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10 Best Nightclubs and Bars to Meet Girls in Bali

August 8, 2017, 6:53 am
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Bali is a fantastic destination for single guys who want to meet girls. As soon as you'll arrive, you can download some popular dating apps and you'll be surprised by the high number of matches you'll get (to be fair, there are also many prostitutes - be careful).

Another great way to meet girls in Bali is to visit bars and nightclubs, especially if you are staying around Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud. I wrote extensively about the nightlife in those areas, most recently two weeks ago with my guide: Where to Party in Bali?

In the following article, I will focus on the most recommended spots to meet girls. I've made sure to mention a diversity of venues so you are certain to find exactly what you are looking for - be it a rich student from Jakarta or a 200-pound Australian tourist (nothing wrong with that).


Best Night-Time Spots to Meet Girls

The famous Sky Garden in Kuta features at least 5 different rooms, each with a different atmosphere and crowd. For instance:
- The rooftop (old school music) is popular with older people
- The huge Skydome attracts mostly Indonesian guests with big-name EDM DJs
- The R'n'B room has the most prostitutes and the drunkest clubbers.

IDR115,000 entrance fee from 5 PM to 9 PM with free food buffet and drinks. IDR150,000 after (entrance + 1 drink coupon).

Ratio guys to girls: 70% guys and 30% girls
Percentage of prostitutes: Around 25%
Male crowd: Australian tourists, Western backpackers, Asian and Indonesian tourists, Gays
Female crowd: Western tourists, Indonesian tourists and prostitutes
Age of clients: 18-35
Pick up possibilities: High
Dress code: Holiday (shorts, flip-flop). Girls who are well-dressed get a free entry from 9 PM to 11 PM.

Near from SkyGarden, Vi Ai Pi and Eikon are also recommended. If you want to meet drunk, low-class Aussie girls, you check Bounty, Paddy's Pub and the Engine Room.

La Favela is the Seminyak equivalent of Sky Garden. It is the busiest bar around, by far, and also a great one to meet beautiful ladies.

Don't visit it too early as it is also a restaurant. Things get more interesting after midnight, when the small dancefloor gets packed and steamy. The music is mainstream with essentially Top 40 hits from the past 30 years.

Free entrance.

Ratio guys to girls: 55% guys and 45% girls
Percentage of prostitutes: Around 10%
Male crowd: Western tourists and expats
Female crowd: Western tourists and expats
Age of clients: 25-40
Pick up possibilities: High
Dress code: Chic holiday wear (if there is a queue, they implement a strict door policy)

Motel Mexicola is one of the most happening bars in Seminyak, every night of the week. Maybe because of its Mexican theme, it is a magnet for women, mostly Australians and Indonesians.

To maximize your chances, I recommend you to sit on one of the communal picnic tables in the main room. There, you will never be too far from a group of women sipping margaritas.

Free entrance.

Ratio guys to girls: 40% guys and 60% girls
Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%
Male crowd: Australians
Female crowd: Australians, Indonesians
Age of clients: 20-45
Pick up possibilities: Average
Dress code: Holiday

Just across La Favela, Red Carpet Champagne Lounge is a pickup spot for guys interested in older women (above 40).

The place is often full, with tables very near from each other, so it's easy to befriend your neighbors. Despite its name, Red Carpet isn't really posh: It is laid-back and almost decadent. A fun place to get drunk!

Free entrance.

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls
Percentage of prostitutes: Around 20%
Male crowd: Western tourists and expats
Female crowd: Western tourists, expats and Indonesians.
Age of clients: 40-60
Pick up possibilities: High
Dress code: Chic tropical wear

Mirror is a nightclub where most customers are rich Asians (and particularly Indonesians from Jakarta). You will enjoy it if you are looking to meet with young hi-so girls (high-society).

As long as you don't look like a backpacker or a tourist, you can be successful inside. It also helps if you book a table and order bottle service.

There is a first-drink charge of IDR250,000.

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls
Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%
Male crowd: Indonesian-Chinese from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Denpasar
Female crowd: Same as above
Age of clients: 20-30
Pick up possibilities: Average
Dress code: Pants and shoes compulsory for men

Old Man's has a great beach party every Wednesday with an interesting mix of both trashy Kuta tourists and vegan, yoga-loving Canggu residents.

Free entry.

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls
Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%
Male crowd: Australians, Europeans
Female crowd: Idem
Age of clients: 20-35
Pick up possibilities: Average
Dress code: Holiday wear

Jungle is a new bar, between Seminyak and Canggu, with a stylish crowd of young foreigners living in Bali. There are plenty of hot girls, including some models, but they are not always easily approachable if you are a tourist.

Note: Friday is the best night to go to Jungle. You can try the nearby Hacienda before or after that.

Free entry.

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls
Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%
Male crowd: Europeans, Australians, Latin Americans
Female crowd: Idem
Age of clients: 20-40
Pick up possibilities: Average
Dress code: Tropical hippie, surf wear

Jenja
Jenja used to be a decent pickup club, but there are so many guys now that it resembles a sausage fest. Still, you may get lucky in the hip-hop room where money-oriented Indonesian girls are hunting for expats.

IDR250,000 entrance fee with one free drink.

Ratio guys to girls: 80% guys and 20% girls
Percentage of prostitutes: At least 20%
Male crowd: Western expats
Female crowd: Indonesian girls
Age of clients: 25-45
Pick up possibilities: Low (without paying)
Dress code: Urban casual (shirt, shoes, pants).

Best Day-Time Spots to Meet Girls

You can socialize easily if you hang out near the swimming pool of Potato Head in Seminyak. Arrive early to rent a sunbed for the day!

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls
Male crowd: Westerners
Female crowd: Westerners, Indonesian girls
Age of clients: 20-55
Pick up possibilities: Average
Dress code: Swimsuit

Pronounced like "Mississipi", Mrs. Sippy is an improved version of Potato Head, without the sea view but with a larger pool.

Free entry but there is a minimum charge to use the sunbeds.

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls
Male crowd: Foreigners and Indonesians
Female crowd: Idem
Age of clients: 20-45
Pick up possibilities: Low
Dress code: Swimsuit

Bonus: Best City to Meet Girls in Bali

Ubud
One smart guy having a yoga class in Ubud
All the bars and nightclubs I've mentioned so far are located in South Bali. If you go to Ubud, you'll notice a much higher ratio of girls to guys.

Since the movie 'Eat, Pray, Love', the village has become a retreat for all sorts of women (divorcees, backpackers, hippies, etc...). They come for several months to learn about cooking, massage, yoga, art and spirituality among others.

If you are interested in those things, you'll find plenty of dating opportunities. Just join a few classes during the day and hit the bars at night (Laughing Buddha, No Mas).

Ratio guys to girls: 30% guys and 70% girls
Male crowd: Guys with their wives/girlfriends
Female crowd: Girls with their boyfriends/husbands + Single ladies from Western countries and Japan.
Age: 25-65
Pick up possibilities: High

All photos from Instagram. Main photo from SkyGarden by @pratikoys.
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15 Most Useful Apps for Living in Jakarta (2017)

August 12, 2017, 12:52 pm
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You can make your life in Jakarta much easier by downloading a few apps on your phone. They will be helpful in numerous everyday situations, from getting around the city to buying your groceries. There's even an app to order a massage!

I've selected here my 15 favorites, most of them free. Please leave me a comment if you think I forgot one worth mentioning!

Here are the most useful apps for living in Jakarta:

Owned by Google, Waze is a GPS navigator with real-time traffic information. For instance, it tells you if there are traffic jams, accidents, road repairs and even police stops on your way.

It is an essential tool to estimate the length of your road trips within Jakarta. It can also give you excellent advice on the best routes from a point A to a point B.

Alternative:
Lewat Mana has webcams pointed at the main thoroughfares in Jakarta.

Price: FREE

Maps Me
Maps Me is similar to Google Maps with one additional benefit: You can download the maps you need and then consult them offline.

It is particularly useful whenever you are in an area of Jakarta with slow internet (or if you don't want to use your internet quota).

Price: FREE

If you are a single person in Jakarta, Tinder the best app available to find a partner. It doesn't work for everybody though (read my guide: Why You Are Failing at Tinder).

Alternative:
There are a few options other than Tinder that I listed in the guide Best Dating Apps in Indonesia: Badoo, Skout, Paktor, Grindr (for gays)...

Price: FREE with paying features.

You probably noticed that a lot of websites are blocked in Indonesia, including gambling, torrent and porn. To access them freely (while staying anonymous), you'll need to download a VPN on your phone and computer.

The one I currently use is Express VPN (it works great), but in the past, I also tried and enjoyed the following: Nord VPN, VyprVPN and Hide My Ass.

You can read more about this topic: Best VPNs for Indonesia and Are VPNs Legal in Indonesia?

Price: Between 4$ and 8$ per month with annual plan

I use both of these transportation apps to get around by car in Jakarta. I think Grab is a bit less expensive than Uber, especially if you use their prepaid program (Grab Pay).

You should subscribe to their newsletter too as they give out special promotion codes regularly.

Price: Compared with traditional taxis, they cost around 30% less.

Gojek is probably the most versatile app in Indonesia. Whatever your needs are, you'll almost always find a Gojek answer to them.

It started as a transportation app like Grab and Uber, but specializing in moto-taxis (Ojek in Indonesian). They now have an army of riders that can be used for regular transport (Go-ride), food delivery (Go-food), grocery delivery (Go-mart), package delivery (Go-send), medicine delivery (Go-med), ticket delivery (Go-tix), etc.

They also offer maid services (Go-maid), car repair (Go-auto), beauty services (Go-glam) and moving truck rental (Go-box).

Last, but not least, you can order Blue Bird taxis through the app.

Price: Each service has its own pricing, usually cheap.  By using the prepaid option Go-pay, you'll get significant discounts and you can use your credit to buy phone credit (Go-pulsa).

HappyFresh
HappyFresh allows you to buy your groceries directly from their app and get them delivered to your door within a couple hours. They have partnerships with several supermarket chains like Lotte, Carrefour, Ranch Market or Farmer's Market.

I use it for buying beer among other things (see How to Buy Alcohol in Jakarta).

Price: IDR20,000 per delivery + a 10% markup on every item bought (they are not very transparent about this, unfortunately).

I wrote about Babbel in my article How I Learned Indonesian. It is a fun app for learning Indonesian, perfect for those who don't have too much free time available. Typically, I open it when I'm stuck in traffic or waiting for someone at the restaurant. 10 minutes every day for a month is enough to make significant progress.

Price: Around 20 lessons are free, and then you have to pay a few dollars per month.

Google Translate
Make sure you download the Indonesian language package so you can use it offline. Google Translate is available on Play Store and on iTunes.

Price: FREE

In general, Traveloka has lower prices for Indonesian hotels and flights, especially if you are paying with an Indonesian credit card (Mandiri, BNI, BCA, etc).

You can also try the competition, PegiPegi (only in Bahasa) and Tiket.com. All these companies always give promo codes through their websites or through their newsletter.

I don't trust the reviews of Zomato, but you can use their app to read the menus of restaurants around you.

Price: FREE

Similar to Whatsapp, Line is a very popular messenger app in Indonesia. It is often used by small businesses, like warungs or laundry shops. As such, it is useful to install it if you wish to communicate with them.

Price: FREE

Those two marketplaces are the closest things to Amazon or AliExpress in Indonesia. They have an impressive number of items for sale, from discounted plane tickets to phone credit. The only problem is that they are in Bahasa.

TransferWise
As I wrote in my article "What Is The Cheapest Way to Send Money to Indonesia", the TransferWise app (or the website) allows you to send money to most countries on earth for a fraction of what it would cost with traditional banks or with Western Union. It's essential if you have a business or a girlfriend to support in Jakarta.



Price: 1,5% of the total amount you want to transfer
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Online Prostitution is Booming in Asia

August 15, 2017, 9:26 pm
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Because of the Internet, prostitution in Asia has been transformed significantly over the past 10 years.

Slowly, it has moved out from the street, the bars, and the massage parlors, and instead, it has invaded online forums, escort websites, chatting apps and social medias.

The main reason for this evolution is that it benefits the client. He no longer has to visit dodgy, sometimes illegal venues in sketchy neighborhoods. He can choose a girl directly from her photos, chat with her, make a deal, and then invite her to sneak discreetly inside his house or hotel. After finishing, he can even rate the girl and review his experience on online forums.

Some prostitutes have taken advantage of it as well. The most desirable (educated, beautiful and fun) are now officially called "escorts" or "sugar babies". On websites like SeekingArrangement.com, they select their customers carefully, favoring "quality" (= money) over quantity. A few partners per month can be enough for some to maintain a luxurious lifestyle.

For the rest of prostitutes, things haven't changed much as online prostitution does not remove their need for middlemen. There are still plenty of individuals making money from the sex work of others, but their role has evolved. While there are still pimps who act like bodyguards, drivers, debt-collectors, recruiters or organizers, others have become digital entrepreneurs or marketing managers. They create websites, advertise on online groups, respond to emails and messages, and post pics/videos. 

One thing to remember is that sex work is still illegal in a majority of Asian countries except for Singapore, Hong-Kong, and Macau. Everywhere else, prostitution operates freely only because of corruption and collusion, hence the need for powerful mafias and sex traffickers who can bend the law as they wish.

How Online Prostitution Works in Asia
Few people realize how massive online prostitution has become in Asia. For information purposes only, I will give you a few example of the many forms it takes.

Note: No need to ask me for my feedback about any of those sites or apps as I have never used them personally.

1) Messenger Apps: WeChat
The "People Nearby" feature in WeChat
WeChat, the Chinese equivalent of WhatsApp, has a discreet feature which is popular among sex tourists. Simply called "People Nearby", it allows you to search for other WeChat users around you (male or female) and chat with them. 

Among normal profiles, you will notice dozens of more suggestive ones with fake pics and names such as "Lotus Massage" or "Sabadee ++". The majority of those are actually owned by digital pimps running small prostitution rings.

WeChat is also the favorite app for ladyboy to advertise escort services, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

2) Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram
What would surprise you is that online prostitution exists and thrives even on mainstream social media like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

On Facebook, you can find thousands of groups or individual pages which clearly advertise prostitution. All you need to do is type keywords like "escorts" or "massage" for a particular city. Here are a few I found after 5 seconds of research:

It is strange that Facebook will remove pics of a woman breastfeeding her child, but on the other hand, it lets pimps and prostitutes advertise their sexual services.

On Twitter and Instagram, it's all about finding the dedicated hashtags. For an outsider, it is not always very easy to know them because, understandably, they are secret.

In Indonesia, for instance, people use "Bispak" (short for "Bisa Pakai") + the name of a city. This means that Bispak Jakarta is the hashtag of prostitutes who operate in Jakarta.

Twitter and Instagram are more convenient for them because, unlike on Facebook, they can keep their identity secret with a pseudonym.

Finally, Telegram has been gaining ground lately, especially in Asian countries where governments are trying to crack down on online prostitution. This app, a mix between Twitter and Facebook, allows you to create private groups where your identity is 100% protected.

3) Dating Sites and Apps
I've complained before that too many dating apps and sites in Asia are polluted by the presence of prostitutes.

In some cities like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, around 20% of the profiles are not those of genuine girls looking for a date. The same thing happens in tourist spots like Bali or Phuket. In Pattaya, it is at least 90% of working girls.

In general, Badoo is the dating site with the most prostitutes, followed by Tinder. AsianDating, on the contrary, has much less (probably because it isn't location-based).

4) Classified Websites: Craiglist
Personal ads on Craiglist Indonesia
This American website, one of the most visited in the world, has an infamous "personals" section where freelance prostitutes can post their pictures and detail their services/prices. It exists in every country: Singapore, Malaysia (with sometimes more than 100 ads per day), Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.

Cracker.com, Backpage.com or Locanto.com are even more straightforward as they have a section called "escorts". It is also present everywhere (for instance here for Bangkok or Singapore).

5) Escort Websites
There are specialized escort websites in every Asian country (even where it's illegal). I don't want to mention any here but you can find them easily on Google.

On these sites, many girls are part of "model agencies" that take a cut from their fee in exchange for marketing services, protection, accommodation, and transportation. The sexual services provided are clearly explained up to the tiniest details (for an example, you can check the Singapore version of EZ141). Website visitors can also read reviews about a specific girl, written by her previous customers, just like they would for a restaurant or a hotel on TripAdvisor.

On escort sites, prices tend to be much higher than elsewhere. For girls who look like models (at least from the photos), it can reach up to 500$ per hour of companionship.

6) Sugar Daddy and Sugar Baby Websites
The two most famous websites in this niche are SeekingArrangement and SugarDaddie.com. On them, young girls (Sugar Babies) are looking for long-term "boyfriends" (Sugar Daddies) who will give them money, buy them gifts, invite them on holidays, or finance their studies.

These arrangements can be pricey and they are usually made by rather wealthy men. On the positive side, the girls can offer a more genuine girlfriend experience and they are more educated than the average escort.

7) Online Forums
Last, but not least, forums are another way to advertise and sell sex online. The members of a community will discuss various topics, ranging from the quality of an escort website to the merits of a specific working girl they've slept with. Sex141 (based in Hong Kong), Dpf2u (based in Malaysia), Kaskus (based in Indonesia) and SammyBoyForum (based in Singapore) are among the largest in Asia. 
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Happy Hours, Free Flows and Ladies Nights in Jakarta (2017)

August 16, 2017, 9:49 am
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This article is an update on all the promotions (Happy Hours, Ladies Nights, All-You-Can-Drink) that the best bars in Jakarta are currently offering.

The deals may change over time so I added the Facebook or Instagram of each venue for you to double check.

In general, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best nights to drink cheap in Jakarta (especially if you are a woman). If you are on a really tight budget, you can get a few bottles delivered at your home too (Read: How to Buy Alcohol Online in Jakarta).

Here are some of the best happy hours, free flow deals and ladies nights in Jakarta in 2017:


Flow
They don't have happy hours but different promotions every night:

Monday: Free flow wine from 7PM until 10PM for IDR249,000++
Tuesday: Ladies night (Buy 1 Get 1 on cocktails and strongbow cider, Heineken bucket IDR179,000++)
Wednesday: 3-hour free flow sangria (7P to 10PM) and Buy 1 Get 1 on Cocktails/Japanese beers all night long.
Thursday: All day promos (Buy 1 Get 1 Japanese Beer and Strongbow Ciders, Heineken bucket for IDR179,000++, discounts on Talisker, Dalwhinnie and Mortlach or Free Flow on Heineken from 7PM to 9PM for IDR249,000++).
Friday and Saturday: 15% off on all bottles except beer, wine and Japanese whisky (valid until 11PM)

More information: Flow Jakarta

Everyday from 4PM to 8PM, buy 1 and get 2 on Plaga Rosé, Heineken Draught, Bacardi Silver, Gordon's Gin, Skyy Vodka, Mojito, Lychee Martini, Classic Margarita, ...
Buy 2 Get 3 on Bintang Radler
Buy 3 Get 4 on Albens Cider

Ladies night on Thursday: Free glass of Sangria if you come with high heels (from 8PM to midnight)

More information: Cloud Lounge

Special price from Monday to Friday from 4PM to 7PM:
Heineken Draft: IDR50,000 for 1, IDR80,000 for 2
San Miguel Negra: IDR60,000 for 1, IDR100,000 for 2
Whisky: IDR85,000 for 1, IDR120,000 for 2
Rum: IDR80,000 for 1, IDR120,000 for 2
Gin: IDR80,000 for 1, IDR120,000 for 2
Vodka: IDR80,000 for 1, IDR120,000 for 2

More information: Bacco Jakarta

Special "arisan" promotion - Ladies-only:

- 90-minute All-You-Can-Drink Sangria, Beer and Long Island for 5 girls with 2 free sharing plates and a IDR150,000 meal voucher:  IDR750,000++ (or IDR500,000++ without alcohol)

- IDR125,000 for a set menu with 1 appetizer or dessert, 1 main course, 1 welcome drink.

More information: Karumba Bar Jakarta

Prices in Master are already among the cheapest you'll find in Central and South Jakarta. During their happy hours from 4PM to 9PM, they'll cut an extra 10% to 20% on beers:

More information: Masters Sports Bar

All day happy hours until 8PM on draught beer.
Tuesday: 20% discount on cocktails
Wednesday: Happy hour all night on Bintang tower
Thursday: Happy hour all night on Bintang pitcher
Saturday: 50% discount on all drinks by the glass for girls.

More information: De Burse

Irish specials every Thursday from 7PM to 10PM: IDR75,000++ for a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny and IDR65,000++ for a glass of Jameson Whisky.
Ladies' night on Wednesday: 3 free drink voucher from 8PM to 11.30PM + free small bites.

More information: McGettigan's

Happy hour every day on Heineken and Bintang beer until 8PM
Monday: Flip a coin for a chance to win a double on all house pours
Wednesday: 25% discount on house pours and draft beers
Thursday: Ladies night: 50% off on selected drinks for girls only
Friday: Happy hour on Heineken tower all night long
Saturday: 15% discount on all house spirit by bottle + HH on Heineken tower/Brainwash pitchers

More information: CazBar

Eastern Promise and De Hooi
Ladies night on Thursday: 50% off for women

More information: EP and De Hooi

Happy hour every day from 3PM to 7PM:
- Beer bucket: Buy 4 get 2 free Carlsberg or Heineken or Guiness Stout
- 20% off selected wines by the glass
- 2 house pours (Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Whisky, Rum) for IDR110++

More information: Loewy

Happy hour every day: Buy 3 beers and get 1 free.

More information: Basque

From Monday to Sunday (4PM to 10PM), Hippie Sundown:
- IDR175,000++ for 3 Coronas
- IDR250,000++ for 3 selected cocktails

From 5PM to 9PM (Monday to Thursday):
- IDR30,000++ for spirits by the glass
- IDR25,000++ for beer
- IDR65,000++ for cocktails

More information: The Foundry 8

Bauhaus 1933
Happy Hours from Wednesday to Saturday (6PM-10PM): 3 cocktails for IDR250,000
Ladies night with free flow cocktails from 9PM to 11PM every Wednesday

More information: Bauhaus

Lola
Lark hour with a buy 1 get 1 promo on selected cocktails every day until 9PM.
Every Tuesday, free flow cocktails from 6PM to 12AM (IDR250,000++).

More information: Lola Senopati

H Gourmet and Vibes
Every Thursday: Free flow wine from 8PM to 10PM for IDR199,000++
Buy 1 get 1 free glass of wine every weekdays

More information: Gourmet and Vibes

Gia
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: Buy 1 get 1 on classic cocktails all day long.
Free flow from 5PM every Thursday for IDR249,000++

More information: Gia Restaurant and Bar

The Dutch
Every Wednesday from 7PM to 9PM: IDR250,000++ for all-you-can-drink Guinness Draught.
Every Friday: Buy 3 Get 1 Free Stark Beer

More information: The Dutch Jakarta

Casa Kemang
Every day, all day, a bucket of 6 Heineken or Carlsberg for IDR240,000++

More information: Casa

J Sparrows
Every day from 4PM to 8PM, 2 cocktails for IDR200,000 (classic or signature) and 6 Heineken bottles for IDR160,000++

More information: J. Sparrows

Crazy Uncle
On weekdays from 8PM to 10PM: IDR85,000++ for cocktails and free flow Heineken draught beer for IDR150,000++

More information: Crazy Uncle Jakarta

Savoi
Monday to Friday (4PM to 9PM): 25% discount on spirits and wine bottles. Buy 1 get 1 on cocktails.
Thursday: Free flow cocktails from 8PM to 11PM for IDR250,000++

More information: Savoi Senopati

They don't have a proper happy hour but two interesting promotions:

Every Monday: Free flow wine starting at 5PM for IDR249,000++.
Get a selected spirit bottle for IDR750,000++ starting 5PM from Tuesday until Friday.

More information: Social House

Happy hour from Monday to Thursday from 5PM to 7PM - Buy 1 beer, get 1 free.

More information: Paulaner Jakarta

Liquid Exchange
Happy hour every day until 8PM (and all day on Sunday): Around 15%-20% discount.

More information: Liquid Exchange

Fat Shogun
Ladies night: Free flow drinks from 8PM to 9PM + IDR50,000++ cocktails for girls only.

More information: Fat Shogun

Jenja Nightclub
Wednesday ladies night: Free entry to the club and free flow alcohol from 9PM to 11PM.

More information: Jenja

Photo: Safehouse Bar by SindhenApp.

Do you know a great promotion that is not listed here? Please leave a comment below to let me know about it!
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Where Do Expats Live in Jakarta?

June 30, 2017, 11:09 pm
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The population of Jakarta is predominantly made of Indonesians from Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi or any of the other islands of Indonesia. The first ethnic minority would be Indonesian Chinese. Expatriates represent a fraction of the population, with the main communities being Japanese, Korean, American, Australian, and European.

Expats in Jakarta are spread in the whole city, but as each community tends to stay in the same areas and frequent the same spot, it is possible to get a general mapping of where they live and hang out:

- Indians in Jakarta (Expat or Indonesians): Many live in Pasar Baru or Sunter area. You will find them in clubs like Immigrant or Cloud or in one of the restaurants listed here: Indian restaurants in Jakarta.

- Japanese and Korean Expatriates: Most live in South Jakarta in Kebayoran Baru area (Pakubowono, Senopati, Dharmawangsa, Pondok Indah). Many offices from Japanese companies are located in Thamrin or in the Northern part of Jalan Sudirman so there are quite many Japanese/Korean restaurants there too. There is a Little Tokyo in Jalan Melawai (Blok M), which is a combination of Japanese restaurants and karaokes.

- Americans and Australian Expats: With the Australian School and Jakarta International School being located in South Jakarta, many American and Australians live in the Kemang/Pondok Indah area. Even though Americans are one of the main nationalities in Jakarta, they are not so visible. Most often, they will go out in 5-star hotel bars/restaurants, expats bars in South Jakarta, in Blok M (Jalan Falatehan), X2, Red Square.

- Arab (Saudis): Saudis I've met in Jakarta come mostly for tourism. Many come to enjoy drinking alcohol and meeting with girls, far away from their wifes. Jakarta is usually a stop on their way to Puncak. In Jakarta, they will hangout in Cikini area (Arabian Tent Cafe) or in Gatot Subroto in the club De Leila.

- European Expats in Jakarta are not a single community, but since each nationality is small, I prefer to group them: You will mostly find them in Kemang, Cipete, Pondok Indah, and in the Golden Triangle (Surdiman, Rasuna Said, Mega Kuningan). Naturally, they will hang out in clubs in those areas, particularly X2, Red Square, Immigrant, SKYE and all the expat bars.

- Indo Chinese are not expats obviously but still I wanted to include them on this listing: They are to be found mostly in Pluit, Pantai Indah Kapuk and Kelapa Gading for the wealthiest. In Glodok, the Chinese Glodok are supposed to be from a lower level. You will find them in many places in Jakarta, for instance Sun City, Club 36, Empirica, Da Fu.

- African: I haven't been there in a long time so I'm not sure if it is still valid, but in 2007 there was a small Nigerian community living in Jalan Jaksa/Wahid Hasyim area.

There is also an African bar in Blok M gloriously called Obama Fan Club.

- Russian expats: I have rarely seen Russians in Jakarta except in Dragonfly and SKYE. According to my taxi driver, there are two big Russian expat compounds in Senopati and Tebet.

Warning: This post is full of generalities and stereotypes. It is not a scientific study about Expats in Jakarta, but merely observations I made while living here. I would be more than happy to receive your comments.
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Guide to Choosing Your Hotel in Jakarta

June 30, 2017, 6:20 am
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I am asked daily by readers for tips about choosing a hotel in Jakarta. This little guide should answer all the questions I've ever received such as:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read my guide: Bachelor Party in Jakarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The newest 4-star hotels in Jakarta are: Harris Harmoni Vertu, Four Points By Sheraton, AONE Thamrin, Mercure Sabang, Hotel Santika Premiere Hayam Wuruk and Novotel Gajah Mada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You also have the following:

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

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

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

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

September 11, 2017, 2:37 am
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TBM, an acronym for Total Body Massage, is an outcall massage service providing a variety of sensual services in Bali for men and women who can be either straight, lesbian or gay. They are also opened to couples.

You can order through their website tbmbali.com, or via Whatsapp, E-mail and Phone (see contact details below). Note that this is not an escort or a prostitution site. You will not have sex with your therapists, only a relaxing massage with a handjob or a vaginal stimulation.

Something interesting about TBM is that they are the only ones in Indonesia offering Yoni massage, which is basically a happy ending for women. It can be done by a female or a men therapist. On their website, they describe it as a "massage on and around the vagina and other erotic zones, including breasts". Fingering is optional, depending on the customer's preferences.

Another specialty of TBM is that you can get a 4-hand massage by two therapists at the same time. They will start the session with a traditional body massage and build tension until they finally help you reach orgasm.

The price for a 60-minute massage is IDR800,000 and for a 90-minute massage IDR1,000,000. For this price, the masseuses will go directly to your hotel or your villa at the time of your convenience.

If you choose two therapists, the price is IDR1,600,00 for 60 minutes and IDR2,000,000 for 90 minutes.

For more information, you can check their website directly. They have a section presenting each available therapist (women and men), with photos. You can also see comments left by previous customers.

Total Body Massage - TBM
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Massage in Bali
Email: admin@tbmbali.com
WhatsApp: +62 (0) 823 391 88882
Website: tbmbali.com
Instagram: TBM
Facebook: Total Body Massage Bali
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Nebula - Restaurant and Bar (Mega Kuningan)

October 1, 2017, 5:50 am
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Mega Kuningan is confirming its status as the best nightlife district in Jakarta with the recent opening of a new happening venue called Nebula.

This bar and restaurant is part of a group that already operates two successful outlets in Bali, each with a unique design. The one in Kuta (Poppies Lane II) is a colorful, tiny space, serving artisan burgers, while the one in Petitenget is a popular spot for eating healthy lunches and breakfasts.

Nebula Kuningan has its own concept too, more suitable to the urban atmosphere of Jakarta. It has a very minimalist, yet cozy vibe, perfect for after-hour drinks, friends gatherings or even dating. Their menu is relatively small and features a blend of traditional Indonesian/Asian food. Just recently, they've also started offering a weekend brunch menu copied from their sister restaurant in Petitenget.

I visited Nebula on a Friday evening, when they had a live band / open mic session. Though the place is hardly noticeable from the outside, I was surprised to see that it was completely full (If you are planning to dine there, don't forget to make a reservation). For now, the crowd is mostly upper-class Indonesian-Chinese, with a few expats maybe bored with the usual Loewy/Basque routine.

As I only wanted to drink and enjoy the music, I was happy to just sit at the bar near the entrance. The barmen serve a handful of original signature cocktails, most of which are unique creations from their head mixologist. I had one called La Pinata, made from light rum, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, coconut mild and... chili/pepper syrup. Unusual mix but it tasted fantastic! Other favorite options include The Joker (white tequila, fresh lime juice, homemade syrup, blueberries, basil leafs) or the Spicy Corn (bourbon, fresh lemon, roasted corn / chili syrup, eggwhite). My understanding is that they will change the drink menu regularly as they come up with new creations.

As the night went on, people started to loosen up a bit. The most talented guests went on stage to sing a few songs (mostly top 40) while the more inebriated groups started dancing. As the tables are rather close from each other, I noticed that customers would start to talk to each other and socialize. That friendly and intimate vibe is definitely one of the strong points of Nebula.

Friday and Saturday are the best nights to visit, but I also recommend you to try their Vibin' Hours every Thursday. For IDR250,000 net, you can have a free flow of gin, whisky and vodka drinks. It's well worth it considering that for this price, you would only get two standard cocktails in other bars in Mega Kuningan.

The rest of the week, Nebula tends to be more quiet. If you are not into the nightlife and only looking for good food, then it is the ideal time to visit it. Expect to spend about IDR150,000-IDR200,000 for a meal with drinks.

Nebula Kuningan - Restaurant and Bar
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Jalan Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot 8.9, Kantor Taman A9, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta
Phone number: +62 (0) 812-1217-3381

Email: nebula.kuningan@gmail.com

Instagram: @nebula.kuningan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nebulakuningan
Nebula Bali: www.facebook.com/nebularestaurant
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Holy Smokes - Slow Smoked BBQ (Jakarta)

October 9, 2017, 6:49 am
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Holy Smokes is a chain of slow-smoked Texas-style BBQ restaurants, with currently three locations in or near Jakarta (Alam Sutra, Pantai Indah Kapuk and Wolter Monginsidi). It is part of Ersons Food, a group founded by three brothers who also own the famous Holy Crab franchise (previously reviewed here).

I visited Holy Smokes in Wolter Monginsidi on a Thursday evening, shortly before closing time. It is easy to spot from the outside, with its massive, bright sign that makes you feel as if you had reached the Holy Land.

By the time I entered, it was still relatively busy, which was not a surprise considering it is one of the most popular restaurants in the area.

Its interior design is based on an industrial theme and it reappropriates some of the graphic codes and materials used on construction sites or factories. Add to that the large communal table at the center of the main dining room and you really get the impression of eating in a chic American canteen.

It has a casual atmosphere, versatile enough to make it suitable for various kinds of occasions. Group gatherings (birthday, farewell parties, etc), of course, but also dates and even business lunches.

An important thing to note is that the Holy Smokes in Wolter Monginsidi is a halal restaurant. If you wish to eat pork, you should go instead to their branch in Pantai Indah Kapuk that has a menu for non-Muslims.

To order your food, you need to proceed to the counter, order from the board and pay directly (yes, just like in a fast food). You will be then given a pager that will ring when your meal is ready to be picked up on a tray.

The menu is centered around a few BBQ specialties, namely the Smokey Wagyu Brisket and the Southern-style Beef Ribs. Both are slow-cooked at low temperatures for up to 14 hours, using an imported smoker machine and wood from fruit trees.

This process, originally from Texas, gives the beef a unique, tender and juicy texture that you would never get from a traditional BBQ. Furthermore, the smoke enhances the flavors and adds a thin caramelized layer to the meat. This is why you will notice they have a very dark color on the outside when served. Beneath this coating, the meat should be slightly pinkish. That's an indication that the cooking was perfect!
If you have never eaten slow-smoked BBQ before, I would recommend trying their Brisket + Ribs combo meal (IDR235,000++ with 2 choices of side dishes) or, even better, the family package for up to 5 persons (with Briskets, Ribs and Chicken - IDR850,000++).

They also serve premium grill steaks, including a 1-kilo porterhouse steak. All the meat is imported from either the US or Australia.

During this whole month of October, Holy Smokes has a great Oktoberfest all-you-can-drink deal: IDR85,000 for 2 hours of free-flow beer. They also offer discounts on a selection of imported beers such as Stella Artois, Bohemian Pilsner or Poleeko Pale Ale.

The other current daily promotions are:
Monday: Buy 1 get 1 free on all imported beers
Tuesday: Buy 1 get 1 free on wine, for girls only
Wednesday: Bintang beer for IDR15,000 Net
Thursday: 50% off BBQ chicken wings
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 50% off on imported beer with any main course

Finally, they have live music every Friday and Saturday night.

Overall: Holy Smokes is an excellent American restaurant in every aspect: Authentic food, quality ingredients, well-trained and friendly staff, irreproachable cleanliness and a cozy atmosphere.

Holy Smokes – Slow-Smoked BBQ
Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No. 27 (Senopati)
Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta 12180
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 722 1795

Alam Sutera
The Flavor Bliss
Unit 12 Kav.6
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 3042 9975

Pantai Indah Kapuk
PIK Avenue
1st Floor
Phone number: +62 (0) 21 2257 0861

Instagram: Holy Smokes
Facebook: Holy Smokes

Opening Hours:
Open every day from 11.30am to 3pm and from 5pm to 11pm (open non-stop on weekends).

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Greyhound Café and Bar (Grand Indonesia)

November 5, 2017, 9:17 pm
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If you've been to Grand Indonesia recently, you may have noticed a new café/restaurant/bar on the ground floor of the West Mall.

Replacing Mad For Garlic, Greyhound is the latest venue of the Arena group, also behind several famous restaurants like Penang Bistro or Seribu Rasa.

The name Greyhound will probably sound familiar to those who know Thailand well. This is where the brand first started, in Bangkok more specifically, in 1997. The owners came from the fashion industry and their idea was to create a venue that would unify their love for design and their love for food.

Their first opening met with immediate success and, since then, they managed to open 30 more outlets in 6 countries, including in Hong Kong and Singapore.

The one in Grand Indonesia is their latest franchise, and it comes with a twist. Unlike the other branches, it also has a lounge concept with a beautiful bar, a long list of cocktails and spirits, and DJ events on Saturdays.

I visited Greyhound twice, and both times the atmosphere was different.

During the afternoon, it is more like a regular café serving, among other things, fusion Thai food, pastries and Thai tea drinks. It is a strategic meeting point in Grand Indonesia and I think many shoppers will find it convenient for a relaxing pause.

Don't get fool by their rather small entrance. Once you get in, you will discover they have a spacious area, all bright from natural light. Most customers sit on the sofas on the side, but you also have tables in the middle of the room and high chairs at the bar.

During the evening, the vibe changes perceptibly. The lighting gets darker, more intimate, and the music is slightly louder. The evening crowd also seems to be more fashionable. It is an ideal dating spot for a whole bunch of reasons including the design, the location, and the food/drinks.

The bar is well-stocked, with a special focus on whiskeys and bourbons. I tried a couple of their signature cocktails (Rp125,000++), namely the Tom Yam Martini, a creative Thai version of a classic martini, and the Siam Bourbon, a sweet and bitter concoction that comes with a vintage presentation. Both were delicious and well-balanced.
Siam Bourbon (Bourbon, Syrup, Cherry, Orange, Cocoa Bitter)

Tom Yam Martini (Lemon Grass, Lime, Tabasco, Tomato, Kafir Lime, Rum)
For food, I ordered the Street Style Grilled Pork on Skewer with Sticky Rice (Rp82,000++). The taste was exactly like the one you could eat in Bangkok, which is not surprising considering they have a Thai chef. Though I didn't try any, I noticed that many of their dishes are great for sharing with friends such as the Rice Crackers, the Spring Rolls or the Crispy Raviolis.

Overall:
Greyhound is a great addition to the F&B scene in Grand Indonesia. It is a convenient and comfortable meetup spot with delicious Thai fusion food and drinks. Recommended for dates, gatherings with friends, or pre-party drinks (on weekends).

Greyhound Café
Grand Indonesia West Mall
Ground floor G-20A

Phone number: +62 (0) 212358 1363 / +62 (0) 8 12 82 28 83 00

Website: www.greyhoundcafe.id
Instagram: @greyhoundcafe.id
Facebook: greyhoundcafeID

Opening Hours:
From Sunday to Thursday from 10AM to 10PM
From Friday to Saturday from 10AM to 1AM

Live DJs every Saturday from 9PM (EDM, Top 40, lounge)
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How to Access Blocked Websites in Indonesia with a VPN?

September 5, 2017, 1:07 am
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As of November 2016, there are 766,000 porn websites blocked in Indonesia, but also 2,120 betting sites and about 100 radical websites. If you are a sex-addict, a gambler or a fanatic, you can make your life much less miserable by spending less than 3$ a month on a VPN.

I had already written about the best VPNs in Indonesia a few months ago, but following questions I received from readers, I decided to write a more specific post about how VPNs work.

To make things simple, I will show you the example of the one I'm currently using, VyprVPN. It's a great VPN that I recommend, but feel free to purchase another one if you feel there is a better choice. Anyway, the interface always looks similar to one another

To make sure everyone can understand this post, I will keep my explanations as simple as possible, especially on the technicalities. Please leave a comment below if you think I left out something important or if you require additional information.

What is a VPN and why you need one?
A VPN client is a small software that you can install on your computer or your phone in order to access a VPN (or Virtual Private Network). When you connect to a VPN, you can surf the web anonymously, from another location than Indonesia and with all your data protected.

In the case of VyprVPN, the software looks like this:
When you click on the connect button, you will access the internet through a server (here in Singapore). From this moment on, the websites you visit will not know that you are in Indonesia and instead they'll assume you are in Singapore. Since the connection is encrypted and anonymous, there is also no way for third parties to know who you are and what you are doing online.

The benefits of using a VPN in Indonesia are particularly important for 3 main reasons:

- Access websites blocked by the Indonesian government
Almost all porn websites are blocked in Indonesia, including the most famous ones like PornHub, XHamster, YouPorn or XVideos. As soon as a new one is popular, it will get banned almost immediately. Sex-oriented forums and dating sites like internationalsexguide.info or AdultFriendFinder may also be inaccessible.

- Bypass regional restrictions affecting Indonesia
Some internet content may not be available from Indonesia, not because of the government, but because of the content providers themselves. For instance, I cannot watch TV replays from a French TV channel because it only allows viewing from Europe. This is a common problem with many streaming services (Netflix, BeIN Connect, etc).

The leading betting website betfair.com also do not allow bets coming from Indonesia.

When using a VPN, it is very easy to bypass those restrictions as you can simply connect from a server in the country of your choice. This can be done with just one click:
- Protect your identity from the Electronic Information and Transaction Law of 2008
When you surf the web in Indonesia either from a laptop or a mobile phone, you are not anonymous. Your internet provider knows who you are and which websites you visit (even if you are in incognito mode). Worse, he may communicate that information to your employer or to the government. Western countries spy on the internet and there is no reason to think that Indonesia does not. If you are often exchanging sensitive information or if you like visiting unorthodox websites, using a VPN is a necessary protection for your privacy.

Furthermore, after Indonesia voted the law on Electronic Information and Transaction in 2008, it has become easier to accuse anyone of defamation, insult or blasphemy. If you enjoy political discussions about Indonesia on forums or on the comment section of news sites, I really advise remaining as anonymous as possible.

If you are regularly traveling to Asia, the VPN will also help you in almost every country as each has its own restrictions: China blocks pretty much everything (Google, Facebook, Youtube - and even Jakarta100bars.com), Malaysia blocks porn and opposition websites, Thailand blocks any websites criticizing the monarchy, etc. In almost all Asian countries, at least a few people have been arrested for writing "inappropriate" comments on Facebook.

VyprVPN Features

Servers
It is important to choose a VPN with an important number of servers, especially if you travel a lot. For Indonesia, the fastest servers will typically be the ones in countries like Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, Macau or Hong Kong.

The great thing about VyprVPN is that they even have a server in Indonesia. This is really useful if you want to be geolocated in Indonesia while having total privacy.

See more: VyprVPN Servers Location.

Privacy
VyprVPN is one of the most serious options when it comes to the protection of their users' privacy. The main reason for that is that they do not keep logs from your connection, meaning that even they do not know which websites you visited. Also, they have a Modulating IP feature that modifies your IP address continuously while you are surfing. This makes it impossible for anyone to track your whereabouts.

There are several privacy and protection features that would please more demanding users. I invite you to check this page for more information: VyprVPN.

Accessing Blocked Website in Indonesia with VyprVPN
My most important concern when using a VPN is: Can I surf any websites, even those that are blocked? Can I use any streaming websites (like Netflix)? Can I download movies and torrents fast?

I can answer YES to all of these questions. I managed (for research purpose of course) to access all porn websites I could find, and all the blocked websites mentioned above. I also could watch Netflix USA using my friend's account. I could connect to the torrent website kat.how and I download some movies (only legal ones naturally). Using VyprVPN did not affect my speed (I was even watching YouTube at the same time). Finally, I visited the website of the French TV channels I mentioned earlier and I could watch all their videos without any restrictions on content.

Is it legal to use a VPN
YES. There are no laws forbidding the use of VPN in Indonesia, even to access illegal websites (like porn). You will not get into any troubles for using one.

Read more: Are VPNs Legal in Indonesia?

Installing and Using VyprVPN
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install and use VyprVPN (it is so easy that all you need to make it work is a somewhat functioning brain).

Step 1: Register (7 Days Free Trial)
After you choose a VyprVPN plan, you will be invited to create an account on Golden Frog's control panel. This is where you can update your information and set up your VPN (if you have special needs, otherwise just ignore it). This is also where you can contact the support team and read dozens of tutorials and guides.

Step 2: Install
After you've subscribed, you will need to download the VPN client software from your account. You just need to click on "Download VyprVPN" under the Dashboard tab:

Step 3: Connect
Once the client software is installed and launched, all you will need to do is click on CONNECT and enter your login/password.

Step 4: Surf the web freely and anonymously
Once connected, you can now surf any blocked websites and nobody will know what you are visiting (including your boss, your internet provider, etc).

You may switch server location as often as you'd like to and you can also monitor in real-time your traffic speed.

Pricing
VyprVPN has a similar pricing compared to other VPNs like PureVPN or IPVanish (actually, it is even cheaper if you buy a 12-month plan).

There are 2 kinds of plans depending on the number of devices allowed. Here is a summary:

VyprVPN Basic (3 simultaneous devices): 9.95$ per month or 5$/month with annual plan
VyprVPN Premium (5 simultaneous devices + Chameleon technology which is needed for China): 12.95$ per month or 6.67$/month with annual plan

You can see more details by clicking on this link: VyprVPN Plans & Pricing.

For most people, 3 devices are normally enough (laptop and phone). This means that with just 60$ per year, you can have access to any blocked websites in Indonesia. You'll also enjoy stress-free web browsing, knowing that no one can find out about your online activities.

In case you want to cancel your subscription, you can do it for free after 7 days. If you take a monthly plan, you can cancel any time also.
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Travel Guide to Salura Island - Sumba

November 20, 2017, 5:57 pm
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Salura (called Halura in the local Kambera language) is an island located at the southern tip of Sumba. It is 4.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, which makes it a bit smaller than Nusa Lembongan, but almost 3 times larger than Gili Trawangan.

I traveled there for a few days in November 2017. It is still completely authentic and untouched by tourism. To give you an idea of how rarely visited it is, people told me that I was the first foreigner to ever spend a night there. Occasionally, though, they welcome luxury boats that make a stopover for a few hours, but that's it. 

Unsurprisingly, there is still very little information about how to get to Salura, where to stay and what to do. To change that, I wrote this short review that will hopefully answer all the questions you may have about organizing your trip on the island.

What To Expect on Salura Island
Geography
75% of Salura is surrounded by beaches, all with white or yellow sand.

On the northern shore, Pantai Mata Air gets its name from a nearby freshwater source. It actually consists of several small coves separated by rocks.
Pantai Mata Air
Also in the north, Pantai Salju (Snow Beach) gets its name from its white, smooth sand. The water there has an amazing turquoise color and it is perfect for swimming as you won't encounter any rocks or coral. This is also where the pier and the fishermen's boats are located.
Main beach on Salura


On the western shore is Pantai Extra Joss, whose name comes from a rock whose shape resembles the Extra Joss logo (a fist). 
You can see the "extra joss" rock in the background, on the left 

Finally, Pantai Karimara is a 3-kilometer long deserted beach that occupies the whole southern shore of Salura.


I haven't explored the eastern side as you need to access it by boat. Apparently, there are rocks with a couple of additional coves.

There are two smaller islands nearby:
- Pulau Mengkundu is an inhabited island that used to have a surfing resort. It was occupied by the Indonesian army for nationalistic reasons because the owner was Australian (the government thought it was the first step for Australia to claim this island).

I didn't go there but locals told me it has incredible beaches and great surfing. They can bring you there and back for IDR300,000.

- Pulau Kotak is another deserted island, only 500 meters from Salura. I haven't been there but it seems to have nice beaches.
From this photo, you can see a Pulau Kotak in front and a bit of Pulau Mengkundu on the left

Population
Tourists are almost nonexistent on Salura, but that does not mean nobody lives there. In fact, the population varies between 600 and 1,200 residents, all of them Muslims. They can be split into two groups:
- The native people who were born on the island and who reside there permanently. They seemed to be all blood-related and part of only a few families. To avoid consanguineous marriages, they typically find their spouses on other islands such as Sumbawa, Flores or on mainland Sumba.
- The fishermen from elsewhere, particularly Lombok, who come from April to November to fish squids and calamari. Some of them live in tents by the beach, others live in the permanent residents' houses.

Existing facilities
Because of the squid fishing, the economy of Salura is rather prosperous compared to that of south Sumba.

Furthermore, as it occupies a strategic location within Indonesia (it is an outlying island that borders Australia), the government has made its development a priority.

For these reasons, you will find a rather decent selection of shops and facilities such as:

- Warungs: There are a handful of places where you can buy Indonesian food.
- Tokos (small shops): Many of them all over the island. They sell the usual: Snacks, bottled water, rice, indomie, chips, etc. Some have Bintang beer bottles (Rp50,000 for a large one), some sell basic pharmaceutical needs (antibiotics, etc).
- Puskesmas (health clinic): It is currently being built
- Dock for ferries: It is currently being built and it should be completed in 2018.
- A school, a police station, a "border police"
Salura's border police...
- A solar power plant, providing electricity from 6 AM to 10 PM
100% of electricity on Salura comes from this solar plant
- A mosque
- A few motorbikes (not really useful)

What you won't find on Salura:
- A proper hotel (see "where to stay" below for more details)
- Western food
- Aircon
- Abundant freshwater: You'll shower with rainwater during the rainy season, or salty well water the rest of the year.
Most houses have a well in their garden
- Internet: There used to be a telecommunication tower in Katundu but the wind knocked it off. They will probably replace it in the near future but for now, there is technically no internet. If you are lucky, when you sit at the extremity of the beach, you might get a weak signal, enough to send a text through WhatsApp or to open Facebook Lite.
- An ATM (the closest one is in the village of Karera)

Animals
Dogs are not allowed on the island, but there are plenty of chicken, cats, goats and even water buffalos. I also saw a small crab colony near the pier.

Mosquitoes are not that common due to the absence of stagnant water. You are unlikely to catch malaria there. Still, you will get occasional bites so don't forget to bring repellent and clothes covering your legs and forearms (white color is better).

Trash
Unfortunately, as often in Indonesia, the island is littered with plastics, both brought by the tide or thrown by local residents.

Don't come expecting everything to be clean or you will leave disappointed. As you get away from the village, though, it gets much better.

I hope mentalities will change in the near future because without the trash, Salura could be a true paradise island.

Language
Locals mostly speak Kambera (Sumba language) and Indonesian. Many people also have a basic command of English, enough to get by in most situations. Still, it will be really helpful if you learn some words of Indonesian before visiting.

To help you, you can read my guide: 250 Most Useful Indonesian Words.

Climate - When to Visit
As elsewhere in Indonesia, there are two seasons, the dry one from May to October, the wet one from November to April.

It is not recommended to visit from December to February as the sea can be rough and it may rain every day. Ideally, you should go from June to September, when the weather is most pleasant.

The only benefit of visiting during the rainy season is that the landscape will be greener.

Where to sleep on Salura
At the moment, there are no proper hotels on Salura. Two bungalows for tourists are currently being built by the government and they should be completed by the end of 2017.

Here are your options for sleeping:

Camping
Camping is a great way to stay on Salura. I asked locals and they said they didn't mind campers. I recommend installing your tent on Pantai Karimera which is a clean and peaceful beach.

Homestay
The house of Erwin, my host 
The bedroom 
Squid and fish at every meal
Personally, I stayed at a fisherman's home, Erwin. I met him on Katundu beach and he took me to Salura on his boat.

The conditions were basic, but the local experience was amazing. I was living with his family as well as other fishermen from Lombok. 100% local immersion guaranteed. I ate all my meals with them too.

Homestays are very easy to find. As you arrive on the island, just ask anyone where you can stay and locals will guide you to someone's home. You can ask for Erwin's which is 100 meters from the beach.

You should offer a compensation for their trouble. I gave IDR200,000 per day, which is probably fair.

Bungalows
One of the tourist bungalows under construction
As mentioned, two bungalows are under construction and they will be finished soon. If you visit Salura after 2018, they should be ready.

They are simple, with toilets outside, and located about 150 meters from the pier. It's not the most beautiful location but it's good enough.

For more information, you can contact the person in charge, Abdulkader (082237426551).

Things to Do on Salura
Salura is not your typical holiday island, yet there are plenty of things to do.

Apart from suntanning at the beach and swimming, the most interesting thing to do, in my opinion, is to immerse yourself in the local village life. If you ask, you can accompany fishermen on their nightly squid fishing expeditions for instance.
Squid fishing is done traditionally, at night, with oil lamps (using electrical lamps would deplete the squid stock too fast and it is therefore forbidden).

The lamps are positioned on the water and the light attracts the squids. All the fishermen have to do, then, is to catch them using a net.

Another thing to do is to hike the hills of Salura. They are quite steep but it's very doable and you'll enjoy a wonderful view.
Hills of Salura 
You may also visit the nearby island of Mengkundu, especially if you have a surfboard.

I didn't have any snorkeling equipment so I'm not sure if there are interesting corals near the reef. Please leave a comment if you know about that.

What to Bring and Prepare
Travel Insurance
Don't even consider going to Salura (or Sumba) without one. Even a small accident will cause you to be sent to a hospital in Bali or Singapore, for a cost of several thousand dollars.

World Nomads is a convenient option. For 1 week of travel protection, it will cost you around 35 USD. You can make your own simulation here: How Much Will I Pay For Travel Insurance?

Medical Kit
At least, bring the following: Antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin for traveler's diarrhea, Doxycycline for malaria prevention), sunscreen, mosquito repellent, disinfectant, bandage, paracetamol).

How to go to Salura
Going to Salura is a bit complicated, at least as of November 2017.

1st step: Waingapu to Katundu
Fantastic scenery on the way to Katundu
The most difficult part is the 110-kilometer journey from Waingapu to Katundu, from where you'll catch the boat to Salura.

About a third of the road is in excellent condition, a third in average condition, and a third in terrible condition.

On the bright side, the scenery along the way is stunning, there aren't many vehicles, and you'll come across dozens of friendly villages. You should also know that road repairs are underway and that within a few years the condition will have certainly approved.

There are three ways to go to Katundu from Waingapu.

By truck:
Riding a truck is the cheapest way to go to Katundu
There is one every day leaving at 4 AM from Waingapu's market. The price is IDR50,000. It takes at least 6 hours (it stops regularly) and it is rather uncomfortable.

By motorbike:
You can either take an ojek (moto taxi) for IDR250,000 or drive a motorbike yourself.

I chose the latter, which seemed safer.

I rented a motorbike in Waingapu for 5 days for IDR600,000, which is slightly above the normal market rate of IDR100,000 per day.

Do make sure the brakes and the tires are in perfect condition. Bring a raincoat as well. 

It took me about 6 hours to do the trip, with at least 10 stops along the way to rest and take pictures. The last leg was quite difficult as it was raining hard. I almost fell down a few times.

On the way back, I took the longer, coastal road going through Melolo, which was in even worst shape. It is worth seeing, though.

By private car
This is the best option if you are a group of friends, but of course more costly. Expect to pay around IDR1,000,000 one way.

2nd step: Katundu to Salura
My boat in Katundu, just before leaving to Salura
Katundu is more a hamlet than a proper village. There are a few houses, including one that belongs to the Kepala Desa (village chief).

You should go there first and ask if there is a boat going to Salura on the same day. If not, you may have to sleep there for a night (they have a wooden hut near the beach).

The price to go to Salura is around IDR250,000, but you can get much cheaper on Tuesdays (not sure how much, I read IDR10,000).

The boat ride to Salura takes less than an hour. As I wrote previously, there might not be any boats in December and January because the waves are too big.
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Standing BLOW IN - A Glory Hole Massage Parlor near Jakarta)

August 24, 2017, 4:50 am
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While things are getting stricter in Jakarta (closing of Alexis), prostitution venues are growing like mushrooms in South Tangerang.

I recently learned about a new place called Standing BLOW IN, which is a brothel/blowjob bar with a unique concept for Indonesia as they have a room with a glory hole.

If you frequently watch porn movies, you probably know that a glory hole is a hole in a wall where a man can insert his penis. On the other side, a woman or a man is supposed to play with it. The thrill comes from not knowing who is behind the wall.

They offer several types of services (info taken from their website):

- 30-minute session in glory hole room: IDR120,000 with naked girl (I don't really understand the point as you are not supposed to see her)
- 60-minute session: IDR160,000 with topless girl (includes a body massage and a BJ). You can get VIP room (with shower) for IDR40,000 extra. It normally includes a "cuci kolong" handjob (from behind).

They also have a lounge and a karaoke where you can buy alcohol and snacks. Currently, they have a beer bucket promo on Bali Hai (IDR105,000 for 4 bottles) and Guinness (IDR125,000 for 4 bottles).

Operating Hours:
Every day from 11 AM until 11 PM
Happy hour every day from 11 AM to 4 PM (IDR20,000 off).

Standing BLOW IN (Near Alam Sutera Living World, same complex as Diva Karaoke)
Komplek Ruko Alam Sutera Town Center (ASTC)
Blok 10F No.38
Alam Sutera, South Tangerang

Blackberry Messenger: 25E79B9E / D5961929
WhatsApp: 081398246664 or 0817741221
Phone number: 02129008542

Website (with pictures of the girls): sblowinalsut.blogspot.com
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New Year Eve 2017 / 2018 in Jakarta

November 20, 2017, 6:05 am
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Spending your New Year's Eve 2017-2018 in Jakarta is actually not a bad idea, especially if you compare it with the alternative of going to Bali.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are my recommendations for the best places to spend NYE in Jakarta (the flyers are those of last year for now, I will update the review as I get new information).

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

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

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

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

Empirica
More information: Empirica

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

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

Jenja
DJ Darren Emerson. More information: Jenja

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can explore more hotels by searching for the following locations on Agoda: Hotels near Grand Indonesia and Hotels near Sarinah.
The Grand Hyatt offers one of the best views to enjoy the NYE fireworks
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Guide to the Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) - 2017 Update

November 20, 2017, 9:06 pm
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The Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) is an electronic dance music festival happening every December in Jakarta. In 2017, it will happen on 15 and 16 December. It used to be in Ancol but it has now moved to JiExpo in Kemayoran. It is organized by Ismaya, an Indonesian lifestyle group behind some famous nightclubs and bars like Dragonfly, Skye, Blowfish or Social House. It is also heavily sponsored by all kinds of brands and particularly cigarette manufacturers.

It is a mainstream event featuring mostly commercial DJs who play commercial EDM, Trance and Techno. Many of the world's most famous DJs have participated in DWP in the past few years, among which Tiesto, Skrillex, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Axwell, Avicii and Calvin Harris. 

DWP often happens on the same weekend as Zoukout in Singapore. Both festivals share a very similar line-up and concept: The DJs who play on Friday in Jakarta will often play on Saturday in Singapore and vice versa. It is probably a way to split the cost of bringing expensive artists from Europe or America to Asia. The good news is that tickets are almost 50% cheaper compared to Zoukout and that you'll pay much less for food, drinks, transportation and hotels in DWP.

Buying Your Tickets to DWP 2017
The Garudha Stage at DWP2015

Check prices and packages
From the list of official ticket retailers provided by DWP, I found there was more availability and cheaper prices on BoBoBoBo.com. One of the reasons might be that this e-commerce site is owned by Ismaya.

The current fares on BoBoBoBo as of November 9th are the following:

1-Day Pass - GA (General Admission): Rp875,000
2-Day Pass - GA (General Admission): Rp1,1275,000

VIP Gold Ticket: 1-Day Pass - Rp1,500,000 and 2-Day Pass - Rp2,500,000
The VIP Gold Ticket gives you access to a special, faster entrance and a reserved area with better facilities closer to the DJs.

They also had some hotel packages but you should hurry up to purchase them as they are quick to be full.

BoBoBoBo allows you to pay with Mastercard or Visa. If you have an Indonesian bank account, you may also make a bank transfer.

Once you've made your purchase, you will receive an electronic ticket that you must exchange with a special wristband. The exchange for the wristband can either be done on the spot on the day of DWP, or in advance in a location given by the management (Gandaria City Mall last year). The guidelines for that will be sent to you 2 weeks before the event.

The wristband will then need to be activated to allow for entrance. Even with the wristband, note that you'll still need to show an ID (passport, driving license, ID card) to get inside.

Warning: Do not wait until the last minute to buy your tickets as you may end up paying a higher price or worse, without one.

Beware of the fake DWP Website
The website in the picture below is FAKE. Do not buy your tickets from there. The complete list of valid ticket resellers is available at www.djakartawarehouse.com/ticket.
You can book on BoBoBoBo.com safely as they are among the official retailers.

Food and Drinks
Food and drinks are not included in the price of a ticket and you cannot bring any from outside (nor cigarettes). This means you'll need to spend quite a bit of money on the spot. Even the water is not free (around Rp40,000 or US$3).

At DWP, you do not pay directly in cash. Instead, you buy "tokens" that you exchange at the food stands or shops. It is a way for them to avoid monkey business. You have Blue tokens, Silver tokens and Bronze tokens. They are non-refundable so you should be careful to buy only as little as you need.

The F&B area is well-organized in a foodcourt (Eats and Beats) and features several restaurants brands from Ismaya like Kitchenette, Pizza e Birra and Fook Yew. You can get proper meals there in a comfortable setting, with AC. The prices are OK (around Rp120,000 or US$9 for a meal with soft drinks) but you shouldn't expect great taste.

Alcohol drinks are less reasonably-priced: You'll need to spend Rp130,000 (US$10) per glass of liquor or cocktails and Rp90,000 (US$7) for a beer. A bottle of spirit will cost you Rp2,000,000 (US$150). You need to be at least 21 years old to buy alcohol (a valid ID is required).

If you are on a budget, I recommend you to grab a few bottles at the duty-free shop and to drink with friends in your hotel before the event. Remember that it is a bit hard to buy alcohol in Jakarta as convenience stores are not allowed to sell them.

You should bring at least Rp1,000,000 (US$75) with you for a decent, intoxicated night out. Note that there are several ATMs inside if you need extra cash.

Location and Best Hotels Nearby
The location of the Djakarta Warehouse Project 2017 is now in Kemayoran, an area in the North of Jakarta about 1 hour away from the airport and 30 minutes (with normal traffic) from Plaza Indonesia.

It's a very boring area with not even a proper mall nearby. It is actually not far from a red light district that has several hostess bars, strip clubs, and naughty nightclubs. Some nearby hotels, such as Orchardz Industri or Orchardz Jayakarta, can even be considered to be brothels as their spas offer sexual services.

The closest "normal" hotels from JiExpo such as the Mercure, Swiss-Belinn, Best Western or the Holiday Inn are will be much more expensive than usual during DWP. If it the price is too high for you, you can check a few alternatives such as the Media Hotel, which is quite affordable at around Rp700,000 (US$50 - it is an old 5-star that used to be a Sheraton).

Another option is to go a bit further from Kemayoran in nearby districts. These are my recommendations for alternative places to stay within a reasonable distance from DWP:

Mangga Dua: This is a middle-class shopping district with several giant affordable malls. It is easy to reach from the airport and only 15 minutes away from JiExpo. It is also not too far from the touristic Old City of Jakarta (Kota Tua).

Mangga Besar: Only 10 minutes from JiExpo, this is a red-light area with tons of budget hotels, cheap street food and decadent nightlife spots. It's not very clean but it's colorful and affordable. The best hotels are the Swiss Belhotel (very near from Kemayoran) and the Hotel 88 Mangga Besar 62. 10-15 minutes from JiExpo.

Gajah Mada/Hayam Wuruk: This is the main road going from North Jakarta to the South. It is a convenient location as most attractions in Jakarta are along this axis. It can be a bit seedy at night (street prostitution, naughty nightlife, viagra stands, etc). There are a few new hotels there like the Santika Premiere, the Harris Vertu, the Novotel, the All Seasons and the Ibis Harmoni. All of them offer excellent value-for-money. You'll need about 20 minutes to go to JiExpo from there.

Sarinah/Plaza Indonesia: If you don't mind spending a bit more time in the transportation to go to DWP, I would recommend staying there. It is a central area close from the city's best malls, restaurants, bars and clubs. It is also much cleaner and safer. The Artotel and the Kosenda Hotel cost less than US$60/night and they both have trendy rooftop bars.

You can see more advice about hotels in Jakarta in Where to Stay in Jakarta and Jakarta Hotel Guide.

Recommended Airbnb rooms near DWP:
You may also want to check Airbnb (use this link and you'll get 40$ off your first booking).

Here are the available properties: Airbnb rooms in Kemayoran for DWP.

Getting Around in Jakarta
It is quite challenging, especially for first-time visitors, to get around in Jakarta. In terms of traffic, the worst time is every Friday after work. If you can avoid being on the road between 4pm and 8pm on that day, I urge you to do so. This means it is a good idea to take your Friday afternoon off and arrive at the airport before 2pm. On the contrary, Saturdays and Sundays are rather quiet and easier to circulate.

The cheapest way to go from the airport to the city center is by public bus. They are called DAMRI and they are easy to spot at the airport. There are 3 lines going to Central Jakarta: 1 for Kemayoran (the closest one), 1 for Gambir (near Pasar Baru) and 1 for Thamrin City (near Sarinah/Plaza Indonesia). The price is Rp40,000 (US$3) per person.

Taxis are more expensive but still very affordable. There are many waiting at the arrival and they'll cost you around Rp150,000 or US$11 (including the toll road) to the city center. Blue Bird and Express are the best companies but there aren't so many of them available. If you don't want to wait, it is safe to take any as long as they are in the official taxi stand and they agree to use the meter.

Uber and Grab Car are better and cheaper, but it can be tricky to get them at the airport. Regular taxi companies tend to chase them so you'll have to be discreet. They'll cost you only about Rp100,000 (US$7.5) during normal hours.

Within Jakarta, I personally use almost exclusively Grab Car or Uber. You can download both apps and switch from one to the other depending on the prices you get. When the traffic is too slow, I may also take moto-taxis from Gojek or GrabBike. It is very cheap and much faster.

Public transportation in Jakarta is not exactly tourist-friendly. There is a system of AC buses with dedicated lanes called Transjakarta from about 5am to 11pm. As you can see on the map, the line 2C goes until JiExp and you can take it from Gambir train station or Harmoni (a large hub with multiple connexions). You can also use the Line 1 to visit Jakarta as it stops near from many attractions. A ticket costs Rp3,500 (US$0.25).

I recently updated my article Getting Around in Jakarta and I invite you to read it for a more complete picture of the transportation system in Jakarta.

The Party
The Crowd
Last year, 75,000 people attended DWP, making it one of the largest festivals of the kind in the region. It attracts mostly a local audience, including Indonesians from provincial cities like Bandung, Surabaya or Yogyakarta. There is also a sizable number of foreigners from nearby Asian countries who visit Jakarta just for the occasion (Malaysians in particular). According to official figures, foreigners account for 20% of the attendance.

The participants are from mid-to-upper level background and they are well-behaved. Since it is an exceptional event by Indonesian standards, people can be really excited and they'll plan the festival months ahead. Most are friendly, cool to hang out with and open to meet with fellow clubbers.

Note that the festival is only allowed to adults over 18 years old and that you aren't allowed to buy alcohol if you are under 21.

Meeting Indonesian Girls
If you are hoping to meet girls, there are a lot of pretty ones, including scores of SPGs (Sales Promotion Girls). Many will be with a group of friends so you should be careful when approaching them.

Dating sites and apps are a good way to get some contacts before arriving in Jakarta. Mention that you are going to DWP on your profile and you're pretty sure to match with a few party girls.

Dress Code
The dress code is relaxed. The coolest people will wear some kind of accessories (hats, glasses, etc...) and they'll be more busy updating their Instagram than dancing. Wear comfortable shoes, pants and t-shirts and bring along some changing clothes (lockers cost for Rp40,000 up to Rp100,000 - US$3-US$7.5).

The Performance Stages
The DJ performances are held on several distinct stages. The main one, called Garudha Land, features a giant sculpture representing the mythical Garuda bird. It is really world-class, with impressive visual effects that involve multicolor lighting, laser shows, fireworks, smoke and screens. The show is an important part of the party, just as much as the DJs.

Garudha Land is located outdoor which is quite a bet considering December is the rainy season in Jakarta.

Fortunately, the smaller stages are under a roof with AC. For Djakarta Warehouse Project 2016, there was a special stage featuring the festival "Life in Color" as a part of their worldwide Kingdom tour.

I'm not sure yet about the stages for DWP 2017 but they might include the same as last year: Neon Jungle, Mad Decent and Darker Side. It will be revealed just a few days before the event.

Schedule of DJ sets
The timing of each set will be known early December only. The first DJs start at 4pm (local ones) and the last ones end at 4am. It is best to arrive early (before 7pm) to avoid entrance queues (though at that time you'll get the worst part of Jakarta traffic).

DJ Line Up DWP 2017
The line up for this year's DWP includes several famous names of the commercial EDM, trance and techno scene. Most of them rank high on the DJ Mag Top 100 and they are regulars of all the big festivals like Tomorrowland or Ultra.

The following names have been announced so far:

Hardwell (No. 4 on Top 100 DJ Mag)

Marshmellow (No. 10 on Top 100 DJ Mag)


R3HAB (No. 18 on Top 100 DJ Mag)

DVBBS (No. 22 on Top 100 DJ Mag)

Tiesto (No. 5 on Top 100 DJ Mag)

Steve Aoki (No. 9 on Top 100 DJ Mag)
Some other famous names are Robin Schulz, Richie Hawtin and Loco Dice (see full DWP Line Up).

There are also performances by the sexy dancers of CyberJapan:

Travel Insurance and Safety
You should have a proper travel insurance when traveling to Indonesia. It is not expensive for just two days and you'll save yourself a lot of trouble in case of accident, disease, cancellation or loss of personal stuff. If you are a foreigner, you can get a quote in a few seconds on WorldNomads.

Questions about Djakarta Warehouse Project?
If you have any questions about your trip to Jakarta for Djakarta Warehouse Project, please just leave a comment below and I'll answer as soon as possible.

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10 Best Bars Near Grand Indonesia / Plaza Indonesia (Central Jakarta)

November 27, 2017, 8:02 pm
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The area near the malls Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, around the iconic Bunderan Hotel Indonesia (Hotel Indonesia roundabout) is one of the most strategic to meet friends for drinks and party in Jakarta. It is also an ideal location for inviting someone on a date.

The main reason for that is that it is positioned in the center of the city, along Jalan Sudirman- Jalan Thamrin, its most important thoroughfare. It is therefore easy to reach, either by private car or by public transportation (Transjakarta and soon, the MRT). It is no surprise that I rated it the best area to stay in Jakarta.

Naturally, you can find plenty of activities and businesses there, including 5-star hotels, luxury malls, prestigious office buildings, and, of course, a lively nightlife.

In this article, I will review my top 10 favorite bars and clubs in Grand Indonesia / Plaza Indonesia. Please don't hesitate to leave a comment if you think I forgot an important venue.

Greyhound (Sponsored)
Greyhound is a brand-new Thai café and bar located on the ground floor of Grand Indonesia's West Mall. It serves a variety of fusion dishes, Thai bubble teas, and alcoholic drinks! Live music and DJ every Saturday. Don't miss their all-you-can-drink promotions:

- Every Monday from 4 PM until 10 PM: Free flow wine for only Rp 229.000++.

- Every day from 4 PM until 8 PM: All-you-can-drink Signature Thai cocktails for just Rp375,000++.

This stylish outdoor rooftop bar is particularly recommended if you are a tourist. Located in The Plaza building, it offers a spectacular view of Jakarta that will make you realize how gigantic the city is. After 6 PM, you need to dress up to access it (pants and shoes required). Electronic/Lounge music.

Paulaner Brauhaus
This restaurant has a Bavarian beer garden concept: Long communal tables, home-brewed beer, German food (including pork). Fun atmosphere, perfect for after-hour drinks. Live music every evening.

Social House is a trendy wine lounge and restaurant from the Ismaya Group. It is one of those places that are almost always busy, no matter the day or the hour. Average food, a bit expensive, but interesting for people-watching.

Similar to Social House, this wine lounge-restaurant is popular with groups of friends who often rent big tables and share bottles and food among themselves. Not really a place to visit if you are alone, but perfect for a celebration.

The main competitor of Cloud has an inferior view but a cozier design. It is also more creative (different music every night) and they organize more events (live bands, fashion show, guest chefs, yoga sessions, etc). The staff is notoriously snob, especially with tourists.

The only proper nightclub in this area, Immigrant is one of the highlights of Jakarta nightlife. The DJs usually play anything that makes people dance: Rn'B, electro-pop, old school, EDM. Quiet nights on Wednesdays but full on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a restaurant attached to it called the Dining Room (excellent Western food from the chef behind Garçon).

Burgundy
Burgundy in Grand Hyatt is always very quiet. I have been there about 5 times and I never saw more than 10 customers in total. Despite this, it is actually one of my favorite bars in Jakarta, mostly because of its panorama on Bunderan HI (Hotel Indonesia roundabout). Great service and drinks.

A discreet, yet long-time favorite of many expats in Jakarta (in particular Western girls, journalists, embassy workers, NGO staff). Nothing really special except a relaxed atmosphere, tasty cocktails and low music. Many regular clients. It is attached to the restaurant Lan Na Thai.

This Italian restaurant, part of the Union group, gets normally quite lively on weekends. I'd recommend it for dates more than anything else. Their bar has a good selection of wines.
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20 Best Cities for Nightlife in Asia

November 27, 2017, 6:20 am
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I've spent most of the past two years trying the nightlife of various Asian cities, from Indonesia to Kazakhstan. I've written individual reports for most of them (see the tag Asia Nightlife), but I thought it could be useful to make a brief summary recapitulating everything I've learned.

Based on my travels, these are my 20 favorite cities for partying in Asia (I ranked them by order of preference):

Metro Manila
Revel Nightclub in Manila
I spent three weeks in Metro Manila (Makati, Malate, Quezon City). It has become one of my favorite metropolises for nightlife due to several factors: Prices are affordable, nightclubs and bars abound, girls are exceptionally pretty, Filipinos are friendly and tourists are still rare.

Note: I haven't been to Manila since Duterte became president. The atmosphere might have changed since.

In a nutshell:
⛔ What you will hate: Safety issues in low-class neighborhoods, crazy war on drug, traffic jams, slow internet, conservative society (Catholic), disappointing food

✅ What you will love: Gorgeous girls, cheap prices on alcohol, English is spoken everywhere, large diversity of entertainment venues, midget boxing, 24-hour casinos

Number of nightclubs: 25
Curfew: 5 AM
Prices: Cheap
Meeting Girls: Easy (FilipinaCupid)
Prostitution: Moderate (in Malate, Makati, Pasay)
Where to party: Makati, BGC (Bonifacio Global City), The Fort, Quezon City
Where to stay: Makati

For a complete review, you can read Manila Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars.

Saigon
Ladies night in Lush
I lived in Saigon for 8 months in 2015 and I loved it. As the economic capital of Vietnam, it is one of the most happening and fastest-paced cities in Southeast Asia. It is also quite touristy and popular with young Westerners. Its nightlife could be perfect if only Vietnamese clubs were more welcoming toward foreigners.

In a nutshell:
⛔ What you will hate: Traffic jams, very hot during intermediate season, some difficulties to communicate with Vietnamese

✅ What you will love: Cheap, diverse, beautiful girls, delicious food, Vietnamese people (smart, educated, hard-working, big drinkers), 24-hour massage parlors

Number of nightclubs: 30
Curfew: 4 AM
Prices: Low
Meeting Girls: Easy (VietnamCupid)
Prostitution: High (Massage Parlours in Saigon)
Where to Party: District 1
Where to stay: Near Ben Thanh Market

For a complete review, you can read Saigon Nightlife.

Jakarta
Dragonfly in Jakarta
Jakarta nightlife is not as crazy as it used to be 10 years ago (24-hour clubs where everything was permitted), but it is still really fun, especially if you know your way around.

In a nutshell:
⛔ What you will hate: Massive traffic jams, difficulties to walk around, 200% tax on alcohol, commercial music almost everywhere, growing conservatism.

✅ What you will love: Safe to visit, plenty of attractive girls, modern clubs, hipster bars, friendly people, off-the-beaten-track destination.

Number of nightclubs: 15
Curfew: 4-5 AM
Prices: Expensive (10$ for a cocktail, 4$ for a beer, up to 25$ for an entrance in the best clubs)
Meeting Girls: Easy (IndonesiaCupid)
Prostitution: High
Where to Party? See my guide Party Areas in Jakarta
Where to stay? See my guide Where to Stay in Jakarta

For a complete review, you can read Jakarta Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars.

Bangkok
Soi Cowboy
I've always felt that Bangkok nightlife was overrated. This has been particularly true in the past 3 years after the new government issued stricter regulations on nightclubs. Still, it remains an interesting option for the least adventurous travelers.

In a nutshell:
⛔ What you will hate: Touristy, early curfew. Difficult to differentiate between ladyboys, prostitutes and normal girls

✅ What you will love: Busy every night, foreigner-friendly, lots of beautiful girls, cheap prices on almost everything (hotels, food, drinks, transport, etc).

Number of nightclubs: At least 30
Curfew: 1 AM
Prices: Low (5$ for a cocktail, 2$ for a beer, 15$ for an entrance in the best clubs)
Meeting Girls: Moderately easy (ThaiCupid) - Lots of competition from other guys.
Prostitution: High (in Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, Patpong)
Where to Party: Sukhumvit, Thonglor, RCA
Where to stay: Near Asok BTS

For a complete review, you can read 30 Best Nightclubs in Bangkok.

Shanghai
Bar Rouge is the best party spot in Shanghai
As one of the fastest developing cities in the world, Shanghai is an amazing destination for extravagant parties. It is not a solo destination, though, as most nightclubs are geared towards bottle service. Perfect for a stag or a weekend with a group of friends.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Too many bottle clubs, rather expensive, daily annoyances from government restrictions.

✅ Huge diversity of clubs, easy to get around, small underground scene, interesting crowd of expats and locals, hot girls aplenty

Tip: Subscribe to a VPN service BEFORE arriving in China if you want to keep using Google, Facebook, etc. The most recommended for China is VyprVPN.

Number of nightclubs: 40
Curfew: 4 AM
Prices: Average (15-20$ for club entrance)
Meeting Girls: Average
Prostitution: Discreet (KTVs, online, spas)
Where to Party: Hengshan road, Xintiandi
Where to stay: Near Shanghai Library Station

Taipei
Omni Club
Few people would think about Taipei for a party weekend, and yet they are wrong. The Taiwan capital is home to a wild nightlife, with plenty of sophisticated nightclubs and bars. The locals are welcoming towards foreigners, the prices are reasonable, and you can go almost everywhere by foot. One more thing: They have the most amazing sexy dancers I've seen in Asia.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Nightclubs are only happening on weekends and, to a lesser extent, on Wednesdays.

✅ Taiwanese are foreigner-friendly, prices are moderate (free flow nightclubs available), few tourists around, easy to get around.

Number of nightclubs: 10
Curfew: 4-5 AM
Prices: Moderate (free flow nightclubs available)
Meeting Girls: Moderate (Tinder)
Prostitution: Low
Where to Party: ATT4FUN, NEO19
Where to stay: Near Taipei 101 MRT

For a complete review, you can read Taiwan Nightlife Guide

Singapore
Bang Bang Nightclub
If it didn't cost 10 euros to buy a beer there, Singapore could be much higher in this ranking. There are dozens of stylish bars and clubs, with an excellent crowd and often famous DJs. Another interesting feature is that you can meet girls from all over the world, from an American banker to a Filipino maid.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Too expensive, more challenging with girls, quite tame, too many rules

✅ Diversity (Indian clubs, Arab clubs, Chinese clubs, Western clubs, Thai clubs, etc), quality DJs, stylish venues, comfortable city, amazing Ladies' nights (usually on Wednesdays)

Number of nightclubs: 25
Curfew: 3-4 AM Prices: Very expensive
Meeting Girls: Moderate (Tinder, Paktor)
Prostitution: Moderate (in Geylang, in Orchard Tower, online prostitution, "health centers".
Where to Party: Chinatown, Clarke Quay
Where to stay: Near Orchard MRT

For a complete review, you can read Singapore Nightlife Guide

Hong Kong
The Lan Kwai Fong area is filled with party-goers at night
A world-class city, a bit more stylish than Singapore, with a plethora of bars and lounges. Some good clubs as well, very international yet with a strong Chinese influence.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Expensive, limited nightlife on weekdays, average-looking women (as Americans would say: No offense).

✅ Cosmopolitan crowd, sophisticated venues, crazy red-light district.

Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew: 4-5 AM
Prices: Moderate (free flow nightclubs available)
Meeting Girls: Moderate (Tinder)
Prostitution: High (Wanchai)
Where to Party: Lan Kwai Fong, Wanchai
Where to stay: Near MRT Central

Bali: Kuta to Seminyak Area
Clubbing in Jenja Bali
Bali nightlife is mostly located in the south of the island. Kuta is touristy, cheap and tacky, while Seminyak is more sophisticated and popular with long-term residents. You can have a lot of fun, especially if you decide to rent a big villa for a crazy weekend with friends. After that, it can get a bit boring as you always see and meet the same people over and over.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Bali is surprisingly small and it can sometimes feel like a village.

✅ The diversity of clubs and bars (EDM, techno, Rn'B, etc).

Number of nightclubs: 15
Curfew:  5 AM
Prices: Average
Meeting girls: Easy
Prostitution: Growing (see Is Bali Becoming A Sex Tourist Destination?).
Where to party: Jalan Oberoi (Seminyak) or near Sky Garden (Kuta)
Where to stay: Near Jalan Oberoi or near Sky Garden

For a complete review, you can check: Where to Party in Bali: A Complete Nightlife Guide

Hanoi
Fame club in Hanoi
Hanoi is not very different from Saigon, to be honest. It is also very touristy and its nightlife is not as conservative as you would think.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Unbearable heat and humidity most of the year (from April to November), loud music in nightclubs, some tourist scams, conservative people

✅ Interesting city to visit, many young foreigners (including Western girls), very cheap (10 cents for a beer)

Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew: 3 AM
Prices: Low
Meeting Girls: Easy (VietnamCupid)
Prostitution: High (Massage Parlours in Hanoi)
Where to Party: Old Quarter, West Lake
Where to stay: Near the Saint Joseph Cathedral

For a complete review, you can read Hanoi Nightlife Guide

Almaty
TSB - My favorite club in Almaty
Almaty was a great surprise for me. I was initially just passing by while traveling in Central Asia but I ended up staying two weeks. The city is safe, pleasant (at least during spring) and cheap. It has an awesome and fun nightlife too, easily the best in the region.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Only happening on weekends, freezing temperatures in winter, girls can be a bit conservative (though interested to meet with foreigners).

✅ Cheap everything, stunning girls (mix of Asian and Russian), interesting underground scene

Number of nightclubs: 15
Curfew: 5 AM
Prices: Cheap
Meeting Girls: Easy (Tinder, Mamba)
Prostitution: Average
Where to Party: Around the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and Gogol Street
Where to stay: Near Panfilovtsev Park

For a complete review, you can check: Almaty Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs

Phnom Penh
Pontoon Club in Phnom Penh
Due to a mix of poverty and corruption, Phnom Penh's nightlife is still one of the craziest in Southeast Asia (though it has been tamed in recent years). It is a popular stop for sex tourist, especially the older and poorer ones.  There is also a nascent upmarket and expat scene that is interesting enough for a weekend of clubbing.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Too much prostitution (it's hard to meet normal girls). The city is still underdeveloped, messy and dirty.

✅ Very cheap prices. Laidback vibe. Interesting city to visit as a tourist (temples, markets, museums).

Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew:  5-6 AM
Prices: Cheap
Meeting girls: Easy but many prostitutes
Prostitution: High
Where to party: Street 51 (Pasteur) near Pontoon. For hostess bars, streets 104, 130, 136. 
Where to stay: Near Cardamom Hotel, Lux Riverside or Sun & Moon Urban Hotel.

For a complete review, you can check Phnom Penh Nightlife.

Phuket
Seduction Club in Patong
I wouldn't spend a week in Phuket, but for a short weekend, it is fun enough. Most of the nightlife is located in the coastal town of Patong, along Bangla street. You have a bit of everything, including some trendy nightclubs and dirty ping pong shows.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Lots of tourists (and not the best kind), prostitution, ladyboys, crowded beach, scams

✅ Everything walking distance, party every night, mixed crowd, reasonable prices

Number of nightclubs: 10
Curfew:  5-6 AM
Prices: Average
Meeting girls: Rather difficult to meet non-prostitute. Try ThaiCupid.
Prostitution: Everywhere
Where to party: Bangla Road
Where to stay: Near Bangla Road

For a complete review, you can check: Patong Nightlife (Phuket)

Cebu
Cebu is one of the richest and most populous cities in the Philippines. It is also the capital of a beautiful region, popular yet not overcrowded with tourists. Its nightlife is particularly recommended if you are hoping to find a pretty Asian girlfriend. Many Filipinas live there by themselves because they work in one of the numerous calls centers or BPOs.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Becoming more touristy (especially among Koreans), rather small and provincial.

✅ Great for meeting girls, laid-back, cheap, plenty of tourist excursions nearby.

Number of nightclubs: 10
Curfew: 4 AM
Prices: Cheap
Meeting Girls: Easy (FilipinaCupid)
Prostitution: Important
Where to Party: Mango Square, Mango Avenue
Where to stay: Near Mango Square

For a complete review, you can check: 10 Best Nightclubs in Cebu

Pattaya
Pattaya does not have many equivalents in the world. The city has over a thousand bars and probably 10 times as many prostitutes. It is just a huge, 24/7, bordello for sex tourists from all over the world. If you are a regular tourist, you may be amused by it for a few nights, but after that, you'll be begging for a ticket back home.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Seedy atmosphere, very commercial, dirty beach.

✅ You have to see it once to believe it. Crazy clubs, crazy people, crazy nights. Cheap. Gorgeous girls (none for free).

Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew:  5-6 AM
Prices: Average
Meeting girls: Almost impossible to meet a non-prostitute
Prostitution: Everywhere
Where to party: Walking street, Soi LK Metro
Where to stay: Near Central Festival Beach Mall

For a complete review, you can check: Pattaya Nightlife: Clubs, Bars, Gogo, Hotels

Kuala Lumpur
Zouk Club in the TREC complex
Kuala Lumpur nightlife has some interesting aspects, but it is far from being my favorite. I've always felt uncomfortable there, as if partying was only tolerated but not really embraced. I also had a couple of bad experiences with locals, especially young and rich Malay kids.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Conservative mentality, racial tensions, limited number of clubs

✅ Affordable, conveniently located in two major areas, easy to get around.

Number of nightclubs: 20
Curfew: 4 AM
Prices: Average
Meeting Girl: Average
Prostitution: Average
Where to Party: TREC, Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang
Where to stay: Near Sungei Wang Plaza

For a complete review, you can check: KL Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs

Koh Samui - Koh Phangan
I lived in Koh Phangan for about 6 months in 2013. This gave me plenty of opportunities to try the famous Full Moon Party (and its sisters: Half Moon Party, Dark Moon Party, Jungle Party). It was not as wild as I was expecting and I quickly got sick of the backpacker crowd, but I still think it's worth trying it once.

For more sophisticated nights out, I also stopped a few times on the nearby island of Koh Samui. There are more proper nightclubs there (atmosphere similar to Phuket).

In a nutshell:
⛔ Fake alcohol, touristy, cost of living higher than on the mainland, a lot more men than women, expensive hotels during full moon parties (book in advance).

✅ Great beaches, massive parties, easy access to some drugs, easy to meet fellow travelers (in the 20-25 range)

Number of nightclubs: 5
Curfew:  5-6 AM
Prices: Average
Meeting girls: Mostly Westerners. Not so easy.
Prostitution: Average. Mostly in the form of massage parlors.
Where to party: Haad Rin Beach (Koh Phangan), Chaweng (Koh Samui)
Where to stay: Haad Rin (Koh Phangan), Chaweng Walking Street (Koh Samui)

Vang Vieng
For unknown reasons, Koreans love to party in Vang Vieng
Even though Vang Vieng is only a tiny town in the middle of Laos, it used to have some of the craziest parties in Southeast Asia. A major reason for that was the availability of drugs. Things have changed in the past 5 years, unfortunately, after several tourists died. There is still a fun nightlife, split in a few open-air bars that attract young backpackers (Europeans and Koreans).

In a nutshell:
⛔ Small, low-class, repetitive, prices above than average.

✅ The best place to party in Laos, many wild Western girls, easy to get around, some drugs still sold openly.

Number of nightclubs: 3
Curfew:  3-7 AM
Prices: Low to moderate (as elsewhere in Laos)
Meeting girls: Maybe the best place in Southeast Asia to meet Western girls (a lot of British, Canadian, American, Nordic, etc).
Prostitution: Small
Where to party: Start in Sakura Bar, then move to Viva, then to Room 101.
Where to stay: Near the Post Office

For a complete review, you can check: Vang Vieng Nightlife

Chiang Mai
Zoe in Yellow is the place to go for backpackers
Chiang Mai does not have a big reputation for nightlife, and yet I had some of my most memorable nights there. One of the reasons for that is the high concentration of girls, either foreign backpackers or Thai students. In the meantime, there aren't that many guys, probably because they all got stuck in Bangkok.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Provincial, very early curfew, not many venues (mostly Thai live music).

✅ Easy to meet girls, very cheap, interesting tourist sights in the city.

Number of nightclubs: 5
Curfew:  1 AM
Prices: Cheap
Meeting girls: Easy with both Western girls and Thai girls
Prostitution: Small
Where to party: Nimman (Thai area), Old City (Tourist area), Loi Kroh (Lady bars)
Where to stay: Near Tha Phae Gate.

For a complete review, you can check: Chiang Mai Nightlife

Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the only Thai-style, backpacker party island in Indonesia. It's great if you want to meet Western girls, drink cheap beers and try magic mushrooms. During the day, there isn't much to do apart from suntanning and diving.

In a nutshell:
⛔ Low-class, very young foreigners. Overcrowded. Accommodation more expensive than in Bali.

✅ More Western girls than anywhere else in Indonesia. Mushrooms and marijuana easily available. Some beautiful beaches.

Number of nightclubs: 4
Curfew:  5 AM
Prices: Average
Meeting girls: Moderate (Western girls mostly)
Prostitution: Small
Where to party: Between the Pier and Villa Ombak Hotel.
Where to stay: Backpackers: Stay in party hostels like Gili Castle or Broken Compass. If you have money, try instead Scallywags Resort.

For a complete review, you can check: Gili Trawangan Nightlife - Lombok
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Hotel Monopoli - Moon Rooftop - Room Club - Kemang (Jakarta)

December 3, 2017, 4:55 am
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Hotel Monopoli is an upcoming project by Syah Establishments, the group behind famous venues like Lucy in the Sky, Sofia at the Gunawarman and Bauhaus.

Located in Jalan Taman Kemang, maybe the hottest area in Kemang for nightlife at the moment, it will feature a boutique hotel, a restaurant on the ground floor, a club in its basement (The Room) and a rooftop bar (The Moon).

I only saw it during a private party so I'm not sure how it will look like after the grand opening, but you can expect a trendy, yet fun vibe. Considering the Syah group's past successes, I'm certain that it will become a hit at least during the first few months after opening.

I will update this page with more information and pictures once I get them. Do not hesitate to comment if you have been there.

Hotel Monopoli - Moon Rooftop Bar - Room Club and Bar
Jalan Taman Kemang No12, Kemang, South Jakarta 12730
Phone number: +62 22 71 51 01
Email: Info@monopolijakarta.com


Some pictures of the exterior during the project phase:
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How to Buy Viagra or Cialis in Indonesia (Bali or Jakarta)?

September 12, 2017, 8:08 pm
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One of the questions I receive the most is how to buy viagra or Cialis in Indonesia, the two most common erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs available.

It is actually very easy to buy them (at least in Jakarta or Bali), as well as some other "magic" pills like Levitra or Hammer of Thor. With 70% of Indonesian males who are smokers, it's not surprising that there is a lot of demand here for products that combat impotence.

In this article, I will give you some tips on where to find them, how to avoid the fake ones, and how much they cost.

Main differences between Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra
Each man will have a different reaction to each of these drugs. That's why it can be a good idea to try all of them at different times to see which one is the best for you.

Generally speaking, though, these are the main characteristics of each:

Viagra:
Typically, you'll need a 50mg dose to get a reaction. You can take it 1 hour before needed and it lasts about 4-8 hours. You will probably get a slight headache 30 minutes after taking it.

Cialis:
Cialis is generally more effective, even with a small dose of 10mg (the 20mg tablet can be split in half). You can take it 1 hour before needed and, unlike Viagra, it may last for up to 48 hours. There are both advantages and inconvenient to it as you can imagine.

Levitra
Levitra is more similar to Viagra (short time effects), with one major difference: It is not affected by alcohol or food. If you are partying, this is the drug to take as it can still work even if you get drunk.

Note: For each of these drugs, don't expect an automatic erection. You still need arousal and stimulation to get it. You simply become more sensitive, a bit as if you were 15 years old again.

Buying authentic Viagra or Cialis with a doctor's prescription
Ideally, you should get a doctor's prescription, either in your home country or in Indonesia, before you buy those drugs. I understand that it's embarrassing to talk about your sex life to a stranger, but it only takes a few hours of your time.

Once with a prescription, not only will you be able to purchase Viagra and Cialis safely, you will also be able to travel with it without having to worry about customs (especially at US borders).

Buying authentic Viagra or Cialis in Indonesia with a prescription couldn't be easier. There are 2 ways:

Buy from an online app
You can get Viagra, Cialis and Levitra delivered to your door in less than an hour if you use some dedicated apps.

The two most recommended are the Century Apotik App (download for Itunes or Android) and the HaloDoc App (download for Itunes or Android). If you don't speak Indonesian, you can just use HaloDoc as it is the only one with an English translation.

From these apps, you can then upload your doctor's prescription, then simply make a search and order what you need. Here is how it looks like:

On HaloDoc:
Upload your doctor's prescription on the main screen
Type the name of the product you are looking for and buy

On Century App:
Search for your product first, then upload your prescription
The prices on these apps are approximately the following (Halodoc is a bit more expensive):
Viagra 100mg: IDR153,000 per tablet
Viagra 50mg: IDR118,000 per tablet
Cialis 20mg: IDR225,000 per tablet
Cialis 10mg: IDR125,000 per tablet
Levitra 20mg: IDR 171,000 per tablet
Levitra 5mg: IDR147,000 per tablet

Once you receive the product, do make sure it looks authentic (it should be but you can never be sure in Indonesia). A fake pill is usually easy to spot as it will have a rougher texture, some color alteration, and a sloppy print. You can check these websites for more information:
- How to spot a fake Viagra pill?
- How to spot a fake Cialis pill?

Buy from a pharmacy
I recommend that you stick to reputable pharmacy chains such as Century or Guardian. They are present everywhere in Indonesia so it is rather easy to find them.

They should normally ask for a doctor's prescription, but not always. 

 Buying Viagra or Cialis without a doctor's prescription
 Without a prescription, your chances of buying real Viagra or real Cialis diminish greatly.

As I mentioned above, many reputable pharmacies might accept to sell it to you even without a prescription. This is your best bet but you may have to try a few stores before finding one. Again, stick to Guardian or Century pharmacies.

If you can't find one that does, you can try local, non-branded pharmacies, especially those located in "red light" neighborhoods such as Mangga Besar, Lokasari, Glodok or Kota Tua. Spend time inspecting the pills and the packaging to make sure it is authentic.

You can also take even more risks and buy them in the equivalent of Indonesian sex shops. They are present everywhere and usually discreet. Typically, they will be advertised with a big sign that says "Obat Kuat" (drugs to make you strong) or "Pil Biru" (blue pill), followed by a phone number. You can either go there or place an order. They might also sell sex toys, penis enlargement drugs, contraceptive, etc.

Viagra and Cialis in those shops are normally cheaper (as low as IDR15,000), but they are fake 100% of the time. It might work sometimes but you take the risk of wasting a lot of money if it doesn't.

The same shops are usually present online, particularly on Instagram. You can find specific ones using hashtags. For instance:

For Viagra in Jakarta: #viagrajakarta
For Viagra in Bali: #viagrabali
For ED drugs in general in Indonesia: #obatkuat

Have you ever bought Viagra, Cialis or Levitra in Indonesia? Please help other readers by sharing your personal experience below!
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What To Buy in Indonesia: Souvenirs, Gifts and Cheap Stuff

August 9, 2017, 9:52 am
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If you are visiting Indonesia as a tourist, you are probably looking for gifts or souvenirs to bring back home. You may also be wondering if there are some cheap items that are worth buying here more than in your home country.

The objective of this article is to help you with your shopping. I will give you tips on what to buy, what NOT to buy, where to shop, and how to avoid scams. I've written it with two locations in mind, Jakarta and Bali, where most tourists will go at least once.

What NOT to Buy in Indonesia?
Indonesian factories are not famous for producing high-quality goods. They often sell cheap products for the local market only, protected from competition by high tariffs and quotas on imports.

For this reason, rich Indonesians like to go abroad for their shopping, in Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand for instance. Sometimes, they even make a business from bringing goods for their family and friends.

Here are a few things that are not worth buying in Indonesia:

Imported electronics (mobile phones, cameras, computers, etc):
Compared to Malaysia, I've noticed that prices are on average 10 to 15% higher in Indonesia. Even worse, there is a chance that you will buy a fake product unknowingly (for instance in electronic malls like Mangga Dua ITC).

There are interesting bargains online, especially on e-commerce websites like Lazada or MatahariMall.com. Some of the sellers are based in Batam, a free-trade zone across Singapore with lower taxes. In any case, it is unlikely you will get much lower prices than in your home country.

Luxury imported goods (branded clothes, perfumes, bags, watches, cars, etc):
The government scrapped its tax on luxury goods in 2015, but there are still high import duties and tariffs. 

Alcohol
Imported alcohol products are hit with a 275% tax. Local alcohol products have an excise tax of up to IDR88,000 per liter.

Endangered animals
Indonesia is one of the main suppliers of endangered species in the world. Even though such animals are easy to buy in local markets, it is illegal.

Tropical wood furniture
If you buy furniture made from tropical wood such as merbau or teak, there is a high chance that it has been logged illegally (whatever your seller is telling you).

Even if the wood has been certified, Indonesia is so plagued with corruption that you can't be 100% sure it actually comes from a sustainable plantation.

Finally, if you add the risk of buying low-quality wood plus the cost of shipping, it just isn't worth the effort. Consider also that you might have to wait several months for your order to arrive.

Instead, just look for second-hand teak furniture on a site like eBay and you'll certainly find what you need closer from your home.

Luwak coffee
Luwak coffee, or "kopi luwak" is made from coffee beans found in the excrements of a small animal called the civet.

It is now well-documented that mass demand for "kopi luwak" has led to both animal cruelty and scams. Don't encourage such practices, or at least get certified beans from a reputed seller (for instance, Ross Kopi).

Fake Ralph Lauren Polos
In case you are wondering, all the Ralph Lauren Polos sold in Indonesia are fake. Ralph Lauren does not have an official store in the country because their name was registered (stolen) by a local Indonesian.

Drugs
Obviously. You can read my article: Is it dangerous to use drugs in Indonesia.

15 Best Things to Buy in Indonesia
You must be wondering by now if there are things you should buy in Indonesia. The answer is: Plenty!

You will obtain the best deals on the products that are made entirely in Indonesia, using local material and labor. Ideally, you should be able to carry those things with you back home as the cost of transportation can be prohibitive (at least as much as the price of the goods you are sending).

Below is my Top 15 recommendations of things to buy in Indonesia for gifts, souvenirs, or just because they are cheap.

Small handicrafts and accessories
Indonesian artisans from all over the archipelago produce a great variety of traditional handicrafts: Hand-woven bags, kites, kitchen ware, utensils, puppet, masks, dreamcatchers, baskets, lamps, mirrors, etc.

To make sure you are buying authentic, hand-made products, avoid cheap shops in touristic areas and visit instead small boutiques and local markets. In Bali for instance, you can go to the Pasar Seni in the village of Sukawati near Ubud.

To estimate the price of a product, I generally use the following technique: First, I ask the vendor how many hours of work were necessary to create it. Then, I calculate the labor cost considering that half a day's work is worth around IDR50,000. Finally, I add the material cost (price of the wood, fabric, etc) and a reasonable seller's fee.

Batik
Wayang (masks) with batik patterns
Traditionally, batik fabric was hand-dyed in a long process involving wax and pattern stamps. Nowadays, 99% of batik clothes sold in Indonesia are made with machines that can print more colorful patterns.

To buy traditional, high-end batik clothes, you can visit any of the Batik Keris stores (in every high-end mall in Jakarta or Bali).

Modern batik can be found almost anywhere. You can also buy them online on Zalora or Berrybenka.

Ikat
The particularity of ikat fabric is that the yarn is dyed before being woven. Though the term "ikat" is Indonesian, it is unclear where this technique originally started.

The website Bobobobo has a great collection of beautiful clothes with ikat patterns from the designer Didiet Maulana.

High-quality ikats are also sold in Alun Alun shop in Grand Indonesia Mall (Jakarta) and in high-end boutiques in Bali.

Sarong
A sarong is a piece of cloth, sometimes made from batik, that can be wrapped around the waist and worn as a dress. It can also be used as a towel for the beach, as a tablecloth, as a light blanket, etc.

It can be very cheap, around a dollar if you buy it from the street. More expensive, sophisticated sarongs are available online on Zalora or Bobobobo.

Beauty products
There are plenty of beauty products that are made in Indonesia, including soap bars, shampoos, creams, lotions, body scrub, etc.

One of the most famous brands, Martha Tilaar, has plenty of shops in the country (www.marthatilaarshop.com).

Another recommended brand, based in Bali, is Sensatia.

You can also buy online on Berrybenka - Beauty Products or on SoapBali.com

Tropical wear
There are hundreds of fashion designers in Bali, Indonesians or foreigners. While their products are expensive, they can be a great gift or souvenir for your girlfriend, especially considering some items may be hard to buy abroad.

In Bali, some of the famous brands are Paul Ropp, Lost In Paradise, Bamboo Blonde, By The Sea, or Mist.

Custom-made furniture
Though I wrote earlier that you shouldn't buy tropical wood furniture in Bali, an exception can be made if you need something very specific, tailor-made.

You can ask reputed companies like YMB or My Own Bali. Don't hesitate to negotiate hard!

Indonesian food and ingredients
If you cook, you may be interested to bring back home some ingredients specific to Indonesian cuisine, such as red chili, clove, galangal, turmeric or nutmeg. In any supermarket and in most convenience stores, you can also buy sambal, kecap, coconut milk, bumbu, Rendang sauce, Gulai sauce, noodles, etc.

Indonesian crackers, called "krupuk", can be offered as a small gift, especially to children.

Photo prints
One of the best souvenirs you can bring back from Indonesia are photo prints. Before heading back to France, I always print my best shots and keep them in France as a memory. The price is at least half compared to what you would pay in Europe (around 10 US cents for a photo the size of a postcard).

Most printers in Indonesia do not use official branded cartridges (they use refills made in China). This means the quality might not always be up to your standards. Try with a few prints before making a large order and don't hesitate to shop around.

Gem stones
In Jakarta, you can visit the Rawa Bening market, the largest gem stones market in all Southeast Asia. If you know your stuff, there are excellent deals to be made.

More information: 25 Best Markets in Jakarta

Jewelry (gold, silver, pearl)
Again, as long as you know enough to discern between a fake and a genuine piece, you can purchase low-priced, handmade jewelry in Indonesia.

The cheapest shops are often in city centers (for instance in Jakarta in Cikini), but you can also buy more elaborate items in designer boutiques (check UC Silver or Atlas Sea Pearls among others).

Paintings
Paintings are easy to buy in tourist areas in Ubud or Kuta. Unless you visit an artist's gallery, it is most likely that you'll buy reproductions. Do not overpay thinking they are originals!

Cheap no-brand clothes
Middle-class department stores like Matahari or Ramayana are present in every major city in Indonesia. They sell very affordable clothes, shoes and accessories that are made in Indonesian factories.

(Clove) cigarettes
Indonesia is a paradise for smokers. A pack of Marlboro costs 6 times less than in France and 10 times less than in the UK.

You can also buy clove cigarettes as a gift or a souvenir, whenever you want to be reminded of the smell of Indonesia.

If you search hard enough, you may find weird cigarette brands. For instance, those Adidas cigarettes I bought in Bandung:

Medicine
You can buy medicine over the counter very easily in Indonesia, even without a doctor's prescription (Note: Do it at your own risk!): Antibiotics, sleeping pills, anti-depressant, etc. Often, you'll get the generic stuff, which is even cheaper.

Do you have more ideas?
This was an overview of the best things to buy in Indonesia for souvenirs, gifts, or just because they are cheap. Do you think I forgot something important? If yes, please just leave me a comment below.
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