Jakarta100bars - Nightlife & Party Guide

I was disappointed with Yogyakarta nightlife. As a city famous for attracting students and tourists, I was expecting a fun party atmosphere with busy bars and nightclubs.

On the contrary, Yogyakarta is quite conservative: Most girls wear the jilbab and you can see all over the city some aggressive banners against gays or Shia Muslims. I've read also about some incidents against a feminist group just a few days ago. This gave me the impression to be in Saudi Arabia more than in "tolerant" Indonesia.

In spite of this, I still had fun but I had to try quite many venues before figuring out which ones were crowded and which ones were boring.

The objective of this guide is to save you some time and give you the best tips to enjoy Yogyakarta nightlife if you are a single traveler there. If new bars and clubs open, please mention them in the comments to help me keep this review up-to-date.

Last update: September 2018.

Girl-Friendly Hotels in Yogyakarta:

I guess you are not going to Yogyakarta for the nightlife only and you are also interested in visiting attractions like Borobudur, the beaches in the South (like Gesing), the Keraton, etc.

If you want to do all that, plus go to bars and clubs in the evening, the best place to stay in Yogyakarta is near Jalan Malioboro, the most famous street in the city. It is lively, especially at night, and it is also walking distance to the main train station.

If you are on a budget, an alternative is to find a guest house near Jalan Prawirotaman, about a kilometer south of Jalan Malioboro. The price range goes from 10$ to 50$ a night. Be careful with small, family-run hostels though as they may not be girl-friendly. To avoid any issues, it is better to book in larger, chain hotels such as the ones below:

Budget:
Amaris Hotel Malioboro
Whiz Hotel Yogya

Mid-Range:
Hotel Neo Malioboro
Ibis Styles Yogya

Expensive:
Inna Garuda Malioboro
Melia Purosani

Those are chain hotels in Central Yogyakarta. They don't have as much charm as small properties but at least you won't be the center of attention.

Best Bars and Clubs in Yogyakarta:

There are not that many venues for partying in Yogyakarta. My favorite spots are listed below, starting with the most recommended.

Dress codes are generally not enforced. I saw people wearing flip-flops, short pants and t-shirt almost everywhere except in Boshe and Sugar.

The best days to go out are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You can check on the Facebook pages of the venues below for special events during the week (for instance Student Campus Nights).

During July and August, the bars in the tourist areas are more lively with Western tourists, particularly in the backpacking streets Jalan Sosrowijayan and at the corner of Jalan Parangtritis and Jalan Prawirotaman.

Platinum

This busy restaurant, bar, and nightclub is the best place for partying in Yogyakarta at the moment. It is large, crowded almost every night, and it features the best DJs. The crowd is mostly Indonesian, including students from the nearby UGM. Few tourists can be spotted as well.

Check their Instagram for events: Platinum Jogja.

Sakapatat

Busy beer garden with a young expat and Indonesian crowd. Owned by a mixed couple Indonesian and Belgian, it is relaxed, friendly and cheap. You can get a local beer for just Rp30,000. Nicely designed. Service can be clumsy.

It is in a residential neighborhood, 10 minutes away from Jalan Malioboro. Probably the best place to meet "normal" girls in Yogyakarta. They have DJs and live bands occasionally.

Address: Jalan Pakuningratan 34, Yogyakarta 55233
Phone number: +62 274 523723

Taphouse Beer House

Click on the link above to read my review. It is a brand new beer house in an old house. Trendy and happening on Wednesdays, Fridays (hip-hop) and Saturdays.

Jalan Jlagran 18, Yogyakarta
Phone number: +62 812 2444 2225

Liquid Bar and Kitchen

Liquid Bar and Kitchen (not to be confused with Liquid Next Generation reviewed below) is a large warehouse filled with picnic tables where people come as a group for beers/wine and snacks.

The area near the DJ can be considered a club, especially later in the night on weekends. They also have live music. Open until late (from 5pm to 5am), it's a fun place, often messy, where you'll probably find something you'll like. There are about 25% of girls and I didn't see any foreigners.

Address: Jalan Magelang KM 4,5
Phone number: +62 274 589611

Taj Lounge

This bar and club had just opened when I visited. It is already a popular choice among expats above 30. Most of them seemed to know each other already.

It is a good place to meet people if you are living in the city. If you are a tourist you might get bored. Music changes every night from hip hop to EDM and techno. Ladies night on Wednesday with free shots for girls. Open every day from 7.30pm to 3am.

Address: Jalan Urip Sumoharjo No.103H
Phone number: +62 822 4277 6766

Boshe VVIP Jogja

Boshe VVIP is just in front of City Mall. If you have been to the one in Bali, you will notice it looks almost the same. There is a Rp70,000 entrance fee (free for ladies). You generally have a local live band or sexy dancers before midnight, and then a DJ.

Since the prices are higher than the average for Yogyakarta (small local beer is Rp50,000), it attracts an older crowd, mostly male. The sound system and the lighting are great. It is famous for its karaoke where pretty lady companions (LC) are available. Many girls but most of them are working there and they are only looking for money. From reports I've read, you can actually have sex inside some of the bigger karaoke rooms.

The staff is rock n' roll. Every night they do a dance together on stage:

Address: Jalan Magelang KM 6,5

Phone number: +62 274 543477

Website: Boshe VVIP Club Jogja

Cubic Bar

A modern bar and restaurant on 2 floors with live music or DJs on the weekend. Hip crowd with some expats and young travelers. Good electronic music. The dance floor can get crowded for special events. It is a bit further away from the tourist areas. Free cocktails for their ladies night on Friday.

Address: Demangan Square Ruko 2, Jalan Demangan Baru
Phone number: +62 (0) 27 45 40 252

Sugar KTV and Nightclub

Sugar is one of the most exclusive KTVs and nightclubs in Yogyakarta. It is popular with the Chinese community, in particular guys as you have lots of high-class prostitutes. It also has some normal girls but they are always with male friends or boyfriends.

It is within the hotel Indoluxe, about 15 minutes from the center. It's worth going there only if you are planning to book a table and open a bottle at least. If you come alone, the entrance fee is Rp50,000 but you won't have anywhere to stand or sit.

The nightclub is pretty happening with events every night: Sexy dancers, fashion show, DJ, live bands, etc.

Address: Jalan Palagan Tentara Pelajar No.106
Phone number: +62 274 8722 388
Website: Sugar Yogyakarta
Complete review on Jakarta100bars: Sugar Review.

Terrace Café and Karaoke

Terrace is located in Jalan Raya Seturan, an interesting street with many cafes and restaurants that stay open until late. Terrace is the busiest of all. It is a small club on two floors with either live music, a DJ or sexy dancers on stage. It wasn't so crowded when I visited and most of the guests were guys. The entrance was Rp40,000, a large Bintang costs Rp75,000. They play EDM, Hip Hop and Top 40 music.

Address: Jalan Raya Seturan No. 4
Phone number: +62 274 4332931

Liquid Next Generation

Liquid Next Generation is one of the oldest nightclubs in Yogyakarta. Opened in 2006, it has the same concept as Terrace and Boshe. You have a stage with live music or DJs, and most people watch the show from tables and sofas. It is still popular, especially for special events. It does not look as modern though and it has a more underground vibe (dark, noisy, smokey). I wouldn't be surprised if people took drugs inside. Entrance fee is Rp35,000. Open every day from 10pm to 4am.

Address: Jalan Magelang KM 5,5
Phone number: +62 274 622 020

Oxen Free Bar

Oxen Free is a beer garden, popular with expats, foreign students and tourists. Smart and educated crowd. They have live traditional music (keroncong) every Tuesday and jazz every Wednesday. When they don't have live music, they put some easy going tunes like the ones you would hear on a Buddha Bar playlist.

The prices are cheap and the food is supposed to be decent (I didn't try it). Price for a large Bintang is Rp50k and for a main course (International or Indonesian) between Rp50,000 and Rp100,000.

Address: Jalan Sosrowijayan No.2
Website: Oxen Free Beer Garden

Lucifer

Lucifer is a small bar/café/restaurant in the backpacker street Jalan Sosrowijayan. They have live rock and reggae music, cheap food and a crowd made of mostly Indonesian men in their 20s. Some of the waitresses are pretty.

Address: Jalan Sosrowijayan no 71
Phone number: +62 274 554377

Easy Going Restaurant and Bar

This is one of the most famous backpacker hangout in Yogyakarta. There is nothing really special except that it is popular. If you are traveling alone it's a good spot to make new friends.

Address: Jalan Prawirotaman No.12
Phone number: +62 274 384092

Other Bars nearby:
At the corner of Jalan Prawirotaman and Jalan Parangtritis, you have a strip of cheap bars with live music such as Cuba Libre, Ruis Cafe, Beatles Pub, Banana Café and South Side Café.

Palms Karaoke and Executive Club

Palms is the only nightclub/bar on the list that I didn't visit. From what I understand, they have good EDM and electro DJs every night until 3am. Lots of pretty girls as well in their karaokes.

Address: Jalan Batikan No. 9
Phone number: 08170251111

Agenda Rooftop Restaurant & Vibes

This is one of the few rooftop bars in Yogyakarta. It is located on top of the artsy/hipster hotel Greenhost in the tourist street of Prawirotaman. It has a more alternative crowd, including students and some expats. Jazz night every Wednesday, Acoustic on Thursday, Rn'B/Soul on Friday, House music on Saturday.

Address: Jalan Prawirotaman II No.629
Phone number: 08 78 38 90 60 88

Prostitution in Yogyakarta: Massage Parlours, Spas, Salons, Karaoke and Girlie Bars.

Karaoke
Some of the nightclubs mentioned above have lady companions or escorts such as Liquid, Boshe, Terrace, Palms and Sugar. Another good place for karaoke is EC Jogja inside Inna Garuda Malioboro.

These venues have lady companions/escorts/prostitutes that you can book out to your hotel for a fee ranging from Rp500,000 to Rp1,000,000. You must ask the GROs which girls are willing to do what when booking the room because many are only there for singing/drinking with you.

Spa and Massage Plus Plus

They are usually not located in the city center except for Elysium Spa. The others are about 15 minutes from Jalan Malioboro.

In general, you choose a girl from a photo or from a number (or ask advice to the GRO). The price of the room + massage is between Rp200,000 and Rp350,000. If you want more, you have to pay a tip to the girl from Rp100,000 for a handjob to Rp400,000 for full services (sex).

The most recommended massage parlours for foreigners are the following:

Graha Spa (Jalan Ring Road Utara RT11/RW18)

Red Cliff Spa and Lounge (Jalan Tasura No. 45)

Elysium Spa (Jalan Magelang)

Mansion Spa and Health Club (Jalan Kabupaten No. 888)

Amanda Spa (Jalan Kabupaten No. 96)

Salon Plus Plus and Panti Pijat (Brothels)

There are also many panti pijat and salons with sexual services, but they are in very "local" places. If you are interested to see, you can go to the street Jalan Palang (Salon Tiga Dara, Salon Amay) or Jalan Babarsari (Salon Cassanova). Prices are slightly lower compared to spas mentioned above (25% less). Some can be very cheap but they cater to low-class Indonesians (under 15$ for full service).

Photos: https://www.instagram.com/ruddykak/

If you live in Indonesia (Bali, Jakarta, etc), you probably feel frustrated by the lack of options available to watch sports, and especially football.

You can forget national TV channels. Some, such as RCTI, TransTV, and TVOne, will broadcast important events like the World Cup or the English Premier League. Yet, the image quality is often low and the commentaries are in Indonesian. Also, they won't hesitate to cut a few minutes of a game just to show commercials.

Even when you subscribe to a cable TV network with additional sports channels like Fox Sports or Bein Sports, you will have a limited number of sports and games available.

Fortunately, thanks to the internet, there are now several ways to watch an almost unlimited number of sporting events all over the world.

In this article, I will give you a breakdown of the best ones, starting with my favorite. Note that all the websites mentioned below work all over Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, etc) and not only in Indonesia.

B-C-E (Biggest Center of Entertainment)

To put it simply: If watching football/sports is worth 70$/year to you, then don't look any further and subscribe to this site.

B-C-E TV allows you to stream over 100 sports channels from all over the world, including Bein Sports, Fox Sports, Sky Sports, Setanta, Eurosport, WWE Network, and many, many more. Just check this link to see all the channels available: Live TV B-C-E. As you can see, you have channels from just about every country, from Brazil to Poland, and in every language (English, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, etc).

As a French, it allows me to watch French channels like Canal + or Bein Sports France. Only those will broadcast sports like Handball, Judo, and events like the Rugby Top 14. Without B-C-E, it would be almost impossible to do so.

The service is only available with an internet connection on your mobile, tablet, PC, Mac, or smart TV. If your TV doesn't have internet, you can just connect it to your laptop with an HDMI cable.

You have two options:

- Join for free and get a limited number of channels with standard image quality.

- Become a paying member and get all the channels with UltraHD quality. The price starts at 15$ for a month or 70$ for one year.

Summary:

- 100s of sports channels in Ultra HD

- Every sport and league available: Football (EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, Bundesliga), NFL, NBA, NHL, Rugby, AFL, Formula 1, Moto GP, Tennis, Cricket, MLB, etc.

- Every event: Super Bowl, UEFA Europan Championship, UEFA Champion's League, FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, etc.

- Easy to use and to subscribe.

- No Ads

- Currently accessible without a VPN

To subscribe or to make a free trial, click here.

Bein Sports Connect

For a while, before I discovered B-C-E, I was subscribing to Bein Sports Connect, which is rather cheap (5$ per month) and allows you to watch a good selection of games, especially football (English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, UEFA Champion's League, Fifa World Cup, etc).

In total, they have 11 channels, but not all of them are active at all time. You can also watch replays, which is very useful in Indonesia (and Asia in general) since games are often too late at night. I was in Bali during the last World Cup and I was just watching games in the morning instead of waking up at 2AM.

Another feature I like is that you can just a one-day pass for IDR10,000, ideal if you are interested only with one specific event.

Summary:

- Bein Sports Connect owns the right to many prestigious competitions: EPL, La Liga, Ligue 1, Tennis Davis Cup, Golf PGA Tours, Major League Soccer, World Rally Championship, Premier Boxing Champions, etc.

- Good value for money for those who want to watch football

- All games are archived for 7 days for you to watch later

- Payment possible with a credit card, but also with Go-Pay, Telkomsel, Indosat, Indonesian bank transfer, Alfamart, Indomaret, etc.

- It can be accessed without a VPN.

FuboTV

Warning: This streaming site is currently not available in Indonesia, but you can still access it if you use a VPN (read about the best VPN in Indonesia here).

This service is a bit more expensive, with prices starting at 45$ per month to get access to over 100 channels (see the full list here). Its main market is the US, with sports like Baseball (MLB), American Football (NFL), Soccer (MLS), Basketball (NBA). It also has channels focusing on college games.

FuboTV also features news and entertainment channels like Fox, NBC, CNN, AMC, etc.

Summary:

- Perfect for Americans.

- Available only if you use a VPN that you connect to an American server.

Other Options for Watching Sports in Indonesia?

If you use another service to watch sports in Indonesia that I am not aware of, please let me know in the comment section below.

Indonesians are really crazy about sports, and particularly football and motoGP racing. Even in remote locations, you will meet taxi drivers and shopkeepers who know about your favorite team more than you do.

Most of all, they love to cheer together or "nonton bareng" as they call it. This is why you will find at least a TV with sports in almost every bar in Jakarta (and even inside nightclubs sometimes).

If you are interested in watching sports that are more popular among the expat crowd (Rugby, AFL, NFL, NBA, MLB, etc...), it is probably best to visit a proper sports bar. There are several in the city, many of which are located in the South (Kemang, Mega Kuningan).

My 5 favourite venues for watching sports in Jakarta are the following:

Masters Sports Bar (Bellagio Mall)

Opened in 2015, Masters is one of the newest sports bars in Jakarta. It is owned by a group of expats (and one Indonesian) that you are likely to meet at their bar on weekend nights. They have two giant projector screens, probably the largest in Jakarta, featuring sports and music videos. In the back, you'll also find 4 professional pool tables that you can use for free. Their prices are affordable considering the area (around Rp40,000 for a beer) and they serve good food.

See my complete review: Masters Bellagio - Mega Kuningan.

Eastern Promise (Kemang)

Eastern Promise, generally called EP, is one of the oldest expat bars in Jakarta. It has several rooms, including a restaurant and a beer garden (with live music). There is also a small sports bar with a few TVs and a large screen. It is often packed and popular with girls as well, particularly the "bule" hunting type.

See my complete review: Eastern Promise Jakarta

McGettigan's Irish Pub

While it only opened early May 2017, McGettigan's is already one of my favorite venues to watch sports in Jakarta. Very wide space, plenty of TVs, an upmarket crowd (expat mixed with Indonesians), and a central location in Mega Kuningan.

Read my complete review: McGettigan's Jakarta

Aphrodite (Taman Rasuna)

A mix between a restaurant and a bar, Aphrodite has been a favourite of the expat crowd for more than 15 years. This is mainly because of its proximity to the Taman Rasuna tower complex and because they are known to offer good-value Western food. They have TVs all around the main room playing sports (usually football, rugby, cricket, motoGP, etc...). You can also play pool and darts. There are some unattached ladies as well.

See my complete review: Aphrodite Jakarta

Fez (Kemang)

Owned by the same group behind Aphrodite, Fez can get very busy whenever there is an important game (especially if it involves an Australian team). They have a rather cheap menu with some Indian specialties from the Kinara restaurant.

See my complete review: Fez By Aphrodite

Jimm's Sports Café (Bellagio Mall)

Just 100 meters from Masters, Jimm's Sports Café is a small venue with a clean look. The few times I've been there, the crowd was mostly Indonesian with only about 25% of expats. They could probably add a few more large screens, but I enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

See my complete review here: Jimm's Sports Café

Other Recommended Sports Bars in Jakarta

There are a lot more venues to watch sports all over Jakarta. The ones above are my favourite but you can also visit the following:

Central Jakarta

Paulaner Brauhaus (Kempinski Hotel)

BATS Sports Bar (Shangri La Hotel)

Kemang

Satu Lagi (Kristal Hotel)

Murphy's Pub

Frank's Bar

Senayan

Molly Malone's Irish Bar

Mega Kuningan

Pondok Indah

Rasuna Said

Cilandak

North Jakarta

MVP Sports Bar (Tematik Hotel)

Rock & Goal Sports Bar

West Jakarta

Double Doors

Markas

Chains with multiple locations in Jakarta:

Pizza e Birra

Afterhour

The following article is an update on the most happening bars in Jakarta as of 2018. I visited them at least once this year and I'm ranking them starting with my favorites.

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

For more information about where to drink in Jakarta, you can also read:
Jakarta Nightlife Explained in 500 Words
10 Best Nightclubs in Jakarta
Where to Party in Jakarta?
Best Beer Garden and Beer Houses in Jakarta
Best Expat Bars in Jakarta
20 Best Happy Hours and Ladies Nights in Jakarta

Currently, my favorite bars in Jakarta are:

Basque

Basque is not the most impressive or the most beautiful bar in Jakarta, but it is the most happening at the moment.

This is especially true on Friday and Saturday when the dancefloor gets so packed you can barely move a finger. On those days, there is a first-drink-charge of about IDR150,000 if you come after midnight.

Most customers are foreigners, either expats or tourists, and there are also a lot of Indonesian girls. Many are just office girls who want to have fun, but there are some prostitutes as well.

The music is usually a mix of famous pop, rock and hip-hop songs.

On weekdays, from Sunday to Thursday, it is much quieter. Then, the focus is on the restaurant, which serves Spanish food and Tapas. It's still fine for a drink, but don't expect a party vibe.

Facebook: Basque

Léon

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

To enjoy Léon, it is much better to book a table ahead and to buy a few bottles.

Instagram: Léon

Henshin

This rooftop bar on top of the Westin Hotel is one of the most expensive in the city, but also one of the most classy. Superb atmosphere and view, with a fantastic service. Not too crowded, probably because of the price.

SKYE

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

Facebook: SKYE

Lucy in the Sky

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

Facebook: Lucy in The Sky

Cloud Lounge

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

Facebook: Cloud

Loewy

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

Facebook: Loewy

Monty's

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

Facebook: Monty's

Hotel Monopoli

This boutique hotel, centrally located in Kemang, is great for partying. There is a hip club in the basement (The Room) and a bar on the roof (The Moon), both popular with young Indonesians. Rumor has it drugs are common here. Owned by the same people behind Lucy in the Sky, Sofia at the Gunawarman and Bau-Haus.

Instagram: Hotel Monopoli

Beer Hall (SCBD)

This is not my favorite bar, but I often go there because it is almost always busy. Part of the Beer Garden group, it is a bit more upmarket and more expensive. Daily live bands play a mix of Indonesian and International songs. The crowd is mostly local.

Instagram: Beerhall

Flow

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

Facebook: Flow

McGettigans

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

Facebook: McGettigans

J. Sparrows

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

Facebook: J. Sparrows

Pao Pao

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

Facebook: Pao Pao

Safehouse

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

Facebook: Safehouse

Hide and Seek Swillhouse (under renovation)

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

Instagram: Hide and Seek

Savoi Ultra Lounge

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

Instagram: Savoi Ultra Lounge

H Gourmet and Vibes

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

Instagram: H Gourmet and Vibes

Eastern Promise

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

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

Website: Bugils Group

BATS and CJs

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

Websites: BATS and CJs

Social House

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

Facebook: Social House

Cork & Screw

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

Facebook: Cork & Screw

Union

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

Facebook: Union

Camden

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

Instagram: Camden

The Dutch

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

Instagram: The Dutch

Paulaner Brauhaus

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

Website: Paulaner Brauhaus

Prohibition

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

Instagram: Prohibition Jakarta

Bluegrass

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

Facebook: Bluegrass

Lola

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

Website: Lola

Masters Sports Bar

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

Facebook: Masters

Aphrodite

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

Facebook: Aphrodite

E&O

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

Facebook: E&O

Potato Head

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

Facebook: Potato Head

Molly Malone's and Murphy's

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

Facebook: Murphy's and Molly Malone's

Beer Garden

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

Facebook: Beer Garden

Queen's Head

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

Facebook: Queen's Head

Burgundy

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

Website: Burgundy

Parc 19

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

Facebook: Parc19

Liquid Exchange

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

Facebook: Liquid Exchange

Motion Blue

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

Facebook: Motion Blue

Bauhaus

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

Instagram: Bauhaus

Super Loco

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

Facebook: Super Loco

Halfway

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

Instagram: Halfway

Hooters

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

Facebook: Hooters

Hard Rock Café

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

Facebook: Hard Rock Café

Mixology

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

Facebook: Mixology

Vin +

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

Instagram: Vin +

Melly's Garden

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

Facebook: Melly's Garden

Greyhound

Part of the Arena group (Seribu Rasa, Penang Bistro, Hacienda), Greyhound is a fusion Thai/Western café centrally located in Grand Indonesia. During daytime, it is a perfect hangout spot to meet friends while in the evening, it is more like a stylish lounge, ideal for a date.

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

Proof

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

Instagram: Proof

Missing a Bar?

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

Photo source: All of them were taken from the Facebook/Instagram of the venues mentioned. If you want one to be removed, just ask me!

Netflix is not blocked by the Indonesian government, but it is blocked by Telkom (IndiHome), a government-owned company and one of the largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the country.

The reason behind the blocking is simply that they have shares in Netflix's Asian competitor, iFlix and therefore they want to force you to subscribe to their own service.

If you haven't chosen your internet service provider yet, try to avoid Telkom, and choose instead a company like First Media, Indosat or Biznet.

Unfortunately, some people cannot choose their providers due to their building management or owner restrictions. If you are in Indonesia only for a short time, on business or on holiday, you may also not be at liberty to avoid Telkom.

If you are stuck with IndiHome and your Netflix account refuses to connect, don't worry as there is an easy solution: All you need to do is to subscribe to a VPN. It isn't free, but still very cheap (under 5$ per month) and extremely useful if you also care about your privacy online. Read about the benefits of using a VPN here: Best VPNs for Indonesia.

I suggest VyprVPN as I can guarantee it works well to unblock Netflix in Indonesia. I've been using it for over 2 years and never had any issues.

To make it work perfectly, you need to modify the settings a little bit. Let me show you how to install it and make it ready to watch Netflix:

First Step:

You need to subscribe to VyprVPN. You have a 3-day free trial using this link (which also gives you 3 months free on annual accounts).

The price is reasonable, starting at $3.75/month if you subscribe to a yearly plan. You can pay by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Paypal and Alipays.

Second Step:

Once you have subscribed, you can login to your account and download the software VyprVPN on your desired device:

Third Step:

Once you have downloaded the software or the app, open it on your device and login with your VyprVPN credentials. They were sent to your email at the time of your subscription.

Fourth Step:

Once logged in, go to VyprVPN --> Preferences --> Protocol:

Make sure you select Chameleon whenever you want to unblock Netflix in Indonesia. The rest of the time, you can select OpenVPN only.

Fifth Step:

On the main interface, change your location to any of the servers in the US. Again, if you are not watching Netflix, it is better to select a server in Indonesia or Asia as they will be faster.

Sixth Step:

You should now be able to watch Netflix US, just as if you were home.

Even if your ISP is not blocking Netflix, it can be useful to have a VPN as it will allow you to bypass regional restrictions and see more TV shows and movies.

Do you know other VPN that work to unblock Netflix in Indonesia? If yes, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below.

In this article, I will explain you everything you need to know about traveling to Jakarta as a single guy.

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

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

Note: I updated this article on 1st November 2018.

Visas for Indonesia

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

For staying for more than 30 days as a tourist, you have 4 options:

→ Make a 60-day tourist visa in any Indonesian consulate abroad (I did one in Saigon, Bangkok, KL, Singapore and Paris). It takes 3-4 days and costs 50$. This visa can then be extended 4 times 30 days for about 40 dollars (you must use an agent).

→ If you have a sponsor (any Indonesian friend or an agent), you can apply for a Sosial Budaya visa in any Indonesian consulates (60$). It is valid for 2 months and it can be extended 4 times for 30 days as well. The extensions are easier and cheaper to process (25$ each).

→ Purchase a 30-day visa-on-arrival/VOA (35$) at the airport in Jakarta, and then extend it for another 30 days (IDR450,000) at any immigration office. The process takes about a week and you'll have to make 3 trips to the immigration. The VOA is not extendable a third time.

→ If all of these are too much hassle for you, flying to Singapore and back to Jakarta on the same day is a popular option as well and it can be done for less than 70 dollars. If you do it too frequently though, you might get into trouble with immigration officials from both sides.

Transfer from the Airport to the City

The airport is located in the city of Tangerang, 20 kilometers from Central Jakarta. There are 4 ways to make the transfer:

→ Railink: This is a train going from the airport train station to the city center (BNI Sudirman Baru station). Free shuttles will take you from the terminal to the airport train station. The ride to the city center costs IDR70,000 but the vending machines currently do not accept cash so it's not so convenient. There is a train every 25 minutes approximately and the trip lasts 48 minutes.

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

Cost to city center: Around IDR140,000 taxi fare + IDR16,000 toll road.

Duration of the trip: 45 minutes without traffic / at least 1h30 minutes with traffic

→ Grab and Go-Jek: Drivers from these transportation apps can be booked from Jakarta airport. They offer much cheaper prices compared with taxis (at least 20% less). The taxi mafias mentioned above are naturally unhappy so you have to be discreet when taking them. In case someone asks you, just say that you are waiting for your personal driver. Never mention Grab/Gojek. Uber does not operate in the country anymore.

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

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

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

Duration: Between 1 hour and 2 hours.

Where to Stay in Jakarta

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

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

Here are some hotels recommendations (all of them are highly rated, girl-friendly and near the nightlife):

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(between 130$ and 250$ per night)
Grand Hyatt (250$/night): Connected to Plaza Indonesia Mall. Walking distance to Immigrant Club and Cloud Bar.
Mulia Senayan (200$/night): Largest hotel in Jakarta, home of the busy CJs bar.
Kempinski (180$/night): Connected to Grand Indonesia Mall. Walking distance to bars like SKYE, Social House, Paulaner Brauhaus.
Oakwood Premier Cozmo (140$/night): Serviced apartment, popular with young single guys. Next to Loewy and Basque
Shangri-La (130$/night): It has a very popular bar with live music (BATS)

⭐⭐⭐⭐(between 35$ and 130$ per night):
Ascott Kuningan (130$/night): New serviced apartment, connected to Lotte Avenue Mall and next to Mega Kuningan.
Fraser Setiabudi (90$/night): Walking distance to several cafés. Huge swimming pool and garden.
Citadines Rasuna (65$/night): Affordable serviced apartment, perfect if you need more than 1 bedroom.
Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft Wahid Hasyim (65$/night): Both are reputed 4-star brands in a very strategic location.
Harris FX (60$/night): Inside FX Senayan Mall. Next to De Leila Arabic Bar.
Harris Vertu (50$/night): Cheap luxurious hotel in the northern part of Jakarta, in the heart of the red light district.
Kosenda and Artotel (45$/night): Boutique hotels, both have a nice rooftop bar and a very central location.
Hotel Santika Premiere (35$/night): One of the best value hotels in Jakarta. Location in the north of the city near the tourist and "naughty" nightlife area.

⭐⭐⭐(between 30$ and 50$ per night)
Try any of these hotels which are quite similar to one another (from the most expensive to the cheapest): Holiday Inn Wahid Hasym, Liberty Hotel, A-One, Ashley, Yello Harmoni, MaxOne, Verse Lite Gajah Mada

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

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

Cost of Staying in Jakarta

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

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

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

Prices of selected items (single guys stuff):

Beer in a bar: 3-5$

Alcoholic drink in a bar: 6-9$

Booking a sofa for 8 people in a nightclub: Minimum spending of 250$-350$
Spirits bottle in a club: 100$

Street food: 1$ (no meat) to 3$ (with meat)

Indonesian meal in a casual restaurant: 5-7$

Western meal in a chic restaurant: 15-20$

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

15-minute taxi ride: 3$

15-minute motor taxi ride: 1$ (with Go-Jek or Grab)

TransJakarta bus ticket: 0.3$

How to Get Around?

Moto-taxis are the fastest way to get around in Jakarta

Getting around is the worst thing about staying in Jakarta. Unless you can afford a helicopter, you'll have to spend a considerable amount of time in traffic jams (fortunately, less on weekends and after 9 PM).

Transportation Apps

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

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

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

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

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

Walking

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

Buses

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

Internet/Mobile Phone
If you stay in Jakarta more than a couple weeks, I strongly recommend buying a sim card.

Unfortunately, it is not as simple as it used to be. Now, you need to register with your passport at the official branch of a network provider (Telkomsel, XL, Indosat, etc).

It's best to do it while still in the airport as there are branches there. It takes about 15 minutes and it will save you the trouble of finding a store in Jakarta. The price is reasonable (IDR100,000 for a 1-month package with 3GB of mobile internet). Telkomsel's Simpati is the best one.

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

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

If your Netflix is not working, read my article: How to Watch Netflix in Indonesia?

Dating Indonesian Girls Online

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Single Guys on a Bachelor Party?

Read my travel guide: Bachelor Party in Jakarta

Best Places to Hangout During the Day

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

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

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

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

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

More on this subject: Is Jakarta Safe?

Do you think I forgot to mention something important in this Jakarta travel guide for single guys? Please just leave me a comment below.

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

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

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

Review Last Updated on November 2nd, 2018.

IndonesianCupid (Advertising)

Meeting girls in nightclubs in Bali is relatively easy if you are young, good-looking and confident. For the rest of us, I recommend making some contacts online before going out.

IndonesianCupid works well, because most girls there are looking to meet foreigners. Unlike on Tinder, many will not mind if you are not living in Bali.

For this reason, you can start chatting with them even before you arrive in Indonesia and set up a few dates while you are still in your home country.

It is free to register and to look at all the girls' profiles. If you match with them, it's also free to chat.

Best Night-Time Spots to Meet Girls

Sky Garden

The famous Sky Garden in Kuta features at least 5 different rooms, each with a different atmosphere and crowd. For instance:

- The rooftop (old school music) is popular with older people

- The huge Skydome attracts mostly Indonesian guests with big-name EDM DJs

- The R'n'B room has the most prostitutes and the drunkest clubbers.

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

Ratio guys to girls: 70% guys and 30% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Around 25%

Male crowd: Australian tourists, Western backpackers, Asian and Indonesian tourists, Gays

Female crowd: Western tourists, Indonesian tourists and prostitutes

Age of clients: 18-35

Pick up possibilities: High

Dress code: Holiday (shorts, flip-flop). Girls who are well-dressed get a free entry from 9 PM to 11 PM.

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

La Favela

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

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

Free entrance.

Ratio guys to girls: 55% guys and 45% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Around 10%

Male crowd: Western tourists and expats

Female crowd: Western tourists and expats

Age of clients: 25-40

Pick up possibilities: High

Dress code: Chic holiday wear (if there is a queue, they implement a strict door policy)

Red Ruby

This nightclub has an underground vibe that makes it popular with expats, and with girls who are trying to meet them. The latter include normal girls, but also professional girlfriends and prostitutes.

Electronic music on most nights. It closes late so you can consider it your last chance to score before going home.

Free entrance before 11.30pm. FDC 150k after that.

Ratio guys to girls: 70% guys and 30% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 30%

Male crowd: Europeans

Female crowd: Indonesian

Age of clients: 25-45

Pick up possibilities: Good but beware many hookers.

Dress code: Formal

Motel Mexicola

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

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

Free entrance.

Ratio guys to girls: 40% guys and 60% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%

Male crowd: Australians

Female crowd: Australians, Indonesians

Age of clients: 20-45

Pick up possibilities: Average

Dress code: Holiday

Red Carpet Champagne Lounge

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

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

Free entrance.

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Around 20%

Male crowd: Western tourists and expats

Female crowd: Western tourists, expats and Indonesians.

Age of clients: 40-60

Pick up possibilities: High

Dress code: Chic tropical wear

Mirror

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

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

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

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%

Male crowd: Indonesian-Chinese from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Denpasar

Female crowd: Same as above

Age of clients: 20-30

Pick up possibilities: Average

Dress code: Pants and shoes compulsory for men

Old Man's

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

Free entry.

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%

Male crowd: Australians, Europeans

Female crowd: Idem

Age of clients: 20-35

Pick up possibilities: Average

Dress code: Holiday wear

Jenja

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

IDR250,000 entrance fee with one free drink.

Ratio guys to girls: 80% guys and 20% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: At least 20%

Male crowd: Western expats

Female crowd: Indonesian girls

Age of clients: 25-45

Pick up possibilities: Low (without paying)

Dress code: Urban casual (shirt, shoes, pants).

Best Day-Time Spots to Meet Girls

Potato Head

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

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls

Male crowd: Westerners

Female crowd: Westerners, Indonesian girls

Age of clients: 20-55

Pick up possibilities: Average

Dress code: Swimsuit

Mrs. Sippy

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

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

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls

Male crowd: Foreigners and Indonesians

Female crowd: Idem

Age of clients: 20-45

Pick up possibilities: Low

Dress code: Swimsuit

Bonus: Best City to Meet Girls in Bali

Ubud

One smart guy having a yoga class in Ubud

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

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

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

Ratio guys to girls: 30% guys and 70% girls

Male crowd: Guys with their wives/girlfriends

Female crowd: Girls with their boyfriends/husbands + Single ladies from Western countries and Japan.

Age: 25-65

Pick up possibilities: High

All photos from Instagram. Main photo from SkyGarden by @pratikoys.

Going to nightclubs is one of the best ways to meet Indonesian girls.

It is a bit more challenging than online dating because you need to know what are the best venues and the best days to be successful. You must also be careful to differentiate between the "normal" girls, the prostitutes, and the professional girlfriends. The latter category are all the ladies who make a living from having one or several boyfriends. Depending on what you are looking for, they can be either a great target or something to avoid.

Last Updated: November 3rd, 2018.

Don't like Meeting Girls from Nightclubs? Read 10 Best Dating Sites and Apps in Indonesia.

Tips for Meeting Girls in Clubs in Jakarta

When to Party?
Wednesday is the absolute best day for partying in Jakarta. It is cheaper, less crowded, and many nightclubs have ladies night. This means the percentage of good girls will be higher than usual. Also, you have less competition from other guys, as there are less of those tourists/travelers who come for the weekend from Singapore/Kuala Lumpur looking for one-night-stands.

How to Party to Meet Girls Easily?
If possible, always reserve a table or a sofa. You generally have to spend a minimum of IDR4-7 Million to get a table in a strategic location, near the DJ or near the dancefloor. That's about 3 bottles of spirits + the mixers. If you are with 4 or 5 friends, that's not more expensive than paying an entrance fee and buying several drinks separately. If you are alone or with just a couple of friends, ask the waiter if you can keep the unused bottles for another night.

Having a table will make you 10X more desirable in the eyes of girls. It's a huge chick magnet because they will be under the impression that 1) You have money 2) You can buy them drinks 3) You are important.

How to Improve Your Success Rate with Girls:

IndonesianCupid (Advertising)

Meeting girls while partying in Jakarta is not difficult as long as you are young, good-looking and confident. For the rest of us, I recommend making some contacts online before going out.

IndonesianCupid works well, because the majority of girls there are looking to meet foreigners. Unlike on Tinder, many will not care if you live in Indonesia or not.

For this reason, you can start chatting with them even before you arrive in Indonesia and set up a few dates while you are still in your home country.

It is free to register and to look at all the girls' profiles. If you match with them, it's also free to chat.

I'm ranking below the 10 nightclubs with the prettiest and hottest girls in Jakarta. I added some information such as the percentage of prostitutes, your chances of picking up a girl there, and the kind of clients (male and female) it attracts. It's not science, only an estimate based on my personal experience. I didn't mention the price for each nightclub because they are all in the same category: Expensive.

I took the photos on the Instagram account of each venue. It was not easy to find pretty girls as most of them are drunk and they look messy. If you are in a picture and want it removed just email me thibaud@jakarta100bars.com.

You can click on the name of each nightclub for a complete review:

Basque

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: About 25%

Type of male crowd: Expats and Western tourists

Type of female crowd: Indonesian office girls, students, prostitutes, professional girlfriends who want to meet with foreign guys.

Age of clients: 22-45

Pick up possibilities: High

Basque is only busy on Friday and Saturday. Avoid the other nights.

Immigrant

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: 20%

Type of male crowd: Expats, foreigners traveling to Jakarta, Indians

Type of female crowd: Indonesian girls looking for French expats

Age of clients: 25-45

Pick up possibilities: Good

Dragonfly

Ratio guys to girls: 70% guys and 30% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: 20%

Type of male crowd: Expats who tuck their shirts in.

Type of female crowd: Indonesian girls looking for rich expats, celebrities, models, escorts

Age of clients: 25-40

Pick up possibilities: Good

Empirica

Ratio guys to girls: 65% guys and 35% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%

Type of male crowd: Rich Indonesian Chinese

Type of female crowd: Indonesian Chinese with rich boyfriends, girls who don't pay for their own drinks

Age of clients: 20-30

Pick up possibilities: Low

Blowfish

Ratio guys to girls: 65% guys and 35% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%

Type of male crowd: Rich and young Indonesian Chinese, Indonesians living abroad

Type of female crowd: Young Indonesian Chinese

Age of clients: 18-25

Pick up possibilities: Low

Fable

Ratio guys to girls: 70% guys and 30% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: less than 10%

Type of male crowd: High-school, students, spoiled kids

Type of female crowd: Same as above.

Age of clients: under 18 to 25

Pick up possibilities: Low

Venue, Nu China and Dronk (Kemang)

Girls in Dronk (Ex-Tipsy)

These 3 nightclubs/bars are all located in Kemang and they are popular with a younger crowd.

Ratio guys to girls: 80% guys and 20% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: 25%

Type of male crowd: Indonesian students, few foreigners

Type of female crowd: Indonesian high school girls and young students

Age of clients: 16-20 (Yes, many underage girls so always ask the girl her age)

Pick up possibilities: Medium to High due to the low number of foreigners

Colosseum

Ratio guys to girls: 75% guys and 25% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: 40%

Type of male crowd: Indonesian Chinese, expats, tourists

Type of female crowd: Lady companions from 1001 and Alexis Karaoke, normal Indonesian party girls with their group of friends

Age of clients: 20-35

Pick up possibilities: Low (unless you are willing to pay)

CJ's and BATS

CJ's Bar

These two hotels bars are located in the Mulia hotel and the Shangri-La hotel respectively.

Ratio guys to girls: 45% guys and 55% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: 90%

Type of male crowd: Businessmen, Expats

Type of female crowd: Prostitutes and professional girlfriends, with a few normal girls who enjoy live music

Age of clients: 30-65

Pick up possibilities: Very high if you pay

Equinox-X2 (Closed, will reopen under new name)

Ratio guys to girls: 60% guys and 40% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: 25%

Type of male crowd: Expats, foreigners traveling to Jakarta

Type of female crowd: Young Indonesian girls looking for young expats

Age of clients: 20-30

Pick up possibilities: Good (make sure the girl is not after your money though)

Update 2018:
X2 is now closed. They will reopen shortly with a new name and new concept. Check their Instagram for more information: https://www.instagram.com/x2clubjakarta/

Level II - Foundry 8 (closed)

Ratio guys to girls: 70% guys and 30% girls

Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 10%

Type of male crowd: Young Indonesians and some young expats

Type of female crowd: Young Indonesians, students, girls living with their parents

Age of clients: 18-30

Pick up possibilities: Low

If you want to compliment an Indonesian girl, just tell her that she looks mixed and you'll make her day. While I tend to prefer girls who look 100% local, the ones that have a tiny bit of foreign blood are often seen as the most beautiful for many Indonesians.

Unsurprisingly, those girls (and guys) are over-represented among celebrities: Countless of actors, singers and TV stars are "blasteran", the word for mixed-race people. This is also true among models and beauty pageants contestants. I listed a few here but you can see more on my review 34 Most Beautiful Miss Indonesia.

All the girls I chose are mixed with at least one "bule" (white) parent. I would have loved adding girls with Asian (particularly Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean), Arab, Indian, Latino or Black ethnicities, but I didn't find many. If you have a name worth checking, please leave a comment below and I'll be happy to add her name here.

Salvita Decorte

The actress is the star of the Asian HBO hit "Halfworlds". She comes from a family of mixed Indonesian, Indian and German heritage.

Carissa Perusset

The young and pretty Carissa is an upcoming model with Swiss and Indonesian blood. Her dad, Pierre Perusset was the GM of the Ritz Carlton Jakarta.

Mariana Renata Dantec

33-year-old Mariana is a model and an actress currently living in New York. She was born from a French Jewish father and a mom who was herself a mix of Italian, Indonesian and Chinese blood.

Cinta Laura Kiehl

Born in 1993, she did a bit of everything starting at a very young age, from singing to acting. She moved to NY a couple years ago to study in Columbia University. Her dad is German, the ex-GM of Grand Hyatt Jakarta, and her mom is Indonesian.

Francine Madelaine Zauner

22-year old Francine is a model who was raised in Bali and who is currently pursuing a modeling career in Hong-Kong. A participant in the international TV show SupermodelMe, she is of mixed heritage French, Indonesian and Chinese.

Tatiana "Tata" Sivek

The beautiful Tatiana is a mix of Manadonese and Polish blood. She is 28 years old and she was an actress in several feature movies and sitcoms.

Tatjana Saphira Hartmann

Born in 1997, Tatjana has a German expat father and an Indonesian mother. She is a famous actress with almost a million fans on her Instagram account.

Celine Evangelista Ricci

The 24 year-old is a mixed-race actress of Indonesian (Manado) and Italian descent.

Damita Romauli Argoebi

Born from parents with mixed Turkish, Arab and Indonesian blood (maybe Jewish and German too according to some sources), she started acting when she was 7 years old. Now 20, she is still popular and currently presenting a show on TransTV.

Pevita Pearce

With 7 million followers on Instagram, Pevita is a superstar in Indonesia. She is only 23 years old and already a model, actress, singer and presenter. She is from mixed blood Indonesian and British.

Raquel Katie Larkin

An actress born in 1996 from an Acehnese mom and an American dad. She can be seen in 2016 in the sinetron (sitcom) Halilintar.

Anjani Dina

Born in 1995, Anjani is one of the most active Indonesian actresses at the moment. She is from mixed heritage Dutch/Indonesian.

Enzy Storia Leovarisa

With 1,1 million followers on her Instagram, she is one of the most popular girls on this list. The quirky 23-year old actress and model is Acehnese by her mom and Polish by her dad.

Millane Fernandez

Even though Millane does not really look Indonesian (i had to check several times to make sure she really was), her dad is Javanese while her mom is German. She is a singer and she was born in 1988.

Yasmine Wildblood

Apart from having a strange name, Yasmine is a beautiful actress who played in both sitcoms and feature films. Her dad is English and her mom is Batak. She was born in 1993.

Anggika Bolsterli

21-year old Anggika has Swiss and Indonesian ancestry. She is a model for TV commercial, among which Pond's, and an actress.

Oceane Alagia

I'm not sure what she does, but she has quite a following on Ask.fm and Instagram. She is a 21-year old Indonesian with Italian and French blood. And she is very pretty.

Estelle Van Der Linden

Indonesian-Dutch actress born in 1994, she played in the feature film Negari Tanpa Telinga in 2014. She might be the half-sister of Oceane Alagia.

Manohara Odelia Pinot

She is a 24-year old model born from a Indonesian mother (Bugis) and an American dad.

Nadine Alexandra Dewi Ames

Born in 1991 from a British dad and a Javanese mom, Nadine was crowned Miss Indonesia in 2010 and she competed in Miss Universe in 2011.

Nadine Chandrawinata

Born in 1984, Nadine Chandrawinata is a former beauty pageant contestant who won Puteri Indonesia in 2005. She later shot several movies and became a TV presenter. Her mom is German and her dad is Indonesian-Chinese.

Julie Estelle Gasnier

A famous actress and model born in 1989, her dad is a French-American and her mom Indonesian-Chinese.

Nadya Hutagalung

Now 42 years old, Nadya is still great looking. Her dad is Indonesian Batak and her mom is Australian. Among other things, she presented Asia's Next Top Model for 2 seasons.

Widika Sidmore

Widika Sidmore is an American with Javanese, Celtic and Native American blood. She is a model and she was born in 1992.

Hege Wollan

Born from a Norwegian father and a Javanese mother, she is a model who currently lives in Jakarta.

All the pictures were taken from Instagram. You can see more photos by clicking on the names of the girl. If you know a mixed-race/mixed blood (blasteran/campuran) Indonesian girl who deserves to be listed here, please leave a comment!

In this article I will give you the names and photos of the 11 sexiest and most beautiful Indonesian actresses who are still active in 2016.

I selected only natural beauties: No girls with color contact lenses, weird eyebrows, botox injections or lips enhancements. I also chose girls who are still young with a promising career ahead. For the "old" ones, you can check my review 10 Sexiest Indonesian Women.

As it is often the case in Indonesia, many of the following actresses are also models and singers. You can know more about them by clicking on their name, it links to their instagram accounts (from where I took most of the photos).

Pevita Pearce

If you ask an Indonesian girl why she wants a mixed blood baby (Indonesian/Bule), there is a big chance she will tell you it's because she want it too look like Pevita Pearce. The 23 year old actress is from England by her dad and Borneo through her mom. She will star in the movie "Aach... Aku Jatuh Cinta" in 2016.

Anggika Bolsterli

Anggika is another beautiful mixed-blood Indonesian actress. The 20-year-old was born in Jakarta in 1995 from a Swiss dad and Indonesian mum. She starred in the popular movie "Youtubers" in 2015.

Alexa Key

Alexa Key, not to be confused with Alicia Keys, is an up-and-coming Indonesian actress who played in several high-budget movies in 2015, among which "Romeo + Rinjani" and "Garuda Superhero". She is 21, from Denpasar, with German blood.

Manda Cello

23-year-old Manda Cello is an actress, singer and model originally from Bandung. After roles in TV films and sinetrons, she will make her debut in a feature film in 2016 in the movie "Iseng":

Acha Septriasa

Acha is a pure blood Indonesian with already over 10 years of experience in the film industry. She is considered to be one of the highest paid actresses in Indonesia.

Ratna Kharisma Adzana

Also known as Adzana Bing Slamet, she is the daugther of Adi Bing Slamet and the grand-daughter of Bing Slamet, both famous Indonesian entertainers. Most of her career has been on TV on sinetron. The soon-to-be 23 years old will play in "Ketika Cinta Jatuh Cinta" in 2016.

Natasha Wilona

OK don't get too excited here as Natasha is not 18 yet. Born in December 1998, she is one of the most popular actresses in Indonesia at the moment. She played in "Relationshit" in 2015 and she already has a long experience playing on Sinetron.

Sekar Sari

The leading role in the critically-acclaimed movie Siti, Sekar Sari won the Best Performance for Silver Screen Award at the Singapore International Film Festival in 2014. The young Javanese has both beauty and brains: She is currently a news presenter in TVRI after studying international Affairs in UGM and in the UK.

Yuki Kato

One of the most famous Indonesian actresses at only 20, Yuki Kato has a Japanese dad and an Indonesian mom. She appeared in over 20 sinetrons and more recently in the movie "This Is Cinta" (2015).

Dinda Hauw

Dinda started acting when she was only 10 years old in the sinetron Monyet Cantik. Now 19, she stars in RCTI's "Aku Anak Indonesia".

Did I forget your favourite girl in this list of the 12 sexiest and hottest Indonesian Actresses of 2016? Let me know if there is a beautiful and hot woman that you think I should include here!

You may have noticed, men seem quite happy in Indonesia. No matter how dumb and ugly they are, there will always be a fair number of pretty and hot girls gravitating around them. Add to that the expat compensation package, the maid, the driver and the cheap flights to Bali and you have everything a man could dream of: Big pay, no chores, hot girls.

On the contrary, life is hard on expat wives or worse, on single women. Thank God (or unfortunately) most of them don’t see what is happening behind their backs. Among the expats that I know, I can tell you that 90% of them, married or not, have had an affair or cheated on their girlfriends with an Indonesian girl at least once. The only ones that are faithful have stopped partying or, it exists, are absolutely, truly, deeply in love. It’s not just some old, fat pervert working in oil. The more often, it’s the good husband, with kids and family. I’ve been out partying for years in Jakarta, 5 days a week, and in each bar I went to, I met tons of them. Go to Bats, go to Red Square, go to Blok M, etc, etc, and you will see them, getting crazy on the dancefloor and enjoying their lives as they never do at home.Some will say that it’s just easier here with girls and I agree. But does it explain everything? My friends are handsome and cool; they could find girls to cheat with in France. They are rich too, they could pay prostitutes. I know they do it in Jakarta, but they would never do it in France. Why is that? Why do Expats start cheating their wives when they arrive in Jakarta? Is it specific to Jakarta?

I see 3 reasons for that:

- In Indonesia, many men can get girls that are way more attractive than what they could have had in their home countries. Not only more beautiful, the girls can be much younger too, and look much younger anyway. These girls are attracted to foreigners for various reasons: Financial stability, attraction for “white” people (and the perspective of having a mixed baby), and certainly also the desire to be with someone less conservative than most Indonesian men. As long as an expat is somewhat cute or nice, he will be popular among girls here in Jakarta, and for some of them, it means they will be able to date girls they are really fond of. When the guy is 40 years-old, just about to undergo a mid-life crisis, he is very fragile and it won’t take long before he thinks about what his life could be with a 25 year-old exotic beauty.

- The nightlife scene in Jakarta is a lot of fun and excitement. There are great nightclubs in European cities, but few are as open and diverse as the nightlife scene in Jakarta. When you are an expat in Jakarta, you rarely have to queue, you always get admitted, you are at the center of the attention, and you can afford booking a table and opening Champagne. This makes the whole experience much more enjoyable. Many people party a lot more here, and therefore meet a lot more new people. As an expat, there is also a good chance that you will be far from your family on many occasions, because your wife didn’t follow you, or if she did, she travels back home more often. These periods are extremely dangerous because guys will go out more, and they will have many opportunities to cheat. Much more than opportunities I will say temptations. Temptation is everywhere, beauty, young-ness, easy relationships…Difficult to resist.

- Traditional girls vs. Modern girls. Most people will tell you Indonesian girls are different. Their behaviours towards men are much more traditional and less independent than that of most foreign women. I think the authority of the man for instance is much more respected and it gives them the feeling of being in charge. The roles within the mixed couple are also more specific. Actually, they resemble those that were assigned to couples in Europe or the USA before the liberalization of women in the 70s. While we may regret that, many men feel uncomfortable with what they perceive as strong, independent, ambitious women. In Indonesia, they will meet girls that correspond more accurately to their ideas of the perfect wife. And once again, they may fall in love quickly.

These are the three main reasons which I think can explain why so many expats in Jakarta start cheating when they arrive in Jakarta. There might be a lot more explanations, but I just thought it was interesting to open the subject because I realized how crazy people become when they arrive here, and I’ve always wonder why this city can create such transformations on people.

The photo was taken from the blog of Erick Brown, which has more info about nightlife in Jakarta: http://erick-brown.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-post.html.

In this review, I will present you the hottest, sexiest, most beautiful Indonesian girls who have been modeling for men's magazines such as FHM, Popular, Maxim, Male, Gress and Sooperboy.

The girls listed below come from all Indonesian ethnicities, but they are generally from Javanese, Bataknese, Sundanese or Manadonese descent. Some also have mixed blood. They are posing in lingerie, in bikini or simply wearing exciting dresses. Don't be a prude, even in conservative Indonesia, there is nothing against it.

There are probably more names to add to the list, don't hesitate to comment below if you think of someone.

Ratu Kirana

Though this Top 20 is not in any particular order, I must say that Ratu Kirana is my favorite. Born in 1988 and measuring 1,68m, she is the perfect incarnation of Indonesian beauty.

Photo Credit: Christian Sagala

Agista Diaes

Agista was born on August 1st, 1991 from a Japanese father and a Javanese mother. She wanted to become a doctor but chose a modeling career instead.

Photo Credit: Nico Nico Swimwear

Meet Indonesian Girls Online
Please read Best Dating Sites and Websites to Meet Indonesian Girls Online.

Nheyla Putri

Super cute Nheyla is one of the youngest models on this ranking. She was born on September 25th 1993 in Bogor and she measures 1,65m. You can see more of her photos on her personal twitter Nheyla Putri.

Photo credit: Model Mayhem Nheyla Putri

Emma Kurnia

Emma was the winner of FHM Indonesia Girl's Next Door competition in 2011. She is modeling for magazine covers, TV commercials and music video clips. Born in Jakarta on July 17th, 1987, she also has some Japanese heritage. You can follow her on facebook: Emma Kurnia.

Photo source: MJE Photography

Tasia Deti Dahlia

Tasia is a young, 19 year-old model who is just starting her career. You can follow her and see more pictures on Model Mayhem: Tasia Deti.

Photo credit: Yogi Alfreda

Chacy Luna Callista

Chacy is a model, actress and singer. She forms half of the "Duo Sexy" band, which usually performs in nightclubs around Indonesia. She was born in Jakarta on November 25th, 1987. The photo below comes from her instagram account: Chacy Luna Callista.

Vania Chinka

This 21-year old, slim and slender model is currently living in Berlin. She recently did some sexy shoots with Maxim Indonesia. Her Instagram: @vaniachinka

Alisha Dara

Alisha Dara is from Medan and she was born on December 22nd, 1993. You can follow her twitter account here: Alisha Dara (this is where I took the picture).

Sisi Salsabila

Sisi Salsabil is also from Medan and probably a Batak. She was born on May 28th, 1989. The photo is from Maxim Magazine (I could not find the name of the photographer).

Mira Makrad

Mira was born in Jakarta on July 20th, 1993. At age 20, she was voted Upcoming Girl of the month by the magazine Sooperboy, which started her modeling career. She also appears on TV. She measures165cm. Follow her on twitter for more pics and information: Mira Makrad (this is where I took the following photo).

Giaz Honey Gomez

A model and a singer, Giaz is the second half of the Duo Sexy band with Chacy Luna Callista. She was born on June 15th, 1989. You can see more of her pics on her instagram account giazhoney.

Photo credit: Giaz's Twitter account

Devina Kirana Ayu

Devina has been modeling since she was a junior high school student. She later became a TV host for a cooking show. You can add her on facebook: Devina Kirana Ayu or twitter here.

Photo source: Male Magazine

Tya Maria

Tya Maria may be one of the most famous celebrities in this list. She plays regularly in sinetron and movies. She was named by FHM the "hottest girl on TV". The following picture is from her instagram account: Tya Maria.

Maya Ningrum

The glamourous Maya is a model and a TV host. She was born in June 1993. You can follow her on instagram: Mayabarbb (from where I took the following photo).

Nisa Beiby

Nisa Beiby is a gorgeous girl from Medan with perfect body. She was born on September 8th, 1991.

Photo credit: Facebook Nisa Beiby

Zahra Jasmine

Zahra is an Actress and Model for both fashion shows and magazines. She measures 1,70m and she was born on May 22nd, 1988. The picture below comes from her facebook account: Zahra Jasmine Riana Bule.

Josie Putri

Though not my favorite, Josie is certainly a hottie who does mostly sexy lingerie and bikini shots. She was born on June 17th, 1993 in Jateng, Central Java and she measures 1,65m. The photo is from her facebook: https://www.facebook.com/komardy

Julie Octha

Julie was a finalist for FHM Girl's Next Door in 2012 and she also modeled for Popular and Male Magazine. You can follow her private instagram here: Julie Octha (from where I took the picture).

Bibie Julius

Nadia Ervina alias Bibie Julius is a curvy and tattooed Sundanese girl from Bandung. Born on July 19th, 1994, she is already a popular actress and model. You can see her on some TV shows like "Empat Mata". She recently had a baby. The below pic is from her twitter: Bibie Julius Official.

Dira

The FHM Indonesia girl-next-door in 2016, I have no information about her but there are plenty more photos on her instagram: Dira89.

Rosmita Chaniago

Even though her family name is Filipino, Rosmita is an Indonesian Model living in Bali. With killer lips and eyes, she was also a famous party girl and could often be seen in clubs. Photo from her facebook account: Rosmita Chaniago.

Cicha Claudya

Last but not least, the sweet yet hot-looking angel Chicha is mainly a swimsuit and male magazine model. The following pic is from her instagram account: Cicha Claudia.

Modeling in Indonesia does not pay well so many girls cannot live from this activity only. For this reason, it is quite common to see them doing freelance work in clubs or bars, or during events.

If you see them, don't hesitate to go introduce yourself, they are usually friendly (like all Indonesians) and even if they are not interested, they should stay polite.

You want to see more hot Indonesian girls? Check my other articles: Top 10 Sexiest Women in Indonesia and Sexy Indonesian Girls with Tattoos.

You may also be interested by my article about the Best Online Dating Apps and Websites.

UPDATE MAY 2016
I just discovered the hot model Ferlauna Alona. Also a DJ, she is well-worth belonging on this list:

If you have a local girlfriend or wife, you certainly know that Indonesian girls absolutely love receiving gifts. In fact, I would say that being generous is one of the surest ways to keep your relationship strong and happy (the only most important thing is to be committed and faithful).

At the very least, you should always offer a gift on your partner's birthday. A failure to do so is only excusable if you've just met or if you're trying to get rid of her. Depending on the girl you're seeing, you should probably buy something for Valentine's day and Christmas as well (yes, even if she is a Muslim).

Some relationships may require more frequent gifts, for instance if you are dating someone out of your league. If you are 50 years old and your girlfriend is 25-year old bombshell (like the girl on the picture above), it goes without saying that you'll need to have deep pockets. Similarly, if you are dating a girl that you don't intend to marry, a few gifts may keep her hooked for a little longer. I'm not saying that every Indonesian girl is materialistic, most are not, but they can sometimes be pragmatic.

The list below will give you 10 ideas of gifts that all Indonesian girls would love to receive. I've included links to trusted websites you can buy them from.

Flowers

Flowers are the most romantic gift you can make, for any type of girls and for any occasions. Red and white roses are the preferred choice, unless your girlfriend is a bit more sophisticated and requires originality. You can buy them at the cheapest price in flower markets (see my review Traditional Markets in Jakarta) or you can buy them online directly on Flower Advisor. A bouquet costs around 25$ and it will be delivered on the same day with a personalized note. I used it a lot when I had a long distance relationship and it was very practical.

→ Ideal to show that you care
→ Price range: From 10$ to 50$
→ Delivery in Indonesia: Flower Advisor

Perfume, Make Up and Beauty Products

A classic gift if you don't want to take any risks. You are always sure to make your woman happy with beauty products but always choose a famous brand.

If you are a frequent traveler, it is always easy to buy a fragrance bottle at the duty free shop before arriving in Jakarta. The prices are much cheaper than anywhere else and you get to choose the smell you like the most. In Indonesia, you can buy from Sephora Indonesia or from department stores like Sogo with prices a bit higher.

→ Perfect gift if you want to be 100% sure she'll like it
→ Price range: From 50$ to 130$
→ Delivery in Indonesia: Not recommended for perfume to avoid counterfeit products but you can buy safely from Sephora Indonesia for make up and other beauty products.

Chocolate, Candies, Cakes and Snacks

This is an inexpensive gift to make, especially if you buy them in your home country. Chocolate in Indonesia is 2 to 3 times more expensive than in Europe so it is considered a bit of a luxury here. I always bring as much as I can from France and then gives them around. It's a very easy way to make people smile!

Since Indonesian love eating sweet food, an alternative is to buy any kind of sweets that come with a nice packaging (for instance a heart-shaped box).

→ Ideal for Valentine's day
→ Price range: From 5$ to 20$
→ Delivery in Indonesia: Flower Advisor sells romantic chocolates and you can buy cakes/desserts on BoBoBoBo.com. You can also get standard chocolates delivered to your door on HappyFresh.com.

Photo Frame/Album or Video

A more unique way to show that you care if you are 18, penniless and deeply in love. It sounds a bit girly and cheesy, yet it will very certainly be a hit if your girlfriend is young.

If you really don't have any money, you can make a short video or slideshow online and send it to her as well.

→ Perfect gift for younger girls
→ Price range: 0$ for a video, 4$ for a frame, 20$ for an album, 0.50$ to print a photo
→ To buy online and get delivered in Jakarta: Photo Frames can be bought on Matahari Mall (Indonesian). You can print photos on Pictalogy or Snapy (Indonesian). You can make a free slideshow/video on Smilebox.

Romantic Trips

Photo: https://www.instagram.com/sukiminthio/

The perspective of going on a romantic trip is extremely exciting to every Indonesian girls. Not only because they have few opportunities to go anywhere alone, but more importantly because it will give them plenty of occasions to update their Instagram with new pictures.

Even if you don't have money, you can at least go to Bandung or Bogor. With a bigger budget, Bali, Belitung, the Thousand Islands and Lombok are great choices. Singapore and KL are also quite cheap and easy to reach from Jakarta.

A good way to find amazing prices is to visit Kiwi.com. This travel website allows you to find flights without entering the destination. The result will be a display of the cheapest flights available on a particular date, from Jakarta (Yes I know, Skyscanner does that also, but please try Kiwi and you'll see it has many more possibilities).

Is Kiwi.com better than Skyscanner? I think so.

→ Smart gift if you already have a wife
→ Price range: From 50$ (weekend in Bogor) to 5,000$ (weekend in Velaa Resort in Maldives)
→ Buying online: Keep an eye on the deals from Groupon Indonesia - Travel or Bobobobo - Hotels and Resorts.

Anything Cute and/or Cheesy

This is a bit vague but you probably understand what I mean. Asian girls love cute accessories or toys, especially if they are somewhat romantic. It can be dolls, teddy bears, cups, pillows, watches, sunglasses, t-shirts, pencils, cards, etc as long as there is a funny face or a heartbreaking sentence on it.

→ Easy gift if you're back from a business trip in Japan

→ Price range: From 5$ to 30$
→ Buying online: Check the gift section on FlowerAdvisor.com and Bobobobo.com, they have some cute teddy bears and other plush dolls.

Designer Clothes, Bags and Shoes

Why not give her designer lingerie?

Guys who buy designer clothes and accessories are either very rich, crazy in love or dating above their league. Whatever your reason, you can never go wrong as long as you buy genuine stuff either from abroad or from any of the luxury malls in Jakarta.

→ Perfect gift if you were caught cheating and need forgiveness
→ Price range: Starting from 200$ up to several thousand dollars
→ Delivery to Indonesia/Buying online: The best Indonesian-based website with a large choice of designer clothes, bags, shoes and accessories is certainly Bobobobo.com. You can check their brands directly here Woman Fashion.

Spa or Salon Treatment

Have you ever met a girl who didn't like going to the spa?

You can either buy a treatment that your wife or girlfriend will do alone or buy a couple's massage. Several venues allow it in Jakarta and I've listed them in my review: Best Luxury Hotel Spas in Jakarta. I also recommend you to try any of the Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa (check for deals on Groupon).

→ Perfect gift if you want to please her while still meeting your friends
→ Price range: 30$ to 80$
→ Where to purchase online: You can have a look at the Spa Deals on Groupon: Best Spa Deals in Indonesia

Phone, Laptop and Tablets

It is almost a tradition for the boyfriend to pay for his girlfriend's phone in Indonesia. This is why you'll see so many girls who earn less than 300$/month with the latest 800$ Iphone. Once the phone is taken care of, you may start to hear things like "I really need a laptop for my work" or "My teacher wants us to buy a laptop". This is the sign you're in for a little present.

→ Must-buy gift if you are dating a gold-digger
→ Price range: 400$-1500$
→ Buying online: If you can speak Indonesian, you can visit MatahariMall or Lazada. Both have a huge choice and they can deliver anywhere in Indonesia.

Sexy Stuff

Offering lingerie or sex toys is actually more a gift to yourself and that's why it is such a good idea. Lingerie can easily be found in any malls, for instance in La Senza or Victoria's Secret. It is much harder to buy sex toys in Indonesia so it is best to bring them from abroad.

→ Perfect gift to yourself
→ Price range: 30$ to 200$
→ Buying lingerie online: Websites like Bobobobo (Lingerie for woman) and Zalora have a limited choice. Matahari Mall and Lazada are better but they are in Indonesian. The best choice would be AliExpress, and especially its page Sexy Lingerie.
→ Buying sex toys online: Limited choice on Lazada - Sex Help. Much better if you import through Aliexpress - Sex Toys but the customs may not allow your stuff to enter the country.

Photo credit: The two awesome pictures with Indonesian beauties were taken by Mr. Ecko. You can see more of his portfolio on Instagram here @rockandrolla_photography.

Until today, I had never dared writing an article about ethnicity in Indonesia. I didn't want to appear racist and also because my knowledge on the subject is limited. As I'm growing older I start to care less, so here I am giving you advice on whether it is best to date/marry a Javanese or a Sundanese girl.

Be aware that I am basing this whole piece on personal experience only. This is not a scientific paper, it's just entertainment. You may have a completely different opinion and I would love to hear it (especially if you are an Indonesian reader). Please just write a comment below.

The two main ethnic groups in Indonesia are the Javanese (90 million people, 40% of the population) and the Sundanese (36 million people, 15.5% of the population). Both have distinct traditions, languages, cultures and cuisines. Javanese live mostly in East Java (Yogyakarta, Surabaya) while Sundanese are from the Bandung region.

In Jakarta, most of the girls you meet will be either Javanese or Sundanese. It is also common to come across Bataknese (Medan), Betawi (pure Jakarta), Indonesian-Chinese, Manadonese (Manado) and Makassarese (Makassar). In Bali, apart from Balinese, you will see more Madurese (Madura) and ethnicities from Eastern Indonesia (Flores, Timur, Maluku).

Most expats don't really care about that and they consider it's pretty much all the same. On the contrary, Indonesians like to point at the differences between the people of each provinces. They will give specific traits to some ethnicities, negative or positive, and based on these stereotypes they might deem that some mixed "race" couples are not desirable. For instance, a persistent myth among Indonesians is that a couple between a Javanese men and a Sundanese women cannot work well.

For better understanding, let's review what are the stereotypes about the three main Indonesian ethnical groups:

The Sundanese Character:

Sundanese Model Melli Voo

What Indonesians say:

Sundanese are considered soft and easy-going. It is said that due to their welcoming nature, the penetration of Islam among them was faster and easier compared to the Javanese. For this reason, they are overall more religious compared to the Javanese.

Some will say that they lack ambition and they are not willing to live far from their home. One of the consequences is that there are less of them in top jobs and positions. Among ministers or ex-presidents of Indonesia, very few were Sundanese.

Sundanese girls are often called the most beautiful women in Indonesia, mainly because of their lighter skin color.

If you date a Sundanese, you might experience a surge in your monthly expenses. Sundanese girls love to spend on clothes, cellphones, laptops, shoes, beauty products and entertainment. Such gifts are expected as a part of the relationship and it is sometimes hard to know how sincere the love is.

Sundanese girls are sometimes criticized for behaving like divas: High maintenance, spoiled, overly dramatic and proud of their appearance. It seems they are aware of their value and they know how to get the best from it.

My personal experience:

Regarding the beauty of Sundanese girl: They are indeed pretty but I prefer Manadonese (because they look a bit like Filipinas). Girls in Malang are also just as attractive.

About their open mindset, Sundanese are hospitable like anywhere in Indonesia. I didn't notice any differences staying in Bandung or Surabaya. I also don't feel they are less ambitious than other Indonesians.

Regarding the materialistic mindset of Sundanese girls: I found it to be generally true, with several exceptions though. You must differentiate educated girls from Bandung's middle and upper class with countryside girls from Indramayu. Girls from poorer background may be expected by their families to marry with someone who will take care of them. Those girls are usually popular among Indonesian men and expats so they have a wide range of option. Naturally, they will not choose the stingy ones. Beauty in Indonesia often comes with at a price and I've learned to be careful with gorgeous Sundanese. I normally avoid them.

The Javanese Character:

Miss Indonesia 2015 - Maria Harfanti - is Javanese

What Indonesians say:

Javanese are often characterized with the "nrimo" concept of life, which means accepting your fate by seeing the bright side of it. For instance, if you cannot afford a car, you will think that walking keeps you healthy. As a result, Javanese are said to be obedient and submissive. They are also avoiding conflicting situations, preferring to keep their feelings to themselves rather than expressing them.

My personal experience:

My relationships/dates with Javanese girls have been more successful than those with Sundanese girls. I've never really noticed that they were more submissive, but they were less money-oriented and less childish.

Expats with passive-aggressive and shy personalities may feel more comfortable with a Javanese girlfriend.

The Batak Character:

Zivanna Letisha Siregar is half Batak

What Indonesians say:

Bataknese have quite a unique reputation in Indonesia. Because Dutch set up missionary schools early in the 20th century around the Lake Toba area, many Batak were able to get a good education, sometimes in Holland, and then high positions in the government. Until today, they occupy many prestigious jobs (lawyers, engineers, doctors, etc) and they are seen as a smart ethnic group.

For centuries, they were living isolated in the mountains, and therefore they developed a strong character. They are tough to negotiate with, feisty and they like to stay between themselves.

My personal experience:

I've met quite a lot of Batak, men and women, while I was in Indonesia. As far as I can tell, the stereotypes about them are rather true. The two Indonesian lawyers I ever dealt with were Batak, and they were tough and uncompromising. My first Indonesian girlfriend was also a Batak and our relationship was mostly fights and screams. Most of her friends were also Batak.

Overall: Is It Better to Date/Marry a Javanese, Sundanese or Batak Girl?

As I mentioned, I've had better experiences with Javanese girls, but there are more factors at play than just the ethnicity. My feeling is that the socioeconomic and the education background is what matters the most. You may also feel more attracted to certain personality traits as well. Among expats, I noticed that many are dating or marrying Batak girls. They may enjoy their outspoken and confident personality which is more similar to that of a Western girl. In my case however, I tend to avoid them because I prefer someone quiet and easy-going.

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

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

Metro Manila

Revel Nightclub in Manila

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

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 25

Curfew: 5 AM

Prices: Cheap

Meeting Girls: Easy (FilipinaCupid)

Prostitution: Moderate (in Malate, Makati, Pasay)
Where to party: Makati, BGC (Bonifacio Global City), The Fort, Quezon City

Where to stay: Makati

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

Saigon

Ladies night in Lush

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 30

Curfew: 4 AM

Prices: Low

Meeting Girls: Easy (VietnamCupid)

Prostitution: High (Massage Parlours in Saigon)

Where to Party: District 1

Where to stay: Near Ben Thanh Market

For a complete review, you can read Saigon Nightlife.

Jakarta

Dragonfly in Jakarta

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 15

Curfew: 4-5 AM

Prices: Expensive (10$ for a cocktail, 4$ for a beer, up to 25$ for an entrance in the best clubs)

Meeting Girls: Easy (IndonesiaCupid)

Prostitution: High
Where to Party? See my guide Party Areas in Jakarta

Where to stay? See my guide Where to Stay in Jakarta

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

Bangkok

Soi Cowboy

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: At least 30

Curfew: 1 AM

Prices: Low (5$ for a cocktail, 2$ for a beer, 15$ for an entrance in the best clubs)

Meeting Girls: Moderately easy (ThaiCupid) - Lots of competition from other guys.

Prostitution: High (in Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, Patpong)

Where to Party: Sukhumvit, Thonglor, RCA

Where to stay: Near Asok BTS

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

Shanghai

Bar Rouge is the best party spot in Shanghai

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

In a nutshell:

⛔ Too many bottle clubs, rather expensive, daily annoyances from government restrictions.

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 40

Curfew: 4 AM

Prices: Average (15-20$ for club entrance)

Meeting Girls: Average

Prostitution: Discreet (KTVs, online, spas)

Where to Party: Hengshan road, Xintiandi

Where to stay: Near Shanghai Library Station

Taipei

Omni Club

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 10

Curfew: 4-5 AM

Prices: Moderate (free flow nightclubs available)

Meeting Girls: Moderate (Tinder)

Prostitution: Low

Where to Party: ATT4FUN, NEO19

Where to stay: Near Taipei 101 MRT

For a complete review, you can read Taiwan Nightlife Guide

Singapore

Bang Bang Nightclub

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

In a nutshell:

⛔ Too expensive, more challenging with girls, quite tame, too many rules

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

Number of nightclubs: 25

Curfew: 3-4 AM Prices: Very expensive

Meeting Girls: Moderate (Tinder, Paktor)

Prostitution: Moderate (in Geylang, in Orchard Tower, online prostitution, "health centers".

Where to Party: Chinatown, Clarke Quay

Where to stay: Near Orchard MRT

For a complete review, you can read Singapore Nightlife Guide

Hong Kong

The Lan Kwai Fong area is filled with party-goers at night

A world-class city, a bit more stylish than Singapore, with a plethora of bars and lounges. Some good clubs as well, very international yet with a strong Chinese influence.

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 20

Curfew: 4-5 AM

Prices: Moderate (free flow nightclubs available)

Meeting Girls: Moderate (Tinder)

Prostitution: High (Wanchai)

Where to Party: Lan Kwai Fong, Wanchai

Where to stay: Near MRT Central

Bali: Kuta to Seminyak Area

Clubbing in Jenja Bali

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 15

Curfew: 5 AM

Prices: Average

Meeting girls: Easy

Prostitution: Growing (see Is Bali Becoming A Sex Tourist Destination?).

Where to party: Jalan Oberoi (Seminyak) or near Sky Garden (Kuta)

Where to stay: Near Jalan Oberoi or near Sky Garden

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

Hanoi

Fame club in Hanoi

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 20

Curfew: 3 AM

Prices: Low

Meeting Girls: Easy (VietnamCupid)

Prostitution: High (Massage Parlours in Hanoi)

Where to Party: Old Quarter, West Lake

Where to stay: Near the Saint Joseph Cathedral

For a complete review, you can read Hanoi Nightlife Guide

Almaty

TSB - My favorite club in Almaty

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 15

Curfew: 5 AM

Prices: Cheap

Meeting Girls: Easy (Tinder, Mamba)

Prostitution: Average

Where to Party: Around the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and Gogol Street

Where to stay: Near Panfilovtsev Park

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

Phnom Penh

Pontoon Club in Phnom Penh

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 20

Curfew: 5-6 AM

Prices: Cheap

Meeting girls: Easy but many prostitutes

Prostitution: High

Where to party: Street 51 (Pasteur) near Pontoon. For hostess bars, streets 104, 130, 136.

Where to stay: Near Cardamom Hotel, Lux Riverside or Sun & Moon Urban Hotel.

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

Phuket

Seduction Club in Patong

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 10

Curfew: 5-6 AM

Prices: Average

Meeting girls: Rather difficult to meet non-prostitute. Try ThaiCupid.

Prostitution: Everywhere

Where to party: Bangla Road

Where to stay: Near Bangla Road

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

Cebu

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

In a nutshell:

⛔ Becoming more touristy (especially among Koreans), rather small and provincial.

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

Number of nightclubs: 10

Curfew: 4 AM

Prices: Cheap

Meeting Girls: Easy (FilipinaCupid)

Prostitution: Important

Where to Party: Mango Square, Mango Avenue

Where to stay: Near Mango Square

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

Pattaya

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

In a nutshell:

⛔ Seedy atmosphere, very commercial, dirty beach.

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

Number of nightclubs: 20

Curfew: 5-6 AM

Prices: Average

Meeting girls: Almost impossible to meet a non-prostitute

Prostitution: Everywhere

Where to party: Walking street, Soi LK Metro

Where to stay: Near Central Festival Beach Mall

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

Kuala Lumpur

Zouk Club in the TREC complex

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

In a nutshell:

⛔ Conservative mentality, racial tensions, limited number of clubs

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

Number of nightclubs: 20

Curfew: 4 AM

Prices: Average

Meeting Girl: Average

Prostitution: Average

Where to Party: TREC, Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang

Where to stay: Near Sungei Wang Plaza

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

Koh Samui - Koh Phangan

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

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 5

Curfew: 5-6 AM

Prices: Average

Meeting girls: Mostly Westerners. Not so easy.

Prostitution: Average. Mostly in the form of massage parlors.

Where to party: Haad Rin Beach (Koh Phangan), Chaweng (Koh Samui)

Where to stay: Haad Rin (Koh Phangan), Chaweng Walking Street (Koh Samui)

Vang Vieng

For unknown reasons, Koreans love to party in Vang Vieng

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

In a nutshell:

⛔ Small, low-class, repetitive, prices above than average.

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

Number of nightclubs: 3

Curfew: 3-7 AM

Prices: Low to moderate (as elsewhere in Laos)

Meeting girls: Maybe the best place in Southeast Asia to meet Western girls (a lot of British, Canadian, American, Nordic, etc).

Prostitution: Small

Where to party: Start in Sakura Bar, then move to Viva, then to Room 101.

Where to stay: Near the Post Office

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

Chiang Mai

Zoe in Yellow is the place to go for backpackers

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 5

Curfew: 1 AM

Prices: Cheap

Meeting girls: Easy with both Western girls and Thai girls

Prostitution: Small

Where to party: Nimman (Thai area), Old City (Tourist area), Loi Kroh (Lady bars)

Where to stay: Near Tha Phae Gate.

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

Gili Trawangan

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

In a nutshell:

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

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

Number of nightclubs: 4

Curfew: 5 AM

Prices: Average

Meeting girls: Moderate (Western girls mostly)

Prostitution: Small

Where to party: Between the Pier and Villa Ombak Hotel.

Where to stay: Backpackers: Stay in party hostels like Gili Castle or Broken Compass. If you have money, try instead Scallywags Resort.

For a complete review, you can check: Gili Trawangan Nightlife - Lombok

I already wrote last year a complete review of Bali nightlife which I recently updated. I'm adding this ranking of the top 12 hottest clubs on the island. This list of the best party places should help you choose where to go for your night out. The $ sign indicates the average price category for a standard alcoholic drink.

The following venues are all the busiest party spots in Bali at the time of writing. Please feel free to comment!

I recommend you to choose a hotel near a nightclub. You'll avoid 4 things: Drunk motorbike accidents, bag snatchers, traffic jams and crooked taxi drivers. Read my article 10 Best Girl-Friendly Hotels Near Bali Nightlife or check these top Bali hotels to party with chic rooftop bars, multi-tiered pools and nearby beachside clubs.

1) Jenja $$$: Best overall

Photo source: Jenja Bali

Where is it? Jenja is located in the basement of the Town Square Suites on Jalan Nakula. It is just between Kuta and Seminyak and 3 minutes away from Double Six beach. There have been several cases of robberies in front of the hotel so be careful late at night.
Who goes there? Expats 60%, tourists 20%, Indonesians 20% (among which some prostitutes)
Why should I go? Jenja is popular for having the right dosage between chic and underground. Good resident and guest DJs. European-style electronic music.
Why should I avoid it? You might feel claustrophobic on the dancefloor as the ceiling is pretty low and the club packed at peak hours.
When is the best time to go? Every night from Wednesday to Saturday, after 1AM. Read more: Jenja.

2) La Favela $$: Best bar in Bali

Photo credit: http://jberginc.com/

Where is it? More a bar than a nightclub, La Favela is located in the heart of Seminyak, on Jalan Oberoi. It is just in front of Red Carpet Champagne Bar, and next to Le Bistro.
Who goes there? 50% tourists, 30% expats, 20% Indonesians.
Why should I go? The interior design of La Favela is really amazing, a real work of art. The place is rather big, with a nice, quieter outdoor area. Trendy, hippie kind of crowd.
Why should I avoid it? The music is a hit or miss, usually old-school with popular pop and disco songs. Not a sleek, modern place as it is made almost entirely from recycled materials and antiques. Popular with Westerners, much less with Indonesians. They give you plastic cups instead of real glasses.
When is the best time to go? La Favela is open all day as it is also a restaurant. The place becomes lively only after 11pm, almost any night of the week. Complete review here: La Favela Seminyak.

Update October 2016: La Favela is as hot and busy as ever, and you often need to queue to get in. They have introduced a policy forbidding Indonesians under 25 to enter. Strange and racist.

An alternative to La Favela is the restaurant/lounge/club Shanghai Baby (the hotspot for expats, deep house and cantonese cuisine) or to the Mexican open air café Mexicola.

3) Sky Garden $$: Best nightlife spot in Kuta

Photo credit: Club Sky Garden

Where is it? Sky Garden is located in Jalan Legian, Kuta. The street is often clogged with traffic so it's best to walk if you don't stay too far away. Beware of pickpockets outside and inside, especially at the end of the night.
Who goes there? Australians (50% Bogans), teenagers and backpackers from all over the world, Javanese prostitutes, 20-something Jakartans on their first trip to Bali, some younger expats.
Why should I go? The biggest club in Bali with a fun, mixed crowd in terms of age and nationalities. Different music on every floors and rooms (electro, old school, rnb, live) including a rooftop and a huge main dancefloor with the best sound system in Bali (SkyDome). Some great shows including sexy dancers. Girls can get free selected cocktails on ladies nights. Every day, cheap 5$ all-you-can-eat barbecue. Drinks are very reasonably priced.
Why should I avoid it? If you don't like college style parties, then you will hate it. There are also quite many prostitutes operating in the club but they are rather discreet. You may also not feel too safe as it is just a few hundred meters away from Ground Zero where the first Bali bomb went off. Many expats hate it because it is too mainstream and because it attracts quite many singlet-wearing Australians.
When is the best time to visit? Because it is always packed early in the night, SkyGarden is recommended any day of the week, after 9pm. Complete review: Sky Garden Kuta.

~~4) Mint $$$~~ (CLOSED and replaced with Red Ruby)

Photo source: Mint

Where is it? Mint is located on Jalan Petitenget, in the heart of Seminyak. It is not far from W Hotel or Potato Head Beach Club. It is just in front of another popular bar, Mantra, which is a good option for pre-party cocktails.
Who goes there? Single male expats above 30 (from Bali and Jakarta), Javanese girls (among which many working girls), some gays, some Western girls, some tourists.
Why should I go? Intimate club with many regulars. Great electronic music. Drinks not too expensive. A relatively easy pick-up place for guys and girls.
Why should I avoid it? You won't like Mint if you are too young. It is a closed air-conditioned club that has no "Balinese" feel. Western girls might not be comfortable with the number of prostitutes.
When is the best time to go? I would only advise going to Mint on weekends or when they have special DJs. 1AM is the perfect hour. More on Mint on Jakarta100bars.com: Mint Nightlife Bali.

UPDATE 2018: Mint has changed ownership. It is now called Red Ruby and it is similar to what it used to be.

5) Mirror $$$: Best nightclub for Jakartans

Photo source: Mirror

Where is it? Mirror is located in the back of Gardin Bistro on Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak.
Who goes there? The latest trendy club in Bali, Mirror attracts mostly people from the Seminyak expat community. Since the owner of the club is also behind the popular Fable in Jakarta, you also have a lot of Jakartans.
Why should I go? Unique décor, good crowd, full on weekends. They have also been bringing some famous DJs. People tend to dress up more than usual in Mirror.
Why should I avoid it? Mainstream electronic dance music. The club is made to look like a church. Personally, I don't like it, it feels creepy. Others say it's a Harry Potter theme, which is even worse.
When is the best time to go? There are events from Wednesday to Saturday. You can go starting midnight. More info: Mirror Bali.

6) Boshe VVIP $$$: Best club for Asian party-goers

Photo source: Boshe VVIP

Where is it? Boshe VIP is in Kuta on Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai. You will need a 10-minute taxi ride to reach it from Jalan Legian and 20 minutes from Seminyak.
Who goes there? Asians, mostly Indonesians (Javanese, Indo-Chinese, some Balinese), Malaysians and Singaporeans
Why should I go? Most people go to Boshe for the girls. They have some sexy lady companions and a popular karaoke. The events are usually quite fun: They have rather good local live bands and an excellent sound system. After the live music, you usually have a DJ playing electronic music. There is a really cool dressing code for the staff: All of them have dyed hair, tattoos and a rock attitude.
Why should I avoid it? Boshe is almost 100% Asian. Guys usually book a table or a sofa, pay for some girls to accompany them, and get drunk. There is not much interactions in the crowd. It is harder to meet a "normal" girl too. The live bands play a lot of Indonesian songs which can be boring if you are not familiar with them.
When I should visit it? Boshe is decently crowded during the week, and it is busy from Wednesday to Saturday night. If you want to hear the live music, come from 8am to midnight. For their latest events: Boshe Bali.

7) Pyramid $$$: Best club for late-night expat clubbers

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/bali.tonight

Where is it? Pyramid is on Jalan Dewi Sri, easy to reach from both Seminyak and Kuta (10-minute ride by taxi). The area is one of the worst in Bali regarding safety. There have been countless reports of motorbike riders (females mostly) having their handbags snatched. Be very careful.
Who goes there? People usually go to Pyramid after all the other places (Jenja, Mirror, Mint, SkyGarden, etc) have closed. It is a mix of different crowds, but mostly you will find male expats and prostitutes.
Why should I go? The electronic music is usually excellent. Past a certain hour, it is the only decent place opened apart from DeeJay Cafe (see below).
Why should I avoid it? You may not like the 80% male crowd, 15% prostitutes, 5% normal girls.
When is the best time to go? I would only advise Pyramid on weekends as most of their events are on Friday and Saturday nights. 4AM is a normal time. Complete review here: Pyramid Bali.

~~8) Hu'u Bar $$$:~~ (CLOSED)

Photo source: Hu'u Bar

Where is it? Hu'u bar is centrally located in Seminyak, Jalan Petitenget, near the new Alila Hotel. It is 2 minutes away from Ku De Ta or Potato Head. 
Who goes there? Mostly Indonesians from Jakarta and Indonesian residents of Bali. The rest is 25% expats and 15% tourists.
 Why should I go? Hu'u has a Bali vibe with its large garden and swimming pool. Good crowd and one of the best pick up places on the island. 
Why should I avoid it? The music is mainstream unless they have events. Since the opening of Mirror, it is not as happening as it used to be. 
When is the best time to go? Weekends only, midnight. For a complete review: Hu'u Bar.

Update 2016: Hu'u has closed and it has been replaced by Gatsby (which is not so crowded). Jakartans now go to Mirror.

9) Hypnotized $$: Best club for under 25

Photo Credit: VH Kuta

Where is it? Hypnotized and the Velvet Lounge, also called VH, are located in Beachwalk Mall in Kuta. Easy to find, but the traffic can be horrible on weekend nights. Some taxis may actually refuse to take you there and will drop you instead at Kartika Plaza (10 minutes walk).
Who goes there? The picture is misleading as most clients of Hypnotized are Indonesians living in Bali (but not Balinese). You also have some tourists from Jakarta and other countries.
Why should I go? Hypnotized is a rather clean club with less prostitution compared to other venues mentioned in this review. Guys looking to meet normal Indonesian girls could try it.
Why I should avoid it? Mainstream music. Younger crowd.
What is the best time to go? Weekends only unless they have special events or guest DJs. It starts to fill up around midnight. More information: Velvet Hypnotized Bali.

10) ~~Akasaka / A-Club $$~~: Best underground club in Bali (CLOSED)

Photo Credit: A-Club Bali

Where is it? Akasaka and A-Club are both in the same complex, in Denpasar, on the Simpan Enam roundabout. Every taxis will know where it is. If you don't have a taxi, you just have to follow Jalan Imam Bonjol from Sunset Road, then Jalan Teuku Umar. It is a 15 minutes drive from Sunset Road.
Who goes there? Mostly Indonesians, Balinese and Javanese living in Bali. There are also some long term expats who are used to Jakarta nightclubs. 95% of the girls in Akasaka are prostitutes, freelance or not.
Why should I go? Akasaka is the most popular nightclub in Bali with Indonesians. It is also one of the craziest and at the centre of Bali prostitution scene: It's the only place in Bali where I have seen nude striptease. They have some good events with DJs from Jakarta and even international ones.
Why should I avoid it?: As a typical underground place, you have a lot of drugs including ecstasy. Very limited chances of meeting a normal girl. The techno music played in the largest room can only be understood by Indonesian ears.
When is the best time to go?: Read more: Akasaka Bali.

11) DeeJay Club $$: Best after in Bali

Photo Credit: Paradiso Hotel

Where is it? DeeJay Café is located in Kuta, in Paradiso Hotel. It is not far from Discovery Plaza Mall on Jalan Kartika.
Who goes there? Though not a gay club, I would say that most of the crowd is made of gays or ladyboys. The guys to girls ration is terrible, probably 10 to 1, and most girls are prostitutes. There are always some foreigners, usually expats, but most people are Indonesians.
Why should I go? DeeJay Café is one of the only two after-hour club in Bali (with Pyramid) so you don't have much choice. The music is rather good, in general hits by famous Jakarta DJs (Bobby in particular).
Why should I avoid it? You should always avoid DeeJay café unless you are too drunk or too high to make smart decisions. You may also not want to pay the entrance fee (from Rp100,000 to Rp200,000). A lot of drug inside.
When is the best time to go? Saturday and Sunday morning after 5AM until 10AM. More information: Bali DeeJay Club.

12) ~~Koh $$~~: Best venue in Seminyak for electronic music (CLOSED)

Photo credit: Umalagon

Where is it? The newest club in Bali, Koh is on Jalan Dyana Pura, Seminyak. It is not far from the gay nightlife area.
Who goes there? Expats and Bali residents 70%, tourists 30%.
Why should I go? The main reason to go to Koh is for the music, which promises to be on par with nightclubs in Europe.
Why should I avoid it? Underground clubs in Europe are popular because you can take ecstasy safely. I'm not sure the safe concept would work in Bali if people are just drunk on beer.
When should you go there: For now, weekends only, 1AM. Check if they have special events for the other nights of the week: Koh Bali.
Update 2016 on Koh: It's good only if you go during events, if a famous DJs is visiting. Check their schedule before visiting to avoid being in an empty club.

Update 2017: Koh has closed down since March. It might reopen later but it is not sure.

UPDATE BALI NIGHTLIFE 2018
Some new bar/clubs are currently happening and worth checking out.

La Laguna (a beach club) and La Sicilia (bar club restaurant) were opened by the people behind la Favela. It's very popular and trendy with expats.

Old Man's in Canggu is a laid-back bar where long term residents and expats of Seminyak and Canggu hang out. It's more hippy/new age than the rest of the places mentioned here.

Conclusion: The Best Clubs in Bali

As the beach is more polluted and the rice fields in Kuta and Seminyak have vanished, the nightlife has become one of the few reasons for staying in South Bali nowadays.

Clubs, bars and restaurants are sprouting like mushrooms but only a few manage to be busy and successful. Just two years ago, Townhouse was the hottest party place in Seminyak. Today? It is closed down and forgotten.

For this reason, I would really be grateful if you could comment below in case a new clubs open or one gets shut down. Thanks in advance!

Photo credit main picture: Bali Tonight

Are you traveling in Asia? Check also my review about Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife.

Partying is one of the best things to do during a trip to Bali. Bars and nightclubs can be found in every major city, especially in the southern part of the island.

I already wrote an article about the 12 best nightclubs in Bali, but here I will focus on the nightlife areas and their specificities. I hope it will help you decide where to party, what kind of atmosphere to expect and how much you will spend. I will also recommend the best hotels in each area.

As usual, you can ask any question by leaving a comment at the end of the page and I will do my best to answer them.

Kuta

Skygarden from outside

Only 15 minutes away from the Ngurah Rai international airport, Kuta is the epicenter of Bali's tourism industry. If you haven't been there yet, just picture a crowded gold-sand beach, hundreds of souvenir shops, and endless traffic jams.

Though it has much improved in the past ten years (new sidewalks, new malls, new luxury resorts), it is still a rather lower-class area, popular mainly with Australians, Indonesians, and backpackers under 25 on a budget.

Clubbing in Kuta can be fun, especially if you are young. The atmosphere is similar to that of a massive frat party with an additional holiday vibe. Sure, the music sucks, you drink from plastic glasses and people are drunk way too early. But on the positive side, you meet people easily and you can score with basically any girl past 2 AM.

In general, there is no entrance fee (except in Skygarden after 11 PM) and the prices of drinks are cheap for Indonesia standards. A beer is around IDR40,000 and cocktails start at IDR80,000.

Where to Party in Kuta:
The biggest party zone in Kuta is located on Jalan Legian, near the Ground Zero monument (in memory of the 2002 Bali Bombing). There are at least 15 nightlife venues there, side by side.

The most famous is the 4-floor Skygarden nightclub. They have plenty of exciting promotions, some very interesting if you are a woman (free drinks on specific days - check their Facebook). The club has several dancefloors to choose from (EDM, Rn'B, Top 40) and a rooftop with old school hip-hop. Famous DJs play at least every week.

The other popular and recommended venues are Vi Ai Pi (live music), Apache ("reggae" bar with a long terrace) and maybe Eikon (for Australians). The renovated Engine Room is huge but too trashy. Elsewhere is often terrible, for instance in Paddy's or Bounty which are both bogans' territory. It doesn't hurt to have a look but don't say I didn't warn you.

You should know that in each club in Kuta, there is a fair number of prostitutes. If a girl stares at you for no reason, you can assume she is after your wallet.

Where to Stay in Kuta near the Nightlife:
Here are a few recommended hotels in Kuta walking distance from the nightclubs (Book early to get the best prices!)
- Harper Kuta (40$ per night, rated 8.3)
- Grand Barong Resort (50$ per night, rated 8.5)
- The Bene Hotel (70$ per night, rated 8.2)
- Citadines (70$ per night, rated 8.3)
- Sheraton Beachwalk Mall (160$ per night, rated 8.6)

Read more: Kuta Nightlife in 500 words and Best Girl-Friendly Hotels in Bali

Seminyak

Entrance of La Favela

Seminyak is the second best city for partying in Bali. Only 10 kilometers north of Kuta, it is much more upmarket due to the high density of private villas and luxury resorts.

While the beach looks average, it is a great location for those who want to relax, eat well and receive spa treatments.

The Seminyak crowd is mostly made of upper-class Australians, rich Indonesians from Jakarta, European travelers, and expats living in Asia. Typically, they are between 25 and 45 years old.

Weekdays can be quiet, especially on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. On those days, it is better to go to Kuta instead.

Naturally, bars and nightclubs are rather expensive. A beer will cost you at least IDR50,000 and a cocktail over IDR110,000. Some venues have an entrance fee on weekends and a dress code, for instance, Mirror.

Where to Party in Seminyak:
Seminyak nightlife is spread out in at least 5 streets: Jalan Oberoi (officially Jalan Kayu Aya), Jalan Petitenget, Jalan Dhyana Pura (officially Jalan Camplung Tanduk), Jalan Double Six and, finally, in Jalan Batu Belig.

Jalan Oberoi is the best street for dining out and partying in Seminyak. Its heart is near the bar/club La Favela and it extends until the Italian restaurant Ultimo. Most venues are in the open-air so you can see which ones are interesting or not from outside. Apart from La Favela, the most happening spots are Red Carpet Champagne Bar, Rumors and Mexicola (in a parallel street).

5-minute away, Jalan Petitenget has more stylish venues, including several beachfront bars and restaurants (Potato Head, Mrs Sippy, Woo Bar, Kudeta). There are also small clubs and hip bars like Da Maria, Mirror, Hacienda or the newly-open Red Ruby (replacing The Elektrik which replaced Mint). At the end of Jalan Petitenget, near Batu Belig, the bar Jungle throws great parties every Friday. They are extremely popular with young expats and foreign residents.

Jalan Dhyana Pura is famous for having several small gay bars (Bali Joe, Mixwell, Bottoms Up) and LGBT-friendly clubs (Opivm, the new Wild House). You'll also find old-style live music pubs (Frankenstein's, Santa Fe).

Jalan Double Six is a tiny road along the beach. It used to have the best clubs in Bali but they were all razed and replaced with condominiums. Nowadays, two venues are worth a visit around sunset time: La Plancha (same owner as La Favela) and Cocoon. Every month, both organize a beach party and a pool party (respectively). Check their Facebook for more information.

Finally, the area of Batu Belig is near Canggu. It is rather trendy and less touristy than the rest of Seminyak. Some of the hippest venues in Bali are now located there, such as the beach club 707 (the equivalent of La Plancha 10 years ago).

Where to Stay in Seminyak near the Nightlife:

Near Jalan Oberoi
Ananda Hotel (45$, rated 8.4)
U Paasha (110$, rated 8.6)

Near Jalan Petitenget
Agura Bungalows Petitenget Beach (40$, rated 8.8)
W Retreat and Spa (Home of Woo Bar - 300$ per night, rated 9.0)

Near Jalan Dhyana Pura
Ping Hotel (40$, rated 8.5)
Tijili Hotel (55$, rated 8.8)
Courtyard by Marriott (200$, rated 8.8)

Near Double Six:
FuramaXclusiv Beach Hotel (70$, rated 8.1)
Double-Six Hotel (220$, rated 8.7)

Near Batu Belig:
This area has hundreds of private villas which can be great for parties. A recommended one is 007 Villa (180$, rated 9.2).

Read more: Seminyak Nightlife in less than 500 Words

Legian

Y Sports Bar in Jalan Padma Utara

Legian is the village between Seminyak and Kuta. Its nightlife doesn't really have a clear identity: It is a mix between trendy expat spots and holiday pubs, depending on where you go.

Where to Party in Legian:
Jalan Padma, Jalan Padma Utara and Jalan Melasti.
In those streets, walking distance from the beach front, you will find several laid-back open-air sports bars with an occasional live band. The crowd is overwhelmingly made of Australian families who visit Bali regularly for holidays. It's perfect for people who just want to drink cheap Bintang and chill with their friends.

Prices are low, on average IDR50,000 for a beer and IDR80,000 for cocktails. If you need a bar recommendation, you can try Y Sports Bar which has the particularity of holding midget boxing fights every night.

Jalan Dewi Sri / Jalan Nakula
This area of Legian, near Denpasar, is a borderline red-light district. It has several late-night nightclubs (Jenja, Pyramid, the brand-new Eden) and some naughty massage parlors (Star Bugar, Delta).

Where to Stay in Legian Near the Nightlife:

Legian is a strategic location for a stay in South Bali. It is close from everything and its beach is less crowded than Kuta's. Here are a few recommended hotels:

AQ-VA Hotel (45$ per night, rated 8.6)

Mercure Bali Legian (75$ per night, rated 8.1)

You can also read Best Cheap Hotels in Sunset Road - Legian.

Canggu

Party in Old Man's

The village of Canggu has developed tremendously in recent years with the influx of young expats looking for a quieter alternative to Seminyak (10-minute away). By expats, I mean all the foreigners staying in Bali for more than a few months, whatever their reasons (work is rarely one of them).

Canggu has a relaxed atmosphere, affordable housing, and a tight-knit community. If you are a hipster, a vegetarian, a designer, a cook or a yoga enthusiast, you'll certainly fit right in.

Where to Party in Canggu:
Canggu still has a countryside feel and there isn't a single street with a high density of night spots.

The best place to go to is Old Man's, a sort of hippie beach bar that has a popular party every Wednesday (the same people will go to Jungle on Friday). It is near the minimalist beach lounge The Lawn.

Apart from that, you can try the skate park/café Pretty Poison (if you are a teenager) or check Arboon's Facebook for the date of their next moon parties (Full Moon, Black Moon, etc).

Finally, Finn's Beach Club is a happening spot during the day and until sunset time.

Where to Stay in Canggu Near the Nightlife:

If you can afford it, it's better to stay in a villa. Villa Echo Padi is near the Batu Bolong Beach (Old Man's) and rated 9.4 on Agoda (200$ per night).

Some cheaper alternatives are:

Echoland Bed and Breakfast (40$, rated 8.4)

Aston Batu Bolong (75$, rated 8.6)

Nightlife in Other Balinese Cities:

Denpasar
Denpasar used to have a cool underground nightclub, Akasaka. Unfortunately, it closed down in early 2017 after the police found 7-million $ worth of ecstasy pills inside.

Nowadays, there aren't any decent venues apart from hostess karaokes and massage parlors (for instance: H69, Royal Palace or Sriya Spa). Clients are usually local Indonesians.

Recommended hotel in Denpasar: Ibis Styles Denpasar (30$ per night, rated 7.5).

Sanur
Sanur has a rather important sex industry for both locals and older expats. Prostitutes will usually wait for customers in "fishbowls" inside villas marked with an X (for instance 18X). Most can be found near Jalan Danau Poso or Jalan Tirta Ening.

Apart from that, there are a few expat pubs too. Nothing really interesting in my opinion.

Recommended hotel in Sanur: Taksu Hotel (50$, rated 8.5) or Akana (100$, rated 8.6)

Ubud

No Mas party

Even though Ubud has a calm atmosphere at night, a few cafés can be lively until 2 AM in the city center (along Jalan Monkey Forest, Jalan Dewisita or Jalan Gutama). The most happening is the live music pub Laughing Buddha, always packed with backpackers and long-stay residents. In the same street, you can also check No Mas, a hip bar on two floors with regular live bands.

I would also recommend Night Rooster by Locavore to those who want to taste great cocktails (5 minutes by foot from No Mas).

Once a month, there is a big pool party called Invasion Ubud. For the date and location (always secret until the event), you can check their Facebook page.

Recommended hotels near Ubud nightlife: Anywhere along Monkey Forest Road.

Nusa Dua

Mixologist in ZJ's

Nusa Dua does not have a rich nightlife. If you need to drink and socialize, your best bet is to head to ZJ's bar in Mulia Resort.

Uluwatu
The busiest hangout spot in the Uluwatu-Bukit area is Single Fin. After sunset, though, it gets rather quiet and it closes early. On weekends, they open until 1 AM and they have a DJ/live band.

There are also occasional parties in Karma Kandara Beach Club, including the monthly "Glow Parties". More information on their Facebook page.

Lovina
I must say I haven't been to Lovina in a really long time (almost 14 years). Based on a quick internet search, it seems that Kantin 21 Bar is the place to go.

Gili Trawangan

Jiggy Boat Parties in Gili Trawangan

I know, it's not in Bali. But I wrote a complete guide that you can read here: Gili Trawangan Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs.

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

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

Jakarta

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

→ Most recommended venues: Jenja, Immigrant, Dragonfly, X2, Basque

→ Where to stay near the nightlife: Near Jalan Sudirman, near Sarinah or near Plaza Indonesia

Yogyakarta Nightlife: Bars, Clubs, Karaokes and Spas

How to Watch Live Sports in Indonesia? 3 Best Streaming Sites

6 Best Sports Bars in Jakarta

50 Best Bars in Jakarta (2018)

How to Watch Netflix in Indonesia? Unblock Netflix.

Jakarta Travel Guide - For Single Guys (2018)

10 Best Nightclubs and Bars to Meet Girls in Bali

10 Best Nightclubs to Meet Indonesian Girls in Jakarta

25 Prettiest Mixed-Race Indonesian Girls

11 Sexiest Indonesian Actresses

Indonesian Girls & Expats: Why So Many Expats Will Start Cheating In Jakarta?

Top 20 Hottest Indonesian FHM Models

10 Best Gifts Ideas For Your Indonesian Girlfriend or Wife

Is It Better to Date a Javanese or a Sundanese Girl?

20 Best Cities for Nightlife in Asia (2018)

12 Best Nightclubs in Bali (Updated 2018)

Where to Party in Bali? A Complete Nightlife Guide.

Indonesia Nightlife: 12 Best Cities for Partying

Where to Party in Jakarta - Nightlife Areas + Hotels

Where to Stay in Jakarta - Best Areas for Tourists