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Channel V Nightclub - Yangon (Myanmar)

January 16, 2017, 8:57 am
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Channel V nightclub is located in Mingalar Mon Market, in the same building as JJ Club. At the entrance, the bouncers will assume that you are interested with the latter and they may take you to the 4th floor instead of the 5th.

You may want to visit both, but I enjoyed Channel V much more. It is less luxurious, with only local Burmese as far as I could tell. I may be naive but I don't think the girls there were prostitutes (at least not 100%). They seemed to be students (some probably still in high school) from middle-class families. Maybe a quarter of them had dyed blond hair. I spotted some lady boys as well. Anyway, it was a fun and packed crowd that was going really crazy at each songs, singing and dancing like only young people do.

The music was pretty cool. It was a mix of commercial EDM tracks with remixes of famous songs (including old Rock & Roll hits). There were also some Burmese/Thai songs.

The entrance fee is 5,000MMK with one free beer or soft drink. It closes at 2AM. After this time you'll need to walk down the stairs down to the lobby as they turn off the elevator.

Avoid the taxis near the exit. They'll charge you double prices. You can find many more on Banyar Dala Road nearby.

Overall:
My favorite nightclub in Yangon. Channel V is really fun and easy-going. It is also one of the few places in the city where you can easily meet girls who aren't prostitutes.

*Sorry for the terrible photos, they had a very strict "no camera" policy so I only managed to take a few with my phone...

Opening Hours:
Every day until 2AM.

Channel V Nightclub
5th Floor, Mingalar Mon Market
Set Yon Road, off Banyar Dala Road, Yangon
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Emperor Club and KTV (Yangon) - Myanmar

January 16, 2017, 8:59 am
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Emperor is a nightclub and KTV located in downtown Yangon, walking distance from the Sule Shangri-La Hotel. It is considered one of the most upper-class prostitution venues in the capital and it caters mostly to Asian guests (Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Burmese).

For reasons I cannot comprehend, it is also popular with normal tourists, including Western women. It must be featured in the Lonely Planet or some other travel guidebooks.

I visited on a Saturday night at 11PM, just before the closing time of 12PM. A guy, friendly but hungry for tips, escorted me from the street to the club on the 5th floor of an old building. I quickly got a clue what to expect as 2 girls in the elevator started to chat with me. They were friendly and spoke a rather good English but once I said I was not looking for company, they lost interest.

The entrance fee for the main lounge of Emperor KTV is 5,000MMK, with a free beer included (extra beers cost 3,5000MMK each). Basically, it is a large, low-ceiling room with sofas and tables from which people are watching a fashion show of Burmese girls. Some were quite pretty I must say, with Chinese traits and young faces. They don't do any sexy dancing, it is more cute to watch than anything else. During breaks, you have loud electronic music and the club gets darker.

The girls are available for karaoke if that's your thing. There also seems to be some freelance prostitutes who roam around looking for customers. I saw a few Western guys leaving with a girl they had just met there.

Overall: Emperor is not really a fun place to party but you could visit it out of curiosity (or if you are interested in picking up prostitutes). A bit old-fashioned.

Emperor Disco and KTV
Shwedagon Pagoda Rd, Yangon
Phone number: 01 240 600

Opening Hours:
Every day from 7pm to midnight.
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Fuse Nightclub (Yangon) - Myanmar Plaza

January 16, 2017, 9:07 am
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Fuse is the most happening nightclub in Yangon at the time of writing (2017). It was opened in May 2016 in the brand-new mall and lifestyle center Myanmar Plaza. It is in an affluent neighborhood about 8 kilometers from downtown Yangon (Chinatown). During the day, the traffic to go there can be hellish but at 1AM, it won't take more than 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose a hotel nearby, for instance the luxurious Sedona.

Fuse is on the 4th floor of Myanmar Plaza, right next to Eclipse, a nice rooftop bar with a beer garden vibe. I arrived in Fuse at 2.30AM on a Saturday night, just 30 minutes before closing time (3AM). I had been told it closed at 4AM otherwise I would have visited earlier.

Anyway, the club was still crowded and I managed to negotiate a free entrance. I was shocked to hear the entrance fee for walk-in guests was 20,000MMK (30,000MMK for VIP entrance), twice as much compared to any other nightclubs in Yangon. Drinks inside are also more expensive than average (7,000MMK for a glass of spirits + mixer). In fact, most customers book a table with a group of friends and share a few bottles (starting 85,000MMK). If you do so, you get a discounted entrance fee at 10,000MMK. It is the most recommended thing to do because there is no real dancefloor in Fuse.

Below are the bottle packages that you can buy:
As you can imagine, the clients inside Fuse are young, upper-class Burmese who are used to go clubbing elsewhere in the world. Some of them are obviously local celebrities/socialites/models. I also saw a handful of Westerners and maybe some Koreans/Japanese.

The resident DJs are among the most famous in Myanmar and they play mostly commercial EDM, Trap, Hip Hop and Top 40. Typically, there will be 5 DJs playing a one-hour DJ set each. They also welcome international guest DJs regularly, particularly from other Asian countries.

The venue is non-smoking. You can go outside to smoke on a terrace, probably the best spot to meet and talk to girls.

Opening Hours:
From 10pm to 3AM from Wednesday to Sunday

Fuse Nightclub Yangon
4th floor, Myanmar Plaza
1 Sat Mhu Road
Yangon, Myanmar

Reservation (from 2PM to 9PM): 09 44 000 77 88 

Instagram: Fuse Yangon
Facebook: Fuse Nightclub
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JJ Entertainment Club (Yangon)

January 16, 2017, 9:19 am
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Pictures were forbidden inside the club so all I have is this lousy photo of the entrance.
JJ is a nightclub and KTV located in Mingalar Mon Market, 100 meters off Banyar Dala Road (Yangon). It is in the same building as Channel V nightclub, Club Franc-Franc and opposite NASA KTV.

It has a similar concept as Emperor: In the early hours of the evening, you can watch a fashion show performed by young Burmese girls (who happened to work for the karaoke) and once finished, a DJ will play very loud house remixes until 2AM.

The place looks luxurious, a bit over the top with everything either made of fake gold or marble. The main lounge has an elevated dancefloor/podium, with tables all around. It kind of looks like a Thai gogo bar without the gogo dancers.

I paid 5,000MMK to enter with one free beer (3,000MMK if you are a girl). A lady GRO accompanied me from the outside of the club up to the 4th floor, then she got me seated, brought me the menu and took my order. I was afraid she was going to stand there all night next to me but she left after I tipped her.

There were quite many foreigners inside, including some Koreans expats I talked to in the elevator. A group of backpackers were also dancing on the podium with their backpacks on. 3 security guards were standing on the dance floor as if there was some kind of immediate danger they had to take care of. A bit strange. Apart from them, it is mostly prostitutes that are quite pro-active in their search for customers. Just stare at them for 2 seconds and they'll come for a talk.

Overall:
It's not the best club I've been to in Yangon. The music is too loud and not really good. No normal girls apart from prostitutes. Efficient but pushy staff (even in the toilet they asked for tips to turn on the faucet). I recommend you to go to Channel V instead, just one floor above.

Opening Hours:
Every day until 2AM.

JJ Entertainment Club and KTV
4th Floor, Mingalar Mon Market
Set Yon Road, off Banyar Dala Road, Yangon
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Pioneer Nightclub - Yangon (Myanmar)

January 16, 2017, 9:34 am
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Pioneer is possibly the most famous nightclub in Yangon among tourists. They make up about 15% of the crowd there, and the rest is made of Burmese (including at least 20% of freelance prostitutes).

It is located less than 10 minutes from the downtown area (if you ride at night), in a complex with several other bars and restaurants, all of them next to Yangon International Hotel. It is a busy nightlife area by local standards, especially with middle class and older Burmese (the young and the rich will go to Myanmar Plaza instead).

The entrance fee for Pioneer is 10,000MMK and it includes a free beer. The club is quite simple and consists of just one large rectangle room (maybe 500 pax capacity) with a central dance floor, tables around it, a couple of VIP area and a mezzanine. There is only one small bar on the right as you enter.

It is quite dark, with lights flashing and a rather loud sound. The music is commercial (EDM, Top 40 and party anthems). The freelance prostitutes will normally approach you directly. No idea what they charge. Some are quite hot and speak an amusing broken English (a girl came to my table asking: "Tonite together sleeping?").

On the dancefloor, you'll be mostly surrounded by guys. It is a fun crowd who seems happy to talk with foreigners (some were so friendly they might have been gays).

Drinks are reasonably priced: 2,300MMK for a draught Tiger beer - 4,000MMK for a Jack D + Coke - 155,000MMK for French Champagne.

Overall:
Not a sophisticated club but still one of the best nightlife venues in Yangon. Great for meeting other people (locals and tourists), relatively cheap and closing late.

Pioneer Nightclub (Yangon)
Yangon International Hotel Complex,
No-330, Ahlone Road
Yangon, Myanmar

Phone number: 09 510 8635 or 09 51 248 944  


Opening Hours:
Every day until 3am
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The Clubhouse Nightclub (Yangon) - Kandawgyi Palace Hotel

January 16, 2017, 9:45 am
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The Clubhouse is a bottle nightclub located in the basement of the 5-star Kandawgyi Palace Hotel in Yangon (Myanmar).  It is one of the few nightlife spots in the city with Western standards, but unfortunately it isn't very crowded yet.

I went there on a Saturday night at 1.30AM and there were only a few tables occupied (maybe 30 people in total). There was a good ambiance though and almost everyone was dancing and having fun.

The Clubhouse is definitely upmarket but contrary to Fuse, it targets more mature clubbers + foreigners. It has a modern design with a low-ceiling, some comfortable sofas spread across the room and a great lighting/sound equipment. 

Most of the drink menu consists of bottles (prices start at 100,000MMK). If you are alone, you have only a few options by the glass, all of which are cocktails. I didn't see any beer. I had a Mojito for 7,000MMK which tasted fine. Friendly, fast and well-trained bartenders.

The musique was EDM and top 40. Every Sunday, they have trance nights.

During special events they may have sexy girls dancing in golden cages.

Overall:
Maybe the best-looking nightclub in Yangon but it isn't for individual clubbers. I recommend you to visit as a group and buy a few bottles.

General Info
Free entrance every day except during special events (check their Facebook page in advance to make sure)
Dress code: Casual. No shorts, no sandals.
Smoking inside is prohibited.

Opening Hours:
From Wednesday to Sunday from 9pm to 3am (4am on weekends)
Ladies night every Wednesday with 50% off selected bottles.

The Clubhouse Nightclub - Yangon
Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, Kan Yeik Thar Road
Yangon, Myanmar

Phone number: 09 979 017064
Email: owl@clubhouseygn.com

Facebook: Clubhouse Yangon
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Club 5 Music Club - Park Royal Hotel - Yangon

January 16, 2017, 10:28 pm
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Club 5 is a live music bar/nightclub located inside the 5-star Park Royal Hotel. It is a short taxi ride from the downtown area (1 kilometer).

You don't need to go to the lobby to reach it as you have a dedicated entrance on the side of the hotel. You'll need to pay a first drink charge of 12 dollars (16,200MMK) to get in, only if you are not a hotel guest. All prices inside are in dollar and more expensive than average for Yangon. A cocktail will cost at least 8$ for instance.

Club 5 is not different from other luxury hotel bars I've been to in Asia: You have a middle-aged expat and business crowd, a particularly high ratio of women to men (I mean there is a lot of prostitutes), a quality band and great service.

When I visited on a Saturday night, the band was an all-female group playing all-time favorites from Nirvana to Lady Gaga. They were fun to watch and interacting with their audience between each songs. During breaks, a DJ would replace them and mix commercial house music.

The club is rather big and it was only half-full. If you are alone, the best place to sit is around the central circular bar where you can easily meet other people. Some pretty working girls will stare at you and give you the impression that you are a handsome celebrity. I read that only 20 prostitutes are allowed to work at the same time in Club 5. I didn't count how many there were that night but probably close to that number.

If you are with a group, it is better to book a table. The best ones are the two VIP areas with sofas on the corners. They are a bit far from the band though so you may choose instead the high tables closer from the dancefloor.

Overall:
One of the most popular nightclubs in Yangon among the 40+ business and expat crowd (30% Westerners, 20% Japanese, and the rest unidentified). It is also a pick up place for those looking for (paid) sex. If you don't mind the prostitution scene, it is still a fun place to party and enjoy live music.

Club 5 Music Club
33, Alan Pya Pagoda Road, Dagon, Yangon, Myanmar

Phone number: +951 250 388 – Ext. 8103/8139

Opening Hours:
Every day until 1AM
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Zero Zone Rooftop and Beer Garden (Yangon)

January 17, 2017, 12:14 am
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Zero Zone Rooftop is a restaurant and beer garden located on Shwedagon Pagoda Road, across the street from Emperor Club and KTV and above the Singapore Food Court. You'll reach it using a ancient elevator operated by a 12-year old kid.

It was probably popular at some point because it was mentioned in the Lonely Planet. I also read that they once had fashion shows. As of 2017 though, it is dead and not recommended.

When I visited around 10PM, there were less than 10 guests, almost all of them foreign tourists who didn't seem to be aware there are actually nicer venues around.

There was a live band performing Burmese pop songs. It wasn't really pleasant to hear as the sound system was not adequate. At some point, a customer went on stage and sang 3-4 songs extremely slow songs. That was almost painful to hear.

They serve some Western and local food (including barbecue) for a reasonable price. I didn't try it so I can't comment on the taste.

They have a view on the Sule Pagoda, but bizarrely there are no tables facing it. I only saw it as I was leaving.

In the positive points: The service is excellent and friendly and the prices for beer are cheap (1,000MMK for a draught beer).

Zero Zone Rooftop and Beer Garden
Shwedagon Pagoda Rd, Yangon

Operating hours:
Everyday until 11PM.
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Safe House Nightclub (Chiang Mai)

January 17, 2017, 1:27 am
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Safe House is the newest nightclub in Chiang Mai. It is located in the nightlife area of Loi Kroh Road where dozens bars and live music pubs can be found. More precisely, it is in the basement of the Duangtawan Hotel.

You need to pay an entrance fee of 200THB that does not include any free alcoholic drinks. Inside, the cheapest beer will cost you 100THB and the cheapest cocktail 200THB.

There is an underground vibe to Safe House that I really enjoyed. The lighting is quite aggressive (flashing lights) and the overall design is minimalist. The music was a bit too loud yet I was happy to hear some tech-house/techno instead of the usual mainstream EDM/Trap party anthems. I have no idea if that's what they intend to play all the time or if it was just a one-time thing though.

I was there a bit early at midnight and it was still very quiet. The few people there were young tourists (wearing shorts and sandals) and two groups of Thai girls (no idea if they were prostitutes or hi-so girls).

Overall: If Safe House could manage to stay open a little later (at least 3AM) and to maintain quality clubbing music, there is no doubt it could become the best nightclub in Chiang Mai.

Safe House Nightclub - Chiang Mai
132 Loi Kroh Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Phone number: 061 090 5000
Instagram: Safe House

Operating Hours:
Every day from 11pm to 2am

I took the pictures above from their Facebook page. They were taken during a NYE event which explains why the club was so full.
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NASA KTV & Entertainment (Nightclub) - Yangon

January 17, 2017, 11:23 pm
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NASA KTV and Entertainment is one of the nightclubs that you will find in Mingalar Market, a short taxi ride from downtown Yangon. The other ones are JJ, Channel V, Asia Entertainment City, Franc-Franc and 9-F.

It is in the same building as the MZ Hotel which, I suppose, has short-time room and a friendly policy towards prostitutes.

I visited NASA on a Tuesday night around 10PM. The entrance process is similar to that of nearby clubs: A well-dressed host will escort you from outside the club to the elevator, then to the ticket counter (entrance fee of 5,000MMK with one beer). After you undergo a very thorough body check, he'll get you a table and call a waiter. He will make sure you drink arrives, then ask for a tip and leave.

For a Tuesday night, the club was surprisingly almost full with a crowd of young middle-class Burmese. There seemed to be many gays and lesbians among them. I wouldn't say that all the girls were prostitutes, but at least 50%.

I was the only foreigner and it was a bit weird. A security guard and a waiter were standing idle next to me for the whole time. I'm not sure if they wanted to give me a VIP service or if they wanted to spy on me. I was trying to take photos so I would make sense.

The club set-up is exactly like in Channel V: You have a large, low-ceiling rectangle room with a central dancefloor and high tables on the sides. It is quite dark but you can still see the people surrounding you.

It has a underground feel as it is a bit old and not particularly clean. Even though there is a big sign "No Drugs" at the entrance, I'm quite sure some of the clubbers were high. For sure they were dancing pretty hard.

The sound level was deafening, especially if you stand near the speakers. The DJ was playing various fast-beat remixes from old and recent songs. Not too bad.

Overall: If you like local nightclubs with a slightly underground atmosphere, NASA is worth checking out. I'm sure it gets much busier on weekends also. There is also a karaoke that I didn't try.

NASA KTV & Entertainment
Mingalar Zay Thit, Blok C, 4th Floor
Banyar Dala Road, Yangon, Myanmar

Operating Hours:
Every day from 8PM to 2AM
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Asia Entertainment City: Disco, KTV & Spa (Yangon)

January 18, 2017, 12:34 am
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Asia Entertainment City is a large nightlife complex occupying the 7th, 8th and 9th floor of a building in Mingalar Market. It is next to the nightclubs JJ, Channel V and NASA.

The 7th floor has a KTV and a spa/massage parlor. The massage certainly includes a plus plus or sex. I was told it costs 4,000MMK for the basic body massage. I don't know if more tips are required.

The KTV is called 747 and the rooms are looking tired.

The 8th floor has some VIP karaoke rooms and a big stage with fashion shows from 10PM to 1.30AM. It looks almost the same as Emperor and caters to Chinese, Koreans and Japanese customers. The music is mostly local (or maybe it was Chinese, I can't tell).
On the 9th floor, you will find an old disco (called 757) that has a dozen of freelance prostitutes. It is just a square with a central dancefloor and tables all around it. Nothing really original.

It wasn't very crowded but the few people dancing seemed to be having a lot of fun. The crowd is mostly made of guys and it is older compared to NASA or Channel V. The few girls who were there looked like they were picked up on a farm on the same morning: Young and not really confident walking with their high heels. A bit sad to watch honestly.

The music was not too loud, which is rare in Yangon. The DJ was playing a lot of remixes including some Burmese and some old Top 40 songs.

The toilets were not very clean but the janitor still had time to give back massage to guests (for a tip).
Overall
Not my favorite place in Mingalar Market. I'd recommend JJ or Channel V instead.

Prices:
The entrance fee is 5000MMK and it gives you access to both the 8th and 9th floors.

Operating Hours:
Everyday from 8PM to 2AM (the disco closes at 00.30AM)

Asia Entertainment City: Disco, KTV and Spa
New Mingalar Market (A),7F,8F,9F
Yangon, Myanmar

Phone number: 01 861 9270
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9F or 9th Floor Nightclub, KTV and Spa (Yangon)

January 18, 2017, 6:36 am
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9F Entertainment, also called 9th Floor, is a nightclub located in Mingalar market, in the same building as JJ (4th Floor) and Channel V (5th Floor). Note that the 7th and 8th floor have a massage parlor plus plus (4,000MMK for a body massage with a happy ending). I didn't try but I you have, you can leave a comment below...

From all the nightclubs in Mingalar Market, 9F is the cheapest but also the friendliest. The entrance fee is 4,000MMK and it includes 2 free small beers (served in a plastic cup).

It is a large, single-room club that could probably hold up to 1000 clubbers if full. During my visit, there were only about 100 people which was not bad considering it was a Tuesday.

I was the only foreigner there, and the staff seemed surprised by my presence. They kept saying: You want go JJ? You looking ladies?

After I said no, one waiter stayed next to me and didn't move. After each sip of beer I drank, he folded a paper towel and gave it to me so I could wipe. That's was a bit ridiculous but I played along and gave him a tip.

The Burmese crowd was quite young and not particularly fancy. There were some normal girls among them, but mostly freelance prostitutes. Gays and lesbians (tomboys) seem to enjoy the place as well.

The sound level was higher than anywhere else I've been to in Yangon. If you stay in 9-F too long I'm pretty sure you'll damage your ears permanently. Bring some earplugs if you are sensitive to noise.

The DJ was playing the usual pop and Top 40 upbeat remixes. Nothing really new here.

Overall: Just OK. Channel V is better.

Opening Hours:
Every day until 2AM.

9F - 9th Floor
9th Floor, Mingalar Mon Market
Set Yon Road, off Banyar Dala Road, Yangon
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Clique Bar & Kitchen (Gading Serpong - Tangerang)

November 28, 2016, 12:21 am
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Clique is a restaurant, bar and nightclub located in Gading Serpong, in the vicinity of Summarecon Mall.

It is open daily for lunch and dinner, serving moderately-priced Italian and International food. I haven't eaten there though as I visited at 2am on a Saturday night. Just before that, I was partying in Enigma which is just 3 minutes away by taxi (you could also walk there if you aren't too lazy).

The clubbing area of Clique is rather small and I don't think it could hold more than 200 people. You have a long bar on one side, the DJ booth in the back, a small dancefloor and a dozen high tables. There are some cool mural paintings of pop icons like John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe and Micheal Jackson.

I don't know if this is because of the alcohol, but I felt people were very friendly and I ended up chatting with several groups. The crowd was young, mostly Indonesian-Chinese in their early 20s, with a fair number of pretty girls. I was the only foreigner except for a guy who told me he was British (but actually looked Indonesian).

I didn't pay any entrance fee but you may be charged a First Drink Charge (FDC) during special events. Recent famous acts include Winky Wiryawan, DJ P. Joana and DJ Riri. They have mostly commercial EDM with several Rn'B and live music nights.

Prices: I only bought a beer: Rp43,000 net. The cocktails cost a bit more than Rp100,000 net.

Overall: If you stay in Tangerang/Serpong, it is a good idea to start a night out in Clique first, then later on head to Jakarta. I'm not sure if the place is busy during the week though.

Opening Hours:
Every day from 10am to 10pm for the restaurant
The club closes at 3am officially on weekends but there was still some music until 3.20

Clique Bar, Kitchen and Nightclub
Graha Sapphire Tower A No. 9,
Jalan Boulevard Gading Serpong Blok M5 No. 9A
South Tangerang, Indonesia

Phone number: +62 (0) 21 54 22 09 17/18

To check the current schedule of events:
Website (currently not working): www.clique-kitchenbar.com
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Enigma Nightclub (Gading Serpong - Tangerang)

November 28, 2016, 2:39 am
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Enigma is a complex on several floors with a nightclub, a sports bar, a billiard room and a restaurant. It is located in Gading Serpong, an area of South Tangerang (1 hour from Jakarta by car). It is walking distance from Summarecon Mall, Clique Bar & Kitchen, Grand Royal Spa, Atria Hotel, Atria Residences, Ara Hotel and Ibis Hotel.

I visited Enigma once on a Saturday night. I didn't try the food and didn't play pool. I reached the place at 1AM, paid a Rp75,000 entrance fee (that included a beer) and went straight to the bar. The main room is quite large, with a low ceiling and a sort of underground feel. The crowd was young, not looking particularly fancy but definitely fun. The people I talked to were students living nearby, obviously from well-off families but with a limited budget. There were also a lot of ladies hanging around and some could have been hookers. At the end of the night, they all seemed to go home with guys they barely met. As far as I can tell, I was the only foreigner.

The DJ that night was playing commercial dance music, including some old songs. I remember hearing "I Like to Move it" and possibly "Baby One More Time" (my memory is blurred). Some clubbers were shaking their head so furiously that I suspect they were on some kind of drugs.

The prices are interesting, comparable to those in Kemang nightclubs. You can get a beer for less than Rp40,000 and a hard drink for under Rp80,000. There are promo on bottles before 12pm (2 Red Label for Rp1,1000,000). If you are a student, bring your ID card as you may get additional discount on food, shisha and pool.

It closed at 4am.

Overall: Enigma is much more laid-back than most nightclubs you'll go to in Jakarta. It is easy to meet people, the drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is fun. Probably the best place for partying in Tangerang/Serpong at the moment.

Enigma Restaurant, Sports Bar, Pool and Nightclub
Ruko Paramount Digital Arcade no. 12-18
Gading Serpong, Tangerang

Phone number: +62 0) 21 542 030 01 or 087808608381
BB Pin: 56FEFE20
Email: info@enigmaserpong.com

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New Year Eve 2017 - 31st December 2016 in Jakarta

November 28, 2016, 6:05 am
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Spending your New Year's Eve 2017 in Jakarta is actually not a bad idea, especially if you compare it with the alternative of going to Bali.

Bali during New Year is crazy expensive (expect hotel prices to triple at least), overcrowded even by Jakarta standards, and worst of all: Rainy. I spent 2 NYE there in 2012 and 2014 and they were each disappointing. The only thing that I liked was the fireworks on the beach.

In 2016, I decided to stay in Jakarta for the holiday season, including Christmas. The city was much more livable than usual during the day (much less traffic) and there were great parties almost every night before and after New Year. The city also organizes several fireworks that you can watch from your hotel room, from the street or from a rooftop restaurant.

Where to Watch the Fireworks on New Year Eve?
Fireworks in Ancol on 31st December 2015
The official locations for the NYE fireworks are Ancol, Taman Mini, the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout (Bunderan HI), the Monas (National Monument) and Kota Tua (Taman Fatahillah).

Last year, I watched the one in Bunderan HI which is near Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia. It is the most convenient location for those who plan on going to a nightclub afterwards. You should get there early though as the main roads are blocked starting 7pm.

The atmosphere was messy but it was fun. 99.99% of the people were Indonesians, many of them young and from a working class background. It was frightening at times because fireworks were shot from everywhere, sometimes just a couple meters from us. Avoid it if you are with kids and in any case, make sure you have a good travel insurance.

After the fireworks, our plan was to walk to the nightclub Immigrant (Plaza Indonesia Mall) which was literally 200 meters away. It turned out to be an impossible feat as the normal entrance of the mall was blocked and the crowd was too dense to be penetrated. We ended up stuck in Pullman Hotel for over an hour. My conclusion is that if you choose to watch the fireworks from the streets, you won't be able to go anywhere else until at least 2AM.

To avoid this problem, you can spend your evening in one of the restaurants and bars that have a nice view on the city. 

My first choice would be the rooftop lounge Cloud because it is in the same building as Immigrant club. The entrance fee for Cloud last year was Rp250,000 and Rp750,000 for the dinner. 

The other venues I would recommend for watching the fireworks are SKYE, Paulaner Brauhaus, Social House, Burgundy or MO Bar.

Where to Eat, Drink and Party in Jakarta for New Year's Eve 2017?
I will update this section as I receive the update program for the best clubs, bars and restaurants in Jakarta.

If you want to get an idea of what to expect in terms of events and prices, you can check my review of last year: 20 Best New Year Eve Parties in Jakarta 2016.

There will be several fun areas with a good atmosphere. Personally, I would recommend checking Basque, Loewy or the rooftops on Jalan Thamrin like Cloud and SKYE. For a more formal dinner, most 5-star hotel restaurants will have a special offer for a NYE dinner.

Here are my recommendations for the best places to spend NYE in Jakarta:

Cloud Rooftop Lounge and Restaurant
Starting 6pm, Rp350,000++ for access to the lounge and Rp500,000 for dining (3-course dinner with a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne. More information: Cloud Jakarta.

Skye Rooftop
Rp300,000 net per pax for rooftop access starting 7PM.
Rp1,100,000++ for the gala dinner
More information: SKYE.

Basque Mega Kuningan
DJ Jeremy Jay starting 10pm.
More information: Basque Jakarta

Dragonfly and Blowfish
They have a special price: Rp400,000 for access to both nightclubs after 1AM. More information: Blowfish and Dragonfly.

Empirica
More information: Empirica

Loewy
Starting 9pm, DJ Florent Hugel (hip hop, EDM) from Paris. More information: Loewy.

Immigrant
Starting 10pm, Rp400,000 entrance.
Dining: Rp988,000++ for 2 pax (French chef Stephane Galibert) with free entrance to the club
More information: Immigrant

Jenja
DJ Darren Emerson. More information: Jenja

X2
DJ HOLL & RUSH from Holland (EDM). Starting at 9PM. Rp200,000 without drinks if you buy in advance on loket.com.

Colosseum
Rp200,000. EDM and Trance DJs (better to go there later in the night at 2-3AM. You can buy your tickets on locket.com as well.

Where to Sleep in Jakarta for New Year's Eve?
You have to realize that from 9pm to 2am on New Year, it will be difficult to circulate in the city center. Some major streets like Sudirman/Thamrin may be closed and smaller ones will be clogged by traffic jams. Read carefully my reviews Where to Stay in Jakarta and Jakarta Hotel Guide to make sure you are in the right neighborhood.

The best hotels for New Year's Eve in Jakarta are without any doubts the ones located around Bunderan HI. Hurry up to make your reservation as they will be quickly fully-booked. Most of them have a required minimum stay of 2 nights during the festive season. If you search for them on Agoda or Booking.com, they will not appear if you only select 1 night.

Here are the best deals I could find for luxury hotels that have a view on the Bunderan HI fireworks:

Price for a 3-night stay from 30 December to 2 January: Rp9,400,000 on HotelsCombined.com.

Price for a 3-night stay from 30 December to 2 January: Rp11,600,000 on HotelsCombined.com

Price for a 3-night stay from 30 December to 2 January: Rp13,000,000 on HotelsCombined.com

Price for a 3-night stay from 30 December to 2 January: Rp17,600,000 on HotelsCombined.com

Other Recommended Hotels
If your budget is more limited, there are still plenty of options but you should not wait the last minute to make your booking.

These are centrally-located hotels that will cost you between Rp500,000 and Rp1,500,000 per night (listed from cheapest to most expensive):

You can explore more hotels by searching for the following locations on Agoda: Hotels near Grand Indonesia and Hotels near Sarinah.
The Grand Hyatt offers one of the best views to enjoy the NYE fireworks
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8 Best Bars in Mega Kuningan (Jakarta)

November 28, 2016, 7:05 am
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Home to 5-star hotels (Ritz-Carlton, Raffles, Marriott), foreign embassies, luxury apartments and prestigious offices, Mega Kuningan is easily one of the most exclusive areas in Jakarta.

As it was recently built from scratch, it is very different from the rest of the city. There are no warungs, no street sellers, no poverty and barely any traffic jams. Instead, you will see large streets lined with palm trees and a dozen of skyscrapers (with a few more still under construction).

Though Mega Kuningan does not have a proper nightclub yet (apart from the gay club Apollo), it has a vibrant nightlife almost any day of the week. You can walk in any towers and you are almost guaranteed to find a restaurant, a lounge or a bar. While each of them is unique, they generally target the same clientele: Expats, upper class Indonesians and businessmen.

The following article will give you a quick overview of my 8 favorite bars in Mega Kuningan. They aren't far from each other and it's easy to walk around so don't hesitate to do some bar-hopping! If you think I forgot a bar worth mentioning, don't hesitate to leave a comment below.

Basque
Saturday night in Basque
Opened just last year, it hasn't taken long for Basque to become the most happening bar/restaurant in Mega Kuningan. A great spot for pre-party drinks if you plan on going clubbing later in the night.


Loewy
For almost 10 years, Loewy has been one of the favorite hangouts of younger expats in Jakarta. It serves French and International food from breakfast to dinner. The bar area is busy almost every night. DJs on Wednesdays and weekend nights.

More information: Loewy

J. Sparrows
On the ground floor of Noble House, the trendy J. Sparrows is halfway between Basque (in the same building) and Loewy (one block further). Its restaurant serves seafood dishes and the bar has a large choice of imported rums from all over Latin America. It is owned by the same people behind Bluegrass in Epicentrum.

More information: J. Sparrows

Masters Sports Bar
Expat-owned, this friendly bar inside Bellagio Mall is great for watching any sports on huge screens, drinking affordable beer and playing pool. A much cheaper alternative to any of the bars listed here.

More information: Masters Sports Bar

Flow
Flow is a new intimate lounge with daily music events (DJ or Live Bands). Ladies night on Wednesdays: Free cocktails for girls.

More information: Flow Jakarta

E&O
One of the most upmarket venues in Mega Kuningan (excluding the hotel bars), E&O is a fusion cuisine restaurant that also serves excellent cocktails. Ideal for those who are looking for quiet place for a date.

More information: E&O

Bauhaus
This small, hipster speakeasy bar gets crowded on Friday and Saturday night with trendy Indonesians and expats.

More information: Bauhaus

Cazbar
Part of the Bugil group (also behind Eastern Promise, De Hooi, Frank's, etc), Cazbar is a well-established watering hole that has good pub fare and friendly waitresses.

More information: Cazbar
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Omnia Nightclub (Jakarta) - Alila SCBD

November 29, 2016, 9:25 am
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Omnia is a nightclub that will open in Jakarta at the end of 2016/early 2017 inside the new Alila Hotel SCBD (in front of Pacific Place).

It is part of the group Hakkasan which already operates two Omnia nightclubs in Las Vegas and San Diego. The one in Las Vegas is one the largest and most luxurious nightclubs in the world. Located inside the Caesar's Palace Hotel, Calvin Harris is one of its resident DJs and it is where Justin Bieber celebrated his 21st birthday.

It is unlikely that Omnia Jakarta will attracts such VIPs, but it will certainly be a game-changer for the nightlife of the city. They will also open an Omnia day club in Bali in Alila Uluwatu.

The group Hakkasan is a bit mysterious and it has been making the headlines recently. Based in London but owned by members of Abu Dhabi's royal family, it has been accused of being financed by money from Malaysia's development fund 1MDB.

The group Alila is not new to the nightlife scene: It is presumably the owner of Illigals and Sparks, two famous venues in North Jakarta. Another person probably involved in Omnia is Tomy Winata who does not need any introduction. First, he is the owner of the land in SCBD. Second, he is connected to Hakkasan through the casino group MGM: Hakkasan is a shareholder of MGM Hospitality, which is a potential candidate to manage the Signature tower of Tomy Winata.

More information: You can check their website Omnia Nightclub.
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Jakarta Nightlife: Top 10 Nightclubs (Updated 2017)

December 6, 2016, 2:43 am
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"What are the best nightclubs in Jakarta?" is one of the questions I get asked the most by readers of Jakarta100bars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick introduction to Jakarta nightlife: Read my article Jakarta Nightlife 2016 Explained in 500 Words.

Advertising: About Dating Indonesian Women
Foreigners can be very successful with Indonesian girls, especially within nightclubs. If you are a tourist or if you are over 40 years old, you may have more difficulties though. You should also realize that 90% of Indonesian girls will never go to a nightclub.

The best way to meet normal Indonesian girls, with a good education and a salary is to use dating websites. Tinder can work well as well but it is difficult to maintain long discussion on a mobile phone I think.

I recommend you to can try Indonesian Cupid, which is owned by Match.com. You can browse the girls' profile for free and show that you are interested. If you can afford 25$ (the price of two cocktails in Jakarta), you can send an unlimited number of messages and use their chat feature.

The site has 1,000,000 members already, meaning you always have hundreds of girls in Jakarta online at any time. 

Register for free using this link: Sign Up - Indonesian Cupid.

Jenja
Jenja is the newest and currently most happening nightclub in Jakarta. It is the second Jenja to open in Indonesia following the success of the Seminyak branch. Well-designed yet not overly luxurious, it is the first nightclub in the city to specialize in non-commercial techno music. Their first guest DJs were Oliver Huntemann, MANDY and Marc Romboy. The crowd in Jenja is quite eclectic, mixing expats, students and socialites. There aren't that many girls, at least not as much as in Immigrant or X2.

Note that Jenja is located in South Jakarta (Cilandak), a 30-minute drive from the city center. If you need a cheap hotel nearby, I recommend you Midtown Residence.

Immigrant
Even though Immigrant is not as good as it used to be before its renovation, it is still one of Jakarta's top party places. It has a small dance floor usually full of expats and sexy local girls. Prices are slightly above Dragonfly for individual drinks, but they give you a drink with the entrance fee. Music is hip hop, EDM, Top 40, Rn'B depending on the night. Great for pick-up.

It is located inside the Mall Plaza Indonesia, which is the best area for staying in Jakarta.


Dragonfly
Dragonfly has the nicest interior design of any nightclubs in Jakarta (and even Indonesia). It has a good crowd, though almost half of the girls are hookers or semi-pros hunting rich expats. The entrance fee is stupidly expensive, Rp200,000 without a drink. Book a table to avoid this if you come with a group. Their best night is on Wednesday. They have strict door policy: Dress well and if you look young, don't forget to bring an ID.

Jakarta's SCBD is the best area in the city for a fun night out. The massive Empirica is always as fun and popular, I love their 50m long bar, the chic crowd and the great sound-system. More than half the crowd is Indo-Chinese. Entrance is usually around Rp100,000 with a drink.

Mille's (CLOSED)
Mille's is an unusual choice and most people I know don't like it. Still, it is the only decent underground club in the city, and the best place to visit after hour. Be warned that for most people partying in Mille's, the only cocktail they need is ecstasy and water. The best time to visit is after 7am. Entrance is between Rp50,000 and Rp100,000 (with soft drink).

Update October 2016: Mille's has been shut down, guess for which reason? Drugs.

Colosseum is the best nightclub in Jakarta on the paper: The best layout, the best sound and lighting system and some of the best events. Yet, the crowd is mostly static and not very fun to hang out with. Many girls are probably escorts from the karaoke. It is also quite far from the City center. First drink charge around Rp200,000.

X2 is the favorite nightclub of many clubbers in Jakarta. If you are a 20-something foreigner looking to meet an Indonesian girl (and vice versa), it is certainly your best choice. The entrance and the drinks are expensive (FDC Rp200,000). One room has hip-hop/Rn'B and one is for Trance/EDM lovers.


If you are between 18 and 22, Fable could be your hottest party spot. You have all the cool kids from high school getting drunk with dad's money, which is even nicer when you get invited to a table. It is just below Lucy in the Sky. Entrance: Rp150,000 (FDC).

Blowfish was just renovated in 2014 during Ramadan. Since it reopened, it has managed to attract Jakarta's best crowd (particularly Indochinese in their early 20s). Recent guest DJs include Dirty South, Fat Boy Slim or Richie Hawtin.

5-year old Domain Club can have some great nights, but it is inconsistent. It is cheaper than most clubs mentioned above so you will find more relaxed people. Few expats. Recent events included a performance by the porn star Sasha Grey.

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

Illigals (Voyeur Club)
Illigals is very rarely crowded. Forget it during the week unless they have a big name coming. Still, it deserves to be in the Top 10 because they have a decent list of events. Many DJs from Stadium are now playing in Illigals too. The karaoke is very popular after hour because it is protected from the police.

Need more clubbing ideas? Check Exodus, Nebula , Foundry 8 (similar with Fable but more easy going), Potato Head Garage (only good if they have events). All of them are usually busy on Friday and Saturday nights and they have special events on a regular basis.

Photo credit: Main photo Chris Seward - Other Photos from Facebook.
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Lucy In The Sky (Bar & Restaurant)

December 7, 2016, 7:33 am
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Update Dec 2016: Lucy has been renovated due to noise complaints from neighbors. It is now covered by a large glass building (as in the first photo above). It looks more upmarket than before but it is still popular with the same crowd (young, trendy Jakartans).

Located near Jalan Sudirman, in Fairgrounds (ex-Bengkel), Lucy In The Sky  is a rooftop restaurant/bar with an open-air garden terrace and a laid-back, close-to-nature atmosphere. It is probably partially owned by Tommy Winata, the ex owner of Bengkel and owner of the land of SCBD.

The location of LITS is probably its best assets as it gives the feeling of escaping the city. Though in the heart of Jakarta's business district, it is surrounded with plants and flowers, which makes it relaxing, and a perfect spot to look at the skyscrapers around. Similar ambiance than SHY Rooftop but less expensive (80k for main dish) and with a better view.

Regarding the taste of the food though, there is still large room for improvement. For now, I advise you to stick with the drinks.

Lucy is one of the most crowded bars in Jakarta, even on week days (starting Wednesday). Most customers are young and chic. You have about 5-10% of foreigners as well. Every 1st Thursday of the month, they have a great hip hop party called In Effect. You can see more information about it here: In Effect Jakarta.

Surprisingly, there is a karaoke ++ attached to Lucy in the Sky with sexy lady companions. It is called Roxy.
Opening hours:
Everyday from 3.30pm to 1am (2am during the weekend)

Lucy in the Sky
Kawasan Central Business District
 Kav 52-53
Jakarta Selatan 
Indonesia, 12190

Phone: +62-21 515 2308 / 09
E-Mail: info@lucyinthesky.co.id
Website: http://lucyinthesky.co.id/
Facebook: Lucy In The Sky Jakarta
Instagram: Lucy Jakarta
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Kampung Bule in Batam - Best Bars and Hotels

December 7, 2016, 9:59 pm
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Kampung Bule is the main area for expat-oriented nightlife in Batam (Bule = white foreigners, Kampung = neighborhood). It is located in Nagoya, about 10 minutes by taxi from the Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal. It is also sometimes referred to as NED (Nagoya Entertainment District).


It is a small red-light district with only a few streets and not more than 40 bars, nightclubs and massage parlors. 

I find Kampung Bule to be quite boring to be honest as almost all the venues are identical (which is not surprising considering they are owned by a handful of individuals).

Typically, the bars have a name that has some sort of sexual connotation, for instance: Foreplay, Lusy's Oarhouse, Fat Willy's, TTs, Bollocks, etc... They look very similar: A rectangle-shaped room with a pool table in the front, a bar area, a few tables, music from a youtube playlist and around 10 girls to entertain the clients. The girls may be taken out if a mutual agreement is reached and a bar fine is paid. You should note that the prettiest ones will always be waiting outside to lure the customers in.
A typical Kampung Bule Bar
During the week, it is almost deserted and you'll probably be alone surrounded by desperate girls. On weekends, it is better but you may have to visit a few bars before finding a busy one.

Even though it is an area with many prostitutes, it is perfectly fine for those who only want to have a drink. I was more annoyed by the child beggars than by prostitutes personally.

Best Bars in Kampung Bule
Map of Kampung Bule / NED (Nagoya Entertainment District)
I went to Kampung Bule about 4 times and I think I've entered every bar at least once. I forgot the name of most, but some were more memorable (to a certain extent).

Secret's Bar
Centrally-located bar and restaurant. It is in the open air which is nice as it allows you to see how many customers it has. A good spot to see the street action (or lack thereof). A similar venue is Chili's.

Cock and Bull
I ate there twice as it has the reputation of having the best food in Kampung Bule. They had a crowd of old expats who were chatting with the waitresses while watching sports. Twice, I chose their meat pies which are indeed tasty and affordable. 

PP Banana
A very strange place that I felt I had to write about in details here: PP Banana's Review. It is a hidden strip club/brothel on the second floor of Lusy's Oarhouse.

Foreplay
The most expensive place on Kampung Bule. I paid Rp100,000 for entrance with a drink. The place was rather empty apart from their hostesses (that I must admit are hot). Live music every night followed by a DJ.

See my review here: Foreplay Batam.

No Name Pub
Located on the ground floor of the Harmoni Hotel, it is probably the best bar in Kampung Bule. It also features a DJ and live music daily but, unlike Foreplay, the entrance is free. It does not get busy before 1AM so it is best to go there at the end of your night. There are many freelance prostitutes but some normal girls as well.

See my review here: No Name Batam

The Office
I went there twice but it was empty both times. Too bad because they are look promising with sexy dancers, live music and sports.

Hot Spot
Nothing special but we had a dinner there once and the food was fine. The waitresses are quite friendly.

Tatwo
Next to Foreplay, they were fairly crowded when I visited on a Saturday night (= 10 customers). They had a DJ and some cute girls.

The prices in Kampung Bule are similar every where (more expensive only in No Name and Foreplay). You can expect to pay around 35,000 for a beer and Rp70,000 for liquor/cocktails. All bars close at 4AM.

Best Hotels Near Kampung Bule
As I mentioned on my article about the best hotels in Batam, Kampung Bule is the best area if you want to be close from the nightlife.

Ideally, you should stay in Harmoni Hotel. It is in the middle of Kampung Bule and you have No Name bar inside. The only problem you might have with it is the price (70$ per night).

A great alternative is Barelang Hotel. It is a brand-new property inside Kampung Bule that costs less than 25$ per night. It is only available through Booking.com at the moment and it is rated over 8/10.

My third recommendation would be the Allium Hotel, which is just 5 minutes away by foot. It costs about 45$ per night. While it is girl-friendly, it is more suitable for families and couples though.

Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/jordan.sfr/
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