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Troy 518 Pool and Lounge (Kelapa Gading)

April 30, 2017, 6:23 am
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Troy 518 is a bar, nightclub and billiard lounge located in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. It is on the first floor of an office building, Harton Tower, next to McDonald's. Opened in mid-2016, I only heard of it recently and I visited it yesterday (Saturday, April 29th) at 2 AM. 

It is a bit far from Jakarta's main nightlife district (SCBD), but at night, with no traffic, you can reach it in only 15-20 minutes.

It is shaped like an L with the pool lounge in one corner, the seating area in the other one, and the dancefloor/bar in the middle. At full capacity, you can probably fit at least 400 people inside.

Nothing too fancy in the design. The floor is raw concrete and the walls only feature alcohol brands merchandising. Their 4 pool tables are brand-new and it cost IDR60,000/hour to use them.

It was almost empty on that night. In total, there were less than 40 guests, all Indonesians, including around 10 girls. My impression was that some of them were hostesses working in Troy 518, maybe as pool companions.

The DJ was playing Stadium-style music (a particular kind of trance/house/techno from the now-closed Stadium nightclub). I enjoyed it even though it was a bit too loud. It seemed to have caused the waiters to go deaf because it took them 5 minutes to understand that I wanted a draught beer.

Prices are quite reasonable: IDR45,000 for draught Bintang. IDR90,000 for a cocktail.

Overall: Troy 518 is an alternative to places like Afterhours. You can play pool while partying and drinking at the same time.

Depending on their events, they may be really full from time to time. You can check their social media accounts below for more information about that.

Opening Hours:
From Tuesday to Sunday from 4 PM until 3 AM. If there is an event, it might close until 5-6 AM.

DJ every day. Live band on Wednesday and Friday.

Troy 518 Pool and Lounge
Jalan Boulevard Artha Gading 
Harton Tower 1st Floor
Blok D No.3, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta

Phone number: +62 (0) 21 245 214 37 or 08 12 81 71 10 000

Facebook: Troy 518
Instagram: Troy 518
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Savoi Ultra Lounge (Senopati)

April 30, 2017, 10:47 pm
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Savoi Lounge is a new boutique nightclub in Senopati, just in front of Monty's, in the building where Ms Choo used to be located. It is owned by the same people behind Empirica in SCBD (Enzo Group).

I visited it on Saturday 29th April 2017 at 1 AM.

It occupies 3 floors:
- The first one is a private room that I wasn't able to see.

- The second one is the largest. It has a DJ booth, a stage, a bar, and small tables filling as much space as possible. There is no dance floor and most people are sitting down with a group of friends. It is so packed that you can easily socialize and network with those around you. That's the whole point with a place like this.

- The third one is a mezzanine from where you can look at the main stage. It is a bit more quiet and relaxed, and the bar is larger. 

The music is commercial EDM, Hip Hop and Top 40 at a bearable sound level. They also have live music on most days (see their Instagram).

As in Empirica, Savoi has a very specific clientele of young and rich Indo-Chinese who belong to the same friend circles. As a foreigner, you might feel out-of-place, especially if you don't book a table or if you go there alone. Some girls are spectacular, but they are the kind that rarely dates bules.

I had a few cocktails that tasted nice and that were not too expensive (IDR95,000++). They have a free flow cocktail every Thursday and a free flow wine every Wednesday (from 8 PM to 11 PM for IDR250,000++). After hour is from 4PM to 9PM every week day and you'll get 25% off on wine and spirit bottles.

Overall: Savoi is a fine place to party, but I would only recommend it if you belong to their demographic.

Opening Hours:
From Monday to Saturday from 3 PM to 1 AM (2AM on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). Closed on Sunday.

Savoi Ultra Lounge
Jalan Senopati Raya No 65, Kebayoran Baru 
South Jakarta
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 5296 4960

Website: Savoi Jakarta
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Camden Bar (Cikini and Gandaria)

May 1, 2017, 4:44 am
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I had been to Camden bar in Bandung, but never to their two branches in Jakarta. I corrected this mistake last weekend by visiting both Camden Gandaria and Camden Cikini in one evening.

Both bars are very popular, almost any day of the week with a clientele of Indonesians in their early 20s. Cikini's crowd is more upper-class (including a few foreigners - backpackers and interns) while in Gandaria you have mostly young students. Typically, they will buy a beer tower (IDR250,000) and share it at a table with some snacks.

Both also have a similar setup and design (though Camden Cikini is bigger): Located within a house, they feature an inside area with air con and an outdoor beer garden. There isn't much decoration apart from alcohol merchandising. The atmosphere is quite dark and it is so packed you can normally meet people easily.

The music is Top 40 from the past 10 years. They have a live music schedule as well that you can check on their Instagram page. 

Prices in Camden are cheap, that's actually the main reason it is so crowded. A draught beer costs around IDR40,000, a cocktail IDR80,000, a shot IDR30,000 and a spirit bottle IDR800,000. You can get additional discounts and promos on weekdays in case that's still too expensive.

Overall: Camden bars are among the most happening in Jakarta. I recommend them as a cheaper alternative to Beer Garden's properties if you need a simple place to hang out and drink beer.

Important: You need to present an ID to get in Camden Cikini.

Opening Hours:
Every day until 3 AM or 4 AM.

Address:
Camden Gandaria, Jalan Gandaria 1 No 336
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 7229737

Camden Cikini, Jalan Cikini 2 No 1
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 3101283 

Instagram: @camdenjkt
Facebook: Camden
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Léon Restaurant and Goldstein Bar (Jakarta)

May 1, 2017, 6:22 am
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Léon Restaurant and its speakeasy bar Goldstein are both located in the same building on Jalan Wijaya in South Jakarta (previously occupied by Nine Muses). As of 2017, they are among the trendiest nightlife venues in the capital, attracting the local elite, celebrities, models, etc. One advice if you go: Dress well and be prepared to be surrounded by hoards of beautiful people.

One reason it is so popular is because this is where the Anies-Sandiaga team celebrated their victory over Ahok-Djarot in the 2017 Gubernatorial Election. They threw a free-flow alcohol party that was mocked on social media, considering Anies had won the race by playing the devout Muslim card.

While some of my expat friends told me that Léon was not foreigner-friendly, we didn't get any problem getting a table for 3 bules. The private and hidden Goldstein Bar was more difficult to access, though, but it isn't surprising as it is supposed to be for members only.

We didn't try the food, which does not seem to be their strong point. Their menu is quite small and not really original (the usual mix of popular International dishes). It isn't too expensive (IDR150,000 for a main course), unless you choose a grilled steak (from IDR400,000 to IDR1,200,000).

Prices for drinks are quite high. You can't get a bottle for less than IDR1,500,000 and cocktails cost at least IDR150,000.

Overall: The design of Léon is great, and I enjoyed watching all the pretty girls around me. That said, it is quite superficial and pretentious. It is all about how much you spend, who you are with, and what you are wearing. I don't mind occasionally but not on a frequent basis.

Opening Hours:
Every day from 11 AM to 1 AM (2 AM on weekends)

León Restaurant and Goldstein Bar
Jalan Wijaya I No. 25
South Jakarta

Email: rsvp@leonjakarta.com 0217221188
Instagram: Léon Jakarta

Note: Léon is owned by the group behind Parc19 in Kemang.
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Hue Nightlife - 18 Best Bars and Nightclubs (Vietnam)

May 2, 2017, 11:08 pm
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I was in Hue for just 2 days on a stopover between Hanoi and Hoi An. I thought it was a pleasant town, with a fun nightlife, a laid-back vibe, some world-class attractions and excellent food.

If I had known beforehand, I would have skipped Hoi An, probably the most overrated destination in Vietnam, and I would have stayed in Hue for a few extra days.

This review is a summary of what I learned about partying in Hue.

Nightlife Areas
Yes, this happened in Hue! (Phuong Nightclub)
Two nights were more than enough to visit all the major bars and nightclubs in the city. Almost all of them are concentrated in a small area between Doi Cung street and Chu Van An street, which also happens to be where most of the hotels are.

Within that perimeter, Pham Ngu Lao is the most happening nightlife street. It is crowded every night until 2 AM with a mix of backpackers, tourists and young Vietnamese.

Not too far from there, a few swanky nightclubs are scattered around and easy to reach by foot. They target almost exclusively Vietnamese, who often come in groups of males.

Hotels Near The Nightlife
Hue is one of the cheapest cities I've ever visited in my entire life. Prices for a double room start à 8$ in guest houses, and for 30$ you can get an excellent 3-star hotel.

To be close from both the nightlife and the Imperial City, I recommend you to stay near from Doi Cung street. The best ones are the following:

For Backpacker: Why Not Hostel (It is also a bar, see my review below). Rated 9,4 on Booking.com, they have dormitory rooms and single/double/triple rooms. Hotel guests get a 10% disount on food and drinks + 1 free beer every night.
10$/night: Minh Tam Guest House (rated 9.3 on Agoda)
20$/night: Hong Thien Ruby Hotel (rated 9.4 on Agoda)
30$/night: Moonlight Hotel (rated 8.9 on Agoda)
40$/night: Asia Hotel (rated 8.6 on Agoda)

Top 18 Bars and Clubs in Hue
You can visit almost all these bars and clubs by walking on foot - 80% of them are in Pham Ngu Lao street! Start early because most venues close at midnight.

Brown Eyes
Brown Eyes is the busiest bar/club in Hue. It is cramped and dark, with a pool table and a bar on the side. It is packed from 9 PM until 3 or 4 AM with mostly drunk backpackers and a small number of freelance prostitutes. Prices are cheap (VND30,000 for a beer, VND80,000 for a cocktail, VND30,000 for a shot). Great for meeting people, especially in their small outdoor terrace. Music is Top 40 songs from 1980 until now.

Facebook: Brown Eyes Hue

DMZ
DMZ is a 3-storey building with a bar on the ground floor, a restaurant on the 2nd floor, and a sky garden on the 3rd. It is one of the most happening bars in Pham Ngu Lao street, thanks to its strategic corner location and its cheap prices (VND20,000 for a beer, VND60,000 for a cocktail). Mostly Western customers with a few Vietnamese girls as well (maybe prostitutes). Pool tables and a karaoke room available. Good for watching sports.

Facebook: DMZ Bar

Why Not Bar
Also a hostel (great location for party-goers: check the reviews here), this is a small pub with a far-west theme (wooden interior, staff with cowboy hats, red bricks, etc). It feels ancient but it is actually only a year old. A diverse crowd of mostly tourists and backpackers. Good food (burgers, steaks). Happy hour on Mojitos from 5 PM to 10.30 PM (buy 2 get 1).

Facebook: Why Not Bar

Pro Phuong Nam Club
Hue has some very modern nightclubs, similar to those you can find in Hanoi or Saigon. Phuong is one of the best and biggest. It is built like a theater with 2 floors and a stage featuring hot sexy dancers. The music is either live Vietnamese pop or loud Vina House. Very friendly waiters. Few foreign customers. It closes at 2 AM.

Dress code: No shorts, no sandals, no singlets.

Facebook: Phuong Club Hue

New DTV
This crowded nightclub seems to be the favorite of young, under-18 local Vietnamese. Very loud Vietnamese techno and hot girls dancing with bikinis. In front of Huong Giang Hotel. Dress sharp.

Facebook: New DTV Club Hue

Asta Nightclub
A Vietnamese-style nightclub, similar to Phuong. Quite expensive (VND75,000 for a beer, VND120,000 for a glass of Whisky). Many chic Vietnamese ladies inside. Loud Vina House music or live bands, depending on the day. Sexy dancers. Closes at 2 AM.

Facebook: Asta Hue

Gecko
One of Pham Ngu Lao's trendiest bars. It is generally full, mostly with young Vietnamese. Nice balcony on the second floor. Average food, more expensive than average. Patience is needed to get served.

Facebook: Gecko

Taboo
Small friendly pub with nice music and a quirky atmosphere. Popular with both tourists and Vietnamese. Beer costs VND20,000 and cocktails VND60,000.

Facebook: Taboo

Vuvuzalo Beer Club
A copycat from the Vuvuzela chain, Vuvuzalo is a beer club with an outdoor garden and a closed, air-con indoor area. The latter is loud and full of young Vietnamese (not very different from a regular nightclub).

Facebook: Vuvuzalo Beer Club

054 Café
A "hipster" dive bar with a friendly owner. Hip-hop/jazzy music at a low level. Mostly Vietnamese clients.

Facebook: 054 Café

Allez Boo
This laid-back café belongs to the same owner as Allez Boo Saigon. Friendly and cute waitresses will invite you for a free beer there around 8PM.

Facebook: Allez Boo Hue

Tipsy
Similar to Gecko but less crowded. Narrow bar and restaurant on two floors with a pool table. Good value western food (pizza, sandwiches) available. Buy 1 get 1 free on Mojitos.

Facebook: Tipsy Pub and Restaurant

Victory Bar
Surprising underground nightclub in the middle of Pham Ngu Lao street. Maybe one of the loudest sound system on earth (bring earplugs). The DJs mix Vina House. A bit dark. Close at 2 AM.

Customers are 100% young Vietnamese, including a lot of guys (maybe gay?). I read online that some foreigners were denied entry but I had no trouble at all getting in. Maybe it helps if you wear a shirt and pants.

Facebook: Victory Bar

Century Beer Garden and Bar
This is an old-style, open-air Vietnamese beer club with loud techno music, giant screens (displaying sports) and sexy waitresses. Food is served but I would not recommend it because of the noise. It is next to the backpacker area so there seem to be always a few lost foreigners. Part of the Century Hotel Riverside.

Facebook: Century Beer Garden and Bar

Paradise bar restaurant.
Certainly not the most sophisticated bar in Hue, but perfect for chilling with a shisha and a beer. Pool table. It is in the open-air but there is an air-con room in the back. Average western food for less than VND90,000 per main course. Close at 12 AM.

Facebook: Paradise Hue

Le's Garden Bar
Not very crowded but relaxing and friendly. The crowd is mostly made of Vietnamese customers and older tourists who are only eating and having a quiet drink. Pool table and games available.

Facebook: Le's Garden Bar

The Hub Beer Garden
A restaurant/beer garden with pumping Vina House music and cheap beer. A bit old-fashioned. They sometimes have live singers as well.

Facebook: The Hub Hue

Xuan Trang Café
This local restaurant is also a bar that serves very cheap beer (VND10,000 for a local one). Two floors. Young, relaxed crowd sitting on tiny stools. Vietnamese and Western food (price between VND30,000 and VND90,000).

Address: 42 Chu Van An

Meeting Vietnamese Girls in Hue
As elsewhere in Vietnam, it is relatively easy to chat to girls online in Hue and to ask them out on a date. In general, very little happen next except an invitation for a second date, and then a third, a fourth and a fifth.

You can read my article Best Online Dating Apps and Sites in Asia and Best Countries to Meet Asian Women for more information about dating Vietnamese girls.

Red Light (Massage Parlors, Spas, Karaokes)
The red light district of Hue is located around Ngự Bình street, a 15-minute ride from the city center. I haven't been there but based on information available online (in Vietnamese), there are several karaokes and massage parlors plus plus along this street, usually located within (short-time) hotels.

The Hoang Tu Hotel is one of them. It is openly girl-friendly and they are not hiding the fact that they target unwed couples searching for privacy (discreet check-in and parking). They also have a spa. The only problem is that you cannot book it directly online. Another place is called RP Massage Ngự Bình.

If you have visited one of these (or another venue), please leave a comment below.
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Gili Trawangan Nightlife - Best Bars and Nightclubs (Lombok)

May 9, 2017, 7:56 am
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I wrote this summary of Gili Trawangan nightlife (Lombok) after spending 3 nights there in May 2017.

I had not visited the island in almost 10 years, and yet it didn't change much. It is just a bit more crowded, more expensive and dirtier. 

Most visitors are young Westerners between 20 and 30 years old. Among them, many are couples on their honeymoon or backpackers on a 6-month Southeast Asia tour. The latter aren't as numerous as in Bali or Thailand, probably because of the prices (overall you'll spend twice as much in the Gili's). They tend to stay for a short period of time only, on their way to other parts of Indonesia. The ones who stay longer usually work in diving centers and form the only real expat community on the island.

Meeting girls on Gili Trawangan
I was surprised by the number of single Western girls on Gili Trawangan. If I had to give a figure, I would say that the ratio Girls-to-Guys is around 60-to-40. You will actually see more couples Western Girls-Indo Guys than Western Guys-Indo Girl.

Naturally, there aren't any difficulties to meet them. Ideally, try to chat a few girls during the day (on the boat, at your hotel, on the beach, etc), and then ask them out for partying in the evening. I found this method to be the most effective as it allows you to establish trust faster.

If you are looking forward to meeting with Indonesian girls, you will be disappointed. The few I saw during my stay were all accompanying a guy. There were a few prostitutes too (I guess) in Rudy's Pub.

The online dating scene is poor. Only Tinder works well.

Hotels Near the Nightlife

The nightlife in Gili Trawangan is concentrated on the Southeastern coast of the island between the Pier and the Villa Ombak. Unless you want to stay in a secluded area (North of Gili T.), it is best to choose a hotel within 500 meters from the Pier. You'll be able to walk straight to your hotel as you arrive by boat, and you'll have a convenient access to bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and travel agents.

Generally speaking, the mid-range accommodations are located North of the Pier, the luxury ones in its South and the cheapest guesthouses 2 or 3 streets deep into the island.

These are recommended hotels walking distance from Gili Trawangan nightlife:
- Scallywag Resort (Rated 8.8 on Agoda): 110$ per night (it has its own bar and a nice private beach but you might hear the music from the clubs at night)
- Villa Almarik (Rated 8.2 on Agoda): 90$ per night (in front of a snorkeling spot)
- Natya Hotel (Rated 8.4 on Agoda): 70$ per night
- The Beach House (Rated 8.0 on Agoda): 40$ per night to 130$ per night for villas
- Corner Hideaway Bungalow (Rated 8.0 on Agoda): 20$ per night

For backpackers (dorms), the best ones are Gili Castle and Broken Compass. Both have a pool bar where you can meet other travelers easily.

Best Bars and Nightclubs in Gili Trawangan
All the main bars and clubs in Gili Trawangan are pretty much next to each other, on the 500-meter beachside road that runs from the Pier to the Villa Ombak.

Alcohol is cheap by Indonesian standards, but you can expect that a high percentage of the alcohol sold is fake. Personally, I avoided cocktails/spirits and stuck to beers. Also, marijuana and mushroom sellers are everywhere and it is normally safe to buy from them (you may want to read How Dangerous Is It to Buy Drugs in Indonesia).

These are the main nightlife venues in Gili Trawangan (Lombok):

Jiggy Bar and Club
Photo from Jiggy's Boat Party (check their facebook for more)
Jiggy is one of the cheapest places to party in the Gili's (and Lombok). From 8.30 PM to 11.30 PM, they have a crazy happy hour with small Bintang priced at IDR15,000 and shots at IDR10,000. You can also choose their all-you-can-drink option at IDR150,000 for 3 hours.

Other than that, it has a nice set-up, inside a traditional bamboo hut, with psychedelic posters and a busy bar on the side. Hip-hop/Old School music. There is a beer pong tournament every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Mushrooms are sold literally just in the corner of the bar.

Jiggy is also the organizer of a weekly boat party. You can buy your tickets online starting 19$ (girls): http://boatpartygili.com/

Facebook: Jiggy

Evolution Bar
A rather large bar on two floors with live music or DJs, beer pong and sushis. Not the most crowded venue unless they have a special event. Happy hour all day on selected cocktails (buy 1 at IDR85,000 and get 1 free). They also have chairs outside on the sands. Large screen with football.

Facebook: Evolution

Sama Sama Reggae Bar
Unlike its name would suggest, they don't play reggae every night. Instead, the music, live or from a DJ, is often Top 40 (old and current hits). It looks quite rundown, but it is popular nonetheless, especially with Western girls. A small Bintang costs IDR35,000 and a cocktail IDR55,000. There are bungalows in the back (Sama Sama Bungalows).

Facebook: Sama Sama

Ombak Bar
This bar/nightclub was busy later in the evening. They have both an indoor and an outdoor area with a small sound system directly installed on the beach. Music was the same as everywhere in the Gili's (Top 40, retro, old skool). Happy hours from 7 PM to 10 PM with cocktails at IDR40,000.

Facebook: Ombak Bar

New Rudy's Pub
Don't tell my mom I'm drinking fake alcohol?
One of the largest and oldest pubs in Gili Trawangan. They added "New" to their name because a 19-year old from Perth died from methanol poisoning in 2013, from a drink that was possibly sold there. It has an older crowd, including diners who come to watch the live band. At 11 PM, half of them will be on the dancefloor. They sell mushrooms.

Site of their hotel: New Rudy's

Lava Bar
A small bar with a diver and backpacker crowd (many guests from the Gili Beach Bum Hostel). Small Bintang IDR25,000 and spirit + mixer IDR40,000. Old school and hip hop music (DJ).

Tir Na Nog Irish Bar
A foreign-owned bar with a happening Wednesday night (but quiet the rest of the week). Excellent happy hours from 4 PM to 9 PM (Bintang for IDR23,000). Ladies night on Sundays (Half-price cocktails). Other than that, you have the usual live music, DJ events, quiz nights, pub food and sports on TV.

Facebook: Tir Na Nog

Sunset Spots on Gili Trawangan
I was not very lucky with sunsets as I had rain every late afternoon. One place that I can recommend though is the Exile (part of the Exile Hotel). It is a bit isolated but perfect for your girl's Instagram pics (a bit overhyped, you'll have to queue for a while to take your pic on a swing). Bongo beats in the background.

Facebook: The Exile
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Dronk Bar and Club (Kemang)

May 11, 2017, 10:18 pm
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Dronk Bar and Club is located on Jalan Kemang Raya 43A in the same spot where K43 used to be (and before that, Hangover, SF Club and Second Floor). It is managed by the same people behind Tipsy, which closed down recently.

The setting and the design of the club hasn't changed much so you can read my review of K43 for information about that. It is quite small, with a bar on one side, sofas on the other one, and a long table in the middle (this one is new). Customers face the DJ who is perched on a podium. A small stage allows for sexy dancers to perform occasionally.


Dronk is much more popular than K43 ever was because it gets the customers from Tipsy. Fridays and Saturdays are full and even some weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday).

The crowd is typical of Kemang: Very young (18 to 25), not particularly well-dressed, with only a handful of foreigners. Drink prices are low for Jakarta standards, but you have a IDR75,000 entrance fee on weekends.

The music is commercial EDM and top 40 remixes.

Overall: Worth a try if you are looking for a place to party in Kemang. 

K43 Pub and Club
Jalan Kemang Raya No.43A
Bangka, Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta

BB Pin: D72OC717
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50 Best Bars in Jakarta (2017)

May 14, 2017, 12:16 am
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The following article is an update on the most happening bars in Jakarta as of 2017. I visited them at least once this year and I'm ranking them starting with my favorites.

You can just click on the name of each bar to see my full review (if I have one).


Currently, my favorite bars in Jakarta are:

A recent addition to Jakarta nightlife, Basque is already one of the most happening venues in the city. It is very popular with young expatriates and Westernized Indonesians. There is also an increasing number of unattached ladies looking for foreigners. The restaurant serves Spanish Tapas.

Facebook: Basque

Opened in early 2017, Léon is a serious competitor to Basque, but it attracts mostly rich Indonesians (and a lot of sexy girls trying to get them). It actually consists of two venues: The main one, a huge room with a high ceiling, a long bar and a garden, is open to anyone (as long as you dress properly). The second one, smaller, is a member-only speakeasy.

Instagram: Léon

The most famous rooftop in Jakarta. The view is not as good as in Cloud but the atmosphere is less "business-y" and more relaxed. A must for tourists. Strict dress code in evenings: No shorts.

Facebook: SKYE

Another rooftop near SKYE in the Plaza Building (Plaza Indonesia). It is conveniently located in the heart of the city and it offers fantastic views of Jakarta by day or by night. Below Cloud, you'll find some chic but expensive restaurants (Gaia, Salt Grill, etc). It used to be my favorite bar but it has become a bit touristy and their prices have jumped 30% last year.

Facebook: Cloud

Lucy in the Sky started as a laid-back, unpretentious open-air café. Today it is a hip bar, rather expensive, attracting all the cool kids in the capital. Recommended if you are 20-25 years old hipster. Entrance fee of IDR150,000 on weekends.

Facebook: Lucy in The Sky

Walking distance from Basque, Loewy has lost some of its customers in the past year. It is still happening though, and a great place to eat casual French food and to hang out any day of the week. If you are alone in Jakarta, the bar area is an easy place to socialize (and also to meet girls). Most clients are expats.

Facebook: Loewy

Recently renovated, Safehouse is a small bar/club/restaurant catering to a small community of trendy expats and upper-class Indonesians. It used to focus on electronic music, but now they have more eclectic events (hip-hop, old skool, new wave, etc).

Facebook: Safehouse

J. Sparrows
J. Sparrows is a busy bar and grill in the basement of Noble House building (the same as Basque). Nice interior design (1930s Art Deco). I recommend it for a date.

Facebook: J. Sparrows

Pao Pao
Located in Senopati, Pao Pao is a narrow restaurant (serving dim-sun) and bar (mostly whiskeys and rums). 1930's Shanghai interior design with a dim red light atmosphere. It is usually quite full with Indonesian customers.

Facebook: Pao Pao

Monty's occupies a whole 3-floor building in Senopati. The third floor is a hidden speakeasy lounge with live music and an elite crowd of Indonesians. It's better to go there with a group of friends (with a reservation) and to order bottles. Very expensive.

Facebook: Monty's

Flow
Discreet but sleek lounge with large bay windows overlooking the Mega Kuningan roundabout. Popular with girls more than guys. Not too crowded but fine for chilling. DJs or live music from Wednesday to Saturday.

Facebook: Flow

Located in the vicinity of Lucy in the Sky, the Pallas and the nightclub Fable, Hide and Seek is not as busy as its neighbors but it has more interesting events and DJs (tech-house mostly). Young crowd.

Instagram: Hide and Seek

Just recently opened, Savoi is halfway between a nightclub and a bar. It is built on two floors, usually full of mostly rich Indonesian-Chinese guests. Tasty cocktails. Live music and DJs.


Popular hangout on Senopati. During the day, it is an American restaurant with a diverse crowd (including a lot of middle-aged jilbabers). At night, it is famous for hosting Rn'B and Hip Hop events (by that time, the jilbabers are replaced with young Indonesians).


Slowly becoming one of the oldest bars in Jakarta, EP is a hangout for the expat crowd in Kemang. Very large with several rooms (restaurant, sports bar, pool tables, beer garden with live music), it manages to be busy every night.

From the same group, you can also check their sister properties, all part of the Bugil's Group: Cazbar (Mega Kuningan), Double Doors (Puri Indah), De Hooi (Pondok Indah), De Burse (SCBD) and Frank's (Kemang).

Website: Bugils Group

BATS and CJs
Some people prefer BATS, some people prefer CJs. Both are quite similar if not identical: They are 5-star hotel bars with imported live bands and a crowd of husbands having fun away from home. Recommended for older visitors/businessmen who not too comfortable exploring the city. Both are very pricey.

Websites: BATS and CJs

Social House
The restaurant and bar Social House is not a really exceptional place, but it has such a strategic location within Grand Indonesia that I often end up there by convenience. Average food but a wide selection of drinks. It is normally crowded every day. Nice view on Bunderan Hotel Indonesia.

Facebook: Social House

Cork & Screw
There are 3 Cork & Screw in Jakarta, but the only one I've been to recently is the Pacific Place's branch. This wine lounge and restaurant is possibly the busiest nightlife spot in the whole mall, even more than Potato Head and Hard Rock Café. Most customers are Indonesian-Chinese in large groups. You can also buy wine bottles. It's better not to visit alone.

Facebook: Cork & Screw

Also a restaurant/café, Union is very popular with a diverse crowd, from office workers to socialites. Recommended for after-work drinks or for first-time dates (easy to find). It's better to make advance reservation as it is often full.

Facebook: Union

There are two Camden in Jakarta, one in Cikini and one in Gandaria. Both are very popular and busy almost any day of the week. They have an outside beer garden and an indoor area. Cheap prices, perfect for students or backpackers.

Instagram: Camden

Owned by the same people behind Union, The Dutch is a restaurant specializing in cold cuts and sausages. After 10 PM, the music gets louder and you start to see a crowd of drinkers at the bar. Live music on Friday.

Instagram: The Dutch

Paulaner Brauhaus
The famous chain of German restaurant is just above Social House in Grand Indonesia Mall. Live music every night and the famous Paulaner beer on tap.

Website: Paulaner Brauhaus

McGettigans
The newest expat bar in Jakarta, it is part of the famous International chain of Irish bars of the same name (they also have branches in Singapore, Dubai, New York, etc). Modern, with affordable food and drinks, perfect for watching sports.

Facebook: McGettigans

Prohibition
The original 1930s' speakeasy bar in Jakarta. It has a secret entrance leading to an intimate bar with live jazz every night. Great atmosphere.

Instagram: Prohibition Jakarta

Bluegrass
Popular with expats. The single ones go there hunting for girls, the attached ones go there on dates. Good food (steaks) but a bit expensive.

Facebook: Bluegrass

Underground speakeasy bar with a hipster theme (if that's a thing). Young, artsy crowd. Busy only when they have events.

Website: Lola

Masters Sports Bar
A hidden, expat-owned sports bars with the largest screens in Jakarta and 5 professional pool tables. Probably the cheapest prices in the Mega Kuningan area for beer.

Facebook: Masters

Aphrodite
An expat bar near Taman Rasuna. Dozens of TV screens on which you can catch any sporting events. Pool tables. Good value Western food.

Facebook: Aphrodite

Primarily a restaurant, their stylish bar can be a great place to go for a drink if you choose the right evening (too quiet on weekdays). They are serving some of the best cocktails in Jakarta.

Facebook: E&O

Potato Head
Potato Head used to be the hottest bar in Jakarta, but that was almost 10 years ago. It is not empty yet, but it would certainly need a refurbishment of some sort to make it exciting again. Great location in Pacific Place. Overpriced.

Facebook: Potato Head

Molly Malone's and Murphy's
Two authentic Irish pubs that were opened by an Irish-Indonesian couple (I'm not sure if they are still the owners as I had heard they were planning to move back to Ireland). One is in Kemang, one is in Senayan. Both are friendly, affordable and busy. They have sports on screens, pool tables and live music.

Facebook: Murphy's and Molly Malone's

Beer Garden
A group of affordable beer gardens (duh...) with 4 locations in Jakarta: Menteng, Radio Dalam, Kemang and SCBD. Usually, they are happening every night (at least the ones in Menteng and Kemang).

Facebook: Beer Garden

Queen's Head
One of the best venues in Kemang to have drinks. Beautiful design, delicious food and an interesting crowd.

Facebook: Queen's Head

Burgundy
Burgundy bar in the Hyatt Hotel (Plaza Indonesia) is generally quiet, but I really enjoy it simply to look at the view of Thamrin/Sudirman. Live low-key music.

Website: Burgundy

Parc 19
Same owner as Léon, Parc19 is a restaurant and bar in Kemang with live music or DJs depending on the day of the week. I find it expensive.

Facebook: Parc19

Liquid Exchange
The closest bar from the Taman Rasuna apartment complex (at least 18 towers), it is generally busy all week long. Indoor and outdoor area. Nothing special but good enough for an affordable drink while watching sports or listening to live music. Same owner as the expat bar Aphrodite (200 meters away).

Facebook: Liquid Exchange

Motion Blue
Jazz bar featuring different artists every week. Entrance fee around IDR150,000 inclusive of one drink. Check their Facebook for the updated event schedule.

Facebook: Motion Blue

Bauhaus
Bauhaus is a speakeasy with a bohemian/hipster design (but quite expensive and popular with the elite). Not too busy on weekdays but they have good parties on weekends. Same owner as Lucy in the Sky.

Instagram: Bauhaus

Super Loco

Mexican restaurant and bar with DJs on Wednesday and Friday. Next to Hard Rock Café.

Facebook: Super Loco

Halfway
From the same owner behind Camden, this is another student bar with very cheap prices (IDR25,000 for a beer during happy hour from 5 PM to 8 PM). Cheerful, yet messy, atmosphere. Located in Gandaria.

Instagram: Halfway

Hooters
Sports bar, part of the famous American chain, with hot waitresses who stop their work every 30 minutes to dance. Expensive but fun to try.

Facebook: Hooters

The Hard Rock Café in Jakarta is just outside the mall Pacific Place, sandwiched between Super Loco and Cork&Screw. It looks modern and it is spacious, with a large stage for bands to perform. Not as packed as the Balinese branch, especially during weekdays, and a bit touristy (out-of-town Indonesians).

Facebook: Hard Rock Café

Mixology
If you are in PIK, Mixology is one of most happening bars in the area. It serves Soju, which is popular among the young Indo-Chinese community in Jakarta. Not suitable if you come alone, bring at least a friend.

Facebook: Mixology

Vin +
A group of wine lounges with four locations in Kemang, Senayan, Central Park and Pondok Indah. It never gets crazy but it is fine for sharing a few bottles of wine with a group of friends.

Instagram: Vin +

Melly's Garden
This giant beer garden in Menteng (walking distance from Jalan Jaksa) is an all-time favorite of middle-class Indonesians, young or not, who enjoy the daily live music and the cheap prices. Number one bar for backpackers in Jakarta.

Facebook: Melly's Garden

Proof
Another elite speakeasy bar with live music and a hidden entrance. Next to the Senayan Golf Course.

Instagram: Proof

Missing a Bar?
If you think a bar should be included here, please drop me a comment and I will visit the place (if I haven't done it already).

Photo source: All of them were taken from the Facebook/Instagram of the venues mentioned. If you want one to be removed, just ask me!
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McGettigan's Irish Pub and Sports Bar (Jakarta)

May 20, 2017, 10:01 am
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McGettigan's is a brand-new Irish pub and sports bar that had its grand opening on May 16th, 2017. Located in Mega Kuningan, in the basement of Menara BTPN, it is part of a larger group with 15 locations around the world (including Dubai, Singapore, New York, and of course Ireland - see more here: McGettigan's).

I had a chance to visit it a few weeks before their official opening on a Saturday night and what I saw looked promising.

McGettigan's is easy to find, just across the road from the Ritz-Carlton, and walking distance from famous bars like Loewy or Basque. It is in a business district so it gets particularly busy for lunch and after office hours.

It is built on one spacious floor, with several distinct spaces for customers to sit down: On the left corner, a quiet dining area with private booths and tables. In the back, a long and elegant bar that serves 8 kinds of draught beer. In the center, several high tables and chairs for more casual meals and drinking. On the right, a few VIP booths and tables for larger groups, next to the live music stage. Finally, there is an outdoor terrace with a view of a small courtyard. At full capacity, I wouldn't be surprised if it can accommodate 300 people.

The first thing I noticed was that it certainly doesn't look like your typical Irish pub. In fact, McGettigan's is much more modern, in a good way.

It seems to have been designed to be halfway between classy and cozy. They've kept the leather sofas and the Guinness but got rid of the traditional décor and antiques. Not a bad idea in 2017.

The menu is more conventional and features all the classic crowd-pleasers: Western ones like Burgers, Fish and Chips, Pies, Bangers and Mash, and Indonesian ones like Nasi Goreng, Sop Buntut, Iga Bakar. They also serve imported 200-gram and 300-gram Black Angus beefsteaks. If you are watching your weight, there are more healthy options like the Grilled Salmon and the Salads. In case you are wondering, pork is available.

They have added a family-friendly Kids' Menu, which is normally rare in bars in Jakarta.

The entertainment in McGettigan's is primarily sports-watching. Flat-screen HD TVs are everywhere (I counted at least 10 of them), featuring any live events worth cheering about: Football, NBA, Rugby, Moto GP, Formula 1, etc.

From Wednesday to Saturday, they also have live bands and DJs in the evenings. The current ladies night is on Wednesday (3 free drinks for girls from 8.30 PM to 11.30 PM).  They also have an Irish promotion every Thursday from 7 PM to 10 PM with IDR75,000++ for a pint of Kilkenny or Guinness., and IDR65,000++ for a Jameson Whiskey).

Overall:
Mega Kuningan has seen several interesting new openings this year and it is clearly becoming the most happening nightlife destination in Jakarta. McGettigan's is great addition

Opening Hours:
Every day from breakfast to dinner.

McGettigan's Irish Pub and Sports Bar
Menara BTPN, Basement 1,
Jalan DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Kav.E.1.1 No. 1
12950, Jakarta, Indonesia

Email: jakarta@mcgettigans.com
Phone number: 021 29880461

Facebook: McGettigan's Mega Kuningan
Website: McGettigan's Group

Photo: Lucky Christianto
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Atlantis Gym & Sauna (Gay)

May 3, 2017, 2:25 am
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Update May 21st, 2017: Atlantis was raided by the police and 141 men were arrested for taking part in an alleged "gay sex party". Homosexuality is not supposed to be a crime in Indonesia, but I guess that's the way it goes when religion guides politics.

I haven't been to Atlantis, but Rhico the manager send me his own review that I have decided to post here. The management is the same with Apollo Bar in Mega Kuningan area....

Please feel free to comment if you agree or disagree with it!

Atlantis Gym and Sauna is a newly opened (September 2013), men-only sauna located in one of the trendiest areas in North Jakarta. Atlantis features modern interiors with super clean facilities including a fully-equipped 60m² gym, a 150m² sauna, steam room, whirlpool, 150m² dark area, 16 private cabins, internet room with free WiFi and a rooftop bar.  Special events include ‘No Towel’ on Fri-Sun (5pm until closed) and the following:

Monday - Twinkie
Only 50k for under 25 years old.

Tuesday - Chubby Day
Only 50k for size XL.

Wednesday - Yakuza
Only 50k for tattooed body.

Thursday - Spartaniac
Only 50k for any valid gym member card.

Friday - Triple X
Best selection movies all day long.

Saturday - Dare 2 Bare
'No Covers' from 5-8pm

Sunday - Groupies
Group entry of 4 persons under 25 only 50k/person

Promo entry fee :
Monday-Thursday 100k
Friday-Sunday 125k
Friday-Sunday 100k ( North Jakarta ID )

Atlantis Gym & Sauna (Jakarta Gay)
Address : Rukan Kokan Permata Blok B 15-16, Kelapa Gading - Jakarta Utara
Phone : +6221-95573107
Web : www.atlantis-jakarta.com
Facebook : Atlantis Jakarta
Twitter : @atlantisjakarta

Another gay sauna is T1 in Harmoni and Senopati area.
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Jakarta Travel Guide - For Single Guys (2017)

May 18, 2017, 2:43 am
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In this article, I will explain you everything you need to know about traveling to Jakarta as a single guy.

I tried to keep it as concise and short as possible. For more details, you can email me directly at thibaud@jakarta100bars.com.

If I wrote something inaccurate, please leave me a comment and I'll correct it.

Visas for Indonesia
The citizens of almost every country on earth can enter Indonesia without a visa for at least 30 days. This visa is non-renewable and non-extendable so you'll have no choice but to leave the country after it has expired. Overstaying is currently charged IDR250,000 per day.

For staying as a tourist for more than 30 days, you have 4 options:
→ Make a 60-day tourist visa in any Indonesian consulate abroad (I did one in Saigon, Bangkok, KL, Singapore and Paris). It takes 3-4 days and costs 50$. This visa can then be extended 4 times 30 days for about 40 dollars (you must use an agent).
→ If you have a sponsor (any Indonesian friend or an agent), you can apply for a Sosial Budaya visa in any Indonesian consulates (60$). It is valid for 2 months and it can be extended 4 times for 30 days as well. The extensions are easier and cheaper to process (25$ each).
→ Purchase a 30-day visa-on-arrival/VOA (35$) at the airport in Jakarta, and then extend it for another 30 days (IDR450,000) at any immigration office. The process takes about a week and you'll have to make 3 trips to the immigration. The VOA is not extendable a third time.
→ If all of these are too much hassle for you, flying to Singapore and back to Jakarta on the same day is a popular option as well and it can be done for less than 70 dollars. If you do it too frequently though, you might get into trouble with immigration officials from both sides.

Transfer from the Airport to the City
The airport is located in the city of Tangerang, 20 kilometers from Central Jakarta. An airport rail shuttle is currently being built and it should be ready by 2018. In the meantime, these are the 3 best ways to make the transfer:

→ Traditional taxis: There are plenty of them, mostly from small companies who paid bribes to occupy the most strategic spots in the airport. They are safe to use as long as they put on the meter. They will cost the same as more reputable taxi companies like Blue Bird, Express or Gamya which can be difficult to catch, especially during peak hours.

Cost to city center: Around IDR120,000 taxi fare + IDR16,000 toll road.
Duration of the trip: 45 minutes without traffic / at least 1h30 minutes with traffic

→ Uber, Grab and Go-Jek: Drivers from these transportation apps can be booked from Jakarta airport. They offer much cheaper prices compared with taxis (at least 20% less). The taxi mafias mentioned above are naturally unhappy so you have to be discreet when taking them. In case someone asks you, just say that you are waiting for your personal driver. Never mention Uber/Grab/Gojek.

Before downloading these apps, it is a good idea to get a local phone number (see below).

→ Public buses (operated by DAMRI): Budget travelers and backpackers may use those buses which are available in each terminal. They reach at least 10 destinations in Jakarta and its suburbs, but the most convenient for you should be either Mangga Dua (North Jakarta), Gambir (Central Jakarta), or Blok M (South Jakarta).

Cost: It is cheap if you are alone (IDR45,000 for the city center), but for two persons it isn't worth it (IDR90,000 + you'll still need to take a taxi to your hotel).
Duration: Between 1 hour and 2 hours.

Where to Stay in Jakarta
I wrote an entire article about the best areas for a stay in Jakarta that you can read for further information.

Here is a short summary: If you only come as a tourist or for partying, stay anywhere along Jalan Sudirman between Sarinah Mall and Senayan Mall. Beware of good deals on hotels located far away from the major points of interests. What you heard about traffic jams in Jakarta is real and probably worse than you imagine.

Here are some hotels recommendations (all of them are girl-friendly):
→ 5-stars (more than 150$/night): Kempinski, Shangri-La (has a bar), Mulia (has a bar), Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons (New), Fairmont (New)
→ 4-stars (more than 100$/night): Oakwood Premier Cozmo (Great location near Loewy), Morrissey, Kosenda, Artotel, The Gunawarman, Fraser Residence, Fraser Place, Ascott Kuningan
→ 3-stars (more than 40$/night): Harris FX,  Ayaka Suites, Liberty Hotel, A-One, Ashley
Under 40$ per night: Dreamtel, Cipta, MaxOne

→ Backpackers: You can just ask to be dropped in Jalan Jaksa and find a guest house by walking around. Price around 100,000 per night.

Some hotels in Jakarta have "naughty" massage parlors inside them (more info on Hotels with Spas Plus Plus in Jakarta).

Cost of Staying in Jakarta
Staying in Jakarta is not as cheap as in other Asian cities. Even a backpacker in surviving mode needs to spend at least 15$ per day (8$ for a room without AC, 4$ for food and 3$ for transportation).

A more reasonable minimal budget is 45$ per day (25$ for a double room with AC, 10$ for food and 10$ for transportation).

To be really comfortable, though, and to be able to afford some luxuries (alcohol, inviting a date in a classy restaurant, spas, etc), you probably need at least 150$ per day.

Prices of selected items (single guys stuff):
Beer in a bar: 3-5$
Alcoholic drink in a bar: 6-9$
Booking a sofa for 8 people in a nightclub: Minimum spending of 250$-350$
Spirits bottle in a club: 100$

Street food: 1$ (no meat) to 3$ (with meat)
Indonesian meal in a casual restaurant: 5-7$
Western meal in a chic restaurant: 15-20$

1-hour "massage" in a medium class spa: 30$
1-hour "massage" in a high-end male spa: 70$

15-minute taxi ride: 3$
15-minute motor taxi ride: 1$ (with Go-Jek or Grab)
TransJakarta bus ticket: 0.3$

How to Get Around?
Moto-taxis are the fastest way to get around in Jakarta
Getting around is the worst thing about staying in Jakarta. Unless you can afford a helicopter, you'll have to spend a considerable amount of time in traffic jams (fortunately, less on weekends and after 9 PM).

Transportation Apps
The applications mentioned above (Uber, Grab and Go-Jek) are a must in Jakarta. They allow you to order private cars, taxis or moto-taxis from your mobile phone for cheaper than what it normally costs.

Moto-taxis are not comfortable to use, especially when it's hot outside, and they can be dangerous. Still, they are extremely popular because they cost almost nothing to use and they can beat the traffic.

I don't have a favorite app. I've installed all of them and I use whichever is the cheapest for a particular ride.

Buy a local sim card so the driver can call you to ask about your exact location (except if you use Grab as they have an in-app messenger). You can pay your fare in cash, by credit card, or by loading credit in advance (at a convenience store for instance). With the latter option, you will normally get special discounts.

Taxis
Rather cheap and plentiful. Avoid those parked right outside nightclubs and you'll be fine. Blue Bird is the most reputed company.

Walking
Walking in Jakarta is almost impossible except for very short distances (less than 1 kilometer). If you wonder why, please just try and have fun.

Buses
Public transportation is confusing for newcomers. I don't recommend it unless you are on a very low budget (in that case, just use a moto-taxi). The line 1 of the TransJakarta - a fleet of buses with their own dedicated lanes - is useful as it goes from the North (Kota) to the South (Blok), passing through all the major attractions of the city. You must buy a prepaid card to ride it (IDR40,000) and the cost is IDR3,500 per trip (deducted from your IDR40,000 credit).

Internet/Mobile Phone
Even if you stay in Jakarta for a couple days, buying a sim card is the first thing you should do upon arriving. It is available in most convenience stores like 7/11 and it costs between 5$ and 10$ (including an internet package). Simpati is the best one. XL is also fine and slightly cheaper.

Many expats complain about the internet speed in Jakarta. It is slower than in Thailand or Singapore, but faster than in the Philippines, China, Vietnam. Video streaming is usually possible in most circumstances. If you need to download movies, wait until after 12 PM.

Almost all porn, torrent and gambling websites are blocked in Indonesia. Modifying your proxy can solve this problem, or you can subscribe to a VPN instead. I've used several and I'm making recommendations here: Best VPNs in Indonesia.

Dating Indonesian Girls Online
Indonesia might be the easiest country in the world to meet girls and this is nowhere more obvious than in Jakarta. Its slogan could be: "The city where white privilege comes true".

The best way to meet someone is online. You can read my guide Best Dating Apps in Indonesia for a comparison between each.

Broadly speaking, Tinder works great in most situation (especially if you are a white, handsome, young).

For an older guy who is average looking, I recommend more traditional websites like IndonesianCupid as you can write a longer profile bio and engage in less superficial conversations. IndonesianCupid works also well for guys wishing to chat with girls a few weeks before visiting Indonesia. Most girls who use it don't mind the long distance as long as there is a chance to meet in the future. It is a smart way to plan a trip if you are alone.

Best Bars and Nightclubs to Meet Girls
In the real world, there are plenty of opportunities to meet girls in bars and nightclubs. Beware, though, some may already have boyfriends somewhere in the world. Hint: If a girl spends a lot of money without having a job, you can be sure she has one or more sugar daddies backing her. Even if she has a regular job, it is very rare that she will earn more than 500$ per month. Just do the math if that's something you care about.

As of today, the best nightlife venues for meeting girls in Jakarta are Basque, Loewy, Immigrant, Dragonfly and X2. You can also try Eastern Promise (older girls), Liquid Exchange, Bluegrass, Lucy in the Sky, Foundry 8, Jenja, Dronk (younger girls).

You can read my two updated guides:
- 10 Best Nightclubs in Jakarta
- 50 Best Bars in Jakarta

Single Guys on a Bachelor Party?
Read my travel guide: Bachelor Party in Jakarta

Best Places to Hangout During the Day
Jakarta can be quite boring during the day, especially if you don't know anyone there. I wrote several articles that you might find helpful such as:

- Best Things to Do in Jakarta
- Best Museums in Jakarta
- Best Malls in Jakarta
- Best Cinemas in Jakarta
- Best Markets in Jakarta

Best Spas and Massage Parlours
Another way to quickly spend an afternoon in Jakarta is to go to a spa. You have 3 options:
→ A regular/traditional massage. Some recommended ones, from cheap to expensive, are Bersih Sehat, Relax Living, Martha Tilaar Spa, Zen Spa, Taman Sari Royal Heritage. All of them are in Central Jakarta.
→ A massage with a happy ending. Two famous spa companies are Delta and My Place. Each of their branches has a jacuzzi, a pool, a hammam, a sauna.
→ A happy massage. You can read 10 Best Spas in Jakarta for the popular addresses (Alexis, Malioboro, Emporium, Illigals, etc).

Is Jakarta Safe?
I spent about 5 years in Jakarta and I never had any particular issues apart from a minor motorbike accident (read Why You Need Travel Insurance in Indonesia).

→ Crime is rare, even in infamous neighborhoods like Mangga Besar. I've never felt unsafe walking around and there are no reasons you should.
→ There aren't any scams I'm aware of, probably due to the low number of tourists in Jakarta. This does not mean you won't be bothered with touts in touristic places (Taman Fatahillah, Jalan Jaksa, Monas). The only thing you risk is buying some overpriced crap.
→ The terrorist threat exists, like in any other worldwide metropolis.
→ If you get arrested by the police (it is rare but it can happen), you will be asked to show your passport. They might ask for some money if you don't have it with you (IDR100,000). If you haven't done anything wrong, just wait and they'll let you go after a few minutes.
→ Don't do drugs (read Is It Dangerous to Buy Drugs in Indonesia).

More on this subject: Is Jakarta Safe?

Do you think I forgot to mention something important in this Jakarta travel guide for single guys? Please just leave me a comment below.
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Meeting Indonesian Girls with Cheers App (Sponsored Post)

May 26, 2017, 5:39 am
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In my article about online dating in Indonesia, I gave several suggestions of apps and websites to help you meet with local girls. Since then, I recently discovered a new one called Cheers, with a promising concept. While it is more than just a dating app, its features offer various possibilities for meeting girls that I will detail below.

What Is Cheers?
The idea behind Cheers is simple: You can either create an event (for instance: a dinner for two, a party in a club, a weekend to Bali, etc.) or apply to attend an event. So far, nothing extraordinary.

The truly interesting part is that money is involved. Whenever you create an event, you also pledge a certain amount of cash (through prepaid credits) to the person who will attend it. Simply put, Cheers can help you find someone willing to accompany you for money. You can also make money from it by applying to other people's events.

Logically, most of the people creating events are guys, and the ones attending events are girls. While Cheers can facilitate casual meetings between both sexes, it flatly refuses to be labeled as a prostitution app. As such, events with a raunchy connotation are not accepted. Instead, they recommend it for more innocent occasions like attending a concert, playing sports, or trying a new restaurant.

In a sense, it reminded me of the male karaoke concept in Asia. Guys will gladly pay to get access to some beautiful girls, even if nothing sexual is guaranteed, just for the entertainment or for the game. Often, they will prefer that uncertainty to the alternative of going to a massage parlor where everything happening is known and priced in advance. Another advantage is that you normally get to meet more interesting girls in terms of looks, education and personality.

How The Cheers App Works?
The way Cheers works is rather easy and straightforward.

→ After downloading it, the first step is to create a profile with your name, a short bio, your photos, your age, your education, etc. This part is crucial as you want to present yourself as someone reassuring. Don't assume that money is enough for girls to apply to your events.

→ The second step is to choose if you want to log in as an "applicant" or a "creator". I'm assuming that most of you belong to the latter category so I will focus on that aspect.

→ As a "creator", let's see a couple of concrete examples of events you could create:

- You are new to Jakarta, you don't know anyone yet and you would like to have some girlfriends to go clubbing with. You could go with something like that:

- You are living outside Jakarta and you have a business trip planned in the city. You want to have a dinner with some company instead of ordering room service alone in your room:

→ For each event you create, you can decide if you want to invite girls, guys, or both. Of course, you are free to accept or refuse anyone who applies, based on the information and the pictures they provide on their profiles. Once someone has agreed to attend your event, you will be able to chat with that person to arrange the details. 

How Much It Costs?
Since the app is still new, it is currently free to transfer money to your account and to use it to pay for your events. All the money you will spend will go directly to the attendee.

As you create your event, you will be able to choose an "event fee", i.e. the amount that each attendee will receive to accompany you. IDR300,000 is the minimum (or 300 credits as 1 credit is IDR1,000). 

Overall Impression
Cheers is still a really new app but it has potential. It is walking the thin line between an escorting app and a regular dating app, offering an alternative for dating Indonesian girls in Jakarta. It is certainly unconventional, but it will satisfy those who don't want to go through endless chats without any guarantee of meeting anyone.

Its success will depend on how many users it manages to attract. For now, its audience is still confidential as it still needs more promotion. I invite you to download the app, to create an event to help it start and to be patient.

How to Download Cheers?
Cheers is available on both Google Play and Itunes, free of charge. You can also visit their website Cheers App for more information.
Download Cheers on Google Play
Download Cheers on iTunes
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Jakarta Nightlife 2017: Best Bars, Clubs, Spas and Hotels

June 2, 2017, 10:52 am
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This Jakarta nightlife review is an update to my 2015 article and it should cover any questions you may have about partying in Jakarta in 2017.

If you are a first-time visitor, you might also be interested with my Jakarta Travel Guide.

Nightlife Areas
There are so many nightlife areas in Jakarta that it can be confusing even for residents.

Broadly-speaking, South Jakarta (the modern part of the city) has a normal and upmarket nightlife, while North Jakarta (the historical center) has a naughty nightlife.

In detail, the following neighborhoods are the most happening:
→ Mega Kuningan: You'll find chic bars walking distance from each other (Basque, Loewy, Flow, Safehouse, McGettigan's, Jack Sparrows, etc). Popular with young expats, westernized Indonesians and girls looking for expats.
→ SCBD: The trendiest area among young Indonesians. There are two complexes: One called Fairgrounds (with Lucy in the Sky, Fable Club, Hide and Seek and the Pallas Lounge) and a smaller one with the Foundry 8 and Empirica Club.
→ Senopati: An affluent residential neighborhood with exclusive bars and restaurants that cater to the elite, particularly Indonesian-Chinese. The current hotspots are Monty's, Savoi, Lola and H Gourmet and Vibes.
→ Jalan Jaksa/Menteng/Sarinah: This is where you will find good-value accommodation in central Jakarta. Bars in that area are cheaper than average and they will attract travelers, backpackers and Indonesians on a budget.
→ Kemang: Another residential area, favored by expat families. It has some expat bars and restaurants  (EP, Frank's, Murphy's) mixed with nightclubs for late teenagers (Dronk, 999, Nu China).
→ Pantai Indah Kapuk: A strip of restaurants and bars for the young, usually wealthy, Indonesian-Chinese living in Pluit.
→ Glodok: One of the main red-light districts in North Jakarta.
→ Blok M: A tiny red light district in South Jakarta, popular with older Westerners. All the hostess bars are lined up in Jalan Falatehan.
→ Melawai and Grand Wijaya: Two red light districts in South Jakarta targeting Japanese and Koreans (karaokes and massage parlours).

Some luxury malls also have bars and clubs: Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, Pacific Place, Senayan City, Plaza Senayan, Central Park and Pondok Indah.

Luckily for you, I wrote a detailed article about all these areas: Where to Party in Jakarta: Nightlife + Hotels.

When to Party?
Jakarta nightlife is busy all year round with a pause during Ramadhan. South Jakarta nightclubs get busy from midnight to 3AM-4AM and the ones in North Jakarta from 8PM to 3AM. Some venues have longer opening hours (Golden Crown, Illigals, Exotis). If you want to party 24-hour, the best solution is to rent a karaoke room (Karaoke in Jakarta).

→ Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: Quiet in the South, normal in the North.
The "normal" nightclubs will be closed, but not the naughty ones like Alexis, Malioboro, Golden Crown, 36, Tease, etc. From what I was told, this is because it's easier for married men to go out during the week. There are also more businessmen in Jakarta on weekdays.

All bars will be open, but only the most famous will be busy: Basque, Loewy, Social House, Cloud, BATS, CJs.

→ Wednesday is my favorite party day in Jakarta.
All clubs and bars are normally open and busy.  Entrance fees are lower and you have ladies' nights promotions.


→ Friday and Saturday are the crowdest nights. 
Prices can be higher on those days. The entrance fee to luxury clubs may reach IDR300,000. There are much more foreigners in Jakarta as many come from all over Southeast Asia to party.

Hotels in Jakarta Near the Nightlife
I receive emails almost every day from readers asking me where to stay near Jakarta nightlife. My answer is always the same: "Find a hotel within 500 meters from Jalan Sudirman".

Booking.com has a list of hotels in the area that you can check here: Hotels Near Jalan Sudirman Jakarta.

My personal recommendations are:

→ 5-stars (more than 150$/night)

Shangri-La and Mulia both have busy live-music bars full of working girls.
Oakwood Premier Cozmo has a great location in Mega Kuningan and I recommend it if you plan on having dates with Indonesian girls (you can invite them downstairs to Loewy).

→ 4-stars (more than 100$/night)

Fraser Residence, Fraser Place and Ascott Kuningan are new, centrally-located and near the nightlife. Near Sarinah, Artotel, Morrissey and Kosenda have their own bars.

→ 3-stars (more than 40$/night):
Harris FX (very popular due to the location within a lifestyle mall), Ayaka Suites, Liberty Hotel, A-One, Ashley.

→ Under 40$ per night:

All the hotels below are well-ranked on Agoda. Please consider booking them with the link I provide as I get a commission each time. The price for you is the same and it helps me run Jakarta100bars.com.

Backpackers with no money to spare can check for guest houses directly in Jalan Jaksa and the nearby streets. You can get a room with a fan for under IDR100,000.

Best Bars in Jakarta
I already wrote a long article about the 50 best bars in Jakarta so I won't repeat myself here. Instead, I will just summarize it as follow:

Bars for Meeting Girls
→ Girls who are 20+: Basque, Loewy, Bluegrass, Social House
→ Girls who are 30+: Eastern Promise, Aphrodite
→ Girls who want money: BATS, CJs, My Bar, Top Gun, 36

Cheap Bars
→ For students: Camden, Halfway, Beer Garden
→ For backpackers: Melly's Garden, Memories' Pub
→ For expats: Master's, Everest

Trendy Bars:
→ For young expats: Basque, Loewy, Bluegrass, The Dutch, Safehouse, Jack Sparrows
→ For Indonesian Chinese and Hi-So: Monty's, Léon, Savoi, Proof, Union, Cork and Screw, Pao Pao
→ For hipsters: Lucy in the Sky, Lola, Hide and Seek

Best Bars for Meeting Expats and Watching Sports
Eastern Promise, Aphrodite, Murphy's, Master's, De Hooi, McGettigan's


Best Bars for Live Music
BATS, CJs, Eastern Promise, Hard Rock, Rolling Stones, Paulaner Brauhaus

Best Bars for Chilling
→ Rooftops: Cloud, SKYE
→ Lounges: Flow, Burgundy, Prohibition

Best Nightclubs in Jakarta
As for the best bars, I also wrote a ranking of my favorite nightclubs in Jakarta: Top 10 Nightclubs in Jakarta. Below is a quick overview:

Nightclubs for Meeting Girls (also the most popular with foreigners)
X2, Dragonfly, Immigrant, Jenja


Nightclubs for Younger People:
Blowfish, Fable, Foundry 8, Dronk, 999, Nu China

Upper-Class Nightclubs
Empirica, Dragonfly, Blowfish, Immigrant

Nightclubs with Electro/Techno
Jenja, Foundry 8

Nightclub with Hip-Hop
Equinox (upper floor of X2)

Nightclubs with EDM
X2, Empirica, Domain, Exodus

Cheaper Nightclubs:
Dronk, Nu China, 999, Camden
To a lesser extent: Domain, Exodus

Nightclubs with Lady Companions and Working Girls
→ Upmarket clubs: Colosseum (1001 complex), Alexis, Illigals, Malioboro, Tease Club (Emporium complex)
→ Mid-range clubs: Classic, King Cross, Sumo, Travel, Golden Crown, Newton, Tematik, B'Fashion
→ Lower end clubs: MTR, Starmoon, Cherry, Mars (usually they are in the red light districts of Lokasari, in Mangga Besar, in Kota Indah or in the suburbs).

Note that all of the upmarket and mid-range venues mentioned above are located within large "one-stop entertainment" complexes that feature a spa and a karaoke. They are de facto brothels with their own prostitutes, sometimes even foreign ones (Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Uzbek, etc.).

Surprisingly, a few are hotels as well in which you can book a room and sleep next door to the spa:

Classic Hotel: 30$ per night on Agoda (rated 7.2/10) - Location in Central Jakarta, quite convenient.
Tematik Hotel: 29$ per night on Agoda (rated 6.7/10) - Location in North Jakarta (Pluit)
B'Fashion Hotel: 39$ per night on Agoda (rated 7.1/10) - Location in West Jakarta between the airport and the city center
The Plaza Hotel (Golden Crown): 27$ per night on Agoda (rated 6.5/10)

Read also:

Meeting Girls in Jakarta
It is normally easy to meet a girl in Jakarta, especially if you are an expat. As a traveler, it might be a bit more complicated as most girls will assume you are not looking for a long-term relationship.

Meeting girls online:
The best dating apps and websites are Tinder, IndonesianCupid, Badoo, Skout and Paktor. You can try a few of them, knowing that:

→ Tinder works best with decent looking guys between 18 and 40 who live in Indonesia. If you are white, you will get plenty of matches, but don't expect it will automatically translate into one-night stands.

→ IndonesianCupid works best with guys who are not staying in Indonesia. For some reasons, this website is full of girls who want to marry foreigners and who don't mind long distance relationships. You can use it to make some contacts a few weeks before coming to Jakarta.

If you are planning a trip in Southeast Asia, it is a good idea to use AsianDating instead (sister company of Indonesian Cupid). The site has thousands of girls from everywhere (mostly Thai, Filipino and Indonesian).

→ Badoo and Skout are interesting as a backup option because they are free. Badoo has few English-speaking girls and some prostitutes. Skout has a lot of annoying ads and you can't change your location.

→ Paktor is the popular dating app among young middle-to-upper class Indonesians. I had very little success on it and it's expensive. I'd recommend it if you are Asian and under 25.

You can read a more detailed article on this topic here: Best Online Dating Apps in Indonesia and 15 Best Dating Apps in Asia.

Meeting girls in nightclubs
If you are young and confident, nightclubs are your second best option for meeting girls in Jakarta. One-night stands are pretty common, particularly with girls from X2, Immigrant and Dragonfly. Be careful, though, as the older you get, the more likely you'll be asked for some money in the morning.

Making the first step is a guy's prerogative: Indonesian girls may stare at you, but they will rarely approach you directly. The good thing is that they are never arrogant and even if they turn you down, it will be in a gentle way.

It is ALWAYS a good idea to buy a bottle in nightclubs. Not only does it get you a free entrance for several people, a table/sofa and more attention from waiters, it is also a great way to approach girls and to invite them to join you for drinks. Many are drawn to bottles like flies are drawn to honey. In the end, the cost is reasonable, especially when split between a few guys.

Frequently Asked Questions:
These are some of the most common questions I receive from readers:

Do I need an ID to visit a club in Jakarta?
Some clubs may ask an ID if you look less than 21 years old. Personally, I never carry one and I've only been asked once, in Camden Bar Cikini.

Upmarket nightclubs can be very strict with age requirements. Dragonfly does not allow anyone under 21. If you are under 18, you can try some clubs in Kemang, like Venue (famous for accepting underage clubbers).

How much will I spend for going out?
Partying in Jakarta is rather expensive, mainly because of the taxes on alcohol (200%).

In cheap bars, a small beer will cost 2-3$, a glass of alcohol 4-5$ and a cocktail 6$. In upmarket bars, a small beer is 5-6$, a glass of spirits 6-9$ and a cocktail 7-10$.

The entrance fee to the best nightclubs is around 15$ on Wednesdays and 20$ on weekends.

In total, I would say you need at least 100$ to have fun.

If you can't afford that, you can buy a bottle online or bring one from duty-free and start drinking at home before hitting the clubs.

What is the dress code in clubs in Jakarta?
You cannot enter a nightclub in Jakarta with flip flops and short pants. Make sure you are wearing a shirt, long pants and shoes. Avoid torn jeans, even if they cost 500$ a pair.

Women are often required to wear a dress and high heels. Dragonfly, Immigrant, Fable, Empirica, Blowfish and X2 all enforce this rule strictly.

Where can I buy drugs?
I always recommend not to buy drugs in Jakarta and in Indonesia in general. You can do that much more safely in Europe or in the US now. I wrote about this topic in an article: Is it safe to buy drugs in Indonesia?

If you are stubborn, these are the nightclubs where drugs are common: Illigals, Golden Crown, Exotis, Siera and Old Town.

How do you think the election of the new Governor will impact Jakarta nightlife? Will Stadium reopen?
Some of the people who backed Anies Baswedan, the new Governor, have probable ties to the nightlife industry in Jakarta (see Who Owns Jakarta Nightlife?). These people have an interest in reopening nightclubs like Mille's, Stadium, or the Kalijodo red light district.

Bars, clubs and spas are also money makers and they employ thousands of people. They are one of the few interesting things to do in Jakarta, and without them the city would welcome even less tourists.

The problem is that Anies made his whole campaign about religion and, to that effect, he promised he would eradicate prostitution.

While I'm convinced that those were empty promises, allowing the reopening of Stadium would be such an insult to his voters that I can't imagine it will happen. Under a different name, in a few years, why not, but not anytime soon.

He will probably need to close down a few emblematic venues, in particular those belonging to the Alexis group who had been spared by Ahok until now.

Will he go further? It's too early to say. It will all depend on how badly he needs to play the religion card to remain in office or to divert attention.

Whatever happens, Jakartans will always find ways to party and prostitution will not stop cease to exist. If it dies in one place, it just reincarnates somewhere else.

Photo credit: Close Art.

If you have questions, you can ask them in the comment section below or send me an email: thibaud@jakarta100bars.com.
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Bangkok Nightlife: 30 Best Nightclubs, Bars, Gogos in 2017

April 25, 2017, 1:47 pm
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There are so many nightclubs in Bangkok that it may be hard for first-time visitors to decide where to party. I'm compiling here a description of the venue from the entire Bangkok nightlife scene to help your planning.

For each venue, I included a link to their Facebook page. I encourage you to check the opening hours, event and entrance fee there directly. In general, most clubs are open until 2-3am and they will charge you between 250THB and 400THB for the first drink/entry. The most expensive, Onyx and Cé La Vi cost 500THB.

Beware! Not every hotel in Bangkok will accept if you bring a girl to your room. If you want to avoid an embarrassing moment, you can book the following guest-friendly hotels (that are also close to the nightlife): Heaven @ 4, Ambassador Bangkok, Ruamchitt Plaza Hotel, Sukhumvit 12 Suites and Sofitel Bangkok.

Meeting Thai Girls in Nightclubs
Thai Friendly is the best dating site to meet Bangkok Girls
It is actually quite difficult to meet normal Thai women within nightclubs in Bangkok, especially if you are a tourist. Don't expect to find a one night stand easily unless you are willing to pay for it.

The best and easiest way to find a girl is to connect to the dating site Thai Friendly. It is free but I recommend you to spend some money and upgrade to the premium version. It costs the price of two cocktails (20$) and it will allow you to send as many messages as you want. They have over 1 million member and at least a thousand girls online at any time. If you are a normal human being you should match with tons of girls.

What you need to do is to contact them a few days before actually arriving in Bangkok. Try to find the fun girls who like to go clubbing and party, chat with them a bit, then get as many phone/Whatsapp/Line numbers as you can. Once in Bangkok, just invite them to join you on your nights out and you're basically almost certain you'll end your night with someone.

You can create an account here: Thai Friendly - Free Sign Up.

Tourist Nightclubs in Bangkok
I will start with the nightclubs you should actually avoid. Tourist nightclubs are the worse, but unfortunately many visitors only go to these places. One of the reason is that they ask for advice to taxi drivers who get a commission on each person they bring (200THB). This is why some taxis will even offer you a free ride.

In this category, you have the following nightclubs: Shock39, Spicy, Climax, Bossy, EQ. CM2 was one as well but it reopened under the name Play by CM2 and I haven't been back there since. Those places are all pretty much the same: They are rather dirty, have no design, rarely organize special events, rely on an endless supply of tourists and have 99% prostitutes. The only positive thing is that they stay open later than usual (until 5am-6am). The ratio guys/girls is terrible, meaning you may struggle to find a decent looking girl, even if you are willing to pay.

You should cross them from your clubbing list unless you fit into one of these categories:
  • You love commercial music (Top 40, Hip Hop)
  • You want to find an average-looking, yet expensive hooker
  • You want to party after 3am
  • You want to party in short pants and flip flops
  • You are a 20-year old countryside boy on his first trip abroad
  • You come from a country where clubbing is forbidden
Some tourist clubs are a bit better though. In particular, you can try Mixx or Insanity. They have a similar concept (Freelancers + Tourists + Stay Open Late + Commissions to Taxi) but they are classier.

Insanity is very near from Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza so all the girls working in gogo bars tend to visit after they finish their work. It has a nice set up, it is modern and you may meet some normal girls as well. The music is not too bad, mostly house and EDM. I like the set-up with the central podium. It is popular with Koreans and many girls seem only interested with them.

Mixx is OK as well, but quite expensive. You have two rooms there, one of which has hip hop music. It is located in the 5-star Intercontinental Hotel so the crowd is upmarket and the prostitutes more like high-class escorts (some are Russian). It closes at 5am. It is popular with expats as well.

Expat Nightclubs in Bangkok
Those bars and nightclubs are preferred by richer expats and travelers who are already familiar with the city.

Levels (on 6th Floor of Aloft Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 11)
This nightclub almost made the tourist clubs lists. It has lots of prostitutes (pretty ones I must admit) and a mixed crowd of 30-something expats and travelers. You may still meet normal girls though, especially if you say you have a good job in Bangkok. The music is EDM and House with a hip-hop night on Sundays. A nice feature is the garden rooftop from which you can smoke. The entrance is free but drinks inside are pricey.

Cé La Vi (on 39th Floor of Sathorn Square)
Used to be called Ku De Ta. Sister branch of Cé La Vi in Singapore. This is the top high-end nightclub for expats in Bangkok at the time of writing. You need to dress sharp and bring money. It's a good place to meet other people and possibly some upper class Thai girls. If you are looking like a tourist, you can forget about it though. Hip hop ladies night on Wednesday. The music style changes often depending on guest DJs or events. There are probably high class escorts but they are discreet.

Glow (Sukhumvit 33)
A small nightclub on two floors with European techno and electronic music. It is an expat's favorite of Bangkok nightlife. You will barely see any tourists or Thai people (apart from the expat's girlfriends). Glow is recommended if you want to experience European-style clubbing.

Beam (Thonglor)
I have mixed feeling with Beam. It is a beautifully designed nightclub, with impressive lighting and smoke effects. I've rarely seen something similar elsewhere. It also has a great variety of DJs who play non-commercial electronic music and hip hop. On the negative side, it is pricey (400THB entrance) and the crowd not so friendly to be with. If you like it, you can also go to Dark Bar which is similar.

Mustache (Ratchadaphisek)
Under Belgian management, this alternative bar is one of the current hotspots in Bangkok. It is not exactly in the city center but 15 minutes away by taxi from Sukhumvit (it's a new location). The music there is similar to that of Beam or Glow but the crowd is younger and more laidback. You have two floors, including a rooftop bar. It closes late and the entrance is free.

Sing Sing Theater, Maggie Choos and Iron Fairies
Those 3 bar-clubs are similar as they all have world-class design, a chic expat crowd, good cocktails and non-commercial music. Each are worth a visit, ideally just after eating and before heading to bigger nightclubs.

Live RCA (Royal City Avenue)
Live RCA is a clubbing event space attracting major International DJs (techno, tech-house, house, EDM). They will have something different each week so it's better if you check on their Facebook beforehand. The crowd can be more or less expat depending on the DJ. Open only on weekends.

Other bars you may want to try to meet young expats: Revolucion and Oskar.

Backpacker Nightlife
Backpackers and expats on a budget normally party on Khao San Road. It is not classy but it can be fun once in a while. It is the best location to meet Western girls in Thailand.

You cannot go there directly with the BTS or MRT. It's a 120THB taxi ride from Sukhumvit. The advantage of Khao San Road is that everything is in one spot. You can just go from one bar to the other, buying cheap buckets of booze in-between.

The main nightclub is simply call "The Club". It is next to a bar called Golf which is always packed. If you cannot afford the club entrance (250THB), you can just party in the street, it's pretty much the same crowd and atmosphere. For a more rustic option, you can go to Gulliver. Brick Bar is also popular, but the crowd mostly Thai.

Hi-So Nightclubs in Bangkok
Hi-so (for High Society) is a popular term in Thailand to describe the richest Thais, the top 1%. If you are a 20-year old kid who owns a Porsche and dates a famous actress, then you are hi-so.

Hi-so Thais party in only a few locations in Central Bangkok: Royal City Avenue (Onyx) and Thonglor/Ekkamai (Funky Villa, Demo, Do Not Disturb). Thonglor is also where you'll find most hipster and trendy bars of Bangkok.

You will see the most beautiful Thai girls in some of these clubs, but you have very little chances with them unless you're part of a group. These girls are scared of tarnishing their reputation by mingling with foreigners. So you need to get the approval of the group first, and then you might get the approval of the girl.

In most Thai nightclubs (including the ones listed below), people party Asian/Chinese style: They book a sofa, order expensive bottles, stay within their small groups of friends, get drunk until they pass out and show off their wealth as much as they can. If you cannot book a table, you'll be squeezed and you'll struggle to get a drink from bartenders who are too busy to take care of VIP guests.

Booking a table means that you agree to spend a certain amount on alcohol. For instance, if the minimum spend to get a table is 300$, it means you can spend 300$ on bottles, mixers and food. If you are splitting the bill with several friends, it is often a better deal than buying drinks individually. Bottles in those clubs are not that expensive, THB2,000 is largely enough for a good whisky.

Dress code are enforced (and anyway you don't want to look like a tourist): No shorts, no sandals, no singlets. They always check IDs so make sure to bring your passport with you, even if you look 40. Some places will charge you more if you are a foreigner (Farang), but you'll get free drinks with your entry. 

Onyx is one of the poshiest nightclubs for Thai. It is pricey (500 THB entrance fee with a drink), yet so crowded you'll barely be able to move around. Go with friends and order bottle service. An ID is necessary to enter.

Funky Villa was one of the most famous nightclubs for rich Thai but it burnt down just a few days ago (end of June 2016). They had live Thai music with famous local bands.

Next to Funky Villa (same owner), they have EDM and a smaller bar  called "Dirty Bar" with hip hop.

Very young rich Thai crowd listening to live bands. Similar to Funky Villa.

Do Not Disturb Club (DND Club): Similar to Demo, located behind Nunglen. They have live Thai bands and EDM DJs.

You may also want to check Myst, Safehouse and Falabella.

Nightclubs for Middle Class Thai
Unlike nightclubs like Funky Villa or Onyx, you'll be more welcome here as a foreigner. Those places are among the most fun to party in Bangkok as long as you don't mind commercial music.

They are also excellent for meeting regular, non-prostitute Thai girls. Typically, this is where students and office workers party. Don't expect that everything will be easy though. The main problem is that girls are often already accompanied by some guys who are paying for their drinks. Because of this, they may not be so comfortable spending time with you within the club. The solution is either to befriend other members of her group and join the table, or to exchange numbers. The next day she should be more relaxed.

Many tourists avoid these clubs because they cannot get laid instantly. You will only have 5%-10% foreigners on average, most of which are younger expats.

I am only listing places with DJs and Western music. If you are adventurous and looking for a local experience, you'll also find many other nightclubs with a 100% Thai crowd and Thai live music, especially outside the city center.

Route 66 in RCA
Route 66 is the place to go to for down-to-earth, normal clubbing in Bangkok. It is really big, with several rooms including an EDM zone, a hip-hop room and a live music area. The crowd is middle to upper class. It has become more popular with expats because it is always crowded and easy for meeting people.

Clubs of Ratchada 4
Ratchada 4 is a small entertainment complex 10 minutes away from Sukhumvit. There are several nightclubs, bars and karaokes in one spot. Among them, you'll find Snop, Embassy MBS, Hollywood, Next 7 Pub, etc.

Not too far, on Ratchada 4, you can visit the brand new MAD, which used to be Mansion7.

Brick Bar
This is a good place to party with Thai if you are in the Khao San Road area.

Narz is one of the oldest clubs in Bangkok. It used to be the place to go for hip hop but now they play mostly EDM/Trance. It is not as crowded as it used to be but on Weekends it's still OK.

Hip Hop Nightclubs in Bangkok
Bangkok has the largest hip-hop and Rn'B scene in Southeast Asia. On every given night, you have at least 5 venues to choose from that are either dedicated to hip-hop or having a special hip-hop event.

The best one is Sugar, conveniently located on Sukhumvit Soi 11. This is a NY-style nightclub where the Bangkok hip-hop community meets. There is a good mix of expats and Thai people. The entrance is quite cheap, 200THB, inclusive of a drink. Another popular choice, more high-end, is the Dirty Bar within Demo club in Thonglor.
G Club is the favorite club of the African community in Bangkok. They play hip-hop, Rn'B, Reggae and Afro music.

There is a recently new hip-hop club I didn't visit called Vibe. They stopped updating their Facebook a few months ago so I don't know if they are still open or not.

Some large nightclubs in Bangkok also have smaller rooms with hip hop or Rn'B. It is the case of Route 66 and Mixx.

Finally, Cé La Vi has a great hip hop ladies night every Wednesday and Levels has one on Sundays.

Late Night/ After Hour Nightclubs in Bangkok
The curfew policy of many Bangkok nightclubs is a big turn-off for me. The rules seem to have eased a bit the past year (you can party until 3am now), but I still find it too early.

Don't start your nights out late in Bangkok, even more so during the week. I recommend you to eat around 6pm, find a nice bar at 8pm, and hit the clubs at 11pm.

A recommended after hour club is Scratch Dog (until 6am) inside Windsor Suites Hotel. It is a place with many prostitutes but if you're lucky you can meet some normal girls as well. There is a good mix of Thai and foreign guests, including some Asian nationalities. You must pay 400THB to get in with a drink.

Even though I'm not a big hip hop fan, I would say that Sugar (mentioned above) is one of the best places for late clubbing. It closed at 6am when I went there and it had a great atmosphere with no so many hookers. People were friendly and happy to meet talk to strangers. There are some reports that the security can be racist and rough, but I haven't noticed anything special. (Update Dec 2016: Since the King died, it closes at 4am).

Mustache is closing at 6am and it is where many expats are heading for underground music. There are no prostitutes at all so if you're horny and trying to score, you should avoid. It is also a bit far.

If you are looking for a female partner, go to Insanity where you'll have the largest choice of affordable freelancers + a few normal girls. Mixx closes at 5am and have a lot of (high-class) working girls too.

Finally, tourist nightclubs like Shock39, Spicy, Climax, Bossy and EQ are also closing late.

Free Nightclubs (No Entrance Fee) in Bangkok
If you are a guy, you must pay to get into most nightclubs in Bangkok. Girls can get for free during the ladies night (see below for a list of the best ones).

There are 2 nightclubs with free entrance that I know of. Levels and Mustache. Some Thai nightclubs like Demo are also free during the week, but they may charge a first drink to foreigners (apparently to filter the weed). Cé La Vi is free during the week but it costs 500THB on weekends.

If you are really a cheapo, you can party for free in the streets of Khao San Road. Many bars are packed with people who bought their drinks in 7-11.

Ethnic Nightclubs (Arab, African, Russian) in Bangkok
Bangkok nightlife is eclectic! There are a few ethnic nightclubs in Bangkok, near Nana Plaza in particular. I haven't been inside but I passed in front of some several times.

Arabs/Middle Eastern visitors will go to Dino Club inside Graceland Hotel (which is a girl-friendly hotel). Needless to say, it's full with hookers there. They also love to go to Shock39.

The African community gathers in G-Terminal Club that I mentioned above.

There are also some nightclubs and lounges with many prostitutes from Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. For instance in Rajah Hotel, Bossy or Mixx Disco.

Japanese visitors tend to stay near Sukhumvit Soi 33 as there are several Japanese style massage parlours there (nuru massage). They also go to Thermae in the basement of the Ruamchitt Plaza Hotel where many freelancers can be found.

Asian clubbers from Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong tend to stick to the Thai nightclubs in RCA or Thonglor.

Gogo Bars
Almost all the gogo clubs in Bangkok can be found in just 3 locations: Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy and Patpong. If you are confused about where to go: Nana Plaza is the largest complex, Soi Cowboy is the hottest, Patpong is the trashiest. You can walk from Soi Cowboy to Nana Plaza in 15 minutes, and go from both to Patpong in 15 minutes by taxi (or public transport).

In each of these, you have dozens of gogo bars, one after the other. To the undiscerning visitor, they may all look the same, but a regular could tell you the differences between each. Some will feature topless girls, some will have naked girls, some allow you to touch the girls, some have special shows, some have ladyboys, some have older girls, some are for Japanese, etc.

You are usually sitting down in a circle and looking at the girls. You can ask to talk with one and buy her ladies drink. She may also go home with you if she agrees. In this case, you must compensate the bar with a bar fine. It is best to visit gogo bars early in the evening, ideally around 7pm or 8pm, because the prettiest girls haven't been booked out already.

I've listed the hottest gogo bars in Bangkok in the following review: Top Nude Gogo Bars in Bangkok. If you are too lazy to open the link, I recommend you to try Baccara and Crazy House in Soi Cowboy, Spanky's in Nana Plaza, Black Pagoda in Patpong.

High-Class Gentlemen's Clubs in Bangkok
If you have both money and a taste for exceptionally gorgeous ladies, you may want to avoid the average gogo bars scene of Nana Plaza, Patpong or Soi Cowboy. Bangkok has several high-class gentlemen's clubs spread all over the city where you are almost assured to lose your head at the sight of dozens of scantily-clad hotties.

In Bangkok, the term "Gentlemen's Club" is used to describe a kind of hostess bars with coyote shows, where most clients are "members". To become a member, you must buy in advance several bottles of alcohol that you can use within a year. The prices aren't that high if you are a regular: At The Pimp for instance, with 550$ you get membership + 12 whisky bottles. If you go there with 4 friends and drink 2 bottles in total, you will have spent less than 30$ each on alcohol for your night out (and then you have to do it 5 more times during the year).

Without a membership, it is unfortunately expensive. In the best gentlemen's clubs, a non-member can expect to spend up to 200$ between the entrance fee, the drinks (for you and your hostess) and the tips. Again, you'll save a lot of money if you buy a bottle so go there with a few friends.

Girls in those clubs usually make enough money with commissions they get from drinks so they aren't really interested to sleep with you. Your chances of taking one back home are slim, or you'll need to spend a crazy amount of money. 

If your budget is limited, you can go to an upmarket gogo bars instead like Baccara or Black Pagoda. The best ones have a great selection of girls and a luxurious atmosphere. It is much easier to barfine someone there as well.

Here are a few recommendations for gentlemen's clubs in Bangkok: Kush Mansion, Sherbet & Pianoforte, The Pimp, Monte Carlo and Vegas.

Best Venues to Pick Up Girls
It really depends on what you are looking for: Paid sex, free one-night stand or relationship.

For paid sex, the best places are certainly the gogo bars, Mixx club and Insanity.

For one night stand, you need to find Westernized Thai girls. I'd recommend Cé La Vi, Sugar and Levels.

For relationships, the best places are Route 66, Live RCA and the clubs of Ratchada 4.

Best Nightclubs for Each Day of The Week
Best Nightclubs for Monday: Onyx, Insanity, Mixx
Best Nightclubs for Tuesday: Levels, Sugar
Best Nightclubs for Wednesday: Cé La Vi, Demo
Best Nightclubs for Thursday: Route 66, Levels, Ratchada 4
Best Nightclubs for Weekends: Anywhere is busy
Best Nightclubs for Sunday: Insanity, Levels

Best Ladies Night in Bangkok
The best ladies4 night in Bangkok is on Wednesdays at Cé La Vi from 9pm to midnight. Girls get a free flow of sparkling wine. They also have a Free Flow wine on Saturday from 9pm to 11pm.

Levels has a great one on Sundays: Girls get 3 free drinks before midnight and all-night-long 99THB cocktails.

Insanity has a ladies night on Sundays: Girls get 2 free drinks and if they come by 4, they get a free bottle of sparkling wine.

In Hi-So in So Sofitel Bangkok, girls get a free glass of Champagne from 8pm to 11pm.

In Bangkok Betty, girls get 3 free drinks before 9pm

Any questions about clubbing in Bangkok? Please write a message below and I'll try to answer it. Photocredit: Win Photos.
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How I Became Fat in Indonesia

May 3, 2017, 1:31 am
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One thing I didn't expect would happen in Indonesia was that I would get fat.

I come from France, a country where we use sugar, syrup, butter, cream, sauces or oil in almost every single dish. And yet, in Paris my weight was a steady 70 kilograms.

While in Indonesia, I reached almost 90 kilos within a year, even though I was eating less. I tried to understand how it could happen, and I came up with a few possible explanations. Here is the 6-step story of how I became fat in Indonesia:

Step 1: Eating Indonesian Food All The Time
I love Indonesian food and I think it is one of the most underrated cuisines in the world. Needless to say, when I'm in Indonesia, I eat Indonesian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The problem is that most dishes are extremely fat. Ingredients are rarely boiled in water, they are fried, sautéed, stir-fried or cooked in coconut milk, for instance Beef Rendang or Gulai.

Coconut milk has a 20% fat content, the equivalent of light cream. This percentage raises further as the water evaporates during cooking. In the end, a meal like Nasi Padang can easily reach 1000 kcal and 80 grams of fat (see here). That's the equivalent of a Double Whopper with Cheese from Burger King AND a can of Coca-Cola. Even a simple Nasi Goreng (without fried chicken) has 740 calories (see here)!

Some Indonesian dishes like Gado-Gado or Tempeh are considered more healthy. Yet if you look closely, they aren't.

Gado-Gado is a salad with boiled vegetables, rice and ... peanut sauce, which is made with fried peanuts, sugar and coconut milk. A typical serving of the sauce (100 grams) will have 300kcal and 25 grams of fat (see: Is Peanut Sauce Healthy?). So unless you eat it with almost no sauce, Gado Gado will also make you fat.

Tempeh is a healthy food too, but it is usually served deep-fried. If you want a fruit salad, you can also expect it will come with copious amounts of sugar and sauce.

Step 2: Doing My Groceries in Convenience Stores
When you live in Jakarta, bad food habits are easy to catch. The Government is obsessed with alcohol, but it seems unaware of the risks of high fat and high sugar diets.

Enter a convenience store in Indonesia and all you see are candies, sodas, juices, chips, cookies, ice-creams (and cigarettes). In a Circle K in Jakarta, I counted only a handful of products that didn't have added sugar or fat: Water, eggs, rice, milk, pasta, flour and oatmeal. All the rest was industrial, heavy-processed food.

For comparison purposes, this is what the equivalent of a 7-Eleven or Circle K looks like in France:
You'll find fruits, vegetables, salads, bread, dairy products, meat, pasta, sauces, condiments, eggs, etc. Actual, nutritious food. The chips, candies and biscuits section will take about half a shelf each. Oh, and yes you can buy alcohol and wine.

Even with the best intentions in the world, it is much more difficult to eat well in Indonesia when healthy food is harder to find.

Step 3: Blending in the Snack Culture
Indonesians have a great snack culture: They love to gather, discuss, smoke and try one of the hundreds of snacks available in the country. They even have a word for that: "nongkrong" (≈ hangout).
If you have Indonesian colleagues, you'll know that people here never stop eating, especially in the office. Whenever someone comes back from holiday, you can be sure she/he will bring a few of the local snacks from there. It's a fun tradition, but again more fat and more calories: 104 grams of "Krupuk" (Prawn Crackers) contain over 600 kilocalories. And trust me it does not take long for me to eat that. Indonesian "Gorengan" (Fritters) are even worse, reaching over 220 kcal each (see here).

Step 4: Visiting Bars and Clubs as a Main Activity
Honestly, there aren't many things to do in Jakarta at night apart from hanging out with other people in restaurants, lounges, bars or clubs. It's great for your social life, but again, it means more snacks, more alcohol and more sugary drinks. A typical week means at least 2 after-work drinking session, and a night out.

Technically, I could order just sparkling water each time, but I don't. I drink juices, beers, shots, spirits with mixers, etc. And when the party end, I have no better idea than having a burger or a porridge.

Step 5: Becoming Lazy
I've never really been into sports, but when you live in Paris, you easily walk several kilometers a day because the city has proper sidewalks and the weather is pleasant.

In Jakarta I barely walk 200 meters every day. In the morning, I go to the elevator, get a taxi in the lobby that takes me directly to the lobby of my office, sit down all day, then go back home in the evening again with a taxi.

Walking can help you burn a lot of calories actually. According to this paper, a 70kg man will burn around 5kcal every minute he walks, or 300kcal an hour. So by constantly using taxis, ojeks, lifts and escalators, I should have compensated by eating less. Of course I didn't.

Step 6: Dating an Indonesian Girl
One of the reasons I didn't mind being fatter in Indonesia was that my girlfriend would keep telling me that I looked better with some extra kilos. This was not only coming from her, but from all my Indonesian colleagues and friends.

The more weight I would gain, the more I would hear: "You look good Thibaud!".

When I came back from a 2-week holiday in France where I had lost a few kilos, people asked me: "Are you ok? What happened to you?.

Many Indonesians consider that being too skinny is a sign of poverty or malnutrition. A chubby person looks happy, rich and healthy. It does not help motivating you to be more careful with your diet.

Conclusion: Why Aren't Indonesians Getting Fat?
Considering what they eat, one could be surprised there aren't more fat people in Indonesia. In the street, most Indonesians are thin, especially those from the working class.

It is not difficult to understand why. Poorer people don't take the taxi, they walk. Poorer people don't sit all day behind a desk, they do hard job and chores. Poorer people also eat and drink less, particularly alcohol, fast food, candies, cakes, etc.

Among the middle class though, I've noticed there are more and more people who are overweight, especially among the middle class. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the number of people who are overweight in the country has grown from 12 percent in 2007 to 21 percent in 2010. That's a massive 9 points in only 3 years!

So the truth is: Indonesians are getting fat too, just like I did.
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Search

10 Best Things to Do In Jakarta

May 4, 2017, 4:12 pm
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Many tourists hate Jakarta because they visit it the wrong way. They check the things to do in a guidebook or on the internet, and then try to do as many as possible in a short time.

Since they are not familiar with the city, they get stuck for hours in traffic, walk in the heat from one sight to the other, and spend more time bargaining than actually talking with Indonesians.

I am not saying that Jakarta is perfect, but if you know what to do, you can definitely have a good time.

Below is my list of the 10 most recommended things to do in Jakarta, starting from the best. An alternative title for the article could probably have been "How Not To Hate Jakarta". Your suggestions are welcome, please just write a comment at the end.

You can also read Is Jakarta worth visiting? for more information.

1) The best thing to do in Jakarta is to date a local (at least for guys)
Let's be honest here. Would Jakarta be as interesting for expats as it is today without Indonesian girls? Certainly not.

Dating local girls is the main activity of most guys I know who live here, and even for those who already have a Western wife. It is a fascinating introduction to Indonesian culture and the best way to learn the language. Leaving Indonesia without this experience is a bit like leaving Italia without eating pizza.

As a traveler, an easy way to get a date is to use online dating apps like Tinder. I wrote an article with the best services you can use: Online Dating Apps and Sites in Indonesia. Many girls in Jakarta will be suspicious about your intentions if you are a tourist though. If online dating does not work, you can read more advice in How to Meet Girls in Jakarta.

2) The second best thing to do in Jakarta is to party
The nightlife is one of the few areas where Jakarta can compete with Bangkok or Singapore. If you go to X2 on a Saturday night, you have at least 200 tourists. I don't think there are as many visiting the National Monument (Monas) over the whole weekend.

Clubs in Jakarta are not perfect but they are fun. Foreigners get a special treatment as long as they dress well and, unlike in Europe, you stand a chance with girls.

My whole website is about Jakarta nightlife. If you are not familiar with it already, start with Best Nightclubs 2016, Jakarta Nightlife 2015 and Jakarta Nightlife Guide.

3) The third best is to eat Indonesian food
I advise you to do the same when you visit Jakarta. You can go to Sabang street in Central Jakarta or Mangga Besar street in Kota (for more ideas, read Street Food in Jakarta) and choose one of the crowded food stalls. The prices are low: A dish without meat usually costs around Rp10,000, a dish with chicken or fish about Rp20,000 and a dish with beef or lamb between Rp30,000 and Rp50,000.

Don't make the mistake of only trying Nasi Goreng as you'll miss hundreds of delicious specialties. My personal favorites are Gudeg (cooked jackfruit), Ayam Gulai (chicken with Indonesian curry), Beef Rendang (slow-cooked beef with spices), Bebek Mercon (duck with extra spicy sauce), Grilled Fish with Dabu-Dabu (Manado spicy sauce), Lawar (minced vegetables and meat), Konro (ribs soup), etc.

You can also read: How I Became Fat in Indonesia.

4) The fourth best is to get a massage

Indonesia is one of the best countries in the world to get an excellent massage.

In Jakarta, for just US5$ you can have a professional masseuse at your door who will massage you for an hour. The easiest way to find a therapist is to download the app Go-Jek and to use the feature "Go-Massage". Alternatively, almost every hotels in Jakarta with more than 3 stars have an in-house spa or 24/7 massage services.

You can also check independent spas. The prices are between 15$ and 30$ for a 90-minute treatment in a decent venue. For a luxurious one, you can read my article: Best Luxury Spas in Jakarta.

To find the spa nearest from your place, you can use my guide Finding A Spa In Jakarta. Beware as I'm also mentioning plus plus spas (that are also quite an experience... you can try Delta if you are curious).

Expat women would tell you that Jakarta is a great place to have an inexpensive creambath, a nail polish or a scrub. Beauty salons are not expensive and they can be found everywhere.

5) The fifth best is to do nothing 
"Nongkrong" ("hanging out" in English) is the trademark hobby of Indonesia. Basically, it means doing nothing with other people.

You can hangout pretty much anywhere: In a coffee shop, on top of a rooftop bar, in a restaurant, in front of a 7-eleven, in the street, at a friend's place, at the mosque, etc. All you need is at least another person. You may also add a beer, a kretek, a coffee and some snacks. A chair is not required as you can see on this photo:

You may feel it is a waste of your time but it's not. It is a time for relaxing, eating, drinking, socializing and adapting to a new environment. In such a hectic city, slowing down is essential to avoid going mad.

6) The sixth best is to walk around
As surprising as it may seem, my favorite day-time activity in Jakarta is simply to walk around in normal Indonesian neighborhoods. It is a free and simple thing to do, yet very rewarding.

Whenever I have guests coming to Jakarta, I always take them for a walk and they love it. It allows them to discover the softer, slower-paced side of the city, where regular folks live.

This is something you can do almost anywhere as long as you understand how Jakarta is organized. Most of the malls, offices, luxury residences and hotels are located along huge streets like Rasuna Said, Sudirman or Gatot Subroto. As soon as you venture behind those skyscrapers, you have smaller and smaller streets (also called "gangs"), where only motorbikes can enter. The atmosphere changes completely: It becomes almost rural with no traffic, low-rise houses, chicken running wild and women going to the mosque with their daster (a sort of daytime pajamas).

This drawing may (or may not) help you understand:
Three nice areas for walking around are Glodok (Jalan Kemenangan, near the Chinese temple Vihara Dharma Bhakti), Tanah Abang (you can go to Jalan Kebon Kacang I, II, III, etc) or Pasar Baru (Jalan Kelinci).

7) The seventh best is to visit the tourist spots
Some tourist spots in Jakarta are interesting, but it would be a mistake to visit them before doing the things listed above.

My most recommended attractions are the Istiqlal Mosque, the National Museum, Taman Fatahillah (a square in the Old Town with several museums and coffee shops) and Sunda Kelapa (the old harbour). All of these can be done within a day if you start early and if you choose a hotel in a central area (Where to Stay in Jakarta).

Other sights that you can skip:
Monas is not that special and the surrounding park is not well maintained.
Taman Mini is too far from the city center so it will take you the whole day to visit it.
Waterbom and DuFan are two themed parks that are only interesting if you have kids.

If you need more ideas, I have been to most tourist attractions in Jakarta and I reviewed them on Jakarta100bars here: Things to Do in Jakarta. You can also check my ranking of the best museums: 16 Best Museums in Jakarta.

8) The eighth best is to learn Indonesian
Indonesian is one of the most spoken languages in the world. It is easy to learn because there are no verb tenses or declensions (noun modifications). You can make sentences just by putting up words together. The pronunciation is also simple: Every letter has a sound.

A traveler I know managed to reach a conversational level within two weeks only. All he did was to memorize 200 words, then seize any opportunity to start a conversation with Indonesian people. He was dating a girl also, that helps.

If you stay in Jakarta more than a few weeks, or if you live in Southeast Asia, I recommend you to learn at least a few words. It will make your Indonesian experience richer and more enjoyable.

9) The ninth best is to go shopping
Indonesia is a protectionist country. This means anything imported or requiring imported components will be expensive, and anything that can be made local is (normally) cheap.

Shopping in traditional markets and shopping streets is a great local experience. I've written a complete article about these here: 25 Best Markets and Shopping Streets in Jakarta.

Shopping in middle class malls is also fun and you may find a few bargains (though not as good as in Thailand or Vietnam). Indonesian-made clothes and accessories are generally cheap. Electronic equipment, mobile phones, computers and cameras with a local brand don't cost a lot as well, but the quality can be poor. There are always a lot of fake products too. Some of the best middle class malls are ITC Mangga Dua, Mall of Indonesia, Mall Kelapa Kading, Mall Ambassador and Mall Taman Anggrek.

Shopping in luxury malls like Plaza Indonesia, Plaza Senayan or Pacific Place is not really interesting in terms of prices. Most items sold are more expensive than elsewhere. Those malls are still worth a visit if you want to see the glitzy side of Jakarta. It is also where you will find the most popular cafés, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and cinemas.

10) The tenth best thing to do in Jakarta is to get out
If you don't get out from Jakarta once in a while, you will start to hate it. There are flights from Jakarta to most airports in Indonesia, making it the best base to visit the country. 50$ will take you thousands of kilometers away to white sand beaches, world-class reef corals and indigenous tribes.

Get some travel ideas here: 11 Indonesian Islands You've Never Head Of and Bali Cheap Travel Guide.
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Bishkek Nightlife - Best Bars and Nightclubs - Kyrgyzstan (2017)

June 7, 2017, 4:24 am
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I stayed in Bishkek for a short week while visiting Kyrgyzstan in June 2017. Naturally, I was curious to discover its nightlife, which was recommended to me by several friends.

Since I was there during Ramadan, I was afraid the bars and nightclubs would be closed, but everything was normal, albeit slightly quieter than usual.

My first difficulty was the lack of information about partying in Bishkek. Almost everything you'll find online is outdated or in Russian (Retro and Golden Bull are closed for instance). Luckily, on my first night out I met an expat who lived in the city for 3 years and he took everywhere I needed to go.

This review is a summary of everything I learned about Bishkek nightlife. I hope you can leave comments about your own experiences as well to make it more interesting and to keep it updated.

Nightlife Areas + Recommended Hotels Nearby
Most of the best bars and nightclubs in Bishkek are located within 500 meters from Ala Too square, and particularly along Chuy Avenue and on Orozbekov Street.

Considering this is also where you'll find most of the best tourist attractions, I advise you to choose a hotel nearby.

Here is a selection of the best hotels with both a great location and high ratings on Agoda/Booking.com.

5-star hotels
Orion Hotel - Most luxurious hotel in Bishkek with prices starting at 250$ per night.
Hyatt Regency - The oldest 5-star in Bishkek. Girl-friendly. It has its own bar. 235$ per night.

4-star hotels
Ambassador Hotel - Excellent location walking distance from many happening bars - Rated 9.2/10 - From 115$ per night.

3-star hotels
Bugu Hotel - Right in the city center, brand-new, very affordable - Rated 9.3/10 - From 55$/night

Dostuk Hotel - Rated 7/10 - 60$ per night - This hotel would not be special except it has its own sauna with plus plus services and a quiet nightclub as well (called Heaven). Girl-friendly. In the same building, you have another property, much nicer but pricier, called Club Hotel (on TripAdvisor, someone says he was offered prostitutes there).

2-star hotels
Ocean Hotel - Rated 9.4/10 - 40$ per night. Great location in front of Metro Pub. It is more a converted apartment than a proper hotel though.
Royal Minihotel - 30$ per night. It has a 24/7 sauna.

Backpackers
Central Hostel (Not girl-friendly): Rated 9.3 - starting at 10$ per night in dorms.

There are also some bars and nightclubs in the South of Bishkek, on Baytik Baatyr street and near Cosmo Park (Zavod Pub). There aren't many hotels in that area but you can reach it easily from the center by taxi (15 minutes - 200 Soms).

General Tips About Bishkek Nightlife
Safety
I walked a lot during the day in Bishkek and I never felt the city was unsafe. At night, some streets can be scary as they are poorly lit and deserted. It's best to avoid them by simply taking a taxi between the clubs you visit. There are plenty of them and they are cheap (just negotiate the price in advance - usually 100 Soms for a short 5 minute ride).

I also read reports on Internet from people who were mugged just outside nightclubs, when they were drunk. For this reason, it is best to avoid carrying too much cash with you or important documents.

Dress code
As a tourist, it seems you can get away with wearing short pants and a t-shirt in most venues except maybe Bar 12, Zavod, Mansion and Garage.

That said, try to make an effort dressing up with at least a pair of jeans and shoes. This will help you socialize and meet girls.

Prices
Prices are relatively low, even in high-end venues. In general, you will pay 150-200 Soms ($2-3) for a beer and 250-350 Soms (3-5$) for a generous cocktail.

Stripclubs have an entry fee of 500 Soms and they'll often charge slightly more for drinks.

Meeting girls
Meeting girls in Bishkek is fairly easy, either online, in the street or in nightclubs. In the latter, you have to be careful as the number of prostitutes can be deceitfully high.

- Recommended online dating apps are Badoo, Tinder and Mamba.
- Recommended nightclubs and bars to meet girls are Metro, Zolden, Mansion, Garage and Zavod

Best Bars and Clubs in Bishkek

Zavod
My favorite club in Bishkek, Zavod (ЗАВОД) is located on the 3rd floor of the shopping center/cinema Metro Park. It is a semi-open restaurant, bar and nightclub open every day until 3AM (6AM on weekend with a 1,000 Som entrance). The dancing area can get really crowded with a fun mix of people. Many girls, both Kyrgyz and Russians who can easily be approached. DJs play a mix of Western and local pop/house, not the latest hits but very danceable. The only problem is that it is 15 minutes from the city center by taxi.

More information: Zavod Pub Bishkek

Metro Pub
A few years ago, before it was renovated, Metro was a dodgy bar full of prostitutes. Nowadays, owned by a British citizen, it is a classy venue with a colonial interior design and a rather upmarket expat crowd. They have a live band and a DJ several times per week. Also decent for eating and watching sports. The security guard told me that it is open 24h but I couldn't verify.

More information: Metro Bishkek

Garage 312
Garage 312 (Гараже 312) is a bit far away and difficult to find, but it has a great atmosphere thanks to its awesome staff of hot waitresses. It's not without any reasons that it is nicknamed the "crazy party bar". It is only open on weekends and attracts mostly trendy Kyrgyz with Russian ethnicity. Lots of pretty girls and drunk guys on the dance floor. Well-organized events ranging from hip-hop nights to live concerts.

More information: Garage 312

Promzona
A live music venue with a mini-concert every night except on Monday (most often pop-rock bands singing local and international songs). There is an entrance fee but you can get in for free if you send them a message on Whatsapp (0706 900-900).

More information: Promzona

Mansion Club
Open from Thursday to Saturday until 5AM, it is the largest nightclub in Bishkek. It is built on two floors with a main stage in the middle featuring either live bands or DJs (Russian house). It was only half-full when I went there. They have some sexy girls dancing with costumes a couple times every hour.

More information: Mansion Club and Karaoke

Zolden Pub (and nearby bars on Orozbekov Street)
A laid-back pub with a friendly atmosphere in the nightlife street of Orozbekov. You can start bar-hopping from there and visit nearby beerhouses such as Travel Pub, Ugolek or Sherlock Pub. Affordable prices. Russian live music that gets people dancing hard.

More information: Zolden Beer

Bar 12
A stylish bar and lounge on the 12th floor of a building. Nice view and atmosphere. This is where the local elite and younger expats hangout. It was very quiet when I visited, maybe because of Ramadan, or maybe because Zadov has become even more trendy. Recommended for a date.

From what I've heard, they can arrange a sushi dinner with a naked model (also called Nyotaimori in Japanese). This is a photo I took on their Facebook page:
Naked Sushi in Bar 12
More information: Bar 12 Bishkek

Coyote Ugly
An American bar with sexy hostesses who may dance occasionally on the wooden bar. There weren't many customers when we arrived at midnight, but it started to fill up slowly (it stays open until 6 AM). It's pricier than average, but worth a visit for a few drinks.

Upstairs of Coyote, there is a nice sports bar called Pub Daddy. They have American food, numerous TV screens and a live band on Friday and Saturday.

More information: Coyote Ugly (part of the international brand of the same name) and Pub Daddy.

Save The Ales
This microbrewery serves various kind of draft beer in a minimalist setting (think blank walls, cheap tables and chairs... and nothing else). Founded by two Kyrgyz women, it was featured in Conde Nast magazine last year. Closes at midnight.

More information: Save The Ales

A Few More Venues:

Greenwich Pub
This sports bar was quite busy, even during weekdays, and I enjoyed its location just a hundred meters from Ala-Too square. It has a small garden, next to Panfilov Park from where you can smoke shisha.

More information: Greenwich Pub

Zusmanovich's Suitcase
In Russian, the bar is called Chemodan Zusmanovicha (Чемодан Зусмановича). It is a kind of bohemian place with an artsy crowd. They welcome independent artists, mostly Kyrgyz, to perform several nights a week (see the program on their Facebook page below). The rest of the time, there will be a DJ. Free entrance.

More information: Chemodan Zusmanovicha

Center Bar
Centrally-located bar, fine for downing a few beers before heading elsewhere. The terrace is perfect for watching people walk by.  Inside there is a dance floor with a DJ. There is also a karaoke than I didn't try.

More information: Center Bar and Karaoke

111 Bar
A dive bar, a bit messy, which is oddly located on a bridge just above the river. With its homely feel, it is popular with the expat community. Hard to find and at least 10 minutes from the city center. Pool table, darts and video games. Also serves food (burgers).

More information: 111 Bar (One One One)

Cheback Pub
A new pub with good food and live music, right in the city center next to a cinema. Modern design. Live music on weekends.

More information: Cheback Pub

Jazz Band Bar
The only Jazz bar in Bishkek to my knowledge. Live music every night. Open from lunch to dinner until 2AM. More expensive than average.

More information: Jazz Band Bar

More beer gardens and beer houses outside the city center:
I saw more pubs all around Bishkek which all seemed similar: Draft beer, sports on screens, generous food portions, etc. You can check the following for instance: Blonder Pub, Pinta Pub, Munchen Pub and Barclay's Pub.

Interestingly enough, there is a Obama Bar in Bishkek and there used to be a Putin Pub as well (closed already).

Finally, Martini Bar and Democrat were both being renovated during Ramadan but they should reopen after the summer.

Saunas in Bishkek
An interesting feature of Bishkek nightlife is the number of saunas spread around the city and often hidden from sight.

I didn't visit one but they are discussed a lot on the internet. The most famous ones seem to be Vip King Sauna (3 Logvinenko St), Viking (2 Gogol St) and Centr (78 Gorkova Ulitsa St). All the properties from the KGB group are highly-rated too.

As mentioned before, there is also one in the Dostuk Hotel and one in Royal Minihotel, both in Central Bishkek.

Ying Yang Sauna (6 Turusbekova St.) from the KGB group and Royal Sauna are both open 24 hours, 7 days per week.

You will find a complete list of saunas in Bishkek with location and prices on the following link (in Russian but you can translate it): Sauna List + Price in Bishkek. You can also have a look at this useful map: Location of Saunas in Bishkek.

As you might have guessed, those saunas are de facto bordellos with prostitutes. Some of them can even be taken outside to your room. The price is around 2,000 Soms for the entrance, and 3,000 Soms directly for the lady.

Stripclubs in Bishkek
Another local specialty is striptease. I had not expected to find any sexy dancers in a Muslim country, furthermore during Ramadan, so you can imagine my surprise when my expat guide took me to a lively strip club at 4 AM.

They are not particularly hidden, contrary to the saunas. One of the most famous ones, Penthouse (PH) is almost visible from the street, just a few meters from Ala-Too Square, on the 8th floor of the BerenGold tower. Advertised as a gentlemen's club, it costs 500 Soms to get in and they have about 10 girls (Russian) who dance one by one on a podium. They will take off their bras but never their panties. See more information about it on their Facebook page: Penthouse Bishkek or watch their promotional video:
The best strip club in Bishkek is probably Zhara (in Russian ЖАРA). They have skilled dancer, both Russian and Kyrgyz, who wear sophisticated themed costumes. They will perform as a team, with a choreography so it is much more entertaining to watch than in Penthouse. Be aware that when you get in front of the entrance door, it looks like it is closed but it isn't (at least not until early morning). Just knock and someone will open. Entrance is 500 Soms with a 500 Soms deposit.
Dancers from Zhara
Dancers from Zhara on the bar
Zhara (ЖАРA)
86 Baytik Baatyr, Bishkek
Phone number:  0553 122 419
Instagram: Zhara Strip Club
Facebook: Zhara

Finally, you may want to try Canto Strip Club and Karaoke as well. I didn't visit it but it seems to be quite hot judging by this video from one of the dancers:
Conclusion about Bishkek Nightlife
Bishkek is one of the most laid-back and liberal cities in Central Asia. It is safe, cheap and the local people are friendly. There aren't that many clubs and bars, but enough for you to have great fun over a weekend. I recommend!
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12 Best Cities for Party in Indonesia

June 9, 2017, 2:31 am
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I've partied in all the major cities in Indonesia (as well as in much smaller ones!) so I thought it could be useful to summarize everything I've learned in one article. Hopefully it will give you ideas for your next trip!

Without further ado, please find below the 12 best cities/regions for nightlife in Indonesia:

Jakarta
Jakarta is without any doubt the best city for partying in Indonesia. There are at least 20 decent nightclubs, more than 100 bars, and thousands of restaurants. The mindset is also quite liberal (at least in the upper class) and you'll find some wild venues like no other in the country (strip clubs, luxury massage parlors, etc). Since most of the clubbers are expats or wealthy Indonesians, you'll need to dress up and to spend quite a lot to have fun. If you are looking forward meeting beautiful women, Jakarta is fantastic too.

→ Most recommended venues: Jenja, Immigrant, Dragonfly, X2, Basque
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Jalan Sudirman, near Sarinah or near Plaza Indonesia


South Bali
The South Bali region, from Kuta to Canggu and including Legian, Denpasar, Sanur and Seminyak, is a fun playground for party-goers. Each city has its own crowd: Young tourists in Kuta, regulars in Seminyak, expats in Canggu, Indonesians in Denpasar and older people in Sanur. It is a more laid-back and diverse than Jakarta, and naturally, it is mostly targeting foreigners.

→ Most recommended venues: Skygarden (Kuta), La Favela (Seminyak), Jenja (Legian), Opivm (Seminyak), Motel Mexicola (Seminyak)
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Sky Garden (Kuta), near Double Six Beach (Legian) or near Jalan Oberoi (Seminyak)


Bandung
Just 3 hours from Jakarta, Bandung is a major student town attracting Indonesians from all over the country. As such, it is home to a myriad of unpretentious bars and clubs, usually reasonably-priced and filled with enthusiast youngsters. People tend to party in groups there so bring friends with you and book a table. Girls from Bandung (Sundanese) are among the most beautiful in the country but they are not as free-spirited as the ones you'll meet in Jakarta.

→ Most recommended venues: Shelter, Sobbers, Southbank, Amnesia
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Jalan Braga


Surabaya
Even though Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia, it still retains a provincial atmosphere. Foreigners are very rare, meaning you will get plenty of attention from girls. Compared to Bandung, the crowd is older and more wealthy. Clubs are often targeting groups of males, with sexy dancers shows and ladies that can be booked for companionship.

→ Most recommended venues: Top 10 Coyote, M-One, Foreplay
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Surabaya Town Square or Near Tunjungan Plaza


Gili Trawangan
The tiny island of Gili Trawangan is less than a 2-hour boat ride from Bali. Every night, hundreds of Westerners in their 20s party in one of the beach cafés near the pier. Alcohol is cheap, probably because it is fake, and mushrooms/marijuana is easy to buy. It reminds me a lot of the nightlife in some Thai islands (Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi).

→ Most recommended venue: Jiggy Bar
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Gili Trawangan Harbour


Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is both a student and a tourist town. As such, it boasts a rather large selection of nightspots, most of which are within a short perimeter from Jalan Malioboro.

→ Most recommended venues: Liquid, Boshe, Terrace, Sakapatat, Tap House, Sugar
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Malioboro Street


Nagoya (Batam)
Batam nightlife is an odd mix of drug-ridden discos, shady massage parlors and deserted hostess bars. It could be much better but it is in the hands of a local mafia who is unable to take advantage of the location just 45 minutes from Singapore.

→ Most recommended venues: F1 Club, Square, Kampung Bule, Titanium
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Hotels Near Batam Nightlife and Spas


Tangerang
Tangerang nightlife is still quiet and limited to a few fun clubs. However, its proximity with Jakarta makes it obvious that things will improve over the next few years. A destination to watch!

→ Most recommended venues: Enigma, Clique
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Serpong


Malang
Malang is my favorite city in Indonesia! The climate is not too hot, the girls are cute, it is not too polluted (yet), and the car traffic is reasonable. The town is a smaller version of Bandung, with an important student community. Most of the nightlife consists of laid-back live music pubs and cafés, but you also have a couple of modern nightclubs.

→ Most recommended venues: MyPlace, Hugo's, Smooth
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Alun-Alun Kota


Balikpapan
As a city geared towards the oil industry, you can't expect the nightlife in Balikpapan to be particularly sophisticated: Most bars and clubs are intended to help men find company for the night and that's it. A few recent openings are worth more than just a short visit, though.

→ Most recommended venues: Embassy, D'Luv, Le Centro Club, Penthouse
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near E-Walk Mall (Check on Agoda)

Samarinda
Similar to Balikpapan, Samarinda is also a town that developed thanks to the mining/oil & gas industry. People have money to spend, and you will be surprised by how swanky some nightclubs are. Unfortunately, all of them are hostess bars so you won't meet a normal girl easily on a night out.

→ Most recommended venues: Deja Vu, Muse, Crowners, Celcius 
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Citra Niaga Mall (Check on Agoda)

Semarang
Semarang is the 5th largest city in Indonesia, but its nightlife is a bit underwhelming due to the lack of either tourists or students. One advantage is that you will certainly be the only westerner around.

→ Most recommended venues: Babyface, Sakapatat, E-Plaza, Liquid
→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Mall Ciputra

Read More: Semarang Nightlife
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What to do in Jakarta in 24 Hours?

June 16, 2017, 3:30 am
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Many tourists stay in Jakarta for only 1 night, usually before heading to Bali. If you are in the same situation, you might be wondering what are the best things to do in the city in 24 hours or less.

To help my friend and family when they visit me, I have written for them a complete 24-hour itinerary that covers the town's best attractions. It is a bit rushed but it is realistically doable in a day. You can always skip a few steps to make your tour more relaxed.

Don't hesitate to write me directly if you have more specific questions (thibaud@jakarta100bars.com). You can also read 10 Best Things to Do in Jakarta, Jakarta Travel Guide and Is Jakarta Worth Going?.

Important: Choosing the Right Hotel
In general, a car ride between the airport and the city center takes between 1 and 1,5 hours. During rush hour (5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays), it might last longer, up to 2,5 hours. For this reason, I would recommend choosing a hotel with an easy access to the toll road going to the airport. A hotel near Plaza Indonesia would be perfect or, alternatively, near Sarinah. To reach the airport faster, you could also stay near Semanggi, Taman Anggrek or Pluit, but then you would be further away from the attractions I will recommend below.

You should be aware that every Sunday is car-free day in Jakarta. This means that Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin will be closed to cars from 6 AM to 11 AM.

Recommend Hotel Near Sarinah/Plaza Indonesia for a 24-Hour Stopover in Jakarta
→ 5-stars (more than 150$/night): Kempinski, Grand Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental
→ 4-stars (more than 100$/night): Morrissey, Kosenda, Artotel, Pullman Thamrin
→ 3-stars (more than 40$/night): Holiday Inn Express, Liberty Hotel, A-One
→ Under 40$ per night: Favehotel Wahid Hasyim, Dreamtel, Cipta, MaxOne


Things to Do in 24-Hour in Jakarta

8 AM - 8.45 AM: ISTIQLAL MOSQUE
If you've followed my advice and booked a hotel near Sarinah, you can reach the Istiqlal Mosque in less than 10 minutes by taxi/Uber and 15-20 minutes by foot.

This mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, is my favorite monument in the city. Not only is the building really impressive, it is also an interesting window on the way Indonesians practice Islam.

You can read my full review about it here: Istiqlal Mosque Jakarta.

9 AM - 9.30 AM: MONAS
The Monas (with the Istiqlal in the background)
You can walk from the Istiqlal Mosque to the Monas Park in just a few minutes.

The park is not particularly well-maintained, but in the morning it is nice enough for a short stroll until you reach the National Museum. If you feel like it, you can climb on top of the Monas for just Rp10,000.

9.30 AM - 11.00 AM: NATIONAL MUSEUM
The National Museum is just across from the Monas and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday starting 8.30 AM.


I spent around 2 hours inside and you can read my full review here: National Museum Jakarta. 

11.00 AM - 11.30 AM: TRANSPORT TO KOTA TUA (OLD CITY)
The touristic area of Jakarta is in the older part of the city, in the North. This is where you will find most Dutch historical buildings (Taman Fatahillah), the Chinatown (Glodok), and the old harbor (Sunda Kelapa).

The best way to go there is to download Uber, Grab or GoJek and to order a private car. The driver should drop you at Jalan Pancoran.

You can also use the TransJakarta line 1, just in front of the National Museum and ride it until Glodok Station. In this case, it will cost you only Rp4,500 per person (with Uber around Rp30,000).

11.30 AM - 12.15 AM: CHINATOWN
Jalan Pancoran is the gateway to Chinatown. From there, you can visit Chinatown by foot. The best streets are Jalan Kemenangan and Jalan Kemenangan III. In the latter, you will see a beautiful Chinese temple.

From Chinatown to Taman Fatahillah, the distance is less than a kilometer. Considering the potential traffic situation, I think it's better to just walk.

12.15 AM - 1.30 PM: LUNCH IN TAMAN FATAHILLAH SQUARE
There are several restaurants near Taman Fatahillah Square, including the famous Batavia Café. It is much pricier than the rest but I think it is worth it, at least for a drink.

Another option is to eat Padang food in Sederhana Restaurant on Jl. Kemukus No. 2A. Order the Nasi Rendang (around Rp35,000) and you'll feel full for the rest of the day.

1.30 PM - 4.00 PM: MUSEUMS OR SUNDA KELAPA
Because of limited time, you will have to choose between visiting a few of the museums of Taman Fatahillah Square (History Museum, Art Museum, Puppet Museum, Bank Indonesia Museum) or taking an Uber/Taxi to the old harbor of Sunda Kelapa.

I'd recommend the latter to those who want to take impressive pictures. If you have a keen interest in the history of spice trade and colonization, you'll probably enjoy the museums (particularly the Bank Indonesia Museum).

Read more: Best Museums in Jakarta

4 PM - 5 PM: TRANSPORT BACK TO SARINAH
It is better to go back to Jakarta's city center early to avoid the worst of the traffic jams (when office workers start to head home, around 5 PM).

If you do not wish to take a Uber/Taxi, you can ride the Transjakarta Bus line 1 from Kota Station to Sarinah directly.

The trip should last about 1 hour.

5 PM - 7 PM: MASSAGE
By the time you arrive, you will probably feel dirty and exhausted. The best way to get your energy back is to receive a soothing Javanese massage. There are a few recommended massage parlors near Sarinah: The cheapest is Bersih Sehat, which is basic but hugely popular. Just across the street, Relax Living is nicer and the prices are still reasonable (25$ for 90 minutes).

For 30$ more, you can also try the more upmarket Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa which is 300 meters from Sarinah.

7 PM - 8 PM: BACK TO YOUR HOTEL AND RELAX
After your treatment, you can go back to your hotel, relax for a while and change your clothes.

8 PM - 10 PM: STREET FOOD DINNER / SHOPPING
Street food stalls along Jalan Sabang
I would recommend eating street food in Jalan Sabang (also called Jalan Agus Salim), a 2-minute walk from Sarinah. There are dozens of various food stalls, as well as some proper restaurants. The area is famous for its "satay" sellers (skewers served with peanut sauce).

If you prefer eating Western food, you go to the nearby Grand Indonesia Mall instead. It is the largest luxury shopping center in Jakarta and it has a huge restaurant section. It closes at 10 PM so you can do a bit of shopping there as well (for cheaper prices, the next door Thamrin City Mall is perfect).

10 PM - 5 AM: DRINKING AND PARTY
Even on Sundays or Mondays, you can find happening parties until morning anywhere in Jakarta.

It is a good idea to start your night in a rooftop bar, for instance in Cloud or SKYE. You then have plenty of choices, from the expat bars of Mega Kuningan to cheaper backpacker bars like Camden or Melly's Garden.

You can read one of my nightlife reviews for more information:
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Almaty Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (2017) - Kazakhstan

June 27, 2017, 8:05 am
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I spent around 10 days in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. I was told it had the best nightlife in Central Asia, and it is probably true. While it is sometimes still rough around the edges, I can say that it is one of the most underrated party destinations I've ever been to.

The city has at least 10 decent nightclubs and 30 bars worth visiting. It is generally cheap: Drinks costs between 2$ and 5$, even in nicer venues, with an entrance fee always below 10$.

Foreigners are rare and they are treated like royalty. A few times, I was able to avoid queuing after the bouncers heard me speaking in English.

Girls are gorgeous and ethnically diverse: Around a third is Russian, half is Kazakh (Asian-looking), and the rest is mixed. They are interested to meet with foreigners so you can expect to be popular even if you look average.

Finally, I found Almaty to be particularly safe. I walked a lot at night between places and I never felt scared.

The following guide should cover everything you need to know about partying in Almaty. Please note that I was there during summer. Naturally, more bars were open and the atmosphere was generally nicer. If you have experience partying during the winter, please share it in the comment section below.

Nightlife Areas + Hotels
Almaty nightlife is spread out in the city center, called the Golden Square, without a specific party neighborhood. As long as you choose a hotel there, you will never be too far from a bar or a nightclub.

There are a few zones with a higher density of night spots: Around the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, on Gogol Street, on Dostyk Avenue and on Furmanov Street.

If you need a hotel near the nightlife (and also near the best tourist attractions and near a metro station), I would recommend one of the following properties:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rixos (rated 9.2/10 on Booking.com): 250$ per night on HotelsCombined.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
WorldHotels Saltanat (rated 9/10 on Booking.com): 125$ per night on HotelsCombined.

⭐⭐⭐
Mildom Hotel (rated 8.2/10 on Booking.com): 60$ on HotelsCombined.

⭐⭐
30$ for a double room or less than 10$ for a dormitory bed in those hotels:
BAZA Hostel
LES Hostel
Hostel Nomads GH

Nightlife in Almaty: Generalities

When to Party?
There is only one thing I didn't like about Almaty nightlife: The bars and clubs are only happening on weekends and they are dead on weekdays. Even on Wednesdays, it is difficult to find somewhere that isn't completely empty.

Clubs start to fill up at midnight and they close at 5 AM or 6 AM. After this time, the only after-hour venue I know is Vzletnaya (see below for details).

Dress Code
You can visit 95% of bars and nightclubs in Almaty wearing shorts and sandals. Pants and shoes are mandatory in Sky Bar, TSB, Club Gogol, Gan Bei and China Gold.

ID Card
Don't forget to bring your passport with you as you may be asked for a proof of identification even if you look old and rich. Many clubs are not allowed for people under 21 (even under 25 sometimes) but if you are part of a larger group, they will probably turn a blind eye on your age.

Cost of Partying
The best clubs have an entry fee between 1,500 Tenge and 3,000 Tenge (3$ to 6$). A large local beer will cost between 500 Tenge and 1,200 Tenge (250 Tenge in a supermarket), and a glass of spirit between 1,000 Tenge and 2,000 Tenge. A taxi ride will cost you 400 Tenge for 10 minutes (less with Uber).

Overall: A fun night out will cost you around 20,000 Tenge (60 USD).

Meeting Girls
Almaty is one of the best cities in the world to meet girls. Tinder works very well, you'll normally get more matches than you can handle. You can also try Mamba (Russian dating app) and Badoo.

In nightclubs and bars, Kazakh girls are easy to approach. Your best chance is to go to Chukotka, Friday, Gan Bei, TSB, Bar 7 and Sky Bar.

Best Nightclubs, Bars and Pubs In Almaty:
I have been to all these venues around mid-June 2017. If I forgot an important one, please leave a comment below.

Kipyat.com, a website in Russian about Almaty and Astana nightlife was very useful in my search for the most happening bars and nightclubs.

Территория Соединенных Баров (TCБ or TSB)
This nightclub, whose name could be translated as "Territory of the United Bars", was my favorite in the Almaty. Oddly, it is located within the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, just one hundred meters from the eternal flame commemorating soldiers who died during the World War II.

I visited at 2AM, just after Ooh Chic which is around the corner. The entrance fee was 2,000 Tenge, with no drinks included (I had a whisky coke = 1,300 Tenge).

Inside, there are 3 separate rooms on 2 floors, each with a different music (Rn'B and EDM). You also have a small terrace for smokers. Great for meeting people. The atmosphere was really lively, with all customers in full party mode. Lots of very pretty girls, 80% Russian. Closes at 5AM.

Instagram: TSB Official
Facebook: Территория Соединенных Баров

The Sky Bar Street
The Sky Bar Street is the most happening nightspot in Almaty at the time of writing. Open during summers, it is a large rooftop with several semi-open themed bars (Cocktail and Friends, Made in China, Bootlegger, Death&Co, Sangria Bar, Mvmmonth, Wall Street, Dilani, etc). The space between each becomes the dance floor during peak hours on Friday and Saturday. In general, the entertainment consists of live music followed by commercial house/hip hop. Expensive prices for Almaty standards (1,500 - 2,000 Tenge for drinks).

Chic, well-dressed and beautiful crowd. Don't even attempt to enter if you are wearing shorts. They'll also look at your ID to prove that you are over 24 (for guys) or 21 (for girls).

Facebook: Sky Bar Street
Instagram: Sky Bar Official

Chukotka
I spent 4 evenings in Chukotka, maybe the most popular bar/club in Almaty among tourists. During the weekend, it can get really full and you may have to queue before entering. It is foreigner-friendly, with many hot girls inside looking to hook up with anyone who is European, American or Australian. Prices are affordable (500 Tenge for the cheapest beer). On the first floor, the main dancing spot features Top 40 music (live and DJs). On the second, a more relaxed café area with less commercial songs.

Overall: Number one pick up bar in Almaty to meet normal Kazakh girls.

Facebook: Chukotka

Tuyskan
A cool bar for hipsters and artsy people. Hard to find as there aren't any exterior signs in English. Just look for a red light and a long tunnel at the corner of Kabanbai Batyr street and Dostyk Avenue. LGBT-friendly. 

Facebook: Tuyskan

Club Gogol - Bar 7
Gogol Club is a 3-floor complex with a restaurant, a bar (Bar no7), a karaoke and a club. I spent most of my time in the latter, which was almost packed. High-end crowd. Many pretty girls and some sexy dancers. Good music.

Instagram: Gogol Club

Gan Bei
Another great club, with mostly hip hop music. It is intimate, with a long bar in the middle of the main room, great for meeting new people. Pricier than average, it attracts the elite of Almaty. This is the place to go to if you want to hook up with models and socialites. Drinks cost at least 1,500 Tenge. More Kazakhs than Russians in the crowd. Wear shoes/trousers and bring your ID.

Instagram: Gan Bei
Facebook: Gan Bei

Vzletnaya 
A secret after-hour nightclub with techno music. The strangest place I've been to in Almaty. Only for die-hard clubbers. Drugs probably available. It is a challenge to find it: You should go to the street Kunaeva, number 64. There, you will see a door like this:
Secret entrance of Vzletnaya
Someone will be at the entrance to filter the guests. As long as you look OK you'll be admitted (just don't be loud or drunk). It closes at 11 AM if I remember correctly. This is a video I shot inside with my phone:
Facebook: Vzletnaya
Instagram: Vzletnaya

Friday Club (Esperanza Complex)
Friday Club is in the basement of the Esperanza complex, next to the Mega Center Mall. It has the reputation of being a pick up place for foreign guys. Girls are mostly freelance prostitutes, but you may also find normal ones. The entrance fee was 2,000 Tenge with a free enormous beer. Commercial music. Lots of people dancing and socializing. Mixed Russian and Kazakh crowd. Sexy dancers.

Facebook: Friday

William Lawson 13 Bar
This whisky bar was recommended to me by several Almaty residents. It is actually more like a pub, with sports channels on TV, a large selection of beers and a static crowd. Hipster vibe. You can go there to warm up, before hitting the clubs.

Website: William Lawson 13

Ooh Chic
When we visited Ooh Chic, there was some confusion at the entrance that led my friend and I to accidentally buy 2 bottles of wine (10,000 Tenge in total). It tasted terrible but it made the whole night a lot more fun. The place in itself does not have anything special. There are two floors: Below is the bar, facing a large square-shaped dance floor. Upstairs is a lounge area with sofas and tables. At 2 AM, it was half empty and even more by 3 AM. Mainstream clubbing music. The customers were almost all Russians, including many gorgeous ladies. At some point, there were 2 sexy dancers that I filmed with my phone:
VK: Ooh Chic Almaty
Instagram: Ooh Chic (lots of hot pics and videos)

Fun to Mass - Siniy Bar (синий)
A coyote club with hot waitresses who dance on the bar with sexy outfits. Free entrance but the drinks are quite expensive (1,400 for the cheapest beer). Many pretty girls in the public, they might be prostitutes though. Commercial music. Small dance floor. Next to Slim Club.

VK: FunToMass Almaty
Facebook: Siniy

Бар Папин гараж (Papin Garage - Dad's Garage)
I went to this club at 4.59 AM and it was closing at 6 AM. The DJ played a little longer but there were no customers except for a group of friends. I didn't find any mention of this place on the internet but it's quite easy to find it. It is on the third floor of the building just in front of Slim and Fun To Mass. I think it used to be called Lollipop.

Slim
That's another club I visited very late, just before closing time. There were only about 50 customers left (40 guys and 10 girls). The music was old school/Rn'B. It seemed to me like a middle-class, easy-going nightclub. No entrance fee.

VK: Slim
Facebook: Slim

Barcode
This club is walking distance from Soho Bar and Killfish. I just had a quick look around 2AM and it was almost empty. The music was very loud EDM. It seems some of the girls were prostitutes. Not recommended. 1,000 Tenge entrance fee. All you can drink beer for 3,000 Tenge.

Facebook: Barcode

Killfish Discount Bar
Killfish is a chain of discount bars with dozens of locations in Russia. They have at least 2 branches in Almaty. I visited the newest one on Rozybakiev street with a group of 4 friends, lured in by the promise of cheap booze. Our hopes were high but the evening turned out to be a disaster: Terrible service (45-minute wait, rude staff), deafening music, and a scam (we bought an expensive mojito jug which contained no alcohol in it). We also learned that the "discounts" only applies if you are a member. I recommend you to avoid this place. If you are on a budget, just buy alcohol at the supermarket. Note: Killfish is half-way between a bar and a nightclub. Some people drink with their friends in private booths, and the rest will be on the dance floor. There is a DJ who plays International and Russian Top 40 hits.

Website: Killfish Discount Bar
Instagram: Killfish Almaty

More clubs and bars I didn't go to:
There are several nightclubs I couldn't visit because of a lack of time. Some of them seem interesting and if you've been there, I would love to hear your comment:

Underground Club and Bar: Is it a hip hop club?
Olivier: A 24-hour café/restaurant, good for after-clubbing snacks
China Gold: Elite karaoke, restaurant and lounge
Aura and Grand Opera: High-end karaokes
Tapas Bar: I just passed in front of this place. They had live latin music and it was full. 
Pinta Bar and Restaurant: A popular chain of pubs that you can usually find near malls. They can be busy even during weekdays.
Hard Rock Café: Live music and American food
Tancy Bar and Syedin Bar: Next to each other, they have the same owner as William Lawson 13. Sexy gogo girls.
El Mirador and Burlesque: A building with an expensive restaurant, karaoke and cabaret. Erotic dancing performances.
6/45: I was told it serves the best cocktails in Almaty but never got a chance to try them.
Line Brew Mix: Interestingly enough, this Chinese restaurant is headed by a Singaporean. In a quiet street and with a stylish setting, it is a good spot for a date.
W365: Well-designed bar. Live music on weekends.

There are also countless British, American and Irish pubs in Almaty, in almost every streets of the city center. I entered in a few of them, but none caught my attention. Here are a few: Sir Francis Drake, Free Rider, Shakespeare, Mad Dogs (reputably the oldest expat bar in Almaty), Soho, Mary the Butcher, Dickens, Guinness Pub, Old English, Che Chill Pub, Harat's Irish Pub, etc.

Outside from the center, you may find more local-oriented nightclubs, such as Angar.

Best Strip Clubs In Almaty:
As in every ex-USSR countries, Almaty has a fair number of strip clubs and cabaret. In general, there is an entrance fee (up to 5,000 Tenge) and naturally you'll pay more to get a private lap dance.

The recommended venues are 50 Shades of Grey, Kazanova and Men's Club Matrioshka. I also saw another one called Какаду (Kakadu) but when we tried to go there at night it was closed.

Almaty Nightlife Map
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