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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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Fuse Nightclub (Yangon) - Myanmar Plaza

December 5, 2016, 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
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Udon Thani Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars 2017

December 30, 2016, 6:17 am
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Udon Thani is located in the North of Thailand (Isaan Region), near the border with Laos. Even though it is the 4th most populous city in the country (150,000 people), it is very laid-back and provincial.

I was there for 5 days as a stopover before heading to Laos and I was not really expecting there would be any nightlife.

As it turns out, I was wrong. You can find bars and nightclubs that are open and busy every night, but for that you'll need to go outside of the tourist areas.

This short review will guide through the best venues I went to during my stay. If you think I forgot one, please leave me a note in the comment section below.

Best Hotels Near Udon Thani Nightlife
Hotels in Udon Thani are really cheap, even during high season. I was staying in the Centara, a 4-star property with a perfect location next to a large mall, and I was paying only 45$! You can click here to check the current price: Centara Hotel - Udon Thani.

If you want to be close from the red-light district, an excellent hotel is The Pannarai (4-star, 42$/night). You'll be only 20 meters from the first beer bars. A cheaper option nearby is the Prajaktra (20$/night).

You can check Agoda for more option, just remember to stay close from the Central Plaza Mall.

Nightlife Areas in Udon Thani
Party in Rhythm Club
The nightlife for foreigners in Udon Thani is very easy to find. Basically, you have two adjacent streets with a total of around 30 bars (some with ladies, some normal).

Note that the expats in Udon Thani are quite old on average and that they sleep early! You should go out before 10PM otherwise all bars will be empty. In fact many are already closed by midnight.

The first street you can try is Soi Samphan Thamit, just behind Central Plaza Mall. Most bars there are not very sophisticated and they only have the basics for you to enjoy a beer. A few bargirls will keep you company if you need. They aren't the prettiest girls you'll meet in Thailand but a few are cute.

The most popular places as of January 2017 were Sports Bar (the most crowded), Vikings Corner Bar, Zaaps, Tiffy, the Meeting Point, the Irish Clock (an Irish pub and hotel), Fun Bar (it had the prettiest girls) and Shadow. I also saw a bar/massage parlor with ladyboys. You can just go there directly, walk around for a few minutes and sit in the bar you like the most.

There is also a tiny beer bar complex called Day & Night, just next to the Pannarai Hotel.
The second street is Soi Prajak Sillapacom, at the end of Soi Samphan Thamit. The bars are a little bit nicer there, especially Sisters (but unfortunately it does not get so busy).

The main attraction in Prajak Sillapacom is a beer bar complex called Nutty Park, which is similar to Day and Night. You'll see quite a lot of old guys, especially in the restaurant/pub the Good Corner (it seems to be a hub for the expat community). You also have bar-girls/prostitutes but they are not too pushy.

Thai Nightclubs, Bars and Cafés
The bars mentioned above are just OK for a few beers (or to find a girl if that's your goal), but they are not really happening. By the time of your second day in Udon Thani you'll certainly be bored.

Thais nightclubs are a much better option. They have the advantage of staying open later (maximum 2AM) and to have a younger crowd (including some normal Thai girls).

My most recommended venues are the following:

Rhythm (in Napalai Hotel)
Rhythm was my favorite club even though it is located more than 4 kilometers from the city center (100-120THB with a tuk-tuk). It is made of one large room, quite modern, with a live stage where bands play Thai rock/pop. I went there on a Sunday and it was full, with many girls in their 20s. When the band is not playing, the DJs mix EDM songs.

Free entrance on weekdays (200THB on weekends if there is an event). Close at 2AM.

Full review: Rhythm Udon Thani or Facebook: Rhythm.

Phoenix
Phoenix is also a fun nightclub and it is walking distance from Central Plaza. It is the newest and hippest in the city, but smaller than Rhythm. They have great sound/lighting, an intimate atmosphere, an upmarket crowd and excellent rock bands. Some of the hottest girls I've seen in Udon Thani were customers of Phoenix (or prostitutes, I'm not 100% sure).

Free entrance every day of the week. Close at 2AM.

Full review: Phoenix Udon Thani or Facebook: Phoenix

Yellow Bird (in Charoen Hotel)
Located in Charoen Hotel, a 10-minute walk from Central Plaza. It is also a very popular nightclub but it is more old-style compared to the ones listed above. The bands will sometimes play Thai folk songs and the customers are over 30 years old. During breaks though, you'll get some loud EDM and sexy dancers. The best night is on Wednesday (ladies night).

Free entrance every day of the week. Close at 2AM.
Tawan Daeng
Tawan Daeng is an institution in Udon Thani. It is located 2 minutes from the tourist area of Soi Samphan Thamit (behind Central Plaza) and for this reason you'll see plenty of foreigners inside. They have live bands (playing folk/country songs from Isaan region) and also some more random shows (comedians, dancing, etc). You can go their early for dinner and try some Isaan food.

Website: Tawan Daeng Udon Thani

Kongsiam Café
This laid-back, cool café is located next to Phoenix Club. They have live music every night, with bands who sing in English or in Thai (mostly covers of famous songs). The design and set-up is really original. It is my most recommended venue for a date with a Thai girl.

Facebook: Kongsiam Udon Thani

Twenty Up (20UP)
20UP opened on January 10th, 2017 and it was already busy when I visited. It is a Thai-style beer garden with a whole bunch of sexy hostesses and live acoustic music. Young crowd. Open until 1AM.

It is just in front of Grand Naga Hotel & KTV where apparently you can can get a massage plus plus.

Facebook: 20UP Udon Thani

Bar'ista Brasserie
In front of UD Town Mall and the train station, this is a popular restaurant with an indoor and an outdoor area. It gets full almost every night with upper-class locals. They have Thai music, usually pop and mellow songs.

Facebook: Bar'ista Brasserie Udon Thani

Meeting Normal Thai Girls in Udon Thani
It is much easier to meet normal girls in Udon Thani compared with Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya or Chiang Mai.

The best way is to make a profile on online dating sites like ThaiFriendly or ThaiCupid. Both have thousands of girls who are eager to meet with foreigners. Ideally you can chat with them a few weeks before arriving in Thailand to build up the excitement. If you have a decent profile pic, you can get non-stop dates from morning to midnight.

Tinder works well also, but there are less profiles and most of the girls will not be interested to chat if you are not living in Udon Thani.

Meeting girls in nightclubs is also possible, especially in Phoenix, Yellow Bird and Rhythm. It will require more effort and a bit of luck though.

In the daytime, you can hang out and meet Thai girls either in UD Town shopping center (most recommended) or in Central Plaza Mall.

Udon Nightlife Map
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Khon Kaen Nightlife - Best Bars and Clubs 2017

February 4, 2017, 4:11 am
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In this review of Khon Kaen nightlife, I will give you tips about the best areas to party, where to stay, my favorite venues and how to meet local Thai girls.

I stayed there for two nights (Tuesday and Wednesday) and managed to visit all the famous nightclubs and bars. It's not that difficult, as you will see they are almost all within a small area.

Where to Party in Khon Kaen?
Khon Kaen is a medium-sized Thai city about 1 hour away from Udon Thani. There are few tourist attractions there, but it is a pleasant town with great street food and very cheap accommodation. It also has a small, but fun nightlife, which is dominated by young clubbers (students make up a quarter of the population).

What I really enjoyed about Khon Kaen nightlife is that almost all the bars and clubs are located within a small area. Even better, within just a few streets, you will find a mix of different types of venues, including expat bars, student cafés, sports bars and live music clubs. You can try several of them in one night without ever using a taxi or walking too much.

Pracha Samran Road

As you can see on the map, the busiest street for bars is Pracha Samran Road. It is lively from 7PM up to 3AM with mostly bars for Thai people. Here are the current happening places in 2017:

99 Vintage
The most crowded venue on the street. It is actually a small complex that consists of the Vintage pub and the 99 Vintage nightclub. It is full of students around 18-22 years old, including an impressive number of hot Thai girls. They have either a live Thai band or EDM/Trap DJs. I didn't see other foreigners so you should attract attention. It is not particularly stylish but it is fun and messy. The service is horrible though, I never managed to get any drinks and I left after 20 minutes. It closes at 3AM. Lots of gays and lesbians.

I shot this video inside:
Full Frame
This is one of my favorite bars in Khon Kaen. It is just 100 meters from 99 Vintage but with a more upmarket/adult crowd. They also have live music, not too loud, and plenty of pretty girls around. Closes at 2AM.

Monroe Club by Rads
Part of the Rads complex, this is a gentlemen's club with sexy coyote girls/hostesses (including Lao girls). They wear kinky outfits and they'll perform some erotic dancing. If you want a girl to keep you company, you'll need to pay at least 350THB. There is not sex involved unless you make a deal with her (or seduce her). It was completely empty around 9PM, but when I went again at 1AM there were around 15 guys. It closes at 3AM.

In the same complex, you also have Home Gastro Pub and Beer Factory. I went to neither of them but from outside I could see they had a few customers, seemingly upper class Thai.
Topless coyote girls show in Rads (now Monroe Club)
Deep by Rads
Next to Monroe, Deep has the particularity of staying open until 5AM. This means that starting 2-3AM, you will see a lot of clubbers going there to finish their night out.

Street Café by Rads
Beer garden and restaurant with old-style/country-style Thai music. Older crowd.

The Koon
Small student bar. Hipster/alternative vibe. Live acoustic music.

Wine 22
Large beer garden with also an indoor area. Not too crowded. English/Thai live music, usually soft-rock and pop bands. Serves food. Good for dating.

Degree
Laid-back, open-air beer garden with Live Thai pop music. Huge screen for watching sports.

Top West
A restaurant and bar with a Western saloon theme just across the street from 99 Vintage. It is quite kitsch, attracting a mix of older Thai and foreigners. A little bit dirty. 110THB for a large Chang beer. The live bands play Thai country music. Depending on the songs, you may have some people who start dancing.

Didines
More a restaurant than a bar, it serves the best Western food on the street. You should be able to meet some foreigners there (also in the bar next door but I forgot its name). Owned by a Swiss-Canadian.

Blues Bar
This bar was closed for the two nights I was in Khon Kaen. I'm not sure if this is permanent or not. It is an expat-owned beer bar with Indian food, pool tables and some bargirls.

Levels Up
Similar to Full Frame: An open-air bar with live music and a Thai crowd. Close at 1AM.

Wine Blah Bar
This is quite a unique place. It is a bit hidden from the street and features both a live music bar and karaoke rooms. Some very pretty lady companions.

Pretty Relax Karaoké
I didn't visit it but you can see some girls wearing sexy dresses trying to lure customers inside.

Around Pullman Hotel
As you walk closer from the Pullman Hotel, most of the bars you'll see are much smaller, less sophisticated, and they target foreigners. They'll always have a few working girls, but honestly not very pretty ones. If you are half decent-looking, I advise you to find a girl on ThaiFriendly or ThaiCupid instead.

Yokotai
A restaurant/bar, popular with expat regulars with excellent fusion food. Owned by a Dutch man.

My Bar Sports Bar
The most lively bar in the area. Several prostitutes. Pool tables. 90's pop/rock music.

Eric's Bar, Happy Times and Tiki Tiki are just in front of My Bar. They are pretty much identical.

Chillin' and 4AM are microscopic bars with a couple of waitresses each and cheap beers.

U-Bar
Nightclub with DJ (EDM) or live music. Older and more stylish crowd compared to 99 Vintage (but not as busy). Some pretty girls (including prostitutes) who will make eye contact as there aren't many foreigners. 120THB for a small Carlsberg. 1,000THB for the cheapest whisky bottle. Non smoking. There is a small beer garden in the back. Close at 3AM.

The Underground
It is a German pub and restaurant located in the basement of the Pullman Hotel. I didn't visit it. They serve Kronen Brauhaus Beer. In the same hotel, they also have a lounge called Cleo's Palace and a karaoke.

Bee-Gin
Another open-air beer bar with live music. Not many people were there.

Elsewhere in Khon Kaen
All the bars and clubs I've listed above can be visited by walking. If you manage to find a tuk-tuk or a taxi (not so easy in Khon Kaen), you can also try a few more venues:

Bangru or Ban Gru Nightclub
This Thai disco is located just beside Khon Kaen Hotel. Surprisingly, the music was not EDM but Deep House (maybe because it was still early). They also have live bands singing in Thai. The crowd was mid-20. Opened from 7PM to 2AM. Outside there is a beer garden with a giant screen for watching sports.

Harem Club
A gentlemen's club part of Khon Kaen Hotel. Similar to the Monroe Club = You have hot thai girls dancing and you can invite them to your table to accompany you.

Tawandang
Another branch from the popular Tawandang chain. If you have never tried, they are an institution in Thailand. They have live shows all night long from comedians to singers (folk songs in Isaan language). The crowd is usually above 30-40.

Kloud 37 Rooftop
Recently opened, this modern rooftop bar and restaurant is the highest in the whole Isaan region.

Supan's in the City
A very popular beer garden among trendy/artsy students. Music not too loud.

Best Hotels Near the Nightlife
Harem Club in Khon Kaen Hotel

Khon Kaen offers some of the best value accommodation you'll find in Thailand. I was paying only 12$ for a clean double room with AC just 200 meters from the bars (the name of the hotel is Bann Vor Serviced Apartments).

If your budget allows you to spend around 50$, then don't hesitate to book either the Glacier Hotel or the Pullman Hotel. They are right in the middle of the nightlife area and they are both rated above 8/10 on Agoda.

You can also book a hotel that has a spa plus plus/soapy massage parlor within its walls. The best choice for that would be the Charoen Thani Hotel. It is 300 meters from the Pullman, and inside you have a soapy massage parlor called New Lily's (about 2,000THB for one session). Another famous massage parlor (soapie) is Caesar's (see position on map below) but there aren't any hotels very nearby.
Massage room in Caesar's Spa
Finally, while the Khon Kaen Hotel is not rated very high (only 7.6/10 on Agoda), it is cheap (30$ per night) and next to Ban Gru/Harem Club.

Meeting Normal Thai Girls in Khon Kaen
Since there aren't many foreigners in Khon Kaen (and especially younger ones), it is fairly easy to meet girls in nightclubs or bars. The only issue you will have is to find a way to approach them as they are often within a small group of friends. I think it's better to talk the guys first, and wait until they introduce you to the girls.

The best venues to meet normal girls in Khon Kaen are 99 Vintage, Ban Gru, U-Bar, Full Frame and Top West.

You can also plan a few dates ahead of your visit by chatting with girls online. The best sites for that are ThaiFriendly and ThaiCupid. Both are free but they work much better if you pay the 25$ premium membership (you can cancel after 1 month).

Khon Kaen Nightlife Map
This map features all the nightclubs, bars and massage parlor mentioned in this review:
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Nong Khai Nightlife: Where to Party and Drink?

February 5, 2017, 6:54 am
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Even if you live in Thailand, you may not be familiar with Nong Khai. This town of 50,000 inhabitants is near the border with Laos, and it is often a stopover for people heading to Vientiane by land.

This is exactly the reason I was there, for only 1 night. Naturally, I tried to find out if there was any nightlife.

The city gets very quiet in the evening and you'll barely hear any noise apart from dogs barking and motorbikes. Even finding street food after 10PM can be challenging.

Some areas are more busy though, with restaurants, bars, live music and even nightclubs.
Below are my top recommendations for drinking and partying in Nong Khai:

Along The Mekong River: Mostly Thais
There is a nice promenade along the Mekong River called Rim Kong Alley. It is approximately 3 kilometers long from the temple Wat Hai Sok up to the Phra That Lanong (a replica temple).

Along the way, you have at least 100 restaurants, among which more than 50% specialize in hotpot/BBQ (don't ask me why). At some point, you will see local pubs and karaokes, sometimes with live music.

In particular, young people will hang out in a few cafés located at the intersection of Soi Yot Kaeo 3 and Rim Kong Alley. The venues there are modern and really packed until 1AM. You can eat, drink, watch sports and enjoy some Thai live music.

Among those venues, you have A-Gain, Sanamsook and ร้านเต่าหนองคาย (sorry I couldn't find the English translation). You may meet some pretty Thai girls there, most likely young students.

Near Wat Hai Sok: For Expats and Tourists
Just one street behind Rim Kong Alley, in Soi Rim Kong 1 (100 meters from Wat Hai Sok), there are a few bars and restaurants owned by foreigners (usually married with Thai girls).

As there are many guest houses around, they get reasonably crowded at night with a mix of expats and tourists.

It is very basic but friendly. The popular venues are next to each other: Jimmy's 1, Anchor Bar, Warm Up and Noi & Brendan.

Soi Nipatat: For Expats and Tourists Looking for Bargirls
My hotel was on this street which is about 300 meters from the Mekong. It can be considered the red-light district of Nong Khai as you have around 5-6 beer bars with prostitutes. There are also normal restaurants without girls (I ate in the French-owned Mai and they serve good food).

As in Soi Rim Kong 1, it seems that every bar is owned by a retired foreigner who married a Thai woman. Each one proudly displays his nationality outside the bar. You have an Italian (Oasi), a Swiss (Muscha & Lee), an American (DJ's Bar), an English (Candy Bar), an Australian, a Kiwi, etc...

From what I understood, new places open and close quite often since most customers in Nong Khai are only interested to get the cheapest beer they can. Many of those businesses don't make a profit and they are just little toys to keep the wives busy.

As you can expect, the girls are not exactly the prettiest you'll meet in Thailand, but who knows you might get lucky.

Prices in those bars are about 70THB for a beer and 120THB for a Thai dish. The closing hours are flexible and change every night depending on the customers. In general, only a few places will be open after 1AM.

Elsewhere: Thai Clubs and Bars
You can find nightclubs elsewhere in the city that will stay open until 3AM. They are typical of those you may have already visited in Thailand: A beer pub with a live band singing in Thai. Between breaks,  he is replaced by a DJ who mixes loud EDM/Top 40 remixes.

They are normally free to enter, and then inside it will cost you around 70 THB for a beer and 600-800THB for a whisky bottle.

The best one is probably Yellow Bus (near the riverside). It opened in 2016 and it attracts a crowd of young Thai people.

Another option is Sam Ran, not too far from Soi Nipatat. It is busy every night with clients older than in Yellow Bus. There are some freelance prostitutes as well.
Sam Ran Pub and Restaurant
Finally, you can go to Lam Kong Brewery but it is more traditional. I'm actually not sure of the name as there is no English sign in front of it (I used an automatic translation after finding the place on Google map).

Finally, there is a friendly Thai bar on Soi Hai Sok called Chilly's. No girls there but very friendly atmosphere.

You can see the exact location of all these places on my Nong Khai nightlife map below.

Where to Stay in Nong Khai Near the Nightlife?
For party purposes, I recommend you to stay in Soi Nipatat even though it is not exactly by the Mekong River. My hotel offered great value for money (13$ per night for a double room with AC) and it was just 5 meters from the bars. You can check it on Agoda: Nong Khai City Hotel. A slightly more expensive option in the same street is the White Inn (18$ per night).

If you want to stay by the Mekong river, the Mut Mee Garden Guest House has excellent ratings and it costs only 11$ per night.

For something a bit more upmarket, the brand-new Amanta is the best hotel near Nong Khai nightlife. Its price is still reasonable (40$ per night).

Meeting Normal Thai Girls
There aren't that many places to meet Thai girls in Nong Khai. The best option would be to go to one of the bars on the Mekong promenade (like A-Gain or Sanamsook).

Alternatively, you can check before your trip if there are any profiles on the popular dating sites ThaiFriendly and ThaiCupid. It is free to register and to browse profiles.

Nong Khai Nightlife Map
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Wind West Pub (Vientiane - Laos)

February 5, 2017, 9:49 pm
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Wind West is a popular live music pub located in Rue Setthathirath in downtown Vientiane. It was packed when I visited (Saturday night) with a chic local crowd, and about 10% of foreigners (expats or tourists).

The oldest bar in Vientiane (since 1992), it is housed in an independent building that you can easily spot from the street. There is no entrance fee and a dress code normally applies (no shorts and no sandals, though most foreigners didn't respect the rule).

It is rather dark inside as only the stage is properly lit. As you would have guessed, there is a Western (Cowboys and Indians) theme that some would find a tad kitsch.

What struck me the most upon entering in Wind West was the high number of pretty, well-dressed girls including the waitresses, the bartenders and of course the customers. The latter were obviously open to meet with foreigners and very easy to talk to. I was suspicious they were prostitutes at first, but as far I know, most are just regular girls who want to drink, listen to the music and dance.

I found the live band performing that evening particularly talented. The female singer had an awesome voice and she was mostly singing in English (Top 40). The guy was singing some more boring, folk songs in Laotian as you can see on this video I shot:
Drinks are more expensive that average for Vientiane (but still reasonable). A Leo beer costs 25,000 kip and a cocktail 35,000 kip.

No smoking. They also serve some food (steaks).

Overall: Wind West was one of my favorite nightlife spots in Vientiane. It is walking distance from the main tourist district and you can visit it even if you are alone (just sit at the bar, you'll meet people easily). 

Opening Hours:
Every day until 2AM.

Wind West
Western Pub and Steakhouse
Rue Setthathirath
Phone number: 020 28 103 779
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Samlo Pub and Restaurant (Vientiane)

February 5, 2017, 11:33 pm
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Samlo is an expat/tourist pub and restaurant located on Rue Setthathirath in Vientiane. It looks a bit dirty and old, with torn seats and peeling paint, but in a way it adds to its charm.

It is normally fairly busy every night of the week, mostly thanks to regular patrons. They come to play pool or foosball, to watch live sports and to drink cheap beer (small lao for 10,000 kip). There is also Western food (40,000-70,000 kip).

One of the best features of Samlo is the friendly service from (some of) their waitresses. They are not bargirls, yet they can be playful and cute.

There was a prostitute who came to me at some point, asking if I wanted company for the night. She looked really desperate and I felt a bit sorry for her. I suppose she is not the only working girl in Samlo.

Apart from that, the bar allows smoking and it has a good setup for meeting people. The music is not too loud (famous rock and pop songs from the past 40 years). Free Wifi.

Overall: Clearly not a sophisticated bar, but recommended for meeting people if you are alone in Vientiane.

Opening Hours:
Every day from 5PM to 1.30AM

Samlo Pub and Restaurant
101 Sethathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos
Phone number: 020 55 519 097

Facebook: Samlo Bar
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Galaxy Pub & Live Music (Vientiane - Laos)

February 6, 2017, 12:38 am
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Galaxy Pub is a live music club located on Samsenthai Road in Vientiane. Be careful as it has changed location and it is no longer by the Mekong river.

It is a chic place, with a dressed-up crowd and pretty girls (among which a few ladyboys though) that features live bands singing Laotian pop.

The entrance is free, and if it isn't too crowded the waiters will give you a table. I only had one lao beer for 25,000 kip.

It is a bit cheesy for my taste, but if if you want to meet upper class Laotian girls it could be an option (some of the girls could also be Chinese or Thai, I'm not 100% sure).

You can judge from this video I shot inside if you like it or not:
Galaxy Pub Vientiane
Samsenthai Road
Every day from 8.30 to midnight.
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Mittaphab Club and KTV (Mekong Hotel - Vientiane)

February 6, 2017, 1:07 am
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Mittaphab Club and KTV is the nightclub of the Mekong Hotel on Souphanouvong Avenue. It is about 500 meters from the tourist center.

I saw it as I was walking by and I decided to have a quick look. The entrance was free and I just had one beer (25,000 kip).

It is a rather large disco but less than 50 clients were there. It is a bit old-fashioned: You have a podium for the live band, a dance floor just in front of it, and used sofas all around.

The music was Laotian. The male customers were above 50, maybe Chinese, but most girls were in their early 20s (except a few older ladies). I presume they were hostesses from the karaoke next door. 

Depending on the song, they would all start to dance, sometimes in groups as you can see on this video I took inside:
Overall: Unless you are a Lao citizen over 50, I don't see any reason to visit this place.

Mittaphab Club et KTV (also spelled Mittapharb and Mittapharp)
Souphanouvong Road Vientiane

Open every day until 12AM
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@Home Nightclub (Vientiane - Laos)

February 6, 2017, 2:14 am
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@Home (or At Home) is one of the popular nightclubs in Vientiane, particularly among foreigners (expats and tourists).

It is quite large but it was only half-full when I visited it on a Saturday night. I'm not really sure I understand why expats like to go there instead of Marina or Gold Star. Maybe it is for the girls (among which some were definitely hookers), maybe it's for the music (a mix of trance-techno).

The entrance was free and the price of drinks is standard for a Vientiane nightclub (25,000 for a beer, 40,000 for cocktails).

You can smoke inside and you can probably get some drugs as well.

You can get an idea of the atmosphere inside by watching this video I shot:
Overall: A foreigner-oriented nightclub with girls to pick up and good music. I prefer Marina or Gold Star, but since @Home is on the way, you can have a quick look.

@Home Nightclub
Souphanouvong Avenue, Vientiane, Laos

Phone number: 020 55 444 555
Email: somsanouks@gmail.com

Facebook: Home Club

Opening Hours:
Every day until 2AM
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Marina Nightclub (Vientiane - Laos)

February 6, 2017, 3:34 am
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Marina is the best nightclub in Vientiane as of 2017 (my second favorite would be Gold Star).

It is located on Luang Prabang Road, 3 kilometers from the tourist area so you'll need to ride a tuk-tuk (20,000-30,000 kip maximum). As you arrive, you'll see a mini-traffic jam with some luxury cars.

Maybe because it is far, there is almost no foreigners who visit it (apart from Thais and Chinese). That's too bad because it would challenge a few stereotypes they might have about "sleepy" Vientiane.

Anyway, I was glad to be the only foreigner as you naturally get more attention. Marina was packed with girls, most of whom were well-dressed and looking stylish. They were often with large group of friends with a bottle around a table. Many guys were gay so it's very easy to approach them first and then talk to their girlfriends. If you want the easy way, there are also some freelance prostitutes.

Prices are quite low, only 18,000 kip for a beer and 330,000 kip for a bottle of whisky (red label). No entrance fee. No smoking inside.

The dress code stipulates no shorts and no sandals but I saw a few inside. The DJs play commercial EDM and clubbing anthems. On other nights they may also have hip-hop and Rn'B.

I shot this video inside with my phone:
Overall: A big, luxurious nightclub in Vientiane. Very recommended if you want to meet fun, upper class Laotian girls. There is also a bowling alley in the same complex.

Note: It seems another nightclub is being built next to Marina at the moment. If you have more information about it, please leave a comment below!

Opening Hours:
Every day from 9PM to 3AM (2AM on weekdays)

Marina Night Club
Luang Prabang Road (after Setthatitraht Road)

Facebook (with pictures and upcoming events): Marina Vientiane
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Batman Pub and KTV (Vientiane - Laos)

February 6, 2017, 4:29 am
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Batman Pub is a nightclub and karaoke located at least 8 kilometers from the city center of Vientiane. I went there with a rented motorbike after visiting another club called Romeo.

Honestly, it is really in the middle of nowhere. To reach it, you'll need to take a dirt road on the last 500 meters, surrounded by nothing but empty fields.

Judging by the look on the staff's faces, I'm sure I was the only foreigner they ever saw. They gave me a real VIP treatment, including serving my 25,000-kip Beer Lao together with an ice bucket

Anyway, it is a rather luxurious venue, housed in a huge Batman-themed mansion with 3 separate areas: An open-air beer garden with live music (almost empty), a karaoke (probably with prostitutes) and a nightclub.

I was there a bit early so it was still quiet. Most customers were young, and they seemed to come from the middle class.

The music was extremely loud EDM and even with ear plugs it felt uncomfortable. Here is the video I took inside:
Overall: To come all the way from the city and to visit Batman Pub alone would not be worth it. But if, on the same night out, you go to other nearby nightclubs such as Thon Kao, Romeo and Inpeng, I think you can have a fun time.

Open every day until 2AM. Phone number: 030 58 80 088

Sorry the only address I could find is in Laotian (from their Facebook: Batman Pub):
ບ້ານ ດົງຄຳສ້າງ, Vientiane, Laos

Or you can just use Google Map.
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Romeo Nightclub and The Pavilion Music Hall (Vientiane)

February 6, 2017, 1:30 am
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Romeo and The Pavilion is a nightlife complex in Vientiane consisting of a nightclub (Romeo), a live music hall (The Pavilion), a beer garden, a restaurant and a karaoke.

It is quite far from the city center (at least 5 kilometers) but still, I wanted to check it as it seemed to be popular with the local elite. In particular, it targets the Laotian-Chinese community with the same kind of ostentatious, over-the-top design you may have seen elsewhere in Chinese clubs in Asia.

I arrived just before midnight and it was almost deserted. In the nightclub: Nobody. In the beer garden: Nobody. In the live music hall: Maybe just 20 people. The staff told me people would come later on but I doubt it.

Judging from the pictures on their Facebook page though, they have some busy nights. I guess it depends on the artists playing on that evening. Don't make the same mistake I did. Before going, check if they have a special event or not.

Overall: Both Romeo and The Pavilion have potential but without customers, it's hard for me to recommend them. If you have visited them yourself, please leave a comment below.

Note: All photos are from Facebook.

Opening Hours:
Every day until 3AM.

Phone number:
02077482222

Address:
I couldn't find the address in English. It is located exactly here on Google Maps. It is just opposite the Inpeng Hotel (where you'll find another nightclub actually).
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Gold Star Nightclub - Daokham Hotel (Vientiane)

February 6, 2017, 8:10 pm
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Gold Star is a nightclub in Vientiane, part of the Daokham Hotel complex. On the same location, you'll also find Sam Dao beer garden and Merci karaoke.

The whole site is quite impressive. You arrive through a small road perpendicular to Souphanouvong Avenue, and then suddenly you have this huge, hidden property with hundreds of party-goers.

I had a quick look at the beer garden. Nothing special there, it caters mostly to large groups who also come for eating.

The nightclub is more interesting. It looks similar to Marina, except that the crowd is much younger and less stylish. From what I could guess, at least 10% of the crowd was less than 18 years old. I also saw a handful of foreigners. In total, I would say it can accommodate 500 people.

I think the live band was from Thailand. They played rock song (none of them in English), and during breaks a DJ would mix famous EDM anthems. This is a video I took:
Some people were going really wild and it was quite messy. When I went to the toilet, a guy was throwing up. Outside, a group of guys were dancing in their underwear.

I didn't see so many stunning, well-dressed girls but there are a few (beware as some are ladyboy and/or prostitutes).

Free entrance. Dress code not enforced.

Opening Hours:
Every day until 3AM (2AM on weekdays)

Goldstar Nightclub
Ban Nakham, Sikhottabong, Vientiane, Laos
Phone number: 021-254232-3

Email: goldstar-daokhamhotel@hotmail.com

Exact location on Google Map: Click Here.
Dao Kham Hotel complex from outside
Merci Karaoke
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Phoenix Nightclub (Vientiane - Laos)

February 5, 2017, 9:31 pm
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Phoenix nightclub is located on Thadeua Rd, about 3 kilometers from the tourist center in Vientiane (just a few hundred meters after Paris Cocktail). It's easy to spot from the street as it is inside a white, flashy building.

Phoenix is officially targeting an upper class crowd, the "hi-so" (high society) of Laos: It has a modern design, it features guest bands and DJs from Thailand, and they have a strict dress code.

In reality, it is not that stylish. It is quite dark, with mostly young people wearing t-shirts, and the music is boring EDM. Even on a Saturday night at 1AM it was 2/3rd empty.

Prices are standard: 25,000 kip for a beer. You can also buy a Sangria bottle for 70,000 kip. Free entrance.

There are a few pretty girls inside and no foreigners so you may have some opportunities.

Overall: Phoenix is quite far and not really worth it in my opinion compared to Gold Star or Marina. You can check their Facebook page below in case they have any special events though (live music).

This is how the club looks like:
Opening Hours:
Every day until 2AM (3H30AM on Saturday apparently but I may have misunderstood what the security guard said)

Phoenix Nightclub
Thadeua Road, Km 3, Vientiane, Laos
Phone number: 020 227 37771 or 020 55505584
Exact location of Phoenix on Google Map: Click Here.
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Dihao Nightclub and KTV (Ti Hao Hotel) - Vientiane

February 5, 2017, 10:22 pm
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I'm not sure about the exact name of this place. Outside there was a sign saying Dihao Nightclub and KTV, but on google I also saw it spelled Ti Hao, Di Hao or Tihao. Some photos also show a sign with the name Lollipop but for now it has been either removed or turned off. My final conclusion is that the club name is Dihao, that it used to be called Lollipop, and that it is within the Ti Hao Hotel.

Anyway, if you want to go there, it is exactly here on Google Maps. It is about 3 kilometers from the tourist center on Asean Road (Vientiane).

The KTV is quite luxurious and caters to Chinese/Thai customers. It is most likely a hidden brothel and I guess you can use the rooms of the hotel for short time activities. No idea about the price.

The nightclub was a bit weird. There was only 5 or 6 girls (lady companions I presume) and no real customers. A black guy married to a French-Lao girl introduced himself as one of the club's owner. We tried to have a conversation but the sound level was so high that we gave up after a few minutes. I wanted to get out at this point but since he was friendly I took a beer (Rp15,000 for a Lao).

The club looks pretty in the dark, but when you look closer, you will see that they glued newspaper pages on the walls. That's really kitsch.

Overall: Small nightclub with loud EDM songs. Very few customers. The only reason to visit is to go to the KTV and get some girls with you.

Opening Hours:
Every day from 10PM to 3AM

Dihao Nightclub (Ti Hao Hotel) - Lollipop
Asean Road, Vientiane
Phone number: 021 262 799
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Guide to Choosing Your Hotel in Jakarta

January 26, 2017, 6:20 am
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I am asked daily by readers for tips about choosing a hotel in Jakarta. This little guide should answer all the questions I've ever received such as:

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

Important: I included a direct link to Agoda to help you book your hotel. I make a small commission on every booking so if you like this review and value the hours I spent writing it, I would be really grateful if you used one of these links. If you don't like Agoda, you can also use my links to HotelsCombined.com (hotel comparator) or  Booking.com. The price is the same for you!
16 Cheap Girl-Friendly Hotels in Jakarta

If you have other questions, please write them in the comment section below and I'll do my best to answer it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read my guide: Bachelor Party in Jakarta

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

Where can I find a cheap guesthouse under 10$ per night? Is there a backpacker area in Jakarta?
As you will read in any guidebooks about Jakarta, the backpacker district is located in Jalan Jaksa. It is nothing compared to other popular traveler hubs in Southeast Asia like Khao San Road in Bangkok or Bui Vien in Saigon. You will only find a handful of guesthouses, usually not well-maintained and not very clean. Nearby, Jalan Wahid Hasyim has more choice but the prices are higher (at least 30$).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which 5-star hotel should I choose? Which one is the closest from nightlife?
5-star hotels in Jakarta are almost all located within the Golden Triangle (Sudirman - Rasuna Said - Gatot Subroto). For this reason, all are rather close from any happening places.

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

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

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

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

Can I bring girls to my hotel in Jakarta? Which hotel is guest-friendly or girl-friendly in Jakarta?
People are always wondering if they are allowed to bring a girl to their room in Jakarta. The answer is: 90% of Jakarta hotels are girl-friendly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can I actually sleep in Alexis Hotel, Malioboro Hotel, Classic Hotel, etc?
Brothels in Jakarta often have a hotel license because it gives them more flexibility with the law. In particular, it allows them to open during ramadan.

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

Update August 2016: You can now book a night in Classic Hotel on Agoda.

Is there a spa or massage parlour near my hotel?
I wrote a long review that I update regularly about the location of all spas in Jakarta. Please read it: Where are the massage parlours in Jakarta?

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

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

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

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

- Grand Hyatt and Keraton at the Plaza, in Plaza Indonesia
- Fairmont in Plaza Senayan
- Sheraton in Gandaria City
- Raffles Hotel in Lotte Shopping Avenue - Ciputra World

You also have the following:

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

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

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

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

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9 Best Things to Do at Night in Jakarta

February 4, 2017, 7:04 am
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I recently wrote about the best things to do in Jakarta. In the following review, I will be more specific and focus about night-time activities.

A cliché used to describe Jakarta is that of "a city that never sleeps". While this could apply to any major capitals in the world, I think it is particularly accurate here. There is always some kind of life in Jakarta, whatever the time and whatever the location.

It is quite logical considering the city has one of the highest population densities in the world. Another reason is that there are a lot of Indonesians working long shifts or night shifts, especially small business owners and independent workers. As long as money can be made, they won't close shop or go home. This is why you can always get food, cigarettes or a taxi rides at anytime of the night.

For the traveler, the advantage of this situation is that there are a lot of things to do at night. Even better, if you go out after 9pm, you'll also enjoy less traffic, cooler temperatures and less pollution. 

The following list will give you some ideas on how to spend time after sun sets in Jakarta. If you feel I forgot something, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below the article.

Street Food
Photo: Jonathan Perugia
Night-time is the best moment to go around and try some delicious Indonesian street food. Many of the small stalls on the sidewalk are actually only allowed to operate in the evening (to avoid disturbing pedestrians during the day).

My personal favorite location for street food in Jakarta is Jalan Mangga Besar, a red-light area busy with a eclectic mix of people. It's a great place to try some authentic Chinese food or some more unusual specialties like cobra and monkey.

If this is too far or too weird for you, Jalan Sabang and Jalan Wahid Hasyim in Central Jakarta are a good alternative. You'll also find many 24/7 restaurants in the area.

Rooftop Drinks
Photo: Sandrine VB
Jakarta is the 9th city with the most skyscrapers in the world and it is at night that the view is the most spectacular. The darkness hides all the city's flaws: The potholes, the dirt, the dust and the rust disappear, replaced by millions of colorful lights.

The best rooftops to enjoy the view of the skyline are Cloud or Skye. I give more recommendations in my review Top 10 Rooftop Bars in Jakarta as well. I also enjoy watching the city from the Burgundy Bar in Grand Hyatt even though it is not a rooftop.

Live Music, Theater and Concerts
Photo: Aura Kasih and Atika Dora
There are several great venues for listening to live music in Jakarta. Two of the most famous are B.A.T.S in Shangri-La and CJ's in Mulia. Both have a Western band playing Top 40 and pop/rock hits. They may not suit everyone's taste though as they attract a lot of working girls. Paulaner Brauhaus in Kempinski, Hard Rock Cafe in Pacific Place or Eastern Promise in Kemang are three more family-friendly options. I also like to visit the speakeasy Prohibition in Senayan Arcadia (make sure to check their secret live jazz room).

For cheaper drinks and a younger atmosphere, you can try any branches of Beer Garden.

In Menteng, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) is an art complex popular with Indonesians. There are daily cultural performances (concerts, theater, movies, etc).

Clubbing and Karaoke
Normal clubs (meaning those that don't have a majority of prostitutes) are normally busy on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. You can read about my favorites here: Best Nightclubs in Jakarta.

The other days of the week, only the more naughty places are crowded. Apart from BATS and CJs mentioned above, you can try the famous one-stop entertainment centers like Malioboro, Alexis, King Cross, Emporium or Golden Crown. The bar Club 36 is also always very lively. North Jakarta is also where several 24h karaokes can be found.

Cinemas
Jakarta has excellent and modern cinemas that cost about half what you would pay in Europe. The CGV-Blitz chain has movies until 10pm during the week and until midnight on weekends.


Massage and Spas
Some massage parlors and spas close rather late in Jakarta (and I'm not talking about the naughty ones), especially those located in 5-star hotels: Bimasena (Dharmawangsa Hotel) and Willow Stream (Fairmont) close at 11pm, the spa at the Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan is open until 12am.


Shopping
Photo: Pasar Bary by Art535
All the high-end shopping malls close at 10pm in Jakarta but there are some more traditional markets (pasar) that stay open 24 hours, for instance the fish market of Angke Muara and the flower markets of Cikini and Rawa Belong. Closer from the city center, you also have Pasar Senen and Pasar Mampang Prapatan.

Exercise
Photo: Jeremy Tobing
Running/cycling at night or very early in the morning is very common among fitness enthusiasts in Jakarta. It is a way to avoid the heat, the traffic and the pollution. Popular running spots include the Monas, the Senayan Stadium and Ragunan Zoo.

A good way to meet Indonesians is to join a running club. Indorunners run every Thursday starting 7.30pm from FX Mall in Senayan. On the same day, you can also join the Nike Run Club.

Amazingly, there are also some 24h gyms in Jakarta such as Rai Fitness in Senopati, Clark Hatch in Sari Pan Pacific Hotel (which I heard is a gay hangout) and Club Olympus in Grand Hyatt.

Night Tourism
Photo: Bunderan HI by Inguna
Many tourist sights in Jakarta can still be visited at night. Taman Fatahillah, the Monas, Ancol or the Kota Intan Bridge remain crowded until very late. They attract middle class Indonesians, especially tourists, and all kind of street vendors. During Ramadhan, you can also visit the Istiqlal mosque all-night long.

Young Indonesians also like to hangout in some public areas like the Taman Suropati and Taman Menteng parks or around the Bunderan HI fountain.
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Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance for Indonesia

February 5, 2017, 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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Online Dating Sites & Apps In Indonesia (2017)

February 7, 2017, 1:27 am
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I once wrote a review about dating Indonesian girls and where to meet them. You can still read it here: Where to meet Indonesian girls? Most of the information on the review is still valid, but it certainly needs an update on the world of online dating through websites or social apps such as Badoo, Indonesian Cupid, Tinder, WeChat, Skout, Beetalk, etc.

If you are looking for a great girl in Jakarta, online dating is by far your best chance. 90% of the girls there are looking for a stable relationship. Another 9% is looking for money. And maybe less than 1 percent is looking for a one night stand (not the hottest girls usually). The fact that they are looking for a stable relationship does not mean they want to get married straight away. It means they want to feel a long term relationship is possible. For this reason, it may be more difficult for you to find a date if you are not staying in Indonesia and if you do not speak Indonesian.

Depending on which website or which app you use, you can pretty much chat with any type of women you could think of: Students, employees, executives, single mom, etc from any ethnicity or religion. There is such a diversity that it would be hard to generalize. To give you a better understanding, I will describe the specificities of each dating app or website below:

Tinder(Mobile app only)
When Tinder started in Indonesia, most of its users where either foreign or Western educated girls. Its base has now expanded, but it is still the most trendy app to use. For this reason, this is where you will meet the most girls who can speak English and who have well-paid jobs. This is also where the most girls are interested to meet foreigners.

Pros:
➝ Almost entirely free
➝ Easy to get several matches every day
➝ Thousands of Indonesian girls are using it, including many educated ones
➝ Not too many spam accounts or prostitutes or ladyboys

Cons:
➝ I find it difficult to manage once you have more than 100 matches
➝ You cannot see which girls are online
➝ You cannot chat with a girl if you haven't matched with her already
➝ You cannot like more than 50 girls per day (or you must pay)
➝ You must connect using your Facebook information and pics (your friends on Facebook who are using Tinder will know that you are also a user)
➝ You can only see girls around you (unless you pay). If you stay abroad, this means you cannot chat with any girl in Jakarta before you arrive.
➝ Generally speaking, girls on Tinder love to swipe but they aren't very good at sending or replying to messages

IndonesianCupid.com (website)

Indonesia Cupid is more traditional dating website which is part of a wider network: FilipinoCupid, Muslima (for dating Muslim girls), Thai Cupid, Vietnam Cupid, etc. It is an excellent site for those who are not in Indonesia but who are interested to chat with local girls.

Many Indonesian girls on IndonesianCupid are looking to meet foreigners and they won't turn you down if you say you are far away. The demographic of IndonesianCupid is more middle class compared with Tinder. Typically, you'll chat with employees, teachers, nurses, etc.

Since it is a website and not a mobile phone app, I find it much easier to write messages or browse profiles compared to Tinder. Even if you use it for a month or two, it is still easy to see which girls are online among those you've chatted with before.

You can register here: Sign-Up to Indonesian Cupid for Free. I recommend you to update to the premium version though (only 25$ per month) as it will allow you to send an unlimited number of messages. It will also give you the edge compared with the other guys in terms of visibility.

Pros:
➝ Between 500-1000 Indonesian girls online at any time, but thousands more who were active in the past week or month (you have filters to do that).
➝ Possibility to look for girls in other countries (Thailand, Philippines, etc)
➝ Good website interface, easy to use and fast.
➝ Fast chatting application
➝ Mostly serious girls who are interested in relationships
➝ Detailed profiles

Cons:
➝ The free version is too restricted (not a problem if you can afford 25$)
➝ No mobile app
➝ Many girls have limited English proficiency (especially outside Jakarta)

Badoo (Mobile app and website)
Badoo used to be the best dating website in Indonesia but it is clearly not as popular as it used to be. It still has a large number of users though: I checked on 15 December 2016 at 7pm and there were 522 women online in Jakarta (vs 537 on Indonesian Cupid). They also have a mobile app (called "Hot or Not"). 

Badoo attracts 99,9% of Indonesian girls, from all background. You can filter girls by age, location, status, body type, etc. More than half the girls can speak English and many are interested to meet foreigners. Online prostitution on Badoo is unfortunately a problem. Many "girls" on Badoo are in fact pimp looking for clients.

Pros:
➝ Lots of girls online
➝ Fun, colorful website interface with large photos (but also more slow to load)
➝ Both a website and an app with geo-localization
➝ You can send messages to 5 girls per day for free and you "like" as many as you want
➝ Cheaper than other websites

Cons:
➝ Privacy concern (they sent advertising emails to all my contact on my behalf saying I was inviting them to join Badoo)
➝ Many prostitutes
➝ Because it is cheaper, there are more guys on Badoo. This means it is harder to get girls' attention and your messages may be ignored. You can get seen/read before other guys but you need to pay extra money (even if you are already a premium user).

Instagram
Yes, Instagram can be considered a dating website in Indonesia. I know some guys who've met dozens of girls using it.

Of course, you need to create an Instagram account and to upload interesting pictures regularly. If you are an expat who visits nice restaurants and hotels, it shouldn't be too hard to add at least a great photo every two days.

You can then follow some Instagram accounts of girls you like and write comments on their pictures.

Pros:
➝ Free
➝ There are more girls on Instagram than on any other dating websites (especially in Indonesia)
➝ You can search for girls who have special interests using the location or tags (for instance, if you want to find a girl who went to the Djakarta Warehouse Festival, you can search the tag "DWP 2016").
➝ It is easy to find a topic to start a conversation (just comment a photo)

Cons:
➝ You need to create and maintain an interesting Instagram account
➝ Many girls are not single or not actively looking for a boyfriend
➝ Time consuming

WeChat (Mobile app only)
WeChat has a "look around" feature which allows you to add girls located within a few kilometers from you. If they accept your invitation, you can start chatting with them.

Many ladyboys and prostitutes use that feature so it can be quite annoying if this is not what you are looking for. You will also probably receive a lot of invitations from other guys. Girls using this feature do not always speak English very well. It is popular with the Chinese community but your chances of getting a reply is low unless you speak Chinese.

Pros:
➝ Free
➝ Location based

Cons:
➝ I don't think you can meet a normal girl using it.

Beetalk(Mobile app only)
Beetalk users are mostly Indonesian and young. It has a "look around" feature as well which is quite invasive as it tells you the exact position of the people around you. If you use it in popular malls like Grand Indonesia or Central Park, it will probably tell you a list of person within a very close range, sometimes a few meters only.

Few girls using Beetalk speak good English so it is more appropriate for those with a basic knowledge of Indonesian. It is a good app but not the most effective for foreigners.

Pros:
➝ Free
➝ Location based
➝ No competition from other Westerners

Cons:
➝ Very few girls who can speak English


➝ Not many replies from girls

Skout (Mobile app and dating site)
Skout is similar to Badoo but it does not have as many girls online. The ads are quite annoying so I didn't like using it. 

Tagged / Hi5 (Mobile app and website)
Tagged and Hi5 are the same service since they merged in 2011. It used to be one of the most popular social networks in Indonesia but it is struggling now. It is still a relatively interesting website to try as the number of Indonesian users is quite large. I would say that girls on Tagged are usually a bit older: They made their Hi5 account 10 years ago and they haven't closed it yet.

Adult Friend Finder
This is a paying hook-up website popular with swingers and those looking for one-night stands. I never used it but a friend of mine did and he met several open-minded couples. He also managed to meet a few single girls but it is more rare.

Note that the website is currently blocked by the government so you'll need to download a VPN to access it. I've written an article here Best VPN in Indonesia to help you with it.

Pros:
➝ If you are not looking for dating but for sex, this is the best website to use
➝ Number 1 hooking website in the World

Cons:
➝ 90% guys and 10% girls so you need to make a really neat profile to succeed. Being handsome would help.
➝ You won't get very far with the Free Version so you'll need to buy a premium membership


➝ Block in Indonesia: You must use a VPN to access it freely.

Conclusion
All these dating apps and websites are free but you have to pay if you want to get some VIP features. For instance, becoming a paid member will generally entitle you to send more messages, to see who clicked on your profile or to be seen first by girls.

There are probably some scammers too so you should naturally always make sure the person you are talking to is real. I would recommend asking for the girl's facebook or skype.

There are other services that I haven't tried but they might work well. If you have used one of the following to find a date in Jakarta, it would be nice if you could write a comment about it below:

OK Cupid: Popular dating website (same group with Match.com and Tinder) but I don't think it is available in Indonesia at this moment.

Zoosk: One of the most popular dating apps in the world but I read some negative reviews about their privacy policy so I did not want to try it.

Ask.fm: Very popular social media in Indonesia, mostly with the younger crowd. It is not a real dating website but it is used as such by many Indonesians to make friends or get a date.

Wavoo is an Indonesian dating app which just started. It does not have a very large database of users at the moment.

Setipe is an Indonesian dating website which could be promising but it is still new and I encountered some problems to register.

Photo Credit: The photos are from Kucluk Oye.
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