Are VPNs legal in Indonesia?

August 9, 2017, 1:02 pm

≫ Next: Eka Jaya Tumewu Ripped Me Off. Do Not Trust Him.

≪ Previous: What To Buy in Indonesia: Souvenirs, Gifts and Cheap Stuff

Within the past two weeks, both China and Russia have made VPNs illegal. This has made people worry that other countries might soon forbid them as well.

In particular, we can wonder if Indonesia, where thousands of websites are blocked (because of porn, streaming, gambling, hate speech, terrorism, etc), will follow the lead.

First, let me remind you quickly what VPNs are and why so many people are using them in Indonesia.

VPN, an acronym for Virtual Private Network, is a technology that allows you to bypass internet censorship and to remain anonymous on the web. Basically, it connects your computer to a protected server in another country, from where you will be free to visit any sites you want. The best VPN companies do not keep track of your activity in their servers, meaning nobody will ever know what you did online.

In a country like Indonesia, there are dozens of reasons you may want to use a VPN (personally I never turn it off):

- If you want to visit blocked websites, you'll need a VPN

- If you want to be anonymous at work, in your residence, at home, you'll need a VPN

- If you want to illegally download movies or software from torrents/P2P sites, you'll need a VPN

- If you want to watch TV shows that are not available in Indonesia, you'll need a VPN

- If you want to watch Netflix USA, you'll need a VPN

The list could go on and on.

The cost of a VPN for a year is quite reasonable, usually not more than 60$. I've used about half a dozen of them in the past 5 years and the ones I recommend are Golden Frog (my current one - cheap but still great) or IPVanish (a bit pricey but ultra-fast with plenty of servers).

Hide My Ass is also a very popular option under 50$ per year but you should be aware that they keep a log of your connection.

For a detailed review, you can also read my article: How to Access Blocked Websites in Indonesia with a VPN?

Now back to our question: Are VPNs legal or not in Indonesia?

Fortunately, YES they are legal.

In fact, according to a 2016 survey, Indonesia is the country with the most VPN users in the world (41% of web users on computers). Almost everyone I know uses one, including those with limited technical skills. All you have to do is download an application, install it, and launch it with your login/password.

I think it is unlikely that the situation will change in the forthcoming years. Many reasons for that:

First, the censorship in Indonesia and in China is fundamentally different. One is a democracy, the other is not. Indonesia forbids websites that are morally offensive to individuals (conservative Muslims) while China forbids websites that pose a political threat to the whole system. Consequently, there is a much bigger incentive for the latter to crackdown on VPNs.

Furthermore, for strategic reasons, China has built its own ecosystem of websites and apps (WeChat, Baidu, Sina Weibo, Youku, etc.) which are copycats of prohibited American services (respectively Whatsapp, Google, Twitter and YouTube). That's another reason for China to block VPN that Indonesia does not have.

Finally, even if the Indonesian government wanted to make VPNs illegal, I'm pretty sure it would only be wishful thinking. Whenever laws are passed, they are rarely enforced properly because the people in charge are either corrupt or incompetent (or both!). For instance, regarding currently blocked websites, you can bypass the ban quite easily, even without a VPN, simply by changing the DNS settings on your computer.

Conclusion

VPNs are 100% legal in Indonesia so you should not worry about using one. With just 40$ per year, you can improve your internet experience significantly, without having to worry about websites being blocked or about the government spying on your activity.

You can get 25% off VyprVPN by using this link

↧

Eka Jaya Tumewu Ripped Me Off. Do Not Trust Him.

August 28, 2017, 10:22 am

≫ Next: What To Buy in Indonesia: Souvenirs, Gifts and Cheap Stuff

≪ Previous: Are VPNs legal in Indonesia?

In case there is more than one Eka Jaya Tumewu, he is the one I'm talking about

If you've reached this article from Google, it means you are probably looking for information about a young Indonesian-Chinese man named Wilson Eka Jaya Tumewu. I don't know him very well (we only met twice), but I can share with you the negative experience I had dealing with him in a professional context.

The story is neither too complicated nor very original. Basically, he didn't pay some money he owed me.

He first approached me as the co-owner of the Nebula Group, a restaurant chain with a couple of properties in Bali, and as a partner in PT. Lombardi Auto Indonesia.

He signed an advertising contract with Jakarta100bars for a side banner for a newly-opened venue of his, Nebula Jakarta. He paid half of the invoice I sent him before I installed the banner, and then when the rest was due a few months later, he just went silent.

I tried to email him, call him, etc but he gave me no reply, no apology, no explanations.

I even offered him a discount on the last bill, but still no words from him. I don't think he is facing any financial difficulties, he just knows that it's very easy for him to get away with not paying so why shouldn't he?

This has led me to believe that Eka Jaya Tumewu is not a reliable person and he cannot be trusted. If he can find a way to cheat you or short-change you, he will do it. Beware.

If you need more information about this, I can send you the screenshots of all my conversations with him as well as the agreements we had signed.

UPDATE
A few seconds after I published this article, he sent me a message telling me he could not reply my messages in the first place because he was somewhere on a mountain in Ubud (obviously a lie, I lived in Ubud and I find it impossible to believe that during a week he couldn't get any signal + I saw that the messages were read on WhatsApp).

He said that he was actually not a real owner of Nebula and that he had not been paid by the owners themselves for two months. I asked the contact of the owners and he became silent again.

Again, no apologies yet, just denial, diversion and lies.

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What To Buy in Indonesia: Souvenirs, Gifts and Cheap Stuff

August 9, 2017, 9:52 am

≫ Next: Where to Stay in Jakarta - Best Areas for Tourists

≪ Previous: Eka Jaya Tumewu Ripped Me Off. Do Not Trust Him.

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.

↧

Where to Stay in Jakarta - Best Areas for Tourists

January 7, 2018, 9:38 am

≫ Next: Alexis Hotel, Club and Karaoke (Ancol) - Still Open

≪ Previous: What To Buy in Indonesia: Souvenirs, Gifts and Cheap Stuff

If you visit Jakarta as a tourist, you are probably wondering about the best areas to stay in the city.

Due to the horrible traffic and the lack of public transportation, I advise you to choose your location carefully. 1 kilometer in Jakarta is like 10 kilometer in normal cities. Just going to the opposite side of a street by car can sometimes take up to 30 minutes!

If you don't have time to readmy entire review, the following paragraph is a short summary:

The best place to stay in Jakarta, either you are a tourist or a businessman, is around Plaza Indonesia or Grand Indonesia, for instance: Kempinski, Grand Hyatt, Pullman, Mandarin Oriental. It is an expensive area though so if you are on a budget, you can stay near Sarinah Mall instead. You'll find backpacker hostels (Jalan Jaksa), 2-star hotels (Favehotel), 3-star hotels (Holiday Inn or Ibis Tamarin) and 4-star hotels (Morrissey, Four Points by Sheraton, AONE or Akmani).

Need more addresses? See the following recommendations for Hotels near Grand Indonesia and Hotels near Sarinah.

If you have time to read my whole review, I will list below all the potential areas for you to stay in Jakarta, starting from the best.

(I included a direct link to Agoda to help you book your hotel. I make a small commission on every booking but the price is the same for you. You can compare using HotelsCombined.com (excellent hotel comparator) or Booking.com.)

Hotel Indonesia (Plaza Indonesia / Grand Indonesia)

The iconic Hotel Indonesia roundabout (Bunderan HI in Indonesian) is one of the most famous landmarks in Jakarta. All around it are 5 luxury hotels (Kempinski, Grand Hyatt, Pullman, Mandarin Oriental, Keraton at the Plaza) and the two best malls in Jakarta (Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia).

Both of these malls are great meeting points with lots of popular cafés, cinemas, restaurants, bars (Cloud, Social House, Skye) and nightclubs (Immigrant). It is a modern part of Jakarta ideal for lifestyle travelers who are interested in shopping, eating out and partying.

It is also central so you can reach other parts of Jakarta fairly easily (for Jakarta standards). In particular, it is just a few minutes away from Tanah Abang (budget shopping), Jalan Sudirman (business district) and Menteng (government offices). Attractions like the Monas or the National Museum are only 15 minutes away. You can use public transportation to reach any of these (Transjakarta).

Summary:
Distance from airport:
Between 1h and 1h30m with normal traffic conditions.

Pros:

Central, easy to access, upmarket area

Good for nightlife, shopping, eating and drinking out

Cons:

Nothing touristic in the immediate area (no monuments, no historical buildings, no traditional markets)

Busy, crowded with a lot of traffic

Nowhere to walk around except inside malls

No street food
Expensive

Sarinah Mall (Jalan Jaksa, Wahid Hasyim, Sabang)

The Sarinah Shopping Center is only a kilometer north of the Hotel Indonesia roundabout (see above), but the feel is much different. It is a middle-class area with affordable shopping and restaurants. You will also find great Indonesian street food 24/7. Most buildings are low-rise but this might change soon as several towers are being built.

There are many convenient businesses for travelers, some of which are open 24-hour: Money changers, travel agents, internet cafés, printing services, photography shops, etc. You also have several laundries (one of which is a coin laundry).

The mid-range hotels are along the streets Wahid Hasyim and Agus Salim (nicknamed Sabang).

If your budget is very tight, meaning under 10$ a night, you can get a room in Jalan Jaksa. Many of the cheaper guesthouses are not listed on the internet so it's best to just walk around and look for "room for rent/kos" signs.

The location is just as strategic as the one in Hotel Indonesia (you can walk there in 15 minutes). If you are not interested in going to malls, it is probably even better.

East of Sarinah is the upscale area of Menteng-Cikini, where some of the richest Indonesian families live. It is central to many nice restaurants, a few museums, public parks and cultural attractions. Hotels tend to be either pricey or low-quality.

Summary:
Distance from airport:
Between 1h and 1h30m with normal traffic conditions.

Pros:

Central, in-between modern Jakarta and old Jakarta

Many budget hotels with good value for money

Cheap shopping options
Travelers shops (Money changers, travel agents, etc)

Good street food
Very lively, even at night (many shops and restaurants are open 24-hour)

You can meet other travelers more easily (see Jalan Jaksa Nightlife)

Cons:

Not an upmarket location

Not walking distance from any tourist landmarks
It was the location of a terrorist attack in January 2016

Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/kroenisme/

Golden Triangle

Mega Kuningan Streets

The Golden Triangle is the main business area of Jakarta and it is made from the following streets: Gatot Subroto, Rasuna Said and Sudirman. It comprises some famous neighborhoods such as Mega Kuningan, SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District) or Setiabudi. It extends in the South until Plaza Senayan and Senopati.

Mega Kuningan and SCBD are exclusive and modern areas with a Western city planning model. You'll find blocks, large streets and sidewalks, just like you would in an American city. It is the trendiest part of Jakarta and home to dozens of hip bars, clubs and restaurants. There are also several 5-star hotels (Ritz Carlton Mega Kuningan, Marriott) and luxury malls (Pacific Place). It is cleaner than the rest of Jakarta and you have fewer traffic jams. Some would say it's a ghetto for rich people that has nothing to do with the real Jakarta.

Many young, single expats choose to live there when they can afford it. If they don't have the budget, they may choose to stay in Setiabudi instead (see below).

Jalan Sudirman, Jalan Rasuna Said, Jalan Gatot Subroto are some of the busiest streets in Jakarta. They are packed with cars, messy and polluted. Still, choosing a hotel directly on one of these thoroughfares is a good idea to avoid unnecessary commuting time. Most are 4 and 5-star hotels though.

Summary:
Distance from airport:
Between 45 minutes and 1h30m with normal traffic conditions. Gatot Subroto is the closest and it is connected to the airport highway. Mega Kuningan is more difficult to access (traffic bottleneck).

Pros:

Modern, Westernized part of Jakarta
Easy access to nightclubs, malls, trendy restaurants

Central
Public transport options (Transjakarta)

Cons:

Expensive
Limited street food options

No traditional street life
Heavy traffic during peak hours

Setiabudi

Setiabudi is a residential and low-rise neighborhood in the northern part of the Golden Triangle. Its residents were originally low to middle-income families, but this is starting to change as the land prices increase. Many houses have been transformed into boarding houses, small apartments or hotels which are popular with single office workers (both Indonesians and expats).

You can get a room there for an affordable price while being near from the Central Business District (more information: How to Rent a Cheap Room in Jakarta). It is a great area for street food as well.

Staying in Setiabudi would not be my first recommendation though if you are a tourist because it can be difficult to get there (traffic) and to find your hotel (small streets).

Summary:
Distance from airport:
Between 1h and 1h30m with normal traffic conditions.

Pros:

Very good location between Sudirman and Rasuna Said streets
Low-rise, middle-class neighborhood
Near offices, malls, nightclubs, bars, restaurants
Street food
Convenient shops (laundry, photocopy, etc.)
Possibility to walk around

Cons:

More complicated to access when you are not familiar with Jakarta
More difficult to get public transport
Traffic Jams

Kota Tua

Street food near Jalan Kali Besar in Kota Tua

Strictly speaking, Kota Tua (Old Town in Indonesian) is the area around Taman Fatahillah Square in North Jakarta. In this review, I use it to describe a larger zone inclusive of Mangga Besar and Glodok.

Kota Tua is infamous for being a red-light district: This is where you will find the most expensive naughty massage parlors, strip clubs, nightclubs and gogo bars in Jakarta. Most hotels are used for short time and the streets are busy 24/7.

In spite of this, staying nearby has several advantages: Hotels are much cheaper than elsewhere and they are close from many tourist attractions (Chinese temples in Glodok, Museums, Sunda Kelapa). Some people, including myself, also enjoy the authentic street life. Jalan Mangga Besar in particular is one of the best places to eat street food in Jakarta.

From Kota Tua to the city center of Jakarta (Plaza Indonesia), it will take about 1 hour with normal traffic conditions (30 minutes at night). There is a very convenient Transjakarta line from Kota Tua down to Blok M that goes through Monas and the the National Museum.

Summary:
Distance from airport:
Between 45m and 1h15m with normal traffic conditions.

Pros:

Near most tourist attractions in Jakarta
Near nightclubs, bars, massage parlours and karaokes (naughty ones)
Cheaper area in Jakarta for sleeping and eating out
Great and colorful street life
Street food stalls open 24/7 - Excellent Chinese food
Busway line

Cons:

More dirty and dodgy than average
No modern malls and restaurants
Lots of prostitutes

Other possible areas for staying in Jakarta

Kemang

Kemang is a popular area with expats because it is near from the international schools. Many live in expansive villas with swimming pool and gardens. It has a vibe similar to the one in Seminyak.

As a tourist staying in Kemang, you will be near from many designer shops, good Western restaurants and several bars and clubs. On the negative side, there are no tourist sights and it is far from the city center.

Gajah Mada/Hayam Wuruk (+ Pasar Baru)
This area is strategically located as it is between Sudirman and Kota Tua. There are not so many things to do in the immediate vicinity apart from some famous strip clubs and massage parlors (Malioboro, V2, Emporium).

Recommended if you are planning to visit places in both South and North Jakarta. They have recently opened several brand new hotels such as Harris Harmoni Vertu, Hotel Santika Premiere Hayam Wuruk and Novotel Gajah Mada.

Mangga Dua
In North Jakarta, Mangga Dua is a shopping area with several naughty nightlife venues. It can easily be reached from the airport by the toll road, and it is not too far from the city's tourist attractions like Kota Tua or Ancol. If you need to go to the South, it will take you about an hour.

If you only have one night in Jakarta, it can be a more fun option than staying near the airport. After two nights, you might get bored.

Slipi-Taman Anggrek
This area is in the vicinity of the malls Central Park and Taman Anggrek. You can stay there if you want to be closer from the airport as it is only 40 minutes away by car. Downtown Jakarta is about 30 minutes away.

Pluit and PIK (Pantai Indah Kapuk)
This is an upscale area where many Rich Indochinese families live. It is close from the airport (less than 40 minutes) and you have a growing nightlife scene (see my review Nightlife in PIK).

Kelapa Gading
There are not many reasons to stay in Kelapa Gading apart from shopping and nightlife.

For shopping, you have several malls including the gigantic Mall of Indonesia and Mal Kelapa Gading.

For nightlife, you'll find mostly massage parlours plus plus, brothels, strip clubs and beer houses (Sumo, Delta, King Cross, Level 5 and other prostitution joints).

Map of the Best Areas in Jakarta - Summary

If you are interested in staying in Jakarta near the nightlife, please read my other hotel guides:

Sex Hotels and Girl Friendly Hotels in Jakarta
18 Best Jakarta Hotels Near Nightclubs and Bars
18 Best Apartments for Bachelor Parties in Jakarta

16 Cheap Girl-Friendly Hotels in Jakarta

Jakarta Hotel Guide

Contact me by email thibaud@jakarta100bars.com if you have any questions about where to stay in Jakarta (or just leave a comment below).

↧

Alexis Hotel, Club and Karaoke (Ancol) - Still Open

December 4, 2017, 1:34 am

≫ Next: 15 Best Bars and Nightclubs in SCBD - Pacific Place (Jakarta)

≪ Previous: Where to Stay in Jakarta - Best Areas for Tourists

Update 30 October 2017:
Alexis was shut down by the new Governor of Jakarta. As I explained in my article Jakarta Nightlife in 2017 (last paragraph), this was likely to happen because it was an important campaign promise.

2nd Update 10 January 2018:

Alexis is still open, except for the last floor, the spa, whose activities have been transferred to 1001 and Emporium. The club and the karaoke are operating as usual.

The Hotel Alexis is not really a hotel, it’s more like a bordello. You’ve got a good club downstairs, The Play, with house/progressive music and sexy dancers, and a very select lounge/spa on the seventh floor, the Bathhouse, with girls from countries as far as Uzbekistan, Myanmar or Russia coming to entertain the patrons. Entrance fee for the Bathhouse lounge is Rp. 120,000, and no drinks included. Also a karaoke on the 5th floor (I forgot the name), very nice, with flat screen TV and audio equipment suitable for outdoor concerts. Goddam expensive though, about Rp 3.5 million for 4 people.

In the club the Play, they have a sort of live show with naked girls pretending to have sex, but you can only see the shadow... quite interesting... People call it the Aquarium . Alexis has become one of the most famous party place in Jakarta over the past 2-3 years, along with Stadium, Bats, Blowfish and Red Square. Be sure to check the 7th floor...

They have the mythical "Alexis Open Air Parties" that I've never been to, and I don't know if it is a regular event or not. Here is a photo, you can find more on this page Forum Bebas:

More (very graphic) photos of inside the club also on this blog: http://erick-brown.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-post.html

Contact details:
Alexis Hotel, Play bar, Bathouse Spa, XiS Karaoke
Ancol, Jl. R. E. Martadinata No. 1
Jakarta Utara 14430
Phone: +62 21 6983 3333
Fax: +62 21 6983 1111

Email: admin@alexisjakarta.com
Website: Jakarta Hotel Alexis Website

↧

15 Best Bars and Nightclubs in SCBD - Pacific Place (Jakarta)

January 29, 2018, 2:39 pm

≫ Next: Jakarta: 12 Cheap Bars for Backpackers / Students

≪ Previous: Alexis Hotel, Club and Karaoke (Ancol) - Still Open

SCBD is the most happening nightlife area in Jakarta at the moment. This is where you will find the hippest bars and clubs, especially those that are popular with young (and rich) Indonesians in their early twenties.

The main reason for this success is the central location of SCBD, combined with the presence of a high-class mall (Pacific Place), prestigious offices (banks and financial institutions especially), and 5-star hotels (Ritz-Carlton).

Another factor is that all the land in SCBD belongs to the Artha Graha group. This conglomerate is owned by the controversial Tomy Winata who is known to have a keen interest in nightlife. As such, he probably has shares in most of the bars listed below, particularly those located in the Fairgrounds complex (Lucy in the Sky, Fable, etc). Back in the 1980s, this spot was already a huge party destination called Bengkel Night Park, said to be the largest one-stop-entertainment complex in the world. Older expats would tell you that anything was available there, including drugs, prostitution and gambling.

SCBD has cleaned up its act since, and all its bars and clubs now are now respectable businesses (except maybe the Roxy karaoke that still has lady companions).

If you are there for partying, here are my 15 most recommended venues:

Note: For a selection of the best hotels to stay nearby, click here: Best Deals on Hotels in SCBD.

Fable

Part of the All In Group (Mirror Bali, Odysseia), Fable is an upmarket nightclub that targets mainly Indonesian teenagers and young adults. It is packed every weekend and it can be fun if you are in the age group 18-25. Drinks are expensive and the dress code is strict. Commercial EDM and Top 40 music.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fableallin/

Lucy in the Sky
A super trendy rooftop bar (now covered with a glass dome for the noise). The clientele is made of young Indonesian hipsters and some expats. Music is less commercial than elsewhere, especially on Sundays (techno). Entrance fee on weekends. Fairly busy even on weekdays.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyintheskyjakarta/

Beer Garden

Sundays in Beer Garden SCBD

An offshoot of the original Beer Garden in Kemang, this open-air lounge is laid-back and friendly. It is also cheaper than the other nearby venues, which makes it popular with a varied crowd from students to middle-class executives. Live bands play there regularly.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beergardenjkt/

Beer Hall

From the same owner as Beer Garden, this is a more upmarket venue, with air-conditioning, comfortable seats, better food and cocktails, and dim lighting. Still new but promising.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beerhall/

Empirica

Empirica is a large nightclub, crowded at 80% with rich Indonesian Chinese partying in groups. Despite this, it is still OK to come by yourself or with just a few friends as there is a very long bar to hang out. Upbeat commercial music. Strict dress code.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empiricajakarta/

The Dutch
This intimate restaurant is a popular meeting point for expats and Chinese Indonesians (they sell pork specialties). Even if you are not eating, you can enjoy some cocktails and beer in a lively atmosphere as they have DJs and live music every day. Part of the Union group.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedutchjakarta/

Mr. Fox Bar and Restaurant

Mr. Fox is part of the Ismaya Group, the largest and most successful entertainment company in Jakarta.

If you are a fan of Ismaya's venues in general, you might be disappointed with Mr. Fox as it does not come with their trademark flashy interior design. Instead, it seems they've tried to create a bar/restaurant for a mature audience, with a focus on quality. Good place for dinner + drinks. Also for bringing a date.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.mrfox/

Cork & Screw

One of two Cork & Screw locations in Jakarta, this Western restaurant houses a wine shop and bar. It is better to come with a group of friends and share a few bottles. Most customers are Indonesian Chinese executives in their late twenties or early thirties. Regular wine tasting events. Part of the Union group.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corknscrew/

Dirty Laundry

This speakeasy bar is located within Bottega Restaurant (access through a secret door). It was surprisingly crowded when I visited it during a weekday. I thought the band was too loud for this kind of place, but maybe that's how Indonesians prefer it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtylaundryjkt/

Potato Head
The original Potato Head, opened in 2007 long before the Potato Head Beach Club in Bali. It could certainly use a renovation to stay trendy. Rather expensive prices but its location at the entrance of Pacific Place Mall is excellent. Decent food and cocktails. They have an interesting event about once a month so please check their Facebook page below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potatoheadjkt/

Super Loco

This unassuming, small Mexican restaurant is not a bad place to drink Margaritas and tequila shots early in the night. DJs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superlocojkt/

De Burse
An expat bar belonging to the Bugil's group (Eastern Promise, Double Doors, De Hooi, etc). Good for lunch or for after-hour drinks. Flirty waitresses. Live music.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deBurse

Chamber

Chamber is just between Potato Head and Cork & Screw. It is an upmarket bar and lounge with a retro 1930s design. They have a rather large selection of premium spirits and wine (over 500 bottles).

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chamberjkt/

Hard Rock Café

Jakarta’s Hard Rock Café looks pretty impressive from outside, with large bay windows and a modern design. That said, it is not really a happening venue. Most visitors are out-of-towners who don't know where else to go.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardrockcafejakarta/

Artoz
Part of the Amuz group, this whisky and cognac bar features daily live jazz band. Elitist and not very crowded. I'm surprised it hasn't closed down already.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artoz_bar/

Note 1:
In case you are wondering, Level II and Hide & Seek are closed.

Note 2:
New bars and nightclubs keep popping up every few months in SCBD! Please leave a comment below if there is one I haven't mentioned yet...

↧

Jakarta: 12 Cheap Bars for Backpackers / Students

February 6, 2018, 5:44 pm

≫ Next: Medellin Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (2018)

≪ Previous: 15 Best Bars and Nightclubs in SCBD - Pacific Place (Jakarta)

Clubbing in Jakarta is almost always expensive, especially if you are a heavy drinker.

For most high-end nightclubs and bars, the prices are approximately as follow (on weekends):
- Entrance fee: Between IDR200,000 and IDR300,000 (usually waived if you book a table or a sofa)
- Beer Bintang: IDR70,000 net
- Classic cocktail: IDR150,000 net
- Bottle of Whisky with 2 mixers: IDR1,500,000 net
- Standing round table for 4 people: You must spend a minimum amount between IDR2,000,000 and IDR4,000,000 on drinks and food.
- Sofa for 4 people: You must spend a minimum amount between IDR3,000,000 and IDR5,000,000 on drinks and food.

Typically, when I go out in Jakarta, I spend about IDR2,000,000 ($140) per night from dinner until sleep. And I don't consider myself a big spender, on the contrary.

If you are a backpacker, an expat on a budget, or a student, you are probably wondering how you can party without emptying your bank account.

In this article, I will give you a list of 12 cheaper bars and nightclubs + some tips on how to spend less money on nightlife.

9 Tips to party in Jakarta for less:

- Pre-drink at home, if possible with a bottle you bought before arriving in Jakarta at a duty-free shop.
- Read my guide: How to Buy Alcohol in Jakarta to find cheap bottles online.
- Go around using Uber/Grab/Gojek or even the Transjakarta. The Koridor 1, the red line, is operational 24 hours and it goes from Blok M to Kota.
- Find friends to party with, and share the cost of a bottle with them.
- Order mega-drinks such as the Cendana cocktail, a powerful Jakarta specialty combining 7 types of alcohol. They are more expensive but one is enough to get you drunk.
- Get free entrance to most nightclubs by visiting them before midnight.
- Party on Wednesdays instead of Fridays or Saturdays (a much better night to party anyway).
- Find an "All-you-can-drink" promotion.
- If you are a woman, find a Ladies' night (though you will realize few bars are very generous)

Cheap Bars located near the backpacker district (Jalan Jaksa)

If you are a backpacker or a traveler, these are some cheap bars located near Jalan Jaksa, in Central Jakarta. This area is generally the most recommended for tourists on a budget.

All prices are net, inclusive of taxes and service charge.

Camden Menteng
From Jalan Jaksa, you will need to take a taxi for 15 minutes to go to this bar, but it is the best one in the "cheap" range in my opinion. It is crowded most nights of the week and features several rooms, both indoor and outdoor. The outdoor is relaxing, perfect for chilling out with friends, while the indoor is better for dancing or flirting. Most customers are young students in their early 20s. Live music. Large choice of beers and spirits. The only problem is that it takes forever to get served.

Small beer: IDR45,000 per bottle, tower (5 liters) available for IDR330,000
Shooters: IDR60,000 (as low as IDR25,000 on promo nights).
Bottle of Jack Daniel’s: IDR1,200,000
Mojito: IDR70,000

They have another branch in South Jakarta near the mall Gandaria.

Beer Garden Wahid Hasyim
As the name indicates, this is a beer garden, part of a larger chain that owns 3 more outlets in Jakarta (see below). It is very crowded on most nights and you might have to wait to get seated. Live music every night. Trendy, young Indonesian crowd.

It is walking distance from Jalan Jaksa.

Small beer: IDR38,000

Mojito: IDR80,000
Tequila shot: IDR65,000
Bottle of Jack Daniel’s IDR1,000,000

Melly's Garden
This is a very large outdoor bar and restaurant, full of mosquitoes and a bit old-fashioned. Popular with all age groups, both locals and foreigners. You can even spot a few jilbabs. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, with a band playing occasionally. Also walking distance from Jalan Jaksa.

Small beer: IDR40,000
Cocktail: IDR70,000

Memories Café

This is the main backpacker bar on Jalan Jaksa (and where I drank my first Bintang, almost 15 years ago). It's a mess, with a random crowd that includes tourists, expat regulars and semi-prostitutes.

I haven't been there in a while, but the prices are probably as low as they can be.

Ya Udah Bistro
Not exactly a bar, but they have very reasonably-priced beers and food. Popular with older, long-term expats.

Small beer: IDR35,000

Cheap Bars and Nightclubs in South Jakarta

Camden Gandaria
Similar to Camden Cikini in terms of price and crowd, but with a different layout.

Beer Garden SCBD, Beer Garden Kemang, Beer Garden
There are 3 more Beer Gardens in South Jakarta (see above for description). You can see their addresses here: Beer Garden Locations.

Dronk

This new nightclub is one of the most happening currently in Kemang. It is disorganized and not stylish at all, but cheap. They are pretty relaxed about ID checks so there are a lot of teenagers inside. DJs play EDM, Top 40 or Rn'B.

Small beer: IDR50,000
Mojito: IDR85,000

Bottle of Jack Daniel’s IDR1,650,000

Halfway Bar
I think it is owned by the same people behind Camden. Cool bar, quite dark, packed with young people on weekends. Mostly a place for sitting with friends.

Small beer: IDR41,000

Mojito: IDR75,000
Gin Tonic: IDR55,000
Bottle of Jack Daniel’s IDR1,150,000

Noname Bar
Also part of the same group as Camden, I only visited once and it was empty. That said, I heard that it was busy on weekends and special nights. Same atmosphere and prices as Halfway Bar.

Cheap Bars in North Jakarta

Europe Kelapa Gading
This sports bar is next to Mall of Indonesia. There seems to be a crowd of regular. Karaoke on the second floor.

Small beer: IDR38,000

Hangover Pantai Indah Kapuk
Hangover is one of the main hangouts in Pantai Indah Kapuk. It is a semi-open beer garden specializing in soju drinks. Indonesian-Chinese crowd.

Small beer: IDR40,000
Bottle of Jack Daniel's: IDR1,400,000

In Pantai Indah Kapuk, you can also try Hugo's or Mixology.

↧

Medellin Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (2018)

February 11, 2018, 8:22 pm

≫ Next: Baku Nightlife: 20 Best Bars and Nightclubs (2018) - Azerbaijan

≪ Previous: Jakarta: 12 Cheap Bars for Backpackers / Students

Note: I have never been to Medellin, but my friend Jake is familiar with the city and wrote this guide for me. Thibaud.

Medellin, Colombia, is a fantastic party city filled with some of the most beautiful women in the world. Trust me, they're damn sexy. I remember the first time I partied around Parque Lleras on a Saturday night. In every club I went into, I would snap my neck from looking back and forth at the stunning "Paisas" (Medellin girls) that moved all around me.

Nightlife in Medellin is filled with stunners. There’s absolutely no doubt about that. 60% are above 6, 40% above 7, 20% above 8, 10% above 9. But beware, it is also filled with hookers, drug dealers, sex tourists, unsavory characters, and tables filled with big groups.

If you don’t know how to navigate this city, you’ll get lost in a sea of "prepagos" (half-hookers), scopolamine (rape drug), and horny gringos. That’s not what you want, and that's where I come in.

After spending some time in Medellin, I wanted to create this detailed Medellin nightlife guide that’s sure to show you how to make the most of the party in the City of Eternal Spring.

What to Expect at Night in Medellin

Partying in Medellin has its own characteristics. Here are a few things you can expect on a big night out in town:

Big Groups: Latin people tend to go out in big groups of friends. They buy a bottle and stand around their table. Then they dance with each other. Not ideal for meeting new people. Some venues, called "bottle clubs" specialize in this and they should be avoided if you are hoping to meet girls.

Working Women: There are lots of "prepagos" in Medellin. Those girls make a living from sleeping with guys or from dating them. It's a form of prostitution, but it's sometimes just not as obvious as in Europe. If you’re in clubs where all other foreigners go, you can expect a lot of the pretty girls to be working.

Latin Music: Reggaeton, salsa, and merengue rain supreme in Medellin. If you don’t like Latin music, then you may not enjoy most of the discos here.

Constant Threats: If you haven't visited the country yet, the question Is Colombia dangerous? is probably your main concern.

There’s always the threat of getting drugged or robbed in Medellin. That’s just the way it goes. Guard your drink, take taxis, observe your surroundings and keep your wits about you. Don't get drunk to the point where you lose control. Personally, after 4-5 drinks, I always switch to water.

Lots of Foreigners: If you think you are the only white guy who had the idea to get laid in Medellin, you will be disappointed. Horny foreigners are found all over Medellin and they don't attract as much attention as they used to from normal girls (unless they are actually living there with an expat contract). If you want to be the only foreigner in the disco, don’t come here.

Meeting Girls: I always say this, but the best way to meet girls (as a tourist) is to prepare your trip in advance. ColombianCupid is a great website for that. Colombian girls who use this website won't mind chatting with you even if you leave abroad. Therefore, you can set up several dates before arriving, and hopefully get lucky before you leave.

If you do not prepare and hope to score using Tinder, you have a 90% chance of failing.

To summarize:
- If you live in Colombia or if you are very handsome: Use Tinder
- If you don't live in Colombia or if you are average looking: Use ColombianCupid.

Drugs
Drugs are rampant in Colombia. Why? Because they’re cheap. You’ll probably find a few people enjoying white powders while in the bathroom of a Medellin nightclub. It’s common here. In the techno clubs mentioned below, pills of ecstasy are also very easy to find.

Best Areas to Stay If Medellin Nightlife is a Priority

Medellin is a huge city of nearly 3.5 million people these days. As such, there are tons of places to party. That said, as a foreigner, most of the bars and nightclubs you'll go to will be located in the small neighborhood of Parque Lleras. I recommend you to stay there so you can be walking distance from all the action.

My most recommended hotels in terms of location and quality are located in Poblado, near from Calle 10. This area is lively, touristy and rather safe. You’ll be walking distance to 70% of Medellin nightlife and have the ability to walk home, even if you are a bit wasted.

25$: Yolo Hostel (dorms, great for meeting people, perfect for first-timers but not girl-friendly)

50$: Hotel Florencia Plaza (very good value for money, close to bars, clean, friendly).

100$: Diez Hotel Categoria (brand-new, central, walking distance from nightlife)

150$: Dann Carlton (Good pool, gym, spa and breakfast)

300$: The Charlee (The best hotel in the area, great gym, great beds, great service)

For a bachelor party: Icon Suites (450$ for 8 people) or Poblado Sky Villa Penthouse (1500$ for 8 people).

If you want a more quiet neighborhood, you can also try to find a hotel in Laurales - Estadio (click to see a list of options).

Something funny in Medellin is that there are highly sophisticated short-time love hotels (called Moteles). Colombian guys use them to bring their girlfriend, their lovers, or prostitutes. They can be quite kinky, with erotic furniture and sex toys provided. If you are interested, you can check 3D Suites or Thematic Suites.

Is it Safe to Walk Around at Night?

Safety is a huge issue in Colombia. I won’t beat around the bush here. You need to keep your guard up, even in upscale areas like Parque Lleras. Criminals know where foreigners hang out in Medellin. They know the police will be around, but they also know where they can get away with a crime.

It is safe to walk around at night in places like Parque Lleras or the upscale areas of Laurales. However, as a general rule, you should never leave your hotel with more than you’re willing to lose.

Personally, this means I roll around with an old iPhone 5s and no more than $80 USD in Colombian Pesos when I go out to enjoy Medellin nightlife.

The one way to get stabbed, shot, and/or killed in Colombia is to resist a robbery. If someone wants to rob you, do not resist. Just hand over what they want and remain passive. Do not fight back.

Also, you must give your robbers something. You need to have a phone and cash on you. If you can’t give them a phone or cash, they may kill you for wasting their time. So, always have a cheap phone and a bit of money to give them.

10 Best Nightclubs and Bars in Medellin

Enough about the downsides of nightlife in Medellin. Let’s talk about the good stuff!

In such a big city, there’s bound to be a couple great spots to meet sexy Colombian girls and have a great time. The good news is there definitely is. Here are my favorite clubs and bars in Medellin (I added a link to their Facebook or Instagram, just click on the name):

Bendito Seas

This is the absolute best club to meet easy women in Medellin. Go here on a Thursday for ladies’ night. The quality won’t be super high and you might meet a few prepagos, but this is the spot Paisas go to when they want to meet foreigners.

Luxury

A somewhat high-end club that’s now in Poblado. If you’re looking to grab a bottle and party hard on a Saturday night, Luxury is a solid place to do so.

The Blue Bar

One of the most popular spots in all of Parque Lleras. The Blue Bar gets a crowd almost every night. Go here to enjoy a crossover vibe and pretty low prices overall.

Son Havana

A classic salsa bar in Medellin, Son Havana is the spot to be on Wednesday. All the salsa schools come here to practice. You can even get some lessons here. Later at night, things start to heat up as the drinks flow.

Kukaramakara Club

High-end club in Rio Sur. Head here if you want to spend some money on a bottle or have a hot date. Sometimes live music, sometimes crossover music.

Babylon

Not sure what else to call this place, but a “shit show” on Thursday nights. You can definitely still have a good time here, but Babylon isn’t what it used to be. The crowd can be shady and there are usually too many gringos.

Sixtinna Club

Another high-end spot in Rio Sur. Sometimes they have big concerts here, other times they play electronic music. It’s right next to Kukaramakara Club. Lots of good-looking people who party in groups. Not recommended if you are alone.

Gusto

Located in Parque Lleras, this disco is not very sophisticated but it's fun. Many (not all!) of the women inside are freelance prostitutes. Usual music mix from Latin vibes to international hits.

Mixology

A great place to take a date in Medellin. This is one of the best places to find a solid cocktail around Poblado. Highly recommended.

Palmahia

Late night club in Medellin. Come here if you want to party past 2-3 am. Can get filled with shady characters.

Techno Clubs

If you are more a techno head than a salsa dancer, you will love Medellin. There are at least 5 good nightclubs with anything from minimal to tech-house: Mute, Mansion, Calle 9+1, Heard From and Salon Amador.

Check their Facebook pages to know which DJ is playing on the night of your visit.

Prostitution

Prostitution is very common, and the city is home to a large contingent of sex tourists.

It may take many forms, from a freelancer working discreetly in a regular nightclub to a flashy bordello in the city's red-light district.

To be honest, I have never visited them, but I know you are curious so I'll drop a few names.

The most famous strip clubs, naughty spas and sex centers in Medellin are located in the Northern part of the city. In particular, the highest concentration can be found in the red-light area of La Candelaria/Villa Nueva (also called El Centro). Some of the places there are Conejitas, Maracaibo, Barra Ejecutiva (all 3 have striptease shows) or the cheap massage parlor New Life.

For high-end services, two places are recommended:

Luna Nera: A huge, crazy bordello with strippers and escorts, open 24h. They have packages for bachelor parties.

Fase II: A smaller place, with a very high concentration of outrageously siliconed ladies.

Your Medellin Nightlife Guide

The nightlife in Medellin can be fantastic. It can also be filled with a lot of unpleasant things. Depends on how you look at it.

If drugs and hookers make you uncomfortable, the nightlife throughout Colombia may be too much for you to handle. It’s not everywhere, but it’s always around. Something to think about before partying here.

With this in mind, just hit the spots I listed above and you’re sure to enjoy your time partying in the city of eternal spring!

↧

Baku Nightlife: 20 Best Bars and Nightclubs (2018) - Azerbaijan

February 23, 2018, 1:15 am

≫ Next: Yangon Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars 2018

≪ Previous: Medellin Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (2018)

I spent 2 days in Baku during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in June 2017. I partied on two evenings and, even though I probably only scratched the surface of the nightlife, I'm writing this short guide about the best bars and nightclubs I have been to.

Baku Nightlife
From what I've seen, Baku nightlife is not very interesting for a single guy. The main problem is that middle-class Azeri women do not frequent nightclubs or bars. They often live in conservative families that do not allow them to party or even to hang out with friends late at night.

As a result, most nightclubs are populated by only men and prostitutes. Many can be found in the shabby basements of buildings around the city center. They are dark, poorly designed and dodgy, with rarely more than 20 customers. Girls are often Russians, getting money from either dancing, companionship or sex. As I was there during the Grand Prix, the guys seemed to be from everywhere, with a majority from Turkey and the Middle East.

Atmosphere inside a "basement" club

Some upper-class Azeri women are more liberal, though. You will rarely see one in those basements. They hang out in elite nightspots (restaurants, lounges, hookah bars, live music cafés, etc) that can be quite expensive. These venues are not really interesting for single guys since customers stay between groups of friends. If you are alone, you may even be refused entry if you are not accompanied by a woman (for instance in Pasifico or in Buddha Bar).

Nightlife Areas + Nearby Hotels

The center of Baku nightlife is around Merchant's Street (called Torgovaya), a small pedestrian area east of the Old City. The most distinguishable landmark there is the Fountain's Square. From there, you will be within 5 minutes walking distance from most the venues listed below.

I would recommend choosing a hotel nearby, for instance, one of the following:

5-star hotel:
Hilton Baku: 200$ per night, rated 8.6/10

4-star hotel:
Park Inn By Radisson: 130$ per night, rated 8.3/10. They have a nightclub, Eleven, on the 11th floor.

3-star hotel:
Karat Inn Hotel: 60$ per night, rated 8.4/10

You can check this list of properties to help you: Hotels Near Fountain Square in Baku.

A 5-minute walk away, there is a small red light district with discreet massage parlors and hostess clubs (the famous basement clubs mentioned earlier). The highest concentration is at the crossroad between Bulbul Avenue and Dilara Aliyeva Street. Some of the notable venues are Status, Coral, Grotta, Blackbird, Leo etc. All of them have sexy dancers and prostitutes. Entrance is free but drinks may be overpriced. Beware of scams.

Sexy dancers inside a basement club

Finally, the area around National Flag Square is also interesting for eating out and partying. It is a renovated industrial area with hipster restaurants (El Portalon, Atelye 61, Maya Mexican) and bars (La Vida Tequila Bar and Enerji nightclub). I don't recommend staying there as it is too far from the city center, but if you must, the East Legend Hotel has good ratings (60$ per night).

Best Bars and Nightclubs in Baku

I didn't really have fun in Baku. Most of the night spots are quiet (even during the F1 Grand Prix!) and the attitude of the staff is rarely welcoming to foreigners. As a single guy, you can expect being denied entry in all the most famous venues so you'll need to find a date to accompany you (Tinder is your best chance).

Something worth pointing out is that 80% of the most famous bars and nightclubs in Baku belong to one group called Saffron. Their properties are popular with Azerbaijan's golden youth, the sons and daughters of the elite. They generally prefer staying between themselves and they'll rarely show any interest for people who don't belong to their circle.

Still, I'm listing those places below due to the lack of alternatives. Please leave me a comment below if you think I should add/remove one!

Pasifico

One of the most happening night spots in Baku, it is owned by the Saffron group. It was recommended to me unanimously by all the Azeris I met.

On my first night, I was unable to get in because I was not accompanied by a girl. On my second attempt, I brought a date for dinner (note that there is a 50 Manats minimum spend).

It is a mid-sized lounge, sandwiched between the Caspian Sea and the Boulevard. Pleasant views, especially from the terrace.

The food was overpriced, as expected, but the taste was decent. Louder dance music starts around midnight. The dance floor was half empty. Most guests are groups of friends or couples. Some girls looked like prostitutes.

More information: Pasifico Baku

Enerji

Also part of the Saffron group, Enerji is one of the few proper nightclubs in Baku. It is located less than 10 minutes by taxi from the city center, near the National Flag Square. It is built on two floors: A semi-open terrace with a dance floor and sofas, and a mezzanine for dining. Bouncers may allow single males to enter but you can book a dinner in advance to make sure of that.

Don't expect large crowds during weekdays. Weekends are normally much better. Commercial music. A lot of girls but they are always accompanied.

More information: Enerji Baku

Eleven

High-end nightclub and lounge on the 11th floor of the Park Inn By Radisson Hotel. You need a girl to get in unless you are a hotel guest. Nice view of the Caspian Sea. Few people are dancing. Most are just eating and smoking shisha with their group of friends. Many Russians. As a single foreign guy, you are most likely to be ignored by everyone (if you manage to get in). 10 Manats for a beer. Commercial music. It closes at 4 AM on weekends.

More information: Eleven Baku

Otto

Otto Club is conveniently located in the city center, 300 meters from Fountain Square. 10 Manats entrance fee (they might ask you to be accompanied by a girl). Laid-back atmosphere and crowd (Turkish guests). Live music followed by a DJ every day. Pool tables. Some working girls.

More information: Otto Baku

Barrel Playground

Located about 5 kilometers from the city center, on the seafront, this bar/club opens seasonally a few months every year. They have DJs or live bands playing non-commercial genre (jazz, deep house, etc). Worth a visit if they have a special event.

More information: Barrel Playground

Sintetik

Dark and loud, Sintetik is the best after-hour club in the city. Open on weekends only until 8 AM, it is as underground as it can be. Techno music.

Note that it is closing for the summer and it should reopen in October only.

More information: Sintetik Baku

There used to be another minimal/techno club called "IN" but they were shut down by the authorities. They still organize parties once in a while so you can check their Facebook for updates (In Club).

Buddha Bar

Another property owned by the Saffron Group. As usual, a nice setting (maybe the most beautiful bar in Baku) but a rather snobbish atmosphere. It can be difficult to enter without a girl unless you make a reservation for dinner. Average, expensive food. 14 Manats for a cocktail. Not too busy.

More information: Buddha Bar Baku

Hashtag Bar

A small, dark bar for the alternative crowd. Techno and trance music.

More information: Hashtag Bar

A high-end lounge for the Azeri elite. Free shisha every day for girls. Tiny dancefloor. Not recommended if you are claustrophobic. Some girls are prostitutes.

More information: 26 Lounge Baku

High Boost

A restaurant more than a club, High Boost has a great view on Baku (23rd floor). On weekends, they have live bands and DJs. Strict door policy.

More information: High Boost Baku

Alternatively, if you are looking for another restaurant high up in the air, you can check Gate 25, on the 25th floor of the Demirchi Tower.

Soho Baku

One of those semi-luxury places where you aren't sure if the girls are prostitutes or not. Commercial music. Not so friendly with foreigners.

More information: Soho Bar and Lounge

Best Pubs in Baku

Since Baku has a sizable number of foreign residents (principally working in the oil industry), you can find many expat pubs. Most are located within a few streets from the Fountain Square.

Most of the pubs I visited were very quiet apart from a handful of customers. Some that had a decent crowd were (in that order) Castle Pub, Clansmen, Shakespeare, Red Lion, Hops, Shamrock, Beer Station, London Pub, Hairy Lemon and Finnegan's.

You can bar-hop from one another in a single evening as they are walking distance from each other. Just start in Abdulkarim Alizada street or in Tarlan Abdullayev street.

They all serve Western food (sometimes Indian and Mexican too). You can expect sports channels to be turned on and a live band to play on weekends. On average, a beer costs 6 Manats and a cocktail 10 Manats.

There were two pubs I enjoyed more than the others:

Harbour

A crowded bar, full of tourists and expats (especially after work). Outdoor terrace, sports on TV. Live music on weekends. They serve disappointing, yet expensive, Indian food. Owned by the Saffron Group.

More information: Harbour

Bukowski

This tiny pub is one of the cheapest I've been to in Baku (local beers costing less than 1 Manat). It is also one of the most crowded, particularly with students. It is not very comfortable, nor pretty, and the service can take forever. That said, I recommended it if you are interested in socializing with young Azeris.

More information: Bukowski Pub

Best Live Music in Baku

Le Chateau Music Bar

This live music bar was lively both nights I visited it. It has a mixed crowd of young Azeris, expats and backpackers. It's a perfect place to meet other people, especially if you are alone. Some pretty girls. The music schedule is eclectic, from rock to jazz. Check their Facebook for the updated schedule. Cheap prices (starting 1 Manat for a beer and 3 Manats for a whisky coke).

More information: Le Chateau

Hard Rock Café

I don't normally enjoy Hard Rock Cafés, but since the rest of Baku nightlife is so quiet, I feel this one is worth mentioning. It has a very central location, 100 meters from Fountain Square, and every time I passed by it was crowded. It is a good option for single souls who don't feel like exploring the city by themselves.

More information: Hard Rock Café Baku

Gramophone

Small, laid-back café with live local bands (Jazz, folk, blues). Cheap prices (1-2 Manats for a beer, 6 Manats for a cocktail). Near from Le Chateau.

More information: Gramophone Café

Etud

Live music bar in a basement. Relaxed crowd, inexpensive drinks.

More information: Etud

Oxen

Oxen could be a decent bar, but unfortunately, it is empty. Located near from Otto Club/Fountain Square, it is worth checking out if you enjoy listening to non-commercial music (live or DJs). Affordable prices and free entrance.

More information: Oxen

Best Wine Bars in Baku

Room

This homey wine lounge is popular with expatriates and their wives. Reasonable prices and friendly service. Buffet on Wednesday, Wine Tasting on Thursday. DJ on weekends. Live Jazz occasionally.

More information: Room Baku

Kelfi

Similar to Room (but smaller), it also attracts expatriates and trendy locals. Minimalist design. Wide selection of local wines.

More information: Kelfi

↧

Yangon Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars 2018

February 23, 2018, 1:41 am

≫ Next: Bishkek Nightlife - Best Bars and Nightclubs - Kyrgyzstan (2018)

≪ Previous: Baku Nightlife: 20 Best Bars and Nightclubs (2018) - Azerbaijan

I was in Yangon (Myanmar) in January 2017 for two weeks. It was more than enough time for me to go to almost all the nightclubs and bars in the city.

Yangon nightlife is better than what I expected, even though it will need a few more years before it becomes travel-worthy. For now, it is still a bit rough around the edges and somewhat repetitive. I counted over 15 nightclubs, but only 3-4 that I really enjoyed. The others are either too loud, too quiet or they simply have too many prostitutes. On the plus side, I was happy to find out that they are usually open every night of the week, sometimes until late, and that Burmese are enthusiastic party-goers.

Finding information was a challenge. Most of what you'll read online about bars and clubs is outdated, inaccurate or completely irrelevant. Hopefully, this review will make it easier for you. You can help me keep it up-to-date by leaving a comment below.

Note: The Myanmar currency is the Kyat (MMK). At the time of writing: 1USD = 1,360MMK

Yangon Nightlife - Quick Summary

If you don't have time to read my whole review, below is a short summary:

Where to stay?
To be close from both the nightlife and the tourist sites, stay in the downtown area near the Sule Pagoda.

→ 5-star:
Shangri-La Hotel Sule: 200$/night - Find the cheapest price on HotelsCombined.

→ 4-star:
Best Western Chinatown Hotel (80$/night) - Check the best rate on HotelsCombined.

→ 3-star:
City Star Yangon (40$/night) - Find a lower price on HotelsCombined.

→ 2-star and dormitory
Backpacker Bed and Breakfast (10$-20$/night) - Compare rates on HotelsCombined.

→ Hotels With Nightclubs
Parkroyal (Music 5), Yangon International Hotel (Pioneer), Inya Lake Hotel (DJ's Bar, Inya Bar) and Kandawgyi Palace Hotel (The Clubhouse).

Where to party?
→ Backpackers: Go to 19th street to eat, drink beer and meet other travelers (especially Kosan bar). You can also try 7th Joint Bar. If you feel like clubbing, I recommend Channel V or Pioneer.

→ Expats living in the North: Go to Kanbawza Street for eating, to Kan Yeik Thar Street for drinking. If you are young, Fuse Club in Myanmar Plaza or BME 2 are the best. If you are older (and a guy), go to DJ's Bar.

→ Tourists/Expats with a comfortable budget: Sunset at a rooftop (Atlas, Penthouse, Yangon Yangon), dinner in Shwe Sa Bwe, Opera, Alamanda or Le Planteur. More drinks in Union, The Envoy or 50th Street. For partying, open a bottle in Clubhouse or listen to live music in Parkroyal (if you don't mind the prostitutes).

→ Single guys: If you are adventurous, go to Mingalar Mon Market (JJ). Less adventurous, try Pioneer. Even less, go to Music 5 (Park Royal) or DJ's Bar.

Where to meet normal girls?

→ Tinder: Very limited unless you want to meet tourists/expats
→ Asia Dating: Some English-speaking profiles, you can check who's online by making a free account here.
→ Badoo: Only 10 girls online
→ WeChat, BeeTalk, Line: Only if you speak Burmese
→ Best bars and nightclubs to meet Burmese girls: Fuse, Eclipse, Harry's, Channel V, The Vibe, Cuba, BME 2
→ Best bars and nightclubs to meet foreign girls: 7th Joint, Kosan, Double Happiness Bar, 50th Street
→ During day time: Myanmar Plaza Mall, Junction Mall, Sule Plaza, United Living Mall (middle class)

You can also read 10 Best Countries to Meet Asian Girls and 15 Best Online Dating Apps and Websites.

How to get around?
Unless you have a car, you can only walk or use taxis.

Taxis don't have a meter so you need to negotiate directly with the driver. Crossing Yangon from Chinatown to Inya Lake costs about 4,000MMK. Traffic jams are a big problem during the day (average speed: 10 kilometers/hour) but it gets better after 8pm.

Walking is fine for short distances, especially during the cooler months from December to February. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained. At night, it is not so safe as the streets are dark and filled with stray dogs. Burmese drive like crazy and they'd run over you just to avoid slowing down.

Travel Insurance
Dog bites, dengue fever, car accidents, food poisoning, etc... Your health is more at risk in Myanmar and the proper hospitals (International Clinic in Parami Hospital) are very expensive. Make sure you have a solid travel insurance that covers your whole trip. If you don't have one, I suggest WorldNomads. You can easily get a quotation in 1 minute: How Much Does Travel Insurance Costs? (click on "Get a Price").

Nightlife Areas in Yangon

Overview of nightlife areas in Yangon

I created the map above to give you an idea about the different nightlife areas in Yangon. I also made a more detailed Google Maps that you can see at the bottom of this article.

The 6 major nightlife areas in Yangon are the following (ranked from North to South):

1) Inya Lake Hotel Compound
Within the Inya Lake Hotel compound, there are 2 upmarket nightclubs (DJ's Bar and Inya Bar). A few hundred meters away, in Kan Yeik Thar Street, there are some less expensive bars and restaurants targeting both expats and wealthy Burmese (Brave, The Vibe, Joe's Kitchen, Spy and Escape).

2) Myanmar Plaza and Bahan
One of the poshest neighborhoods in Yangon, it is also where you'll find the trendiest nightclubs and bars. They can be found in the brand new mall Myanmar Plaza (Fuse, Eclipse, Harry's), in Kabar Aye Road (Cask 81, The West) or in Kanbawza Street (Genki Kids, PorterHouse and a few more fine dining restaurants). BME 2 nightclub is also there.

3) Kandawgyi Lake and Shwedagon Pagoda
This is not exactly a nightlife area, but you have several rooftop bars and cafés targeting tourists and locals. You can have a drink there at sunset time. Vista and The Penthouse have a beautiful view on Shwedagon Pagoda.

At night, it becomes more sketchy. On the main road, you may encounter ladyboys looking for customers. There are also luxury KTVs such as VIP and The One.

4) Yangon International Hotel Compound

This popular complex next to the Summit Parkview Hotel and the Yangon International Hotel is home to Pioneer club, Muse, Mbox Karaoke and a few more bars.

5) Mingalar Mon Market

The dodgy Mingalar Mon Market is a red-light area with KTVs, massage parlors, freelance prostitutes, short time hotels and discos. Inside high-rise buildings, you'll find the famous JJ Entertainment (the most popular among foreigners) and the more local Nasa, Channel V, 9 Floor and Asia Entertainment City.

UPDATE JUNE 2017: According to some info I've received, all the venues of Mingalar Mon Market have been closed down by the police.

6) Downtown Yangon, Chinatown (19th Street)

This is the older part of town where most tourists stay when they visit Yangon. The clubs, bars and restaurants are diverse and they are scattered around a large area. Some are popular with backpackers (part of 19th Street and particularly Kosan bar), some with Chinese visitors (Emperor KTV in City Central Plaza), some with NGO workers (7th Joint), some with Burmese (Cuba), some with businessmen (Club 5 in Parkroyal Hotel) and some with expats (50th Street Café, Union).

Best Nightclubs in Yangon

Yangon nightclubs are similar to each other, probably because they are owned and managed by just a few different individuals.

Below is a short description of each of them (you can click on the name to read my full review).

Note: Unless specified, the music is almost ALWAYS commercial EDM, especially fast-paced Top 40 remixes (old and new songs).

Fuse Nightclub (Myanmar Plaza)

Located on the rooftop of Yangon's newest mall, Fuse is easily the trendiest nightclub in the city at the moment. It has international standards, attracts a cosmopolitan crowd and welcomes guest DJs at least every two weeks. There isn't much space for dancing so it's better to book a table (and cheaper too).

→ Crowd: 85% rich Burmese (including celebrities and socialites), 15% young foreigners.
→ Prostitution: Not so obvious, but some girls are money-oriented (KTV girls who come after work).
→ Entrance fee: 20,000MMK for walk-in guests. 10,000MMK if you've already booked a table (and a bottle).
→ Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 3AM.

Channel V (Mingalar Mon Market)
One of my favorites in Yangon, it is perfect for those looking for a more local clubbing experience. Great atmosphere and cheap. Busy any night of the week.

→ Crowd: 99% Burmese, 1% random foreigners
→ Prostitution: Difficult to know, let's say 50% of the girls.
→ Entrance fee: 5,000MMK
→ Open every day until 2AM

Pioneer (Yangon International Hotel)
Maybe the most famous nightclub in Yangon. Crowded on most nights and not so expensive. Full of prostitutes. The DJs are better than average.

→ Crowd: 90% Burmese, 10% foreigners (tourists and expats, mostly guys)
→ Prostitution: 90% of the girls
→ Entrance fee: 10,000MMK with one beer
→ Open every day until 3AM

Club 5 (Downtown)
Live music bar and club of the 5-star Parkroyal Hotel. More expensive than average. Many freelance prostitutes.

→ Crowd: 20% rich Burmese, 80% foreigners from Europe, US, Australia and Asia (expats and businessmen)
→ Prostitution: 90% of the girls
→ Entrance fee: 12 US Dollars (16,200MMK) with a beer (free for hotel guests)
→ Open every day until 1AM

The Vibe and Brave Bar (Kan Yeik Thar Street)

Two popular hangout spots among young, upper-class Burmese. They'll normally be busy on Friday and Saturday. Hip Hop/Rn'B DJs start playing at 10PM in The Vibe. In Brave, the music is EDM. Reasonably priced.

→ Crowd: 85% Burmese, 15% foreigners

→ Prostitution: 10% or less
→ Entrance fee: Free (except when special events)
→ Open every day until 1AM (weekdays) or 3AM (weekends)

BME 2 (Bahan)
Upmarket bottle club near Inya Lake. Small but friendly crowd.

→ Crowd: 90% Burmese, 10% expats.
→ Prostitution: 20% + KTV girls/Hostesses.
→ Entrance fee: 15,000MMK with one beer.
→ Open every day until 4AM

The Club House (Kandawgyi Palace Hotel)
Modern club with international standards. Nice design. Good DJs. Unfortunately not so crowded when I visited.

→ Crowd: 80% rich Burmese, 20% foreigners.
→ Prostitution: None.
→ Entrance fee: I didn't pay any
→ Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 3AM (4AM on weekends)

DJ's Bar (Inya Lake Hotel)
Popular with foreigners (and prostitutes). It has 3 different areas: A beer garden with a large screen, a bar, and a small nightclub.

→ Crowd: 30% Burmese, 70% young foreigners.
→ Prostitution: At least 80% of the girls
→ Entrance fee: 10,000MMK with a beer or a glass of spirits
→ Open everyday until 4AM

Inya Bar (Inya Lake Hotel)
A nightclub walking distance from DJ's Bar. Rather small and quiet. Mid-to-upper class customers, including some working girls.

→ Crowd: 95% Burmese, 5% foreigners
→ Prostitution: I'm not sure but I would say more than 50% with some KTV girls.
→ Entrance fee: 10,000MMK with one beer
→ Open every day until 4AM

JJ Entertainment (Mingalar Mon Market)
A very famous club among expats and tourists (looking for sex). The area is dodgy but the place in itself is luxurious by Myanmar standards. Early in the night, they will have a fashion show. Two floors above they have a spa with massage plus plus.

→ Crowd: 20% Burmese, 80% foreigners (Koreans, Chinese, Japanese mostly)
→ Prostitution: Close to 100%
→ Entrance fee: 5,000MMK for men and 3,000MMK for girls with a beer
→ Open every day until 2AM.

9-Floor (Mingalar Mon Market)
Also called 9-F, it is a large, local club with a very young crowd. Not very clean, a bit too dark, but friendly.

→ Crowd: 99% Burmese, 1% foreigners.
→ Prostitution: Hard to tell... Maybe 70%?
→ Entrance fee: 4,000MMK with 2 beers in a plastic cup.
→ Open every day until 2AM

Nasa Club and KTV (Mingalar Mon Market)
Maybe the most underground nightclub I've been to in Yangon. It is like a softer version of the ecstasy discos in North Jakarta. Busy on most nights, even during weekdays.

→ Crowd: 99% Burmese, 1% young foreigners (or less).
→ Prostitution: Probably more than 70%. There is a short-time hotel in the same building.
→ Entrance fee: 5,000MMK with 1 beer.
→ Open every day until 2AM

Muse (Yangon International Hotel)
A new club targeting wealthy Burmese, but not busy unless they have special events.

→ Crowd: 95% Burmese
→ Prostitution: There were very few girls, at least half were prostitutes.
→ Entrance fee: I didn't pay
→ Open every day until 3AM

Asia Entertainment City (Mingalar Mon Market)
The largest nightlife complex in Yangon, there is a spa, a KTV, a fashion show lounge and a disco. A bit old, mostly popular with Chinese.

→ Crowd: 40% Chinese, 35% Burmese, 20% Other Asians, 5% Westerners
→ Prostitution: Close to 100%
→ Entrance fee: 5,000MMK with a beer
→ Open every day until 2AM

Emperor KTV (Chinatown)
For mysterious reasons, this brothel is popular with tourists (even Western girls). Inside, you'll find a main room with mild "fashion" shows and several karaoke rooms.

→ Crowd: 80% Asian guys (Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Burmese), 20% Western tourists
→ Prostitution: 100%
→ Entrance fee: 5,000MMK with one beer
→ Open every day from 7PM to 12AM

J-One (Kandawgyi Lake)

When I visited, it was really empty. I think it only gets busy on specific nights. In particular, they hold LGBT friendly events and Hip Hop nights.

→ Crowd: 95% Burmese
→ Prostitution: No girls when I visited.
→ Entrance fee: 5,000MMK with a beer
→ Open every day from 9PM to 12AM.

Recommended Bars and Pubs

You can't just walk around and expect to find bars in Yangon. The city is too big and the number of bars too small.

Here are some of the most famous, by neighborhood (for the exact location you can see my Yangon nightlife map at the end of the article).

Downtown Yangon
This large area (3.5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer large) has the highest number of bars in Yangon. Some of my favorites are:

Double Happiness and Kosan Bars (19th Street)

As I mentioned before, 19th street is the busiest nightlife area in downtown Yangon. Many backpackers will hang out there every night. The best bars are Double Happiness and Kosan (both belong to the same people). Friendly and cheap (1,000MMK for a mojito, 800MMK for draught beer).

Note: Avoid the overpriced street food in the whole 19th street. Go to 18th street instead.

50th Street
It used to be the place to be among expats but it is now much quieter. Still a cozy place to drink, eat, watch sports and play pool/foosball.

7th Joint:
A small, Jamaican reggae bar with daily live music. Open mic nights on Tuesdays are very crowded. Full review: 7th Joint Yangon.

Union
Upmarket restaurant and bar, popular with expats. It was created by a group owned by an English guy who is also behind Parami Pizza and Tin Tin 118 (a tiny Mexican restaurant). Regular event such as Salsa and live music nights.

Gekko
Japanese/Korean bistro with some of the best cocktails in Yangon.

Blind Tiger
Speakeasy bar popular among expats. Serves Western and Asian food.

The Envoy
Restaurant with live Jazz every Saturday night. They have DJ events with techno, deep house and minimal every once in a while.

Fat Ox British Pub
Expat bar, they have decent pub food but the prices are high. Pool table in the back.

Cuba
Local bistro on two floors with a terrace. Very crowded at night with mostly middle class Burmese. The food portions are huge. One of my favorite places in Yangon for eating.

Hyper Pub
Similar to Cuba, it is a local bar with cheap beer and some local food.

Oriana 24
Another local pub with eclectic music, Western food and a few backpackers. In Chinatown.

Kan Yeik Thar Street
This is a good street to begin your nights out on Fridays and Saturdays (if you stay in the North). You can have dinner in Joe's Kitchen or Escape bar, then grab a beer in Brave (local crowd) and finish your night at The Vibe. The prices are reasonable.

Myanmar Plaza
The mall has several hangout spots but the best one is Harry's sports bar. You can also go to Eclipse rooftop (just next to Fuse) but it will be more expensive.

A Hard Rock Café will open there in 2017.

Kanbawza Street/Kabar Aye Road
On a 500-meter stretch of road, there are a few upmarket bars and gourmet restaurants. Expats tend to go to Genki Kids while very rich Burmese prefer the Whisky bar Cask 81.

Kandawgyi Lake
You need to pay to access the park around the lake (like 200MMK). Inside, there are several cafés, none of which really memorable. Two of the busiest when I visited were YGN Bus Café and Off the Beaten Track.

Yangon International Hotel Compound
There are several bars (P2, Alchemy Rooftop, The Cup Sports Café), coffee shops and restaurants. None are remarkable but they are interesting if you are planning to go to Pioneer later on.

Yangon Nightlife Map
I've listed all the venues mentioned in this review in the following map:

↧

Bishkek Nightlife - Best Bars and Nightclubs - Kyrgyzstan (2018)

February 23, 2018, 4:24 am

≫ Next: Udon Thani Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars 2018

≪ Previous: Yangon Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars 2018

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

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

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

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

Nightlife Areas + Recommended Hotels Nearby

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General Tips About Bishkek Nightlife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Bars and Clubs in Bishkek

Zavod

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

More information: Zavod Pub Bishkek

Metro Pub

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

More information: Metro Bishkek

Garage 312

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

More information: Garage 312

Promzona

A live music venue with a mini-concert every night except on Monday (most often pop-rock bands singing local and international songs). There is an entrance fee (450 Soms) but you can get in for free if you send them a message on Whatsapp (0706 900-900).

More information: Promzona

Mansion Club

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

More information: Mansion Club and Karaoke

Zolden Pub (and nearby bars on Orozbekov Street)

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

More information: Zolden Beer

Bar 12

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

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

Naked Sushi in Bar 12

More information: Bar 12 Bishkek

Coyote Ugly

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

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

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

Save The Ales

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

More information: Save The Ales

A Few More Venues:

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

More information: Greenwich Pub

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

More information: Chemodan Zusmanovicha

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

More information: Center Bar and Karaoke

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

More information: 111 Bar (One One One)

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

More information: Cheback Pub

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

More information: Jazz Band Bar

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

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

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

Saunas in Bishkek

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stripclubs in Bishkek

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

They are not particularly hidden, contrary to the saunas. One of the most famous ones, Penthouse (PH) is almost visible from the street, just a few meters from Ala-Too Square, on the 8th floor of the BerenGold tower. Advertised as a gentlemen's club, it costs 500 Soms to get in and they have about 10 girls (Russian) who dance one by one on a podium. They will take off their bras but never their panties. See more information about it on their Facebook page: Penthouse Bishkek or watch their promotional video:

The best strip club in Bishkek is probably Zhara (in Russian ЖАРA). They have skilled dancer, both Russian and Kyrgyz, who wear sophisticated themed costumes. They will perform as a team, with a choreography so it is much more entertaining to watch than in Penthouse. Be aware that when you get in front of the entrance door, it looks like it is closed but it isn't (at least not until early morning). Just knock and someone will open. Entrance is 500 Soms with a 500 Soms deposit.

Dancers from Zhara

Dancers from Zhara on the bar

Zhara (ЖАРA)
86 Baytik Baatyr, Bishkek
Phone number: 0553 122 419
Instagram: Zhara Strip Club
Facebook: Zhara

Finally, you may want to try Canto Strip Club and Karaoke as well. I didn't visit it but it seems to be quite hot judging by this video from one of the dancers:

Conclusion about Bishkek Nightlife
Bishkek is one of the most laid-back and liberal cities in Central Asia. It is safe, cheap and the local people are friendly. There aren't that many clubs and bars, but enough for you to have great fun over a weekend. I recommend!

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Udon Thani Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars 2018

February 23, 2018, 6:17 am

≫ Next: 11 Indonesian Islands You've Never Heard Of

≪ Previous: Bishkek Nightlife - Best Bars and Nightclubs - Kyrgyzstan (2018)

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

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

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

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

Best Hotels Near Udon Thani Nightlife

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

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

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

Nightlife Areas in Udon Thani

Party in Rhythm Club

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

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

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

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

There is also a tiny beer bar complex called Day & Night, just next to the Pannarai Hotel.

The second street is Soi Prajak Sillapacom, at the end of Soi Samphan Thamit. The bars are a little bit nicer there, especially Sisters (but unfortunately it does not get so busy).

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

Thai Nightclubs, Bars and Cafés

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

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

My most recommended venues are the following:

Rhythm (in Napalai Hotel)

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

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

Full review: Rhythm Udon Thani or Facebook: Rhythm.

Phoenix

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

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

Full review: Phoenix Udon Thani or Facebook: Phoenix

Yellow Bird (in Charoen Hotel)

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

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

Facebook: Yellow Bird Udon Thani

Tawan Daeng

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

Website: Tawan Daeng Udon Thani

Kongsiam Café

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

Facebook: Kongsiam Udon Thani

Twenty Up (20UP)

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

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

Facebook: 20UP Udon Thani

Bar'ista Brasserie

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

Facebook: Bar'ista Brasserie Udon Thani

Meeting Normal Thai Girls in Udon Thani

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

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

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

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

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

You can also read 15 Best Online Dating Sites and Websites in Asia.

Udon Nightlife Map

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11 Indonesian Islands You've Never Heard Of

February 23, 2018, 6:31 am

≫ Next: Almaty Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (2018) - Kazakhstan

≪ Previous: Udon Thani Nightlife - Best Nightclubs and Bars 2018

The next Bali or the next Lombok is listed below.

If you are a tourist considering going to Bali to enjoy a quiet beach holiday, just forget it. Bali is ridiculously overcrowded and it is starting to look no different than Jakarta: Clogged with traffic, disorganized and polluted, it is far from the paradise it pretends to be.

The good news is there are 17,000 more islands to explore in Indonesia, with far better beaches and scenery. Sure, they require a bit more effort to visit and you may not find 5-star honeymoon resorts so easily. But once tourism will develop and change the authenticity of these islands, you will probably regret not making the trip earlier.

I selected 11 beautiful secret Indonesian islands that few people know of. They are located off Papua, Maluku, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Sumba or Borneo. Note that some of them are in fact small archipelagoes.

In case you are curious, the cover photo is from the Banyak Islands which are mentioned below (Photo Source: Vagabundinnen).

Taka Bonerate Islands

Photo Source: Ramadian Bachtiar

The Taka Bonerate Marine Park has 21 small islands and possesses the third largest atoll in the world. It is a paradise for divers from all over the world who can explore its 500km2 of corals. Sea turtles, cuttlefish, crocodile fish, eels and manta ray can be seen at almost every dive.

Its main island, Tinabo, is less than 2km long. It can be reach on a long day trip from Makassar via Selasar by boat.

Banyak Islands

Photo Source: Vagabundinnen

Part of the Aceh province, the Banyak Islands consists of several small islands, including Tuangku (the largest), Bangkaru and Palambak (depicted on the photo above). It is an alternative for surfers to the more "crowded" Nias or Mentawai Islands. With endless yellow-sand beaches, they are also great for adventure couples looking for privacy.

Widi Island

Photo Source: Henry Wicaksono

Widi Island (or Weda) recently made national headlines after foreign investors from PT Leadership Island Indonesia agreed to disburse IDR 600,000,000,000 for the right to manage it for 35 years.

Located south of Halmahera in Maluku, the island is expected to become a center for ecotourism and diving activities. With crystal clear water and preserved coral, it could become one Indonesia's best diving destinations.

Menui Island

Photo Source: Itsarbolo

Menui Island is part of Morowali district in Central Sulawesi. Its name comes from "manu" which means "chicken" in Bugis language. One of its attractions is the Kumapa cave, a sacred place for residents who use it as a place for meditation. The island is still under-developed and most of it is covered with tropical jungle.

Kei Islands

Photo Source: Dagmarita

The Kei (or Kai) Islands is a small archipelago in Southeast Maluk. Kei Kecil and Kei Besar are its two most famous islands, reputed for their long unspoiled beaches and beautiful sunsets.

A new airport on Kei Kecil is now connecting the islands to Ambon. It is very likely that tourism will grow significantly in the coming years.

Pulau Maratua

Photo Source: fajaradiartha

A few hundred kilometers away from Malaysia, the U-shaped Pulau Maratua is one of 92 outlying Indonesian islands. Most people visiting it go for diving or snorkeling and sleep in the Maratua Paradise Resort made of cottages and bungalows built on stilts.

An airport is set to be inaugurated within the next few months. It will also serve nearby Islands like Derawan, Kakaban and Sangalaki.

Wakatobi Islands

Photo Source: Kristanto Adibuyung

The Wakatobi Islands are part of a Marine National Park which is made of four islands: Wangi Wangi (translated as the Fragrant Island), Kaledupa, Tomea and Binongko. They are part of the larger Tukangbesi Islands group in South Sulawesi.

Most high-end visitors go to the Wakatobi Diving Eco Resort and Spa on the small island of Onemobaa, off Tomea.

Pulau Karimata

Photo from Beingindonesian.com

Pulau Karimata is the main island of a small archipelago located 60km off the coast of Borneo. It is known for having exceptional biodiversity due to to its mountainous relief. Stretching 18 kilometers from east to west and 13 from south to north, it has a large population of cave swiftlets, an endemic species of bird famous for its nests made out of saliva. The nests are hunted and exported, causing a drop in the bird's population.

Pulau Banda Besar

Photo Source: Vagabundinnen

Banda Besar is the largest of the Banda Islands, an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands in South Maluku. They have interested foreign nations for their spices (nutmeg and cloves) since 1512, when the Portuguese first visited them.

For this reason, Banda Besar has interesting historical and religious monuments. It is also possible to visit nutmeg plantations. Finally, following a short boat trip, you may enjoy a hike to the 666-meter high Gunung Api (volcano).

Numfor Island

Photo Source: Bowo MW

Noemfoor Island (or Numfor) is part of the Biak Islands, off the coast of Papua. It is actually famous among historians because it was the theater of a military battle between American and Japanese troops in 1944.

Today, Noemfoor has the potential of becoming a tourist hotspot with beautiful reef corals and some great white sand beaches (for instance Pakreki).

Halura Island

Photo Source: Ferdinand

Halura or Salura Island is a stunning island located off the Southern coast of Sumba. I spotted it several years ago and I believe it could become the next Gili Trawongan (Lombok).

The island is not inhabited, yet it is still absolutely virgin from tourism. It took me quite a long time to find an image and based on my research, it seems only two tourists have been there so far.

One of them is the travel blogger/adventurer Jalan Blog that I recommend you to follow if you speak Indonesian.

Salura Island has two smaller sister islands: Pulau Kotak and Pulau Mangkudu.

Conclusion

There are many more famous islands in Indonesia, particularly Nias, Belitung, Lombok, Flores, Komodo, Melawai, Bintan, Batam, Java or even the Raja Ampat, but I tried to focus on the lesser-known and the secret ones.

Please share with me by commenting below if you think I should add a 12th island to this list.

↧

Almaty Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (2018) - Kazakhstan

February 23, 2018, 8:05 am

≫ Next: Nha Trang Nightlife (Vietnam) in 2018

≪ Previous: 11 Indonesian Islands You've Never Heard Of

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nightlife Areas + Hotels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nightlife in Almaty: Generalities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Nightclubs, Bars and Pubs In Almaty:

I have been to all these venues around mid-June 2017. If I forgot an important one, please leave a comment below.

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

Территория Соединенных Баров (TCБ or TSB)

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

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

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

Instagram: TSB Official
Facebook: Территория Соединенных Баров

The Sky Bar Street

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

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

Facebook: Sky Bar Street

Instagram: Sky Bar Official

Chukotka

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

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

Facebook: Chukotka

VK: Chukotka

Tuyskan

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

Facebook: Tuyskan

VK: Tuyskan Bar

Club Gogol - Bar 7

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

VK: Go To Gogol

Instagram: Gogol Club

Gan Bei

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

Instagram: Gan Bei

Facebook: Gan Bei

Vzletnaya

A secret after-hour nightclub with techno music. The strangest place I've been to in Almaty. Only for die-hard clubbers. Drugs ~~probably~~ available. It is a challenge to find it: You should go to the street Kunaeva, number 64. There, you will see a door like this:

Secret entrance of Vzletnaya

Someone will be at the entrance to filter the guests. As long as you look OK you'll be admitted (just don't be loud or drunk). It closes at 11 AM if I remember correctly. This is a video I shot inside with my phone:

Facebook: Vzletnaya
Instagram: Vzletnaya

Friday Club (Esperanza Complex)

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

VK: Friday Club (Esperanza)

Facebook: Friday

William Lawson 13 Bar

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

Website: William Lawson 13

Ooh Chic

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

VK: Ooh Chic Almaty
Instagram: Ooh Chic (lots of hot pics and videos)

Fun to Mass - Siniy Bar (синий)

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

VK: FunToMass Almaty
Facebook: Siniy

Бар Папин гараж (Papin Garage - Dad's Garage)

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

Slim

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

VK: Slim
Facebook: Slim

Barcode

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

Facebook: Barcode

Killfish Discount Bar

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

Website: Killfish Discount Bar
Instagram: Killfish Almaty

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

Underground Club and Bar: Is it a hip hop club?

Olivier: A 24-hour café/restaurant, good for after-clubbing snacks

China Gold: Elite karaoke, restaurant and lounge

Aura and Grand Opera: High-end karaokes

Tapas Bar: I just passed in front of this place. They had live latin music and it was full.

Pinta Bar and Restaurant: A popular chain of pubs that you can usually find near malls. They can be busy even during weekdays.

Hard Rock Café: Live music and American food

Tancy Bar and Syedin Bar: Next to each other, they have the same owner as William Lawson 13. Sexy gogo girls.

El Mirador and Burlesque: A building with an expensive restaurant, karaoke and cabaret. Erotic dancing performances.

6/45: I was told it serves the best cocktails in Almaty but never got a chance to try them.

Line Brew Mix: Interestingly enough, this Chinese restaurant is headed by a Singaporean. In a quiet street and with a stylish setting, it is a good spot for a date.

W365: Well-designed bar. Live music on weekends.

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

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

Best Strip Clubs In Almaty:

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

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

Almaty Nightlife Map

↧

Nha Trang Nightlife (Vietnam) in 2018

February 23, 2018, 10:55 am

≫ Next: Bangkok Nightlife: 30 Best Nightclubs, Bars, Gogos in 2018

≪ Previous: Almaty Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (2018) - Kazakhstan

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

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

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

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

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

Hotels in Nha Trang Near the Nightlife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting Girls

It is easy to meet foreign girls and prostitutes in Nha Trang clubs and bars, but more difficult to meet normal Vietnamese girls. This is normal as most of them are rather conservative and not the party type.

The best way to meet those good girls is to use dating websites and apps. You can subscribe to Vietnamese Cupid before arriving (the price is around 25$ per month). If you have a decent looking profile, you should manage to organize dates with several girls upon arrival. This can really help you make your stay more enjoyable.

Best Bars and Nightclubs in Nha Trang

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

Sailing Club

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

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

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

Address: 72-74 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: +84 58 3524 628

Website: sailingclubvietnam.com
Facebook: Sailing Club Nha Trang

Open everyday from 10am to 2am

Havana Club

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

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

Facebook: Havana Club Nha Trang

Zima Club

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

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

Pool Pub - PP

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

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

Address: 40 Tran Phu Street

Phone number: 090 511 63 56

Facebook: Pool Pub NT

Open everyday from 5pm to 2am

Lodge Club

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

Address: 42 Tran Phu
Phone number: 090 195 29 99

Facebook: Lodge Club Nha Trang

Yasaka 008 Night Club

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

Address: 8 Tran Phu Street

Phone number: +84 58 382 0090

Open every day from 9pm to 3am

Best Rooftop Bars in Nha Trang

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

Skylight 360° Sky Deck & Rooftop Beach Club

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

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

Address: 38 Tran Phu Street

Phone number: 058 3528 988

Website: www.skylightnhatrang.com

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

The Rooftop Bar @ Ha Van Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

Above Sky Bar

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

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

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

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

26-28 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: 058 3880 000

Facebook: Altitude Bar

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to 11pm (closed on Monday)

Lunar Lounge

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

20 Tran Phu, Nha Trang Center, 4th Floor
Phone number: 096 869 00 00
Website: www.lunarbar.vn

Facebook: Lunar Bar Vietnam

Open everyday from 7am to 1am

Backpacker / Cheap Bars in Nha Trang

Nha Trang is such a cheap destination that it attracts many backpackers doing their Southeast Asia tour. As usual, they gather in just a few streets, namely Nguyễn Thiện Thuật and Tran Quang Khai.

90% of the backpacker bars in Nha Trang are within the green area

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

Why Not Bar

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

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

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

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

Booze Cruise Sports Bar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prostitution in Nha Trang: Massage Parlours, Spas and Karaokes

Spas and Massage Parlours Plus Plus

Therapists in Hoa Da Massage Parlour

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

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

Hoa Da 1

10/1 Lý Tự Trọng Street

Phone number: 0583.826.877

Hoa Da 2

115A Hoàng Văn Thụ Street

Phone number: 0583.816.028

Hoa Da 3

39 Mê Linh Street (a bit far from center)

Phone number: 058.35.12.303

Hoa Da 4

14 A Trần Văn Ơn Street

Phone number: 0583.561.277

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

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

Karaokes

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

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

↧

Bangkok Nightlife: 30 Best Nightclubs, Bars, Gogos in 2018

February 23, 2018, 1:47 pm

≫ Next: Hanoi Nightlife Guide (2018) - Vietnam

≪ Previous: Nha Trang Nightlife (Vietnam) in 2018

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

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

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

Meeting Thai Girls in Nightclubs

Thai Cupid is the best dating site to meet Bangkok Girls

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

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

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

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

Tourist Nightclubs in Bangkok

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

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

You should cross them from your clubbing list unless you fit into one of these categories:

You love commercial music (Top 40, Hip Hop)
You want to find an average-looking, yet expensive hooker
You want to party after 3am
You want to party in short pants and flip flops
You are a 20-year old countryside boy on his first trip abroad
You come from a country where clubbing is forbidden

Some tourist clubs are a bit better though. In particular, you can try Mixx or Insanity. They have a similar concept (Freelancers + Tourists + Stay Open Late + Commissions to Taxi) but they are classier.

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

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

Expat Nightclubs in Bangkok

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacker Nightlife

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

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

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

Hi-So Nightclubs in Bangkok

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

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

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

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

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

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

Onyx:

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

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

Demo

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

Nunglen and Escobar

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

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

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

Nightclubs for Middle Class Thai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hip Hop Nightclubs in Bangkok

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

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

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

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

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

Late Night/ After Hour Nightclubs in Bangkok

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Nightclubs (No Entrance Fee) in Bangkok

If you are a guy, you must pay to get into most nightclubs in Bangkok. Girls can get for free during the ladies night (see below for a list of the best ones).

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

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

Ethnic Nightclubs (Arab, African, Russian) in Bangkok

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gogo Bars

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

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

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

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

High-Class Gentlemen's Clubs in Bangkok

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Venues to Pick Up Girls

It really depends on what you are looking for: Paid sex, free one-night stand or relationship.

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

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

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

Best Nightclubs for Each Day of The Week

Best Nightclubs for Monday: Onyx, Insanity, Mixx

Best Nightclubs for Tuesday: Levels, Sugar

Best Nightclubs for Wednesday: Cé La Vi, Demo

Best Nightclubs for Thursday: Route 66, Levels, Ratchada 4

Best Nightclubs for Weekends: Anywhere is busy

Best Nightclubs for Sunday: Insanity, Levels

Best Ladies Night in Bangkok

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

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

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

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

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

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

↧

Hanoi Nightlife Guide (2018) - Vietnam

February 23, 2018, 9:29 pm

≫ Next: What is a Cheap Way to Send Money to Indonesia?

≪ Previous: Bangkok Nightlife: 30 Best Nightclubs, Bars, Gogos in 2018

I just spent two weeks in Hanoi and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the nightlife.

When I was living in Saigon, people kept telling me that Hanoi was a conservative town with unfriendly people, a curfew at midnight and a suffocating weather.

In fact, I found barely any differences between the two cities, and particularly at night. Saigon is in my Top 3 party destination in Southeast Asia, and Hanoi is not far behind.

The hundreds of bars, clubs, lounges, spas and karaokes in Hanoi range from extremely basic (4 walls and a stool) to world-class sophisticated venues. You'll rarely pay an entrance fee for any nightclubs and the drinks are usually cheap, even in the more upmarket spots. Girls are everywhere, from young backpackers to crazy-hot Vietnamese dolls. Just open VietnamCupid or Tinder and you'll have so many matches you won't be able to follow up with half of them.

This review is the summary of my findings: The best bars, the best clubs, the best places to stay, and how to meet girls. If I forgot something important, please don't hesitate to leave a comment at the end of the post.

Nightlife Areas in Hanoi

To make things simple, I would say there are 3 major nightlife areas in Hanoi.

→ The Old Quarter is where most backpackers, tourists and Vietnamese students hang out. It is cheap, cramped and messy.
→ The West Lake is where expats and trendy Vietnamese party. It is naturally more expensive and the crowd is older.
→ The Historical Center, from Hoàn Kiếm Lake down to Tran Hung Dao street, is a posh area, particularly around the Opera House. You'll find mostly bars and clubs targeting rich Vietnamese/tourists.

Please have a look at the Hanoi nightlife map at the end of this article to see the exact delimitation of these areas.

Old Quarter: Tourists and Young Vietnamese

Old Quarter nightlife

A dense, action-packed district with at least 200 nightlife spots, most often small bars selling cheap draught beer (Bia hơi - as low as VND4,000 or $0,17 per glass). It is popular with a young Vietnamese crowd (mostly students) and foreigners (backpackers, tourists). 95% of the venues close at 1AM (official curfew), but if you poke around you'll find hidden bars to party until at least 3AM (see "Late Night/After Hour Clubs" below for more details).

You can start your evening at the intersection of Tạ Hiện and Lương Ngọc Quyến streets, also called "Beer Corner". It reserved for pedestrians and from there you can just walk from one place to the other.

Many bars seem to have been inspired by a Communist ideology: Identical design, identical product, no name (only a number) and little attention paid to customer service. That said, getting drunk on those tiny stools is still a fun local experience. You'll notice that a lot of people are breathing into balloons of laughing gas. Those are not illegal in Vietnam and they cost $1 or $2. They give a mild euphoria or a feeling of numbness for a few minutes. I have the impression that they make your hangover worse on the next day though.

On your pub crawl, you may include some more proper bars and clubs, for instance:

Bars:
Factory 47: A foreign-owned, hipster bar. Better music than elsewhere but also more expensive. Open from 10AM to 3AM.

RockStore: Same owner as above. Unlike its name would suggest, the DJs and live bands play rather eclectic styles of music, from reggae to pop. Western food.

Local, next to Beer Corner, it has a DJ playing Top 40/EDM and a dance floor (there is also a second branch here). Backpacker crowd. Prague Pub is very similar.

Dragonfly: Tiny bar with an outdoor and indoor area serving food, shisha, balloons and alcohol. They have a DJ and occasionally sexy dancers. Mainstream music.

Craft Beer Pub: A rustic pub serving craft beer and Western food. Popular with young and older foreigners. Live sports on screens.

Clubs:
1900 Le Theatre: My favorite club in the Old Quarter. A modern venue with live music (usually in Vietnamese) and DJs playing commercial EDM and Hip Hop. Mixed crowd. Recommended for meeting girls. Closes at 1AM.

Ball Bars: I counted at least 3 of them (Ball Bar 4, Ball Bar 6, Ball Bar 19). They are crowded with 90% young Vietnamese. EDM and commercial music. They normally stay open until 2AM or 3AM. Recommended for meeting Viet girls.

Hair Of the Dog, a small club with commercial music opened until around 2AM/3AM. Mixed crowd: 1st floor with locals, 2nd floor with foreigners. It gets started at midnight.

👌Food: A great way to explore the Old Quarter is to join the famous Hanoi Street Food Tour (#1 activity on TripAdvisor). In 3 hours, you'll have a chance to try about a dozen delicious Northern Vietnam dishes. More information on their Facebook.

West Lake (or Tây Hồ District): Expats and Trendy Vietnamese

In this neighborhood, trendy and chic venues are spread out, principally on the east side of the Lake. The crowd is mostly made of expats and rich Vietnamese. To go there, I advise you to use Uber (only VND50,000 from downtown).

Some of the best venues are:

Bars:
Sidewalk: Hipster/artsy café with an outdoor garden. It features random live acts: Hip Hop, Latin, 80s, Reggae... Expat and local crowd.

Birdcage: Same owner as above but only opened on Fridays and Saturdays (until 5AM). Eclectic music from Drum & Bass to Jungle. LGBT-friendly.

Standing Bar: One of the hip bars in Hanoi at the moment. It is built on two floors with an outdoor area from where you can see the lake. They serve 16 types of craft beer, local and imported, for around VND80,000-90,000 per half-pint. You can also eat some tapas. Events include stand-up comedy and live music (sometimes brought by the team from the now-defunct ATK Cama).

Furbrew: Also a craft beer bar, owned by a Danish brewmaster, with an outdoor garden. Small beers (175ml) cost around VND45,000 and a pint (375ml) double this price. Closes at 11PM.

The Republic: Aussie-owned expat bar. Good for eating Western food and watching sports (NFL, AFL, football, rugby, etc). Popular hangout on Sundays. Lake view. Close early at midnight.

Unicorn: A dive bar that you could easily miss, but worth a try for their affordable cocktails. Perfect to start the evening.

The Kneipe: A laid back German bar with reasonable prices, decent pub fare and live music/DJ.

88 Lounge: A trendy wine lounge, managed (and partly owned?) by a French guy. It's a romantic location for a date. More expensive than average but you get happy hours from 4.30PM to 7.30PM. Check their Facebook for wine tasting and live Jazz events.

Clubs:

Savage: A new nightclub, bar and lounge in the West Lake area. It is owned and managed by 4 French based in Hong Kong. Popular with expats. Techno and non-commercial electronic music. Closes very late. Expensive. Good cocktails. My favorite nightclub in Hanoi.

Hero: One of the most popular nightclubs in the city with a mixed crowd of Vietnamese and foreigners. Good setup on two floors. Reasonable prices. Pick up spot.

Hanoi Rock City: The main alternative event and art space in Hanoi, it features live bands, DJ performances, open-mic nights and exhibitions. Entrance is usually free but drinks pricier than elsewhere. Check their events on Facebook before heading there: HRC.

Historical City Center: Rich Vietnamese and Tourists

The Historical City Center (excluding Old Quarter) from the northern tip of Hoàn Kiếm Lake until Tran Hung Dao street is filled with upmarket restaurants, lounges, bars, and nightclubs. Many are targeting Vietnamese, and more particularly the high-society (Hi-So). You may see some expats and tourists in some specific venues as well.

Below are some of the current hot-spots:

Bars:

Cosa Nostra: A classy, minimalist bar with concrete floors and walls. Comfortable leather sofas. 2 floors including a small terrace. Cheapest beer costs VND100,000. Closes at midnight.

Tadioto: Just next to Cosa Nostra, it is often considered one of the best bars in Hanoi (it was even featured in Time magazine). It is owned by a prominent Vietnamese-American artist who made it a hub for the chic bohemian crowd. A bit overrated in my opinion.

La Plume Bar at Press Club

In front of Conifer Hotel, this elegant restaurant/lounge serves some of the best cocktails in the city. It is not too crowded so it is a fine choice to bring a date. VND290,000 for a signature cocktail (+ 20% tax and service!).

Clubs:
Camelia
Part of the Mélia Hotel in downtown Hanoi, it is perfect for having drinks with a group of friends. Eclectic music. Trendy design. Expensive. Chic Vietnamese and expat crowd over 40.

The Bank
A large, upmarket club with a New York vibe. Maybe the best pick-up spot to for Vietnamese girls in Hanoi (but beware the prostitutes). Recommended if you don't mind hearing commercial music.

The Breakfast Club: A new club attracting Vietnamese socialites. As I check their Facebook today, I see that they are closed temporarily due to landlord issues.

Elsewhere

Outside of these areas, there are many nightclubs, KTVs and beer clubs targeting Hanoi's middle to upper class. I've listed the most interesting on my Hanoi Nightlife map below.

Hanoi Nightlife Recommendations

Best "Vina House" Nightclubs with Sexy Dancers

Vina House, or Viet House, is a specialty of Vietnam which is just as remarkable as Banh Mi or Pho. It is a crossover between Pop Music and Techno with almost the same bassline on every track. Here is an example:

There are at least 15 Vina House nightclubs in downtown Hanoi, and I went to most of them. To be honest, it was a bit repetitive as they are not really different from one another.

Basically, they are all quite luxurious in appearance, with flashy lights, modern LED displays, high tables and a few VIP corners. Vietnamese come in groups, sometimes only guys, sometimes with girls who could be their girlfriends or hookers.

There is a DJ, often a sexy girl, who mixes Vina House, and a male MC who shouts at the crowd between songs. The sound is always deafening (bring earplugs). In most places, you also have sexy dancers wearing a different uniform every night. For me, it's the best part. The larger clubs have live music, unfortunately singing very boring Vietnamese pop.

Dress code: Guys will be expected to wear shoes and long pants. For girls, high heels and skirts are recommended, but as a foreigner, you'll manage to enter without.

Those clubs are not recommended for clubbers who are 1) alone 2) penniless. Even though the entrance is free, you'll be expected to buy a bottle of alcohol (between VND1,000,000 and VND2,000,000 for the cheapest ones) if you want to get a table. The choice of drinks by the glass or by the bottle is limited and pricey (a beer will cost from VND100,000 to VND200,000). Typically, Vietnamese will also add a shisha and a fruit platter to their table. They don't really need it but it's all about showing off how much money you can spend.

The service is particularly attentive because all waiters expect a tip. Even when you go to the toilet the janitor will do everything he can to get a few dongs, from turning on the faucet to giving you a back massage.

The best Vina House nightclub I've been to in Hanoi is called Fame. It is packed any day of the week and features some of the hottest dancers in Vietnam.

Max 3 is my second favorite and it is close from the Old Quarter. Playboy Establishment is also recommended, especially with foreigners.

You can also read the reviews I wrote for Civilize, Infinity, F Club and Q Club. More clubs I haven't been too but that are interesting: New Square, Nest, Ibars and Airport Exclusive Club.

Best Viet-Style Beer Gardens and Beer Bars

Unlike the ones in Thailand that are often laid-back, beer gardens in Vietnam resemble nightclubs and usually have a DJ/loud music. The only difference is that they are cheaper, they serve food and they are partially in the open-air.

The New Spinx Beer Bar is one of the most impressive I've seen in the whole country. It has a massive entrance resembling a temple, a staff dressed up with Egyptian costumes and a huge stage featuring live music acts, DJs and sexy dancers. Beer costs from VND40,000 for a glass of Tiger up to VND120,000 for imported Belgian beers. Sparta is similar, but with a Greek/Roman theme.

Closer from the tourist area, the famous beer club chain Vuvuzela has opened a branch near the Cathedral and another one in the Old Quarter. They close early though and they didn't seem to be so crowded when I passed by.

Best Live Music

Live band in 1900

For the usual Top 40 covers, Rumors near West Lake is fun, not too expensive and popular with foreigners. Local cafés Polygon, Ay or Swing also feature cover bands (sometimes singing in Vietnamese) in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Closer from the Old Quarter, The Doors has the favors of young students. Their drinks are cheap and they have live bands from Tuesday to Sunday (open mic on Thursday). Walking distance, RockStore has more varied bands but a more random schedule (check their Facebook). Idem with Hanoi Rock City.

For more specific genres:

Hard rock, Metal: Rec Room.

Blues, Jazz: Binh Minh Jazz Club
Latin music, salsa, bachata, kizomba: Beso Latino

Rooftops

At the time of writing, there are only a handful of rooftop bars in Hanoi. The existing ones are not really happening but still OK for a drink. The most famous is The Rooftop Hanoi on the 19th floor of Pacific Place (VND190,000 for a cocktail).

Gay Bars

Golden Cock is the official gay bar in Hanoi. Located next to Polite Pub (the oldest in Hanoi), its sign only says "GC".

Birdcage (see description above) is not specifically gay but it is open-minded and popular with the lesbian and gay crowd.

You can check the Facebook page of Hanoi Panic for special LGBT events.

Late Night/After Hours Clubs

Even though there is an official curfew at 1AM, there are many places where you can party until sunrise.

After 1AM, many clubbers will head to Hero which closes at 3AM. For a more underground experience, I also recommend Savage club, but be careful as they won't let anyone in after 2.30AM (the party lasts until 4AM). On weekends only, Birdcage is open until 5AM.

In the Old Quarter, several small clubs and bars stay open after 1AM until late, behind closed doors (to keep the police away). Temple Bar is open until 3AM. Tom's Bar until 4AM-5AM. Ball Bar 4 and Long Play (LP) until at least 5AM.

Hotels near Hanoi Nightife

You can read my article Best (Girl-Friendly) Hotels near Hanoi Nightclubs for more details about the best places to stay in the city.

If you don't have time to read it, here is a quick summary:

The best location is anywhere near the Saint Joseph Cathedral. It is walking distance from almost everything including the airport shuttle, the train station, the Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the Opera and the Old Quarter. 80% of the bars and clubs listed in this review are also within 2 kilometers.

Some of the best accommodation in this area are
→ More than $100 per night: The 5-star Apricot Hotel (home of Playboy Club)
→ Between $50 and $100: The Chi

→ Under $30: Church Legend Hotel

→ Backpacker: Chien Hostel and Hanoi Backpacker Hostel are famous for being party hostels.

Girl-Friendly hotels

Since many hotels in Hanoi are not girl-friendly (meaning they won't allow you to bring a girl to your rooms if she was not part of your initial booking), you may want to reserve a room in more open minded properties.

The chain A25 is reputed for offering short-time rooms (VND180,000 for 2 hours) and they have very reasonable prices (between $25 and $35) for an overnight stay. There are several locations near the city center such as:

A25 Hotel – Luong Ngoc Quyen (walking distance from Ha Tien bars), A25 Hotel Phan Chu Trinh (Old Quarter), A25 Hotel - Mai Hac De (further but cheaper), A25 Hotel Phan Dinh Phung (near West Lake)

Hotels with Massage/Spa ++

What's even better than a girl-friendly hotel? A girl-friendly hotel that has an in-house spa ++. For instance:

→ Fortuna Hotel ($160 per night)

→ Oasis Hotel, Baoson Hotel and Hanoi Hotel (around $80 per night)

→ Windy Hotel ($40 per night).

For a complete review about Hanoi spas, you can read my article Top 15 Massage Parlors in Hanoi.

NOTE: If you book using one of the links above, I will receive a small commission from Agoda. It does not affect the price you pay and it helps me run Jakarta100bars.

How to Meet Girls in Hanoi

Hanoi, just like Saigon, is one of the best cities in Southeast Asia to meet girls.

The first reason for that is that Vietnamese girls are keen to date foreigners, even when there is a 10-15 years age gap. They won't mind exchanging numbers or add you on Zalo (Vietnamese Whatsapp) after a short chit-chat. On the downside, many cannot speak any English and they are conservative (saving themselves for marriage). Don't expect to bring them to your hotel on the first night.

The second reason is that Hanoi seems to attract more female tourists than male ones (based on my observation). Unlike in Thailand, you won't see many hordes of single guys trying to bang anything that moves. The advantage of foreign girls is that they can be easier to approach in clubs and more liberal-minded. On the downside, many are not as pretty as Vietnamese girls (in my opinion).

Best Pick Up Spots
The best bars and clubs to pick up girls in Hanoi are the following:

To hook up with foreign girls:
- Anywhere in Ha Tien street / Beer corner area (Local, Dragonfly, Tom's Bar, Prague, Temple)
- In backpacker bars (Chien Hostel and Hanoi Backpacker Party Hostel)

For both foreign and Vietnamese girls:
- 1900 Club
- The Bank
- Hero
- Camelia

For Vietnamese girls:
- Ball Bars
- The Doors
- Vina House nightclubs: Difficult unless you can speak Vietnamese. Most girls are either hostesses or accompanying guys.

Online Dating

Online dating is your best friend for hooking up in Hanoi as long as you use the appropriate websites/apps.

Tinder: Half the profiles are Vietnamese, half are foreign. It works well if you have nice pictures of yourself and if you are a good chatter (witty, funny and fast typer). Easy to get matches but a bit superficial. Girls residing in Hanoi may not be interested if you are only staying for a few days.

Vietnam Cupid: This is the best site for those looking for a more serious relationship with a Vietnamese girl. They have 500 to 1,000 girls online at any time, most of whom are interested in meeting a foreigner for marriage. I prefer it compared to Tinder because I can use it on my laptop and have more interesting conversations. It is also the best dating sites for those who are not living in Vietnam: Girls won't mind if you are living far away as long as you're serious.

Badoo and Skout: A mix between Vietnam Cupid and Tinder, but with less available girls and more prostitutes.

Zalo, WeChat and BeeTalk: These messaging apps have a "look around" feature allowing you to add girls who are located near from you. If you can speak Vietnamese, they are a goldmine. If not, it will be more difficult.

To maximize your chances, don't rely on only one 1 app/site and don't hesitate to "cheat" by upgrading to premium membership. The cost is usually reasonable (25$ for a month in Vietnam Cupid) and it will give you the edge over the competition.

You can also read: 15 Best Online Dating Apps and Websites to Meet Asian Girls.

Hanoi Nightlife Map

↧

What is a Cheap Way to Send Money to Indonesia?

February 23, 2018, 9:49 pm

≫ Next: Jakarta Nightlife: Top 10 Nightclubs (Updated 2018)

≪ Previous: Hanoi Nightlife Guide (2018) - Vietnam

There are many reasons people send money to Indonesia, but only a few ways that are cheap, easy and safe.

This article will be very useful to you if you are:

- A foreigner living abroad who supports his Indonesian girlfriend financially

- An Indonesian working abroad who needs to remit his salary in his Indonesian bank account

- An expat who wants to transfer funds to Indonesia to make a purchase (car, home) or an investment

- A traveler who lost his wallet and urgently needs money

I've written it based on my experience living in Indonesia for the past 12 years (first in Jakarta, then in Bali). I'm sure you have your own stories as well so please do not hesitate to leave a comment with your own tips.

TransferWise: Cheapest and Easiest Way to Send Money to Indonesia

You can make your own transfer simulation in just one click here

Created in 2011 by one of Skype's founders, TransferWise is a fin-tech startup that was recently declared a unicorn (more than $1 billion valuation). It is a game changer when it comes to international money transfers.

Compared with traditional banks, TransferWise does not actually transfers any money. It maintains banks accounts in key currencies in various countries. When you make a transfer request, for instance from USD to IDR, they will debit your US bank account from their US bank account and credit your Indonesian bank account from their Indonesian bank account.

Using TransferWise, the cost of sending money from abroad to Indonesia is only 1,5% of the transferred amount (minimum charge IDR14,500).

If you transfer USD1,000, it means you will only pay USD15 (+ a credit card charge depending on your bank). There are no hidden fees and they use the official exchange rate. That's at least 8 times less than what you would pay with traditional banks.

Pros:

➝ Cheapest way to send money from abroad to Indonesia

➝ As simple as it can be, just like booking a hotel room or buying stuff from any e-commerce site

➝ Less than 10 minutes needed to make the request
➝ They do not take commission on currency exchange rate (they use the official rate)

➝ You can make an accurate simulation of the cost of the transfer in a few seconds on their website

➝ They will tell you in advance when the money will be transferred and you can follow your money in real time through their app

➝ 100% transparent: They let you know how much commission they took and the exchange rate they used

Cons:

➝ Available for transfer from USD to IDR but not yet from IDR to USD
➝ Limited number of currencies you can transfer from: EUR, USD, Pound, AUD, JPY, SGD. You can check here if your home currency is accepted.

➝ You need an Indonesian bank account to transfer the money (You must know your IBAN and your SWIFT/BIC number)

➝ The transfer is not automatic and it may take from 1 to 2 days to be completed (for an Indonesian transfer)

Western Union: Only for Urgent Money Transfer to Indonesia

Unlike TransferWise, Western Union charges a fee but also takes a commission on the exchange rate

Western Union is facing tough competition but it can still be a useful way to send money to Indonesia. In particular, if you are a traveler who lost his personal belongings and need fast money, there are no better alternatives (actually, there is also MoneyGram which is similar).

I was using Western Union a lot when I didn't have an Indonesian bank account. You can pick up the money sent in cash in any of their agents locations (for instance in post offices - there are thousands in Indonesia).

The problem with Western Union is that it is expensive. If you want to transfer 1,000USD to IDR (instant transfer from an agent to an agent), it will cost you over USD80 + an hidden exchange rate fee of around IDR500,000 (as a reminder, it costs only USD15 with TransferWise).

If you transfer the money to an Indonesian bank account, it is cheaper yet still over 40$ and it takes a few days.

Pros:

➝ You can send money to Indonesia within minutes
➝ Money can be sent even if both the sender and the receiver do not have a bank account
➝ Works for virtually every country
➝ You can pay directly on Western Union's website using your credit/debit card

Cons:

➝ Very pricey if you choose fast service and to send/receive money in agent's location
➝ Hidden commission on the currency exchange rate
➝ If you send money to an agent location, you can only use the service during operation hours (close on weekends)

A Cheap Way to Avoid: Skrill iT

Skrill iT is a mix between Western Union and TransferWise

On paper, Skrill has quite many advantages. It is fast and cheaper than Western Union (about 3% from total amount Vs. up to 15%). Also, the person who receives the money does not need to have an Indonesian bank account. she can just take the money in any Alfamart in Indonesia with her ID.

However, I received a negative comment regarding their company. I decided to publish it here in case some of you would be interested in their service for a transfer:

"Hi Thibaud, I registered with Skrill, and tried to send money to Jakarta for my girlfriend. The amount was deducted from my card and appeared in "My account" in Skrill.

However, the status of the transfer appeared as "pending" at first, and then later changed to "canceled". I tried to make another transfer, which was also not delivered to the recipient.

I've sent multiple emails to the Skrill support team. Number of responses from them: Zero. I tried to contact them on Facebook & Twitter with the same result (Zero support).

Finally, I had to spend some $5 to call their London office - the guy there didn't have a clue what the problem was. When I asked how I could get my money back, he said that I needed to speak with a SENIOR manager, and it could only happen 24 hours after my initial call.

So, as of now, I'm waiting for these 24 hours to pass to call London again and "beg" the senior manager to have my money back.

Don't know how all this looks to you, but for me, it appears as a completely unprofessional business on the edge of being a scam.

Money not delivered, nobody answering emails, having to spend extra money for international calls, and I still don't know if I will ever get my money back.

Last but not least - I had a look at the Skrill reviews (which I should have done BEFORE using it) - and it's full of similar stories from other customers: money not delivered, zero support, very difficult to get your money back".

My conclusion? Just stick to TransferWise. It is rated 4.7 on the Apple Store and recommended by the Financial Times, The Economist, Wired, etc.

Other Ways to Send Money To Indonesia
Some online currency exchange companies are starting to offer international money transfer now with competitive rates. They will always be more expensive than TransferWise though. They can be useful only if you intend to send a lot of money to Indonesia (over 10,000$). The most famous companies are TorFX, HiFX or OFX. I would advise you to try the latter as it has an online simulation tool.

PayPal is cheap when you send money in the same currency to another PayPal accounts holder but for international transfer it is not worth it (when you add up the fee and the commission on the exchange rate, it costs about 80$ for 1,000$ sent).

A transfer from a foreign bank to an Indonesian bank with SWIFT is out of the question. You shouldn't even consider it. I did it once to send 200$ and I paid 40$ in fees (that's a 20% commission!).

If you know a cheaper and more convenient way than TransferWise to send money to Indonesia, please leave me a comment below. I wouldn't mind saving even more on my transfers. I'm also interested if you have tips about how to send money from Indonesia to another country.

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Jakarta Nightlife: Top 10 Nightclubs (Updated 2018)

February 24, 2018, 12:00 am

≫ Next: 10 Best Countries in Asia to Meet Girls Online (2018)

≪ Previous: What is a Cheap Way to Send Money to Indonesia?

"What are the best nightclubs in Jakarta?" is one of the questions I get asked the most by readers of Jakarta100bars.

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

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

As I mentioned in my review Jakarta Nightlife Guide 2017, almost all nightclubs in Jakarta are expensive. If you are a heavy alcohol drinker and if you are with a small group, I would advise to always buy a bottle. That way you can get a table or a sofa close from the dance-floor and also avoid the First Drink Charge, FDC (usually amounting to Rp100,000 - Rp200,000). On weekends, it is essential to book in advance.

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

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

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

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

Advertising: About Dating Indonesian Women

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

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

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

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

Jenja

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

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

Immigrant

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

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

Dragonfly

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

Empirica

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

Mille's (CLOSED)

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

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

Colosseum

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

X2 / Equinox

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

Fable

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

Blowfish

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

Domain

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

Golden Crown

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

Illigals (Voyeur Club)

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

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

Photo credit: Main photo Chris Seward - Other Photos from Facebook.

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10 Best Countries in Asia to Meet Girls Online (2018)

February 24, 2018, 8:52 am

≫ Next: Manila Nightlife: Best Clubs and Bars in 2018

≪ Previous: Jakarta Nightlife: Top 10 Nightclubs (Updated 2018)

Many Asian girls won't admit it but they are primarily looking for foreigners when using online dating apps and websites (if they weren't, why would they write their profiles in English?).

As a European or as an American, this means you will get much interest from girls and all that will translate into an incredible number of dating opportunities. If you have 1 or 2 matches per day on Tinder in your home country, you can expect to get at least 20 or 30 per day upon landing in Asia.

All guys have a different reaction to their newfound success. Some will go on a banging spree to compensate for years of sex drought. Others will become insanely picky, rejecting girls they would have dreamed of dating just a few months back. What is certain is that all of them feel much happier with this situation.

Each country in Asia has its own challenges though. First of all, you need to know what are the best dating websites/apps in the region. You can read my guide Best Dating Apps and Websites in Asia to help you with that.

Second, you need to know the characteristics of each countries: What are the girls like? How easy is it to date them? Do they accept an important age gap? Are they conservative or open-minded? What are the best cities for online dating? Etc.

The objective of this article is to answer those questions. If you still have some interrogations after reading it, please just leave a comment below and I'll do my best to help you with them.

These are the 10 best (easiest) countries in Asia to meet girls online:

1) Indonesia

It is simple to understand why Indonesia is the best country in Asia to meet girls. It has a population of 260 million people, among which an estimated 10 million are single girls from the middle class aged between 18 and 40. Considering there are less than 10,000 single male expats living in the country, that's about 1,000 single girls per foreigner.

In a city like Jakarta, you could probably spend your entire days dating and meeting girls, and yet you would still have to pass on great opportunities due to a lack of time.

Note that the situation in Bali is different than in the rest of the country. The number of foreigners is much higher and therefore the competition is more tense.

Pros

- Indonesian girls are exotic, fun, friendly, open-minded and easy-going.

- An age gap of up to 15 years between a man and a woman is common and accepted.

- Very high ratio of available girls / foreigner

- Contrary to stereotypes, Indonesian girls are not particularly conservative, especially in the main cities (Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali)

- Bahasa Indonesia, the local language, is easy to learn

Cons

- Some girls can be a bit overly religious. I also noticed there is an increasing number of girls wearing a veil which I don't find very attractive.

- Lack of tourist activities in the main cities, huge traffic jams.

- Higher cost of living (accommodation, food, alcohol) compared to Vietnam/Thailand
- Very few foreign girls online (except in Bali)

Best Cities/Provinces:

Jakarta, Surabaya, Batam, Bali, Yogyakarta

Best Dating Apps

Tinder, IndonesianCupid, Badoo, Skout, Beetalk, WeChat, Paktor

2) Philippines

The Philippines is basically a copy of Indonesia with a Spanish/American influence and Catholicism instead of Islam as the major religion.

The country attracts more foreigners, especially Asians (Koreans, Japanese), yet it is still a great destination for single guys.

Pros

- Some of the hottest girls in Asia (some with Latin and Western features)

- Easy to get plenty of matches and dates

- English widely spoken

Cons

- Many conservative girls (Catholic)

- Most large cities are boring

- Slow internet

- American way of life = Obesity is developing rapidly and at least 20% of girls are overweight

Best Cities/Provinces

Manila, Cebu

Best Dating Apps

Tinder, FilipinoCupid, PinaLove, Badoo, Skout

3) Vietnam

Vietnam has the reputation of having the most beautiful girls in Asia, but also the most conservative (I confirm both). While it is relatively easy to get a date with a local girl, you may struggle if you want to kiss her or sleep with her. They will politely tell you that they are keeping themselves for marriage, or at least for a serious relationship.

For this reason, Vietnam is not the best country for those looking for easy one-night stands. Instead, I would recommend it to guys who are searching for a serious girlfriend or a potential wife.

Pros

- The most beautiful girls in Asia: Slim, fair skin, feminine, classy (but often surgically-enhanced with fake boobs, fake nose, etc)

- An age gap of up to 20 years between a man and a woman is acceptable

- Easy to get at least a date in coffee shops, dessert houses, etc.

- A lot of interesting things to do for tourists in Hanoi or Saigon

- A higher education level compared to Indonesia, Thailand or the Philippines

Cons

- Conservative girls who often live with their parents until marriage

- English skills sometimes poor (and Vietnamese is hard to learn)

- Character is not as easy-going and fun as Filipinas or Indonesian girls.

Best Cities/Provinces

Saigon, Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang

Best Dating Apps

Tinder, VietnamCupid, Badoo, Zalo, Beetalk

4) Singapore

Most likely, you won't meet a Singaporean girl in Singapore. However, you'll find it relatively easy to match with European, American, Australian, Indonesian or Filipino girls.

Pros

- Lots of girls from various nationalities and backgrounds
- Many highly-educated and independent women

- An enjoyable, yet expensive city

Cons

- Dining and drinking out is pricey

- Not that many good looking girls
- High competition among foreigners

Best City

Singapore

Best Dating Apps

Tinder, Paktor, SingaporeLoveLinks, OKCupid

5) Thailand

Many foreigners assume that Thailand is great for meeting girls, but in reality the country is a disappointment.

As an expat or permanent resident, you will get plenty of opportunities with lower to middle-class girls. Rich girls may be harder to get, especially online.

As a tourist though, you will not be an interesting candidate except for older girls, prostitutes and ladyboys.

Pros

- Convenient and interesting country for foreigners and tourists (even larger cities)
- Open-minded, fun and hot girls
- Decent english skills

Cons

- High number of prostitutes and ladyboys
- A lot of competition among foreigners

Best Cities/Provinces:

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Isaan Province (Udon Thani). Avoid Pattaya and Phuket.

Best Dating Apps

Tinder, ThaiCupid, ThaiFriendly, Badoo, Skout

6) Taiwan

Sexy Taiwanese model Jennifer

For geopolitical reasons, the country has a positive view of foreigners, especially Americans and Europeans. As a result, girls are generally easy to approach and they make fantastic girlfriends.

Pros

- A lot of very educated, English-speaking, independent girls
- Rather low competition from other foreigners
- Great country for an expatriation

Cons

- 70% of the girls look like nerds/bookworms
- The most popular apps/websites are in Chinese

Best Cities/Provinces:

Taipei, Kaohsiung

Best Dating Apps

Tinder, Paktor, Skout, I-Part (in Chinese)

7) Cambodia

Hot Cambodian model Sunisa Kim

A few years ago when I first visited Cambodia, more than half the girls on dating sites were prostitutes, ladyboys or girls trying to find a way out of poverty. Things are much better today, as the middle class is slowly growing in size.

Pros

- Friendly, fun and genuine girls
- Low competition from other foreigners (usually older guys with limited financial means)

Cons

- Still quite many prostitutes and ladyboys online
- The number of middle class girls is still limited

Best Cities/Provinces:

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

Best Dating Apps

Tinder, Badoo, Skout, AsianDating, Beetalk

8) Malaysia

Malaysia is an interesting country for guys who can't decide if they want to date Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian, Filipino or Western girls. Another advantage is that Malaysian girls are often educated and they have decent salaries.

However, I've noticed that there is only a small number of girls on datings sites and apps. Also, on average I don't find them particularly attractive.

Pros

- Girls from different nationalities and ethnicities

Cons

- Not a large choice available on dating sites

- Many conservative and religious girls
- Some girls will not date guys outside of their ethnicity

Best Cities/Provinces:

Kuala Lumpur

Best Dating Apps

Tinder, Paktor, OKCupid, MalaysianCupid, Badoo

9) Myanmar

Burmese Model Khin Coco

Burmese girls are not very active yet on dating sites and apps, but the country is popular with female tourists. For this reason, it is relatively easy to meet Western girls over there, especially in Yangon and Mandalay.

Pros

- Many desperate Western girls
- Some interesting cities to visit

Cons

- Few Burmese girls online

- Poor internet

Best Cities/Provinces:

Yangon, Mandalay

Best Dating App

Tinder

10) Laos

Laotian model Eileen Khaosanga

Lao girls can be quite pretty, but you won't find many on dating sites. Even worse, it is officially forbidden for foreigners to date Lao girls.

Pros

- Some pretty girls
- Many female tourists and backpackers

Cons

- Conservative country

Best Cities/Provinces:

Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng

Best Dating App

Tinder

Note
I've not tried online dating in a few additional Asian countries like South Korea, Hong Kong and China, which is why they are not in this list. My plan is to visit them before the end of 2017 so I will update this review by then.

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