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23 Prettiest Indonesian Girls with Mixed Blood

August 4, 2016, 7:12 am
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If you want to compliment an Indonesian girl, just tell her that she looks mixed and you'll make her day. While I tend to prefer girls who look 100% local, the ones that have a tiny bit of foreign blood are often seen as the most beautiful for many Indonesians.

Unsurprisingly, those girls (and guys) are over-represented among celebrities: Countless of actors, singers and TV stars are "blasteran", the word for mixed-race people. This is also true among models and beauty pageants contestants. I listed a few here but you can see more on my review 34 Most Beautiful Miss Indonesia.

All the girls I chose are mixed with at least one "bule" (white) parent. I would have loved adding girls with Asian (particularly Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean), Arab, Indian, Latino or Black ethnicities, but I didn't find many. If you have a name worth checking, please leave a comment below and I'll be happy to add her name here.

The actress is the star of the Asian HBO hit "Halfworlds". She comes from a family of mixed Indonesian, Indian and German heritage.

Carissa Perusset
The young and pretty Carissa is an upcoming model with Swiss and Indonesian blood. Her dad, Pierre Perusset was the GM of the Ritz Carlton Jakarta.

33-year-old Mariana is a model and an actress currently living in New York. She was born from a French Jewish father and a mom who was herself a mix of Italian, Indonesian and Chinese blood.

Born in 1993, she did a bit of everything starting at a very young age, from singing to acting. She moved to NY a couple years ago to study in Columbia University. Her dad is German, the ex-GM of Grand Hyatt Jakarta, and her mom is Indonesian.

22-year old Francine is a model who was raised in Bali and who is currently pursuing a modeling career in Hong-Kong. A participant in the international TV show SupermodelMe, she is of mixed heritage French, Indonesian and Chinese.

The beautiful Tatiana is a mix of Manadonese and Polish blood. She is 28 years old and she was an actress in several feature movies and sitcoms.

Born in 1997, Tatjana has a German expat father and an Indonesian mother. She is a famous actress with almost a million fans on her Instagram account.

The 24 year-old is a mixed-race actress of Indonesian (Manado) and Italian descent.

Born from parents with mixed Turkish, Arab and Indonesian blood (maybe Jewish and German too according to some sources), she started acting when she was 7 years old. Now 20, she is still popular and currently presenting a show on TransTV.

With 7 million followers on Instagram, Pevita is a superstar in Indonesia. She is only 23 years old and already a model, actress, singer and presenter. She is from mixed blood Indonesian and British.

An actress born in 1996 from an Acehnese mom and an American dad. She can be seen in 2016 in the sinetron (sitcom) Halilintar.

Born in 1995, Anjani is one of the most active Indonesian actresses at the moment. She is from mixed heritage Dutch/Indonesian.

With 1,1 million followers on her Instagram, she is one of the most popular girls on this list. The quirky 23-year old actress and model is Acehnese by her mom and Polish by her dad.

Even though Millane does not really look Indonesian (i had to check several times to make sure she really was), her dad is Javanese while her mom is German. She is a singer and she was born in 1988.

Apart from having a strange name, Yasmine is a beautiful actress who played in both sitcoms and feature films. Her dad is English and her mom is Batak. She was born in 1993.

21-year old Anggika has Swiss and Indonesian ancestry. She is a model for TV commercial, among which Pond's, and an actress.

She is a 24-year old model born from a Indonesian mother (Bugis) and an American dad.

Born in 1991 from a British dad and a Javanese mom, Nadine was crowned Miss Indonesia in 2010 and she competed in Miss Universe in 2011.

Born in 1984, Nadine Chandrawinata is a former beauty pageant contestant who won Puteri Indonesia in 2005. She later shot several movies and became a TV presenter. Her mom is German and her dad is Indonesian-Chinese.

A famous actress and model born in 1989, her dad is a French-American and her mom Indonesian-Chinese.

Now 42 years old, Nadya is still great looking. Her dad is Indonesian Batak and her mom is Australian. Among other things, she presented Asia's Next Top Model for 2 seasons.

Widika Sidmore is an American with Javanese, Celtic and Native American blood. She is a model and she was born in 1992.

Born from a Norwegian father and a Javanese mother, she is a model who currently lives in Jakarta.

All the pictures were taken from Instagram. You can see more photos by clicking on the names of the girl. If you know a mixed-race/mixed blood (blasteran/campuran) Indonesian girl who deserves to be listed here, please leave a comment!
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Shelter Nightclub (Bandung)

August 5, 2016, 3:05 am
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Shelter is a nightclub located in Bandung on Jalan Sulanjana. It is not far from ITB Bandung and the hotels Holiday Inn and Luxton.

It is rather large and crowded, one of the most popular in the city. The prices are cheaper than average so you get a more hipster crowd compared to venues like Southbank. The design is basic but it looks cool, sort of like an underground nightclub. You don't have paint on the walls except some graffitis directly sprayed on the concrete. The furniture also look like they were picked up from the trash.

They are open everyday of the week with some special nights. Tuesday is "Afro" night (groove, funk, old school), Wednesday and Thursday usually Rn'B, Sunday is chillout, and the rest of the time EDM or House.

There is a majority of guys, almost all Indonesians, and some girls who are part of groups. 

Shelter Nightclub (Bandung)
Jalan Sulanjana 14, Bandung, West Java
Phone number: +62 (0) 22 87832304 or 08568000198

Instagram (with a list of upcoming events + more photos): Shelter Party
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Mox Nightclub (Bandung)

August 5, 2016, 7:36 am
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Mox is the nightclub that replaced Embassy in Cihampelas Walk mall in Bandung. It is near Aston Tropicana Hotel and Hotel Sensa.

The design hasn't really changed since the takeover. It is a rectangle-shaped club, on one floor, with a low ceiling and a large dancefloor in the middle. Tables are on the side. One difference is that they've added some TVs and a giant screen behind the DJ. Compared with other clubs in Bandung, it is more expensive and the crowd is slightly older. It also has the reputation of being full of "ayam", who are not necessarily prostitutes, but who are making a living from generous male sponsors. Few are alone by themselves so you won't have a lot of opportunities for pick-up. Shelter and Southbank are probably better to meet with normal girls.

Mox is not that crowded except on weekends. On busy nights, you may want to book a sofa and order a bottle to avoid standing up. There is a first drink charge from Rp35,000 to Rp60,000 with a free beer. Ladies can normally get inside for free. The dress code is casual, just wear a jean with T-shirt.

The music and events can be interesting and happening. Typically, they will invite a sexy female DJ on the weekend and/or sexy dancers (from Amazon company where I took the pictures). Make sure you check their Instagram or Twitter accounts below for an up-to-date schedule. The music changes every day but you can expect their DJs to play EDM, house and Rn'B.

Mox Nightclub, Bar and Kitchen
Cihampelas Walk (Ciwalk), Bandung, West Java
Phone number: +62 (0) 22 206 1155 or 085624745487

Instagram: Mox Nightclub
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Sobbers Nightclub and KTV (Bandung)

August 6, 2016, 2:08 am
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Sobbers is one of the numerous nightclubs in Bandung. It is located on Jalan Setiabudhi, next to the famous factory outlet Rumah Mode. A nearby hotel is the Grand Serela.

If you are staying in the older part of town, for instance on Jalan Braga, it is a bit far to reach. Most of the customers are young Indonesians, including students from the nearby schools (STP Bandung, UPI, ITB, Universitas Parahyangan). Since there is also a KTV with lady companions, it attracts older guys and some "ayam". One of my friends told me that Sobbers is a hangout for gays and lesbians.

The club has been opened since 2010, and it was renovated recently to look more modern. It is rather simple, with a main dancefloor surrounded by high tables and sofas. Regularly, they invite popular Indonesian DJs, particularly women DJ. They also have sexy dancers and fashion shows once in a while.

They play mostly commercial music, from Rn'B to EDM. They have started organizing trap music events as well.

The entrance is free on most nights, and the prices for drinks are very reasonable. A Bintang beer only costs Rp21,000 and you can get spirits with a mixer starting Rp40,000. 

Sobbers Nightclub and Karaoke
Jalan Setiabudhi 41, West Java, Bandung, Indonesia

Phone number: +62 (0) 22 203 93 90 or 085220007698
BB Pin: 5732dd1e
Email: sobbersclubktv@gmail.com

For more photos and the schedule of events:
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Southbank Bar, Lounge and Club (Bandung)

August 6, 2016, 3:25 am
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The new Southbank just reopened on August 5th, 2016. It moved from Jalan Aceh to Jalan Sumatra, a street with several other nightlife venues. It is central and trendy location that I recommend if you are not familiar yet with Bandung. You can stay nearby in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, one of the best in the city.

Southbank intends to keep the same concept as before. It is a bar/lounge that turns into a nightclub on weekends and for special events. More classy than its competitors (Sobbers, Mox, Shelter), it is popular with an upmarket crowd that includes a lot of Indonesian-Chinese.

The venue is kind of similar to Empirica or Potato Head Garage in Jakarta. It is a high-ceiling warehouse with basic design except for a few artsy/vintage details. They will have regular DJ events that you can check on their Instagram page below.

The dress code is implemented so you should wear trousers, shirts and shoes. Locals dress up in Southbank as you can see (pics from the opening night):
Southbank Bar, Lounge and Club,
5-7 Jalan Sumatra, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
Phone number: +62 (0) 818 28 39 39

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19 Best Luxury Yacht Cruises and Charters to Explore Indonesia

August 7, 2016, 5:10 pm
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Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago with over 17,000 islands, yet most tourists only visit the overcrowded and saturated island of Bali.

Until recently, it was still difficult to access some of the most remote parts of Indonesia. It required using local transports which, while adventurous, often turned out to be unsafe, uncomfortable, and inconvenient in terms of schedule. If you are on a budget, you can still travel this way and enjoy a truly unique experience.

A much nicer alternative is to book a luxury cruise, or even to charter an entire boat and its crew. There are now several ships operating in Indonesia offering liveaboard experiences, mostly in the eastern part of the country (Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, Papua and Sulawesi). The best are privately owned and managed by foreigners who are passionate about sailing, diving, and discovering the culture of the islands they visit.

Almost all the luxury boats mentioned below are Indonesian/Dutch schooner (also called phinisis), an iconic ship used to transport goods within Indonesia since the 17th century. They have either been renovated or built on purpose for tourism with modern amenities and equipment. Some are among the most luxurious in the world, catering to a crowd of jet-setters, rich businessmen and celebrities.

The season for sailing is typically from February to October, with the best months from June to August. 

The best luxury yacht cruises and charters to explore the Indonesian islands are the following:

The famous luxury resort chain Aman offers unforgettable experiences on one of their two traditional boats, the 52-meter long Amandira and the 32-meter long Amanikan.

Their Komodo expedition departs from the Amanwana Hotel on Mojo island. The cost for 7-days is USD$42,850 for a couple. They also offer a Raja Ampat expedition departing from Sorong in Papia for USD$45,750 per couple. Don't worry, there will be cheaper options below!

More information on their website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanwana/cruises

The luxurious Alila Purnama is a floating 5-star boutique hotel. It is a 46-meter phinisi boat built on 3 decks with 5 suites. The 16-member crew includes a chef, a PADI-certified dive instructor and a masseuse.

There are several cruises every season in destinations such as Komodo, Raja Ampat, Maumere and Ambon.

Prices are on the high side, starting US$7,250 for a 3-night trip to Komodo in a standard suite. To charter the boat, you'll need to spend at least US$12,500++ per day.

More information on their website: http://www.alilahotels.com/purnama

Silolona Sojourns is one of the most luxurious private cruise company to operate in Indonesia. As of 2016, it sails with 17 crew members to 5 destinations : Sulawesi, Banda, Papua, Komodo and Savu Sea. Their trips include carefully-planned land excursions by the American owner, Ms. Patti Seery.

The ships boasts 5 wooden suites that are each decorated with unique Indonesian artifacts. Numerous activities are available from water skiing to kayaking and sport fishing. You can also get your PADI certification onboard.

Prices are available on request. You can expect to pay at least US$10,000 for a 7-day trip. They have a second smaller liveaboard boat called Si Datu Bua.

More information on their website: http://www.silolona.com/

Owned by Veronika Blomgren, a successful Russian designer behind the Oazia brand in Bali, this growing company is planning to operate 8 ultra-luxurious ships in Indonesia within the next few years.

For now, they first one is a splendid 31-meter long phinisi boat with just one spacious cabin that can only accommodate a couple. Ideal for honeymooners, the current routes may take you to Moyo island, Komodo or Raja Ampat. The price starts at US$3,895 per night.

More information on their website: http://www.alexaprivatecruises.com/

Owned by American businessman Mark Robba, this 52-meter phinisi yacht can be rented for expeditions in Komodo and Raja Ampat from February to October. 

The price for booking all of its 7 suites is around US$87,000 for a week.

More information on their website: https://duniabaruadventures.wordpress.com

The 65-meter yacht is the longest wooden sailing boat in the world. It was designed by the Argentinian Marcelo Penna and built in Sulawesi.

It is owned by Dominique Gerardin, a former yacht captain from France. The destination portfolio includes Raja Ampat, Alor, Komodo, Sumba and Flores. During the wet season, it travels to Thailand and Myanmar.

The boat can accommodate up to 14 guests in 1 double master cabin, 4 double cabins and 2 twin cabins. The price for charter is US$22,000++ per night (minimum 3 nights). It includes all drinks, all dives, all spa treatments, internet, gourmet meals and the use of the jet skis.

More information on their website: http://www.lamima.com/

The 40-meter luxury El Aleph ship is owned by a Frenchman and managed by an international crew. Built in Sulawesi, it features 5 cabins, including a 50m2 master suite with its own terrace.

It sails in the islands of eastern Indonesia from Bali up to Raja Ampat. The price for chartering El Aleph is approximately US$10,000 per day. It is popular with Russian clients.

More information on their website: http://www.elalephcruising.com/

Managed by expats, Plataran Private Cruises have 8 luxury boats, including 4 wooden phinisis and 4 yachts.

The yachts are 15 meters long and 4,7 meters wide, with an overnight capacity of 5 guests. There are 2 bathrooms and the 3 cabins all have air-conditioning.

The phinisis each have their own specifications. The largest can accommodate up to 12 sleeping guests. Operated by 8 crews, they are all with air-conditioning and private bathrooms.

Their most popular cruise is a 3 days/2 nights itinerary taking the passengers island-hopping to Rinca, Kalong, Pink Beach, Manta Point, Kanawa and Sabolon island. The price is a reasonable US$900 per person.

More information on their website: http://plataran.com/private-cruises

Under French management, this company operates two boats, Ambai and Calico Jack. It focuses on dive cruises in spots like Raja Ampat, Komodo, Alor, Flores, Banda and the lesser known "Forgotten Islands".

They offer more affordable rates than some of the competitors listed here, starting US$1,720 per person for 5 days.

More information on their website: http://www.wallacea-divecruise.com

This 34-meter long phinisi boat can welcome 12 passengers in 5 cabins, each with their own bathroom. It sails to Komodo, Maluku and Papua.

You can either book an individual cabin, or charter the whole boat for US$4,400 per day.

More information on their website: http://www.tigerblue.info/

Owned by Amanda, a retired Australian lady, this company only has one boat, the 37-meter Al Iikai (which means Queen of the Sea). It features 5 king-size luxury bedrooms with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. 

As it is a smaller company, the prices are rather affordable, starting US$1500 for a 7-day Island Explorer Cruise that will take you around Lombok. They also have cruises with special themes (Yoga, Cooking or Golf). You can charter the boat starting at US$3,100 per day.

More information on their website: http://www.indonesianislandsail.com/

The expats owners manage two amazing boats: The Katharina, a 40-meter long phinisi boat with 6 cabins and a 14-guest capacity, and the Ombak Putih, a 42-meter traditional Indonesian schooner renovated in 2015 that can accommodate up to 24 guests in 12 cabins.

They sail to some of the most beautiful spots in Indonesia, including Banda, Maluku, Wakatobi, Alor, Lembata, Tidore, Savu and Raja Ampat. Their scheduled cruises often have a special guest on-board, for instance a renowned writer, a scientist or an adventurer. The price starts at US$2,500 for a 7-day cruise. You can also charter the whole boat with the crew starting US$5,400/day.

More information on their website: http://seatrekbali.com/

The Adelaar is a Dutch schooner that offers diving trips departing from Bali. Most of the guests go to the Komodo national marine park, but there are longer excursions to Sumba and Moyo islands on Sumbawa.

Their popular 10-nights/11-days-trip to Komodo in a standard room with ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning and a 120 cm bed costs US$4,000 per person.

More information on their website: http://www.adelaar-cruises.com/

The Mantra is a medium-sized (30 meters) phinisi yacht built in 2015 with 3 cabins. The management organizes cruises in Alor, Raja Ampat and Komodo for prices starting at US$3,000 per night.

More information on their website: http://www.mantradiveandsail.com/

Headed by Dutch national Leo van Oostenbrugge, the Mutiara Laut (Pearl of the Sea) is a schooner inspired by both Western and Indonesian design. It is 46 meters in length and can carry up to 14 passengers plus 15 crew members.

It sails in various parts of Eastern Indonesia: Bali, Lombok, Papua, Banda and Maluku.

Promising the services and amenities of a 5-star, it is available for charter for over US$10,000 per day.

More information on their website: http://www.mutiaralaut.com/

Designed by the Frenchman Georges Carraz, the 31-meter Raja Laut boasts 6 cabins with ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning.

The crew is made of 7 members from different nationalities and includes a dive instructor and a chef.

Its main destination is the Komodo National Park, but it also sails to Alor, Sulawesi, Papua and Maluku. Charter price approximately US$5,000 per day.

More information on their website: http://www.rajalaut.com/

This cruise ship can accommodate up to 20 passengers in luxurious cabins and its destinations include Raja Ampat, Bali, Komodo and Ambon.

You can book a room for a price starting at US$1,600 per cabin per night, or charter the whole boat for a price between US$10,000 and US$20,000 per day.

More information on their website: http://salila-indonesia.com/

The Samata is a 42-meter phinisi boat with 5 French-designed cabins that can fit up to 10 passengers. Its most frequent destinations are the Komodo marine park, Raja Ampat and the Banda islands. The team can also organize tailor-made trips depending on the customers wishes.

The price is approximately US$10,000 per day or US$60,000 per week.

More information on their website: http://samataliveaboard.com/

The elegant Zen phinisi is a 53-meter yacht belonging to a Polish national based in Hong Kong. With an emphasis on modern design, it boasts 6 bedrooms including a two-level suite master cabin.

It is available for private rent for US$85,000 per week.

More information on their website: http://www.globaladventure.com/

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia and you haven't considered buying travel insurance yet, please read my article: Travel Insurance for Indonesia.
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How Dangerous Is It to Use Drugs in Indonesia?

August 8, 2016, 7:41 am
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From time to time, I receive an email from a reader asking me if it is safe to use drugs in Jakarta. The obvious reply is that it is extremely dangerous, as even carrying a small joint might land you in jail. 

But Indonesia is much more complicated than that, hence the need for a longer article to explain you the subtleties of drug use in the country.

Why foreigners should be extra careful when using drugs in Indonesia
From my personal perspective, the law in Indonesia only exists to give a pretext to powerful people to extort some money or benefits. Most often, it is used when the authorities want to target someone in particular, with some categories that are more at risks than others. The most vulnerable are poor people, ethnic and religious minorities, foreigners, or anyone without a network among government officials.

The laws of Indonesia, including drug laws, will normally apply to them with greater severity, meaning they will either receive harsher sentences or pay a bigger bribe.

Foreigners are particularly at risk for several reasons. They are considered rich (therefore prime targets), they don't know anything about the legal system and they rarely possess powerful connections.

More importantly, there is a creeping racism/xenophobia among a large portion of the Indonesian population. From an early age, they are taught a one-sided story about the morally-corrupt West, whose influence must be limited. Alcohol, homosexuality, crime, rape, communism, atheism, porn, and of course drugs are all considered imported vices. As a foreigner, if you get caught using, or worse selling drugs, you are guaranteed to make national headlines and become a matter of national security. Once your name appears in the media, it becomes almost impossible to buy your way out.

The statistics speak for themselves: In 2015-2016, among 18 persons executed for drug offenses, only 3 were Indonesian. This is in spite the fact that there are over 125,000 Indonesians in prison for drug offenses (70% of a total prison population of 180,000 inmates) for less than 100 foreigners.

Are some drugs more safe than others? Is there a risk if I have a very small quantity?
Indonesians do not see any differences between soft and hard drugs. They have no idea what drugs are, how they work, which ones are lethal and which ones are addictive. All they know is that it is a foreign-imported problem and that it is killing the youth of the country.

Judges will send heroin junkies to jail and people who take barely-addictive ecstasy and marijuana to rehabilitation center, depending on mysterious factors.

Even Budi Waseso, the head of the BNN (the Indonesian drug enforcement agency) once said that he saved 21 million lives by seizing a 2-ton shipment of marijuana, obviously not knowing that it is not a lethal drug. For this reason, don't assume that you are taking less risks by smoking pot instead of crack.

The quantity in your possession does not really matter as well: Marlon Eduardo Bezrutchaka was arrested with 0.13 grams of hashish and 0.14 grams of marijuana in 2014 and it made national news. A year after, Nicholas James Langan was sentenced to 1 year in jail for possessing 0.9 grams of marijuana. An American, Scott Wikoff O'Dowd was also sent to jail for 8 months for having 3 grams on his suitcase. There were several similar cases this year as well.

You won't be executed if you have small quantities, but you are still likely to go to jail.

Why people still do drugs despite the risks?
In spite of the risks, you would be surprised to find out that drugs are very easy to buy in Indonesia. If you are in Bali, it is offered on the street by dealers who are just a few meters away from policemen. Drugs are also very common in places like Akasaka or Deejay Café. In Jakarta, some nightclubs are notoriously filled with ecstasy and shabu-shabu (crystal meth). In Mille's, Golden Crown, Exotis, Illigals, Puja Sera or Sydney 2000, you can buy it easily by simply asking a waiter or the security. It was true when I first arrived in the city in 2004, and it is still true until today.

The police conducts raids from time to time, including urine tests, but the owners are tipped off beforehand so barely anybody is caught red-handed. If you look at who owns North Jakarta nightlife, you will understand why.

For those reasons, some Indonesians and expats may tell you that it is relatively safe to buy and use drugs within those clubs. They will recommend you to consume on the spot and never carry anything on your body. If you get caught, they will say that the key is to avoid escalation: While the policeman who arrested you might settle for a reasonable bribe, everything becomes more complicated once his boss is involved, and then the boss of his boss, and then the media.

Some people don't care about the risks because they benefit from connections and/or have enough money to pay their way out of jail.

It is rather common to read about police officers, prison guards or military personnel getting caught, at least once or twice a month. In South Sulawesi, the police itself considers that the involvement of its personnel in drug abuse is "alarming". Yet you rarely see those arrested in jails, and even less on the death row. The Head of the Jakarta Police for Drugs only recommends 1 month of counseling for such officers.

Similarly, there are many cases of celebrities, politicians or VIPs who manage to receive preferential treatment. A recent case is Ivan Haz, a politician from the Islamist party PPP and the son of ex-Vice President Hamzah Haz. He is accused of both abusing is maid and attending a drug party. His trial was delayed several times because he missed police questioning twice, saying he had work to do. I get the feeling he won't spend a lot of time in prison.

You can get more names of people who got away with drugs in my article 13 Illogical Facts About Drugs in Indonesia (check number 9).

Conclusion
My personal advice would be to forget about drugs and stick to alcohol when you are partying in Indonesia. Even though your chances of getting caught are thin, as a foreigner you are a prized target for the police and therefore you are more at risk.

Denunciation by neighbors are common, as well as traps set up by policemen themselves. Never buy from the street or from people you don't know well. Again, if you get caught, you must make a deal with the person who arrests you as soon as possible: Don't let others be involved.

The price for recreational drugs in Indonesia is high. For instance, you can expect to pay up to US$30 for just one ecstasy pill. Be aware that the quality is often poor. The dealers don't care if they sell you something poisonous as long as they get your money.
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Octagon Karaoke (Blok M)

June 27, 2016, 7:34 am
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Octagon is an executive karaoke in South Jakarta (Blok M). Executive means it caters to male clients looking for lady companions, unlike family karaokes. 

It is a modern KTV, one of the nicest in the area, and it is popular with Japanese, Korean and Indonesian guests. They have about 20 ladies, called Octagon girls, who are not prostitutes but hostesses. What you can do with them varies: Some will only give their phone numbers, others might follow you to your hotel after working hours.

They have 4 types of rooms:

Deluxe room for 3 to 5 persons
Suite room for up to 9 persons
Royal karaoke room for up to 12 people
VIP room for up to 25 people

The cheapest package start at Rp1,000,000 minimum spend for 3 people. VIP package for 15 people is available with a minimum spend of Rp3,000,000.

There is also a small lounge with occasional events (DJs).

Opening Hours:
Every day from 3pm to 3am

Octagon Karaoke
Jalan Falatehan 1, No 8, Melawai, South Jakarta
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 29 42 86 86

You can book you room online directly on their website: octagonclub.co.id

Instagram: Octagon Blok M
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30 Hottest Khmer and Cambodian Models

June 27, 2016, 11:30 am
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Khmer beauty is very unique: If you are familiar with Cambodia, you should be able to easily recognize a Cambodian girl among any other Asians.

Unfortunately, there are not so many sexy Cambodian models because the country is still conservative. Famous actresses and singers are usually shy with their bodies. Showing too much skin, for instance with bikini or lingerie photos could draw criticism from the public. Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, forbids his country to participate in international beauty pageants like Miss Universe.

As a result, most of the hot models listed here are Cambodian girls from mixed heritage and/or Cambodian girls living abroad. Among them, there are several "Khmerican", a term to designate American girls from Cambodian origin.

I was still able to find several beautiful Cambodian models who are based in Cambodia and not abroad. Some were discovered with the TV show. Cambodia's Next Top Model or the popular contest Freshie Girls. There are also two men magazines that regularly feature Khmer ladies: The Man and Les Hommes. It's the closest thing from FHM Cambodia.

If you are planning a visit to Cambodia, don't forget to read my guide: Phnom Penh Nightlife.

Here are the 30 hottest Khmer and Cambodian models in 2016. Click on the name of the girl to open her Facebook/Instagram account.

Possibly the prettiest Khmer girl alive, she is a model and an actress who played in "Sbek Kong" and "Dream Land".

A gorgeous Khmer model who was featured in FHM Singapore, FHM Thailand and Maxim Philippines. She left Cambodia as a child refugee and now lives in the US. She also gives yoga classes.

Marie Madoré
Khmer/Viet/Chinese model from Dallas, TX. She was named one of America's 100 hottest girls in 2014 by Maxim. She was also Miss Hot Import Nights Dallas (HIN). Her Instagram is very popular with over 600,000 followers.

Briya, also called Briya BeeBee or Biriya is a young and beautiful model with Khmer, Chinese and Indian blood. Born in 1991, she frequently appears on TV and she was the face of the brand Lux.

This model, singer and actress studied in Phnom Penh in Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia. She is very representative of Khmer beauty.

Nou Tim Sreyneat
A cute and thin 20-year old beauty pageant who won the popular vote in Miss Grand International in 2014. Her bikini catwalk became viral on social media because she looked so cute doing it.

She won the beauty pageant Miss Khmer Angkor USA in 2014.

Khmer-American model living in Seattle, she is also a DJ and holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. Aged 30, she was featured on FHM Philippines in 2013.

Liz Hing is a sexy Cambodian girl who is currently pursuing a modeling career in Paris.

Monika Tep Sorn
A Cambodian model and author who was born in Phnom Penh in 1985. Naturalized American, she is currently living in LA and attending acting classes. She also uses the name Moniq Sorn.

Also called Sothy's, this chic Cambodian model is based in Phnom Penh but studied in Malaysia.

She was a participant in the first season of Cambodia's Next Top Model TV show. She stopped in Episode 12. She is a typical Khmer next-door-girl.

24-year old Chan was the winner of Cambodia's Next Top Model in 2014. She is from North Cambodia.

One of the most famous supermodels in Cambodia, she often appears in tabloid and gossip news. She triggered an uproar in 2013 for posting some bikini photos on her Facebook page. She had to remove them and apologize.

She is French but her dad was Cambodian. She is one of the most famous persons on this list as she played a James Bond girl in the movie Skyfall in 2012.

Nicknamed Danich, she is an icon of Khmer beauty and one of the few Cambodian models who had an international career. She is currently a judge on Cambodia's Next Top Model. She was born in 1989.

This 22-year old model is a stunning beauty from Koh Kong.

Born from Cambodian parents in a Thai refugee camp, she moved to the US as a child and lived there since. She did sexy photoshoots for several male magazine, often topless or semi-nude. She has her own website: http://www.siraykongonline.com/

Debbie Sath
A Melbourne-based cover model, she was born from Cambodian and El Salvadorian parents. She worked with Penthouse, HIN and she was featured in the calendar of Australia's most glamorous models.

A hot model who was a playboy bunny in Macau, China. She is mixed Khmer, Chinese and Thai. She is also a DJ under the nickname Sublu and a gogo dancer.

A stylish girl who was a contestant of Cambodia's Next Top Model. She made it to the 14th episodes before being eliminated.

She is a famous TV presenter for Bayon TV. She also won the Freshie Girl contest in 2007.

She is a Cambodian-born American model who was featured in Maxim and Stuff magazine with nude/topless pics. She is from 1983. She also goes by the nickname Princess Sayuri when she performs girl-on-girl wrestling with RingDivas. 

Kelleen Lim Chea
Trained to become a chemist, she became Miss California in 2014 and Miss National US in 2015. Since then, she is pursuing a career in acting with a first role in Furious 7. Her parents emigrated from Cambodia to the US when she was a kid.

This hot girl was featured in male magazines as a topless and semi topless model.

Lyla Dee
This inked model is also a dancer in US nightclubs. She did some very provocative photo shoots, borderline porn.

She was Miss Cambodia-America (American girls from Cambodian descent) in 2015 and the first runner up to Miss Global 2015.

Truong Thi May
Born in 1988, the 172cm tall Truong was Miss Universe Vietnam in 2013. She is originally from Phnom Penh and migrated to Vietnam as a child.

She is mixed Cambodian, Thai, French and Chinese. She started her career as a gogo dancer and did modeling too. She currently works in nightclubs in Las Vegas.

This model with generous curves is a regular of motor shows like HIN. She is mixed Vietnamese and Cambodian.

This petite Cambodian-Swiss girl is a famous personality in Phnom Penh. She is a DJ, dancer, model, radio host and TV presenter.

Jess Hien
With her piercings and tattoos, Jessica Hien is a bit too trashy for my taste. She is popular in the US though where she can frequently be seen on car and motor shows around the country.
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Choosing a Travel Insurance for Indonesia

June 28, 2016, 3:35 am
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When I speak with short-time travelers in Indonesia, I am baffled to realize only a few have a proper travel insurance or a medical evacuation insurance. Among long-term residents and expats, there are also many who do not have health insurance, particularly among those without a working permit.

The objective of this article is to convince you that spending a few dollars per day on an insurance is not a waste of money. Even if you are on a tight budget, you can get a cheap one (as low as 3$ per day if you take a yearly subscription - check here) that will at least save your ass in case of a serious illness or accident. If you cannot afford it, then you probably should not travel to Indonesia.

Why you need a travel insurance in Indonesia
While you certainly need insurance everywhere, there are even more reasons to get it when you travel in Bali, Jakarta or the rest of Indonesia:

You are exposed to more risks
There are several risks specifically related to being in Indonesia. Some are unfortunately too common: Dengue fever, malaria, dog bites, food poisoning or motorbike accidents are really not that rare. If you've lived in the country long enough, you probably know a few people who had these problems.

There are generally lower safety standards in everything in Indonesia: Construction, food, transportation, roads, activities, etc. This increases the likelihood of an unfortunate event as well. You can read more tips about this topic here: WorldNomads Travel Safety Tips.

Medical care in Indonesia is very expensive
According to the AAMI, a day in an intensive care unit in Indonesia can cost up to 3,000$. Even in the cheapest hospitals you can expect to pay 800$/day.

Facebook groups like Bali Expats or Jakarta Expats are full of horrible stories of people who had their lives ruined in a few minutes because they did not plan their trips properly. Here are just a few examples (click on the photos for the whole story):
Some of them actually had an insurance, but they didn't read the fine prints. Not having a a motorbike license is often a reason for not being reimbursed for instance. I will give you tips later in this review on what you should be looking for to make sure your risky activities are covered.

More banal problems can be quite costly as well. Among my friends, several ended up in shitty situation for common accidents or diseases:

First one hit his head by diving into a pool: 1000$ in Sanglah Hospital (local one) for a few stitches and X-rays.

Second one got bit by a street dog in Legian: 3,000$ including anti-rabies medication.

Third one got a very bad case of dengue fever combined with malaria. He went into a coma and he had to stay 4 weeks in hospital. Total bill: 25,000 dollars. Luckily, he was covered and everything was paid for. It was after this unfortunate event that I rushed to get an insurance actually.

Private hospitals will never accept you if you cannot pay
In Indonesia, the decent hospitals are run as a strict business and not a charity. If you arrive bleeding to death after an accident, the doctors will not treat you until they make sure you can pay. If you can't, you'll be left outside. It's as simple as that.

An American will probably understand that. For a French, this concept is a bit hard to grasp as we are used to get healthcare for free.

Hospitals will overcharge you
You should know that as a foreigner with or without a working permit, you will be charged more for medical treatment in Indonesia. Expect to pay at least 2 times more than locals, more if you don't have a resident visa.

Many doctors have a poor ethic. If they can find a way to inflate your final bill, they will probably do it. It is a bit like going to a random auto repair shop in Europe: Most likely you will be charged for stuff you don't need.

Serious accidents will need a medical evacuation
Since many hospitals cannot treat the most serious patients, medical evacuation is often needed. To give you an idea of current prices:

Evacuation from Indonesia to Singapore: From 25,000$ to 50,000$
Evacuation from Indonesia to Australia: From 40,000$ to 70,000$
Evacuation to Europe: Up to 100,000$

Don't expect compensatory damages
The concept of third party responsibility is foreign to most Indonesians. If you are hit by an Indonesian drunk driver, don't expect you'll get any money from the person who was responsible. Actually, even if he is at fault, he could possibly still manage to get money out from you if he is a well-connected assh*le. The same thing apply if you have an accident within your hotel or while doing an activity with a company. If you are dealing with a local company, don't even think about getting compensatory damages.

What types of insurance do you need in Indonesia?
The type of insurance you need in Indonesia depends on your activity (working, retired, tourist, etc), your length of stay, your activities and your area of travel.

Travel Medical Insurance:
An insurance that will cover your medical bills for a limited duration (usually less than 90 days) when you are traveling outside of your home country. If you are traveling to Indonesia, it is the minimum you should get. For expats it is not necessary as long as they have an expat insurance.

Travel Insurance:
A generic term for an insurance that will cover several aspects of a trip: Medical problems, but also flight cancellation, theft, lost luggage, etc.

There are several websites where you can get a price estimate for your travel insurance in Indonesia. You can check WorldNomads which is a partner of Lonely Planet and Rough Guides. Among the famous ones you also have SmartTravel from AXA and Travel Guard from AIG.

You can find more options in your home country. The advantage of WorldNomads is that it is very easy to apply online and you do it even if you've already left home.

You can also search through the comparator Insure My Trip.

International Health Insurance or Expat Medical Insurance:
Travel insurance is for travelers and covers emergency situations. If you live permanently in Indonesia, you need coverage for regular health expenses such as dental care, optics, medical check ups, pregnancies, cancer treatment, etc. Those are typically not included in Travel Insurance policies.

Expats working in Indonesia should subscribe to the mandatory BPJS health insurance scheme. It is cheap, but don't expect to much from it. Many will also have their employer's insurance.

For the other expats without a company plan, you can either purchase a normal travel insurance for long term travel (but then you won't be covered for non-emergency situations) or purchase a dedicated Expat Health Insurance from a private company.

The latter is usually more expensive, but you should consider that you'll get more reimbursements as well. Reputed companies include Allianz, April-International, AXA, GMS, etc.

Repatriation/Medical Evacuation Insurance: An insurance that guarantees your medical evacuation will be paid for if needed.  The cost is usually reasonable, as little as 150$ per year, and it can save you tens of thousands of dollars. Remember that for serious injuries, you will not be able to be treated properly in Indonesia. This insurance is particularly needed if you plan on visiting remote areas.

If you purchase an insurance from WorldNomads, it is already included.

Things to check before purchasing a travel insurance

The obvious first step before purchasing a travel insurance is to make sure you don't already have one. You are probably aware that when you buy your plane tickets with a Visa or Mastercard, you are entitled to some kind of (limited) insurance. If you are traveling on a tour group, you may also already have one automatically added (though you can refuse it and buy your own instead).

Once you know for sure that you will need a travel insurance in Indonesia, you should be careful to check the following:

What is the maximum payable amount that I can get?
I think 200,000$ is the minimum amount to get considering how high some hospitals bills can be in Indonesia.

Is the medical evacuation included or not?
If not you will have to pay extra with another company. This is an essential part of your insurance and you need a high ceiling as well (minimum 150,000$).

Can you contact your insurance company 24/7? Can they approve a quotation 24/7?
This is a must in case of a major emergency. If you cannot prove quickly that you can pay for your treatment, the best hospitals may refuse you.

Do you have to advance the money?
Some insurance can give a guarantee to the hospital that your bill will be covered so you don't need to pay upfront.

Are there any exclusions?
There are always a lot of exclusions (things that the insurance does not cover). Read carefully to avoid any surprises. If you are planning to do dangerous sports and outdoor activities in Indonesia, ask for instance if surfing, scuba diving, diving, rafting, hiking, jet-skiing or paragliding are included.

What is the motorbike situation?
Motorbikes are a major cause of accidents for foreigners in Indonesia. Be careful as almost all insurers require a valid international license for the driver (even if you are a passenger). A specific motorbike license is also required for vehicle with more than 150cc. If you were drunk, high or not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, you can also say good-bye to any potential claims.

What if you hurt someone?
Check if you can get reimbursement for third party damages.

The website of WorldNomads provides a lot of great tips to help you choose the right insurance. You can also make a simulation for your trip so you'll know exactly how much it will cost you and how long you will be protected. Don't forget to read the fine print very carefully to make sure you won't have any unexpected surprise.

How to save money on travel insurance?
The companies I've mentioned before are quite affordable. You'll only pay a few dollars per day for coverage. You can try to make a test on WorldNomads to see how much you will pay depending on your age, your country of origin, and the number of people you want to protect.
Click to get a a travel insurance quote from WorldNomads
If the amount is really to big for you, there are a few ways to lower the price even more:

Buy longer
This need some commitment, but naturally the longer you purchase, the cheaper it get. I made a test on WorldNomads for myself and got the following:

  • 7 days travel insurance to Indonesia (for a French): 26.70 euros (3.8 euros per day)
  • 4 weeks travel insurance to Indonesia (for a French): 93 euros (3.3 euros per day)
  • 365 days travel insurance to Indonesia (for a French): 804.30 euros (2.2 euros per day)
Make your own simulation here: Quote from WorldNomads.

Buy for several people at once
If you travel with your girlfriend or your family, you should choose the same reputed company for everybody.

Don't insure flights and valuables
This is what I do. Considering I travel alone with cheap flight tickets, last minute hotels bookings and few valuables, I don't really care about getting reimbursements on those things. The only thing I care about is not jeopardizing my whole life with an accident I can't afford to have.

Choose high deductibles and excess
Your insurance deductible and your excess are minimum amounts your insurance will charge you on any claims, not matter what. If your deductible for an accident is 1,000$, the insurance will reimburse you any medical expenses above 1,000$.

The philosophy of choosing a high deductible is the same as the previous point: It is for people who only want help if they are in big trouble. Having to pay 1,000$ from your own pocket sucks, but you can always find the money.

Don't buy it from your airline
When you book a flight, your airline or your tour operator will offer you to buy an insurance. Those are usually pretty bad deals and the prices are not interesting.

Compare
You can use Insure My Trip to search for the best deals. Be careful with cheap insurance companies though. If they can give a very cheap price, it probably means they don't reimburse much. You cannot have it all.

Rely on your credit card insurance only
This is possible but you must know the limitations of this strategy. In general, when you pay your trip with a classic Visa or Mastercard, you get 3 months of insurance with maximum reimbursement of less than 15,000$ (please check again with your banker to be sure). This ceiling is really too low in my opinion. You also have a lot of restrictions on what you can claim as well as high deductibles.

What insurance do you use?
This article would be greatly improved with your input. Which insurance did you choose for traveling to Indonesia? Did you succeed in making claims? If you are an expat, do you have a health insurance? Do you recommend it?

Personally, I have an expat insurance company that only insure French nationals. The name is CFE, if you are French and need more information about it you can email me thibaud@jakarta100bars.com. I pay 100 euros per month and I've made 2 claims that went well. The main one was for a gallbladder infection that kept me a week in Kasih Ibu hospital in Denpasar. The total bill was 7,000$ for 8 days and I had 5,000$ reimbursed.
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16 Best Museums in Jakarta

June 21, 2016, 9:16 pm
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I visited almost every museums in Jakarta this year (I'm only missing the TNI Satria Mandala Museum and the Galeri Nasional Indonesia). The idea of this review is to give you my recommendations on the best museums to visit and the ones to avoid. I also wrote individual articles for each with a full description, just click on the name of the venues to read it.

Contrary to what people might tell you, most are interesting and worth your time. They are a good introduction to Indonesian history and culture, and at the same time they give you an opportunity to explore authentic neighborhoods.

The entrance ticket for each museum is very cheap, usually between Rp2,000 and Rp20,000. You can refer to the opening and closing hours on each separate reviews. All museums are rather small and you'll often need only a couple hours to visit them.

English explanations are not always available. I don't think it's a big problem: Just take pictures and notes, then find out more on wikipedia from home. You can also visit the museums with a guide. The best tours are organized by the Indonesian Heritage Society. For more information: Jakarta Museum Tours.

Which Jakarta museums to visit in 1 day?
If you have only 1 day of sightseeing available, I would advise you to visit in priority the National Museum first and then head to Kota Tua (the Old City) where you'll find the Bank Indonesia Museum and the Jakarta History Museum. Both areas can easily be reached with the Transjakarta busway.

This is the ranking of the best museums in Jakarta, based on my visits:

Easily the best museum in Indonesia. It features quite a large collection of statues, masks and artefacts from all over the archipelago. A great introduction to the different cultures of the country. You'll need at least 3-4 hours inside to see everything properly.

I didn't have any expectations when visiting this museum, yet it turned out to be one of the most interesting I've been to. Don't be turned off by the word "bank". The museum is more about the history of trade in Indonesia, starting from before the colonization. It is just 100 meters from Taman Fatahillah.

This is the main museum on Taman Fatahillah square. It is housed in a beautiful colonial building that served as the City Hall of Batavia during Dutch times. As the name suggests, it is about the history of Jakarta, starting from prehistoric times. The visit is a bit short and hopefully they'll add more things to see in the future.

4) Museum of the Indonesian Constitution (at the Supreme Court)
Opened by President Jokowi in 2015, this is the newest and most modern museum in Jakarta. It is a nationalist museum, telling the story of how the Indonesian constitution was created. Still, you'll learn a lot about Indonesia's recent history. It makes you realize the profound gap between the hopes of the founders of the Nation and the harsh reality. You'll also get to see the Indonesian Supreme Court. Advanced reservation is required.

This museum is similar in its purpose with the Indonesian Constitution Museum. It focuses on the history of the birth of the Indonesian independence movement. It is located in the ex-STOVIA doctors' school and as such, you'll also find information about the early medicine in Indonesia.

The main art museum in Indonesia, with a collection of paintings from contemporary and older artists. Too many replicas unfortunately. It is part of the museums of Taman Fatahillah square.

Considering Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, the Museum Bahari (or Maritime Museum) could probably be improved. Currently, it feels it is in need of refurbishment. Still, I enjoyed my visit, which was a quick stop on my way to Sunda Kelapa, because of the location in an old Dutch warehouse and because I learned quite a few things about the history of Indonesia. The neighborhood was great too (fish market of Luar Batang) but the government evicted local residents recently and I haven't been there again since.

I did visit this museum but I haven't written a review about it yet. It is set in a beautiful property with a relaxing garden. There are some explanations on how Indonesian fabrics are made, particularly batiks. You can see a large collection of beautiful ones but it can be quite repetitive after a while. It is not too far from Central Jakarta, just after Tanah Abang Market.

This is a small museum with barely anything on display, yet it is worth a stop as the building is one of the nicest in Jakarta. It used to be the residence of the Governor General of the VOC.

The Museum Wayang is recommended by most tourist guides but I found it quite boring. There are almost no explanations in English and the place is not well-maintained. Not recommended unless you have a fascination for wayangs, puppets and masks.

The only positive thing about the Bank Mandiri Museum is its location, inside a Dutch colonial building. Apart from that, most of the things on displays are old ATMs, old typewriters, old computers, etc.

12) Museum Taman Prasasti
I still have to write this review as well. Anyway, this "museum" is actually an old Dutch graveyard and not a proper Museum, despite its name. It's not a bad place though and if you pass by, it won't hurt you to have a look.

Not visited yet:

Museum Galeri National Indonesia: This museum of art will be next on my list when I go back to Jakarta in September.

Musée Satriamandala: A military museum that belongs to the Indonesian TNI (Army). Apparently it's fun for kids.

A1 Museum: A private contemporary art museum.

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (MACAN): As announced by the NY Times, the MACAN is set to open in 2017. It is owned by the billionnaire Haryanto Adikoesoemo and will feature its private collection of artworks. It can probably become the best museum in Jakarta then.
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Surabaya Nightlife: Best Nightclubs, Bars and Spas

August 19, 2016, 4:47 am
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I have always enjoyed Surabaya nightlife even though the options for nightclubs and bars are limited and somewhat provincial.

3 million people live there, making it the second largest city in Indonesia. Compared to Jakarta, it still feels laid-back and unsophisticated. The streets are rather clean, you can walk on the sidewalks and the traffic is not horrible. There are several modern malls, but none of them as chic as Plaza Indonesia or even Grand Indonesia.

Few expats live in Surabaya and even fewer tourists visit it. As a result, you may get more attention than usual from the people. If you are a single guy, it is nice to see girls smiling at you in the streets or in the malls. On Tinder and other dating apps, expect to become quite popular.

Meeting a normal girl is fairly easy in certain clubs and bars like Desperados, Jimmy's, Eclectic or Colors Pub. In other venues, you may have either a lot of "lady companions" or just younger girls who are partying in groups.

I've written dozens of reviews about Surabaya already, you can read them here: Surabaya Nightclubs, Surabaya Bars, Surabaya Spas and Massage Parlours and Surabaya Live Music.

Hotels Near Surabaya Nightlife
Surabaya is a huge city without an obvious city center. The most interest nightlife venues are near Tunjungan Plaza (Jalan Basuki Rahmat) or near Surabaya Town Square (Jalan MayJen Sungkono). I created a map of all venues that you can see here: Surabaya Nightlife Map (also visible at the bottom of this article).

My hotel recommendations to enjoy Surabaya nightlife are the following:

Luxury and 5-star hotels:
JW Marriott and Shangri La both have expat bars within their walls, respectively Jimmy's and Desperados. Shangri La is the most expensive and nicest one.

The Sheraton is located within the new Tunjungan Plaza Mall extension, walking distance from the famous Coyote Top 10 Club.

Hotel Ciputra World is also within a luxury mall and it is brand new. The location is not as central but you have a few bars and clubs around like Capital Lounge and M1.

Hotel Majapahit is often considered the best hotel in Surabaya. It is near Tunjungan Plaza and it is perfect for a romantic weekend.

4-star hotels
TS Suites is located within the Surabaya Town Square. It is the best 4-star hotel in the city.

Aria Centra is a brand new hotel near Tunjungan Plaza. You still can get great opening prices (under 50$).

Mid-range
Midtown Hotel and Swiss Belinn Tunjungan are both walking distance from Tunjungan Plaza. They offer the best compromise between comfort and price.

Budget
If your budget is under 25$ per night, you can try Favehotel Mex, Citihub Sudirman and Citihub Tunjungan.

Hotels with spas inside
The 4-star Rich Palace Hotel (where Veneno Club is located) has a men's spa.

Complete review: 12 Hotels Near Surabaya Nightclubs and Bars.

Best Nightclubs in Surabaya
Most nightclubs in Surabaya are targeting a local crowd. The most popular are male-oriented, with lady companions or GROs available. People usually stay around a table and order bottles of alcohol. If people dance, it is between friends and not on the dancefloor.

Top 10 Coyote Bar and Karaoke
Part of the Top 10 Group (also behind 360 and Station), this small club is one of the most happening in Surabaya. Easy to access in Plaza Tunjungan, it features DJs and sexy dancers all night long (including girls from Thailand). No nude striptease, at best they'll wear a bikini. Most of the crowd is Indochinese, Singaporean and Malaysian.

It is the most expensive venue in Surabaya with a first drink charge of Rp200,000 on most nights.

Read a full review here: Coyote (Ten Club and Karaoke)

Foreplay
Located just above Eclectic Bar in Surabaya Town Square (Sutos), Foreplay is a popular nightclub with a young student crowd. Contrary to other venues in the city, there are no prostitutes or escorts.

It has events every night of the week and it is recommended on Mondays (Campus Night), Wednesdays (Ladies Night) and on weekends.

Read a full review here: Foreplay Surabaya

M-One Nightclub
M-One (or M1) is a more recent addition to Surabaya nightlife. It has an older crowd compared with Foreplay, but the concept is similar. The music is EDM or hip-hop depending on the night.

Read my full review: M-One Surabaya

Club 360
Owned by the same group behind Coyote, Club 360 is a large, round-shaped nightclub located in Royal Plaza Mall. It is part of a complex featuring a sexy spa (Celsius) and a karaoke. Club 360 is not so busy during the week unless there is a special event. Most girls inside are either escorts (lady companions) or part of a larger groups of friends (thus difficult to approach).

More information: Club 360 Surabaya

Penthouse Club and KTC
Penthouse is similar to 360 and Coyote. There are quite many girls but almost all of them are working as lady companions in the huge 56-room karaoke.

If you are ready to pay for company, it is a fun place. The club is quite busy any day of the week with all kinds of events: Guest DJs (usually sexy FDJs, sexy dancers, fashion shows, live bands, etc). Check their website: Penthouse International Business Club.

Veneno Nightclub
This is a new, small club located in the basement of the Rich Palace Hotel. It is not really busy until now.

See my review: Veneno Nightclub

Local Nightclubs
There are also several very local nightclubs that I don't think you would enjoy as a foreigner. If you are curious and looking for seedy spots with prostitutes and drugs, you may want to go to Kowloon, LCC, Station and Club Deluxe.

Best Bars and Live Music Venues in Surabaya
Jimmy's
Jimmy's is the bar of the JW Marriott Hotel (which used to be Vertical Six). It has live bands every night, with a DJ mixing during breaks. There may be a few working girls, but most of the crowd is normal.

Read a full review: Jimmy's Surabaya

Colors Pub
This bar is similar to Jimmy's: It features live bands, DJs or special shows every night. It is not as crowded as it used to be. Decent pub food available.

Read my article about it: Colors Surabaya

Eclectic Bar
Eclectic Bar is almost always busy, probably because of its location in the entrance of the popular Surabaya Town Square mall. If you need to have a drink during the week, this would be my first recommendation as you can be sure you won't be alone. Near Eclectic are several other bars and cafés like RUI lounge, Stonehead and Tiga Tuan.

More information: Eclectic Bar

Desperados
Desperados is the sports bar of the Shangri La Hotel. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of expats and foreigners in the city, mostly guys above 40. Some girls go there to find a boyfriend (and others to find money). Live music every evening.

Full review: Desperados Shangri La

Buro
Part of the Society Complex on Jalan Sumatra (walking distance from Colors Pub), this is the hipster bar of Surabaya. It is the kind of bar you wouldn't be surprised to find in SCBD or Senopati in Jakarta.

I went there twice and had two very different experiences. The first time was during the week and it was completely empty. The second time was during an event and it was packed with upper class Indonesians.

My advice would be to check their Instagram for events before going there. There is also a restaurant and a coffee shop.

Best Spas and Massage Parlours in Surabaya
If you are looking for the best spas in the city, please read my individual reviews here: Spas and Massage Parlours in Surabaya.

Surabaya Nightlife Map
To get a better idea of where are the nightclubs, bars, KTVs and spas in Surabaya, you can look at the map below:

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Solo Nightlife (Surakarta) - Bars, Clubs, KTVs, Spas

August 19, 2016, 11:13 pm
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Small in size but touristy, Solo (or Surakarta) is often considered the little sister of Yogyakarta. I was in the city to visit a French friend who lived there for 8 years. He showed me the nightlife on a Friday and a Saturday night.

Guest-Friendly Hotels in Solo
The city is home to plenty of hotels, but beware as many are conservative and may not accept if you stay with a girl you aren't married to. As a rule of thumb, avoid small family guest-houses and any hotel with the name "syariah" on it (obviously).

Most hotels and places of interest are located either on Jalan Adi Sucipto or Jalan Brigjen Slamet Riyadi. If you want to be near the nightlife, the best area is near the mall Solo Square. The newest part of town is called Solo Baru, in the South, but it is far from the main attractions (Best Western Solo Baru  is the best hotel there).

You can stay in excellent hotels in Solo for less than 50$ per night. The best one is the brand new Alila Solo, which is close from everything including the train station. It also has a nice open-air lounge with huge swimming pool called Largo, and a restaurant on its 29th floor called Agra.

Alternatively, the nearby Sunan Hotel is a good-value option. It is a 4-star property with the big advantage of having a popular nightclub inside, Musro.

A bit further, Aston Solo and Novotel Solo are also very central. The Royal Surakarta is an heritage hotel which can be nice if you come for a romantic weekend with your girlfriend.

Some hotels have decent rooftop bars like Amarelo Hotel and the new Alana (Aquamarine Pool and Bar).


Best Nightclubs in Solo

Social Kitchen and Social Lounge Solo
This small club is probably the most happening in Solo among young people and students. It is rather big, on two floors, with also a karaoke and an outdoor area. The attached restaurant is only ok for a snack or to hangout, don't expect great food. They have at least a weekly special event such as a guest DJ from Jakarta, sexy dancers or a live band.

There may be an entrance fee around Rp50,000 on busy days. Girls enter for free. Campus night on Monday.

Jalan Abdul Rachman Saleh No.1 Banjarsari
Phone number: +62 (0) 271 66 66 98
Pin BB: 597fbaec

SLS Executive Karaoke and Lounge
Located in the Best Western Premiere Solo Baru, SLS is the newest nightclub in Solo. It is busy but mostly for those who want to party with a bottle and lady companions. One of the best karaokes in Solo with many hot girls. Pricier than average.

Jalan Ir. Soekarno, Solo Baru
Phone number: +62 (0) 271 7880 907
Instagram: sls.karaoke

Twitter: SLS Solo
Facebook: SLS Executive Karaoke and Lounge and SLS

Musro Solo (Music Room)
Musro is the night club within the Sunan Hotel. It may belong to Tommy Winata considering he also owns Musro in Bali and Jakarta.

It is more male-oriented and older than Social Lounge. The place is small and does not really feel high class. They have first a local band, and then a DJ playing house/progressive music. If you are lucky you will see sexy dancers.

The entrance is usually free unless there is a special event. Ladies night on Wednesday. Open from 6pm to 2am from Monday to Saturday. 

Jalan Ahmad Yani No. 40
Phone number: +62 (0) 271 7 3131 2 or 08 57 91 07 93 33

You might also have heard about Hailai International Executive Club. It is now closed and replaced by the Adhiwangsa hotel.


Best Bars and Beer Gardens in Solo

11 12 Beer Garden
11 12 Beer garden is the biggest beer garden in Solo with regular live bands and cheap beer. It was really packed when we visited. I was surprised to see that even girls wearing the jilbab were among the guests. You can smoke shisha as well. Beware the music is loud and the place smokey. Open from 4pm to 2am.

Address: Jalan Adi Sucipto No 48
Phone number: 08 57 25 00 99 66
Twitter: 11 12 Solo

Am Pm Beer and Coffee
There are several AM-PM branches in Solo but I couldn't find the location for all. The one I visited was on Jalan Slamet Riyadi. It is central and, amazingly, open 24h. They have live music, cheap beer and shisha. Young and laid-back crowd. You can order Indonesian and Western food.

Jalan Honggowongso 27 (Pasar Kembang), Phone number: +62 (0) 271 65 3821
Jalan Slamet Riyadi 255 (Purwosari), Phone number: +62 (0) 271 72 8929
Jalan Adisucipto 180

Instagram: Am Pm Solo

House of Beer (HOB) by Stark
House of Beer is located in Park Mall in Solo Baru. It is more expensive and upmarket than the beer gardens listed above. In particular, you will see more Indochinese. Good live music including acoustic sessions and jazz. They also serve food (pizzas, pasta, snacks). Beer towers available.

The Park Mall, GF, Jalan Ir. Soekarno
Phone number: +62 (0) 271 789 1327
Twitter: HOB Solo

Score Bar and Grill
A bar and restaurant opened in 2014 in Park Mall, Score is a nice addition to Solo nightlife. It is part of a larger chain that has several locations in Indonesia. The one in Solo is the best I've visited. The design is modern with a large outdoor area and comfortable sofas. This is where rich kids hangout before going to Social Lounge for party. They serve American, Italian and Indonesian food.

Most people come with a group of friends. If you are alone, I would recommend one of the beer gardens above instead. No dress code but it's better to wear pants and shoes. Open from 11am to midnight (until 2am on weekends).

The Park Mall, GF, Jalan Ir. Soekarno
Phone number: +62 (0) 271 789 1322
Facebook: Score Solo Bar
Website: www.scorebarandgrillsolo.com

Agra Rooftop Bar (Alila Solo)
Solo City view from Agra (Alila Hotel)
On the 29th floor of the Alila Hotel, this new venue is the highest rooftop bar in Solo. It is not that sophisticated for Jakarta standard, but the view is worth going. They serve expensive cocktails and tapas.

Address: Jalan Slamet Riyadi No. 562
Phone number: +62 271 677 0888

Saraswati Bar and Lounge
Hotel bar of the Novotel Solo. They have regular live music but it wasn't very crowded when we visited. Maybe the business people are away during weekends. You can order food as well.

Jalan Brigjen Slamet Riyadi 272
Phone number: +62 (0) 271 724 555

Uncle Bear Beer Bar
One of the most recently opened beer bars in Solo. Clean and fun with live music and DJ in the evening. Open everyday from 5pm to 1am. American and Asian food.

Jalan Veteran 108C
Phone number: +62 (0) 8 12 26 00 97 79
Facebook: Uncle Bear Solo

Par Four Cafe
This is the closest thing from an expat pub in Solo. American-owned. Not a party place but nice for chilling with home-cooked American food and beer. Open from 4pm to midnight every night except Mondays.

Jalan Kebangkitan Nasional 31, Sriwedari Park (next to Sports Station) 
Phone number: +62 (0) 8 11 26 49 36
Facebook: Parfour Solo


Other Karaokes, KTVs and Girlie Bars

Apart from SLS and Musro, you can also try one of the following places:

Primadona Lounge and Karaoke
This is a very local karaoke located in Bengawan Sport Center. They have sexy dancers on Monday and Thursday night. Live music every night from 11pm to 2am. Reasonable prices and many lady companions.

Bengawan Sport Center, Jalan HOS Cokroaminoto 55
Phone number: 08 13212 55 813

Bima Karaoke
Bima is a more expensive karaoke in Solo Baru. Open until 2am, the price for rooms is Rp200,000 per hour with minimal 3 hours. Many girls available as well.

Jalan Ir Soekarno, Ruko HC 19
Phone number: +62 (0) 271 672 7327

I heard that the Lorin Hotel had a nightclub and karaoke but I didn't visited it. There is also Kafe Bola which might be closed already.


Spas, Massage Parlours and Salons

Amazon Spa
This spa is one of the best in the city and it is centrally-located. You can get a HJ with extra tip Rp50,000 to Rp100,000. More is possible as well depending on your negotiation skills. The price of the normal massage + room + facilities (sauna, jacuzzi, cold and hot pool) ranges from Rp200,000 to Rp300,000).

Jalan Adisucipto 48
Phone number: +62 (0) 271 7551308

La Fitto Spa
This is also a recommended plus plus spa in Solo, about 1 kilometer from Solo Square. It is cheaper than Amazon and you can normally get extra services more easily. You can expect to pay Rp150,000 for the room and a normal 2-hour massage. A handjob will cost you from Rp50,000 to Rp100,000 and a blowjob around Rp200,000-250,000. Add at least another Rp100,000 for more. Open from 10am to 10pm.

Jalan Ahmad Yani 296 D
Phone number: +62 271 2700 858
Twitter: Lafitto Spa
Website (with prices): La Fitto Spa Solo

From what I read on Kaskus forum, you have several small brothels (called salons or panti pijat) but they might be hard to find. You can look for Salon Jelita, Salon Mawar, Salon Jasmin, Salon Virgo, Salon Mona and Salon Victoria.

The following spas might be closed:
Refresh Spa, Jalan Kyai Gede Komplek Ruko Beteng Blok B-1, Phone number: +62 (0) 271 657 009
Pluto Spa & Shiatsu, Ruko Bisnis Square Blok JC No. 26, Phone number: +62 (0) 271 799 8568
Athena Spa, Jalan Raya Solo Baru Permai, Blok CA-55, Phone number: +62 (0) 271 623 655
Solo Spa, Jalan Raya Solo-Wonogiri Blok CA No.1, Phone number: +62 (0) 271 623 388
Niagara Spa, Niagara Spa, Jalan Tentara Pelajar No.3, Phone number: +62 (0) 271 789 1916
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Yogyakarta Nightlife: Bars, Clubs, Karaokes and Spas

August 21, 2016, 2:02 am
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I was disappointed with Yogyakarta nightlife. As a city famous for attracting students and tourists, I was expecting a fun party atmosphere with busy bars and nightclubs.

On the contrary, Yogyakarta is quite conservative: Most girls wear the jilbab and you can see all over the city some aggressive banners against gays or Shia muslims. I've read also about some incidents against a feminist group just a few days ago. This gave me the impression to be in Saudi Arabia more than in "tolerant" Indonesia.

In spite of this, I still had fun but I had to try quite many venues before figuring out which one were crowded and which one were boring.

The objective of this guide is to save you some time and give you the best tips to enjoy Yogyakarta nightlife if you are a single traveler there. If new bars and clubs open, please mention them in the comments to help me keep this review up-to-date.

Girl-Friendly Hotels in Yogyakarta:
I guess you are not going to Yogyakarta for the nightlife only and you are also interested in visiting attractions like Borobudur, the beaches in the South (like Gesing), the Keraton, etc.

If you want to do all that, plus go to bars and clubs in the evening, the best place to stay in Yogyakarta is near Jalan Malioboro, the most famous street in the city. It is lively, especially at night, and it is also walking distance to the main train station.

If you are on a budget, an alternative is to find a guest house near Jalan Prawirotaman, about a kilometer south of Jalan Malioboro. The price range goes from 10$ to 50$ a night. Be careful with small, family-run hostels though as they may not be girl-friendly. To avoid any issues, it is better to book in larger, chain hotels such as the ones below:

Expensive:
Inna Garuda Malioboro
Melia Purosani

Those are chain hotels in Central Yogyakarta. They don't have as much charm as small properties but at least you won't be the center of attention.

Best Bars and Clubs in Yogyakarta:
There are not that many venues for partying in Yogyakarta. My favorite spots are listed below, starting with the most recommended.

Dress codes are generally not enforced. I saw people wearing flip-flop, short pants and t-shirt almost everywhere except in Boshe and Sugar.

The best days to go out are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You can check on the Facebook pages of the venues below for special events during the week (for instance Student Campus Nights).

During July and August, the bars in the tourist areas are more lively with Western tourists, particularly in the backpacking streets Jalan Sosrowijayan and at the corner of Jalan Parangtritis and Jalan Prawirotaman.

Busy beer garden with a young expat and Indonesian crowd. Owned by a mixed couple Indonesian and Belgian, it is relaxed, friendly and cheap. You can get a local beer for just Rp30,000. Nicely designed. Service can be clumsy. 

It is in a residential neighborhood, 10 minutes away from Jalan Malioboro. Probably the best place to meet "normal" girls in Yogyakarta. They have DJs and live bands occasionally.

Address: Jalan Pakuningratan 34, Yogyakarta 55233
Phone number: +62 274 523723

Taphouse Beer House
Click on the link above to read my review. It is a brand new beer house in an old house. Trendy and happening on Wednesdays, Fridays (hip hop) and Saturdays.

Jalan Jlagran 18, Yogyakarta
Phone number: +62 812 2444 2225

Liquid Bar and Kitchen (not to be confused with Liquid Next Generation reviewed below) is a large warehouse filled with picnic tables where people come as a group for beers/wine and snacks. 

The area near the DJ can be considered a club, especially later in the night on weekends. They also have live music. Open until late (from 5pm to 5am), it's a fun place, often messy, where you'll probably find something you'll like. There is about 25% girls and I didn't see any foreigners.

Address: Jalan Magelang KM 4,5
Phone number: +62 274 589611

Taj Lounge
This bar and club had just opened when I visited. It is already a popular choice among expats above 30. Most of them seemed to know each other already.

It is a good place to meet people if you are living in the city. If you are a tourist you might get bored. Music changes every night from hip hop to EDM and techno. Ladies night on Wednesday with free shots for girls. Open every day from 7.30pm to 3am.

Address: Jalan Urip Sumoharjo No.103H
Phone number: +62 822 4277 6766

Boshe VVIP Jogja
Boshe VVIP is just in front of City Mall. If you have been to the one in Bali, you will notice it looks almost the same. There is a Rp70,000 entrance fee (free for ladies). You generally have a local live band or sexy dancers before midnight, and then a DJ.

Since the prices are higher than the average for Yogyakarta (small local beer is Rp50,000), it attracts an older crowd, mostly male. The sound system and the lighting are great. It is famous for its karaoke where pretty lady companions (LC) are available. Many girls but most of them are working there and they are only looking for money. From reports I've read, you can actually have sex inside some of the bigger karaoke rooms.

The staff is rock n' roll. Every night they do a dance together on stage:
Address: Jalan Magelang KM 6,5
Phone number: +62 274 543477
Website: Boshe VVIP Club Jogja

Sugar KTV and Nightclub
Sugar is one of the most exclusive KTVs and nightclubs in Yogyakarta. It is popular with the Chinese community, in particular guys as you have lots of high-class prostitutes. It also has some normal girls but they are always with male friends or boyfriends.

It is within the hotel Indoluxe, about 15 minutes from the center. It's worth going there only if you are planning to book a table and open a bottle at least. If you come alone, the entrance fee is Rp50,000 but you won't have anywhere to stand or sit.

The nightclub is pretty happening with events every night: Sexy dancers, fashion show, DJ, live bands, etc.

Address: Jalan Palagan Tentara Pelajar No.106
Phone number: +62 274 8722 388
Website: Sugar Yogyakarta
Complete review on Jakarta100bars: Sugar Review.

Terrace Café and Karaoke
Terrace is located in Jalan Raya Seturan, an interesting street with many cafes and restaurants that stay open until late. Terrace is the busiest of all. It is a small club on two floors with either live music, a DJ or sexy dancers on stage. It wasn't so crowded when I visited and most of the guests were guys. The entrance was Rp40,000, a large bintang costs Rp75,000. They play EDM, Hip Hop and Top 40 music.

Address: Jalan Raya Seturan No. 4
Phone number: +62 274 4332931

Liquid Next Generation
Liquid Next Generation is one of the oldest nightclubs in Yogyakarta. Opened in 2006, it has the same concept as Terrace and Boshe. You have a stage with live music or DJs, and most people watch the show from tables and sofas. It is still popular, especially for special events. It does not look as modern though and it has a more underground vibe (dark, noisy, smokey). I wouldn't be surprised if people took drugs inside. Entrance fee is Rp35,000. Open everyday from 10pm to 4am.

Address: Jalan Magelang KM 5,5
Phone number: +62 274 622 020

Oxen Free is a beer garden, popular with expats, foreign students and tourists. Smart and educated crowd. They have live traditional music (keroncong) every Tuesday and jazz every Wednesday. When they don't have live music, they put some easy going tunes like the ones you would hear on a Buddha Bar playlist.

The prices are cheap and the food is supposed to be decent (I didn't try it). Price for a large Bintang is Rp50k and for a main course (International or Indonesian) between Rp50,000 and Rp100,000.

Address: Jalan Sosrowijayan No.2
Website: Oxen Free Beer Garden

Lucifer
Lucifer is a small bar/café/restaurant in the backpacker street Jalan Sosrowijayan. They have live rock and reggae music, cheap food and a crowd made of mostly Indonesian men in their 20s. Some of the waitresses are pretty.

Address: Jalan Sosrowijayan no 71
Phone number: +62 274 554377

Easy Going Restaurant and Bar
This is one of the most famous backpacker hangout in Yogyakarta. There is nothing really special except that it is popular. If you are traveling alone it's a good spot to make new friends.

Address: Jalan Prawirotaman No.12
Phone number: +62 274 384092

Other Bars nearby:
At the corner of Jalan Prawirotaman and Jalan Parangtritis, you have a strip of cheap bars with live music such as Cuba Libre, Ruis Cafe, Beatles Pub, Banana Café and South Side Café.

Palms Karaoke and Executive Club
Palms is the only nightclub/bar in the list that I didn't visit. From what I understand, they have good EDM and electro DJs every night until 3am. Lots of pretty girls as well in their karaokes.

Address: Jalan Batikan No. 9
Phone number: 08170251111

Prostitution in Yogyakarta: Massage Parlours, Spas, Salons, Karaoke and Girlie Bars.
Karaoke
Some of the nightclubs mentioned above have lady companions or escorts such as Liquid, Boshe, Terrace, Palms and Sugar. Another good place for karaoke is EC Jogja inside Inna Malioboro Hotel.

These venues have lady companions / escorts / prostitutes that you can book out to your hotel for a fee ranging from Rp500,000 to Rp1,000,000. You must ask the GROs which girls are willing to do what when booking the room because many are only there for singing/drinking with you.
Spa and Massage Plus Plus
They are usually not located in the city center except for Elysium Spa. The others are about 15 minutes from Jalan Malioboro.

In general, you choose a girl from a photo or from a number (or ask advice to the GRO). The price of the room + massage is between Rp200,000 and Rp350,000. If you want more, you have to pay a tip to the girl from Rp100,000 for a handjob to Rp400,000 for full services (sex).

The most recommended massage parlours for foreigners are the following:

Graha Spa (Jalan Ring Road Utara RT11/RW18)

Red Cliff Spa and Lounge (Jalan Tasura No. 45)

Elysium Spa (Jalan Magelang)

Mansion Spa and Health Club (Jalan Kabupaten No. 888)

Amanda Spa (Jalan Kabupaten No. 96)

Salon Plus Plus and Panti Pijat (Brothels)
There are also many panti pijat and salons with sexual services, but they are in very "local" places. If you are interested to see, you can go to the street Jalan Palang (Salon Tiga Dara, Salon Amay) or Jalan Babarsari (Salon Cassanova). Prices are slightly lower compared to spas mentioned above (25% less). Some can be very cheap but they cater to low-class Indonesians (under 15$ for full service).

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Jenja (Jakarta)

August 21, 2016, 4:50 am
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Located in Cilandak Town Square (CiToS), Jenja is the newest nightclub to open in Jakarta. They had their first public night on August 5th, 2016 with a set from the German DJ Oliver Huntemann.

It is their second branch after Bali, where Jenja is currently one of the best nightclubs. On the island, it is popular with expats, particularly because of the music they play (electro/tech-house/techno, the kind you would hear in Berlin, see 12 DJs I Want To See in Jakarta). Their design is nice as well but it is not the main reason for their success in my opinion.

I hope they will be successful as this could be a game changer for Jakarta nightlife. It would be the only nightclub in South Jakarta that does not play commercial music (EDM, house, Rn'B, etc).

I'm a bit skeptical about their location though. To be successful, they need a trendy crowd that Cilandak may not have. You have expats and rich Indonesians, but mostly families. I wonder if the people who currently party in SCBD/Mega Kuningan will accept driving 30 minutes to Cilandak. Or maybe I'm underestimating the clubbing crowd in South Jakarta?

We will know the answer soon. Please leave a comment if you have partied in Jenja. I'm not in Jakarta until September so I won't be able to visit it until then unfortunately!

Jenja (Jakarta)
Town Square Cilandak (CiToS)
2nd Floor, 1 Jalan TB. Simatupang, Kav. 17
Jakarta, Indonesia 12430

Email: reservationsjkt@clubjenja.com or infojkt@clubjenja.com
Phone number: +62 822 1181 3383

Website: Club Jenja
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Cheap Travel to Bali: A Complete Guide

August 24, 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. Some of the best value hotels in Bali are on Jalan Sunset Road. 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. You can read Choosing A Travel Insurance in Indonesia for a complete review of your available options.

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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Best VPNs in Indonesia- How to Access Blocked Websites

August 25, 2016, 4:00 am
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In this review I will explain you how to bypass Internet censorship (mostly porn) in Indonesia by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service. I will also give you tips on how to watch Hulu and Netflix in Indonesia using a unique IP address.

Most porn and torrent websites are blocked in Indonesia. This includes all the most famous ones like XVideos, YouPorn, PornHub, XHamster, KickAss Torrents and The Pirate Bay. It is also not possible to visit some forums like Reddit or InternationalSexGuide.

Some regular websites have also been banned like Vimeo. Tumblr was shut down during 24 hours earlier this year as well.

Another problem internet users are facing in Indonesia is the 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions Act. This vague set of laws can make you the target of a defamation suit for exposing your views online. You are not allowed, for instance, of suggesting that someone might be corrupt.

Because of this law, posting a comment on Facebook, Twitter or Path in Indonesia can land you in jail. This is what happened to Alexander Aan or Florence Sihombing.

Since about a year ago, I decided to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in Indonesia. This allows me to visit any websites I want on the internet without anyone knowing about it. It is 100% legal, secure and safe. Actually, according to this 2015 study, Indonesia is the country with the most VPN users in the world: 23% of its Internet users are bypassing censorship by using a VPN.

The cost is cheap (less than 10$ per month) and it works great. If you travel a lot in Asia, it is also very useful in heavily-censored countries like Vietnam or China.

Since VPN companies usually give you a free trial for a few days up to 1 month, I tested several of them to make sure I was choosing the best. There are so many different companies that you could probably get a free VPN for at least a year just by changing provider once in a while. The prices are really reasonable though so once you've found one that works well, it's really more simple to just pay.

Here are my top 3 recommendations for best VPNs in Indonesia (I used the 3 of them and they worked great):

Hide My Ass (HMA) - Best VPN in Indonesia
HideMyAss.com
Hide My Ass is the most expensive of the VPNs listed here because they have 700 servers in the world, including in Indonesia. This means your connection is fast and smooth everywhere. If you can afford the extra dollars to get full speed, HMA is an excellent choice.

Hide My Ass is the VPN recommended by the Wall Street Journal to access blocked websites in China and it was also selected as the best VPN by the Guardian, Bloomberg and Forbes.

You can now try Hide My Ass for FREE! Just open the following link Hide My Ass Free and click on "Free Trial". You need to give your credit card details so don't forget to cancel after one month to avoid being charged.

If you decide to keep the paid version, it is much more interesting to choose a full year:

Pricing:
4,99$ per month with 1 year plan
7,49$ per month with 6-month plan
9,99$ per month without plan

The set up is super easy even if you are not good on computers and they are really fast to answer your questions of you have any.

Ivacy - Fastest VPN Indonesia
Ivacy is considered as one of the fastest VPNs in Indonesia. They also have a server in Jakarta and a strong presence in Asia (the headquarters are in Hong Kong). The support is excellent (ask any question and they will answer you within a few minutes). You can pay with bitcoins or PayPal and you can use up to 5 devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop, TV, etc).

Again, you can do a free trial for 7 days by opening this link: Promo Deal for Ivacy VPN - Indonesia. 

If you choose to keep it after the free period, you will pay the following:

Pricing:
1,83$ per month with 1 year plan
4,16$ per month with 6-month plan
9,95$ per month without plan

Yes you read correctly, less than 2$ per month for fast, anonymous, unlimited access to any blocked website, including porn in Indonesia.

NordVPN - VPN for Watching Netflix
This is often considered the best VPN on the market as they have a great support team that will help you with any of your requests. If you are planning on using US Netflix, this is your an excellent choice too as they have not been banned yet. This means you can use NordVPN to watch Netflix if you position your IP in the US. Only problem for Indonesian web users, they don't have a server in Indonesia at the moment so the speed is slower than the VPNs listed above. It is still good enough for most people (you can still download from torrents, watch movies, etc).

To try their services for free, you can just visit the following link: Nord VPN - 30-Day Money Back Guaranteed.

Since you can cancel and get your money back any time within the first month, I advise you to choose the 1 year plan directly to save on the long term.

Pricing:
4$ per month with 1 year plan
5$ per month with 6-month plan
8$ per month without plan

How Do You Access Porn/Blocked Websites in Indonesia? Do You Use A VPN As Well?
There are a lot of new VPN providers entering the market every month. If you are using a different VPN in Indonesia or if you have another way to visit porn/blocked websites in Indonesia, please leave a comment below to share your experience!
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Nha Trang Nightlife (Vietnam) in 2016

August 25, 2016, 10:55 am
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If you are into beach bars, cheap drinks and hooking-up with drunk tourists, you might find that Nha Trang nightlife is the best in Vietnam.

I spent about a week there on holiday, during low season, and that gave me plenty of time to party in every single bar and nightclub in town.

The best thing about Nha Trang is that compared to other cities in Vietnam like Saigon or Hanoi, the rules are more relaxed. Venues stay open late, dress codes are rarely enforced, and it's more easy to find girl-friendly hotels. Prices are also very cheap, especially during low season. With a $50 budget, you should have enough to book at least a 3-star hotel, eat in nice beachfront restaurants and drink plenty at night.

The drawback of Nha Trang, as you've probably read elsewhere, is the huge proportion of Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese tourists compared to other nationalities. I really don't have anything against them, but I noticed that they tend to stay together, maybe because of the language or culture, and rarely mix. As a result, visiting a nightclub in Nha Trang can become quite a social experiment. You'll look at other people party but you won't always feel part of the action. Of course it depends where you go.

The objective of this review is to give you the best advice on where to go for nightlife in Nha Trang if you are like me, a single guy, Westerner, in his 30s.

Hotels in Nha Trang Near the Nightlife
Nha Trang is a medium-sized city with almost 400,000 inhabitants. Most of the tourists are logically staying near the beach front.

The area with an active nightlife is limited to the city center. If you want to be walking distance from nightclubs AND the beach, I recommend you to book one of the following hotels:

High-End:
If you book in advance, you can get a 5-star hotel in Nha Trang for 100$-150$. The best one is probably the brand new Intercontinental Nha Trang, from which you can walk to most nightclubs in Nha Trang (Zima Nightclub and Havana Club are across the street). There is also the stylish RuNam Bistro on the ground level, perfect for a date.

Sheraton Nha Trang is just next to it, but it is more expensive and older. It has a quiet rooftop lounge called Altitude.

The nearby Best Western Premier Havana is another excellent choice. It has one of the most amazing nightlife venues in Nha Trang, the Skylight 360° Rooftop Bar.

Novotel Nha Trang is great 4-star beach front property, usually less expensive (100$ for the cheapest room).

Mid-Range:
Liberty Central Nha Trang is just 100m from the beach and close from the busiest area for cheap bars and restaurants. It is also walking distance from the Sailing Club and Louisiane Brewhouse, the two nicest beach clubs in central Nha Trang.

Budget
There are hundreds of small guest houses and backpacker hostels in Nha Trang. To be near the nightlife and the beach, you can check any property located near Booze Cruise Bar or Why Not Bar.

Girl Friendly Hotels / Sex Hotels
The hotels above may not be girl-friendly. It is better to ask a receptionist whether it is ok for you to bring your "girlfriend" to your room.

If you want certainty, you can book a room in one of the two hotels below. Both have a massage parlours where sexual services are provided so you can expect them to be open-minded regarding who you stay with.

Quoc Te Hotel and Sauna is the most famous. Rooms are decent for about 20-40 dollars per night. It is also central, just 5 minutes away from the beach by foot and 10 minutes from good bars.

Hoa Dao Hotel, Karaoke and Spa is a bit further from the action but cheaper. You can get a room for less than 20$.


Best Bars and Nightclubs in Nha Trang
Most of the best bars and nightclubs in Nha Trang are within a few hundred meters from each other, on Tran Phu Street. It's very easy to do a pub crawl just by walking. Here are my recommended nightlife spots in Nha Trang:

Sailing Club
Sailing Club is one of the most famous F&B venues in Nha Trang, day or night. It is the equivalent of Potato Head in Bali. During the day, it is your typical beach club, not luxury but definitely upmarket. You can get a beach cabana/lounger without any minimum spending. Prices are higher than elsewhere: Cocktails cost between VND160,000 and VND200,000 and local beer VND70,000. For the food (curries, pizza, pasta, burgers, wraps, salads, sandwiches), you'll spend on average VND250,000 for a main course. The crowd is really mixed. You have families, couples, young people, etc. Most are Russian and Vietnamese.

In the evening, it become a hot party spot with live music or DJ. You'll see more backpackers then. Saturday nights are the best with their weekly beach party. Other days can be quiet and you'll only see a few people dancing. It's a good place to meet girls but beware as there are also some freelance prostitutes.



Louisiane Brewhouse is a similar venue but more quiet and relaxed. Both belong to the same group.

Address: 72-74 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: +84 58 3524 628
Open everyday from 10am to 2am

Havana Club
Vietnamese club, similar to the kind you would find in Saigon. Loud dance music, people getting drunk until they pass out. They have events like sexy dancers and singers. If you live in Saigon, it's not really worth visiting as there is nothing new here. Dress code: Avoid shorts and flip-flops. They have some sort of sexy lady companions.

Address: 38 Tran Phu Street (in front of Best Western Premier Havana)
Phone number: 093 585 54 42

Zima Club
While Havana is the best club for Vietnamese, Zima is the favourite for Russians. Guys must pay a cover charge of VND50,000 with one free drink. Many Russians girls are alone but they aren't the prettiest. The main dance floor is quite small and surrounded by tables/sofas. Second floor is more private. The music is house music from the 90s and 2000s with some Russian EDM tracks. Quite loud. Its not that sophisticated but it has a pleasant holiday feel. They have sexy Russian gogo dancers.

Address: 26 Tran Phu Street (E-Land)
Phone number: 0126 763 6888
Website: www.zimaclub.com
Facebook: Zima Nha Trang
Open every day from 8pm to 3am

Pool Pub - PP
Pool Pub is a beer garden/bar near the beach front, 100 meters before the Best Western Premier Havana. It's packed starting 9pm with a crowd mostly Vietnamese. They play loud house music that can be heard from the street. People cannot really talk to each other so they just smile all the time and keep cheering. Funny! They have some sexy waitresses and bikini hostesses.

If you like Pool Pub, you can also check Ulike, ILike and Rocky Beer Clubs. All are noisy venue with cheap beer and an all-Vietnamese crowd.



Address: 40 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: 090 511 63 56
Facebook: Pool Pub NT
Open everyday from 5pm to 2am

Lodge Club
Your typical Vietnamese nightclub. Guys drinking directly from the bottles with hot Vietnamese chicks who look 16. They have some special "hostesses".

Address: 42 Tran Phu
Phone number: 090 195 29 99
Facebook: Lodge Club Nha Trang

Yasaka 008 Night Club
Located in Yasaka Saigon Resort and Spa, this is another Vietnamese-style nightclub. It's very loud with aggressive lighting. It's supposed to be luxurious but feels a bit dodgy. Sexy dancers.

Address: 8 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: +84 58 382 0090
Open every day from 9pm to 3am

Best Rooftop Bars in Nha Trang
With several high-rise building, Nha Trang has some great rooftop bars. They are generally crowded from sunset until 10pm. They are not party places unless there is a specific events. It's best to visit them in the late afternoon when there is still day light as the view can be disappointing at night.

Skylight 360° Sky Deck & Rooftop Beach Club
One of the most popular spots in Nha Trang, Skylight is well-worth visiting at least once. You have a VND100,000 entrance fee for the beach club (VND150,000 on weekends) that comes with a free drink.

They have a swimming pool but the lounge chairs around it are often taken. It's more pricey than average so expect to pay VND150,000-200,000 for cocktails. There is a DJ playing lounge/chill out tunes on normal days. Weekends are more happening, you can check for events on their facebook page.

Address: 38 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: 058 3528 988


Open everyday from 8am to 2pm and from 4.30pm to midnight

The Rooftop Bar @ Ha Van Hotel
On the 5th floor of the Han Van Hotel, the Rooftop Bar is quite unique in Nha Trang. It is managed by a multicultural team: Nicolas, the Canadian owner, Arnaud, Annie and the Chef Marc-André. Since it opened in 2007, it has become the best expat bar in the city. You'll also find many backpackers and some locals.

It is almost always busy, and particularly on Friday during their ladies night (1 free cocktail for girls from 9pm to 12pm). The food is excellent, burgers are a must-try. There is also a Vietnamese restaurant downstairs (same owner) called Yen's.

The ambiance at night is bit psychedelic: It is dark, with predominantly red lights and electronic music. It reminded me of beach bars in Koh Phangan or Goa.

It is a good spot for meeting normal girls. Some Vietnamese girls seemed to be looking for boyfriends. Cheap if you go during happy hours from 5p to 9pm = Buy 1 Get 1 Free. 10 shots for VND500,000. Shisha available.

Open daily from 5pm to 2am
Phone number: +84 58 3525 454
Ha Van Hotel, 3/2 Tran Quang Khai Street
Facebook: Rooftop Bar 

Above Sky Bar
Above is the newest rooftop bar in Nha Trang. It opened in December 2015 on top of Liberty Central Hotel. If you are familiar with Saigon nightlife, you will notice the bar look very similar to Chill Sky Bar. The concept is also almost the same: Lounge music during the day, DJ later in the evening.

Ladies night on Wednesday: Girls get free Mojitos from 9pm to 11pm.

Address: 7-9 Biệt Thự
Phone number: 058 3529 555
Facebook: Above Liberty Central
Everyday from 5pm to 1am

Altitude Bar
On the 27th floor of the Sheraton Nha Trang, the design of Altitude suffers from the comparison with Skylight. It is expensive (5$ a beer) but you can visit it from 5pm to 7pm daily to enjoy their happy hours (buy 1 get 1 free). Ladies night on Saturday will get girls free signature cocktails from 8pm to 9pm. Live Music Wednesday and Thursday.

26-28 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: 058 3880 000
Facebook: Altitude Bar
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to 11pm (closed on Monday)

Lunar Lounge
Lunar Lounge is a recently renovated rooftop bar and restaurant in Nha Trang Center building. It is Canadian/Vietnamese owned. They have a beautiful lagoon-shaped pool, live music (English and Vietnamese songs) and an International menu ($8-$12 for a main course). Modern design. Not so crowded.

20 Tran Phu, Nha Trang Center, 4th Floor
Phone number: 096 869 00 00
Website: www.lunarbar.vn
Open everyday from 7am to 1am

Backpacker / Cheap Bars in Nha Trang
Nha Trang is such a cheap destination that it attracts many backpackers doing their Southeast Asia tour. As usual, they gather in just a few streets, namely Nguyễn Thiện Thuật and Tran Quang Khai.
90% of the backpacker bars in Nha Trang are within the green area


There are at least 20 bars there, with little to differentiate one from another. My advice would be to just walk around and pick the most crowded. Apart from the ones I'm reviewing below, you can have a look at Patrick (wine bar - French food - live music), Far East Rock Bar (they have 2 - cheap beer), Hole in The Wall (English-owned pub with bar girls), Crazy Kim (sports bar), La Mancha (salsa - Spanish food), Pankoff (German beer), After the Beach (empty but pretty Russian hostesses) and Connection (good location at the angle of the street).

Why Not Bar
Why Not Bar is one of those shitty places that still get to exist due to the lack of alternatives. You'll hear terrible stuff about it, yet it is the most busy bar in the city past 1am. 

There are many reports about customers being stolen valuables or scammed. If you plan on getting drunk there, just don't bring too much cash with you and no passport, no papers, and no phone. The place is so cheap that you can probably drink all-night for less than $10. Hard drinks (VND15,000 for a rum coke) are most likely done using fake alcohol. It's better to stick to beers (VND10,000 for a local beer).

Why Not Bar can be a lot of fun though, and a good place to meet other tourists, particularly Western girls. Local prostitutes are lurking around too. The music is an Itunes playlist with any song that was in the Top 40 in the past 20 years.

Address: 24 Tran Quang Khai
Phone number: +84 58 3522 652
Facebook: Why Not Bar
Open everyday from 6am until 3am

Booze Cruise Sports Bar
A bit more expensive compared to other places nearby, the American-owned Booze Cruise is nonetheless one of the busiest bars on the street. Many regulars among the customers, mostly guys in their 30s and 40s. The crowd of Booze is the pretty much the opposite of the crowd of Roofop Bar in Ha Van Hotel.

They serve pub fare from breakfast to dinner. You can play pool and table football.

Address: 110 Nguyen Thien Thuat
Phone number: +84 90 571 9519
Facebook: Booze Cruise Sports Bar
Open everyday from 7am to 3am

If you like the testosterone atmosphere of Booze Cruise, you may also want to try Cheers Bar (good food and live sport). It gets quite crowded when there is a big AFL game on. The owner is Australian.

Quan 69 Bach Dang
This is the place to go if you want to tell your friends that you literally got drunk for a buck. 2 liters of local beer will cost you less than VND20,000. They also serve some good Vietnamese food (duck soup).

Many older expats seem to be spending most of their days over there.

Address: 69 Bach Dang Street
Phone number: 35 15 725

Prostitution in Nha Trang: Massage Parlours, Spas and Karaokes

Spas and Massage Parlours Plus Plus
Therapists in Hoa Da Massage Parlour
Like all major Vietnamese cities, Nha Trang has its fair share of massage parlours and spas. The best ones have a similar pricing: Around VND300,000 for the "normal" treatment, and then if you want more you must add a tip to the girl (VND300,000 for handjob, VND500,000 for full sex). VIP rooms have jacuzzi where you will be bathed naked and cost between VND500,000 and VND600,000.

The most famous "naughty" massage parlour in Nha Trang is Hoa Da. It's a chain with 4 locations in the city. From the information I could get, only handjobs are available. You can get two girls at once if you ask for the "Super VIP" package.

Hoa Da 1
10/1 Lý Tự Trọng Street
Phone number: 0583.826.877

Hoa Da 2
115A Hoàng Văn Thụ Street
Phone number: 0583.816.028

Hoa Da 3
39 Mê Linh Street (a bit far from center)
Phone number: 058.35.12.303

Hoa Da 4
14 A Trần Văn Ơn Street 
Phone number: 0583.561.277

You can check the prices and photos of the room on their website: Hoa Da Massage Plus Nha Trang. The same group also owns Hoa Dao Hotel, Karaoke and Spa which is a good option if you are looking for a girl-friendly hotel with massage parlour.

Another massage parlour plus plus located inside a hotel is Quoc Te. Full service is available there. They have a sauna and steambath. Prices are higher than elsewhere. If you are on a budget, you can go to the "Seagull" hotel instead: Hai Au Hotel.

Karaokes
Nha Trang is filled with karaokes. They range from the cheap places in local neighborhood to upmarket venues on the beach.

If you want to find one with pretty lady companions and hostesses, you can go to Four Seasons Karaoke in E-Land (in front of Best Western Premier Havana) or in Yasaka 008 in Yasaka Saigon Resort and Spa.
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Malang Nightlife: Best Bars, Clubs and Spas

August 25, 2016, 10:57 am
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Malang is one of the nicest cities I've been to in Java. It is a mid-sized mountain town just 2 hours from Surabaya, relatively clean (for Indonesia standards) and with a pleasant weather.

As you would expect, Malang nightlife is not the most happening. The current hotspot is actually the brand-new Starbucks, in front of which you may surprisingly see a couple of Ferraris. If you want to party, you have a few good bars and nightclubs though, enough to keep you busy for a weekend.

Most bars are laid-back beer houses or live music cafés with a student crowd. They are not so sophisticated and their prices are as low as it can get.

Clubs are more diversified. The best ones are modern, with a rich crowd, sexy girls and decent entertainment (DJs, bands, dancers). On the other end of the spectrum, you also have more underground joints with prostitutes and drugs easily available.

I learned that alcohol is supposed to be prohibited in Malang, yet I didn't have any difficulties to buy any, including hard liquor.

Getting Around in Malang
One of the most annoying things about Malang is that it is difficult to get around. There are no Blue Birds, no Express, no Uber, no Grab, no Go-Jek. Taxis do not actively look for customers but wait to be called so you should save their phone number.

I used Citra taxis (WA 08813349145 ) most of the time. They are quite cheap, they always put the meter and it took them on average 10 minutes to pick me up. The trip from the city center to the airport with Citra is only around Rp60,000.

Walking in Malang is not too bad. The sidewalks are in fair conditions, distances are short and the weather is not too hot. For simple trips, you can also use "angkot", small public buses that can be found everywhere. The price is around Rp3,000 for a 2 kilometer trip. Ask locals for directions as there is no map of the service.

4 Best Girl-Friendly Hotels in Malang
I was staying in the Hotel Tugu near the train station and I believe it was a great choice. It is very central so you can walk to almost any attractions in the city. The hotel restaurant is one of the best in the city and if you want to try local dishes, you have several street food stalls 5 minutes away.

It is more expensive than average but still reasonable for Western standards. Prices are higher on weekends.

Hotel Kartika Graha
My main reason for recommending this hotel is that you have My Place nightclub inside (see below), the best in the city. The hotel itself is not spectacular but it is clean and comfortable. You also have a McDonald's around the corner and it is a short taxi ride from everywhere.

Hotel Aria Gajayana
This hotel is not as centrally located as the two above, but it is still very convenient. Within the same building you have a spa, a mall, a nightclub (Nashville), a karaoke and several restaurants. The value for money is excellent as you'll pay less than 50$ for 4-star facilities.

Best Western Malang
The Best Western is one of the few high-rise buildings in Malang. As such, you have a rooftop bar on top and you can ask for a room with a nice view on the city. It is modern and central, with prices very reasonable (less than 45$ per night). It also has a spa.

Best Nightclubs in Malang

My Place Pub, Karaoke and Nightlife
Located in Hotel Kartika Graha, My Place is the most popular nightclub in Malang at the time of writing. It is usually crowded even during the week. There are always several sexy girls, but don't get your hopes too high as some are working as GROs. It is also one of the few venues in Malang with expats.

The club has a 200-pax capacity, on two levels. The upstairs mezzanine is a VIP area with private sofas. There is also a luxury karaoke of 11 rooms. Prices for the karaoke start at Rp2,6M net with 2 lady companions (escorts), 3 hours in the room and a bottle of Jack Daniel's.

The entrance is Rp80,000 with one free beer. Live music every night (Top 40 songs), then a DJ performance (Rn'B, House, EDM). They also have fashion shows and sexy dancers occasionally. Ladies night is on Wednesdays (Free tequila and free entry for girls). Tuesday is beer night (Buy 1 Get 1 Draught Beer).
Address: Hotel Kartika Graha, Jalan Jaksa Agung Suprapto 17
Email: info@myplacemalang.com
Phone number: (0341) 352 209

Website: My Place Nightclub Malang
Instagram: My Place Malang

Hugo's Club Malang
Compared to My Place, Hugo's is smaller and more student-oriented. Located in the basement of the shopping center Cyber Mall (ex-Plaza Dieng, next to City Point), it is a modern nightclub with good music and friendly staff. The dance floor is tiny, which does not really matter as most clubbers stay around tables.

It is generally not as crowded as My Place, except maybe on their campus night on Mondays and their Ladies' night on Wednesdays. Since there are no prostitutes in Hugo's, I'll recommend it for those looking to meet a local girl.

Music is similar to My Place: EDM, Hip-Hop, House, Top 40. For more information about their events, you can check their twitter and instagram accounts below. Open until 3am except Sunday.
Address: Jalan Raya Langsep 2, Cyber Mall, Basement
Phone number: (0341) 586305

Website: hugosmalang.com
Instagram: Hugo's Club Malang
Twitter: Hugo's Malang

Smooth Club and KTV
Smooth Club and KTV is located just across the street from Hugo's. The waiters and security in the clubs were not foreigner friendly. They made jokes, tried to scam me and short-changed me. This rarely happened to me before in any nightclubs in Indonesia.

In spite of this negative experience, I will try to be fair in this review. Smooth is a small nightclub with all-night entertainment: DJs, live bands and sexy dancers take turns on stage while the crowd, mostly older guys, sits around tables in the dark. There are a lot of very pretty girls, all of which are lady companions and possibly prostitutes. Prices are high.
Address: Jalan Terusan Dieng 36
Phone number: (0341) 555 777


Nashville
Nashville is more like an event space. It is open daily but people usually visit it during special events, particularly live bands. It is the largest nightclub I've seen in Malang and it is open until 4am. If there are no bands, they will normally play house and progressive music. Sexy girls may do a short dance as well.

The place is starting to feel a bit old and the design is kind of kitsch (Egyptian or Safari style). It is not so easy to find within the Olympic Garden Mall Complex.

You also have a karaoke with lady companions. Entrance fee was Rp100,000 the day I visited (inclusive of one soft drink).
Address: Hotel Aria Gajayana, Jalan Kawi 24, Mall Olympic Garden Complex
Phone number: (0341) 336 262 or 08 123 578 94 88

Instagram: Nashville Club Malang
Facebook: Nashville Live Music Malang

Best Bars and Cafés in Malang

Levels Brewhouse
Levels Brewhouse was the first beer beer bar to open in Malang and it is still one of the most busy today. It is cozy, with air con and comfortable sofas, pretty much like a Starbucks actually. They have a selection of foreign beers, including Hoegaarden, Erdinger and Leffe. Live bands and DJs a few nights per week. Sports on TV.

Address: Jalan Terusan Borobudur 26
Phone number: (0341) 416 814
BBM : 2263FF8E
Email : levels_brewhouse@yahoo.com

Instagram: Levels Brewhouse
Facebook: Levels Malang

Houtenhand
This café and beer house can be considered as the main hipster spot in Malang. Located on 3 floors of a tiny house, it is an alternative space opened by Donny Hendrawan, a part-time folk band member. They regularly welcome local Indie bands, some of which are famous.

There is some charm to it, but don't expect too much from the service and food. The nicest area is the rooftop where you may meet a few backpackers.

Address: Jalan Basuki Rahmat 56A
Phone number: +62 8 133 4050 777

Facebook: Houtenhand House
Instagram: Houtenhand
Twitter: Houten Hand

Chow Sports Bar
With a beer tower (3,6L) of Bali Hai at Rp145,000 net, the small Chow Sports Bar is one of the most affordable beer bars in Malang. It is a clean, bright and laid-back hang-out spot, more Westernized than most of its competitors. For this reason, you may see more foreigners and more Indo-Chinese. As the name suggests, it is a good venue to watch any sports, particularly football.

Address: Jalan Puncak Mandala 4E
BBM: 5CCC1E64
Phone number: 0856 4982 6583

Instagram: Chow Sports Bar Malang

Vivace Music Café
Centrally located and cheap, Vivace is one of the best places in Malang to listen to live music. The bands start at 8pm and generally play indie rock songs. Depending on the evening, you may also have reggae, metal and pop nights. It's quite masculine. The only girls turned out to be the girlfriends of the band members. They serve some food as well (pizzas, pasta, rice).

Address: Jalan Padjajaran 14
Phone number: (0341) 363 777

Instagram: Vivace Cafe Malang

Lavos Lounge
Lavos is a pub located in MX Mall, next to Malang Town Square (MATOS). It is a simple bar that looks like a restaurant, with an indoor and an outdoor area. It is surrounded by universities and therefore quite popular with students. If you happen to be near, you can have a look. If you are far, I don't think it's worth it as it is not really different from other beer houses in Malang. People stay in groups so avoid it if you are alone. Prices are very cheap: A beer tower of Bali Hai costs just above Rp100,000.

Address: Jalan Veteran
Phone number: (0341) 550336

Instagram: Lavos Lounge

Spas and Massage Parlours
Malang is almost a dry place when it comes to massage parlours with plus plus. It seems that in such a small town, the high-end spas closed down one after the other once the word gets out. All you have are plenty of small bordellos where the girls do not know how to do a proper massage and go straight for sex.

The best clean spas available are Griya Bugar and OJ Spa in Best Western Malang. You'll pay about Rp150,000 for an hour.

If you need something more, you can Tribuana Spa and Dhogadho.

Other Places of Interest
After Me - BNS
There are a few more nightclubs in Malang but I don't think you will enjoy them as they really cater to a local audience. If you feel like exploring the city's nightlife though, you can try:

Gama Lounge or Gravity Lounge
This is a relatively new place which is not really happening yet. It is worth checking their Instagram in case they have special DJs. They specialize in progressive, trance and EDM. Sexy karaoke available.

Address: Gajah Mada Plaza, Basement, Jalan K.H. Agus Salim 18
Phone number: (0341) 340 860

Instagram: Gama Lounge and Karaoke

After Me (Batu Night Spectacular - BNS)
This club/lounge is not exactly located in Malang but 15 kilometers away in the Batu Night Spectacular complex. BNS is a sort of amusement park with family attractions, restaurants, cafés, etc. Many locals go there on weekends to enjoy the view and the cool temperatures.

Facebook: After Me Batu

Beer Station / Beat Station
This small pub is located near the train station. They have DJs regularly. Bintang beer tower is Rp176,000 Net. Not so crowded unless they have events.

Next to Beer station, you have several other cafés like Godhang (local music) and Siluet.

Address: Jalan Trunojoyo 26
Phone number: 08 22 30 20 18 85
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Phnom Penh Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs

August 29, 2016, 4:33 am
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Phnom Penh has one of the most bizarre and interesting nightlife in Asia. In terms of development, the city is still far behind Bangkok, Saigon, Jakarta or Manila: There are almost no skyscrapers, few modern malls, fewer cars, etc. This also translates into more poverty, poor public services (bad road maintenance, garbage) and average infrastructure (bumpy roads, slow internet, occasional power cuts).

These characteristics reflect onto the nightlife. In the absence of a large middle class, you'll find it rare to meet normal girls in clubs. The most popular ones are packed with prostitutes, but many will play the girlfriend card if you are willing to take care of them. The rules are relaxed: Several clubs close late in the morning and a few bars stay open 24/7. Hotels are generally girl-friendly. You can get around without helmet on a rented motorbike. Drugs are everywhere.

Alcohol prices are low: 4$ will get you a cocktail and 2$ a draught beer in most venues (and half that price during Happy Hours). The level of English is good so you can communicate easily with most people unlike in Vietnam.

Phnom Penh is also a pleasant city to visit as long as you can handle the rats going through the garbage in the streets. You have a relaxed riverfront where you can stroll in the evening, several authentic markets, colonial architecture, great palaces and pagodas, good food and a genuinely nice population.

As a result of all this, the city attracts a mix of tourists (mostly backpackers but also many older people on group tours), low-budget expats (from guys on retirement to English teachers and NGO workers), small business owners and probably a few sex offenders. I noticed it is particularly easy to meet other foreigners in Phnom Penh. It seems people are used to talk to each other and mingle.

I only spent a week there so this review will only scratch the surface of the things to do at night. Still I managed to visit all the most popular bars and nightclubs, and discover a few that aren't on everyone's map. If you feel I forgot something, please share your own experience by leaving a comment.

Few Things to Know
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time would be from November to March but be careful to avoid Christmas, New Year and Khmer New Year.

Avoid in April. When I was there, the temperature reached 40°C (104°F) several times. May and October are hot as well. June to September is rainy season which is both hot and humid.

Visa for Cambodia
As of 2016, almost everyone can get a visa on arrival. The cost is 30$ but you may have to pay 35$ if you cross by land (it's a scam but hard to avoid). If you arrive by plane, you won't have any issues. Bring 2 ID photos or pay 2$ extra.

You can get the visa in advance with the e-visa procedure, which costs 7$ extra. I don't really see the benefits of doing so though.

To make sure this information is up-to-date, check Visa Requirements to Cambodia before your trip.

Money
Cambodia uses two currencies, the US dollar and the riel. As of today, 1$ = 4,100 riels. You will end up with riels when your change is under a dollar. If you don't have any, it's ok. I used dollars for 99% of transactions, except small payments.

Internet Access and Mobile Phone
For just $5 you can get a local phone number and internet access from your mobile. Don't spare this expense. You need internet for so many things including to help you get around.

Recommended providers are Cellcard and Smart. Both have special 30-day tourist packages.

Getting around
I always use Google Maps to estimate the time I need to get to my destination. Then I negotiate the price based on this estimate.

Tuk Tuk: 2$ for 10 minutes ride.
Motorbike: 2$ for 20 minutes ride
Taxis: I tried to get the meter but it's not always possible. If not, I give same price as Tuk Tuk. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs from $8 to 12$.

Renting a motorbike is convenient but dangerous. Beware of dishonest renters. You can rent one here starting $6 per day.

Apps like Uber or Grab were not available during my visit but I'm sure this is just a matter of time before they enter the market. 

Girls
If you are only staying in Cambodia for a short time, it can be challenging to find normal girls. In tourist clubs, expect 95% of pros and semi-pros. Some may stay with you for free if they expect a relationship. In upscale clubs, girls won't be very interested if you are not an expat living in Cambodia. It is better to use dating apps like Badoo, Tinder and Skout.

If you are a fan of elephant pants and sun-burnt white skin, you have plenty of Western girls in Phnom Penh as well.

Recommended hotels near the nightlife
If you want to be walking distance from the main bars/clubs AND from most tourist attractions (riverside, Royal Palace), I recommend you to stay near Street 136 or Street 130. You can also stay in Street 51 to be closer from Pontoon (the major nightclub in Phnom Penh).

Another area you might consider is Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) which is south of Sihanouk Boulevard. This is where most expats live and it is more clean and less dodgy. Most "normal" bars are there, particularly in Street 278.

The hotels listed below are girl-friendly. If you plan on bringing back a girl to your room, always avoid family-run guesthouses, backpacker hostels and upscale boutique hotel/charming villas that target 50+ years old rich European couples.

Near Street 136 and 130
You can choose between 136 and 104 street which are 300m apart from each other. 136 is much nicer I think as it is closer from the riverside. Pontoon is less than a kilometer from there.

Around 25$ per night: City Centre Hotel, Lance Court Hotel
Around 35$: Ohana Hotel

Near Pontoon nightclub
This is the second best area in Phnom Penh for nightlife as you can walk to several bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open late (Street 51) The area is not the most pretty though and you will be about 500-1000m from the Royal Palace, the riverside and the Gogo Bars streets (136 and 104).

Around 25$ per night: Richly Boutique Hotel or Hotel Zing
Around 40$ per night: Town View Hotel
Around 70$ per night: Cardamom Hotel and Apartments

For more suggestions of hotels with good location in Phnom Penh, see Hotels Near the Royal Palace. 

Westernized Nightclubs in Phnom Penh
There are not that many Western nightclubs in Phnom Penh, but the ones available are really fun and they are open (and busy) almost every night.

Each of them caters to a different type of clientele. Read carefully the description of each to make sure you're not in the wrong place.

Pontoon
It is the Phnom Penh equivalent to SkyGarden in Bali. It consists of 3 separate areas: Pontoon Club, Pontoon Pulse and the new Pontoon Vibe.

Pontoon Club is the main room and where most people go to. It is a large square with a bar in the middle and a decent dancefloor. Music is commercial, including R&B, House, EDM, Top 40. The crowd is really mixed, mostly freelance prostitutes and tons of random western guys aged between 20 and 60. Closes at 4am (5am on weekends).

Pontoon Pulse has a smaller room with non-commercial music and more grown-ups and expats.

Pontoon Vibe is an after-hour club closing at 7am every night. As any after club, the crowd is an odd mix of both splendid clubbers and human trash.

Overall, a really fun place to go, especially if it is your first time in Phnom Penh. It is easy to find, Western-friendly and rather cheap. No dress code.

The second most famous nightclub in Phnom Penh among tourists after Pontoon (which is across the street), it is also mostly crowded with freelance prostitutes, gays and ladyboys. Open everyday until 5am. Music is commercial, sometimes retro. Similar to Apocalypse in Saigon.

The happening disco for rich Cambodians and younger expats trying to hook-up with upper class girls. It was recommended to me by an expat friend working for Phnom Penh Media. Sleek design, luxury feel, attentive service. The music is good though mostly commercial. You'll enjoy it if you don't mind partying with spoilt teenagers. Most busy on weekends. Open everyday from 9pm to 5am. 50% discount for girls on their lady's night on Thursday. Dress code is enforced: Wear shoes, pants and at least a polo. 

Nova used to be the most popular nightclub for rich Cambodians before Epic opened. You still have beautiful people inside though, including some expats. You have a tiny chance of getting a normal Khmer girl there if you play your cards right (it happened to my friend). In general the crowd is older than the one in Epic. Hip-Hop and R&B music. Modern design, lighting and sound system. Don't wear shorts and sandals. Ladies night on Wednesday (1 free cocktail). Open every day from 9pm to 4am.

This two venues are in the same building in the expat area of BKK1. Duplex is a live music bar and vegetarian restaurant. Kind of hippy crowd who likes to discover new cultures, read books and listen to alternative music. Large choice of Belgian beers available. Salsa. Open everyday until 2am.

Upstairs Club Love has a DJ which plays not-too-commercial music. Crowd is very Western (Backpackers, volunteers, NGOs), including girls. Ladies night on Wednesday (1 free shot when you arrive + buy 2 get 1 free). Open everyday from 11pm to 4am.

Meta House is not a club per se (it is the German Cultural Center) but they organize DJ parties every Thursday with German electronic. Great music. Expat crowd. The entrance is free and it's cheap (1$ for beer).

Darlin' Darlin' is your typical luxury hotel prostitute bar. It is located within Naga World Hotel and Casino and features live Top 40 music and DJ every night. Usually crowded with mostly Asians, including Japanese, Koreans, Singaporeans and some rich Cambodians as well. Avoid flip-flops and shorts. 6$ for a beer.

They have pretty and well-groomed Vietnamese, Cambodian and PRC freelance prostitutes who ask 100$ for a short time and 200$ for long time. No lady's drink, direct to business. The luxurious club 88 KTV is also located in Naga World.

This is a alternative to Pontoon or Heart of Darkness if you need a more laid-back nightclub without the dozens of freelancers. The crowd is more sparse, especially during the week.

Not really my style but if you are a fan of music from the 70s and 80s, you might enjoy. It is mostly crowded with French.

Cambodian/Chinese-style Nightclubs and KTV
There is a huge segment of Phnom Penh nightlife that few foreigners know about. Those places are generally outside of the immediate city center and take the form of KTVs and Chinese-style nightclubs.

Older Cambodian men are big party-goers but they do things differently. Most of the times it involves sitting with a group, ordering bottles, singing, flirting with lady companions, and claiming the expenses as a part of "entertainment". The party may also end in a nearby hotel with one of the girls.

KTVs are open and crowded in the afternoon since many of their customers are married men with a family life. 

Rock Entertainment is a big one-stop entertainment complex with a club (Zeus), a KTV, a hotel, a restaurant and a massage parlour. You probably guessed it: It's a hidden bordello.

This is a luxury local club, with a heavy "Chinese" influence, meaning over-the-top luxury setting, glitters, loud house music, no dance-floor (replaced with tables and sofas), a karaoke and sexy companions everywhere. Lady's night on Tuesday (1 free cocktail). Open everyday from 8.30pm to 3am. Not a pick-up place unless you have $$$.

Casa Club, KTV and Hotel
Casa is another upscale local club and karaoke. Mostly for finding high-class freelance prostitutes, particularly Vietnamese. Main lounge has a lot of pretty girls, a live band then house music. Similar with Boss: Chinese oriented. Luxury karaoke rooms start $70.

This is the only Thai nightclub in Phnom Penh. Sexy Thai dancers and models.

Popular middle class Cambodian disco. Friendly and cheap.

There are dozens more local nightclubs and KTV. These are a few of the most famous ones: MIP (Midnight in Phnom Penh), True Face Club, Beliza Club, Tonite Lounge, GL, Holiday Club and the brand new 55 Club and RCA.

Cocktail Lounges and Stylish Bars
One of the upmarket and trendy bars in Phnom Penh, catering to a more sophisticated expat crowd. 

The Phnom Penh branch of Oskar Bangkok on Sukhumvit 11, it is the new favourite hangout place for trendy expats and locals. Stylish with excellent food and cocktails. They have a live DJ playing progressive house.

Speakeasy lounge/cocktail bar recently opened. Next to Nova nightclub. Tapas and live music on Wednesday and Friday.

Considered the best wine bar in the city with live jazz every Wednesday.

The Foreign Correspondent Club is mentioned in every guidebooks but it is really average and expensive. Ok for first-time visitors.

Bars and Restaurants in Bassac Lane (Street 308)
This small street in the expat area of Phnom Penh has several hipster-like micro-bars and eateries. I think they are all owned by two Kiwi brothers. The current line-up consists of Cicada, Seibur, Hangar 44, The Library Daiquiri Bar, Meat and Drink and Harrys. The owners of these bars are also behind the popular Sito (on Street 240).

Other bars worth checking are Chez Rina, Che Culo and Doors.

Backpacker Bars

Open-air backpacker bar on top of the Top Banana Guest House . Very cheap (0.75$ for beer during happy hour). In front of Club Love. For those who are alone and want to meet other travelers. Nightly events (live music, DJ).

Live Music Bars

One of the famous live music bars in Phnom Penh. Older crowd of regulars and freelancers. Unsophisticated but popular.

Zeppelin
Taiwanese-owned. The new location is in Street 278. Live classic rock.

I'm not sure if the customers here are low budget expats or backpackers. Next to S21 museum, this punk dive bar is cheap, serves good food and it has live "alternative" music. Free beer every day from 6.30pm to 7pm. 1$ after that. Hipsters would say it's rad.

Expat Bars/Sports Bars

Cadillac Bar
Perfect choice if you are looking for a sports bar/restaurant by the riverfront. They serve excellent American and Western food for a reasonable price.

Garage Bar
Self-proclaimed "Rock'n'Roll Dive Bar". Small, near the riverside, with a regular crowd of expats over 40. Good burgers. Simon the owner is usually inside.

A bar popular with American expats. Far west/saloon theme. Good Tex-Mex food and burgers. NFL/NBA/MLB on screens.

Tamed hostess bar on Street 51 (near Pontoon). Pretty, numerous girls but you cannot take them home with you (no barfines allowed). Live music. Family friendly on Sundays for their weekly roast.

A bit more upmarket compared to other expat bars. American-owned, famous for its pizzas. Pool tables. Hot waitresses will play against you to try to get a ladies' drink.

For watching sports, you can also try The Gym Sports Bar (Rugby), Score and Pickled Parrot.

Rooftop Bars and Lounges
Highest roofop bar in Phnom Penh with 360° view (only 23rd floor though). Modern, classy, always busy for sunset. 6$ for a cocktail.

On top of Amanjaya hotel (which is not part of the Aman Resort group). If you are looking for a nice view of the riverside, this is where you'll get the best one. Cocktails start at 4$.

In spite of their name, the upstairs terrace has DJs playing electronic music. Monthly underground nights.

After Hour and 24/7 Bars
As I mentioned before, after 5am you can go to Pontoon Vibe. Once it is closed, you have several options, none of which are really ideal.

One of the most famous freelancer bars in Phnom Penh, it is quite a dump when you compare to the other options available. Old prostitutes who may or may not be meth addicts. The only reason to go there is if you stay in the Walkabout Guest House or if you are desperate for a shag at 8am.

Golden Sorya Mall Beer Garden (GSM) - G Pub
24/7 open-air bar, next door to Pontoon. Old prostitutes and not really safe. It's only OK to go there after hours when you are too drunk to move away from Street 51.

You can also go to Street 136 to Candy Bar, Butterfly and Corner Bar (see below) which are open 24 hours.

Best Hostess Bars in Phnom Penh
There must be at least 50 hostess bars in Phnom Penh, with most located on Street 136, 104, 51 and 130 (starting from the best). There are isolated ones too in Street 102, 108, 110, 118, 172 (and more!). It's fun to just walk around and hit them randomly. Most places open at 7pm and have happy hours until 9pm.

Unlike in Thailand, a girl you meet in a hostess bar in Phnom Penh may not go home with you, even if you bought her several lady drinks and offer her money. This can cause some frustration if you are not used to it. Naturally, young, friendly, polite and good-looking guys have a higher success rate. If you want certainty, it is better to go to the freelancer bars in Street 51, in Cyrcee or in Darlin' Darlin'.

The upside is that when a girl says yes, you can expect a nice girlfriend experience. Cambodian girls may not be as gorgeous as Thai or Vietnamese women, but they are fun and sweet. The fact that they come from poor background with little perspective can make soft-hearted guys melt.

The prices in all Western-oriented hostess bars in Phnom Penh are similar from one place to another. Beer: 2-3$. Hard liquor: 3-5$. Expect to pay between $20 and $30 for ST, 50$ for LT. Some places are more expensive (like Cyrcee). There is also a 10-15$ bar fine in most bars (a compensation you pay to the bar for taking one of their staff). Many girls are only interested with ladies drinks (3,5$ almost everywhere), on which they get a 1,5$ commission.

Many bars have games (Connect Four, cards), if not a pool table. So even if the girls don't speak English well, you have something to do with them. The music is often from a YouTube playlist and you can make requests as you wish as long as it's commercial and upbeat. On TV screens you'll have either sports or music video clips.

On weekdays,  it is not rare to be the only customer in a bar. While it gives you an ample choice of girls to choose from, it can be intimidating too. To avoid that, I recommend one of these popular ones:

Owned by a French man, it has girls that are prettier than average. It is special because most girls are straight to business and not really looking for ladies drinks. You can have a short time with them in a nearby room (5$) for 30-40$ + 10$ bar fine. Many will also accept to go home with you all night for 100$. Threesome possible.

Hostess Bars on Street 136
As I mentioned before, this is the most interesting street. In particular, you can go to Candy Bar, Butterfly and Corner Bar which are open 24/7 and have plenty of girls, including some freelancers. Corner Bar has sexy dancer shows on Fridays and Saturdays. This is the closest you'll get from a Gogo bar in Phnom penh.

Another nice bar is 69. Flora Bar has a discreet couch in the back if you want to fool around.

Hostess Bars on Street 104
The nicest one on this street is Rose. There are 30-40 girls in uniforms, but many are only interested with drinks.

Other recommended bars: Cheers, Soft Spot and Bunny (a bit kinky, you can take girls to the private billiard room, as in Bar 104 -One Zero Four)

Hostess Bars on Street 130
Loco and Angry Birds: Both are clean with good-looking girls who don't hustle clients.

More recommended hostess bars:
Street 110: Pretty Women (Japanese-run, clean, beautiful girls)
Street 102: Valhalla (ex Nay Nay Star: The bar has rooms for short time upstairs if you need fast and discreet action)
Street 172: BlackPearl

Massage Parlours and Spas in PP
Phnom Penh is not the best city for massage lovers. You either have cheap tourist massage parlours with quick handjob finishing, or larger brothels where girls have no massage skills.

One of the most famous venues is Soul Golden City, near the Sofitel Phnom Penh (exact location here), which features a fish tank on the 5th floor (for newcomers: it's an area where girls are standing behind a glass). You can take a Khmer or Vietnamese girl to the karaoke or to a room for 10$/20$. This is just for a regular massage. Full service is available if you tip the therapist directly. Prices range from 50$ to 150$.

A very similar place is Massa on Street 252. Fish tank with around 25 sexy Viet and Khmer girls. Room is 10$ with shower and AC. After negotiating, you should pay a tip between 25$ and 50$ for full service. If you only want a handjob, you can get it for 10$.

You can also go to the spa in Hotel Luxury World (Street 200) which is affordable (same as Massa) and has decent facilities. A cheaper one is on the second floor of the Mean Haur Hotel.

You can also try massage parlours aimed at tourists in the center and ask if they have a "private room". In that case you may have a chance to get something at the end. Rattanakiri Spa and Nu Spa offer such services.

There are local 24-hour massage parlours north of the Wat Phnom roundabout, next to Casa Club (France Street). Casa Boutique Hotel may have a massage parlour but I'm not sure. You have one as well in The Rock Entertainment Complex with sauna, jacuzzi and steam.
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