Jakarta100bars - Nightlife & Party Guide

Vietnamese girls are reputed to be among the most beautiful in the world (just have a look at my ranking of the 15 sexiest models in the country to convince yourself). Most of them have a mix of Southeast Asian and Chinese features: Dark hair, almond eyes, pale skin, and a usually slim body.

Because Vietnam is a conservative country, it is hard to find an "authentic" Vietnamese pornstar, meaning a girl who lives in Vietnam and who has Vietnamese nationality. The only one you will see online are usually from leaked sex tapes or webcam recordings.

That said, don't despair! There are actually plenty of pornstars of Vietnamese ethnicity who have foreign citizenship, most often American or French.

In this article, I have combined the most beautiful girls among them, professional or amateur, active or retired. If I forgot someone, please just leave a comment!

Need Privacy When Watching Porn?
If you need total privacy when watching porn, you should use a VPN. This small software, easy to install, will hide your IP address so that nobody knows what you are doing online. You can check PureVPN for instance, it only costs less than 2.88$/month.

Here is my list of the most famous Vietnamese pornstars, starting with the girls that are still active:

Vina Sky

Born in 1999 in Texas, her parents are both Vietnamese. She started as a cam girl and escort, just after her 18th birthday, before switching to porn in 2018. With her a small, sexy body (38 kg for 152cm) and her innocent look, she quickly became a very popular pornstar for those with a fetish for "petite Asian girls". Lately, she hasn't been so innocent, though, with more and more hardcore stuff, in particular several anal scenes.

Instagram: @vinaskyy
OnlyFans: @vinaskyy

She has an interesting interview on YouTube:

Luna Okko

Luna Okko was born in 1994 in Vietnam, before being adopted by French parents. She started shooting amateur porn in 2017, along with her boyfriend James. They became quite popular, using the name Luna x James, with their sex diaries, a series of videos shot during their travels around the world. They broke up in 2020 but she is still active on PornHub and OnlyFans.

Instagram: Luna Okko

Twitter: Luna Okko

How to Meet Real Vietnamese Girls Online?
Whether you live in Asia, in the US, or in Europe, it is extremely easy today to meet young and sexy Vietnamese girls.

I recommend two websites:
→ SeekingArrangement: This is a sugar dating website, meaning the girls are looking for someone with money. That's best for those who are not looking for a serious relationship. Lots of incredibly looking Vietnamese ladies, usually in their 20s.
→ VietnamCupid: A more normal website, with thousands of Vietnamese girls looking for a foreign husband. Great for those preparing a trip to Vietnam.

Harriet Sugarcookie

Born in Hanoi in 1995, this cute and smart girl moved to England in 2000 after her Vietnamese mom remarried with a British man. She started posting nude pics on Reddit when she was 18, then became a cam girl, and finally, she created her own porn website. On the latter, she features videos from various pornstars, including herself. She is active on Twitter, Instagram, and she also has a blog.

She did a nice interview on Youtube as well:

Cindy Starfall

This petite Vietnamese girl (4'11" or 150cm) was born in Saigon, now Ho-Chi-Minh City, in 1989. She is mixed Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese. She moved to the US in 2004 and became a cam girl in 2011. By March 2012, she was already appearing in adult movies, and she has remained active since.

Onlyfans: ClubStarfall

Twitter: @cindystarfall

Facebook: Club Starfall

Instagram: @cstarfall

YouTube: Cindy Starfall

Pussykat

Born in 1990, this French actress of Vietnamese descent started doing porn with her boyfriend Frédéric Leyluken in 2010. Together with him, she launched her own production company, "Pussykat Productions", which has shot hundreds of short porn video clips to this date. When she is in front of the camera, she only has sex with girls or with her boyfriend. She has won 3 Venus Awards in 2011, 2014, and 2018.

Evelyn Lin

This famous actress is mixed Chinese (from her dad) and Vietnamese (from her mom). She was born in Hunan (China) in 1987, under the name Zhang Li. In 1991, she emigrated to California with her family, learned English, and later went to the University of California in San Diego. She started porn when she was only 19, and stopped just 5 years later after having more than 100 scenes.

She is active on social media, on Instagram, Twitch, and on Twitter.

Katsumi or Katsuni

Born as Céline Tran in 1979, Katsuni has a Vietnamese dad and a French mom. After studying politics at a prestigious university, she started appearing in French adult films in 2002, then moved to the US. She had breast augmentation surgery there, and quickly became one of the most recognizable pornstars of her time, having shot over 350 movies. She was the recipient of 18 AVN awards, including 3 times for "Best Foreign Performer". She stopped filming in 2014, and she has had various activities since, as an author, a singer, and a blogger.

Trivia: She was known as Katsumi in her early years, but she had to change her name to Katsuni following a lawsuit brought to her by another woman whose name was also Katsumi.

Website: clubkatsuni.com (for the hardcore stuff) or iamcelinetran.com (for the post-porn stuff)

YouTube channel: Ma Vie De Ninja

Blog: Ma Vie De Ninja

Facebook: Celine Tran

Twitter: @iamcelinetran

Twitch: @celinetran

Instagram: @celinetran

Sharon Lee

Also known as Bao Tran, she is yet another French-Vietnamese girl. This tall, large-breasted (E cup) beauty was born in 1988 and became a pornstar when she was just 21. She is still shooting scenes until today on her OnlyFans account. You can also check her Instagram: @sharonleeofficial

Tia Tanaka

75% Vietnamese and 25% French, Tia Tanaka was born in 1987 in Indonesia, then she moved to the US in 1991. She became interested in joining the porn industry while still in high school, through her friend Kitty Jung (also a pornstar, but from Korean descent). She did her first adult movie when she was only 18, and retired less than two years after that, with a total of 150 scenes shot. Following her retirement, she went back to school and she is now working a normal office job, with some occasional modeling gigs from time to time.

Tila Tequila

Tila Tequila (real name: Nguyễn Thị Thiên Thanh) is not exactly a pornstar, but she shot a couple of hardcore movies in the form of fake celebrities' sex tape.

Born in 1981 in Singapore, her parents were Vietnamese boat people who had fled the war a few years earlier. At age 1, she moved with her family to Texas, where she had a troubled childhood. At 20, she started posing nude in men's magazines, including Playboy, Maxim, and Stuff. She gained worldwide attention in 2005 by becoming the most friended profile on MySpace. This led her to star in her own reality-TV show on MTV, "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila", in 2007. From there, it went downhill, until she was kicked out of Celebrity Big Brother in 2013 for promoting Adolf Hitler.

She is still active on social media until today, but she turned her life around 180 degrees. Now a devout, born-again Christian, she has taken on the new name Tornado Thien. You can hear her talk about God, the end of the world, and various conspiracy theories on her YouTube channel (Angel Nguyen).

Miko Lee

She was born in San Diego (California) from Vietnam/Chinese parents in 1980. At age 19, she appeared in her first porn movie. She had a busy career for the next 6 years, appearing in almost 200 movies until her retirement in 2005.

Bamboo

This French Vietnamese girl had a long career, from 1998 to 2009, shooting over 200 adult films. Born in 1974, she is quite petite (155cm and 42 kilos).

Jayden Lee

This tall, slender girl is mixed Korean-Vietnamese, but she was born in the US, in California, in 1993. Known for her anal and rough blowjob scenes, she starred in her first porn at just 19. She had her boobs augmented to a 36DD in 2013, making her look a lot like Asa Akira.

Instagram: Jayden Lee

Angela Melini

Angela Jane Melini was born in Saigon in 1969 from a Vietnamese mother and an American father. After her dad and 2 of her brothers were killed, she fleed to the US in 1974 with her mom, settling down in Lafayette, North Carolina. She became famous at 23, becoming Miss June 92 of Playboy Magazine. This led her to shoot several erotic movies, until her retirement in 1996.

Currently, she seems to have become a perfectly normal stay-at-home mum, living in Las Vegas (or Texas). She is very active on Twitter, posting mostly about US politics, under the name Angela Melini. She also has an Instagram account set on private (@angelamelini).

Coralie Trinh Thi

Born in 1976, she is only 25% Vietnamese, from her grandmother. She appeared in over 60 movies between 1995 and 2002, mostly French productions. She received a few awards, including a Hot d'Or in 1996 for Best European Actress. After retiring, she appeared in some mainstream films, including Baise-Moi that she co-directed with Virginie Despentes, and she wrote sex-ed books. She has an Instagram account (@coralietrinhthi) on which she uploads lots of pictures of her cat(s).

Yen Hoang

This playmate, born in Maryland, US, in 1985, has 100% Vietnamese ancestry. She was Playboy's Cyber Girl of the Month in 2005. She never did any hardcore stuff.

Kira Kener

She was born in 1974 in San José, California, from Norwegian/Vietnamese parents (real name: Stephanie Knain). She signed an exclusive contract with Vivid Entertainment in 1999, the 3rd Asian actress only to do so at the time, along with Kobe Tai and Asia Carrera. In March 2002, she was also the cover girl for Playboy magazine, and, in December of the same year, she was named Penthouse Pet of the Month. She stopped porn in 2007 after having starred in over 100 movies.

Kimmy Kahn

Born in 1980, this short and slim girl is mixed Vietnamese and Filipina. Her first scene was in 2001, and she retired in 2006 after just 28 movies. She was nominated for an AVN award in 2003 (category: Best New Starlet), and she got a boob job in 2004.

Note: Some reports online say that she is half Chinese half Mongol.

Tricia Yen

This pornstar, born in 1968, has mixed blood (Japanese-Vietnamese). She was active between 1993 and 1998.

More Famous Vietnamese Pornstars:

There are a few more Vietnamese pornstars for whom I was lazy to write the full bio:

Carmina Kai (also known as Ava Lee) - Born in 1989 and active since 2010
Kimi Gee (or Kimi Ji) - Born in 1967, active from 1986 to 1996
Haylee Le (or Lee) - Born in Saigon in 1985, active from 2006 to 2012. She is rumored to have a twin sister, Baylee Le, but it is probably her using a different name.
Kim Blossom - Born in Saigon in 1992, active from 2013 o 2016, she only shot around 10 movies.
Jayd Lovely - Born in 1983 in Arizona from Vietnamese parents, she mainly did solo porn and erotica.

In Indonesia, ladyboys, as well as all transsexual/transgender people, are called "waria", a word made from the combination of "wanita" = "woman" and "pria" = "man". The term "shemale" is also used but it has a negative connotation.

Most of them live in large urban centers, especially in Jakarta and in Bali, where they are more likely to live a "normal" life, away from the growing conservatism of a large part of the Indonesian population. This intolerance has risen in recent years, with Islamic groups targeting LGBT to galvanize their militants.

As a result, transgenders in Indonesia are generally not as visible and numerous as in more open-minded countries like Thailand or the Philippines. Many Indonesian ladyboys have no choice but to hide their feminity, and it is more difficult for them to have access to estrogen hormone therapy before their body changes. For some, unfortunately, the only possible escape is to run away from their family and to move to Bali or Jakarta.

I often receive emails from guys who are asking me where they can meet Indonesian ladyboys. I've done my best here to give you some tips, but please do not hesitate to leave a comment at the end of this article if you think I forgot to mention something.

Note: The main photo, and the one below, are from the Instagram account of Millen Cyrus, a famous Indonesian transgender woman. You can see more pics of her at the end of the article.

Where to Meet Indonesian Ladyboys?

It is quite rare to meet ladyboys in Jakarta or Bali during the daytime. I've never heard about a specific place where they have their habits.

Therefore, this leaves you with only two options to meet one:

- Using dating sites or social media

- Going to (gay) clubs and bars

Best Dating Sites to Meet Indonesian Ladyboys

MyLadyboyDate.com

Operated by a team of transgender people, this website is the most obvious choice for anyone who wants to meet an Indonesian ladyboy for a serious relationship or for dating. It has a limited number of available profiles, around 200, but the quality is high as the site admin quickly removes any fake or malicious users. It also gives you access to a larger database of several thousand of transsexual people from all over the world. If you are not based in Indonesia, this can be quite useful as it allows you to check for dating opportunities in other countries.

It is free and easy to set up an account by clicking here: Register to MyLadyBoyDate.com. You just need to enter a valid email and then add some information about yourself (age, photo, bio, likes and dislikes, etc). You don't have to pay unless you want to send a message to someone you like. If you choose to become a member, it will cost you US$29.90 for one month (or 10$ per month on an annual plan).

Good to know: To protect your privacy, if you choose to become a paying member, the name that will appear on your bank statement will be "Paypal *Buildingbridges", and not "MyLadyBoyDate".

Instagram

I know, this is not a dating website. But still, this is one of the best ways to meet ladyboys in Indonesia for free.

You simply need to follow Instagram accounts of transgender girls you like and, once they follow you back, you can start a conversation.

For this strategy to work, you need two things:

- First, you must create a proper Instagram account with at least a few nice pictures of yourself.

- Second, obviously, you must find ladyboys. It's actually really easy as they form tight communities with similar interests. For instance, you can start by checking the followers of the page for the Miss Queen Indonesia Event, the beauty pageant dedicated to transgender people.

You can also enter some hashtags like "#wariajakarta" or "#wariaindonesia", but these will generally be profiles of prostitutes or scammers. The same can also be done on Twitter.

Bumble

There are a few ladyboy profiles, maybe less than 1% of the total. They are usually from the upper-middle-class and educated.

Tinder

It also has a small percentage of transgender people, but the quality is lower, with more prostitutes.

Best Clubs/Bars to Meet Indonesian Ladyboys in Bali or Jakarta

When I started partying in both Bali and Jakarta, in the early 2000s, there was much more freedom towards LGBT people than now.

Jakarta

This is especially true in Jakarta, where most gay bars in the city have been shut down recently. There is only one gay-friendly venue opened at the moment, it is Apollo Club inside the Bellagio Mall (in Mega Kuningan). It operates very discreetly, behind a door with no sign. There are mostly guys inside but you may see a few transgender people as well.

In Jakarta, you can also check popular places like Basque and Boca Rica.

Bali

Gay clubs and bars can still operate in Bali. They are located in Seminyak, on Jalan Camplung Tanduk (also called Jalan Dhyana Pura), and they are named Bali Joe, Bottoms Up, Mixwell, and Facebar. They are all next to each other so it's easy to try the 4 of them in a single evening. They are usually packed with guys, with some transvestites and some ladyboys.

Some Famous Indonesian Transgender Persons:

Before finishing this article, I wanted to let you know about a few famous transgender persons in Indonesia. The most famous ones are probably Gebby Vesta and Lucinta Luna, both of whom can regularly be seen on TV. They also have a strong presence on social media (2,5M followers on Instagram for Lucinta Luna, 1M for Gebby Vesta). This shows that Indonesians are not all intolerant towards LGBT people.

Two other famous names are Millen Cyrus and Melly Bradley. Below are a few pictures of them:

Millen Cyrus (close to 1M followers on Instagram)

Melly Bradley (close to 300,000 followers on Instagram)

Our favorite travel blog list

DeTravelGuide is one of the best travel guide blogs. We recommend this blog for travelers who love to travel. You can find best travel guides for amazing places in the world on this blog.

Author: GAC

1. DeTravelGuide

Travel Guides, Tips, Advice & Best Travel Information

At first sight, Doha, the capital of Qatar, may not seem like the best place for nightlife: Alcohol is hard to buy and ridiculously expensive. There is a strong gender imbalance in bars, with much more guys than girls. Pre-marital sex and adultery are both punishable offenses, and you are not even allowed to speak or to hang out with Qatari women.

Despite all these restrictions, it is still possible to have fun, as long as you have enough money. Bottle service is often required in the best venues, so it is easy to spend USD500 in one evening.

If you are on a backpacker budget, just stay in your hostel and save your dollars for elsewhere. If you are on a business trip or an expat living in Qatar, read this guide and you will know everything there is to know about Doha nightlife.

Doha Nightlife Areas + Hotels

Most of the bars and nightclubs in Doha are located in West Bay/ Diplomatic Area, near the beachfront.

Ideally, you should stay in one of the luxury hotels that has a busy bar/club, such as the Hilton, the Intercontinental, the Sheraton, the W, La Cigale, the Mondrian, JW Marriott, or Crowne Plaza (see below for the full list). All of these are girl-friendly.

If your budget is limited, try the girl-friendly Ezdan Hotel (US$60 per night). It is centrally located near the nightlife and the shopping centers, and it has a great swimming pool.

Another interesting hotel for nightlife is the Radisson Blu, a property with several popular bars. However, you cannot bring any guests to your room there and the location is a bit far from the West Bay / Diplomatic Area. A guest-friendly property nearby is Holiday Villa (US65$ per night).

Buying Alcohol in Qatar

As a foreigner, you have only two ways to purchase alcohol in Qatar:

- Go to a bar or a club (see the list below)

- Get a license from the government. In that case, your employer must give you authorization. Your license only allows you to buy from the one liquor store in Doha which is about 30 minutes from the city center. It is a bit cheaper than the bars but still expensive (400 QR for a 24-pack of Heineken).

Note: You are not allowed to import the bottles that you bought at the airport's duty-free.

Meeting Girls in Qatar

Filipinas in Doha

Being a single guy in Qatar sucks.

The local girls are typically wearing an abaya (a long, black body cloak) and a shayla (a scarf hiding the hair and the skin around the neck). They are not allowed to speak or hang out with foreigners (except within a professional environment), so forget about dating a Qatari woman.

There are some foreign expat girls, but much fewer than men. In particular, you have many Filipinas working as maids or as staff in shops/restaurants/hotels. They can be friendly but many will be afraid to date foreigners. Or they simply won't have enough time off from work to meet with you on a regular basis.

The online dating scene is pretty poor. Maybe half the profiles are prostitutes, and very few girls are attractive. On Tinder, you'll quickly run out of profiles to swipe after just a few days. You have some Qatar Airways flight attendants that are cute but they are not easy to date.

In the end, the guys who don't want to be alone often end up paying prostitutes. They are quite common in the hotel bars of Doha (Chinese, Russians, Eastern Europeans, Africans, Moroccans, Southeast Asians) or online on websites like Seeking Arrangement (for sugar babies).

Doha Nightlife Tips

Here are a few things you should know to prepare your nights out in Doha:

ID Compulsory

Whenever you visit a bar or a nightclub in Doha, you should always show your ID/passport. The minimum age to enter any bar/club is 21 years old.

Getting Around

Avoid local taxis as they are hard to get, expensive, and often dishonest. Uber works well and it is cheaper.

If you are contemplating a job in Qatar, make sure a driver is included in your package.

Price of Clubbing

It is very expensive to party in Doha, especially since a new "sin" tax has been applied to all alcoholic products (+100% tax).

In the top venues, you will often need to buy a membership of up to 200QR. Then, a beer will cost 50QR and a cocktail 80QR. If you want a table, be prepared to spend at least 1000-1500QR (that's the cost of just 1 bottle of liquor). Do check for happy hours, as they are often quite generous in Doha (up to 50% off).

There are some cheaper bars where prices are about 30-40% less than that (for instance in Radisson Blu Hotel, in Best Western Hotel, or in Horizon Manor Hotel.

Clubbing as a Woman
Most bars in Doha struggle to attract enough women. This is due to the fact that local women are not allowed to party, and also because most expats in Qatar are men (working in engineers, oil & gas, construction).

Because of that, there are often some very generous ladies nights in Doha. Just check the Facebook page of the bars mentioned below to find one. Typically, you will get 2 free drinks before midnight.

Also, since many bars require men to be accompanied by women, you can easily enter for free anywhere if you just wait long enough near the entrance. There are always some guys who need a +1.

Dress Code

You should always wear closed shoes, pants, and a shirt. Women cannot wear a hijab, and men cannot wear a traditional Qatari outfit.

When to Party

You should remember that the weekend in Qatar is on Friday and Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday. Therefore, Saturday night is not the main party night.

Clubs and bars are generally most busy from 11PM to 1AM. They are all closed by 2AM.

During Ramadan and religious holidays, Doha nightlife is completely dead. All bars are closed, and it is impossible to buy alcohol from anywhere.

Nationalities/Ethnicities

There are many "ethnic" nights in Doha nightclubs - Here a Bollywood party

If your skin is dark, you may find it more difficult to get in the top nightclubs in Doha. There is certainly a bit of racism against Africans and Southern Indians.

Overall, the nightlife in Doha is segmented. People from different ethnicities or social backgrounds don't really mix together: Arabs stay with Arabs, Indians with Indians, Westerners with Westerners, rich with rich, etc. For this reason, many bars have special "ethnic" nights that target a specific crowd: Arabs, Filipinos, Blacks, Latin, Indians, etc.

Weekly and monthly events:

A good way to know the schedule of upcoming guest DJs and special parties is to check the Facebook page of Night Out Qatar.

You can also read Doha By Nights, 24/7 Events, A1 and Doha Gossip.

Internet Censorship in Qatar
One more thing to know is that many websites are blocked in Qatar, especially some dating sites, escort websites, or adult websites. You should also consider that any emails or messages you send while in Qatar might be read by the authorities. To avoid this, most expats have installed a VPN on their phones and computers. It is cheap (less than US5$ per month), and it allows you to surf the web anonymously and to open any website. Personally, I use VyprVPN and I'm very happy with it. If you are confused about how it works, please read my article: Why Adult Websites are Blocked in Qatar? (and How to Unblock Them).

Best Bars and Nightclubs in Doha
As I mentioned before, almost all the bars and nightclubs in Doha are located in 5-star hotels. Here are the best ones:

Society Lounge in Hilton

Located on the rooftop of the Hilton, Society Lounge is an upscale venue, partly outdoor, with a large bar in the middle and sofas on the side. Since it can get too hot during summer, it is only open during the cooler months from November to April.

It is often packed, so the management has a very strict door policy: As a guy, you should dress well and bring a girl with you. You also must pay a 150QR membership fee. Expect to queue to get in. The crowd consists of 70% guys, mostly in their 40s, from all over the world (Arabs, Indians, Europeans, etc). Some very pretty Eastern European girls might be prostitutes.

Music is EDM/RnB (check the schedule on their Instagram). A few famous DJs and artists have performed there. You also have dance shows. Overall, it's a bit pretentious in my opinion.

There are more bars in Hilton like Shots (for watching sports) and Trader's Vic (open-air, Hawaiian-themed).

Oxygene Club and Sky View in La Cigale Hotel

Dance show in Oxygene

Oxygene nightclub

Girls in Oxygene Doha

La Cigale Hotel is home to the famous Oxygene Club. It is a large venue, similar to Society Lounge except it is indoor. The crowd is young and beautiful, with a decent number of girls (some of whom are pros). Strict door policy: Dress well and bring a lady with you. The best nights are on Tuesdays (Ladies night) and Fridays (RnB).

In the same hotel, you can also check Sky View, a high-end bar with a beautiful terrace (closed during summer) which is unfortunately very hard to get in. You will need to make a reservation, to pay 200 QR, and to be accompanied by a woman.

Terrace in Sky View

Indoor bar in Sky View

"Sexy" dancers in Sky View

Crystal Lounge and Wahm in W Hotel

Crystal Lounge in W

Partying in W Hotel Doha

Crystal Lounge is usually the first venue people will recommend if you ask them about Doha nightlife. It is a medium-sized club, recently renovated, with a long bar, sofas on the side, and unfortunately very little space for dancing. Entrance for hotel guests is free. For the others, it depends. A membership of 200 QR may be required, but they seem to have dropped it recently.

They have a different theme every night (Latin on Monday, RnB on Tuesday, Arab on Saturday, Slavic on Sunday, etc). Ladies night is on Tuesdays. Their resident DJs are quite famous in Doha, and they invite famous guest DJs once in a while. It is reasonably crowded, and you have about 30-40% of women (including many Qatar Airways flight attendants and probably some high-end hookers).

If you are a single guy, you will probably be required to be accompanied by a girl. For this reason, Crystal is more recommended for groups of friends planning to order bottle service.

Inside W Hotel, there is also a nice lounge bar/restaurant called Wahm. It is partly outdoor, with a nice patio next to the pool. The atmosphere is chic and you always have a good crowd. DJs mix from Wednesday to Friday, and you have a daily happy hour from 5PM to 8PM. The beer is 50 QR and cocktails 80QR.

Irish Harp in Sheraton

This pub has a crowded Rn'B night every first Thursday of the month, with 3 free drinks for all girls. It's worth going if you happen to be in Doha on that day. The other days, it is an OK bar with a clean and comfortable setting.

They have live music, comfort food, and flat-screen TVs to watch sports. Entrance costs 100QR after 8PM (for men). There are some normal girls and some prostitutes.

During the winter months, there is a great open-air party every Friday, called The Backyard, in the garden of the Sheraton Hotel. Check this page for more information.

The Backyard Party in Sheraton Doha

The Den, Champions Bar, and Glo in City Center Mall

Glo Bar

City Center Mall has two luxury hotels: JW Marriott (previously under the brand Shangri-La) and Marriott. In this complex, you can find 3 bars:

Champions is a popular sports bars but it has nothing special. It is reasonably priced during happy hours from 5PM to 8PM (39QR for a pint of Heineken).

The Den is a classic venue, quite elegant, with live music from Wednesday to Friday. Happy hour from 5PM to 9PM (45QR per drinks). Good band, laid-back music (Latin/jazzy/pop). The whole bar is non-smoking.

Finally, you can also visit Glo Cocktail Bar. It is larger and more like a club, with various themed nights every day of the week (African, old school, Bollywood, hip-hop, etc). They give free drinks to ladies from 9PM to midnight on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Qube and Orion in Radisson Blu

Live music in Qube

The Radisson Blu is infamous for having several bars with prostitutes. While Shehrazad Sports Bar and The Library are quiet, Orion and Qube are where the action is.

Orion Bar occupies the 9th floor of the older Radisson Blu building. It is a rather classy place, yet with reasonable prices. The music is not too loud so it's better to choose there if you are only looking for a casual drink.

Qube is more like a club. It is louder, with a live band playing pop/rock songs. It has a 90QR membership fee.

In both these venues, it is very likely that prostitutes will approach you (Chinese or Africans). They generally charge around 1000QR. Since Radisson Blu is not girl-friendly, they may take you to their apartments, or to a short-time hotel.

Rose and Thistle in Horizon Manor Hotel

This sports bar is a cheaper version of Irish Harp (you can get a beer for 30QR and there is no entrance fee/membership fee). Decent pub fare. Live band every day. Live sports on screens. Quite friendly and recommended to meet other expats.

The Horizon Manor Hotel has two more nightlife venues: Fahrenheit and Wonderbuzz.

Manko, Lava and Paloma in Intercontinental

Manko Doha

The InterContinental Hotel Doha has several F&B venues with either DJs or live bands:
- Paloma is a Tex-Mex restaurant with live music most days of the week. Wednesday is ladies night (2 free drinks for girls until midnight) and Sunday is salsa night.
- Lava is a lounge next to Paloma. It feels a bit more intimate, with a central bar area and sofa seating in the corners. You can go to the terrace as well for a view of the swimming pool. Ladies night on Tuesday and Friday (2 free drinks). They have live DJs.
- Manko is their newest venue, and it is the sister restaurant of Manko Paris. It is a beautiful Peruvian lounge/restaurant, more upmarket, which targets a younger and trendier crowd. They have a French DJ and a chic Parisian interior design. Prices are reasonable (65 QR for a Pisco Sour Cocktail). Nice view.

La Vista 55 in Intercontinental The City

Replacing Strata, this brand-new Cuban bar has live Latin music every night. Nice view of the city from the 55th floor of the hotel, and good food as well. For ladies, there is an all-you-can-drink promo (100QR) every Monday and Wednesday from 8PM to midnight. For guys, it is on Sundays and it costs 200QR. Daily happy hours from 5PM to 8PM.

Black Orchid and Rise in Mondrian Doha

Black Orchid

Girls in Black Orchid

Salsa night in Rise

The Mondrian Hotel has a small membership-only nightclub, Black Orchid, which is only interesting on Thursdays (Rn'B nights) or on Sundays (Ladies night). It is quite elitist and not worth it unless you want to open a bottle with a group of friends (1,000QR minimum spend to reserve a table). Strict dress code.

Rise is in the same hotel. It is a sky bar with a beautiful view of The Pearl in Doha. You can go there on Friday for their salsa night which is quite busy and fun. Full schedule on their Instagram. 45 QR for a beer.

Vogue Club in Crowne Plaza West Bay

African night in Vogue

Vogue Club has some "ethnic" nights that can be interesting for some. For instance, Monday is Arabic night, Tuesday is Latin night, Wednesday is African night and Thursday is Indian (Desi) night.

Illusion in Kempinski Marsa Malaz

This exclusive club has an impressive design, but it was empty when I visited. It seems Thursday (Rnb) and Friday (House) are the best nights to visit.

Midrange Hotels with Bars in Doha:

I didn't visit those bars but I heard they were OK. Many have a Filipino live band and a mixed crowd with mostly Indians/Filipinos. They can be less expensive than the ones listed above, and they do not require a membership fee:

Lux Lounge and Gravity in Gokulam Park Hotel

Rock City Club in Strato Hotel

Club Manila (for the Filipino community) and Afro Wood Lounge Bar (for the African community with Reggae, Dancehall, Rumba) are both in the hotel Al Mansour Plaza.

Krossroads in Best Western Plus Hotel
Fabric Club in Grand Regal Hotel

Dubai nightlife is the best I've tried so far in the Persian/Arab Gulf region.

Compared to that of Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Muscat, it is less conservative and far more foreigner-friendly.

Even though drinking alcohol is restricted, you can find nearly a hundred bars and nightclubs, some of which are busy even on weekdays.

There is a huge diversity of venues: Jazz lounges, rooftop bars, expat pubs, open-air nightclubs, beach cafés, speakeasies, etc. There is even a brand-new warehouse with Berlin-style techno parties once a month.

However, not everything is perfect. The major problem with Dubai nightlife is that to enter most nightclubs, single men are required to book a table. Often, this means you will need to spend over US$500 just for one place.

I will talk more about this in the following nightlife review. If you still have questions after reading it, please leave me a comment at the end of the article!

Hotels Near Dubai Nightlife
You can click on this map of Dubai nightlife to visualize where all the most important nightclubs, bars, and beach clubs are located.

As you can see, there are 3 best party areas:

1) Between Downtown Dubai and the World Trade Center:
This area, in the heart of the business district, has many expensive bars that are popular with expats and executives. Most can be found in the 5-star hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road (Fairmont, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza or Conrad). This is also an interesting location to reach Dubai's best nightclubs like Boa, Base, White, and Soho Garden.

The recommended hotels there are:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Fairmont (rated 8.5/10, US$140 per night) - It has 4 bars and clubs, including Cavalli Club, Bagatelle and Cin Cin.
⭐⭐⭐⭐Carlton Downtown (rated 8.4/10, US$84 per night) - Best value option in this location.

2) Around the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Resort (JBR):
This is a more touristy part of town with many popular beach clubs (like Zero Gravity or Barasti). There are several bars as well which tends to be a bit less sophisticated and exclusive than the ones on Sheikh Zayed Road. This is the best location for those who are visiting Dubai for the holidays.

The recommended hotels there are:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Sofitel Jumeirah Beach (rated 8.7/10, US$232 per night) - Bordering The Walk, near many bars and the beach.
⭐⭐⭐⭐Rose Park Al Barsha (rated 8.9/10, US$73 per night) - Best value option in this location

3) In Deira and Bur Dubai:
This is the older part of Dubai, starting at the north of Sheikh Rashid Road. There are dozens of bars there, most of which have live music, affordable prices, and.... prostitutes. Each venue targets a different crowd: Filipinos, Indians, Blacks, Westerners, etc. Hotels in this area are generally cheaper than elsewhere.

The recommended hotels there are:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Al Bandar Rotana (rated 9/10, US$135 per night) - No bars there but it is deemed girl-friendly.
⭐⭐⭐⭐Flora Grand Hotel (rated 8.3/10, US$58 per night) - Best value option in this location

Dubai Nightlife Tips

Here are a few things you should know to prepare your nights out in Dubai

Drinking Alcohol
You can drink alcohol in licensed venues (bars and clubs) only if you are over 21. Bouncers will check your ID, so bring your passport with you. If you get tipsy, be discreet as public drunkenness is officially illegal.

If you want to purchase alcohol in a shop (or at the duty-free), you will need a special license. As a visitor, it is quite easy to get one, just go to any of the MMI shops with your passport, and you'll get one for 30 days.

Price of Clubbing

It can be very expensive to party in Dubai, especially if you are a single guy. Indeed, most high-end clubs will force men to book a table, with a minimum spend between AED1,500 (US$410) and AED3000 (US$820).

Generally speaking, in the best nightlife venues, you can expect to pay AED45-55 for a beer (or US$12-15), AED60-80 for a cocktail (or US$16-22) and AED1200 for a cheap bottle of liquor (or US$325).

If you go partying in Deira or Bur Dubai, the prices will often be lower (about 30% less).

Another good way to save money is to check for happy hours. Almost every bar has some, usually between 4 PM and 8 PM. Typically, you will get a buy 1 get 1 promo on selected drinks.

Dress Code

All the upscale bars and clubs will require you to dress well: No shorts, no sandals, no caps, etc. If you are a woman, it is better to wear high-heels and a skirt.

Racism
There is a lot of racism in Dubai, much like in the UAE in general. You will be judged based on your ethnicity or skin color.

It is very common to be denied entry at a club in Dubai, especially if you are African, Indian, or Southeast Asian.

When to Party
Dubai's nightlife is at its best during the cooler months, basically from November to May. In fact, during summer (July to August), most of the open-air venues are closed because the heat and humidity are just unbearable (for instance, Soho Garden, White, or 40 Kong). Avoid Dubai during that time if you can.

Another thing to keep in mind is that weekends in Dubai are on Fridays and Saturdays. This means that Thursday nights are the best to go out, and Saturday nights are the worse.

Most clubs will close at 3 AM, but a few stay open until 4 AM (like Toy Room or Base).

Finally, if you visit Dubai during Ramadan, don't worry too much. Most bars and clubs are open, but only after sunset. They can be less crowded, but you can still have fun.

Ladies' Nights
Ladies' nights in Dubai are a big deal. Since girls are rare, the best clubs and bars compete fiercely to attract them. If you are a woman, you will probably never have to pay for any drinks while in the city.

Currently, most of the best ladies' nights happen on Tuesday (at the Pier7, at Gravity Zero). You can check Ladies Night Dubai for an updated list.

Weekly and monthly events:

For a general list of events, you can follow the Facebook pages DubaiNight and Luvevents (trendy parties).

For house/techno parties, check It's Deep Like and Plus Minus.

Internet Censorship in Dubai
Porn websites, as well as any websites that are deemed anti-religious, anti-Islam, or critical of the UAE, will be blocked by the government. Also, you cannot use WA, Skype or Messenger to make calls (only messaging is allowed).

As a result of this censorship, it is common for expats and visitors to use a VPN. If you don't know what it is, you can read this article: Why Porn Websites are Blocked in Dubai (and How to Unblock Them)?

Personally, I've been using VyprVPN for a couple of years now and it works great (even in China).

Best Nightclubs and Bars in Dubai

Soho Garden (in Meydan Hotel)

Main space in Soho Garden

Toy Room Nightclub

Code Room

Soho Beach

This complex about 15 minutes from the city center is the top nightlife destination in Dubai at the moment. This is where you have the best clubs, the best events, and the best crowd.

The main space, Soho Garden, consists of several bars and restaurants (Negroni, Tiki, Glasshouse, Tokyo Vibes, and Bellini). It has an open-air garden in the center which is only opened during the cooler months (September to June). They have famous DJs regularly, for instance, in 2019: Agoria, Joris Voorn, Tiga, Mark Knight, etc. If you manage to pass the strict door policy, expect to spend money (as a single man, it may be difficult to enter without booking a sofa). Drinks cost at least US15-20$ and the minimum spending for a table is US700$ during special events.

On the same location, there are also some separate nightclubs and pool lounges:

Toy Room, the Dubai branch of Toy Room London, is a bottle club focusing on hip-hop/R'n'B. It is an elitist venue with a flashy interior design: Walls are painted with colorful murals and decorated with large neon signs. It is medium-sized and rather intimate, with the DJ mixing in the middle. They've hosted a fair number of famous artists like Ne-Yo, Busta Rhymes, and Coolio. It closes at 4AM.

Code is a techno club with a minimalist design and an underground atmosphere (even though it is expensive and upmarket). Last summer, they had DJs like Gui Boratto, Oxia and Pete Tong.

Soho Beach and Drai are two pool clubs located nearby. They are quite similar but they don't have the same opening days. Check their schedule on Facebook before heading there.

White (in Meydan Hotel)

Voted #16 best club in the world by DJ Mag in 2019, this is the most famous nightclub in Dubai, and maybe even in the Middle East.

It is a huge venue on the rooftop of the Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, opened starting mid-September until May. They have various kind of events, from EDM parties to live hip-hop, each time with a different décor. It is a bit pretentious and overrated in my opinion, but still worth to check. Expect a mixed crowd of expats and tourists.

Entry is free for girls and couples. For single guys, you need to spend at least AED2,000 (US$550) at a table. The best time to go is on Thursday or Saturday (ladies night until 1 AM).

Pier 7

This hotspot of Dubai nightlife is a 7-floor building with 7 different bars and restaurants. It is slightly cheaper than elsewhere, and very crowded, so it is usually a good place to start partying. My favorite place there is Atelier M, which is on the rooftop, but it's easy to just walk around and try different bars. The ladies night on Tuesday is very popular since girls can get up to 5 free drinks. Good for meeting tourists and young expats. The dress code is more relaxed than elsewhere.

Boa Nightclub and Lounge in V Hotel

Elite nightclub, it features an elevated stage with various performances during the evening (dancers, singers, etc). If you come alone, you can meet people quite easily at the bar. Music is mostly hip-hop and R'n'B. As always with such venue, the dress code is strict (especially on weekends).

Entrance for couples and girls is free, but there is a minimum spend of AED500 for guys (that's actually only 4 or 5 drinks).

Base

Located 5 minutes from Downtown in the Dubai Design District, this open-air nightclub manages to attract world-renowned artists almost every two weeks. Last year, they had Akon, Afrojack, Booba, A$AP Rocky, Tyga, or Bob Sinclar to name a few. The stage will be decorated with a different theme each time there is a special event. You will often have artistic performances as well (dancers, fire breathers, light shows, etc).

On normal days, it is opened on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 4AM. As in White, the entrance is free for couples and women, but single guys may be required to book a table (AED2,000). Ladies night is on Thursday.

Vii in Conrad Hotel

Vii is a restaurant/bar/lounge/nightclub which is popular at the moment. It is rather classy and pleasant, especially the "secret" garden area. The club itself can get pretty packed so book a table if you can (AED3,000 minimum spend). Different events and shows every night of the week: Afro beats, techno, live music, retro hits, EDM, etc. Open every day except Sunday until 3 AM.

Industrial Avenue - in Westin Mina Seyahi

Though located in the 5-star hotel The Westin, it has an underground vibe, inspired by the type of venues you would normally find in London, Berlin or Paris. There is a real dancefloor, and the management doesn't seem so focused on selling tables.

Opened Wednesday to Friday until 3 AM. Hip hop nights on Thursdays, house/techno nights on Fridays.

The dress code is more relaxed, and you can get in for just AED100 with 2 drinks (free for ladies).

Cavalli Club in Fairmont Hotel

High-end nightclub and restaurant with daily live entertainment (dancers, acrobats, singers, DJs, etc). Rich crowd of men, with plenty of unattached ladies willing to meet them. Some might call it a hooker bar with a fancy interior design. Ladies night is on Tuesday. Mainstream and Top 40 music.

If you want a table, the minimum spend is AED2,000. To sit at the bar, you'll need to spend at least AED300 (some reports say AED500).

The Fairmont Hotel has more nightlife venues of interest such as Cin Cin, the Trophy Room and Bagatelle. It is one of the best hotels in Dubai for nightlife lovers.

Armani/Privé in Armani Hotel

This small luxury club inside the Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa has a good ladies' night on Saturdays with Latin/Reggaeton music. Girls get free drinks until 1 AM. Guys can enter for free, and then each drink will cost between US$15-US$20.

The dancefloor is large enough to dance, and there is plenty of space near the bar for those who don't want to book a table. Some pretty girls.

On the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, there is also a panoramic bar/restaurant called At.mosphere. It is supposedly the highest in the world.

Billionaire Mansion (in Taj Hotel)

Part of the Billionaire Life brand (created by the jet-setter Flavio Briatore), this complex features 2 restaurants (a Japanese and an Italian), a terrace (Diamond Kalian), a karaoke, and a nightclub. As the name suggests, it is very pricey and exclusive. Most guests come to have dinner while watching various performances (mostly dancers). Most male customers are rich expats and locals. The girls all seem to be Eastern European sugar babies in their 20s. Closes at 4AM.

They have two ladies' night. The best one is called Monroe Nights, every Tuesday, with free-flow drinks all night long. Women can also have a 3-course dinner for AED250. There is another one on Sunday, called The List, with urban music (rap, R'n'B, hip-hop).

Mantis in Emirates Financial Center

This new club in DIFC (Dubai International Finance Center) is opened from Wednesday to Friday until 4 AM. Girls can drink and eat sushis for free every day until 1 AM. No dancefloor so it's better to book a table (starting AED3,000). There are several shows to watch, from live music to sexy dancers.

Other Popular Bars in Dubai

European expat bars:
Lock Stock and Barrel - Best on Tuesday for their busy ladies' night. 2 locations in Dubai (Jumeirah Beach Resort and Grand Millenium Hotel)
Double Decker - British pub with outdoor garden
Mc Gettigan's - Irish pub, part of an international chain, with 5 different locations in Dubai
Fibber Magee's - Discreet Irish pub in the financial district with quiz nights and live music
The Stables - British pub, near Fibber Magee's. Good daily bands. I recommend the reggaeton night on Fridays. Three ladies night per week = a decent number of girls, including some flight attendants. AED30 for a pint of beer during happy hours.
The Irish Village - 3 branches in Dubai for this Irish pub, full of regulars.

Outdoor lounges and rooftops:

40 Kong

Penthouse - In Five Palm Jumeirah, if offers one of the best views of the city. Chic and elitist. Best to go on Thursdays only.
Iris - Managed by the same group as White, this open-air bar is on the 27th floor of The Oberoi hotel. Cool crowd, good cocktails and live music on Tuesday and Sunday.
40 Kong - Hip rooftop on the 40th floor of the H Hotel. One of the top bars among younger expats in Dubai.

Live music:
MusicHall - Weekend only. 10 performances of various genres (rock, jazz, arabic, etc). Minimum spend AED3,000.

House and techno clubs:
The Grid - Berlin-style warehouse with monthly events
The Hatch - Great underground club in the engine room of the ship Queen Elizabeth 2.

Hip Bars:
Skorpeus - New bar, gorgeous design, very intimate. They have deep house nights on Friday which are pretty cool. On that day, it becomes an after-hour club by staying open until 5-6 AM. Girls get 3 drinks for AED100, guys get 4 drinks for AED150.
Indie DIFC - Various events every day of the week. Great brunch. Salsa night on Monday.
Seven Sisters - Chic bar with an open-air terrace. 5 free drinks for their Tuesday's ladies night.

Ethnic Bar and Clubs:

Czar is a bar targeting the Russian community in Dubai

These nightlife venues target specific communities.

→ Filipinos: Boracay, Club 7 or Bodega Garage (all great to try if you want to meet Filipinas and spend less money on drinks).
→ Indians: Pulse, Inka. Check also the events organized by AKS Nights, DejaVu, or Desi Night in UAE
→ Lebanese: 961LB
→ Russians: Czar and Chameleon Club.
→ Arabs (Khaliji music): Solitaire, Omni and Drama
→ Africans: I'm not sure they have their own club, but there are many in Club Boudoir.

Pool and Beach Clubs:

Zero Gravity Beach Club

The beach clubs in Dubai are a nightlife destination of their own. You can go there in the afternoon for a brunch (with free-flow drinks), then stay until late for partying. Beware as most of them are closed during summer months. Here are the best ones:

Zero Gravity - Huge and crowded beach club. I recommend their brunch on Thursday and Friday with 4 hours of free-flow alcohol and food.
Barasti Beach - Legendary beach club among the party crowd. A bit touristy and tacky, but perfect for those who want to mingle and flirt. Free entrance.

Meeting Girls in Dubai

Overall, Dubai is not a good destination to meet a girl, especially at night.

As elsewhere in the Middle-east, it is almost impossible to date a local girl. They rarely go out, and if they do, they don't mingle with foreigners (too conservative, too rich, and too protected). It is not very important anyway since they only represent a fraction of the women staying in Dubai (over 90% of the population is foreign).

There are women from every single nationality on earth in Dubai, but you could split them into just a few groups:

- Staff workers, mostly from Southeast Asia, India, and Africa (waitresses, shopkeepers, maids, receptionists, etc). They are the easiest to meet, either online on Tinder or in bar/clubs during ladies' nights.

- Mid-to-upper level expatriates: They aren't as numerous as men, but there are still plenty of them, from various nationalities. They are usually quite westernized, even if they are from Asia or the Middle East. Many are English teachers. The single ones are usually looking for expats, so they can be hard to date if you are a tourist.

- Flight attendants working for Emirates. There are thousands of them, usually young, pretty, and single. They are in high demand, so you'll be able to date them only if you are good-looking, confident, and reasonably wealthy. It will really help if you are living in Dubai as well.

- Short-term visitors: Dubai welcomes a fair number of tourists, especially from the nearby countries that are more conservative. You'll find them in places such as Pier 7 or Barasti Beach Club.

- Hookers and "professional girlfriends": There is an incredible number of prostitutes in Dubai, from low-end to high-class. They can be found everywhere: In clubs, in the streets, or online (for instance on the sugar baby website Seeking Arrangement).

Prostitution in Dubai

It's hard to talk about Dubai nightlife without mentioning its huge prostitution scene. You will see hookers or escorts everywhere, from the cheap ethnic bars in Deira to the most exclusive clubs in the 5-star hotels.

In the latter, prostitution is rather discreet. You will see some young women, from every part of the world (but mostly from Eastern Europe and Russia), sitting by themselves at a bar and enjoying drinks. If you smile at them, they will approach you and reveal who they are. The most beautiful ones may ask over AED3,000 for one night.

In Deira, things are more straight-forward. In the hotel bars of that area, 100% of girls are prostitutes, and they will go straight to your table. Typically, they will ask between AED700 and AED2,000.

Here are some of those famous clubs (most of them have a DJ/live band and a dancefloor).

Premier Bar in Hyatt Regency - Famous spot with over a hundred girls from every ethnicity. Pricier than elsewhere. AED200 for entrance after midnight.
Red Square in Moscow Hotel - Mostly Eastern European girls - Weekend entrance fee is AED150.

Ratsky in Fortune Karama Hotel - Bar full of Filipinas - Affordable

Jules in Le Méridien Centre: Lots of Vietnamese and Chinese girls. Entry fee is AED65 on a weekday.

In this article, I will explain 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 in January 2019.

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 office. 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 interest. 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 moto-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).

A good way to get around in Jakarta using public transportation is to use the app Moovit. You just need to enter your location and your destination, and they'll tell you how to get there by bus/train.

Internet/Mobile Phone
If you stay in Jakarta for 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 at 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 app.

Broadly speaking, Tinder works great in most situations (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.

Sugar dating has become more popular in Jakarta in the past few years. On a website like Seeking Arrangement, many girls are offering their company in exchange for gifts. If you don't want to bother with endless chatting, this is the easiest way to find a pretty girl for a few days in Jakarta.

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 (closed in January 2019) 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.

Singapore has a booming nightlife for everyone. There are disco clubs for teenagers, member’s club bars to meet and strike deals at, and a lot more. If you are a businessperson and travel to Singapore frequently, you know how great it is when you finally find a suitable bar.

Apart from enjoying hard drinks or cocktails, these bars provide a relaxing ambiance when you want a peace of mind after a tough day with business meetings. They are the best place to find a corner to cut a business deal with prospective business partners in the Lion City.

If this is what you looking for, let's get straight to the best bars in Singapore that are suited for business people.

The Old Man

This rustic bar has a classic and bronze theme to entice serious businesspeople. It is long with mosaic portraits everywhere. What is more interesting is the pineapple lamp that welcomes people along the Keong Saik road. It is not only popular in Singapore but has been featured on the list of the top 50 best bars in the world. With this, who wouldn't want to chill here after a day full of business errands? They specialize in all popular cocktails, liquor, wines, and beers.

Idle Wind

This is another bar in Singapore with a 1940s theme that is suitable for any business traveler. The bar is the brainchild of one of the best mixologists in the world from Australia, Andy Griffiths. Here, you will find the best cocktails from different parts of the world as well as other popular alcoholic drinks. The bar also serves snacks to their customers.

Madame Fan Bar

If you really to entertain your fellow businesspeople or special ladies whom you have met during your business trip, look no further than the Madame Fan Bar. Davide Boncimino, an award-winning bartender and the bar’s founder, makes exceptional cocktails from scratch using high-quality ingredients. The bar is so popular that experts at One Visa Pte Ltd often recommend it to business travelers and other people looking for work permits through them.

Manhattan Bar

If you are a business person who values class, visit the Manhattan Bar to witness ladies and gentlemen dressed in pearls and 3-piece suits. This is a bar where people smoke cigars and classic tobacco sticks as they sip their 19th-century cocktails and listen to classical jazz. And let’s not forget the whispers of cutting deals. This is your perfect bar for your clandestine rendezvous business.

Level33

Our list of the best bars in Singapore would not be complete without mentioning Level33. It is one of the highest based brew bars that serves beers, cocktails, other alcoholic drinks, and food. This is a perfect place to entertain your business partners and prospects after making a good deal. The bar is located inside of the Marina Bay complex on floor 33, from which it got its name.

Conclusion

It is always good to choose a perfect bar as a businessperson. As you can see, Singapore has got you covered with the list of bars we have offered. It is up to you to pick one that suits your needs in the best way.

Gambling is officially illegal in Indonesia, in part due to religious reasons.

The ban is strictly enforced, so it is almost impossible to find a casino unless you are highly connected.

For instance, last year, a casino inside Robinson Apartment in West Jakarta was opened but it could operate for only three days before the police busted it. 91 of the 133 persons inside were named as suspects and they are now facing up to 10 years in jail.

Despite such severity, many Indonesians still love gambling. The richest will fly to Singapore, to Malaysia, or to Macau for that, but for most of them, the easiest way to bet money is to use online gambling sites.

While there are some international websites, they are often blocked by the government and they can't be used without a VPN. They also rarely use Indonesian debit cards.

For this reason, dozens of local gambling sites have been opened. Mewahbet, one of the most famous, has several mirror sites to hide from the authorities. When one domain is taken down, another one appears, and so on. You can also download their app or contact their customer service (Indonesian or English speakers) in case the website is unreachable.

In any case, it is always safer to use a VPN: The cost is only a few dollars per month and it is really useful to access blocked content in Indonesia.

Another popular feature of a website like Mewahbet is that you can deposit some money on your account from Indonesian banks like BNI, BCA, Mandiri, or CIMB Niaga.

Once your account is created, you are connected to players from all over the world. There are quite many games available:

- Card games, like Poker

- Lottery games, like Keno or Bingo

- Fish hunting games, an Asian favorite where the player is supposed to shoot at fishes then get points when they succeed to kill one.

- Slot games, the online version of slot machines

- Sports bet, they are platforms allowing you to place all kinds of bets on sporting events (football, tennis, golf, basketball, etc).

- Virtual casinos: These recreate the experience of visiting a casino, with all the typical tables (poker, blackjack, roulette) and slot machines.

Because gambling is illegal in Indonesia, all these websites operate from outside the country. For this reason, it is hard to know exactly how many people they can reach. What is for sure is that it has never been easier to gamble in Indonesia than today. This makes me wonder if it is still relevant to ban real-life casinos, considering they would provide the government with much-needed tax revenue. Singapore did it, Malaysia did it, will Indonesia be next?

While it is relatively easy to send money from abroad to Indonesia, it can be more complicated to do the opposite: To send money from Indonesia (IDR) to another country with a different currency.

Since my salary is paid in rupiah on an Indonesian bank account, I often have to send money back to France and I’ve used several methods to do so.

In the article below, I will give you my best recommendations based on my personal experience. I’ve ranked the options from best to worst, depending on the speed of the transfer, its convenience, and its cost.

If you feel I’ve forgotten something or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to write me a comment.

Transfez

This is by far the easiest way to send money from Indonesia to abroad. It is quite new so I’ve only started to use it recently and it has been a game-changer.

This app, available on both iPhone and Android, is licensed as a remittance company by both the Indonesian and the Australian government (Austrac), and it is regulated under the rules from Bank Indonesia. You may have heard of it under its company name, PT Indo Koala. It is actually quite famous as they have already handled over US$15 million to date.

It works a bit like Transferwise (which is not available for money transfers from Indonesia to the world): They keep money in the banks of various countries and when you pay them with rupiahs, they just convert the money and make a local transfer from their own foreign bank account to yours.

It is really simple and you can do everything online in less than 10 minutes. Just enter the amount you want to send on their website Transfez.com, then you will see exactly how much you will get in the currency you choose.

(note that for your first transaction, your ID will need to be verified to comply with anti-money laundering regulations)

At the current rate, for a transfer of IDR 5,000,000 from Indonesia to France (euros), you should receive around 300 euros:

This is just around 5 euros less than the exchange rate provided by Google (see below), and it corresponds to an IDR 74,000 fee + a small mark-up on the exchange rate. To my knowledge, this is the cheapest price you can get for such a transfer.

The speed of the transfer varies depending on the country you are sending to. For Britain, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India, it takes just 15 minutes. For Brazil or South Korea, it's just a matter of a few hours, while for Europe, one working day is required before the money appears on your bank account.

The only problem with Transfez is that it does not allow transfers to every country yet. You can send to most of Europe, to Australia, to China, to India, to Japan, to South Korea, to Malaysia, to Singapore, to Thailand, and to many more, but not to the USA or Canada. Hopefully, they add this possibility soon.

Free Money Transfer
Use the promo code "100BARS" just before paying. Your first transaction with Transfez will be free of charge!

Bank Account

If Transfez doesn’t send money to your country, your second-best solution is to simply transfer money from your Indonesian bank account to the one in your home country. You can do it online in some cases, but most often you’ll need to go to an Indonesian bank branch.

You will need to provide the teller with your foreign bank’s swift code and/or IBAN, as well as your account details.

I’ve done this a few times with my bank (BNI) and I paid around IDR 300,000 in fees for a 10 million rupiah transfer. This included the currency conversion fees, but not the receiving bank fees which were an additional 20 euros. You can also choose to let your home-country bank do the conversion, but it is usually cheaper to do it with your Indonesian bank.

Western Union

This last solution is for those who don’t have an Indonesian bank account and who want to send to a country not serviced by Transfez.

You will need to go to a Western Union agent, then pay a fee of IDR 350,000, and there will be a hidden exchange rate fee (mark-up from the normal rates).

This is not really convenient and it is expensive, but it is fast and the service is reliable.

Conclusion

At the moment, there is no doubt that Transfez is the best solution to transfer money from Indonesia to the world. It is much cheaper, more convenient, and faster. Also, with the current Covid-19 crisis, it is certainly safer as you can do everything online without the need to go to an office and to handle some paper bills. As I mentioned above, you can get your first transfer with them for free just by using the code "100BARS".

I was surprised to discover that there are so many pornstars with Filipino blood. Most of them are actually American by nationality, but they have at least one parent who was born in the Philippines before emigrating to the US.

However, it is much more difficult to find a Pinay pornstar that still has the Philippines nationality. Indeed, unlike in the US, there isn't a real porn industry in the country except for some amateur productions. They do have some softcore erotica though, as well as male magazines like FHM (see here for the Hottest Pinay FHM Models).

Here is my list of the most famous Filipino pornstars, cam-girls and erotic models:

Alex De La Flor

This half-American, half-Filipino girl would be the right fit for the category "Too cute for porn". Born in 1997, she has shot over 40 scenes so far and she regularly publishes updates on her social media accounts.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thealexdelaflor

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/alexdelaflor

Photo credit: @thephotographer

Jasmine Grey

Measuring just 145cm (4"9) for 36 kilos (79lbs), Jasmine is your archetypal tiny Asian pornstar. Probably the cutest girl in this list, her blood is 100% Filipino even though she was born in the US.

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/jasminegrey

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

Wanna Meet Real Filipino Girls Online?
Whether you live in Asia, in the US, or in Europe, it is extremely easy today to meet young and sexy Filipinas.

I recommend two websites:
→ FilipinoCupid: Great website to meet thousands of Filipinas who are interested to date foreigners. Perfect to prepare a trip to the Philippines or if you are looking for an English-speaking girlfriend to bring home.
→ SeekingArrangement: This is a sugar dating website, meaning the girls are looking for someone with money. That's best for those who are not looking for a serious relationship. Lots of incredibly looking Filipino ladies, usually in their 20s.

Avery Black

This Filipino pornstar, born in 1992 in San Francisco, is just 150cm high (4"11) and 43 kilos (95lbs). She has shot several scenes with her boyfriend, Oliver Davis.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/averyblvck

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/averyblack

Charmane Star

Born in the Philippines in 1979, she is one of the most famous Filipino pornstars ever. She has shot over 300 adult films (and a few mainstream ones as well) in a career that started in 1998. She now lives in France with her husband.

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

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/charmanestar

Lily Thai

Born in Hawaii from an Italian dad and a Filipino mom, she achieved fame in 2005 after being nominated to 3 AVN awards. Today, after having breast augmentation surgery, she still maintains a website where you can see private pics and videos (if you pay of course). You can also ask for one-on-one sexy cam sessions.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ltclilythai

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

Michelle Maylene

A famous pornstar who also did some mainstream TV shows like Co-ed Confidential on Cinemax or the series Chemistry. She was born in 1987 under the name Michelle Paula Beique II, from a Hawaiian dad and a Filipino mom.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/michellemaylene

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

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/michellemaylene1

Daisy Marie

She is a famous pornstar, born in 1984 in Oregon, US, from Mexican and Filipino parents. Her career spanned almost two decades, with several appearances in mainstream TV shows (such as Sons of Anarchy). She was inducted to the AVN Hall of Fame in 2017.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1daisymarie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1daisymarie

Dariej Seira

Also known as DariejXO, this slender beauty is a true Filipina, from Cebu, who is an active cam girl. There are also some porn videos of her where she is performing with her boyfriend. She also had a profile on the dating site SeekingArrangement but I don't know if it was really her.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dariejxo

Kina Kai

Born in 1983, she stayed in the porn industry for almost 10 years from 2001 to 2010. She has now retired completely and lives a peaceful life in the US with her husband and kids.

Kaylani Lei

Born in 1980, she is American with half-Chinese and half-Filipino blood. She appeared in over 200 movies in her career (from 2003 to 2015). She is still doing nude photoshoots on her OnlyFans account: Kaylanileix.

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

Nathalia Forrest

Born in 1988 from a Filipino mom and a British dad, she was raised in the UK. She started porn in 2009 and is still active until now. She posts about one new video a week on her own website, usually solo.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nataliaforrest1

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/nataliaforrest1

Keilani Kita

Born in 1996, this short lady (5" or 150cm) is an American-born adult performer with Filipino ancestry. She is also a stripper and a cam girl.

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/keilanikita

Jenny Hendrix

Born in 1986 in Florida from Italian and Filipino parents, she is a tall performer (173cm) who won an AVN award in 2009.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meetmisshendrix

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

Ember Snow

Another petite Pinay pornstar, born in 1991 from Filipino parents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She moved in the US while still a kid, then studied acting, did some modeling, and finally moved to the porn industry at age 26.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/embersnowxxx

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ember4ever/

Kendra Spade

Born in 1998, from a Filipino mom and an American dad, she shot her first porn at just 19. She is still active as of today.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KendraSpade

Jessica Bangkok

Unlike her name may suggest, this petite, big-breasted woman is not Thai. Born in 1980, she is half-Pinay and half-Chamorro (from Guam island). She started shooting adult movies in 2007, and she is still semi-active until today (obviously in the MILF category).

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessica_bangkok

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

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/jessica_bangkok

Lana Violet

Born in 1988, she started in the porn industry in 2008. She is still doing scenes that she uploads on her private pages.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lanatheviolet

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

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/lanaviolet

Loni Punani

Born in 1977, she did her first X-rated scene in 2002 and her last one in 2008. She started as a slim Asian girl and was slightly more chubby by the end. 100% pure Filipino blood.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialloni

Mimi Miyagi

A vintage pornstar who, surprisingly, is still somewhat active at almost 50! She was born in 1973 and spent most of her childhood in the Philippines, then moved to LA during her teens.

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

OnlyFans: https://onlyfans.com/mimimiyagi

Shay Jordan

Born in 1985, she is from German and Filipino parents but grew up in Hawaii. Under contract with Digital Playground, she was nominated for several AVN awards from 2007 to 2009.

Other Pornstars from the Philippines:

Teanna Kai: Born in 1978, she was Penthouse Pet of the Month in October 2001. She has done mostly lesbian scenes.

Adriana Luna: Born in 1984, she is a retired pornstar with mixed Mexican and Filipino blood. Penthouse Pet of the Month in November 2012.

Lady May or Mai: Born in 1984 and active for a few years starting 2004. She was based in Spain.

Kita Zen: Born in 1988 in the US from Filipino parents.

Veronica Lynn: Born in 1983 and active starting in 2004.

Raquel Gibson: Born in 1985, she was Playboy's Playmate of the Month in November 2005. She only did softcore and erotic photoshoots.

Gianna Lynn: Born in 1984 from Filipino, Spanish, and Chinese ancestry. She now resides in California.

Sabrine Maui: Born in Manila in 1980, was quite famous in the early 2000s. I didn't find any information about her current life.

Evanni Solei: A black pornstar, born in 1989, with a dash of Filipino ancestry.

Davon Kim or Danika Flores: - Born in Cebu in 1985, still shooting scenes as of 2020, mostly lesbian and, more surprisingly, some golden showers.

Asian ladyboys are often considered the sexiest and most beautiful in the world. They tend to have very feminine features, slender bodies, and they also benefit from cheap access to cosmetic surgery.

In some countries, in particular in Thailand, in Cambodia, or in the Philippines, being transgender is relatively well-accepted. As a result, it is not uncommon, even for a teenager, to have support from their parents to do hormone therapy at an early age. This will help them develop feminine traits instead of masculine ones.

When meeting the most gorgeous Asian ladyboys in real life, it is virtually impossible to guess what their actual biological sex is. On the contrary, they look sexier than most women and, for that reason, they are often working as models, actresses, singers, entertainers, or influencers.

If you are staying in Asia or planning a trip there, it is relatively easy to meet one, especially if you are in cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, or Manila. To make things easier, you can browse hundreds of profiles on the website MyLadyboyDate.com, which is the best out there for those looking for a genuine romantic experience (no prostitution). It is free to register and to look at the pictures.

In the following article, I have listed the 12 most beautiful and feminine Asian ladyboys. I have categorized them by nationalities and I added their Instagram account in case you want to see more pics of them.

If I forgot to mention a name, please don't hesitate to let me know at the end of the article.

Famous and Sexy Asian Ladyboys:

Thai Ladyboys

It is in Thailand that you will see the most beautiful ladyboys in the world. In a city like Bangkok, they are ubiquitous and you can easily meet them everywhere you go, in the mall, in cafés, in the clubs, or online.

Rinrada "Yoshi" Thurapan (1,4M followers on Instagram)

The winner of Miss Tiffany Universe in 2017 and runner-up in the Miss International Queen 2018, she is one of the most famous Thai transgender celebrity (only second to "Poyd" Treechada Petcharat). She has appeared in advertising, movies, and TV shows such as Lovesick: The Series (2014).

Lady Blossom

She was a contestant of the Thai reality show The Face, a modeling competition similar to Asia's Next Top Model. She was also a runner-up in the transgender beauty pageant Miss Tiffany in 2013.

Kanwara Kaewjin

She was Miss Tiffany Universe in 2018 and the 1st Runner Up of Miss International Queen in 2019.

Mo Jiratchaya Sirimongkolnawin

Voted the most beautiful transgender women in the world in 2016, she has been working as an influencer and a model ever since. For a while, she could also be seen in her own burlesque show at the Tiffany's Theater in Pattaya.

Dear Ruethaipreeya Nuanglee

She was Miss Tiffany 2019 and 1st runner-up of Miss Queen International 2020.

Nitsa Katrahong

She was the Miss Sexy Star and Miss Tiffany in 2014.

Vietnamese Ladyboys

There are not as many transgender women in Vietnam as in nearby Thailand, but they do have a few gems, including Nguyen Huong Giang.

Nguyen Huong Giang (almost 4M followers on Instagram!)
Born in 1991, she is very famous in Vietnam, where she participated in the reality show Amazing Race Vietnam 2014 (which she won), as well as Vietnam Idol in 2012. She also won the title of Miss Queen International in 2018.

Filipina Transsexual Women:

I've always thought that Filipinas were, on average, the most beautiful women in Asia. Therefore, it's not surprising that you will also find there some stunning ladyboys, including several who finished in the top 10 of the annual Miss International Queen beauty pageant.

Kevin Balot (400,000 followers on Instagram)

The first Filipina to ever win an International transgender pageant (in 2012), Kevin is well-known in the country as an advocate of LGBT rights. She has also appeared on several TV shows.

Jess Labares

Originally from Cebu, she won the title of "Most Photogenic" at the Miss International Queen 2020. In 2019, this University graduate in Physical Therapy also became the first-ever trans flight attendant of Cebu Pacific Airline.

Indonesian Ladyboys

Because Indonesia is still so conservative, there is some kind of hypocrisy surrounding ladyboys in the media. Many are invited to participate in TV shows, but it is somewhat taboo for them to speak freely about their gender. For instance, there was outrage last July when Millen Cyrus (see below) revealed accidentally on a YouTube video that Lucinta Luna was indeed a ladyboy.

Millen Cyrus (close to 1M followers on Instagram)
Millen Cyrus, or Muhammad Millendaru Prakarsa Samudro, was born on August 28th, 1999. She is the niece of the famous Indonesian singer Ashanty.

Melly Bradley (close to 300,000 followers on Instagram)

Melly Bradley, born on July 9th, 1991, is quite open about her transsexuality. She currently resides in Australia with her partner.

Note: This Cape Town nightlife review was written by a South African reader who lives in the city.

With breathtaking scenery and a great diversity of cultures, Cape Town is one of the most unique metropolises in Africa.

Among the many reasons tourists flock to the city is to enjoy its nightlife, which is probably one of the best on the continent. It is especially popular among backpackers, at least for the bars that are located in the city center.

Cape Town’s nightlife is a large melting pot of different venues, from African dancehalls to Western-style nightclubs, each with their distinct vibe and crowd. In a city so large and renowned for its crime rate, you are certainly wondering where you should go for fun, and whether it is safe to do so.

Here, I will give you recommendations for 10 must-try bars and nightclubs, as well as some tips about what to expect when going out at night in Cape Town.

Hotels Near Cape Town Nightlife

As you can see on this map, most of the best bars and nightclubs in Cape Town are located in the city center, between Long Street and Bree Street.

This is a rather safe area to stay in, where you can walk around without any problems during the day. At night, I recommend using taxis, though, as robberies are quite common (see my safety tips at the end of the article).

The hotels I recommend near the nightlife of Long Street/Bree Street are the following:

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel (serviced apartments) - US$150/night

⭐⭐⭐ Holiday Inn Express City Center - US$90/night

⭐91 Loop Boutique Hostel - US$50/night

There are also some bars and nightclubs in District 6, particularly at The Firm complex. It's a bit more trendy and less touristy.

10 Best Nightclubs and Bars in Cape Town

Below are my 10 favorite bars and nightclubs of Cape Town:

Shimmy Beach Club

There are many pubs and clubs along the coastline, but Shimmy Beach Club is unrivaled when it comes to summer parties (from the end of December until March). It wasn't rated among the top 100 clubs in the world by International Nightlife Association for nothing.

Shimmy Beach Club prepares the guests for a perfect combination of luxury and entertainment through several sub-venues. The restaurant offers some of the best seafood meals in the city, while the poolside and the deck are ready for events from bachelorette parties to DJ performances (The South African electronic music band Goldfish particularly likes this place).

Reset

Since its opening in September 2017, Reset has become the pioneer in Cape Town's electronic music scene. It features two different dancefloors (Tunnel and Groove Bar) where you can listen to various genres including techno, deep house, EDM and minimal house.

La Parada Bree Street

Just because you are in Africa doesn’t mean you can’t have some Latin-style fun. In fact, Cape Town’s Latin Dance scene is quite large. One of the popular venues among dancers is La Parada, but the trick is to visit it on a Friday. After tasting the delicious tapas platters, go downstairs to the basement to have a free session on introductory salsa. After the class, stay for the social Latin nights to practice what you learned. You don't even need a partner, as everyone will eventually ask or be asked to dance without hesitation.

Harrington's Cocktail Lounge (The Firm)

Harrington's Cocktail Lounge is in Harrington's Street, a vibrant nightlife area in District 6. More specifically, it is part of The Firm, a complex that also includes the District nightclub and Surfarosa dive bar.

Stepping inside, you will first notice a somewhat kitschy decoration, but don’t let that put you off. It is a really fun bar that hosts a wide range of activities from gigs of local bands to 80s-90s themed parties. They also have plenty of events such as wine tasting and happy hours with half-priced tapas.

Beerhouse

Beerhouse on Long Street is an all-time classic in Cape Town. It’s not surprising to find it packed inside no matter what time of the day you go. The broad selection of beers has every option you can think of and beyond (99 types of bottled beers and 25 types of tap beer).

Besides the balcony and seated areas, the place has a moderate-sized dance floor. Music is mostly top 40/rock/classic. The place is also renowned for its karaoke and pub-quiz nights, so you can find a million excuses to pay a visit. Recently, they've also opened a branch in Tygervalley.

Mødular

If you are a fan of techno/electronic music, look no further. This small club with an underground vibe attracts the best DJs in Cape Town. Entrance fee is 100ZAR on the weekend. Cool crowd.

Decodance

Decodance in Sea Point is one of the longest-running night clubs in Cape Town, renowned for its 70s-80s-90s parties. It is also one of the biggest in the city, boasting multiple dancefloors playing different music genres, smoking and non-smoking areas, and three bars to distribute the drinking crowd evenly. Another cool thing with Decodance is the cheap entrance fee, especially for women who can gain free entrance before 10 pm.

The Secret Gin Bar (at Honest Chocolate)

A cozy chocolate shop by day, Honest Chocolate opens its doors at night to cocktail-lovers. Walking through the coffee shop will lead you to the backyard, where you will find the not-so-secret speakeasy bar. The gin menu has a wide selection of herb and tea-infused gins. The venue has little space, so make sure to visit early to find yourself a spot.

Pink Panther

Being in the most LGBTQ-friendly country in Africa, Cape Town is regarded as the gay capital of the continent. Located in the De-Waterkant area (a.k.a Cape Town’s gay village), Pink Panther is one of the longest-running night clubs in Cape Town. From its incredibly friendly owners and attractive waiters to the themed parties and DJ performances, Pink Panther is a place you shouldn’t skip regardless of your sexual orientation.

Stilettos Elite Gent’s Club

The new sensation of Burg Street is Stilettos Elite Gent' Club. This upmarket strip club greets everyone, men and women, with their sexy hostesses, talented dancers, and a variety of events. The options for dance performances are plenty. You can choose from a variety of private rooms and a selection of dances such as lap, couple and table. This is the ultimate place to host your bachelor party. Entrance fee is 150ZAR. Free for women who are accompanying guys.

Cape Town Nightlife Tips

Cost of clubbing:Most nightclubs will have an entry fee of 50-100 ZAR, so remember to bring cash with you.

Dress code:

Wear smart casual and be prepared for the sudden changes in weather.

Being safe

Sadly, Cape Town (as the rest of South Africa) has a particularly high crime rate. Because of that, many people will rather avoid the country.

That said, those fears tend to be exaggerated. The majority of violent crime happens in the townships far outside of the city center. In the central area, you are more likely to be the victim of incidents like mugging and pickpocketing. It is not that common, though, and if you stay vigilant and street-smart, you should spend the nights problem-free.

Never leave any valuables unattended (for instance, don't leave your phone on your table at a bar, especially when drunk).

Try to always use Uber when going from one club/bar to another at night, even if they are only 300 meters apart. If you do walk, stay in a group and don't let random people approach you.

Avoid taking your mobile phone out of your pocket: I was once robbed of mine while looking at Google Maps (I was lost and I needed directions).

By the way, if you are going to South Africa for a holiday, you should subscribe to travel insurance. It will really save you from having to pay thousands of dollars in case an accident happens to you. I bought mine with WorldNomads and it is affordable (about 8USD per day).

Getting Around at night

Cape Town does not have a mode of reliable public transport, so Uber is the ultimate transportation method at night.

Drugs

Although South Africa is currently legalizing small-scale marijuana production, it is still illegal to buy and sort of drugs on the street. You must beware of people trying to sell drugs, especially on Long Street.

I was surprised to discover that Kathmandu has one of the best nightlife in South Asia.

The capital of Nepal, with a population of over 2,5M inhabitants, has a rather high number of nightclubs and bars, and a party culture which is much more liberal than in neighboring India.

The below review is a summary of everything I learned from my stay in Kathmandu. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment below.

Kathmandu Party Areas + Hotels

Click on the map to enlarge

If you are interested in Kathmandu nightlife, you should choose a hotel in the Thamel district.

Thamel is the most popular tourist area in Kathmandu. It used to be the go-to spot for hippies and drug users back in the 70s. Nowadays, it is much more mainstream, attracting backpackers and travelers from all over the world. Most of them stay in cheap guesthouses and mid-range hotels. It is a colorful and exciting area, but it can be quite noisy and busy.

Within Thamel, the intersection between Chaksibari Marg street and Paryatan Marg street is the best location for partying. From there, on foot, you can easily reach dozens of cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs. If you don't know where to start your night out in Kathmandu, just go there first.

The hotels I recommend near that spot are:

⭐⭐Kathmandu Merry Hotel (rated 8/10, US$15 per night) - Super cheap, clean and comfortable

⭐⭐⭐Milestone Hotel (rated 8.4/10, US$25 per night) - Brand new hotel in the center

⭐⭐⭐⭐Ambassador Garden Home (rated 8.7/10, US$35 per night) - Best value for money in this area

Durbarmarg

There is also some nightlife in Durbarmarg, a large avenue leading to the Royal Palace with luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants. It is more residential and less touristy. You may be able to find some upscale apartments there on Airbnb (up to US$45 off your first booking using my link).

For long term residents
If you are staying in Kathmandu for a longer period of time, I'd recommend upmarket neighborhoods like Lazimpat or Lalitpur. They are more laid-back yet they still have a bit of nightlife. Again, I recommend Airbnb instead of a hotel in those areas.

Kathmandu Nightlife Tips

Cost of partying in Kathmandu

The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee (Ns.) with 1$ ≈ Ns. 115.

The average cost of a night out in Kathmandu is around Ns. 5,000 (USD 45). For an entrance fee in a club, you can expect to pay between Ns. 500 and Ns. 2,000. For drinks, Ns. 3,000 should be enough to get you tipsy (around Ns. 300-600 per drink).

Typically, a foreign beer like Carlsberg or Tuborg costs around Ns. 400-500 whereas local beers like Gorkha, Nepal Ice, Everest, and Arna Beer are available for around Ns. 350-450.

Khukuri Rum, an authentic Nepali rum, is quite popular and cheap. A 750 ML bottle costs Ns. 2,000 in pubs.

Transport is inexpensive as you can go to most bars and clubs on foot (if you stay in Thamel).

Dress code:

It is generally relaxed, but all the higher-end clubs will require you to wear closed shoes and pants. Clubs and bars are rarely well-heated so you will probably need to wear a jacket during winter, even when inside.

When to party:

May to September is the busiest season for partying as this is when the weather is the warmest. The nightlife is also interesting just after Divali, usually in late October or early November.

Clubs are officially required to close at 12 PM, but the rule is not really enforced and you can actually party until morning in many venues. Friday and Saturday are the best busiest nights.

Drugs:

Kathmandu used to be considered as a heaven for marijuana lovers up until 1973. Before this date, it was legal to smoke weed or hashish, and hippies would flock from all over the world to enjoy this freedom. World-class marijuana was cultivated in Nepal, especially near the town of Pokhara.

Nowadays, the laws have become much more strict and prohibitive, yet you can still obtain marijuana easily. Street dealers sell it quite aggressively to tourists in Thamel but, unfortunately, it might not be the best stuff. As elsewhere, your best bet is to find it through a local friend.

Prostitution:
Prostitution, in spite of being illegal, is widely practiced in the Thamel area. If you just walk around, you will see some guys distributing massage parlors flyers or offering to hook you up with girls. There is also some online prostitution, especially on apps like Tinder, Badoo, or on the sugar baby website SeekingArrangement (high-class companions).

Meeting other travelers and expats:
I recommend checking the Facebook group Kathmandu Hang Out. You will find information about the latest parties and meetups with foreigners living in the city.

Best Nightclubs and Bars in Kathmandu

This is a list of the most happening bars and nightclubs in Kathmandu (if I forgot one, please mention it in the comment section below).

Lord of the Drinks (LOD)

This is currently the poshest nightclub in Kathmandu, attracting mostly rich locals and a few foreigners. Great lighting (hydraulic chandelier going up and down, lasers, LCD panels) and a sound system of international standards. The venue is quite large (1,000 pax capacity), with a square bar in the center surrounded by elevated VIP areas. A rock band plays until 23.30, followed by a DJ (mostly EDM). A few famous international artists have played there (Asap Tyy, Quintino, etc). The entrance fee is high at Ns. 2,500 (USD 20) and a beer will cost a whopping Ns. 800-1,000 (USD 7-9).

The same group also owns and operates Karma and Reload. Both attract a hip crowd of locals and foreigners.

Reload

A similar club is Deja Vu but it is currently closed for renovation.

Senate Club
An eclectic venue with various events each day of the week, from techno nights to live Nepali rock. Cheaper than Lord of the Drinks (and also less pretentious), it is a good place to party with locals or travelers without breaking the bank. Central location on Thamel.

There are several clubs that are quite similar to Senate in terms of crowd, price, and music: Turtle Club, Playboy, Fire Club, or Fahrenheit.

Playboy Club

Fahrenheit Club

Purple Haze

Probably the best rock bar in Kathmandu. They have local (or international/Indian) bands daily until 12 PM. Music can be soft rock, pop, metal, etc depending on who's playing. They play mostly covers of famous songs. Popular with tourists and older locals. The entrance fee is Ns. 500 during weekends with one free drink.

Other good live music bars (with different music): Reggae Bar and Jazz Upstairs.

Bar Bar Black Sip

One of my favorite bars in Thamel, along with Dancing Yak. It is rather intimate, with a regular live band and decent food. Cocktails are normally good (though it doesn't seem they have a standard).

Similar bar: Ozzie Lounge

Irish Pub

This "traditional" Irish pub is located in Lazimpat, about 15 minutes from Thamel. A bit on the pricey side, and rather quaint, it is nonetheless a nice venue to get a drink while listening to live music. Average pub fare. Most customers are Nepalese.

Iclub Durbarmag

This simple club is interesting if you are hoping to meet Nepali girls. While most clients are guys, you generally have a few unattached ladies on the dancefloor (not sure if they are working for the club or not). The music and drinks are similar to other places.

Sam’s Bar

This discreet bar on the second floor of a souvenir shop is one of the oldest in Kathmandu. Nothing special except that it is quite cheap. Popular with budget travelers, locals, and long-term foreign residents. They have live music on selected nights.

Similar bar: Tom and Jerry

Club 25 Hours

This is a smaller club with mostly underground or non-commercial music (trance, techno, or rock bands). It only opens on Friday and Saturday. The entrance fee is usually around Ns. 1,000 with a drink. On the same location, you also have Calm Restaurant and Bar.

This Jakarta nightlife review is an update this article and it should cover any questions you may have about partying in Jakarta in 2019.

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

Note: I last updated this review on September 13th, 2019.

Nightlife Areas

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

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

In detail, the following neighborhoods are the most happening:

→ Mega Kuningan: You'll find chic bars walking distance from each other: Basque (#1 expat bar in Jakarta), Loewy (it used to be the number 1), Flow (quiet lounge), Safehouse (trendy expats, electro music), McGettigan's (modern Irish pub with a popular ladies night on Wednesday), Jack Sparrows (next to Basque), Amigos (Salsa night on Monday). Popular with young expats, westernized Indonesians and girls looking for expats. If it is your first time in Jakarta, start here (I recommend you to stay in Oakwood Cosmo, the ideal hotel in that area).

→ SCBD: The trendiest area among young Indonesians. The main nightlife complex there is called Fairgrounds and it has a few popular spots like Lucy in the Sky (hipster), Fable Club (popular with teenagers), Swillhouse (Rn'B) and the Pallas Lounge (only busy on weekends). Elsewhere in SCBD, you should also try the Beer Hall (live music), the Beer Garden (cheaper prices), the Fools (live music), Hard Rock Café, the Dutch (restaurant and bar, expat crowd) and Cork & Screw (Indonesian-Chinese in their 30s).

→ Senopati: Senopati is the area that consists of streets like Jalan Senopati, Jalan Suryo, and Jalan Gunawarman. It is an affluent residential neighborhood with exclusive bars and restaurants that cater to the elite, particularly Indonesian-Chinese. The current hotspots are A/A (speakeasy bar), Monty's (live music in the upstairs lounge), Savoi, Lola, Holy Wings, and 3rd Avenue.

=> Senopati and SCBD don't have a good choice of affordable hotels. In that area, you can book an apartment on Airbnb instead. The best ones are Residence 8 and District 8, especially if you need 2 or 3 bedrooms. If you have never created an account on Airbnb, use this link and you'll get 40$ off your first booking.

→ Jalan Jaksa/Menteng/Sarinah: This is where you will find good-value accommodation in central Jakarta. Bars in that area are cheaper than average and they will attract travelers, backpackers and Indonesians on a budget. Best bars there: Penny Lane Beer House (ex-Beer Garden), Camden Cikini, and Melly's Garden.

=> This is a good location to stay in Jakarta if you are on a budget. I recommend Holiday Inn Express Wahid Hasyim.

→ Kemang: Another residential area, favored by expat families. It has some expat bars and restaurants (Eastern Promise, Frank's, Murphy's, Queen's Head, Hooters) and some nightclubs for teenagers (Dronk, 999, Nu China, Parc 19). A current hotspot is Hotel Monopoli with a club, a restaurant and a rooftop.

→ Pantai Indah Kapuk: A strip of restaurants and bars for the young, usually wealthy, Indonesian-Chinese living in Pluit.

→ Glodok/Kota: One of the main red-light districts in North Jakarta. It has everything from luxury clubs to cheap massage parlours and bordellos.

=> This is a great area for affordable quality hotels. My favorite is Santika Hayam Wuruk. Perfect if you also want to visit the old town of Jakarta.

→ Blok M: A tiny red light district in South Jakarta, popular with older Westerners. All the hostess bars are lined up in Jalan Falatehan. It is a dying area unfortunately which is empty on most nights.

→ Melawai and Grand Wijaya: Two red light districts in South Jakarta targeting Japanese and Koreans (karaokes and massage parlours).

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

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

When to Party?

Jakarta nightlife is busy all year round with a pause during Ramadhan. South Jakarta nightclubs get busy from midnight to 4AM and the ones in North Jakarta from 8PM to 5AM. Some venues have longer opening hours (Golden Crown, 108 (ex-Illigals), Puja Sera). If you want to party 24-hour, the best solution is to rent a karaoke room (Karaoke in Jakarta), for instance in 108 Club or Fashion Hotel.

→ Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: Quiet in the South, normal in the North.

The "normal" nightclubs will be closed, but most bars will be open. The busiest ones will be Basque, Loewy, Social House, Cloud, Cork & Screw, Skye. If you like salsa, there is a popular event every Monday in Amigos Mega Kuningan.

Prostitute bars in 5-star hotels, like BATS and CJs are quite happening too.

In the North, the naughty clubs like Malioboro, Golden Crown, 36, Tease, should be quite crowded. From what I was told, this is because it's easier for married men to go out during the week. There are also more businessmen in Jakarta on weekdays.

→ Wednesday is my favorite party day in Jakarta.

All clubs and bars are normally open and busy. Entrance fees are lower and you have ladies' nights promotions (the best one is in McGettigan's).

Try a rooftop bar like Cloud or Henshin, a bar like Basque, then go to Dragonfly or Fable.

Read: Best Happy Hours and Ladies Nights in Jakarta

→ Friday and Saturday are the crowdest nights.

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

Hotels in Jakarta Near the Nightlife

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

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

My personal recommendations are:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (more than 150$/night)

Kempinski or Mandarin Oriental.

Shangri-La and Mulia both have busy live-music bars full of working girls.

Oakwood Premier Cozmo has a great location in Mega Kuningan and I recommend it if you plan on having dates with Indonesian girls (you can invite them downstairs to Loewy).

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (more than 100$/night)

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

⭐⭐⭐ (more than 40$/night):

Harris FX (very popular due to the location within a lifestyle mall), Ayaka Suites, Liberty Hotel, A-One, Ashley.

⭐⭐ Under 40$ per night:

Dreamtel, Cipta, MaxOne, Favehotel Wahid Hasyim, Favehotel Gatot Subroto

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

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

Don't forget to check apartments on Airbnb as well, especially if you stay with a group of friends as you can save money by booking a 2 or 3 bedroom unit. If you need an apartment recommendation, don't hesitate to contact me as I tried at least 30 in Jakarta from cheap to luxury.

Best Bars in Jakarta

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

Bars for Meeting Girls

→ Girls who are 20+: Boca Rica, Basque, Loewy, Bluegrass, Social House, Henshin

→ Girls who are 30+: Eastern Promise, Aphrodite

→ Girls who want money: BATS, CJs, My Bar, 36

Cheap Bars

→ For students: Camden, Halfway, Beer Garden, Holywings (several locations)

→ For backpackers: Melly's Garden, Memories' Pub

→ For expats: Master's, Everest

Trendy Bars:

→ For young expats: Basque, Léon, Loewy, Bluegrass, The Dutch, Safehouse, Jack Sparrows

→ For Indonesian Chinese and Hi-So: Monty's, Léon, Savoi, Proof, A/A, Union, Cork and Screw, Pao Pao

→ For hipsters: Lucy in the Sky, Lola, Swillhouse, Hotel Monopoli, Hotel Monopoli

Best Bars for Meeting Expats and Watching Sports

Eastern Promise, Aphrodite, Murphy's, Master's, De Hooi, McGettigan's

Read: Best Bars for Meeting Expats in Jakarta and Best Sports Bars in Jakarta

Best Bars for Live Music

BATS, CJs, Eastern Promise, Hard Rock, Rolling Stones, Paulaner Brauhaus

Best Bars for Chilling

→ Rooftops: Henshin, Cloud, SKYE

→ Lounges: Flow, Burgundy, Prohibition

Best Nightclubs in Jakarta

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

Nightclubs for Meeting Girls (also the most popular with foreigners)

Dragonfly, Fable, Blowfish, Boca Rica, Basque

Read: Nightclubs to meet girls in Jakarta

Nightclubs for Younger People:

Blowfish, Fable, Dronk, 999, Nu China, Hotel Monopoli

Upper-Class Nightclubs

Dragonfly, Blowfish

Nightclub with Electro/Techno

Jenja, Baia in Colosseum

Nightclub with Hip-Hop

Swillhouse

Cheaper Nightclubs:

Dronk, Nu China, 999, Camden

To a lesser extent: Domain

Nightclubs with Lady Companions and Working Girls

→ Upmarket clubs: Colosseum (1001 complex), Kabuki, 108 Club (ex-Illigals), Malioboro, Tease Club (Emporium complex)

→ Mid-range clubs: Classic, King Cross, Sumo, Travel, Golden Crown, B'Fashion

→ Lower end clubs: MTR, Starmoon, Cherry, Mars (usually they are in the red-light districts of Lokasari, in Mangga Besar, in Kota Indah or in the suburbs).

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

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

Classic Hotel: 30$ per night on Agoda (rated 7.2/10) - Location in Central Jakarta, quite convenient.

Tematik Hotel: 29$ per night on Agoda (rated 6.7/10) - Location in North Jakarta (Pluit)

B'Fashion Hotel: 39$ per night on Agoda (rated 7.1/10) - Location in West Jakarta between the airport and the city center

The Plaza Hotel (Golden Crown): 27$ per night on Agoda (rated 6.5/10)

Read also:

Hotels with Naughty Spas in Jakarta

Top Strip Clubs in Jakarta

Top 10 Spas in Jakarta

Meeting Girls in Jakarta

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

Meeting girls online:

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

→ Tinder works best with decent looking guys between 18 and 35 who live in Indonesia. If you are white, you will get plenty of matches, but don't expect it will automatically translate into one-night stands.

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

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

→ SeekingArrangement is a sugar baby website that works very well, but there is one catch: Girls expect you to give them money or gifts.

→ Skout is interesting as a backup option because it is free. However, it has a lot of annoying ads and you can't change your location. The number of girls there is quite limited too.

→ Badoo has few English-speaking girls and a lot of prostitutes. I don't recommend it anymore.

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

→ Two other options are Happn and Bumble, but again quite limited in terms of number of girls.

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

Meeting girls in nightclubs

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Do I need an ID to visit a club in Jakarta?

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

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

How much will I spend for going out?

Partying in Jakarta is rather expensive, mainly because of the taxes on alcohol (200%).

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

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

Taxi bills can pile up quickly, especially if you go from North to South and vice versa. A 15-minute ride costs about 5$. You can save a lot of money by using transportation apps like Grab and Go-Jek though (up to 50%). Uber is no longer operating in Jakarta.

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

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

What is the dress code in clubs in Jakarta?

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

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

Where can I buy drugs?

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

If you are stubborn, these are the nightclubs where drugs are common: 108 Club (ex-Illigals), Golden Crown, Siera (Puja Sera) and Old Town (New Exotis).

If you have questions, you can ask them in the comment section below or send me an email: thibaud@jakarta100bars.com.

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

New Article: 10 Best Countries in Asia to Meet Girls and 15 Best Dating Apps and Websites in Asia.

If you are looking for a great girl in Jakarta, online dating is by far your best chance. 90% of the girls there are looking for a stable relationship. Another 9% is looking for money. And maybe less than 1 percent is looking for a one night stand (not the hottest girls usually).

The fact that they are looking for a stable relationship does not mean they want to get married straight away. It means they want to feel a long-term relationship is possible. For this reason, it may be more difficult for you to find a date if you are not staying in Indonesia and if you do not speak Indonesian.

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

Bumble: To find the most educated girls

Bumble has been called the "feminist" dating app because girls have to message guys first (They have 24 hours to do so).

It is currently my favorite app in Jakarta because, even though it doesn't have thousands of profiles like Tinder, most girls using it are educated and they have good jobs. There are also many foreign girls using it, especially in Bali.

Pros:
➝ Smart and educated girls
➝ High proportion of foreign girls (especially in Bali)
➝ No need to message the girls first (great feature for those who hate having to make the first move)
➝ There is a video call feature within the app

Cons:
➝ Only a mobile app so you have to type your messages on your mobile
➝ Not more than a couple hundred profiles in Jakarta, many of which are already on Tinder

IndonesianCupid.com: For guys who are just visiting Indonesia

Indonesia Cupid is a more traditional dating website that is part of a large network. Its sister websites include FilipinoCupid, Muslima (for dating Muslim girls), Thai Cupid, Vietnam Cupid, etc. It is an excellent site for those who are not in Indonesia but who are interested in chatting with local girls.

Most Indonesian girls on IndonesianCupid are looking to meet foreigners, even if they are not living in Indonesia. Because of this, they won't turn you down if you say you are currently in the US, in Europe or in Australia.

Girls on IndonesianCupid are mostly from the middle class. Typically, you'll chat with employees, teachers, nurses, etc.

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

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

Pros:
➝ The best dating site in Indonesia if you are a tourist. Ideal for arranging dates prior to visiting the country. Girls won't mind if you are not living in Indonesia and if you are older than them.
➝ Between 500-1000 Indonesian girls online at any time, but thousands more who were active in the past week or month (you have filters to do that).
➝ Possibility to look for girls in other countries (Thailand, Philippines, etc)
➝ Good website interface, easy to use and fast.
➝ Fast chatting application
➝ Mostly serious girls who are interested in relationships
➝ Detailed profiles

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

Tinder: For younger guys living in Jakarta

Tinder used to be the best dating app in Indonesia, but this is no longer the case. There are so many things I hate about it now that I wouldn't know where to start.

The biggest misconception about Tinder is that it is a free app. While this is technically true, in fact, its whole business model revolves around making you pay as much as possible.

One of the ways they can do that is with their "Boost" feature:

A "boost" allows you to be the top profile in an area for 30 minutes

A boost costs around US$4 and it can be addictive. You will get more matches at first, but as soon as you stop, you will get nothing. So you'll keep boosting your profile, again and again, matching with girls who are often not really interested to chat.

If you don't use any boost from the start, your profile will only be shown to usually less-attractive girls who swipe right/left a lot (because first, they will see hundreds of guys who boosted their profiles).

Pros:
➝ You can "like" (swipe right) up to 50 profiles per day for free
➝ Easy to get several matches every day (but they won't meet you if you are a tourist)
➝ Thousands of Indonesian girls are using it

Cons:
➝ Too many girls just looking for attention (or who are advertising their Instagram account)
➝ You cannot see which girls are online
➝ You cannot chat with a girl if you haven't matched with her already
➝ You cannot like more than 50 girls per day (or you must pay)
➝ You can only see girls around you (unless you pay). If you stay abroad, this means you cannot chat with any girl in Indonesia before you arrive.

Read my article: 10 Reasons You Are Failing at Tinder

Badoo: For guys who can speak Indonesian

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

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

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

Cons:
➝ Privacy concern (they sent advertising emails to all my contact on my behalf saying I was inviting them to join Badoo)
➝ Many, many prostitutes and fake accounts
➝ Many girls can't speak English well
➝ Because it is cheaper, there are more guys on Badoo. This means it is harder to get girls' attention and your messages may be ignored. You can get seen/read before other guys but you need to pay extra money (even if you are already a premium user).

SeekingArrangement: For rich guys who want to easily date younger Indonesian girls

This dating site is quite unique and controversial. All girls are considered "sugar babies" who are willing to go on a date in exchange for gifts, money, travels or dinners. All guys are "sugar daddies" (not necessarily old) who are willing to sponsor the girls.

I met a few Indonesian girls, all students, who were using it. They told me the thing they liked the most was free travels so they could flood their Instagram accounts with pictures.

This site is good for guys who want to have a younger and beautiful mistress in Asia. Since money is involved, it is also not hard for a wealthy guy to find the perfect match.

Pros:
➝ Much more girls than guys so you are guaranteed to meet someone
➝ Many upper-class and classy girls
➝ Girls are easy to talk to, friendly, and they will often accept going on a date
➝ Straight-forward

Cons:
➝ A bit expensive. It is probably cheaper to try Indonesian Cupid first.
➝ There are some real sugar babies looking for chemistry, but also some prostitutes

Instagram: For guys who have an interesting life

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

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

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

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

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

Skout (Mobile app and dating site)

Skout is similar to Badoo but it does not have as many girls online. The ads are quite annoying so I didn't like using it.

WeChat (Lots of prostitutes)

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

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

Pros:
➝ Free
➝ Location based

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

Beetalk(Only if you speak Indonesian)

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

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

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

Cons:
➝ Very few girls who can speak English

➝ Not many replies from girls
➝ A lot of prostitutes

Tagged / Hi5 (Mobile app and website)

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

Adult Friend Finder

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

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

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

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

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

Paktor (Works best if you are young, rich and Asian-Chinese)

Paktor is one of the happening apps among younger Indonesians and particularly Indo-Chinese. Originally from Singapore, it is quite similar to Tinder with a few additional features.

Pros:
➝ You know the exact distance between you and another user
➝ A lot of interesting profiles (upper-class girls, students)
➝ Fun interface
➝ You can hide some Facebook friends to find you

Cons:
➝ The free version sucks

➝ If you are an older guy, you will have a relatively low rate of success

Conclusion

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

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

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

OK Cupid: Popular dating website (same group with Match.com and Tinder) with a few hundred girls in Indonesia

Happn: This app will tell you if you've crossed paths with girls during your day. It works well, but almost all girls there are already on Tinder/IndonesianCupid. It's fun to have, though.

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

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

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

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

Photo Credit: The photos are from Kucluk Oye.

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 will get. To be fair, there are also many prostitutes - especially on specific websites like SeekingArrangement - so be aware of it.

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 February 20th, 2020 (I added Shishi)

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 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.

Seeking Arrangement is the #1 Sugar Baby Website in the World

SeekingArrangement.com is the #1 sugar baby website in the world

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

Shishi

Newest and hottest nightclub in Bali at the moment. Trendy foreign and Indonesian crowd, including lots of sexy girls. It has a restaurant and two floors of music (hip-hop, RnB and progressive, techno). Good DJs.

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

Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 20%, but many professional girlfriends

Male crowd: Westerners mostly

Female crowd: Indonesian, some Westerners

Age of clients: 25-40

Pick up possibilities: Good

Dress code: Casual

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

Vault

This new club just opened in 2019 and it is one of the most happening in Bali now. Underground atmosphere (one of the rooms is actually called "the bunker") and trendy crowd. Music is hip-hop or house.

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

Percentage of prostitutes: 20% and many girls looking for expats.

Male crowd: Europeans, Indonesians

Female crowd: Mostly Indonesian

Age of clients: 25-35

Pick up possibilities: Average

Dress code: Holiday wear

~~Jenja CLOSED~~

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.

Note: I updated this Bali nightlife review in October 2019. I removed the nightclubs that have closed down like Jenja or Pyramid and I added the Vault, Lost City, and Red Ruby.

I just stayed in Bali for a month and I visited all the happening nightclubs and bars from Kuta to Canggu.

The venues I chose on this list are the busiest and most happening spots for partying. They are not ranked in a particular order as each of them targets a different crowd.

If you don't know where to start your night out, I generally recommend the following:

→ Kuta: Go there if you are a basic tourist who wants crowded clubs with mainstream music
→ Seminyak: Go there if you want more sophisticated and expensive venues
→ Canggu: Go there if you are young or if you are staying in Bali for a few months on a budget

You can also read 10 Best Nightclubs to Meet Girls in Bali.

Please feel free to comment if I forgot an important nightclub!

Best Hotels Near Bali Nightclubs

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.

Here are some highly-rated and affordable hotels that are walking distance from nightclubs:

→ For Kuta nightlife: Sol House Legian by Melia (US$50/night)
→ For Seminyak nightlife: IZE (US$85/night) or U Paasha (US$130/night)
→ For Canggu nightlife: Aston Beach Resort (US$80/night)

Best Nightclubs in Bali

La Favela: Busiest in Seminyak

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. Expect huge crowd on weekends.

SkyGarden: Most famous nightlife spot in Kuta (Temporarily closed)

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 floor and room (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.

Note: Skygarden has been temporarily closed in August 2019 by Balinese authorities. It is supposed to be only temporary.

Old Man's: Busiest in Canggu

Where is it?
In the open-air, Old Man's has a great location right on Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu.

Who goes there?
Young travelers, backpackers, digital nomads

Why should I go?
If you stay in Canggu, Old Man's is where everyone meets. It is busy almost all day long, first with surfers, then with sunset-watchers, and finally party-goers. It's a good place to meet Western girls in their 20s.

Why should I avoid it?
Probably overrated now. It used to be trendy, but now it's pretty much like SkyGarden in terms of crowd. Also, the food is bad and the music is commercial.

When is the best time to visit?
It's best around sunset time.

Shishi: Newest Club in Seminyak

Where is it?
Petitenget, near Potato Head and Red Ruby

Who goes there?
Expats, Bali regulars, some girls looking for foreigners

Why should I go?
Trendy spot, good crowd, good food and music. Two rooms with different music (RnB/Techno).

Why should I avoid it?
More expensive than elsewhere, a bit pretentious.

When is the best time to visit?
You can go there late as it stays open after 4AM.

Vault: Underground Club in Canggu

Where is it?
In the village of Canggu, on a spot surrounded by rice fields.

Who goes there?
European expats, Indonesian clubbers, Canggu residents

Why should I go?
Newest nightclub in Bali with underground style. Good music, including house and Rn'B.

Why should I avoid it?
Not sophisticated, no holiday vibe.

When is the best time to visit?
It's more of a late spot so you can go there after 2 AM. It only opens on Friday and Saturday for now.

Red Ruby: Techno Club/Expat Crowd

Where is it?
Red Ruby is located on Jalan Petitenget, in the heart of Seminyak. It is not far from W Hotel or Potato Head Beach Club.

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?
It is a closed air-conditioned club that has no "Balinese" or holiday feel. Western girls might not be comfortable with the number of prostitutes.

When is the best time to go?
I would only advise going on weekends or when they have special DJs. 1AM is the perfect hour.

Mirror: Best nightclub for Jakartans

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 at midnight. More info: Mirror Bali.

Boshe VVIP: Best for Asian-style clubbing

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 are not many interactions between people. 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 live music, come from 8am to midnight.

Lost City (Trendy Canggu Club)

Where is it?
Echo Beach, Canggu

Who goes there?
Mostly foreigners, young, and particularly Australians.

Why should I go?
Not too far from Old Man's.

Why should I avoid it?
Nothing really special, I don't think it will stay open for a long time.

When I should visit it?
I recommend their Vice nights on Thursday when it stays open until 4AM.

CLOSED NIGHTCLUBS:

~~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.

~~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.

~~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.

~~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 $$~~ CLOSED

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.

~~Koh $$~~ (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.

~~Jenja $$$~~ (CLOSED)

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.

This article was last updated on September 14th, 2019. I removed X2, Immigrant, Empirica, and Level II (Foundry 8) that have closed down and added Boca Rica, Loewy, Beer Hall, and Eastern Promise.

Going to nightclubs or bars 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 (sugar babies). 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.

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 a 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.

On Wednesday, I suggest starting your night out in McGettigan's in Mega Kuningan (ladies night with 3 free drinks per girl).

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. And unlike in SeekingArrangement, they won't ask you for money.

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% and 25% more are sugar babies/professional girlfriends like you would meet on SeekingArrangement.

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.

Boca Rica

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

Percentage of prostitutes: 10%

Type of male crowd: Rich Indonesians, socialites, expats. Some students and office workers as well since the entrance is free.

Type of female crowd: On the dancefloor: Normal Indonesian girls. On the sofas and tables: Indonesian girls from the upper-class (or dating rich Indo guys).

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

Eastern Promise

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

Percentage of prostitutes: Around 20%

Type of male crowd: Diverse crowd of expats (mostly Westerner and above 30)

Type of female crowd: Girls who want to find a serious foreign boyfriend (and girls who are already married to a foreigner). Quite a few Western women as well.

Age of clients: 30-65

Pick up possibilities: Medium

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)

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

Beer Hall

This smokey bar has live music every night. It is not very popular with foreigners, so you'll stand out in the crowd if you go there. The downside is that you'll have to hear a lot of cheesy Indonesian pop songs.

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

Percentage of prostitutes: 10%

Type of male crowd: Mid-to-upper class Indonesians working in the business district of Jakarta

Type of female crowd: Office girls and students

Age of clients: 20-30

Pick up possibilities: Average

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. They are where you should go if you are OK to pay to get laid with women in Jakarta.

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

Loewy

This restaurant and bar is still a popular joint for picking up girls, more than 10 years after it opened.

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

Percentage of prostitutes: Less than 20%

Type of male crowd: Expats and executives

Type of female crowd: Some "bule" hunter, some sugar babies, some office girls, and some career women.

Age of clients: 25-45

Pick up possibilities: Average

Note: This Manila nightlife review was updated on September 23rd, 2019.

Manilla has one of the best nightlife in Asia for several reasons:

- Party atmosphere:
Filipinos are famous for their fun and outgoing personalities. They love to drink, to dance, to sing, and to play music. Clubs in Manila are rarely uptight or boring, and dress codes are almost never implemented. The ambiance can get really wild, especially in the more local venues with fewer expats (in Quezon City for instance).

- Cheap prices for alcohol, entrance fees, and taxis:
Even high-end nightclubs will only charge a 10$ entrance with 2 strong drinks included. You can easily get yourself drunk for 30 dollars in Manila, which is the price for one cocktail in some bars in Singapore.

- Foreigner-friendly:
English is spoken everywhere in Manila, even by security guards or taxis.

- Rather easy to meet pretty girls that are not prostitutes
While prostitution is big in Manila with several red-light districts, you also have a great dating and flirting scene with normal local girls.

- Clubs and bars open late and every day:

You can go out any night of the week in Manila, you'll always find a crowded bar or nightclub. Also, there are no real curfews: Many clubs close at 6am, a few keep going until 8am.

There are a few negative sides about Manila though. The city is still developing and you won't see the kind of sophisticated bars and clubs as you would in Singapore, Bangkok or even Jakarta.

Hotels are usually a bit more expensive than elsewhere in Southeast Asia and their quality is average. The internet is terrible, even when advertised as being fast. During the day, you may spend a lot of time in traffic (not as much as in Jakarta anyway). There is a metro system but it is packed and hot. The food is not great unless you are a fan of junk food/fast-food chains.

Finally, security is an issue but it is quite exaggerated in my opinion. As long as you stay in the safest neighborhoods (like Makati) and use reputable taxi companies, you are not particularly at risk.

If you want to know more about Manila nightlife, this review will cover everything you need to know to party hard and to have fun.

Where to Party in Manila?

Metro Manila is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. It is actually made of several cities including Manila itself, Makati, Pasay, Taguig and Quezon City. You cannot visit everything in one night, of course.

The nightlife is active in the following areas, by order of personal preference:

Makati
This is the main business district in Metro Manila and it is home to many expatriates. Within Makati, you should head to the subdistrict of Poblacion to find the most happening bars and clubs.

Not far from there, on P Burgos Street, the nightlife is much seedier. This is a red-light district area full of gogo bars, freelancers and brothels.

The hotels I recommend near Makati nightlife are the following:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I'M Hotel - US$100/night
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas - US$60/night
⭐⭐Green Suites Makati - US$30/night

Bonifacio Global City (BGC or The Fort)
This is a newer business district that currently competes with Makati. It is more modern and attracts younger Filipinos and expats. It is built on a grid, meaning it's easy to go from one place to another. It's probably the safest area in Metro Manila. The clubs and bars are located either in The Fort Strip or in The Palace Complex (#1 nightlife spot in Manila).

Accommodation is hard to find in BGC, especially in the budget segment. The available hotels near the nightlife are all quite expensive, for instance:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shangri-La at the Fort - US$250/night (it has a cool hidden bar inside called the back room)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Seda Bonifacio Global City - US$150/night

Ermita/Malate
These are two districts of Manila located next to each other near the Manila Bay. They attract budget travelers, backpackers, tourists and Koreans/Japanese businessmen. It is also where most government buildings are. The area can be considered a red-light district with its Korean-style karaokes and its pubs with freelance prostitutes. You also have some street prostitution and a few popular expat bars. For partying, go to Adriatico and nearby streets.

The hotels I recommend near Ermita/Malate nightlife are the following:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pan Pacific Manila - US$170/night
⭐⭐⭐ Hop Inn Hotel Ermita - US$40/night

Quezon City
It is actually the most populated city in the Philippines, before Manila. It is very authentic, mostly residential, with at least 10 good nightclubs, dozens of bars and a few karaokes/massage parlours.

The crowd is usually young and almost 100% local. Prices are low. There used to be a red light area with naked striptease but it was closed down by the Mayor a few years ago. To party, you can go to Tomas Morato Avenue, Timog Avenue, Quezon City Avenue and Cubao X (for hipsters).

The hotels I recommend near Quezon City nightlife are the following:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Novotel Manila Araneta Center - US$110/night
⭐⭐⭐ Red Planet Aurora Boulevard - US$30/night

Secondary nightlife areas:
Pasay/Parañaque are two municipalities located around the airport in the South of Manila. That's certainly not the most recommended area, except if you are looking for sex. In particular, you have the EDSA International Entertainment Complex, a sort of smaller local version of Nana Plaza with 6 bars lined up next to each other. You also have a few bordellos and gogo bars scattered around, for instance, Universe Strip Club or Air Force One KTV.

Ortigas Business District (Metrowalk): Several local bars with live music. Fun and good-natured atmosphere.

Meeting Girls in Manila

Filipino girls are very friendly and they are interested to meet foreigners. Most are quite religious though (Catholic), and living with their families. For this reason, one night stands and hookups are not that common unless you go to the right clubs and bars (or if you pay a sugar baby, for instance on SeekingArrangement).

A good idea is to download a few dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Badoo or Skout. Those apps work best if you are living in the Philippines or at least in Asia.

If you are only a tourist, then I would recommend the very popular FilipinoCupid instead. It can have up to 5,000 girls online, and many among them do not mind if you live abroad. Ideally, you should register on the site a few weeks before landing in Manila so you can already organize a few dates.

Best Nightclubs in Metro Manila

I have written reviews about each nightclub in Manila and Quezon City. You can find the full articles here: Best Nightclubs in Manila and here: Best Nightclubs in Quezon City.

I list here my favorites ones, starting with the best. I usually go clubbing with 1 or 2 persons maximum so I tend to prefer when there is a dancefloor, a nice bar area and where it is easy to meet new people.

Black Market
The current trendy club in Manila among expats and hip Filipinos. Music is anything but EDM. Lots of pretty girls but not so easy to chat with them.

XX XX and 20 20
This popular expat haunt consists of the 20 20 bar and the XX XX club. Underground vibe, with techno DJs mostly. Nice courtyard that welcomes events once in a while.

Xylo at the Palace (ex-Valkyrie)
Located in The Palace in Bonifacio Global City, it is huge and modern with a great party atmosphere. If you are new in Manila, Xylo is my first recommendation as you can meet girls easily. It is also connected to The Island Pool Club and Revel.

Cove Manila
This new luxury place features an indoor beach club and a huge nightclub. Very impressive décor and an upmarket crowd (many Koreans). It is opened just 3 nights a week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and it often has special DJs or parties.

Core Nightclub
Located in Quezon City, about 30 minutes from Makati without traffic, Core is worth a visit if you want to experience another side of Manila nightlife: Younger, cheaper and probably crazier. In Quezon City, you can also check URBN QC and Guilly's.

Revel
Revel is crowded with 30+ years old executives and expats. It could be a fantastic club but there is almost no dancefloor so unless you book a sofa, you don't really feel comfortable. It is connected to Valkyrie and The Pool Club. Easy for meeting girls.

ZZYZX
This little club in Malate is packed every night of the week. Though targeting mostly Koreans, it is still one of my favorite places to party in Manila, especially on weekdays. You have a lot of pretty girls but 90% of them are freelance prostitutes.

URBN
URBN is more like a pub turned nightclub after midnight. Located next to the Fort Strip, it is considered to be a pick-up joint by many expats.

Clubs usually close around 5am-6am. If you want to keep going after that, you can go to LA Café (open 24-hour with many freelance prostitutes) or Bronx in P Burgos Street. (also a bar with working girls).

Best Bars in Metro Manila

You have hundreds of bars in Manila, from low-class joints in working-class neighborhoods to luxury rooftop bars in Makati. The best ones can usually be found in Poblacion (hipster/chic crowd) or in BGC (executives, expats, office workers).

In Poblacion, there are dozens of nice bars, walking distance to each other. The current best ones are Ms Gee, Boogie, NoKal, and Pura Vida.

In BGC, check the bars in The Fort (Early Night?, Bank Bar, The Keg, Draft) or in the Forbes Town Center (Tipsy Pig and several others).

Manila is one of the best places in Southeast Asia for live music. You can listen to any genre in hundreds of bars, but these are the current top spots:

Rock Music: Craft, The Brewery @ The Palace, Handlebar
Oldies/Retro: Strumm's
Indie Rock/Acoustic: 12 Monkeys, Saguijo, Route 196
Jazz, World Music, Reggae: Tago

Gogo Bars, Striptease, Red Light Districts, Massage Parlours:

There is a lot of prostitution in Manila (though less than in the city of Angeles). For foreigners, you have 3 main red-light districts:

- P Burgos Street in Makati: This is a rather colorful street, with mostly gogo bars, massage parlours and street prostitution.

- EDSA Entertainment Complex in Pasay: A similar, yet cheaper alternative to Burgos

- Malate/Ermita: A mix of everything from street prostitutes, Korean KTVs, spas and freelance bars

There are also a few independent massage parlours scattered around in the city. The most famous one is probably Flight 168, which is attached to the KTV Air Force One. Several services are included there for a price starting 90$. Some cheaper alternatives exist such as Starfleet in Parañaque (Nuru massage), or Kremlin, Wilderness and Pegasus on Quezon Avenue (Quezon City).

In the past 10 years, the local governments of some municipalities have put pressure on venue owners in an attempt to curb prostitution. This can be seen in Malate/Ermita and Quezon City where most gogo bars and naughty massage parlours have shut down. Police raids are rather common in such establishments.

In terms of striptease, there is only one place full nudity in Manila. It is called Universe and it is located in Pasay. Horizon Gentleman's VIP Club has real pole dancing shows, Las-Vegas style, but the girls don't strip naked.

Some gogo bars in Burgos street are hotter than others. In particular, Bottoms Bar where ladies' drinks can create miracles and make bras disappear.

Karaoke and Digital KTV
Popular family karaokes in Manila include CenterStage (Pasay and Makati) or the chain Music 21 (several locations).

If you are more interested in sexy karaokes with hostesses and hot lady companions, most of them are in Ermita/Malate (Korean and Japanese). You also have a few in Burgos Street (Makati), in Quezon City and around the airport.

In Ermita/Malate, you can just walk on Adriatico, Mabini, Bocobos and Remedios street and you'll see a lot of them with girls waiting outside in sexy dresses.

In general, you pay an entrance fee of 500PHP. This gives you access to free booze and food for a certain amount of time in the common area. The common area is quite similar to any bar with hostesses/bar girls except that you can sing. There might be a show sometimes (just singing). You can call the girl you like, chat with her and buy her ladies' drinks. You can also get some private time with her in a room, but this generally does not include anything sexual. The girl will usually give you her phone number and you can meet her outside for lunch or dinner. What happens next is just between you and her.

I spent 2 days in Baku during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2018. I partied on two evenings and, even though I probably only scratched the surface of the nightlife, I'm writing this short guide about the best bars and nightclubs I have been to.

If you don't have the time to read my whole review, here is a short summary:
- Best elite bar: Pasifico Baku
- Best bar: Madrid Bar
- Best nightclub: Enerji Baku
- Best live music/alternative expat crowd: Le Chateau

- Best expat bars: Go to Abdulkarim Alizada street or Tarlan Abdullayev street.

- Best hotels to stay near the nightlife: Choose a location near Fountain Square such as Hilton Baku (200$/night), Park Inn By Radisson (130$/night), Karat Inn Hotel (60$/night) or Austin Boutique Hotel (55$/night).

Note: I last updated this review on 12th August 2019.

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

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

The atmosphere inside a "basement" club

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

Nightlife Areas + Nearby Hotels

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

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

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

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

3-star hotel:
Karat Inn Hotel: 60$ per night, rated 8.4/10
Austin Boutique Hotel: 55$ per night, rated 8.1/10

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

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

Sexy dancers inside a basement club

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

Best Bars and Nightclubs in Baku

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

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

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

Pasifico

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

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

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

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

More information: Pasifico Baku

Enerji

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

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

It is next to the Elektra Events Hall which features live artists and DJs regularly.

More information: Enerji Baku

Madrid Bar

This new venue is a little bit off the center, but it's worth a short taxi ride. It is a Spanish-themed cocktail bar with a mixed crowd and a friendly team of bartenders. The music mostly mainstream house and pop. They also serve tapas.

More information: Madrid Bar

Otto

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

More information: Otto Baku

Barrel Playground

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

More information: Barrel Playground

Sektoreight

Sektor Eight is a new club with electronic music and techno. Check their Facebook for more information about their DJ schedule.

Facebook: Sektoreight

Sintetik

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

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

More information: Sintetik Baku

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

Buddha Bar

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

More information: Buddha Bar Baku

Hashtag Bar

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

More information: Hashtag Bar

Taboo Club

A high-end restaurant and lounge for rich Azeris elite. Shisha. Tiny dancefloor. Not recommended if you are claustrophobic. Some girls are escorts.

More information: Taboo Baku

High Boost

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

More information: High Boost Baku

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

~~Soho Baku (CLOSED)~~

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

More information: Soho Bar and Lounge

~~Eleven (CLOSED)~~

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

More information: Eleven Baku

Best Pubs in Baku

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

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

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

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

There were two pubs I enjoyed more than the others:

Harbour

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

More information: Harbour

Bukowski

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

More information: Bukowski Pub

Best Live Music in Baku

Le Chateau Music Bar

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

More information: Le Chateau

Hard Rock Café

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

More information: Hard Rock Café Baku

Gramophone

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

More information: Gramophone Café

Etud

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

More information: Etud

Oxen

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

More information: Oxen

Best Wine Bars in Baku

Room

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

More information: Room Baku

Kelfi

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

More information: Kelfi

20 Most Famous Vietnamese Pornstars

How to Meet Indonesian Ladyboys in Bali or Jakarta?

Best Travel Blogs 2020

Our favorite travel blog list

Doha Nightlife (Qatar): Best Bars and Nightclubs (2020)

Dubai Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (2020)

Jakarta Travel Guide - For Single Guys (2020)

Trendy Bars in Singapore That Are Suitable for Business People

Online Gambling is Booming in Indonesia

How to Send Money From Indonesia to Another Country?

30 Most Famous Filipina / Pinay Pornstars

12 Sexiest and Most Beautiful Asian Ladyboys

Famous and Sexy Asian Ladyboys:

Cape Town Nightlife: Best Nightclubs and Bars (2020)

Kathmandu Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs

Jakarta Nightlife 2020: Best Bars, Clubs, Spas and Hotels

Online Dating Sites & Apps In Indonesia (2020)

10 Best Nightclubs and Bars to Meet Girls in Bali (2020)

12 Best Nightclubs in Bali (Updated)

10 Best Nightclubs to Meet Indonesian Girls in Jakarta

Manila Nightlife: Best Clubs and Bars in 2020

Baku Nightlife: 20 Best Bars and Nightclubs (2020) - Azerbaijan