakwood Premier Cozmo is more of a residence for expats, but you can also book affordable luxury rooms. 

It is just upstairs from Loewy, a restaurant and bar crowded almost every night with expats and Indonesian girls. It is a great place to set up a romantic date.

This new hotel is inside the Central Park Mall, the best one in West Jakarta. A favorite with younger Indonesians in their 20s, it has a nightclub called Nebula. 

Central Park has also several cafés and bars in the Ground Floor area.

Artotel Jakarta
This trendy 4-star hotel has a nice bar on its rooftop called BART. Expect a trendy, hipster crowd on weekends especially.

Kosenda Hotel
This hotel is similar to Artotel. It also has a rooftop lounge called Awan Lounge which is a bit more laidback and less crowded. It's a nice spot for a date.

Whiz Prime is a budget hotel located in Kelapa Gading, in North Jakarta. If you enjoy karaoke, you will find the infamous Level V or Level 5, a hidden bordello with young and pretty lady companions.

They also have a rooftop bar called Nuage.

Grand Paragon Hotel
Grand Paragon is a 3-star hotel which is mostly famous for its luxury karaoke, one of the best in Jakarta. The hotel is on Jalan Gajah Mada, about 15 minutes away from the city center.

The Jayakarta
Next to the Jayakarta Hotel is Club 36, a sort of coyote bar with naked dancers. The atmosphere is lively almost every day of the week. Their karaoke is popular as well.



This hotel is in the same building as the nightclub Golden Crown, one of the craziest venues in North Jakarta. Expect almost non-stop party with drugs and prostitutes.

This sex hotel has a massage parlour and a small club, Oppai. You will find naked dancers and prostitutes every day.

This hotel is quite unique. It is located on last floors of a tools and equipment mall, next to a parking area. In spite of that, it offers great rooms for a very affordable price. It is also just a few floors above Sun City nightclub.

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10 Worst Restaurant Chains in Indonesia

February 23, 2016, 5:33 am
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The restaurant chains listed below are on my personal blacklist. I consider they are the worst in Indonesia when in comes to the quality of the food they serve. They are also among the unhealthiest you'll find here. If you care just a little about your body, you should avoid them by all mean.

Most of them serve industrial, frozen food heavy in salt, sugar and fat. Ingredients are rarely authentic, especially those that are expensive in Indonesia like cheese or beef. They will always use the cheapest stuff, regardless of the taste. 

Cooks rarely have any background in cooking. They are often just high-school graduates with little training who only know how to stir-fry, deep-fry and pan-fry. It's not their fault though, the culprits are the bosses who decide on the recipes and one the ingredients used.

If you work for one of these chains, sorry about this post, it's not personal. I have nothing about the service or the staff. As far as I know, you do a great job welcoming and serving guests. My problem is only about the food in my plate.

Without any further delay, here are my 10 Worst Restaurant Chains in Indonesia:


Lotteria
I was tricked several times into eating a burger at Lotteria, and each time I've regretted it. They have nice posters with appetizing pictures of their burgers but the reality is completely different. The buns are dry, the beef patties are so thin you can hardly notice them, and the overall taste is bland. 

American Grill
I tried American Grill once in Surabaya. They had a very cheap buffet which seemed like a good deal. What a mistake! The buffet was mostly potatoes, pasta dishes and dry vegetables with mayonnaise. My friend ordered a steak that had mostly fat in it. I barely ate anything and went to a warung instead later that night.

They used to be part of Sizzler, an american chain, but they are now locally managed and you can feel the difference!

CFC
I'm sure you've noticed the CFC restaurants: They have a logo which is almost a copy of KFC. The acronym stands for California Fried Chicken but it is a 100% local brand. They have a branch in the airport in Jakarta in Terminal 3 and since there aren't that many other options to eat there, I tried once. As I could have expected, the food was gross. I probably lowered my life expectancy on that day from eating so much fat.

What is funny is that the name CFC is also the acronym for ChloroFluoroCarbon, also commonly named Freon. It is the product you put in your AC to make it cool.

A&W
I must be stupid because even though I hate the taste of the food in A&W, I must have eaten there at least 10 times. The reason is that they are usually conveniently located, in particular in the airport, and that the pictures look good enough to fool me. 

A&W is similar to McDonald's but more low-class. They serve rice, fried chicken and burgers. The burgers especially are horrible. They are small with a tiny beef patty, a small lettuce on top, some fatty sauce and industrial cheese. I have to admit their french fries are not too bad though.

Pizza Hut and Domino's Pizza
The taste of both Pizza Hut and Domino's Pizza is OK but their pizzas are so unhealthy that they should be forbidden to people under 18. Do you know for instance that the family size Pepperoni Pizza with normal crust has over 2,500 kilo-calories? The same pizza has also 3 times the daily limits in sodium and saturated fat.


D'Cost
Don't forget the mayo on the fat
D'Cost restaurants have a great slogan: "The taste of a 5-star, the price of street food" (Rasa lima bintang, harga kaki lima). What a lie! I tried their restaurant once based on this promise and to say that I was disappointed is an euphemism. First, the price is not as cheap as street food stalls, it is about 30% to 50% more. Second, the taste is as poor as it can get. They even managed to over cook the nasi goreng. It is a shame to go to D'Cost for Indonesian food when you can get so much better for half the price anywhere in the street.

They've also opened some D'Cost VIPs which are supposed to be even better... Taste of a 6-star?

Solaria
Solaria serves cheap Indonesian and Western food in a modern setting. The owner must be well-connected because they have very strategic locations in almost every airport and middle-class malls in Jakarta. I've had their food about 5 times and I've never managed to finish my plate. The food taste and the quality of their ingredients seem to be far from their priorities.

Toni Jack's/JackStar
Even though Toni Jack's does not exist anymore, I have to mention it here. This fast food chain was created by a local businessman after he lost the license for McDonald's in Indonesia. His intention was to compete with the American giant by offering better food.

I was curious to see the result so I tried once in their Sarinah location. Haha what a joke it was! I remember waiting in line for 30 minutes (even though there were only a few customers), and then the burger I was served was barely edible. Unsurprisingly, they closed their operations a few months later.

According to Kompas, Toni Jack's changed its name to JackStar. They have one or two locations in Java, in Solo and Bandung.

Jollibee
Jollibee is an American-style fast-food chain originally from the Philippines. They tried to enter the Indonesian market a few years ago but closed down after only a few months. Apparently, they are planning to open again in 2016.

I tried Jollibee once when I was reviewing Manila Nightlife and it is by far the worst fast food restaurant I have ever tried. It is similar to Lotteria in the sense that they have good locations and good pictures.

More Bad and Unhealthy Restaurants in Indonesia and Jakarta?
There are some other serious other contenders for worst restaurant chains in Indonesia such as Texas Chicken and California Pizza Kitchen. I tried them a  long time ago though and I don't remember exactly the taste.

I could also have added Burger King and McDonald's, but honestly I occasionally have them and I don't think they are that bad (for the taste).

Finally, I never tried Hoka Hoka Bento but I can imagine it's not the best place for Japanese cuisine....

What other chain is worth mentioning? Please leave a comment below if you think I forgot one...
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How To Rent A Cheap Room in Jakarta (Daily, Weekly, Monthly)

February 23, 2016, 11:18 pm
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Renting a cheap room in Jakarta has become much easier in the past few years, thanks to the internet.

The following guide will give advice to anyone on a budget looking to stay in Jakarta from a few days until several months. You will learn:
  • Where are the best-value areas in Jakarta near the offices, attractions and entertainment?
  • What are the options available for cheap stays in Jakarta?
  • How much does it cost to rent a room in Jakarta for a day, a week or a month?
  • What are the best low cost apartments in Central Jakarta?

Best Areas To Look for A Cheap Room or An Apartment in Jakarta

Jakarta is a huge megalopolis with dozens of different living areas to choose from. Because of the traffic, the lack of public transport, and the absence of sidewalk, it is very difficult to get from one point to another.

For this reason, you should choose your room/hotel/apartment carefully. Do not stay more than 5 kilometers away from your office, your school or the attractions you are planning on visiting. Keep in mind that 5 kilometers in Jakarta during peak hour can mean up to 1 hour in traffic!

If you need to go to multiple locations, then try to find a hotel near Jalan Sudirman or Jalan Thamrin, for instance in Setiabudi or Tanah Abang (see below for a description).

With this information in mind, these are the best neighborhoods to check if you are looking for a cheap place to stay in Jakarta, by order of preference.

Setiabudi
If you have your office in the Central Business District of Jakarta and a small budget, look no further than Setiabudi. From there, you are just 10 minutes away from Mega Kuningan, SCBD, Jalan Sudirman or Jalan Rasuna Said. You can also walk to several malls like Ambassador, Lotte Avenue and Kuningan City. You have hundreds of cheap street food options and many handy services like laundries, internet cafés and printing shops.

Most accommodations in Setiabudi are small residences and kos (guest houses). The price for a day is usually around Rp300,000 to Rp600,000 and for a month from Rp2,5M to Rp4,5M.

ZenRooms has several affordable hotels in the area such as ZenRooms Setiabudi:
Click here to check the prices of ZenRooms Setiabudi
Tanah Abang
Tanah Abang is a central area, west of Jalan Thamrin. It is a strategic location for both tourists and permanent residents because of its proximity to Jalan Sudirman, the most important avenue in Jakarta. From there, it is easy to go almost anywhere, including Jakarta's best malls (Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia), lots of nightlife spots, many offices and several key tourist attractions like the Monas and the National Museum.

Prices in Tanah Abang can be slightly lower than in Setiabudi. Locals living there are usually quite conservative and religious.

I advise you to check the properties of ZenRooms in the area such as ZenRooms Kampung Bali:
Click here to check the prices of ZenRooms Kampung Bali
Jalan Jaksa / Wahid Hasyim / Menteng
This area is also strategic in terms of location and price. While you won't find that many expats, it is a favorite for travelers and backpackers. You have several travel agents, money changers, internet cafes, cheap bars, street food stalls and budget hotels. If you are alone in the city, it is easier to meet people there as well.

Short term accommodation can be found on Jalan Wahid Hasyim and Jalan Jaksa while long-stay guesthouses are numerous around Cikini.

ZenRooms has a few options offering great value for money including ZenRooms Menteng Gondangdia:
Check here to check the prices of ZenRooms Menteng Gondangdia
Kemang
Kemang is home to one of the largest expat communities in Jakarta. Until recently, it was almost entirely made of small buildings and villas, but things are changing and you now have a growing number of apartment towers. 

Kemang is great for social life as you can easily make a group of expat friends living nearby. You also have a a large choice of bars and Western restaurants with decent prices and taste.

The number of budget rooms is limited though. If you stay for several months, your best option is probably to find a house to share.

An alternative is to stay in Cipete (15 minutes from Kemang), for instance in ZenRooms Cipete:
Click here to check the prices of ZenRooms Cipete
Tebet
Tebet is an area on the east of Jalan Rasuna Said. It has many student kos and a lot of cheap street food stalls. You can have horrible traffic to go there though, especially in the morning and after office hours. It is not so popular with foreigners as the options for entertainment are limited apart from Kota Kasablanka Mall.

In the area, ZenRooms Tebet offers great value-for-money rooms:
Click here to check the prices of ZenRooms Tebet
Mangga Besar:
This area is one of the cheapest in Jakarta and it is very close from the main tourist attractions and museums of Kota Tua. Jalan Mangga Besar is also fantastic for street food. Beware though as it is in the heart of the red light district of Glodok. It's not particularly dangerous but it's likely that you'll run into a prostitute in the lobby of the hotel.

To avoid this issue, you can stay a little bit further from the main street in ZenRooms Taman Sari Ketapang:
Click here to check the prices of ZenRooms Taman Sari Ketapang
Mega Kuningan
Mega Kuningan is an expat-heavy residential and business area. You have some of the best nightclubs and restaurants in Jakarta nearby, but it is very pricey. For visitors on a budget, Karet is a perfect alternative as it is only 10 minutes away. You can check ZenRooms Karet below:
Click here to check the prices of ZenRooms Kuningan Karet

What Are The Options Available For Cheap Stays in Jakarta?

It is not difficult to find a cheap place to stay in Jakarta. You have the following options:

Kos (Guest Houses)
A kos is normally a spare room inside someone's house that can be rented out. You can find them everywhere in Jakarta and particularly in Setiabudi and Menteng.

Since the prices in those areas have soared, some home owners have started renting every room in their house. Others have built bigger houses with several floors and dozens of rooms. They've also improved the facilities and services to look like normal hotels.

The main difference with a normal hotel is that the licenses and permits are easier to obtain with kos. For the guest, it means that the prices are generally lower.

To find a kos, you can try your luck walking around looking for "Kos Available" signs. If you speak Indonesian, you can also try some of the websites like sewakost.com or infokost.com. OLX Indonesia, a free classifields website is another option.

Budget Hotels
Central Jakarta is not cheap, even if you stay in a budget hotel.

Local budget hotel chains can be quite disappointing. A decent one is Fave hotel, particularly the one on Wahid Hasyim and the one one Gatot Subroto.

ZenRooms
ZenRooms is a great option for affordable stays in Indonesia. They are offering at least the same quality as traditional budget hotel chains, if not better, with prices that are much lower and with more amenities available - wifi etc..  (see details on picture above).

The idea is that they are selecting the best kos and small residences, invest to renovate them up to standards, then implement standard hospitality procedures.

Compared to the famous budget chains mentioned above, I've noticed that the price is around 20%-30% cheaper. 

Capsule Hotels and Dormitory
To my knowledge, you have only a few dormitory and capsule hotels in Jakarta. Their prices and locations, near Kota, are not really interesting unless you really want to save a couple dollars.

AirBnB
I've used AirBnB a few times in Jakarta and I've had good and bad experiences. Since it isn't really that developed yet, you generally don't have many guest comments so it's hard to get an idea of what to expect. Also, I find the owners rather greedy, charging expensive prices that are not so interesting compared to hotels. The level of cleanliness can be quite disappointing also.

Still, Airbnb is interesting if you need a kitchen or if you need an apartment with several bedrooms. It is ok for daily or weekly rent, but pricey for monthly rents.

Budget Apartments
You can easily find apartments to rent for daily, weekly or monthly online, but most websites I know are in Indonesian.

The easiest one to use is http://www.sewa-apartemen.net/. Most owners are looking for 6 months minimum rental period and they expect a full upfront payment.

See below for recommended budget apartments in Jakarta for weekly and monthly rentals.

Share Housing
If you're budget is under 400$/month but you want a big room, a garden and an expat lifestyle, the solution is to find a house to share. Kemang have plenty of fantastic villas with swimming pools. You can look on facebook groups like "Interns in Jakarta" or "Expats in Jakarta". The forum livinginindonesiaforum.org can also be a source of information.


How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Room in Jakarta?

All prices listed below are for Central Jakarta without breakfast. Prices in South Jakarta are about the same. North, East and West Jakarta are 25% lower.

Kos (Family Guest Houses) - With AC, Hot Water, WIFI, Private Bathroom
Daily: Rp250,000 to Rp500,000
Weekly: Rp1,200,000 to 2,000,000
Monthly: Rp2,500,000 to Rp6,500,000

ZenRooms - Standard Double Room with AC, Flat TV, Amenities, Hot Water, En-suite Bathroom
Daily: Rp280,000 to Rp600,000

Budget Hotels
Daily: Rp550,000 to Rp800,000

For studios and 1-bedroom apartments, the price is usually from Rp5,000,000 to Rp10,000,000 if you book directly with the owner (25% more on AirBnB or through agent). You must generally add to the price of the room the service charge, the water and the electricity. If you always turn on the AC (1 unit) every day for 12 hours, you can expect to pay an additional Rp1,000,000 per month.


Best Low Cost Apartments in Central Jakarta?

If you are looking for a studio or a small apartment in Central Jakarta for monthly rental, I advise you to try one of the following. They are all priced between Rp5,000,000 and Rp10,000,000 for a 1 bedroom apartment or a studio.

Incredibly enough, I have actually lived in all of these.

Taman Sari Semanggi
They have studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments. It is walking distance from Lotte Mart and easy to reach from the airport. Semi-olympic swimming pool.

Taman Sari Sudirman
Located in Setiabudi just behind the World Trade Center. Cheap but small studios with a freezing swimming pool. Near from the Transjakarta and tons of street food stalls.

Thamrin City
Big complex with several towers and probably half of all interns living in Jakarta. You can easily go to Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia. Easy for meeting people too. Different kinds of rooms available from studios to 3-bedroom apartments.

Sudirman Park
4 towers with affordable apartments within 5 minutes from Jalan Sudirman. Lots of small businesses around, in particular coffee shops and small restaurants. Located next to the London School of Public Relations.

Taman Rasuna
Huge complex with 18 towers (if not more as they are still adding new ones). It is rather old so even 2-bedrooms apartments can be quite cheap to rent (around 500$ per month). I don't like it personally as it feels really too big. The swimming pool is too crowded. Several expat bars and malls available nearby. It is also 500 meters from Jalan Rasuna Said.

Outside the city center:
Prices can be much lower outside the city center, but you have to be sure that the money you saved will not be spent in taxis.

You may want to check Kalibata City where the starting monthly rate is Rp3,000,000 or Mediterania Kebon Jeruk in Taman Anggrek.
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16 Cheap Girl-Friendly Hotels in Jakarta Under 40$/Night

December 15, 2015, 3:57 am
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Girl-friendly hotels in Jakarta are not difficult to find. As I mentioned in my guides Choosing Your Hotel in Jakarta and Sex Hotels in Jakarta, most of them will not bother you if you decide to bring a girl back to your room.

However, it can be a bit more tricky in the budget hotel segment. Some of them are indeed family-run or they can be "syariah" hotels, meaning they do not accept couples without a marriage certificate.

I thought that to avoid you any bad surprises, I could make this list of cheap hotels under 40$ a night where you can be sure to be able to welcome a last-minute guest. I selected hotels that are located near nightlife areas too, preferably walking distance or just a few minutes away from famous bars and nightclubs.


GIRL-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN CENTRAL JAKARTA
Favehotel in Wahid Hasyim is one of the best girl-friendly hotels in Jakarta under 40$. It is walking distance from Sarinah Mall and only 5 minutes from Grand Indonesia. You have a 7/11 on the ground floor and a decent restaurant too. A feature I like is that there is only 1 or 2 persons on stand-by at night so you can go to your room discreetly.

Book now on Air Asia Go (Favehotel Wahid Hasyim)

Holiday Inn Wahid Hasyim
It is a nicer alternative to the Favehotel Wahid Hasyim and, since it opened just a few months ago, the prices are still low. You can easily walk to Starbucks or Burger King in Sarinah. It is less than 200m from the TransJakarta station where you can take a bus to Kota Tua or Senayan for Rp4,000.

Book now on Air Asia Go (Holiday Inn Wahid Hasyim)

This Favehotel is in a great location as well, though it is a bit hidden. I like it for short stays or weekends because it is easy to reach from the airport (it is near the toll road exit on Gatot Subroto). It can help save you precious time if you arrive in Jakarta late on a Friday evening.

The rooms are in good conditions too. It is close from Dragonfly, Loewy, Revolution and all the bars in SCBD.

Book now on  Air Asia Go (Gatot Subroto) 

Ideally, the best location in Jakarta for me would be the Bunderan HI, where Plaza Indonesia is. Since all the hotels there are expensive 5-star hotels, the best alternative is to go to the Holiday Inn Thamrin or the All Seasons Thamrin. Both are quite similar, offering excellent rooms for around 40$.

Book now on Air Asia Go for Holiday Inn Thamrin 
Book now on Air Asia Go for All Seasons Thamrin

Amaris Thamrin City
A 5-minute walk from Grand Indonesia, Thamrin City is one of the largest middle-class complexes in Central Jakarta. It has several apartment towers, a shopping mall and a big supermarket. The Amaris hotel is located in the upper floors. While it is not really well-maintained, it is cheap for such a good location.

Book now on Air Asia Go (Amaris Thamrin City)

Red Planet is a budget hotel chain from the Philippines with currently 2 properties in Indonesia (the other one is in Bekasi). The branch in Pasar Baru is cheap and near several attractions like the Monas, the Istiqlal Mosque and the National Museum. It is at least 15 minutes from good nightlife spots though. If partying is your main reason for coming to Jakarta, it is best to choose one of the hotels mentioned above.


Ibis Tamarin
If you want to stay in a budget hotel, centrally-located, that has a swimming pool, Ibis Tamarin is one of your best options. The hotel is getting old but it is still a popular choice among travelers. There is another Ibis across the street called Ibis Arcadia but it does not have a pool.

Book now on Air Asia Go (Ibis Tamarin)

GIRL-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN NORTH JAKARTA
Favehotel LTC Glodok
I stayed in this hotel several weeks and it is one of my favorite in Jakarta in the budget segment. The location is good if you plan on spending time in North Jakarta for either visiting or party. It is also near Mangga Besar where you can find plenty of good street food stalls. The rooms are really comfortable and you also have pool tables in the café of the hotel. The main drawback is that the hotel is on the 7th floor of a mall specializing in electric supplies, tools, machineries, plumbing, etc... Not very romantic... 

Ibis Harmoni
Ibis Harmoni is interesting because it is brand new (2015). The location is a bit northern so it will take about 20 minutes to go to Plaza Indonesia (10 minutes without traffic). If you plan on partying in both North and South Jakarta, it is perfect. There are not so many interesting things to do right outside the hotel though apart from a few strip-clubs and brothels (Malioboro and Classic).

You can take the TransJakarta easily from the hotel.

Book now on Air Asia Go (Ibis Harmoni)

All Seasons Gajah Mada is located opposite Ibis Harmoni. It is one of several Accor Hotels properties in the area. While it has similar standards with All Seasons Thamrin, it is at least 20% cheaper. You can walk to Gajah Mada Plaza mall from it.

To be fair with you, 100% of the hotels located on Jalan Besar are girl-friendly. Even more than that, most clients go there to sleep with prostitutes. Hotel 88 is a chain from Singapore with 4 locations in Jakarta. The rooms are comfortable and clean, well-worth the price.


Whiz Prime
Located just across from Mall of Indonesia in Kelapa Gading, this hotel is famous for having the karaoke Level 5 inside it. It is very far from the nightclubs of South Jakarta so stay in this area only if you really need to.

Book now on Air Asia Go (Whiz Prime)

Ibis Styles Mangga Dua
Mangga Dua is a good location if you are on transit for a night in Jakarta because it can be easily accessed from the airport (30 minutes without traffic). It is a better alternative to staying in the airport I think because you will find more things to do, particularly in terms of nightlife (most of the bars and clubs there have prostitutes though, I must warn you). The Ibis Styles is within the mall WTC which is full of cheap shops. It also has a famous karaoke called Sense.

Book now on Air Asia Go (Ibis Styles Mangga Dua)


GIRL-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN SOUTH JAKARTA
The budget hotel chain Neo is part of Aston International, just like Favehotel. The one in Melawai is a good option if you intend on partying in Blok M district (Jalan Falatehan) or if you plan on visiting the karaokes of Little Tokyo. 


If you stay in Kemang, one of the best affordable girl-friendly/guest-friendly hotels available is the Amaris La Codefin. It is connected to a small shopping center with a supermarket, a few cafés and a massage parlour. From there you can walk to several popular bars.

Enjoy your stay in Jakarta!
Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/saphien/
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1 Reason It's Hard to Eradicate Prostitution in Indonesia

February 26, 2016, 9:48 pm
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Strangely, today I saw this picture on instagram showing the outside of a massage parlour in Alam Sutra called Lunatic. As I wrote on Jakarta100bars, sexual services are available there, including blowjobs and nude massage. Handjobs are part of the standard procedure while for additional services, the price must be negotiated directly with the girls. The management warns though that they do not provide condoms and that it is forbidden to engage in sexual intercourse.
The management of Lunatic massage advertises sexual services on public forums
I was surprised to see that several high-ranking policeman sent flower boxes to congratulate the owner and wish him success for the grand opening. When I say they spent money, I reckon it is government money as it seems the flowers were sent from the police offices.

You can see in particular the names of 3 high-ranking police officers with the ranks of "Jenderal", the 3rd and 4rth highest ranks in the Indonesian police.
It is quite common to see the Indonesian police linked with massage parlours. In Bali for instance, I once saw a sign from the police (Polda Bali) that had obviously been paid for by Delta Spa:
It is quite strange to have a private massage parlour sponsoring the activities of the police. Don't they have a budget for printing road safety messages?

I also noticed once that Illigals was congratulating the police for their birthday (see photo below). This is quite incredible to see considering Illigals is one of the famous places in Jakarta to buy illegal drugs (hence their name). It is also a high-class bordello where prostitution is thriving.

It looks like the relationship between them and the police is good in spite of that. No wonder Illigals is considered a "safe" place where "razzias" (police raids) are rare..

The Indonesian government has vowed to eradicate drugs and prostitution from Indonesia within a few years. If it wants to succeed, maybe it should make sure there are no conflicts of interests between the police and the owners of the spas/nightclubs?
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Pesona Sehat Massage Parlour (Wijaya Jakarta)

January 25, 2016, 2:18 am
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Pesona Sehat is a massage parlour in South Jakarta where it is possible to have sex, depending on the girls.

I was quoted the following prices which are quite high: Handjob = Rp500,000, Blowjob = Rp600,000, Full Sex = Rp1,000,000. On top of that, you must pay an additional Rp185,000 for the room.

Note that there are no doors in the room, only a curtain. If you are loud you'll better be discreet. Facilities are very basic and they are getting old: Toilets are outside the room and you don't have any pool, jacuzzi or sauna.

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 10am to 10pm

Pesona Sehat Health Center and Spa
Grand Wijaya Center
Blok H 16 - 17, Jalan Wijaya II, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 739 3146
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How to Travel Cheap in Bali?

March 6, 2016, 8:49 am
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Traveling cheap in Bali is not difficult if you are well-prepared and well-informed. The following guide is a must-read for any visitor wanting to get the most out of her/his dollars without sacrificing on quality.

I've lived 3 years in the island, enough time to know the best tricks and tips to save money on what is unnecessary. My goal is to help you make the right decisions regarding your flights, your hotels, your meals, your transportation and the attractions you visit.

If you have any questions about your trip, you can leave a comment below or contact me directly: thibaud@jakarta100bars.com.


Best Time to Visit Bali? Choose Your Season Carefully

Choosing your travel dates is the decision that will affect your budget the most. Tourism in Bali is highly cyclical, alternating between fully-booked peak seasons and budget-friendly low-seasons.

Weather in Bali
The weather in Bali is not an exact science. I observed the following:


  • 15th November to 15th March: Rainy season (almost daily rain for several hours, hot weather). During this period, the sea is also rougher and it carries a lot of garbage onto the beach.

  • 15th March to 1st June: Shoulder season (occasional rain, very hot weather)

  • 1st June to 15th September: Dry season (No rain, hot weather)


  • 15th September to 15th November: Shoulder season (occasional rain, very hot weather)


Most Expensive Periods to Visit Bali
The peak seasons in Bali, when the prices are the most expensive, are the following:

- Christmas and New Year: This is the busiest period of the year, when all prices go crazy. Few people realize that it is actually a terrible time to visit as it is raining almost daily. I strongly recommend to avoid traveling to Bali during this time unless you are looking for noise and traffic.

- Lebaran: This is the most important holiday in Indonesia for Muslims. It starts after the end of ramadhan and last for approximately 10 days. Thousands of Jakartans flock to Bali for the occasion, particularly in the South (Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Nusa Dua). The date of the Lebaran is not the same every year: In 2016, it will start on July 6th. In 2017 on June 24th. In 2018 on June 14th.

- 1st of July to 5th of September: This is the holiday season in Europe. The whole island gets busy during that time, especially around August 17th when you also have the Indonesian Independence day.

- Around 20th of September to 10th of October: This is a school holiday in Australia and you still have a fair number of tourists from Europe.

- Chinese New Year: Usually happening in early February, this is a busy period as both local and international tourists (from Singapore, Malaysia and China) come for a few days, usually in the South (Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran).

- Japanese Golden Week: It is the longest holiday in Japan from April 29th to May 5th. Since Japanese tourists are not as numerous as before, the impact on prices is now limited.

- Chinese Golden Week: Second longest holiday in China, it happens early October.


Best Periods to Visit Bali
Based on the information above, I would advise you to visit Bali from March 15th to the end of June and from the October 10th to the end of November. This is when you will get the best prices, the best weather and the less tourists.

Bali is also a weekend destination for residents of Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. It is particularly true when you have long weekends due to a public holiday falling on a Friday/Monday. Naturally, prices go up during those times.


Finding the Cheapest Flights to Bali

Domestic Flights within Indonesia
Onward flight prices are higher from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning and outward prices are higher from Sunday night to Monday morning.

If you are on a budget, you probably won't choose to fly with the national airline Garuda. I've noticed though that if you check directly on their website, you can sometimes get excellent bargains. The advantage of booking with Garuda is that you get a 20 kilograms luggage allowance, a free meal and more flexibility for cancelling your flight.

AirAsia is usually considered as one of the best local low-cost airlines. Their pricing is not always interesting however, particularly if you have extra luggage and if you want to pick your seat.

I usually fly with Lion Air. Not only it is the cheapest, it currently allows passengers to check-in up to 20 kilograms of luggage for free. If you come early enough, they can also give you seats near the emergency exit so you'll get more space for your legs. Citilink, the low-cost carrier from Garuda is an alternative but slightly more expensive.

The easiest way to save money on low-cost flight is to bring a carry-on luggage only with you (usually under 10 kilograms is tolerated). Consider that unless you trek Mount Agung or Mount Batur, you do not need any warm clothes in Bali, nor shoes, nor pants. There are very few things you cannot buy in Bali. Don't hesitate to leave sunscreen or shower gel at home if it allows you to bring one less bag.


Saving Money on International Flights
I use 3 websites when searching for good deals on international flights: Skyscanner.net, Google Flight and Kayak Explore. Those websites are unique because they allow for flexible search, meaning you do not need to input a particular destination or a precise date.

For instance, on Skyscanner you can find the best prices for a whole month or find the cheapest month within a year. If your travel dates are flexible, it is an incredible tool to use and it can save a lot of money.
Skyscanner allows you to find the best prices during a particular month
Another great feature is that you can input a country as a destination and then see how much it costs to fly to each of the airports within that country.

This feature can help you get great deals to go to Bali if you don't mind making a stop-over somewhere else in Indonesia.

For example, international flights to Surabaya and Jakarta are usually cheaper so you can go there first, and then take a local flight to Bali (Surabaya- Denpasar can be as low as 20$ and Jakarta-Denpasar is not more than 50$).

On the example below, I am looking for flights from Singapore to Indonesia in general, not particularly Bali.
As you can see, Singapore- Jakarta costs only 40$ while Singapore-Denpasar is 150$. In this case, if you do a stop-over in Jakarta you can save at least 60$. It is also usually faster to do your visa in Jakarta.

Kayak Explore and Google Flights offer a similar alternative, except that the results are displayed on a map.

Avoid Frequent Flyer Programs
Almost each airline has its own frequent flyer program. In general, you get a certain number of Miles for each purchases you make with that airlines and its partners. With some companies, you can also get more Miles if you own a partner credit card and use it for daily payments.

Once you've collected enough Miles, you can trade them for a free ticket or an upgrade. If you are a frequent flyer, you can get benefits such as the use of the lounge, priority checking or a more flexible reimbursement policy.

Unless your tickets are paid by your company, I would advise against joining these programs. The companies are usually playing with your ego to make you feel like you are a "special" customer with small attentions and small benefits. On your side, this makes you book exclusively with them, ignoring cheaper prices from competitors. In the end, you pay for your "free" ticket or upgrade much more than they are worth.


Finding Smart Hotel Deals

Hotel developments have gone crazy in Bali. Investors start building hotels without having the necessary permits and license. This absence of regulation has led to a serious over-supply of rooms and a price war.

This is particularly true with the newest hotels that are not centrally-located or far from the attractions. If you don't mind behind a few hundred meters away from the action, you can easily save 50% of your hotel bill. Read carefully my advices about transportation below to make sure you don't spend the money you've saved in taxis though.

Apart from the typical booking engines like Agoda or Booking.com, I recommend you to try ZenRooms.com.

They have rooms all over Bali with prices starting only $15 per night, including AC, hot water and sometimes a swimming pool.

Best cities in Bali for cheap travel
The most expensive cities in Bali are Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Seminyak. For intermediate prices, you have Sanur, Kuta and Legian. The cheapest are Denpasar, Ubud, Amed and Lovina.

Beachfront locations in the South are pricey unless you go to Bingin beach or Balangan beach. If your dream is to stay in a beach bungalow and you don't have a lot of money, it's better going to Lombok or even Thailand.


Getting Around in Bali for Cheap

Can You Go Around Bali With Public Transport?
Semi-public transport options in Bali are limited, but they are good enough to take you to the most famous cities like Kuta, Ubud, Sanur, Lovina or Amed.

Bemos and Angkot
Both bemos and angkots used to be everywhere, but it is much harder to find them as almost every Balinese family now owns a motorbike. Bemos and angkots are minivans with a capacity of about 10 people. They usually follow a straight line from one point to another (the route is written on the front of the car). The price depends on how far you go, usually between Rp3,000 and Rp5,000. It's a cheap and authentic way to travel, but it is not convenient at all because there are not enough lines in touristic locations.

Komotra
Komotra are open-air colourful buses that operate between Seminyak and Kuta on Jalan Legian. You can wave at them if they pass buy and hop on for Rp10,000.

Perama
Perama minibuses are interesting for tourists as they connect some major points of the island like Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, Lovina or Candidasa. They can also arrange transfer to Lombok. You can check the lines available, the fares and the schedule on Perama's website. To get the best prices, you can book directly in their offices or you can also book on line with a credit card or PayPal. Otherwise, the tickets can be bought through your hotel or through one of the numerous "travel agents" you will find on the streets, but the prices may be higher.

If you plan on traveling around Bali with Perama, I would recommend choosing a hotel not too far from their offices/stops (you can see them on their website).

Prices with Perama are about a third of what you would pay for a private taxi. It saves you money but it isn't that cheap either.

Sarbagita
Sarbagita is the latest attempt by the provincial government to develop public transportation in Bali. Unfortunately, due to the pressure of taxi lobbies, the buses stop in very inconvenient locations far away from tourist spots. As a consequence, you may spend more money going to bus stops than on the bus ride itself (currently only Rp3,500/ride).

It is also very difficult to find information on the routes. The most interesting line for tourists is the one going from the domestic terminal in the airport (near Solaria restaurant) to Mengwi in the north of Denpasar. Using this route, you can stop on Sunset Road, and from there take a taxi to Kuta/Seminyak/Legian.

Technically, you can go to Sanur, Kuta, Ubud or Uluwatu with Sarbagita but you'll need some patience finding the stops and waiting for the buses. If you have time, it can be worth it though as the price is hard to beat. The only map I could find is this one. Don't hesitate to ask the driver for assistance.

Kura Kura
Kura Kura was developed by the Japanese travel company JTB because their customers were complaining about the difficulties to get around in Bali.

They have several lines in each major tourist cities of South Bali and one in Ubud. You pay a flat rate for each line wherever you decide to go. The price is interesting but only about half of what you would pay with a taxi.

In spite of a huge demand for their services, they had some difficulties as well at the start of their operation because of the complaints from taxi drivers.

More information on their website: Kura-Kura Bali.

Should You Rent A Scooter?
I was using a scooter the whole time I lived in Bali. It is very easy to rent, cheap, and it gives you much more flexibility. You are supposed to possess an international driving license but it's no big deal if you get caught without (a Rp50,000 bill will make the problem disappear).

Balinese pay around Rp30,000 per day to rent a scooter. The tourist price is between Rp50,000/day and Rp100,000/day. If you rent the scooter weekly or monthly, you can get much cheaper.

The downside of driving a scooter is that it is dangerous. Most of the deaths of foreigners in Bali are scooter-related accidents. Traffic in the Kuta area is crazy and few rules apply: Don't expect cars to warn you if they make a turn. Don't be surprised either to see everybody running a red-light when the police is not around.

In spite of the danger, I still think that scooters are the best way to get around in Bali.

Best Transportation Apps to Save Money in Bali
Transportation apps are a great way to travel for cheap in Bali. As elsewhere in the world, they face protests from traditional taxis and the government has called for their ban several times. They are still working until now.

I use the the following apps:

Grab
Grab is the umbrella app for services like GrabCar, GrabTaxi and GrabBike. GrabCar allows you to call a private car, GrabTaxi calls you a taxi, and GrabBike a motorbike. The prices are very reasonable (30-50% lower at least for GrabCar compared to regular taxis) and you don't have to negotiate anything.

Uber
Similar to Grab, but a bit cheaper. You need a credit card to order a car. They have two services in Bali: UberX and Uber Black (nicer cars, professional drivers).

Go-Jek
Similar to GrabBike, this popular local app allows you to book a motorbike (and a driver) for a cheap price. They have other services as well like Go-Eat to order delivery food.

Airport Transport
The airport is one of the most difficult places in Bali to find cheap transportation. Still, unless your hotel provides a free pick-up, it is better to do everything on your own.

There is not a lot of room for negotiation within the airport: Prices are fixed at about twice the normal rate. If you really want to save money, you have only a few options:

- Exiting the airport by foot and getting a taxi outside: If you have a small luggage, it is very easy to do and it takes just 5 minutes to get out.

- Take public transports: As I wrote above, you can now take a public bus from Bali airport. The lines goes to Sunset Road in particular, from where you can take a taxi.

- You can try your luck with Uber or GrabCar, but in that case, make sure your driver is waiting on the parking lot, discreetly. Taxis may get angry at your driver if they see he is picking you up.


Changing money and ATMs

Best Money Changers in Bali
Money changers are one of the most famous scams in Bali. Small ones on the famous tourist streets will advertise very interesting rates, then try to short-change you.

I actually used that trick several time to my own benefit by changing small amounts at a time and monitoring strictly the number of bills I was handled. This allowed me to benefit from quite higher rates. The owner of the shop may change his mind and ask for the money back though...

If you prefer safety, the most recommended money changers in Bali are BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange. Both have several branches in key locations on the island.

They may refuse dollar bills that look a bit old or folded. Make sure you travel with new ones. You'll get more money out of them too.

If you are not changing dollars or euros, the rate might not be so interesting. For this reason, if you have rare currencies, you may want to change them first in dollars in your home country.

ATM
There are ATMs almost everywhere in Bali. The withdrawal limit is usually just over $100 (Rp1,500,000), but it can be as low as Rp500,000. Some foreign banks like CitiBank or HSBC allow up to Rp3,000,000.

The withdrawal limit is important as you normally have to pay a flat fee each time you take money. Ask your bank how you can waive such fees while you are on holiday.

Shit happens even in Bali, and in particular having your card blocked in an ATM. I would advise you to bring two cards or to keep enough cash to get by for a few days just in case.


Using the proper visa and proper agent

If you are in Bali or Indonesia for less than a month, most likely you won't need a visa. Just check the list of countries eligible for a visa waiver on the website of any Indonesian embassies).

Written on March 5th 2016: This information may not be valid in a few months. Please leave a comment below if you have any question about the current regulation.

If you stay more than a month, you have several strategies:

Visa runs (if your country is eligible for free 30-day pass)
You get a free 30-day pass upon arrival, book a return flight to KL or Singapore, and get a new 30-day pass. If you are lucky, you can get a return flight for less than $100. It's the most expensive and least convenient way to stay longer in Indonesia, but it saves you from the hassle of actually getting a visa.

Note that the free 30-day pass cannot be extended in Indonesia.

30-day paid visa + 30-day extension
Even if you can benefit from a free 30-day pass, you still have the option of paying for a 30-day visa in the airport (currently $35). A 30-day extension is allowed with this visa, for a price varying from $25 to $40. For agents recommendation see below.

60-day visa
The 60-day visa can be made in any Indonesian consulate abroad. At the time of writing, it costs $50 and it takes 3 days to proceed. You do not need an agent. Some embassies allow the process to be done by mail/courier. This solution is good if you stay less than 2 months and if you live in a city near a consulate. If not, even though it is sometimes possible to do it by courier, it becomes more complex and costly.

Socio-cultural visa (SOSBUD - sosial budaya in Indonesian)
This visa can also be obtained from any Indonesian consulate. You need a letter of invitation/sponsorship that can be written by an Indonesian friend, an agent, an organization or a company. The visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for 2 months and it can be extended 4 times for a month each.

In general, agents charge between $100 and $200 for a SOSBUD + $25-$50 per extension.

You can normally do all this by yourself, but it is not recommended. The staff in the consulates and the immigration offices want you to use an agent because they can get money from it. If you don't use an agent, they will make the process slower and more complicated.

Recommended Visa Agents in Bali
Prices can normally be negotiated. Don't hesitate to call several ones to get the cheapest prices.

Bayu Santero Visa Services: http://indonesiaimmigrationvisa.com/
Channel 1 Visa Bali: http://www.channel1.biz/
CCI (expat-owned): http://www.cciindonesia.com/
Okusi Associates: https://okusiassociates.com/balioffice
Lamansa Indonesian Visa: http://www.lamansalink.com/
Visa For Bali: http://visaforbali.com/
Expatrust Bali: http://expatrustbali.com/


6 More Useful Tips For Cheap Travel in Bali

Eating out
If you are alone, it is often cheaper to eat local food on the street rather than cooking by yourself. Indonesia restricts imports to protect its farmers, but it does not provide significant help for them either. In the end, you have few products, with lower quality and for a higher price than in other Asian countries like Thailand or Vietnam.

In spite of that, Indonesian cuisine is varied and delicious. Don't limit yourself to nasi goreng!

You can eat Indonesian street food for approximately $1 for a simple meal without meat, and $2 with meat. In casual restaurants, you can expect prices to be slightly lower than in Western country: About $5 for Indonesian food and between $5 and $12$ for Western food. Most restaurants add a tax and service charge to the final bill.

In the most touristic areas, cheap food stalls may be hidden in smaller streets. Ask Indonesians around for advice. Another possibility is to download the application GoJek: It has a food delivery option for just Rp15,000 that includes some cheap restaurants.

You can also read my guide for affordable restaurants: Cheap Eats Bali.

You have thousands of convenience stores in Bali. On some busy streets, you can find one every 100 meters. Unfortunately, they do not have a lot of choice apart from snacks, candies, sugar drinks and chips. If you need to do some serious grocery shopping, you can visit local supermarkets such as Nirmala (in the Bukit Peninsula) or Hardy's for the best prices.

If you need imported products, you can go to Carrefour, Lotte Mart or Bintang instead.

Finally, for expensive and gourmet shopping, try Papaya (Japanese food) or Bali Deli.

Alcohol and Party
What may cost you more money than food is alcohol and wine. The cheapest bottles of alcohol in Indonesia cost almost $25 in supermarkets, and even more in restaurants. If you plan on drinking wine, a good idea is to buy a bottle in the airport of your home country, and then bring it to the restaurant you want to go to (if they allow corkage).

For heavy drinkers and party-goers, the most affordable bars and clubs are located in Kuta. SkyGarden in particular offers interesting promotion before midnight. Start your night on their rooftop: They have an all-you-can-eat BBQ every night that costs only $5!

For a detailed review of the best places to party in Bali: Bali Nightlife and Best Nightclubs in Bali.

Buying souvenirs and bargaining
In all major tourist streets, it has become harder to bargain when buying souvenirs. Shop owners are agreeing on minimum prices that are often way above the real value of the objects.

If you plan on buying cheap souvenirs, I advise you to visit huge stores like Krisna or Hawaii Bali, both of which have branches near the airport. Most of their customers are Indonesians on bus tours looking for "oleh-oleh", cheap souvenirs, before heading back to their respective islands. You can find anything there including clothes, snacks, painting, bags and accessories. All prices are fixed.

If you buy more expensive products, I advise you to find out who the supplier is. Chic shops in Seminyak can charge you 10 times the price you could get directly from the reseller (some of which are located just 5 minutes away on Jalan Tangkuban Perahu in Kerobokan!).

Resellers do not have fixed prices so it may be difficult to know if you are being ripped-off or not. My method is to evaluate the cost of manufacturing and then add a 30% margin. For that you need to ask questions about the materials used and the number of working hours spent.

The cost of materials can be checked on www.alibaba.com. For the salaries, you can consider that a skilled worker is paid about Rp100,000 per day.

Smiling and being friendly is very important when negotiating a price. Being charming works much better than being threatening.

Laundry
Most hotels provide laundry services, but you can save money easily by taking your laundry outside. Typically, the price is Rp10,000 to Rp15,000 for 1 kilo, including ironing and folding.

You can find such laundries everywhere. Just ask around for the nearest locations.

Staying healthy and safe
It is not compulsory to be insured when visiting Indonesia but it should be. You should understand that the decent hospitals in Bali are all privately-run and they will not treat you if you cannot pay.

Prices are often outrageous and it's not rare to see bills over $10,000 for a broken leg.

A holiday in Bali means you will be taking more risks than you would back home: Thing about road accidents, tropical diseases, sports-related injuries, animal bites, food poisoning, etc. Do not visit the island if you cannot afford a travel insurance.

Avoid scams, taxi "mafias", tour guides and ... the police
Compared to other destinations in Asia, Bali is relatively preserved from aggressive scammers. For sure they exist, but in general the only problem you will face is being over-charged by taxis, sellers, tour guides and hotel employees.

A little-known fact is that the whole tourism economy in Bali is driven by commissions. Most spas, restaurants, tourist spots, transportation companies and shops give commissions to anyone who sends them a client. The amount can be fixed, or it can be a percentage of the sales. In some extreme cases, the amount of commission can represent up to 50% of the total price. This is the case for some seafood restaurants in Jimbaran, for some fastboat companies between Bali and Lombok, and for most watersport activities in Tanjung Benoa.

For this reason, take recommendations from taxis drivers or hotel staff with precaution. Always double check on internet for reviews from real tourists. If you can, book directly.

Taxis in Bali are sometimes considered a mafia. Some companies will get the exclusive rights (sometimes through intimidation) to pick up passengers in a specific location (for instance in Bali Collection in Nusa Dua). They will then refuse to use the meter and charge you several times the normal rate.

If this happen to you, no need to try to bargain or get angry: Just walk outside of the area for a few minutes, and when there are no more taxis, order a Blue Bird (by phone or through their app), a Uber or a Grabcar.

Finally, the Police in Bali is not as bad as you would think. First, they will not stop you or arrest you for no reasons. If you are driving a scooter and all your papers are in order, they will let you go.

They may try to make problems if you don't have your passport with you. You can carry a copy of it to avoid this issue.

If you get caught for a minor offense, it is your call whether you prefer giving a small amount of money or not. Rp100,000 is more than enough. If you don't pay but act lost, there is a big chance the policemen will let you go after a few minutes.

These are my tips for traveling cheap in Bali. Did I forget something? Please leave a comment below if you think so!
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18 Best Apartments in Jakarta for Bachelor Parties

March 8, 2016, 4:41 am
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If you come to Jakarta for partying as a group of friends, for instance for a bachelor party, it is a good idea to book an entire apartment instead of a normal hotel.

First, you can make great savings by splitting the cost of your stay among a few friends. Second, staying in an apartments make it easier to organize a party at home before heading out. This can save you more money especially if you buy a few bottles of spirits at the airport before flying to Jakarta (1 bottle per person allowed).

Even if you don't know anybody in the city yet, spend an hour on Tinder or any other popular dating sites as soon as your plane lands. I guarantee that if you are friendly and not creepy, you can easily get a girl and her friends to join your party. The key word here is "not creepy": Just be cool, don't expect anything else than a fun evening. You will see that the promise of free booze and pizza in a nice downtown apartment can make you very popular. 

There are dozens of apartments in Jakarta for rent. The ones below are the most recommended, either because they are luxurious or because they offer exceptional value for money. I ranked them starting from the best.

The Residences of Ritz Carlton
Staying in the Ritz Carlton in Pacific Place is actually not that expensive if you stay in their residences.

A 2-bedroom apartment cost less than $300, which is reasonable once you split that in two. The breakfast is included in the price too.

Even if it is over your budget, you have to consider the advantages of staying in one of the most exclusive hotels in Jakarta, walking distance from some of the most popular bars and nightclubs in the city. 

Check the current price on Agoda: Ritz Carlton Pacific Place Residences

Fraser Residence Menteng
This hotel is the one of the best in Jakarta if you plan on staying in an apartment. It is new, luxurious and centrally-located (10 minutes from Grand Indonesia).

It has 90m2 apartments with 2 bedrooms that are well-equipped and clean. Price starts at $180 per night.

You can also check Fraser Residence Sudirman which is slightly more expensive but closer from malls and clubs.

Check on Agoda: Fraser Sudirman

Ascott Kuningan
This brand new hotel is located in Ciputra World 1, a complex that includes Lotte Mall, the DBS Office Tower and the Raffles Hotel.

2-bedroom apartments in Ascott Kuningan are great but they are pricey. You'll have to pay over $300 per night without breakfast.

Check the current price on Agoda: Ascott Kuningan

The Mayflower Jakarta
This high-rise property is managed by Marriott. The location is fantastic, straight on Jalan Sudirman, and the price not excessive for a 5-star property. Very recommended for a bachelor party.

They have 2 kinds of 2-bedroom apartments with size 106m2 and 135m2 both under $220 per night. Great city view from the sunken bathtub! It also has an indoor swimming pool for those afraid to get tanned.

On weekends, they currently have a promo: Free breakfast for 2.

Check the current price on Agoda: The Mayflower by Marriott

Morrissey Hotel
Morrissey is also very well-located near Sarinah Mall and only 5 minutes from Plaza Indonesia. It is a 4-star property with a nice restaurant on its ground floor called Ocha and Bella.

You can book an apartment for up to 5 people with 3 single beds and 1 queen bed (size 88m2) but the price is steep at $400.

The bathroom includes a sunken shower tub.

Check the current price on Agoda: Morrissey Serviced Apartments

Aston Kuningan Suites
This is an excellent value-for-money property in the heart of Jakarta, near from the nightlife, malls and restaurants.

They have a 2-bedroom apartment for under $150 and a huge 240m2 penthouse with 2 king size beds for under $400.

The penthouse is great if you need to make a bachelor party but beware they don't serve alcohol. If you need some you can download the food delivery app "Happy Fresh".

Check the current price on Agoda: Aston Kuningan Suites

Ascott Tanah Abang
The Ascott is a luxury serviced apartment tower only 3 minutes away from Grand Indonesia (the most popular mall in Jakarta).

I recommend you the 2-bedroom executive (125m2) with 2 single beds and 1 double bed. The apartment includes everything you need for a few days including a large living room, a kitchen and a washing machine.

Price starts at $250 a night.

Check the current price on Agoda: Ascott Tanah Abang

Aryaduta Semanggi Hotel
The Aryaduta Hotel is next to Plaza Semanggi and near Jalan Sudirman/Jalan Gatot Subroto.

It features several apartments types including 2-bedrooms and 3-bedrooms. All of them have kitchen, bathtub, washing machine and living room.

The price for 3-bedroom apartments start $160 per night. If you want something decent, close from nightclubs, for an affordable price, this is one of the best choices in Jakarta.

Check the current price on Agoda: Aryaduta Semanggi

Batavia Apartments
Another popular choice for clubbers are the Batavia Apartments. This residence is just a few minutes away from Jalan Sudirman, the main avenue in Jakarta. From there, it is easy to reach Plaza Indonesia or Plaza Senayan.

You have several types of apartments including a 3-bedroom Penthouse and a 4-bedroom suite. You can get the Penthouse for less than $200 for up to 6 people including 3 breakfast.

Check the current price on Agoda: Batavia Apartments

Somerset Berlian
This 4-star serviced-apartment building is approximately 10 minutes from Plaza Senayan and Jalan Sudirman. 

It has 3 bedroom apartments with a price ranging from $150 to $250. Each room is comfortable and well-equipped. It was built several years ago so don't expect brand new amenities and furniture though.

There is another Somerset property near Ambassador Mall / Ciputra which is perfect for clubbers. It is not well-maintained though and quite expensive.

Check the current price on Agoda: Somerset Berlian and Somerset Grand Citra

Aston Rasuna
The hotel is starting to get old, but it is very close from nightclubs and bars. The price for the 2-bedroom apartment is fantastic. Some weekends you can get one for under $80. Excellent value-for-money.

Check the current price on Agoda: Aston Rasuna

Puri Casblanca
This hotel is close from Rasuna Said street and next to Kota Kasablanka mall. It is next to a cemetery so if you get scared easily you may want to avoid.

The 2-bedroom apartments are relatively small and expensive, but watch out for discounts they may have. I've seen them giving 50% off on Agoda during low season.

Check the current price on Agoda: Puri Casablanca

The Bellezza Suites
This property is not the best for party-goers as it is usually crowded with families, especially on weekends. It is located in the South of Jakarta in Permata Hijau, about 10 minutes from Senayan.

It can be a decent option if you need a good-value 4-star three bedroom apartment. Price start at $190 per night.

Check the current price on Agoda: The Bellezza Suites

Grand Tropic Suites Hotel
While it is a rather old hotel with outdated furniture, the Grand Tropic offers excellent value for money with a 3-bedroom apartment that cost only $130 per night.

Their 132m2 Family Suite can accommodate up to 6 people (2 single beds and 2 double beds). It comes with a bathtub, a living room, a kitchen and a dining room.

The location in Grogol is not central but it is within an easy reach from the airport and only 20 minutes from Senayan (on average).

Check the current price on Agoda: Grand Tropic Suites

Aston Marina and Aston Pluit (North Jakarta)
Aston Marina Hotel is a bit old with some maintenance issues but if you are on a budget it is a good option.

They have 80m2 2-bedroom apartments with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for less than $125.

It is located relatively close from the airport in North Jakarta. It is far from nightlife spots like X2, Immigrant or Dragonfly, but close from the red-light district in Kota. Alexis is very nearby.

A very similar option is the Aston Pluit.

Check the current price on Agoda: Aston Marina and Aston Pluit

If you have any more questions about my list of the best apartments for nightlife and party in Jakarta, please leave a comment below.

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Monty's Restaurant and Whisky Bar (Senopati)

March 10, 2016, 7:11 am
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Monty's is one of the hippest and most exclusive venues in Jakarta at the moment. The day I visited, you had 1 Ferrari, 1 Lamborghini, 2 Porsches, 2 Jaguars and several nice sports cars parked just in front. That should give you an idea of the crowd.

It was opened by Klabo, the same group behind Nip & Dram and Ivy Kitchen. From what I've heard, the owner of Blue Bird Taxis is one of the shareholders. 

The Restaurant
On the first two floors is a restaurant serving classic European food. They have all the priciest ingredients that you can possibly import in Indonesia such as caviar, lobster, truffle, charcuterie, cheese or wagyu beef. There also serve several organic and healthy dishes.

The kitchen is headed by a Norwegian expat who previously worked in Grand Hyatt as an executive sous-chef. The price is rather expensive: On average for a 2-course meal you'll spend at least Rp500,000 (without alcohol). You can try it for lunch as they have a 2-course set menu for a little less than Rp300,000 net. Unfortunately it's the price for decent food in this area of Jakarta.

The Lounge
On the third floor, you have a "secret" speakeasy lounge / whisky bar with very dim lighting and chic ambiance. You should really make a reservation in advance as it is fully-booked most of the time. They have live bands from Wednesday to Saturday playing covers of famous pop songs. Wednesday is the busiest and most-recommended night.

It has a capacity of around 60 people. You have to spend at least 5M rupiah to get a sofa (10 pax) or 3,5M rupiah to get a table (4 pax). If you want to drink by the glass, you need to sit by the bar but the available space is scarce and they might not let you in if it's full.

I think that this is the kind of place where either you have the money and you book a sofa, or you don't have it and you just go somewhere else.

Overall
If you want to network among the Indonesian elite, I advise you to spend a few nights in the whisky bar. People all seem to know each other and they are pretty relaxed, easy to talk to. Quite many girls as well. Large collection of expensive whiskies. If you are Muslim, beware because the bar only serves alcohol drinks.

They also have a Champagne-themed Sunday brunch.

Monty's Jakarta
Senopati Raya No. 84, Jakarta, Indonesia 12190

Phone number: +62 (0) 720 4848
Email: reservations@montys.co.id

Facebook: Monty's
Instagram: montysjkt
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Hause Rooftop & Kitchen (Setiabudi)

March 10, 2016, 9:57 pm
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Hause is a small bar and restaurant located on the rooftop of MD Place in Setiabudi. You have a long selection of cocktails, Western and Indonesian food, live music on selected nights, and a hipster vibe. 90% of the crowd is made of twenty-something Indonesians, among which a lot of pretty girls. 

The building is only 6 floors high so you don't expect a fantastic view. There are plants and flowers everywhere and it's what I liked the most about Hause. It truly feels like an oasis in the city (especially in that area of Jakarta where you don't have any green spaces). A similar venue is Lucy in the Skye in SCBD.

Apart from the plants, there is really nothing special about the design. It's cute and homey but nothing you've never seen before elsewhere.

My problem with Hause is that the prices are way too high compared to what the place has to offer in terms of food, drinks, service and atmosphere. Rp150,000 for a cocktail? Rp65,000 for bruschetta? Rp85,000 for nasi goreng? That's more expensive than Skye or Loewy.

Overall:
I really think they should either improve the quality of their food or decrease their prices. If not, I don't think I would visit again. 

Hause Rooftop and Kitchen
MD Place, Tower 2 (in Tower 1 you have Akira Back)
6th Floor, Jalan Setiabudi Selatan No. 27, Jakarta
Phone number: 0822-9888-9852

For events and live music schedule:
Instagram: Hause
Facebook: Hause Setiabudi

Opening hours:
Everyday from 10am to 2am
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De Leila (Arabic Nightclub) - FX Sudirman

March 13, 2016, 5:19 am
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De Leila is an arabic nightclub located on the 8th floor of FX Sudirman, where Privé used to be. It is a popular party spot for tourists from the Middle East and particularly Saudis, Qatari and Emiratis. You have a few other nationalities such as Egyptians, Iranians, Turkish and Omanis. Even though most customers are Muslims, alcohol and prostitutes are widely available.

I had reviewed De Leila before when it was still in Putra Jasa on Jalan Gatot Subroto. You can see the original review here: De Leila Gatot Subroto.

Do you need a hotel near De Leila? Harris FX is walking distance and the price is affordable. You can compare the prices here: HotelsCombined.

The new De Leila was opened a year ago early 2015. It is still partly owned by the Ahmad Fahmy family (also behind Tanamur).

It is now more modern and spacious, with an upmarket feel. I have to warn you though that is a a place of prostitution, with at least 50 freelance working girls from Indonesia, China and Morocco (yes there are Moroccan prostitutes in Jakarta!). You will notice that many girls are plump while some are borderline obese. Many are very pretty though, better than in BATS, Blok M or CJs.

The music in De Leila is Arabic, either from their live band or from the DJ. It is best to book a sofa so you can enjoy the show with the best possible view. You can order shisha as well.

There is also a mezzanine with brand new pool tables and a second bar. There was no belly dancers when I visited but there are regular performances.

The entrance fee is Rp125,000 and it includes one free draught beer. 

De Leila Arabic Nightclub
FX Mall Sudirman 8th Floor (You have a dedicated entrance in the lobby of FX)
Jalan Jendral Sudirman Pintu Satu Senayan
Jakarta 10270

Phone number: +6221 2555 4489
Email: claudyasti@yahoo.com

Facebook: Arab Bar Jakarta
Website: DeLeila

Opening Hours:
Every day from 7pm to 4am (from 5pm on Saturday and Sunday)
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Eleven Karaoke and Spa (Semarang)

March 7, 2016, 5:30 am
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Eleven is a spa and karaoke located 10 minutes from the Semarang airport and 15-20 minutes from the city center. It is next to Babyface club and Relique Spa, the most famous one-stop entertainment complex in the city.

Eleven Karaoke
One of the most luxurious karaoke in Semarang with Babyface, EC, E-Plaza, Royal and Zephyr. They have over 60 high-class lady companions that cost from Rp500,000 up to Rp1,200,000 for 3 hours of singing/drinking with you. You can stay in the lounge to meet one or ask directly to a GRO for what you are looking for.

They have 11 different rooms with the following capacity and prices:

Small (6-8 persons): Rp1,5M
Medium (10-15 persons): Rp2,5M
Deluxe (20-25 persons): Rp3M
Emerald President Suite (40-50 persons): Rp6M.

Opening Hours:
Every day from 2pm to 2am (3am on weekends)

Eleven Spa

This is a male spa with happy ending and erotic services. There are 3 types of rooms/treatments:

Deluxe - Rp230,000 for 60 minutes traditional massage/shiatsu + HJ
Superior - Rp290,000 (includes a jacuzzi) for 60 minutes traditional massage/shiatsu + HJ
Presidential - Rp450,000 for 90 minutes traditional/shiatsu massage with scrub, milk bath and 2 special sexy features: Dance Time = Private sexy dance in the jacuzzi and Heaven Queen: The girl will join you in the jacuzzi.

You have about 35 therapists to choose from.

The facilities are clean and luxurious, including a sauna and a whirlpool. You can use the facilities only for Rp100k. 

Eleven Karaoke and Spa
Jalan Puri Anjasmoro Blok DD1 53 - 54
Semarang City

Phone number: 02476431111
BB PIN: 5B3D2DC6

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Royal Karaoke (Semarang)

March 9, 2016, 8:55 am
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Royal is a karaoke located in Semarang in the North of Poncol train station. It is a bit dodgy around this area but the karaoke itself is self and clean. It is also very affordable: Currently you can get a room with 2 bottles of Jack Daniels for Rp1,500,000.

Royal Karaoke Semarang
Jalan Sultan Hassanudin Rukan Permata Hijau Blok AA No. 1

Booking and enquiries:
024 3549589 or 0243561003 or 085742900361 or 085600222957
BB Pin: 5E3F7C43 or 303307D6
Email : royalresto.karaoke@gmail.com

More information:
Twitter: Royal Semarang
Facebook: Royal Karaoke
Website: Royal Karaoke Semarang
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20 Famous Prostitute Bars in Luxury Hotels in Asia

March 21, 2016, 4:03 am
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If you are familiar with 5-star hotels in Asia, you know that they are often the best places to find freelance prostitutes in a particular city. Many will have a bar or a nightclub where working girls can offer their services without any problems. They are even encouraged to do so in some venues with free entrance and free drinks. The tolerance of the hotel managers/owners for prostitution activities within their walls may seem surprising. It is actually very logical and it can be explained easily.

First, most of the clients in these hotels are male who are traveling alone, usually for business purposes. For them, the availability of (paid) sex is the main reason they will choose a brand over another. Any hotel with a happening pick-up bar is guaranteed a high-level of occupancy.

Second, many clients prefer staying in hotels that have in-house bars because it is a sign they will be girl-friendly. They will feel more comfortable bringing a girl back to their room: That's what other guests do and the staff is used to it. In the morning, the same people won't feel too ashamed going to breakfast with a girl half their age and wearing a mini-skirt from the day before.

Finally, those bars are money-making machines: They are packed every night, particularly during week days because that's when business people are traveling. They can charge pretty much any prices they want since the expenses can be claimed to the company. And they draw an important crowd from outside, interested to meet with hookers and willing to spend hundreds of dollars on alcoholic drinks.

The famous 5-star hotel chains are rather discreet about all this. They are probably afraid that too much publicity would draw the ire of some feminist groups. I'm doing a favor to the latter by listing below all the most famous prostitute bars and nightclubs in Asia that are located inside 5-star and luxury hotels. Note that this is not organized prostitution: All girls are freelancers who have no affiliation with the hotels. In some places, they make up for 95% of the total women crowd while in other they are a small minority.

I could not find much information for cities like Osaka, Tokyo, Taipei, Hong-Kong, Delhi and Mumbai. Please leave a comment below if there is a hotel bar you recommend there.

Bangkok
Intercontinental Hotel - Mixx Discotheque
This nightclub is one of the most popular in the city. There are 2 dance floors, one with hip-hop and one with EDM. Very expensive but pretty escorts everywhere, among which many are Russian.

You will find here classy escorts asking for 150$-200$ for sex. Clients are mostly white male above 40. Live band every night.

Climax is another famous freelance club but it is located in the basement of a mid-range hotel, Ambassador.
    
Singapore
Very crowded live music and DJ bar. It is unique to my knowledge in Asia for the number of prostitutes' nationalities. I would say you have girls from at least 20 countries on any given night. Most are Thai, Filipinas, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Chinese. Many African girls as well.

Jakarta
Two bars in Jakarta get most of the business crowd in the city. CJ's is more expensive and popular with an Arab, Chinese and Indian crowd while BATS is full of European, Australian and American executives. Both have dozens and dozens of working girls and live music every night of the week.

Surabaya
Shangri La Surabaya - Desperados
One of the few bars with foreigners in Surabaya, you'll find local live music, steaks and several friendly prostitutes. It is laid-back and fun, just like the rest of the city.

Kuala Lumpur
Hilton KL: Zeta Bar
Crowded with expats, this bar is the best place in KL for live music. You also have many women, most of them above 30 and a few prostitutes too (Indonesian).

Saigon
Caravelle Hotel - Saigon-Saigon Bar
Owned by the Vietnamese government, this rooftop bar always has some money-oriented women, especially on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It is discreet though as you would expect in Vietnam.
       
You also generally have high-class Vietnamese escorts in the bars of the luxury hotel casinos such as Catwalk in New World Hotel Saigon. To access those places you must be a foreigner and bring your passport.

Manila
Previously called Palladium, this nightclub has a mixed crowd of both normal girls and prostitutes. It is not so crowded though except on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Shanghai
Though this is hardly the only hotel bar in Shanghai with escorts, it is a favorite because of the amazing view and sophisticated design. You also have a large tourist and expat women crowd.

Beijing
One of the most famous pick-up bars in Beijing. Great for meeting pros and normal girls. Rooftop location with live music every night. Beware of lady boys.

Guangzhou
W Guangzhou: Fei Ultralounge
This trendy club has a foreign cover band every night playing top 40 songs. They usually have some semi-pros looking for wealthy foreigners sitting at the bar.

Seoul
Grand Hyatt Seoul - JJ Mahoney's Seoul
This club has existed for years and it is still very popular with foreigners. Though most girls are not professional, you can always find a few ladies asking between $300 and $500 for a night in your room.

Macau
The Venetian Macau - Bellini and MGM Macau - Lion's Bar
Both are similar: Expensive, inside 5-star hotels, next to the casinos, with good live bands and many tourists. 

Yangon
Parkroyal Yangon by PanPacific - Club 5
This is probably the best place in all Myanmar to hook up with beautiful local girls. Their number is limited by the management to only 20 per night so it's better to go there early.

This popular nightclub is mostly crowded with Burmese but you have some expats and tourists as well. Gorgeous girls available for a cheap price.

Sedona Hotel - Ice Bar
This bar is similar to Club 5 but less crowded. It is popular with businessmen from neighboring Asian countries. Live music every night.

Phnom Penh
Naga World Hotel and Casino - Darlin' Darlin'
The most expensive nightclub in Phnom Penh, it is next to the casino and mostly crowded with Japanese guests. Girls are very pretty but pricey.

Do you think I forgot to mention a famous pick-up bar? Maybe I should add a few other cities? Please leave a comment below to help me complete this list!
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Guide to Choosing Your Hotel in Jakarta

December 31, 2015, 6:20 am
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I am asked daily by readers for tips about choosing a hotel in Jakarta. This little guide should answer all the questions I've ever received such as:

- What is the best area to stay in Jakarta?
- Where can I find a cheap guesthouse for under 10$ per night? Is there a backpacker area in Jakarta?
- What are the best budget hotels in Jakarta? Which hotel chain offers the best value for money?
- What is the best accommodation for less than 50$?
- Which 5-star hotel should I choose? Which 5-star hotel is the closest from action? Which 5-star hotel has the best bars and restaurants?
- Can I bring girls to my hotel in Jakarta? What are the names of girl-friendly or guest-friendly hotels in Jakarta?
- Can I actually sleep in Alexis Hotel, Malioboro Hotel, Travel Hotel or Classic Hotel?
- Is there a spa or massage parlour near my hotel?
- Which hotel do you recommend near the airport?
- Which hotels are connected to popular malls?
    If you have other questions, please write them in the comment section below and I'll do my best to answer it.

    You can also read my other hotel guides:
    Sex Hotels and Girl Friendly Hotels in Jakarta
    18 Best Jakarta Hotels Near Nightclubs and Bars

    How to Get The Cheapest Prices for Jakarta Hotels?

    I used to recommend checking directly with the hotels websites, but it is time consuming and you generally don't save a lot.

    Personally, I prefer using HotelsCombined.com because it compares multiple Online Travel Agents (OTAs) such as Agoda or Booking.com

    Click on the image below or the link to check the best hotel deals in Jakarta:
    HotelsCombined.com is the most complete hotel comparisons website 
    In terms of choice, Agoda offers the most variety. Agoda in particular has the best listings and it includes many hotels in the low budget segment. Booking.com is the most convenient website to use I think.

    For Agoda, I advise you to create your own profile with personal login. It takes only a few minutes and you'll immediately get access to special discounts and secret deals.

    Secret Deals on Agoda can only be accessed if you register (click on the image to register)

    What is the best area to stay in Jakarta?


    Since Jakarta is so big, deciding on where to stay in Jakarta really depends on what you will do there.

    Traffic should be your main consideration and you should choose the location that will minimize as much as possible the time spent going from one place to the other.

    1) If you are in Jakarta for work and you need to go to a lot of meetings, choose a hotel close to your meeting points or close from your office, even if they are not in central locations. The traffic usually gets better starting 9pm so you can still go out quite easily after that.

    Anyway, there are now malls almost everywhere in Jakarta so wherever you'll stay, you will be close from a fair number of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, gyms, cinemas and hang out spots.

    If you are having meetings all over the city, then choose a location near the major roads such as Gatot Subroto, Sudirman, Thamrin, Gajah Mada or the Jakarta Inner Ring Road.

    2) If you are in Jakarta for fun or for party, then you must decide what is your style:

    - You want to party in the expensive nightclubs in Central and South Jakarta?
    It is best to stay anywhere near from Jalan Sudirman, Plaza Indonesia, Mega Kuningan, Jalan Rasuna Said, Plaza Senayan. Kemang is too far in my opinion but it could be an option if you want to be close from the best Western food options.

    If you are with a group, you can consider renting an entire apartment:  Check for apartments in Jakarta.

    - You want to party with locals in North and West Jakarta?
    Choose a hotel in one of these neighborhood: Chinatown (Glodok), Gajah Mada, Mangga Besar, Hayam Wuruk, Tamansari, Lokasari, Pecenongan. Hotels in these areas usually offer a much better value for money than in the South but the surroundings are more dirty and less safe. You also won't have nice malls, only Gajah Mada Plaza and Lokasari Square. Mangga Besar hotels are all girl-friendly and they are close from hundreds of great street food options.

    Another good point with this location is that you can still reach Central Jakarta quite easily within 30 minutes. There is a very convenient busway line running from Kota Station to Blok M that you can use.

    Alternatively, if you are mostly interested with karaokes and massage parlours instead of clubs, you can go to Kelapa Gading, Mangga Dua, Grogol and Taman Anggrek. These areas also have huge malls nearby and they are not too far from the airport with the toll road.

    Read my guide: Bachelor Party in Jakarta

    3) If you are in Jakarta as a tourist, then I would recommend staying near Thamrin or Wahid Hasyim. Alternatively, you could also stay near Mangga Besar or Kota, but if you are not familiar with Jakarta you may feel uncomfortable as those areas are 100% local.

    - Where can I find a cheap guesthouse under 10$ per night? Is there a backpacker area in Jakarta?


    As you will read in any guidebooks about Jakarta, the backpacker district is located in Jalan Jaksa. It is nothing compared to other popular traveler hubs in Southeast Asia like Khao San Road in Bangkok or Bui Vien in Saigon. You will only find a handful of guesthouses, usually not well-maintained and not very clean. Nearby, Jalan Wahid Hasyim has more choice but the prices are higher (at least 30$).

    To find a decent room in Jalan Jaksa, you need to go inside the gangs (small streets) and look for guesthouse signs.  The prices are currently set at around Rp70,000 per night for a room with a fan. AC will cost you at least double.

    In the past few years, there has been an increasing number of backpacker hotels that have opened elsewhere in the city, sometimes with higher standards. Teduh Hostel in Kota Tua or Six Degrees in Cikini are good examples. Their prices are quite high though, even for a bed in a dormitory.

    I would still recommend Jalan Jaksa because of its very central location. It is next to Gambir train station (from where you can go to Yogyakarta or Bandung). It is also near from several key things to do in Jakarta like the Monas or the Istiqlal Mosque. 500 meters from Jaksa, the Sabang street is famous for its street food options.

    - What are the best budget hotels in Jakarta?


    There are several budget hotel chains in Jakarta: Ibis Budget, Neo, Fave Hotels, Amaris, Pop Hotel, Whiz, Hotel 88, D'Prima. The price vary between 20$ and 45$ per night.

    One of the cheapest budget hotel chain in Jakarta is RedDoorz. They have dozens of locations in the city which are in fact independent small residences. The level of comfort is good considering the price, usually less than 20$ for a double bed room. In particular, they have some very-centrally located property that I've review here: 5 Best Budget Hotels in Central Jakarta.

    I also recommend to check the properties of ZenRooms. They are cheaper than traditional budget hotel chains yet they offer the same value for money. They have quality linens, flat screen TVs, free WIFI, individual AC and clean bathrooms.

    They are currently available in several locations in Jakarta and in the rest of Indonesia.

    Fave Hotels also have a great value for money, though they are a bit more expensive than RedDoorz.

    Based on my experience though, the standards can be quite different within the same chain depending on who is the owner. For instance, the Fave Hotel in LTC Glodok is fantastic, probably because it is owned by Agung Podomoro Land (one of Indonesia's largest developer). Another great one is Fave Hotel Gatot Subroto. On the contrary, I stayed in Fave Hotel Kemang and Pasar Baru, both disappointing.

    Also, the price may vary a lot depending on the location: The Fave Hotel Thamrin costs double compared to the one in Kelapa Gading.

    If you plan on going bar-hopping in Blok M, you may want to stay in Fave Hotel Melawai which is walking distance from the infamous hostess bars. It is guest-friendly/girl-friendly.

    Finally, there is also a Red Planet Hotel in Pasar Baru. If you have been to the Philippines, you will know it's one of the best budget hotel chains there.

    - What are the best 3-star hotels in Jakarta?


    3-star hotel chains in Jakarta are Ibis, Harris, All Seasons, Santika and Holiday Inn. The price depends on the location and the day of the week (cheaper on weekends). In general, they will cost between 45$ and 60$ per night.

    Again, within a chain there can be big differences. Ibis Tamarin and Ibis Arcadia on Jalan Thamrin are getting old but Ibis Harmoni is brand-new. 

    I think it is best to find out when the hotel was open and to choose the more recent ones. All Seasons Gajah Mada, All Seasons Thamrin and Holiday Inn Thamrin were all opened less than 3 years ago.

    - What are the best 4-star hotel chains in Jakarta?


    The prices of 4-star hotels in Jakarta vary greatly depending on the location. The cheapest ones, located outside the city center in Mangga Dua, Gajah Mada or Ancol can cost less than 60$ while those located near Sudirman or Thamrin cost up to 100$ per night.

    The best chains are Novotel, Mercure, Santika Premiere, Aston, Swiss-Belhotel and Best Western. Again, don't trust a chain blindly, make sure that the hotel was built recently.

    The newest 4-star hotels in Jakarta are: Mercure Sabang, Hotel Santika Premiere Hayam Wuruk and Novotel Gajah Mada

    - Which 5-star hotel should I choose? Which one is the closest from nightlife?


    5-star hotels in Jakarta are almost all located within the Golden Triangle (Sudirman - Rasuna Said - Gatot Subroto). For this reason, all are rather close from any happening places.

    Still, it is even more convenient to choose a hotel attached to one of the big malls. For this reason, you may want to choose:

    - Kempinski, attached to Grand Indonesia
    - Grand Hyatt and Keraton at the Plaza, attached to Plaza Indonesia (other options nearby include the Pullman Thamrin and the Mandarin Oriental). The Hyatt is a great option as it is close from Immigrant club, Cloud Lounge, Dreams Ego Lounge and Skye Rooftop.
    - Ritz Carlton SCBD, attached to Pacific Place (there is also a Ritz-Carlton in Mega Kuningan)
    - Fairmont, attached to Plaza Senayan (2 minutes walk)
    - Pullman Grogol, attached to Central Park

    A JW Marriott was suppose to open in Lippo Mall Kemang Village in 2014 but the project seems to be late.

    The Shangri La and the Mulia are also popular with male because of their live music bars, BATS and CJs.

    Can I bring girls to my hotel in Jakarta? Which hotel is guest-friendly or girl-friendly in Jakarta?


    People are always wondering if they are allowed to bring a girl to their room in Jakarta. The answer is: 90% of Jakarta hotels are girl-friendly.

    The only places where you may have problems are family guest-houses or small family hotels located in conservative areas. Outside Jakarta, there have been a few cases of over-zealous mayors raiding hotels to hunt unmarried couples sleeping together. These raids are actually against the law since it is not unlawful to sleep with someone you are not married to. The rule of law does not always apply in Indonesia, but hypocrisy does.

    If you stay in any hotel with 3 stars or more, you will be most certainly allowed to bring guests overnight.

    An ID is generally required so make sure your girl has her papers.

    Hotels located in red-light districts are used to receive night visitors. If you are planning to go wild, then you may want to choose a room in Chinatown, Mangga Besar, Gajah Mada, Kelapa Gading, Mangga Dua, Blok M or Taman Anggrek.

    Some naughty hotels also offer plus plus massage services in the room or in their spas. For example: Orchardz Industri, Orchardz Jayakarta, Orchardz Hotel Airport, Sparks Life, B'Fashion, Fashion Hotel (Gunung Sahari), Prinsen Park, Olympic Hotel.

    At last, you also have some famous transit hotels such as Hotel BI Executive in Ancol. In this hotel, rooms have mirrors and porn movies are available at reception. You can also park you car just under your room if you want to be discreet.

    TripAdvisor 

    Can I actually sleep in Alexis Hotel, Malioboro Hotel, Classic Hotel, etc?


    Brothels in Jakarta often have a hotel license because it gives them more flexibility with the law. In particular, it allows them to open during ramadan.

    Even though they are not listed on the traditional online booking engines like Agoda or Booking.com, they do accept guests. 

    Is there a spa or massage parlour near my hotel?


    I wrote a long review that I update regularly about the location of all spas in Jakarta. Please read it: Where are the massage parlours in Jakarta?

    Where can I sleep near the airport?


    There is a growing number of budget hotels that have opened near the airport. You even have one, Orchardz Bandara, which is a hidden bordello.

    The Airport hotels are located on both sides of the highway. If you have a flight early morning, it is best to choose a hotel on the left side of the road so it will save you 10 minutes.

    A very good choice is the Swiss Bellinn or the Ibis Styles Airport.

    Which hotels are connected to popular malls?


    Choosing a hotel located inside a mall is a great idea as it will save you a lot of time. I already listed above the 5-star hotels located inside luxury malls.

    You also have the following:

    Mangga Dua Square: Amaris and Novotel
    Pluit Junction: Fave Hotel (also not far from Emporium Pluit)
    FX Mall: Harris Suites FX
    ITC Mangga Dua: Le Grandeur
    Seasons City: Amaris
    Mahaka Square: Hotel Santika Gading
    Mall Kelapa Gading: Pop Hotel, Harris Hotel and Conventions (and there is a Fave Hotel accross the road as well)

    Some hotels are not connected to malls, but they are just located within walking distance. For instance:
    Mall Of Indonesia: Whiz Prime
    WTC Mangga Dua: Hotel Neo Mangga Dua
    Emporium Pluit: Holiday Inn Express CityGate
    Mal Ciputra: Hotel Ciputra
    Plaza Semanggi: Crowne Plaza
    Plaza Senayan: Century Park
    CityWalk Sudirman: Intercontinental MidPlaza
    Sarinah: Sari Pan Pacific, Artotel, Kosenda
    Rasuna Epicentrum and Pasar Festival: Aston Rasuna and JS Luwansa
    Kuningan City: Manhattan Hotel
    Kota Casablanca: Park Lane
    Ciputra World One: Somerset Grand Citra
    Bellagio Mall: Oakwood Premier Cozmo
    Blok M Plaza: Oak Tree Urban, Hotel Melawai, Amaris Panglima Polim

    Which Hotels are Gay-Friendly in Jakarta?


    Only one hotel is openly gay-friendly in Jakarta to my knowledge. It is "House of Bare", a small guest house located in West Jakarta, not far from Taman Anggrek and Central Park.

    Conclusion

    I hope this Jakarta hotel guide will cover all your questions about where to stay in Jakarta. Again, if you have any questions, just type them below and I'll answer them.

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    12 Delicious Indonesian Soups (and Where to Eat Them)

    January 1, 2016, 6:51 am
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    A common mistake of foreigners visiting Indonesia is to limit their knowledge of Indonesian cuisine to Nasi Goreng and Nasi Padang. Few will taste one of the dozens delicious soups that you can try everywhere, from classy Indonesian restaurants to popular food courts.

    Indonesian soups are typically made from some of these ingredients: turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, onions, potatoes, coriander, ginger, galangal, tomatoes and of course, coconut milk. Chicken is the most common type of meat, followed by beef, mutton and fish. Pork soups are very rare outside of Bali.

    Sop or Soto?
    It seems that even Indonesians are not so sure about the difference between "soto" and "sop". Some friends told me that "sop" are clear soups while "soto" are mixed with coconut milk. Wikipedia tells a different story: It says that traditional soups are called "soto" while modern, western-inspired ones are called "soup". If you know the difference, please help me by commenting below.

    If you don't like coconut milk, you can ask the cook not to use any by saying "Jangan pakai santan". Alternatively, you can request your soup to be "bening" (clear).

    I have just spent the last 3 weeks trying every possible "Soto" and "Sop" that I could find in Jakarta. That's about 40 to 50 soups. I noticed that the same soup will almost always be cooked in a different manner. Naturally, some venues are better than others so I give my some good restaurant recommendation for each type of soups. 

    Sop Konro Makassar

    Though the Coto Makassar is more famous, I prefer the Sop Konro. It is a thick, flavorful soup with a big piece of beef rib in it. It is made using keluwak which gives it a black color (similar to that of rawon). 

    You can try it in Daeng Tata or in Sop Konro Karebosi (Kelapa Gading). If the taste is too strong, you can balance it using lime juice.

    Soto Betawi

    Originally from Jakarta, the Soto Betawi is similar to a few other soups that are cooked in a coconut milk broth (for instance the Soto Ayam). Just before serving, you will add green onions, boiled potatoes and fresh tomatoes. It is usually made with beef offals.

    You can try in in Soto Jakarta Asen (Jalan Mangga Besar 1) or in Soto Roxy H. Darwasa (one of the oldest restaurants in Jakarta).

    Rawon 

    Rawon is a popular black beef soup originally from Surabaya. It is similar with Coto and Sop Konro Makassar as it uses kelawak. It is normally served with rice and called Nasi Rawon.

    The most famous place to eat rawon is Rawon Setan in Surabaya. If you cannot go there, you can also try Rawon Setan Mbak Endang on Jalan Mangga Besar Raya, not far from Exotis.

    Sop Buntut

    The sop buntut or "oxtail soup" is usually rather expensive, even if you eat it in the street. Apart from the beef, it may include carrots, potatoes, cloves, nutmeg and tomatoes.

    I would recommend you to try Sop Buntut Mangga Besar on Jalan Mangga Besar 1 (yes I spend a lot of time in that area as you can see).

    Soto Ayam

    Soto Ayam is the most widely available Indonesian soup, and possibly the most delicious too. The broth is aromatic and spicy, with a yellowish tint. It contains shredded chicken, fresh tomatoes, potatoes, turmeric, herbs, small eggs, koya and onions. The Soto Kudus, Soto Medan and Soto Lamongan (see below) are similar.

    Best restaurant to taste a Soto Ayam in Jakarta: Soto Ayam Ambengan Pak Sadi (multiple branches in Kelapa Gading, Thamrin, Senopati, etc).

    Sop Kambing

    The Sop Kambing is my absolute favourite. I can usually smell restaurants that serve it a mile away and I love to try its variations. Popular versions include the Sop Kaki Kambing (Mutton Leg Soup) or the Sop Kepala Kambing (Mutton Head Soup). It is very similar with the Sop Buntut.

    My favourite venue for Sop Kambing: Kui Sen Restaurant in Jalan Gajah Mada.

    Soto Lamongan

     The Soto Lamongan is a variation of the Soto Ayam. The main difference is that it is a clear soup, without any coconut milk used. It is named after Lamongan, a city in East Java.

    There are not many restaurants serving Soto Lamongan. If you don't find it near from where you live, you can go to the street food stall "Soto Ayam Lamongan Cak Kumis" in Bintaro 9 Walk.

    Empal Gentong

    Empal Gentong is a spicy beef soup from Cirebon. It is made of beef tripes (intestines) cooked in a curry sauce with coconut milk.

    The most famous place in Jakarta is certainly Kedai Empal Gentong Mang Darma Cirebon in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta.

    Soto Daging Madura 

    There are actually several kinds of Soto Madura, with chicken or beef. The one I tried was a dark beef offal and meat soup. It is not my favourite as I find it less aromatic than other Indonesian soups.

    I only had Soto Madura once in Tosoto, on Jalan Mangga Besar Raya. They have other branches all over the city as well.

    Soto Medan 

    The Soto Medan is a variation of the Soto Ayam, with a sweeter flavour. Another difference is that it contains potato croquettes called "perkedel". The one I had also had some noodles inside.

    The best place to eat a Soto Medan in Jakarta is near Ancol in Soto Medan Pak Syamsuddin, Jalan Muara Karang Raya No. 17.

    Soto Tangkar Iga Sapi

    The Soto Tangkar Iga Sapi is similar to Soto Betawi except that the meat used is always beef ribs. It is popular mainly in Jakarta.

    The legendary Soto Tangkar Tanah Tinggi is the must-try restaurant for this soup. It has been around since 1938, an eternity in Jakarta (Jalan Tanah Tinggi III No. 54 Central Jakarta).

    Soto Kudus

    The Soto Kudus comes from the town of Kudus in Central Java. It is a clear broth soup, usually made from chicken or buffalo, served in a small ball in which rice can be added. Its particular taste comes from the heavy use of garlic, fresh and fried.

    There are several good venues to eat Soto Kudus in Jakarta. One of the most delicious is Soto Kudus Blok M on Jalan Kh. Achmad Dahlan No. 36.

    Photo source: I took all photos myself except for the Empal Gentong and the Soto Kudus. I will add new soups as I try them, especially fish soups (sop ikan). Please don't hesitate to comment below if I made a mistake in my writing or if I missed your favourite Indonesian soup.
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    King of Kebab (Best Kebab in Jakarta)

    March 24, 2016, 3:25 am
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    King of Kebab claims to be the only authentic kebab in town and they are not lying! They have a tiny location on Jalan Gunawarman, just in front of Holy Crab, where you will probably meet the owner, a Palestinian who worked in Australia and Singapore.

    He prepares the sauces himself and imports the beef from Australia. The kebabs are not so big but the prices are low (Rp38,000 for one).

    It is very convenient for an after party craving as they stay open late. You can park your car easily, order from go-jek, or eat on the spot in one of the few tables provided.

    King Of Kebab, Best Kebab in Jakarta
    Jalan Gunawarman No.26, Senopati, South Jakarta

    Phone number: 021 720 2569
    Email: Thekingofkebab@hotmail.com
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    Prohibition (Jakarta) - Speakeasy and Live Jazz

    March 25, 2016, 2:48 am
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    Prohibition is a restaurant, bar and speakeasy lounge located in Senayan Arcadia, just next to Plaza Senayan. It was opened by some of of the people behind Black Cat, Hacienda, Red Square and Boutique KTV. As the name suggests, the whole venue has a 1920s' prohibition theme from the interior design to the staff uniforms and the menu.

    The Restaurant: Chicago-Style Chop House
    Prohibition specializes in broiled meats, a cooking method similar to grilling. These include chicken, salmon, pork, mamb, and imported US beef. The prices range from just over Rp100,000 to Rp400,000 for the 200-g prime rib-eye steak. If you come with a small group, it's a good idea to share their 600-g "gangster" meat platter for just over Rp1M.
    Gangster Meat Platter
    If you are on a budget, they also serve a variety of pasta dishes for less than Rp100,000. You can see the full menu here: Menu Prohibition Jakarta.

    The Bar and the Secret Speakeasy Lounge
    I visited Prohibition a few months ago but it is only recently that I've discovered about their secret room, hidden behind the bar. You can see the access from this video I took:
    They were actually the first ones to initiate the trend of speakeasies in Jakarta, later followed by places like Monty's, Lola, Proof and Hemingway. Prohibition is the one with the best design, ambience and music.

    If you are a jazz enthusiast, I recommend you to visit on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday for live music with a different band every night.

    The current schedule includes some of the top jazz artists in Indonesia: Ahmad Ananda and Friends, Donny Joesran and Swing Machine, Barry Likumahuwa Quarted, Taufan Goenarso Quintet or Abe Simpson & Friends. Check their facebook page for the latest events: Live Band Prohibition.

    The atmosphere in the the speakeasy is dim-lighted and intimate. It's a great place for a small gathering with friends or for a date (especially if you have a dinner in the restaurant before). It is also walking distance from X2 and Domain nightclubs.

    If you need a sofa or a table, you must buy at least a bottle during weekdays. On weekends, you have a minimum spend between Rp2,500,000 and Rp5,000,000. They also have private rooms for karaokes, meetings or private party with a minimum charge of Rp10,000,000.

    Their drink menu is very complete with a long list of cocktails and premium alcohol. While the prices are slightly more expensive than average, the drinks served are pretty heavy in alcohol unlike other bars in Jakarta. Also, I liked the concept of their 250 ml bootleg bottles as it saves you from buying a whole bottle if you just plan on having a short night out. It also makes it easier to try a few samples of different spirits. Finally, they have a cigar menu (you can check it as well on their website).
    Prohibition Chop House, Speakeasy Bar and Live Jazz
    Plaza Senayan Arcadia, Jalan New Delhi No 9,
    Jakarta, Indonesia

    Phone number: 021 57901295
    Email: info@prohibition.asia


    Opening Hours:
    From Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 2am
    Live band from 8pm to midnight
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    3rd Avenue (Senopati)

    March 9, 2016, 11:05 pm
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    3rd Avenue is a bar located on the third floor of the building where Colette & Lola and Wilshire are. It used to be called Yeyo. The design is inspired by Art Deco and, from the words of the owner, the movie Gatsby.

    Their prices are rather affordable for Senopati: Cocktails cost around Rp100k net and bottles Rp1M-Rp1,5M net. Best nights are on Wednesday and Friday (live band) or Saturday (DJ). It is sparsely crowded the rest of the week. Most customers are regulars from the same community, particularly Indonesians in their 30s who studied abroad. 

    3rd Avenue Bar
    Jalan Senopati No. 64, 3rd Floor
    Phone number: +62 (0) 21 722 8129

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    Basque Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar (Jakarta)

    March 15, 2016, 11:09 am
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    Basque is one of the most promising restaurants/bars to open so far this year in Jakarta. It is a Spanish restaurant / Tapas bar with a great design, good food and a trendy feel.

    The location on the 8th floor of Noble House offers a nice view on the surrounding buildings of Mega Kuningan. If you add the warm, rustic interior decor, you have a perfect venue for casual drinks or dates.

    It is open every day for lunch and dinner. 

    Basque Bar de Tapas - Spanish Restaurant
    8th Floor, Noble House Building,
    Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta 12950

    Phone number: +62 (0) 21 2978 3111-12

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