Jakarta100bars - Nightlife & Party Guide

This Jakarta nightlife guide was updated in May 2021. I removed many bars and clubs that have closed down because of COVID-19, and I added a few as well.

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

Nightlife Areas

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

Tthe following neighborhoods are the most happening:

→ Mega Kuningan: This area, close to the embassies and the business district, is popular with young expats and businessmen. There are dozens of bars and restaurants that are within walking distance from one another, including famous ones like Basque or Loewy. If it is your first time in Jakarta, it is a good idea to stay nearby, for instance in Oakwood Cosmo.

→ SCBD: This business district is similar to Mega Kuningan, if not even wealthier. There is a trendy nightlife complex called Fairgrounds which is always busy. The current hotspots there are Lucy in the Sky (bohemian chic), Fable Club (popular with teenagers), and Swillhouse (Rn'B). Elsewhere in SCBD, you can also try the Beer Hall (live music), the Beer Garden (cheaper prices), Hard Rock Café, Chao-Chao Rooftop, and Cork & Screw (for Indonesian-Chinese in their 30s).

→ Senopati: Senopati nightlife consists of the bars and nightclubs on Jalan Senopati, Jalan Suryo, and Jalan Gunawarman. It is an affluent residential neighborhood with exclusive venues that cater to the elite, particularly Indonesian-Chinese. The popular venues in Senopati tend to change every 6 months so it's hard to stay up-to-date. Currently, the popular ones are A/A, Holywings, Lola, Zodiac, Sofia, or Kilo Lounge. What you can do also is just drive around and stop where you see many cars parked.

→ Kemang: This mostly low-rise residential area of South Jakarta is popular with foreign residents, especially families. As a result, you have a few expat bars and restaurants, such as Eastern Promise. There are also some cheap nightclubs targeting teenagers (Nu China, Dronk, Second Floor). The Hotel Monopoli is quite trendy as well with its basement club and its rooftop.

→ Thamrin/Menteng: Nightlife is more spread in this area but still interesting. There are fancy bars in the malls (Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia), in the 5-star hotels (Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental, Kempinski), some nice rooftops as well (SKYE and Cloud), and even some cheap hangout spots like Camden Cikini or Melly's Garden.

=> Thamrin is a strategic location in Jakarta with a large choice of hotels. If you are on a budget, you have some excellent options on Jalan Wahid Hasyim, for instance, Holiday Inn Express

→ Pantai Indah Kapuk: This is the upcoming nightlife destination in Jakarta. I rarely go there because it is far from the center, but it has at least 30 bars, a few nightclubs (including the brand new Holywings), and hundreds of restaurants. The majority of customers are young Indonesian Chinese.

→ Glodok/Kota: This is an older part of Jakarta, less modern, but cheaper and more authentic. It is also considered a red-light district as you have several large complexes for men, such as Malioboro or 1001 Hotel.

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 great all year round, with a pause during Ramadhan.

Nightclubs generally start from midnight to 4AM, with few exceptions. As elsewhere in the world, they are busiest on Friday, Saturday, and, to a lesser extent, Wednesday. After closing, you can still party if you rent a karaoke room. The best ones look like small nightclubs, with laser lights and top-notch sound-system. Some are open 24-hour, for instance 108 Club (for more info: Karaoke in Jakarta).

Weekdays can be quiet, but you can still have fun in places like Loewy, Social House, Skye, Cork & Screw. 5-star hotel bars are also an option (CJs and BATS).

Budget to Party in Jakarta?

Nightlife in Jakarta is expensive as it targets almost exclusively foreigners or rich Indonesians (particularly Indonesian-Chinese).

For a good night out on weekends, I would say that you will easily spend IDR900,000. The best clubs will have an entrance fee of IDR200k-300k, and drinks will cost you IDR75k for a beer or IDR150k for a cocktail.

If that's too much for you, check Cheap Bars in Jakarta. And don't forget bringing a bottle of spirits from the duty-free before flying to Jakarta (alcohol is taxed 200% here).

If you party in groups, it is a good idea to open a bottle in bars/nightclubs. It will get you a free entrance for you and your friends, a table/sofa, and a better service from the staff. In the end, the cost is reasonable, especially when the bill is split between a few persons. If your bottle is not finished, you can ask the bar to keep it until your next visit. In a typical high-end club, you can get a bottle + a sofa for 4 persons if you spend around IDR 2-3M.

Also, taxi bills can pile up quickly, especially if you go from North to South and vice versa. A 15-minute ride costs about IDR50,000. You can save some money by using transportation apps like Grab and Go-Jek though. Uber is no longer operating in Jakarta.

Hotels in Jakarta Near the Nightlife

When readers ask 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 100$/night)

Kempinski or Mandarin Oriental.

Shangri-La and Mulia both have busy live music bars

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (between 50$ and 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.

⭐⭐⭐ (under 50$/night):

Harris FX (very popular due to the location within a lifestyle mall)

Stanley Wahid Hasym

Holiday Inn Express Wahid Hasyim

Best Bars in Jakarta

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

Lively Bars to Meet People

→ Boca Rica, Basque, Loewy, Eastern Promise

Cheap Bars

→ Camden, Holywings (several locations), Melly's Garden

Trendy Bars:

→ For young expats: Basque, Léon, Loewy, Bacco, Safehouse, J. Sparrow, Caspar

→ For rich Indonesians: Léon, A/A, Union, Cork and Screw, Pao Pao, Black Pond Tavern, Chao Chao

→ For hipsters: Lucy in the Sky, Lola, Swillhouse, Zodiac, Kilo Lounge

Best Expat Bars and Sports Bars

Eastern Promise, 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, Paulaner Brauhaus

Best Rooftops for Chilling

→ Henshin, Cloud, SKYE, Chao Chao

Best Nightclubs in Jakarta

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

Nightclubs that are the most popular with foreigners:

Dragonfly, Fable, Blowfish, Boca Rica, Basque

Read: Nightclubs to meet girls in Jakarta

Nightclubs for Younger People and with Cheaper Prices:

Blowfish, Fable, Dronk, Nu China

Upper-Class Nightclubs

Dragonfly, Blowfish

Nightclub with Electro/Techno

Colosseum (on some nights)

Otherwise, go to Zodiac and Kilo Lounge

Nightclub with Hip-Hop

Swillhouse

Nightclubs in the Red-Light District*

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

→ Mid-range: Classic (also a hotel), King Cross, Sumo, Travel, B'Fashion (also a hotel)

*Note that all of these venues mentioned 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.).

Online Dating in Jakarta

Online dating works very well for foreigners who are living in Jakarta. Those who are just traveling for a few days may find it harder as many girls will assume that they are not looking for a long-term relationship.

Some of the dating apps that are commonly used are Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, Happn, Skout and Badoo. Younger guys between 18 and 35, who live in Indonesia, will get plenty of matches on those.

If you are not living in Indonesia, I suggest to use IndonesianCupid. 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 with very pretty open-minded girls but there is one catch: They expect you to give them money or gifts.

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

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 for 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 Nu China (famous for accepting underage clubbers).

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.

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

Whether you are holidaying in Bali or working in Jakarta, online dating is by far your best chance at finding someone special in Indonesia.

It is now very common for Indonesians of any age or background to use dating apps, and the most popular ones have tens of thousands of members. Among my friends living in the country, the majority of them have met their partners online and it is no longer something to feel shameful about. To quote a famous pick-up line: No, you no longer need to pretend you've "met at the zoo" when you introduce your boyfriend or girlfriend to your parents.

As dating apps became mainstream, the quality and the diversity of the profiles have improved as well. Gone are the days when datings apps were full of creeps and freaks. Nowadays, you can definitely find a potential wife or husband, someone attractive, smart, with a good job or career with whom you can build a serious relationship.

That said, if you are a newcomer to the online dating scene in Indonesia, you may be a bit confused about how and where to start. You may also be wondering if there are things you should be cautious about in order to be 100% safe (scams, fake profiles).

I wrote this article to answer those questions. More than a ranking, it is a comprehensive guide to online dating in Indonesia which, I hope, will help you find the right person for you. Please don't hesitate to leave a comment to share about your personal experience!

Updated May 2021: After trying again all the dating apps listed below, I readjusted my ranking and changed some of my descriptions. I also removed the apps/websites that I don't find interesting anymore (Happn, Skout, Setipe, WeChat, BeeTalk, or Paktor).

These are the best online dating apps and websites in Indonesia now (Tinder is way down, scroll down to understand why I hate this app):

Bumble: For high-quality matches

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 jobs. There are also many foreign girls using it, especially in Bali.

Another thing I like about Bumble is that they have an excellent moderation team. There are much fewer scammers than on other apps as they will remove anyone who is trying to sell you something. They will also delete those who are just advertising their social media without actually replying to any messages.

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

Cons:
➝ You can't chat with a girl if you don't match with her

➝ Impossible to know which girls are online or not

IndonesianCupid.com: Best for those who don't live in Indonesia

You are living abroad but you would like to meet an Indonesian girl? IndonesiaCupid is probably the best app for you.

Unlike Bumble, it 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.

Most Indonesian girls on IndonesianCupid are looking to meet foreigners, hoping for a serious relationship. Because of this, they won't turn you down if you say you are currently in the US, in Europe, or in Australia. As a result, many are also willing to have a long-distance relationship.

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. Another advantage is that you can see which girls are online among those you've chatted with before. This enables you to keep in touch with someone even if you don't chat regularly with her.

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

OkCupid

OkCupid is a crossover between a traditional matchmaking site like IndonesiaCupid and a dating app like Bumble. It is one of my favorites to use in Indonesia though it isn't always perfect.

The advantage of OkCupid is that you can add a huge amount of information about yourself, from your political ideas to your eating habits or sexual preferences. This can really help you find someone very specific, for instance, someone who is a vegan or someone who likes bungee jumping. You can also check your "match percentage" with any member to evaluate your compatibility with that person.

Match percentage on OkCupid is based on the questions you answer about your personality

Another feature is that you can change your location for free in the settings. This can both be useful (if you are traveling) or annoying as you may match with users who aren't where they say they are.

Pros:

➝ Mostly free

➝ Both an app and a website

➝ Possibility to be very detailed in your description

➝ Excellent search function, ideal for people with specific taste

➝ You can predict your compatibility with someone using the "match percentage"

Cons:

➝ You can only swipe a limited number of profiles per day in the free version

➝ Quite many useless profiles (fakes, prostitutes, scams, or simply girls who never reply to messages)

Seeking.com: Famous Sugar Dating Site

This dating site is quite unique and controversial. All girls there are "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.

Surprisingly, Seeking.com is a hit in Indonesia and you can find thousands of very attractive profiles on the site. Lots of girls are not only gorgeous but they are also educated, smart and fun to be with. It seems that for many Indonesian girls, securing a rich husband or boyfriend is a sign of success more than something to be ashamed of.

Guys who use this website are a diverse bunch. You have many married men who are looking for a mistress, some executives on business trips, or some expats who want to date a young girl. I know quite a few friends who found their girlfriend through this site and they are now in happy relationships. The advantage of Seeking.com compared to other dating sites is that things are more straightforward and that, as a man, you will get much more replies from girls.

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

➝ International website: You can use it to meet people in Indonesia but also anywhere else in the world.

Cons:
➝ Expensive (but it's free to register and to browse the girl's profiles)
➝ There are some real sugar babies looking for chemistry, but also some prostitutes

➝ The website is blocked in some countries (if you can't access it, you will need to use a VPN)

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. A male user who doesn't pay for Tinder will probably struggle to get any matches unless his profile is really attractive.

One way for guys to get more matches is to use the"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.

Another way to be more successful on Tinder is to subscribe to either Tinder +, Tinder Gold, or Tinder Platinum. These cost between US$5 per month and US$25 per month. They will allow you to see who liked you, to swipe right an unlimited amount of time, or to message someone you didn't match with yes.

I've tried these subscriptions, but one problem remained, even after getting plenty of matches: The overall quality of Tinder users is low. From a guy's perspective, at least half the profiles are useless: Between girls selling something (cryptocurrencies, forex, property, insurances, etc), the scammers, the prostitutes, the ones who don't reply, and those advertising their Instagram account, it is actually rare to match with an interesting person who is willing to chat or meet in real life.

Pros:
➝ You can "like" (swipe right) up to 50 profiles per day for free
➝ Thousands of Indonesian girls are using it

Cons:
➝ Low quality of users
➝ You cannot see which girls are online
➝ Very limited possibilities with the free account

Read my article: 10 Reasons You Are Failing at Tinder

Instagram: For guys who have an interesting life

Yes, Instagram can be considered a dating app in Indonesia. I know some guys who've met dozens of girls using it. What's great with this app is that you can just try your luck with anyone in the world.

Of course, this will only work if your Instagram profile is interesting enough for a random girl/guy to accept your follow request and to answer your chat. If you are a traveler, or if you have a good eye for photography, you should be able to do that easily, though.

Pros:
➝ Free
➝ There are more girls on Instagram than on any other dating websites (probably 90% of Indonesians?)
➝ It is easy to find a topic to start a conversation (just comment on 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

Badoo: For guys who can speak Indonesian

Badoo used to be a decent dating website/app for Indonesia but it is clearly not as good as it used to be. By being mostly free (or cheap at least), it has become popular mostly among the Indonesian low-to-middle class. For a foreigner, this means fewer people who can speak English and a wider culture gap with them.

Most chats in Badoo are very superficial, limited to boring phrases like "sudah makan", "lagi apa", or "asli mana". Furthermore, online prostitution on the app is a problem. Many of the most attractive members are using fake profiles to advertise sexual services. After a while, you learn to spot them easily but it is still annoying.

Pros:
➝ Lots of girls online
➝ Fun, colorful website interface with large photos (but also slower to load)
➝ Both a website and an app with geo-localization
➝ 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).

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.

What's Your Best Dating App in Indonesia?

These are some of the best dating apps and websites in Indonesia. Did I miss any? Is there one that you would recommend? Please leave a comment below if you do.

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

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

Flowers

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

→ Ideal to show that you care
→ Price range: From 10$ to 100$
→ Delivery in Indonesia: ProBunga

Perfume, Makeup, and Beauty Products

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

If you are a frequent traveler, it is always easy to buy a fragrance bottle at the duty-free shop before arriving in Jakarta. The prices are much cheaper than anywhere else and you get to choose the smell you like the most. In Indonesia, you can buy from Sephora Indonesia or from department stores like Sogo, but expect to pay around 30% more.

→ The perfect gift if you want to be 100% sure she'll like it
→ Price range: From 50$ to 150$
→ Delivery in Indonesia: Not recommended for perfumes to avoid counterfeit products but you can buy safely from Sephora Indonesia for make-up and other beauty products.

Chocolate, Candies, Cakes and Snacks

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

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

→ Ideal for Valentine's day
→ Price range: From 5$ to 20$

Photo Frame/Album or Video

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

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

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

Romantic Trips

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

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

→ Smart gift if you already have a wife
→ Price range: From 50$ (weekend in Bogor) to 5,000$ (weekend in Velaa Resort in Maldives)

Anything Cute and/or Cheesy

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

→ Easy gift - Just go to a store like Miniso or Daiso

→ Price range: From 5$ to 30$

Designer Clothes, Bags and Shoes

Why not give her designer lingerie?

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

→ The "dream" gift for most girls

→ Price range: Starting from 200$ up to several thousand dollars

Spa or Salon Treatment

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

You can either buy a treatment that your wife or girlfriend will do alone or buy a couple's massage. Several venues allow it in Jakarta and I've listed them in my review: Best Luxury Hotel Spas in Jakarta.

→ The perfect gift to change someone's mood
→ Price range: 20$ to 80$

Phone, Laptop, and Tablets

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

→ Must-buy gift if you are dating a gold-digger
→ Price range: 300$-1500$

Sexy Stuff

Offering lingerie or sex toys is actually more a gift to yourself and that's why it is such a good idea. Lingerie can easily be found in any mall, for instance in La Senza or Victoria's Secret.

→ The perfect gift to yourself
→ Price range: 30$ to 200$
→ Buying online: Amazon has a list of products that they can ship to Indonesia: Sex toys and Lingerie.

Note: I updated this review of Jakarta's best nightclubs on May 2021.

The following is a ranking of the most happening nightclubs in Jakarta at the moment.

If you are new to the city and you don't know where to start your night out, I recommend going to either one of two areas with clusters of bars/clubs: The first one is in Mega Kuningan, with popular venues like Basque/Moonshine/Flow/Loewy and the other one is in SCBD, within the Fairgrounds complex (home to Fable and Swillhouse).

The line between a club and a bar can be thin. Some places are great for dancing and drinking but I didn't include them here because I considered they were bars. Check my guide of the Best Bars in Jakarta for more party recommendations.

If you think I forgot to mention a venue, please leave me a comment!

Tips About Clubbing in Jakarta:

Here are a few things you should know before heading for a night out:

- All the nightclubs in Jakarta are expensive. Expect to pay IDR150,000 for a cocktail and up to IDR300,000 for the entrance fee (or FDC - First Drink Charge) on weekends.

If you are a heavy alcohol drinker and/or if you are partying with a small group, I always recommend buying a bottle. The purchase will save you some money as you won't have to pay the FDC, and you'll get a table or a sofa as well. Don't forget to book in advance.

- Bouncers in Jakarta take their jobs very seriously. If you are not dressed appropriately, you will be denied entry no matter how much money you are about to spend. Girls should always wear high-heels. Men should not wear a t-shirt, sandals, or torn jeans.

- Unfortunately, the quality of the music is often poor in Jakarta. In most of the clubs below, the playlist is similar and consists of a mix of famous, mainstream international hits (EDM, RnB, Pop). Foreign DJs are regularly playing in Jakarta, most likely the ones featured in DJ Mag Top 100. If you want something more edgy, you can visit Kilo lounge or Zodiac.

- Meeting girls or guys in clubs. If you are a foreigner, you may get more attention in clubs in Jakarta than in those of your home country, especially in Boca Rica, Basque or Dragonfly. Beware, though, as some girls may, in fact, be an "ayam" (chicken), a word Indonesians use to describe a prostitute.

In my opinion, it's much better and safer to use online dating apps to find dates in Jakarta. The usual ones like Tinder/Bumble/OkCupid work well with younger expats and tourists, but not so much with others.

If you are not living in Indonesia, I recommend Indonesian Cupid. It has thousands of girls online at any time of the day and most of them won't mind if you are far away. It's the best way to make some contacts prior to visiting the country.

For more information, you can read my detailed article about the best apps and websites to meet Indonesians.

Top Nightclubs in Jakarta:

Boca Rica

This is actually more of a restaurant/lounge, but it has become so popular that it has turned into a nightclub on weekends. It has live bands or DJs, and a rather diverse crowd. Many upper-class Indonesians, but also some expats and some younger people. The entrance is free on most days, which is rare in Jakarta.

For more information, check their Instagram: Boca Rica Jakarta

Basque

Again, not exactly a nightclub, but on Friday and Saturday night, the DJs turn up the music and the dancefloor gets crowded with hundreds of people. The music is generally Top40/RnB/Old School/Reggaeton. Entrance fee was IDR250k with 2 drinks included the last time I went there.

Instagram: Basque

Dragonfly

Dragonfly has the nicest interior design of any nightclubs in Jakarta (and even Indonesia). It has a good crowd, though almost half of the girls are hookers or semi-pros hunting rich expats (the kind of girls you would find online on Seeking.com). The entrance fee is stupidly expensive, Rp300,000 without a drink. Book a table to avoid this if you come with a group. Their best night is on Wednesday. They have a strict door policy: Dress well and if you look young, don't forget to bring an ID. The music is mainstream (mix of EDM/Rn'B/Pop).

For more information, check their Instagram: Dragonfly Club

The Swillhouse

This medium-sized club can get pretty wild on weekends. It is the only club in Jakarta to focus on hip-hop/R'n'B, so it has a strong fan base. You won't get much space to move around near the dance floor, but the bar area is quieter. Minimalist/Industrial design (concrete walls, nothing fancy). Average prices. It is next to Lucy in the Sky and Fable.

For more information, check their Instagram: Swillhouse

Brexit Club

Yes, there is a club called Brexit in Jakarta! It is a small place, previously called 999, that is packed on weekends with younger Jakartans in their late teens. Not a very sophisticated venue, but it is cheaper than average. Avoid if you can't stand second-hand smoke.

Instagram: Brexit

Also in Kemang, you can check clubs that are similar to Brexit like Nu China, Venue and Second Floor. Dronk is closed since early 2021 due to COVID.

Fable

If you are between 18 and 22, Fable could be your hottest party spot. You have all the cool kids from high school and university getting drunk with dad's money, which is even nicer when you get invited to a table. It is just below Lucy in the Sky. Entrance: Rp150,000 (FDC).

For more information, check their Instagram: Fable Jakarta

Clubs Temporarily Closed Because COVID-19:

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, some clubs have chosen to close momentarily. I will update this page once things go back to normal.

Colosseum

Colosseum is the best nightclub in North Jakarta, and a good place to visit after 3AM. It has an impressive layout, a great lighting system, and almost one worthy event per month. In spite of this, I'm personally not a big fan. My problem is that the crowd is very static, usually just standing around their tables and barely dancing at all. Many of the girls there are escorts from the 1001 karaoke (same building) and they are not particularly fun to hang out with.

Another problem is that it is quite far from the City center. I often fall asleep on my way there. The first drink charge is around Rp200,000, but you can avoid it by purchasing a bottle (recommended).

For more information, check their Instagram: Colosseum Club Jakarta

Baia in Colosseum Jakarta

Baia is a smaller room inside the Colosseum Club. It has a better music selection (Rn'B or EDM), and they had some famous DJs invited (John Acquaviva in 2019). Great for those who prefer European-style clubbing.

More info: Baia Jakarta or the event organize Enter the Void

Blowfish

Since 2007, Blowfish has managed to attract Jakarta's best crowd (particularly Indonesian-Chinese in their early 20s). Recent guest DJs include Dirty South, Fat Boy Slim or Richie Hawtin.

For more information, check their Instagram: Blowfish

The Room at Hotel Monopoli

Underground nightclub in Kemang which is quite small and crowded. Music is EDM/techno, less mainstream than elsewhere. Apparently, lots of people take drugs inside.

More info: Hotel Monopoli

108 Club (ex-Illigals)

108 Club used to be called Illigals (or club Voyeur). It is a hit-and-miss, sometimes crowded, sometimes desperately empty. Forget it during the week unless they have a big name coming. Still, it deserves to be in the Top 10 because they have a decent list of events. Many DJs from closed nightclubs like Stadium or Mille's are now playing there as well (for instance DJ Bobby Suryadi). The karaoke is a very popular after-hour hang-out because it is open 24-hour and protected from the police. Drugs are very common there.

More info: 108 The New Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

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

Try Indonesian food

Every time I come back to Jakarta from Europe, the first thing I do after landing is to eat some Indonesian food. It is a very underrated cuisine and Jakarta is the best city in the world to experience it.

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

It is quite easy to find Indonesian food in the city. If you want the best hygiene, it's preferable to go to a chain restaurant within a mall, for instance to Sate Senayan, Warung Tekko, TeSate, or Ramboelan. Expect to pay IDR100,000-150,000 for a meal served with tea.

If you feel more adventurous, eating on the street is a fun and very affordable experience. There are stalls all over the city, even in the center, but some of the most famous areas are on Jalan Sabang (near Thamrin) or Jalan Mangga Besar (North Jakarta). A dish without meat usually costs around Rp15,000, a dish with chicken or fish about Rp25,000, and a dish with beef or lamb between Rp30,000 and Rp50,000.

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

Get lost in the "gangs"

As surprising as it may seem, my favorite daytime activity in Jakarta is simply to walk around in normal Indonesian neighborhoods. It is a free and simple thing to do, yet very rewarding.

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

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

This drawing may (or may not) help you understand:

Three nice areas for walking around are Glodok (Jalan Kemenangan, near the Chinese temple Vihara Dharma Bhakti), Tanah Abang (you can go to Jalan Kebon Kacang I, II, III, etc) or Pasar Baru (Jalan Kelinci).

Visit a traditional market

If you want to experience a real culture shock in Jakarta, then head for one of the numerous traditional markets that are spread all around the city (just type "pasar jaya" on Google Maps to find the nearest from you).

This is where most Indonesians go to buy groceries, and you can find pretty much anything there, from fresh fruits to kitchenware. Most of them are managed by the government-owned company Pasar Jaya, yet they are all different from one another. Some can be a bit dirty and crowded, while others are modern and more expensive. My favorite one in the city is Fresh Market PIK, which is, unfortunately, a bit far from the center.

You can read 25 Best Traditional Markets in Jakarta for more information.

Have some drinks and party

Yes, it might sound weird that one of the best things to do in the capital of the largest Muslim country on earth is drinking. And yet, Jakarta nightlife is one of the few domains where the city can compete with Bangkok or Singapore.

Clubs/bars in Jakarta are not always sophisticated, but they are fun. People tend to be relaxed and friendly, so it usually doesn't take long to make new friends during a night out.

I've written extensively about this topic. Check my Jakarta nightlife guide for more information.

Get a massage

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

In Jakarta, for just US10$ you can have a professional masseuse at your door who will massage you for an hour. The easiest way to find a therapist is to download the app Go-Jek and to use the feature "Go-Massage". Alternatively, almost every hotel in Jakarta with more than 3 stars has an in-house spa or 24/7 massage services.

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

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

Do nothing
"Nongkrong" ("hanging out" in English) is the trademark hobby of Indonesians. Basically, it means doing nothing with other people.

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

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

Visit the "must-do" tourist spots

Some tourist spots in Jakarta are interesting, but I don't think they should be on your top list of priorities compared to the other things to do mentioned above.

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

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

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

Learn Indonesian

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

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

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

Read: How I Learned to Speak Indonesian in 30 Days

Go to the mall

Visiting malls is the favorite pastime of most Jakartans. Those huge, air-conditioned temples of consumption are ubiquitous in the city. Wherever you live, you probably have one within a short taxi ride from your home.

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

Shopping in middle-class malls can be more interesting and you may find a few bargains, especially on clothes and electronics (if they were made in Indonesia). Some of the best middle-class malls are ITC Mangga Dua, Mall of Indonesia, Mall Kelapa Kading, Mall Ambassador and Mall Taman Anggrek.

For a more comprehensive list, check Best Shopping Malls in Jakarta

Date a local

Let's be honest here. Would Jakarta be as interesting for foreigners as it is today without its thriving dating scene? Certainly not.

Having an Indonesian boyfriend or girlfriend is a fascinating introduction to Indonesian culture and the best way to learn the language.

As a traveler, an easy way to get a date is to use online dating apps. Read Online Dating Apps and Sites in Indonesia to know which ones work best.

Get out of the city
If you don't get out from Jakarta once in a while, you will start to hate it. There are flights from Jakarta to most airports in Indonesia, making it the best base to visit the country. 100$ will take you thousands of kilometers away to white sand beaches, world-class reef corals, and indigenous tribes.

Get some travel ideas here: 11 Indonesian Islands You've Never Head Of and Cheap Travel Guide to Bali.

Are you wondering what is the best time to visit Jakarta? There are several factors to consider before planning your trip:

- Weather in Jakarta: What are the best and worst seasons?

- When are public holidays in Jakarta? How do they affect the city?

- Is it OK to visit Jakarta during Ramadan?

- At what time of the year can you get the cheapest prices on flights and hotels?

If you don't have want to read the whole article, here is a short answer: The best time to visit Jakarta is during the "dry" seasons from May to October. To get the best prices on plane tickets and hotels, the months of April-May-October-November are the most interesting. Weekends are nicer as you have fewer traffic jams. It is also better if you want to party and the hotels are cheaper.

For more details, please read the long answer below:

Weather in Jakarta

Unlike in Europe, you will not experience huge weather variations in Jakarta. Average daily temperatures are usually between 29°C and 35°C (84°F and 95°F). It is hot, especially because of the humidity, but I've always found Singapore or Bangkok were much worse.

Temperatures get slightly cooler at night or very early in the morning, or after a massive rainfall. It does not change a lot though: During the 12 years I lived in Jakarta, I have never worn a jacket or a sweater even once.

While the temperatures are rather stable all year long, there is a dry season and a wet season. From my observations, the worst of the wet season goes from mid-December to February. You can expect that there will be rain every day during these months. This is when all the recent major floods in Jakarta happened. November, March, and April can also be wet, but it is more random.

The dry season in Jakarta is never completely dry. Even in August or July, you may have a few storms once in a while. Generally speaking though, you have less rain from May to October and this is the best time of the year to visit Jakarta.

Summary:

December, January, February: Avoid Jakarta if possible

November, March, April: You can visit Jakarta but it is likely that there will be showers from time to time.

May, June, July, August, September, October: Occasional showers, but overall a good time to travel to Jakarta

Public Holidays in Jakarta

Indonesians have approximately 12 days of public holidays + 12 more days of paid leave. In general, Muslims will use their holiday the week after the end of Ramadan, Christians will use them for Christmas, and Hindus will use them to celebrate Kuningan and Galungan (good to know if you are traveling to Bali).

Some public holiday dates are fixed such as New Year (January 1st), Christmas (December 25th) or Independence Day (August 17th). Others are changing every year, for instance, Idul Fitri, Chinese New Year, Good Friday, Waisak Day, or Idul Adha. You can check the updated schedule easily by just typing on Google: "Public Holiday Indonesia".

In Jakarta, the consequence of public holidays is a massive exodus of people, especially during Lebaran (the week after Ramadan) and for Christmas/New Year.

As a traveler, it is a recommended time to visit Jakarta. It is easier to get around in the city and you may feel the air is less polluted. Hotels and incoming flights are often cheaper also. The only problem is that some of the museums may be closed on public holidays.

Ramadan in Jakarta

Ramadan happens approximately every 11 months in Indonesia (and the rest of the Muslim world).

It is possible to visit Jakarta during that time. You are allowed to eat during the day, even in public, and all shops and museums are normally open. If you are not familiar with the city, you might not notice the change.

Still, unless you are particularly interested in the religious aspect of Indonesia, I think it is best to come at another time. There is clearly less energy around and people are more tired. Personally, I'm also embarrassed to eat outside by myself. Nightclubs and bars become very quiet and you may need to hide if you want a beer.

Another issue with Ramadan is that you may get stuck in the "mudik" migration. Just before Idul Fitri, the last day of fasting, millions of Indonesians go back to their villages so the traffic on the roads is terrible. There is also a surge in price for train and plane tickets. Things get back to normal around 10 days after the end of Ramadan.

When To Travel Cheap to Jakarta

The biggest price fluctuations for Jakarta hotels are caused by business travelers who come generally from Monday to Friday. For this reason, you will normally get a lower price if you stay in Jakarta on the weekend. You may not get a discount on flight tickets though as many Jakartans come back home during that time. If possible, you should try to arrive on Friday morning and leave on Monday afternoon to avoid the biggest rush.

Holidays in your home country may also affect the price of your plane ticket. If you are European, flights to Asia are always more expensive during Christmas and summer. Conversely, March, April, May, October, and November are the cheapest months to travel.

Finally, as I mentioned above, hotel prices are lower in Jakarta when there is a local public holiday because the population tends to leave the city.

Do you need more help with your travel plans to Jakarta? You can leave your question in the comment form below and I'll do my best to answer you. For more information, you may also read my article: Where to Stay in Jakarta? Best Areas for Tourists and Best Things To Do in Jakarta.

Article updated in May 2021.

It is a challenge to get around in Jakarta. The city is huge, its streets are clogged by traffic jams, and the public transportation system is underdeveloped.

But don't despair yet. Knowing the different options available for transportation can save you some time, money, and energy. This is why I wrote this article which is based on my experience living in Jakarta for over 10 years. Hopefully, it will be useful to you during your stay!

Transportation Apps in Jakarta

The easiest way to get around in Jakarta is to use one of the two main transportation apps available in Indonesia: Gojek (locally-owned) and Grab (Malaysian-owned). The brand Uber doesn't exist anymore in Southeast Asia as it merged with Grab.

Most people I know have both apps installed on their phones and they use them interchangeably. Personally, I tend to prefer Grab, but on a longer trip, I will often check if it is cheaper on Gojek. I also keep an eye on promotions in case there are some discounts or freebies.

Grab and Gojek are actually much more than transportation apps. Among other things, they can be used for:

- Booking a car or a motorbike ride

- Ordering food online

- Delivering a package

- Paying for your bills, for your phone credit, to top up game vouchers

- Consulting with a doctor

- Finding someone to clean your house or repair something

- Buying groceries online

The one thing that interests us here is the car/motorbike booking function. It is really easy to use, all you need to do is to enter your home address, your destination, and the type of vehicle you want to ride.

The cost is reasonable compared to Europe. A car ride will cost you about IDR40,000 for 20 minutes, and a bike ride will cost you half that. Prices are not set, they obey the law of supply and demand. During rush hours, don't be surprised if your bill is 2 or 3 times higher than normal.

You can pay by cash directly to the driver, by card on the app, or by using the app's electronic wallet.

Grab has GrabPay, which is related to the OVO payment platform, and Gojek has GoPay. I recommend you to add money to these wallets as you will get cheaper rides. Another benefit of GoPay and GrabPay is that you can use that money in real life in most shops in the country (often with a discount).

If the trip requires it, some drivers may suggest to take the toll road. If you say yes, you can either pay the toll with an e-money card, or ask the driver to add the cost to your final bill. If you choose the latter, beware as some drivers may overcharge you.

Public Transportation in Jakarta

There aren't many foreigners who use the public transportation system in Jakarta because it is so much cheaper and convenient to just order Grab/Gojek.

On longer trips, it can be pricey so you may want to check if there is any convenient way to go to your destination by bus, by train, or by metro. In some cases, it can also be faster to use the public transport.

Personally, I often check my trip on the Google Maps app to see if i can save a significant amount of time/money. For instance, to go from Kota Tua to Sarinah takes 28 minutes with TransJakarta (line 1) for a cost of IDR3,500. The same trip with Grab costs 5X to 10X more.

The thing you have to consider with public transportation in Jakarta is that you often have complications: Long queues, late schedule, or overcrowded vehicles. You will also probably get tired and sweaty from walking to the station and waiting without air-con.

There are several options you can use to get around in Jakarta by public transport:

TransJakarta

This is a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system with around 20 lines, most of which have dedicated lanes. These allow to beat the traffic, which is very convenient during rush hours.

It is a fairly good option if your departure and destination are not too far from a bus halt, and if you don't need to switch line more than once. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen very often and this is probably why many people still prefer using their cars.

To pay for your fare, you need to use an e-money card such as BRIZZI, Flazz, Tapcash, or e-Toll Card. If you don't have one, don't worry as you can buy one at most halts. You can them top it up with the amount you want, considering the a 1-way fare costs IDR 3,500.

You can see all the routes here: Map Transjakarta

Other buses (MetroMini or Kopaja)
Apart from TransJakarta, there are other buses, usually smaller, slower and less comfortable.

The most famous ones are the Kopaja (Koperasi Angkotan Jakarta, the green and white ones) and the MetroMini (the red and blue ones). Look at the letter of the buses, each one corresponds to an area: P= Pusat (center of Jakarta), B= Barat (west), S=Selatan (South), U= Utara (North), T= Timur (East). Next to the letter, you have a number, that indicates the route.

For instance, the Kopaja S66 is the one that goes from Blok M to Manggarai.

I actually take these buses from time to time and they can be convenient. What I like is that there are so many of them, and that you can just jump inside one at almost anytime. You can pay your fare directly to the driver, usually in cash or by e-money card.

Airport Buses:

DAMRI and JA Connexion operate buses between the CGK airport and several locations in Jakarta (Taman Anggrek, Thamrin, Gambir, Kelapa Gading, Mangga Dua). There is one every 15-30 minutes and they cost around IDR40,000-50,000. You can take them from any terminal in the airport.

MRT

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit, a fancy name for the Metro) is great but there is only 1 line from the South to the City Center (Sarinah). It is quite easy and straight-forward to use. You can either pay your fare with an e-money card, or a card delivered at the MRT counter. The cost depends on your destination, from IDR4,000 for 1 station, to IDR14,000 for the trip from Lebak Bulus to Sarinah.

Check the MRT map here.

Other trains (KRL, LRT, Railink)

There are some other mass rapid transportation system such as the KRL (suburban trains) and the LRT (elevated trains).

The KRL trains are only interesting if you plan to visit cities outside Jakarta like Bogor, Bekasi, Depok or Tangerang. They are quite comfortable (when not overcrowded), and they have AC. The price is reasonable (between IDR3,000 and IDR7,000 for a trip). You need to buy a KMT card to get access to the train (at the cost of IDR30,000). This is the KRL map.

The LRT project is still on-going but it should be completed by 2022. It will have a line in North Jakarta and a line between Kuningan and Bekasi.

Finally, Railink is an express train running between Sudirman Station in Central Jakarta and the Airport. I have used it a few times but I was quite disappointed as it is far from being "express". Indeed, to start with, you will need to go to Sudirman Station, then to wait for the train, then a 45-minute ride, then you need to take another train shuttle to reach your terminal. In the end, it takes at least 2 hours. The price used to be IDR75,000 but since COVID-19, it has been reduced to IDR30,000.

Other Transportation Mode in Jakarta

Angkot

An angkot (or bemo or mikrolet) is a small van that picks up people on a well-defined route. It stops every time someone wants to get in or out. It's not very fast, and it can also be quite uncomfortable as the ceiling is low and there is no AC.

The good part of it is that it's really cheap, around 3,000 rupiah. I was using it on a specific very short trip, like when I go to Mangga Dua Square from Stasiun Kota. Very local as well, people are usually amused to see foreigners using them.

Taxis
There used to be a lot of taxi brands, but nowadays, it is mostly Blue Bird. The price currently starts at Rp6,500 and you'll pay about Rp50,000 for a 20 minutes ride.

It isn't so expensive, sometimes even cheaper than GrabCar or GoCar, but it has become harder to find them. Most likely, you will use them at the airport or at your hotel.

Becak
Man-powered rickshaw. It is quite rare and only available in some neighborhoods like Glodok.

Bajaj
It's the equivalent of the motorized rickshaws in India or the tuk-tuk in Thailand. They cannot use the main roads so they are pretty much limited to operate in a small area. Some drivers will tell you that they can take you from Kemang to Kota, but it's crazy. Bajaj is ok for distances up to 1 km or so. I use them when I have a very short trip to make and I don't want to walk, for instance, if I'm back from the grocery store, 800 meters from my house.

Price for a Tuk-Tuk: Less than 3 minutes ride, give Rp10,000. Less than 10 minutes: Give Rp20,000. More than 10 minutes: Get a taxi.

I previously wrote about the best areas to in Jakarta for tourists. You may want to read this article as well to get a first introduction to the city's neighborhoods.

I wouldn't say that there isn't one best place to live in Jakarta, as the criteria for each person will be different.

The most important factor when deciding where to stay should be the distance between your home and your work or, if you have children, between your home and their school.

This means your choice will probably be limited to a few options, knowing that each kilometer will cost you 10 more minutes sitting in traffic every day.

With that in mind, here are three of Jakarta's best neighborhoods for expats, in no particular order:

Kemang

It is not an actual district of Jakarta, but the name given to the area near the streets Jalan Kemang Raya and Jalan Kemang.

Various factors have made this neighborhood one of the most popular among expatriates in Jakarta: Its proximity to famous international schools (NZ, Australia), its village vibe (it is called the Seminyak of Jakarta), a tight and active expat community, a large choice of Western restaurants, a good nightlife, and a great offer of luxury villas and condominiums. It is also relatively easy to buy imported food there (for instance in Kem's Chicks) and to find house staff that speaks English.

The construction of Kemang Village in 2013 has made the neighborhood even more attractive (increase in the number of apartments available, more shops and restaurant). Some long-term expats will argue that Kemang has lost its soul but that's another debate...

Not everything in Kemang is ideal, though. The first problem of this area is that there are often traffic jams, and especially after work (5 PM to 8 PM). If you work in the Central Business District, it is not rare to need more than 1 hour to go back home. The situation is even worse on Friday nights.

Also, Kemang has frequently been hit by floods (the latest on May 2018) and this is likely to happen again. If you rent a house there, it can be a smart thing to ask your neighbors if it has ever been flooded.

Pros:

- Great social life with plenty of bars, restaurants, expat clubs, etc.

- A high density of expats, especially in villas and in apartments like The Mansion.

- Mostly a low-rise neighborhood

- Rich area but with some Indonesian features (street food, village life, etc).
- Moderate prices compared with Menteng, Senopati, Kebayoran Baru, SCBD, Pondok Indah

Cons:

- Traffic jams are permanent, especially on Friday night
- Poor quality of the sidewalk

- Floods happen almost every year

If you like Kemang, you may also be interested in:

Cipete:

This area, south of Kemang, has a more local feel. It is a favorite among French people, especially around Jalan Cipete Raya, because it is near the Lycée Français (French high school). It is cheaper than Kemang, more laid-back, but you also have fewer attractions and fewer luxury villas.

Cilandak:

This is a large district, south of Cipete, which is popular with the local middle class and some expat families. It is mostly clean and low-rise, with a typical Indonesian atmosphere. The areas near Jalan TB Simatupang, near Pondok Indah and near the Jakarta Intercultural School are expensive, but elsewhere it is relatively affordable. The location is far from the CBD so it is more suitable for those working in South Jakarta.

Mega Kuningan

Close to the Central Business District, Mega Kuningan is a planned neighborhood that consists of just 2 concentric roads, all built with towers (offices, luxury hotels, apartments). It is one of the rare areas in Jakarta where you can walk around, thanks to relatively well-maintained sidewalks (and thanks to the palm trees for the shade). It doesn't look at all like the rest of Jakarta, but rather like a modern metropolis like Singapore.

As I wrote before, Mega Kuningan nightlife is particularly active, and logically this is a great location for single expats or young couples with no kids. You can hop between bars/restaurants easily, for instance between Loewy, Flow, McGettigan's, Cazbar, and Basque. These are always crowded with expats and excellent for meeting people.

The area lacks a proper luxury shopping center, but you can still go rather easily to Lotte Avenue or Pacific Place (less than 10 minutes for both). There is also the Bellagio Boutique Mall for groceries and alcohol.

Living in Mega Kuningan means living in a condominium. The price range varies from midrange (USD800 per month in Bellagio) to luxury (USD4,500 per month in Oakwood or Ritz-Carlton). A website like Jendela360.com can be helpful to find an apartment to rent.

Some houses are available a bit further away, in Kuningan, with usually high prices. Unsurprisingly, most of them are owned by foreign embassies and consulates.

Pros:

- Modern, relatively clean, proper sidewalks, possibility to walk around
- Many bars, cafés, and restaurants targeting expats
- Supermarkets with expat products
- Near many embassies and offices

- Good offer of luxury condominiums and serviced apartments

Cons:

- The massive traffic jams outside of Mega Kuningan make it difficult to enter or exit the area.
- No "Indonesian life": It is the same as living in a gated community. In particular, no street food.
- Mostly expensive prices

If you like Mega Kuningan, you may also be interested in:

SCBD:

This area is very similar to Mega Kuningan, only slightly more expensive and with fewer expatriates. It is also great for nightlife. Ideal if your office is in the south of Jalan Sudirman or in Senayan.

Taman Rasuna/Thamrin Residence/Sudirman Park/Taman Sari Semanggi:

These apartment complexes have a good location in the CBD, but rather affordable prices. They are popular with expats who don't have a high salary.

Setiabudi:

This area between Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Rasuna Said is still developing. You have a mix of low-rise, low-income accommodation, and high-rise, high-income apartments (Setiabudi Sky Garden, Ambassade Residence). It's one of my favorite locations in Jakarta as it is in the heart of the city center yet it has preserved a certain authenticity.

Pondok Indah

Again, Pondok Indah is not a district, but a name used to designate an area between Pondok Indah Mall and Jalan TB Simatupang. Its main draws are the Pondok Indah Mall, the Pondok Indah Golf Course, and its proximity to the Jakarta Intercultural School campuses.

This is a very wealthy area where residents are a mix of foreigners and Indonesians ("new money" while Menteng is "old money"). It used to be called the Beverly Hills of Jakarta and, in the 1990s, there was even a sitcom called Pondok Indah 1 modeled after Beverly Hills 90210.

The whole Pondok Indah has been planned in the 70s/80s by private investors like Ciputra. For this reason, there is nothing authentic about this neighborhood. Living there is the closest you'll be from living in a gated community in Jakarta.

While some may not like being disconnected from normal Indonesian life, others will enjoy the quietness. Traffic is generally low and the streets well-maintained. This means you can walk around with your kids or even go for a jog.

The Pondok Indah Mall is the best one around. It includes a cinema, several supermarkets, lots of boutiques, and some reputed restaurants. There is a small nightlife targeting expatriates as well, especially in the bar De Hooi.

Houses in Pondok Indah can be ridiculously massive and tacky. Overall, most of them will cost between USD3,000 and USD5,000 per month to rent.

Pros:

- Quiet and safe area
- Fairly good location if you have kids and if you work in South Jakarta

- High-quality neighborhood

- Less pollution
- 50 minutes to the airport
- Many international schools nearby

Cons:

- Boring neighborhood for single guys, far from the CBD
- Expensive prices
- Not authentic

If you like Pondok Indah, you may also be interested in:

Kebayoran Baru:

This large district holds various neighborhoods, from the rich Senopati to the middle-class Blok M. Generally speaking, the areas directly south of Senayan and the ones around Dharmawangsa Square are popular among the upper class. Many expats, especially Japanese and Koreans choose to live there. The location is convenient as it is close to the CBD, from malls, from restaurants, from international schools. It is also less polluted and the traffic is reasonable. You can choose between luxury houses and apartments (Pakubuwono View, Pakubuwono Signature, Botanica, etc).

Menteng:

It is one of the richest and most livable areas in Jakarta, especially near Taman Menteng or Taman Suropati. Many of Indonesia's richest families live there, especially those involved with politics or government affairs. Famously, the Soeharto family has a house on Jalan Cendana (and therefore, they are referred to as the Cendana clan). Most of the accommodation consists of large houses, in relatively quiet streets shaded. Swimming pools are not as common as in the South. Menteng is a good neighborhood for older expats who don't have kids.

Menteng (Cikini) - From Menteng Park Apartments

How about North / West / East Jakarta?

Since there aren't many office buildings in North, West, and East Jakarta, the expat communities there are relatively small.

That said, some areas are worth considering if you want to save money on your accommodation. My two favorite are:

Kelapa Gading:

It is an interesting option if you work in the north of the City. This is a planned neighborhood with wide streets and plenty of diverse accommodation, from affordable apartments to high-end housing complexes. There are many large malls, restaurants, hospitals and schools, including a few international ones. Many of its residents are Indonesian Chinese. The main issue is that it is quite far from the CBD, about 45 minutes by car.

Kebon Jeruk:

In this growing residential area, you can find some reasonably-priced apartments, for instance in Royal Garden Mediterania, less than 40 minutes away from both the airport and the Central Business District.

Overview of the All the Neighborhoods Mentioned in this Article

Celebrating your New Year's Eve in Jakarta is actually not a bad idea, especially if you compare it with the alternative of going to Bali.

Bali during New Year is crazy expensive (expect hotel prices in Kuta to triple at least), overcrowded even by Jakarta standards, and worst of all: Rainy.

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

If you are in Jakarta for New Year, voluntarily or not, these are the best ways to celebrate:

Things to Do in Jakarta for New Year's Eve

Watching the Fireworks

Fireworks in Ancol on 31st December

The official locations for the NYE fireworks are Ancol, Taman Mini, the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout (Bunderan HI), the Monas (National Monument), and Kota Tua (Taman Fatahillah).

For those who plan on going to a bar or nightclub after the fireworks, it is best to go to the one in Bunderan HI which is closed to Plaza Indonesian and Grand Indonesia. You have to get there early though as the main roads are blocked starting at 7pm. Expect crazy traffic jams before and after.

The atmosphere is always messy but it can be fun, especially in the few minutes before the countdown. It is an event popular with Indonesian families, mostly from a middle-class background. As a foreigner, it is likely that some of them will wave at you or ask to take a picture with you.

It can be a bit frightening at times because people will light their own fireworks, sometimes just a few meters away from you. If you are with kids, be extra careful and, in any case, make sure you have good travel insurance.

Eating in a Fine Dining Restaurant

If being squeezed in a crowd of strangers is not your thing, another great option is to book a dinner in a fine dining restaurant.

The best ones in Jakarta will normally have a special menu for the occasion, of course at an inflated price.

My recommendations for great food:

- French food: Amuz

- Italian food (with a nice view): Alto (Four Seasons)

- Japanese food: OKU (Kempinski)

All these restaurants are headed by a foreign chef and they cost at least US100$ per person with a glass of wine.

Celebrating on a Rooftop Bar

This is probably the best thing to do in Jakarta to celebrate the New Year. You will get the best of everything: A (partial) view of the fireworks, a special dinner, and a party.

All the famous rooftops in the city will organize an event on NYE. The best ones for this occasion are those located near Bunderan HI as you shall be able to see the fireworks from there: SKYE or Cloud.

Paulaner Brauhaus, Social House, Burgundy, or MO Bar are not on rooftops but they also offer a view of Bundaran HI.

It is essential to book in advance as these places will be more crowded than usual. Expect to pay at least IDR1,000,000 for dinner.

Other rooftops that can be nice are Henshin, the highest in the city, and Chao Chao, which is near the nightclubs/bars of SCBD.

Partying in a Bar or a Nightclub

There are some great events on New Year's Eve in Jakarta, either in restaurants, bars, or clubs.

For an updated list of the best venues in Jakarta to party, you can read:

- Best Nightclubs in Jakarta

- Best Bars in Jakarta

You should realize it might be more difficult than usual to get around in Jakarta before and after the countdown. My advice would be to choose a party spot that is near to your hotel. Ideally, it should be so near that you could just walk if something happened.

Where to Sleep in Jakarta for New Year's Eve?

As I mentioned above, from 9pm to 2am on New Year, it will be difficult to circulate in the city center. Some major streets like Sudirman/Thamrin may be closed and smaller ones will be clogged by traffic jams. Read carefully my reviews Where to Stay in Jakarta and Jakarta Hotel Guide to make sure you are in the right neighborhood.

Hotels that are within walking distance to famous nightclubs:

- Oakwood Mega Kuningan is near Basque, Loewy, and Flow

- Westin has the rooftop bar Henshin

- Kempinski: Near Social House, Skye, Paulaner Brauhause

- Hyatt: Near Cloud, Cork & Screw

- Alila SCBD: Near Chao Chao, Lucy in The Sky, Fable, Hard Rock Café, Swillhouse

Don't wait too long to make your reservation as these hotels will be quickly fully booked. During the festive season, they may have a required minimum stay of 2 nights. If you search for them on Agoda or Booking.com, they will not appear if you only select 1 night.

The Grand Hyatt offers one of the best views to enjoy the NYE fireworks

When I speak with tourists visiting Indonesia, I am often shocked to learn that they don't have proper travel insurance or medical evacuation insurance. Among long-term residents, there are also many who do not have health insurance, particularly those without a working permit (typically the digital nomads).

The objective of this article is to convince you that spending a few dollars per day on insurance is not a waste of money, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Even if you are on a tight budget, you can get cheap insurance (as low as 3$ per day if you take a yearly subscription - check here) that will at least save your ass in case of a serious illness or accident. If you cannot afford it, then you probably should not travel to Indonesia.

Why you need travel insurance in Indonesia
While you certainly need insurance everywhere, there are even more reasons to get it when you travel in Bali, Jakarta, or the rest of Indonesia:

You are exposed to more risks
When you are in Indonesia, you are probably exposed to more risks than in your home country. In Europe for instance, things like dengue fever or malaria are pretty much non-existent. It is also statistically less likely to be a victim of a motorbike accident, a rabid dog bite, an accidental drowning, or food poisoning.

These are not rare, unfortunately. If you've lived in the country long enough, you probably know a few people who had these problems.

Generally speaking, there are lower safety standards in everything in Indonesia: Construction, food, transportation, roads, activities, etc. This increases the likelihood of an unfortunate event as well.

Finally, people who are on holiday tend to be less careful. In Bali, you may be tempted to take out your helmet when riding your motorbike, or you may ignore the red flags posted on the beach. It's perfectly human to feel the need to let go of your worries. But just make sure that you are covered if anything goes wrong.

Medical care in Indonesia is very expensive

According to the AAMI, a day in an intensive care unit in Indonesia can cost up to 3,000$. Even in the cheapest hospitals, you can expect to pay 800$/day.

Facebook groups like Bali Expats or Jakarta Expats are full of horrible stories of people who had their lives ruined in a few minutes because they did not plan their trips properly. Here are just a few examples:

Even small problems can turn into a nightmare. Among my friends, several ended up in distress because of minor accidents or diseases:

The first one hit his head by diving into a pool: 1000$ in Sanglah Hospital for a few stitches and X-rays.

The second one got bit by a street dog in Legian: 3,000$ including anti-rabies medication.

The third one got a very bad case of dengue fever combined with malaria. He went into a coma and he had to stay 4 weeks in hospital. Total bill: 25,000 dollars. Luckily, he was covered and everything was paid for. It was after this unfortunate event that I rushed to get insurance actually.

Private hospitals will never accept you if you cannot pay
In Indonesia, decent hospitals are run as a strict business and not a charity. If you arrive bleeding to death after an accident, the doctors will not treat you until they make sure you can pay. If you can't, you'll be left outside. It's as simple as that.

Hospitals will overcharge you
You should know that as a foreigner with or without a working permit, you will be charged more for medical treatment in Indonesia. Expect to pay at least 2 times more than locals, more if you don't have a resident visa.

Many doctors have a poor ethic. If they can find a way to inflate your final bill, they will probably do it. It is a bit like going to a random auto repair shop in Europe: Most likely you will be charged for stuff you don't need.

Serious accidents will need a medical evacuation
Since many hospitals cannot treat the most serious patients, medical evacuation is often needed. To give you an idea of current prices:

Evacuation from Indonesia to Singapore: From 25,000$ to 50,000$
Evacuation from Indonesia to Australia: From 40,000$ to 70,000$
Evacuation to Europe: Up to 100,000$

Don't expect compensatory damages
The concept of third-party responsibility is foreign to most Indonesians. If you are hit by an Indonesian drunk driver, don't expect you'll get any money from the person who was responsible. Actually, even if he is at fault, he could possibly still manage to get money out from you if he is well-connected. The same thing applies if you have an accident within your hotel or while doing an activity with a company. If you are dealing with a local company, don't even think about getting compensatory damages.

What types of insurance do you need in Indonesia?

The type of insurance you need in Indonesia depends on your activity (working, retired, tourist, etc), your length of stay, your activities, and your area of travel.

Travel Medical Insurance:
This is insurance that will cover your medical bills for a limited duration (usually less than 90 days) when you are traveling outside of your home country. If you are traveling to Indonesia, it is the minimum you should get.

Travel Insurance:
This is a generic term for insurance that will cover several aspects of a trip: Medical problems, but also flight cancellation, theft, lost luggage, etc.

There are several websites where you can get a price estimate for your travel insurance in Indonesia. You can check WorldNomads, for instance, which is a partner of Lonely Planet and Rough Guides. What I like about it is that you can apply online, even if you've already started your trip. They have also included coverage for any illness related to COVID-19.

International Health Insurance or Expat Medical Insurance:

Travel insurance is for travelers and covers emergency situations. If you live permanently in Indonesia, you need coverage for regular health expenses such as dental care, optics, medical checkups, pregnancies, cancer treatment, etc. Those are typically not included in Travel Insurance policies.

Expats working in Indonesia should subscribe to the mandatory BPJS health insurance scheme. It is cheap, but don't expect too much from it. Many will also have their employer's insurance.

For other foreigners without a company plan, you can either purchase normal travel insurance for long-term travel (but then you won't be covered for non-emergency situations) or purchase a dedicated Expat Health Insurance from a private company.

The latter is usually more expensive, but you should consider that you'll get more reimbursements as well. Reputed companies include Allianz, April-International, AXA, or GMS.

Repatriation/Medical Evacuation Insurance: This insurance covers the cost of your medical evacuation if needed. The price is usually reasonable, as little as 150$ per year, and it can save you tens of thousands of dollars. Remember that for serious injuries, you will not be able to be treated properly in Indonesia. This insurance is particularly needed if you plan on visiting remote areas.

If you purchase insurance from WorldNomads, it is already included.

Things to check before purchasing a travel insurance

The obvious first step before purchasing travel insurance is to make sure you don't already have one. You are probably aware that when you buy your plane tickets with a Visa or Mastercard, you are entitled to some kind of (limited) insurance. If you are traveling on an organized tour, you may also already have one automatically added (though you can refuse it and buy your own instead).

Once you know for sure that you will need travel insurance in Indonesia, you should be careful to check the following:

What is the maximum payable amount that I can get?
I think 200,000$ is the minimum amount to get considering how high some hospital bills can be in Indonesia.

Is the medical evacuation included or not?
If not you will have to pay extra with another company. This is an essential part of your insurance and you need a high ceiling as well (minimum 150,000$).

Can you contact your insurance company 24/7? Can they approve a quotation 24/7?
This is a must in case of a major emergency. If you cannot prove quickly that you can pay for your treatment, the best hospitals may refuse you.

Do you have to advance the money?
Some insurance can give a guarantee to the hospital that your bill will be covered so you don't need to pay upfront.

Are there any exclusions?
There are always a lot of exclusions (things that the insurance does not cover). Read carefully to avoid any surprises. If you are planning to do dangerous sports and outdoor activities in Indonesia, ask for instance if surfing, scuba diving, diving, rafting, hiking, jet-skiing, or paragliding are included.

What is the motorbike situation?
Motorbikes are a major cause of accidents for foreigners in Indonesia. Be careful as almost all insurers require a valid international license for the driver (even if you are a passenger). A specific motorbike license is also required for vehicles with more than 150cc. If you were drunk, high, or not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, you can also say goodbye to any potential claims.

What if you hurt someone?
Check if you can get reimbursement for third-party damages.

How to save money on travel insurance?
The price of your insurance will depend on your country of residence, your destination, the length of your stay, your age, and the number of people insured.

Here are a few ways to save more money:

Buy for a longer period of time
This needs some commitment, but naturally the longer you purchase, the cheaper it gets. I made a test on WorldNomads for myself and got the following:

7 days travel insurance to Indonesia (for a French): 26.70 euros (3.8 euros per day)
4 weeks travel insurance to Indonesia (for a French): 93 euros (3.3 euros per day)
365 days travel insurance to Indonesia (for a French): 804.30 euros (2.2 euros per day)

Make your own simulation here: Quote from WorldNomads.

Buy for several people at once
If you travel with your girlfriend or your family, you should choose the same reputed company for everybody.

Don't insure flights and valuables
This is what I usually do. Considering I travel alone with cheap flight tickets, last-minute hotel bookings, and few valuables, I don't really care about getting reimbursements on those things. The only thing I care about is not jeopardizing my whole life with an accident I can't afford to have.

Choose high deductibles and excess
Your insurance deductible and your excess are minimum amounts your insurance will charge you on any claims, no matter what. If your deductible for an accident is 1,000$, the insurance will reimburse you for any medical expenses above 1,000$. If you choose a high deductible, you will normally get cheaper insurance.

The philosophy of choosing a high deductible is the same as the previous point: It is for people who only want help if they are in big trouble. Having to pay 1,000$ from your own pocket sucks, but you can always find the money.

Don't buy it from your airline
When you book a flight, your airline or your tour operator will often push you to purchase cheap travel insurance. The offer may sound alluring, but if you read the fine prints, you will realize that they cover very little, with plenty of restrictions.

Compare
Don't hesitate to shop around until you find the best deal. Be careful with cheap insurance companies though. If they can give a very cheap price, it probably means they don't disburse much. You cannot have it all.

Which travel insurance do you use in Indonesia?
This article would be greatly improved with your input. Which insurance did you choose for traveling to Indonesia? Did you succeed in making claims?

Note: I updated this Bali nightlife review in 2021. Read also my guide: Canggu and Seminyak Nightlife.

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 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
It's better 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 within walking distance from nightclubs:

→ For Kuta nightlife: Sol House Legian by Melia (US$40/night)
→ For Seminyak nightlife: IZE (US$55/night) or U Paasha (US$80/night)
→ For Canggu nightlife: Aston Beach Resort (US$40/night)

Best Nightclubs in Bali

Shishi: Busiest Club in Seminyak

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

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

Description:

Certainly the most crowded nightclub in Bali at the moment, it has 3 floors, with different DJs, that play mostly Top 40, R'n'B, EDM, and Latin hits. They have a busy ladies' night on Wednesday where the ratio of girls/guys is probably around 70/30. Girls get free drinks and food, guys have to pay a first drink charge of IDR150k. There are many prostitutes among the girls, though. It reminds me of SkyGarden in Kuta.

Why should I avoid it?

More expensive than elsewhere. Too many people smoking.

Neverland (Bohemian Canggu Club)

This is a unique space, located in the middle of nowhere, and built from recycled wood planks. It features a large open-air café with a stage for performance and a small party room. It looks quite bohemian/artsy and they have some cool events every weekend. The music range from hip-hop to techno, so check in advance their Instagram to make sure you'll enjoy it. If you are a guy, there is an IDR50K "donation" to enter that allows you to get one free drink.

La Favela: Trendy club 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.

Who goes there?

Nowadays mostly 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.

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.

Vault: Underground Club in Canggu

Where is it?
On Jalan Berawa, in the basement of the shopping center Tamora Gallery.

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

Why should I go?
This is a proper nightclub with an underground style. Good music, including techno and Rn'B.

Why should I avoid it?
No holiday vibe, no windows, cigarette smoke.

When is the best time to visit?
It's more of a late spot so you can go there after 1 AM. It only opens on Friday and Saturday for now.

If you like Vault, maybe you will enjoy Warehouse, Back Room, and Opera.

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. Relatively easy to socialize with other clients.

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: Popular with Indonesians from Jakarta/Surabaya

Where is it?
Mirror is located on Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak.

Who goes there?
It attracts mostly Indonesians from Jakarta, as well as some expats living near Seminyak.

Why should I go?
Unique décor, good crowd, full on weekends. They may also have relatively famous DJs. Strict dress code (no sandals, no short pants).

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.

Lunox: Indonesian Club with House/Trance

Lunox is located in the same building as Delta Spa, a massage parlour with "extra services". Most of its customers are Indonesian guys, often partying in groups with LCs (lady companions). Some rare foreigners also visit it because of the music, usually inspired by what used to be played in big Jakarta clubs like Stadium or Mille's. Also features a karaoke.

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.

Lxxy: Main Club in Kuta

With Skygarden currently closed, the busiest nightclub on Jalan Legian, Kuta, is now Lxxy.

Who goes there?
Mostly Indonesians.

Why should I go?
You want to party for cheap in a modern nightclub. Also, you like EDM.

Note: This article was written by a reader who lives in Canggu and wishes to stay anonymous. It is purely informative and it is not intended to promote partying during the pandemic.

Bali has changed dramatically since March 2020: Kuta, Legian, Nusa Dua, and Ubud are now almost deserted and many businesses there have closed down. Walking around in these areas feels like visiting a zombie land.

On the other hand, Canggu (and Seminyak to a lesser extent) are currently thriving, especially at night. You can have drinks, socialize, and dance in crowded bars or nightclubs almost any night of the week.

There is an official curfew at 10pm, and venues are supposed to enforce social distancing rules, but in reality, very few precautions are taken and you can party until morning.

Some things have changed, though.

In most clubs, the main entrance is closed after 10pm so you have to go in through the backdoor or the side door (sometimes through the kitchen like in Da Maria or Shishi). Also, it is now usually mandatory to keep your phone in a box at the reception, or at least to block the camera lens with a piece of black tape. This is obviously a way to prevent customers to upload party pics on their social media.

Why are there still tourists in Seminyak/Canggu?

Despite the traveling restrictions affecting the island, there is actually a sizeable community of foreigners staying in Bali these days. Some are residents from before the pandemic, such as myself, while others are more recent arrivals.

Among them, you can find many expats who used to live in Jakarta and moved here, temporarily, because they can now work from home.

You also have thousands of tourists (especially Russians) and digital nomads who take advantage of Indonesia's relaxed rules regarding the deliverance of business visas. It is now well-known that they are easy to obtain from the immigration authorities, as long as you are sponsored by an agent and pay a fee between IDR 4 and 10M. As a result, Indonesia is probably the easiest country to get into in Southeast Asia at the moment.

Finally, the number of Indonesian tourists is also significant, especially on weekends. From my observation, they tend to prefer partying in Seminyak (in Mirror, La Favela, or Motel Mexicola).

Canggu Nightlife: Where to Party?

Canggu is a growing area that covers basically the north of Jalan Batu Belig (Kerobokan/Seminyak) up to Jalan Pererenan. It is popular with young foreigners in their early 20s to mid-thirties, including surfers, digital nomads, influencers, gap-year travelers, backpackers, and probably some rich kids with nothing else to do than partying.

Clubs, bars, cafés, and restaurants, are spread out along the main streets, and more particularly Jalan Batu Bolong, Jalan Pantai Berawa, Jalan Semat, Jalan Subak Sari, or Jalan Nelayan. Generally speaking, the closer you go from the beach, the more fancy/trendy the venues are.

It can take some time to go from one street to the other as the roads are still tiny and in bad condition. Most people drive a scooter or use online drivers (GoJek or Grab) to go from one place to the other. It is quite fun at the moment because there are almost no traffic jams. Also, there are still some rice fields, making the atmosphere much more enjoyable compared with Kuta, Legian or even Seminyak.

Nightlife in Canggu is constantly changing. The bars and clubs that are happening today will probably be gone within a year or two. Some venues are also only busy for just one weekly event (for instance Morabito on Fridays), or when they organize a special party. For this reason, don't hesitate to ask around for nightlife recommendations. You can also follow some nightlife accounts on Instagram such as "Badass Bali".

At the time of writing, the best bars and clubs in Canggu are the following:

Neverland

Black Sands

This large, modern, semi-open tavern serves its own brewed beer. It gets most busy on Friday night before 10pm, but it is nice to visit it during the day as well for drinking or eating (including their delicious BBQ Pork Ribs).

Morabito Bar

This is a weekly event every Friday in the luxury hotel Morabito Art Villas. Chic party with rich guests, almost all foreigners in their 30s or 40s. The music is generally deep house or electronic. The first drink charge is IDR200k.

The Vault

The type of minimalist nightclub that you would find in Berlin. It starts to get busy around midnight until 4am. The entrance fee for guys is 100k with a drink. Music is either techno or hip-hop.

The Yard

This is a pop-up bar next to Old Man's (which is temporarily closed). They have a popular Caribbean/Afro/Latin night on Fridays.

Also popular at the moment (check their Instagram for events):

The Shady Pig: A speakeasy bar with live music

Finn's / St Tropez: Huge beach club and restaurant

Lola's Canteen: Mexican restaurant

Luigi's Hot Pizza: Live music on Wednesday

Backroom at Mason's: Techno room busy on weekends

Seminyak Nightlife: Where to Party?

Seminyak nightlife is still going strong, even though it is nowhere as busy as it was before COVID-19.

The main party areas are still Jalan Petitenget, Jalan Kayu Aya (Oberoi), and Jalan Camplung Tanduk (Dyana Pura).

Here are the current hotspots:

Shishi

Certainly the most crowded nightclub in Bali at the moment, it has 3 floors, with different DJs, that play mostly Top 40, R'n'B, EDM, and Latin hits. They have a crazy ladies' night on Wednesday where the ratio of girls/guys is probably around 70/30. Girls get free drinks and food, guys have to pay a first drink charge of IDR150k. There are many prostitutes among the girls, though. It reminds me of SkyGarden in Kuta.

La Favela& Attika

La Favela, with its unique design and theme, is still popular among Indonesians. People now tend to gather around the main bar, near the DJ. The music is commercial and the prices are quite expensive. They've opened an upstairs room called Attika which is only available on weekends.

Mirror

Also an old favorite of Indonesian tourists, this nightclub is designed like a church. It's best to visit it with a group of people and to book a sofa/table. Dress well if you want to get in (no shorts, no sandals accepted).

Other nightlife venues to try in Seminyak:

Motel Mexicola: Mexican-themed restaurant and bar

Red Ruby, Warehouse, Opera: Techno nightclubs

Bali Joe and Mixwell: Gay clubs

Who's Your Daddy: A happening party twice a week

Da Maria: Great party on Sunday nights in this upscale pizzeria

40 Thieves: Hidden bar on Petitenget

Please comment below about your favorite spots for partying in Canggu and Seminyak!

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 Seeking - 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 Canggu. I wrote extensively about the nightlife in those areas, most recently here: Bali Nightlife.

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.

Review last updated on June 19th, 2021

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 Nightclubs to Meet Girls in Bali

Shishi

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.

The best night is on Wednesday when girls can drink and eat for FREE. On that day, the ratio of girls/guys is probably around 70/30. The entrance fee is 150K for men.

Beware, there are quite many prostitutes and professional girlfriends as well.

Male crowd: Westerners mostly

Female crowd: Indonesians mostly, some westerners

Age of clients: 25-40

Dress code: Casual

La Favela

La Favela is one of the busiest bars in Seminyak, 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. Check their Instagram for events.

Male crowd: Mostly Indonesian with some foreigners

Female crowd: Mostly Indonesian with some foreigners

Age of clients: 25-40

Dress code: Chic holiday wear

Red Ruby

Small nightclub with usually good electronic music (Techno, deep house). It has a modern design and it is a bit dark, making it conducive to meet new people.

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

Male crowd: Europeans

Female crowd: Indonesians (with some prostitutes, though)

Age of clients: 25-45

Dress code: Formal

Motel Mexicola

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

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

Free entrance. Check their Instagram for events.

Male crowd: Indonesians from Jakarta/Surabaya, Australians, other foreigners

Female crowd: Indonesians, Australians, other foreigners

Age of clients: 20-45

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 35).

The place is often full, with tables very near to 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.

Male crowd: Western tourists and expats

Female crowd: Western tourists, expats and Indonesians.

Age of clients: 35-60

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.

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

Female crowd: Same as above

Age of clients: 20-30

Dress code: Pants and shoes compulsory for men

Vault

This minimalist nightclub 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 techno.

Male crowd: Europeans, Indonesians

Female crowd: Same as above

Age of clients: 25-35

Pick up possibilities: Average

Dress code: Formal but relaxed

Meeting Girls in 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 in particular).

This article was updated on 19th June 2021.

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

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

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

Seminyak & Canggu

Read my detailed article: Seminyak and Canggu Nightlife

Seminyak Nightlife

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Party in Seminyak?

Seminyak nightlife is spread out in 3 main streets: Jalan Oberoi (officially Jalan Kayu Aya), Jalan Petitenget, and Jalan Dhyana Pura (officially Jalan Camplung Tanduk).

Jalan Oberoi is the best street for dining out and partying in Seminyak. Its heart is near the bar/club La Favela and it extends from there for about a hundred meters. Most venues are in the open air so you can go there and walk around to see which ones are interesting or not. Currently, the most happening spots are Red Carpet Champagne Bar, Rumors, and Mexicola (in a parallel street).

5-minute away, Jalan Petitenget has more stylish venues, including several beachfront bars and restaurants (Potato Head, Woo Bar). There are also smaller clubs and hip bars like Mirror, or Red Ruby. The busiest of all is Shishi, a club with 3 floors, most famous for its ladies' night every Wednesday.

Jalan Dhyana Pura is famous for having several small gay bars (Bali Joe, Mixwell, Bottoms Up) and LGBT-friendly clubs. There are also some late-night clubs (currently Opera and Warehouse). If you want to party after 4am, this is where you should go.

Where to Stay in Seminyak near the Nightlife:

Near Jalan Oberoi
U Paasha (rated 8.6)

Near Jalan Petitenget
W Retreat and Spa (Home of Woo Bar - rated 9.0)

Near Jalan Dhyana Pura
Courtyard by Marriott (rated 8.8)

Canggu Nightlife

The village of Canggu has developed tremendously in recent years with the influx of foreigners looking for a quieter alternative to Seminyak (10-minute away). Most of them are young (typically millenials), often digital nomads, long-stay tourists, influencers, students, or surfers. Overall, there are much less Indonesians than in Seminyak or Kuta.

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

Its nightlife is also getting more and more exciting each year. The happening venues tend to change every few months, though, so it can be hard to keep up.

Where to Party in Canggu:

There is not one single area in Canggu where you can just walk from bars to bars. Instead, the nightlife spots are spread out along the main streets, such as Jalan Pantai Berawa or Jalan Batu Bolong.

Since you cannot walk around easily, it is best to have a motorbike (but make sure you have travel insurance) or to use Grabbike/Gojek (for when you drink).

At the time of writing, the busy spots are Black Sand (a large open-air tavern that brews it's own beer), the Vault (a BDSM-themed nightclub with a minimalist design and techno/hip-hop parties), Neverland (a huge event space in the middle of rice fields with a bohemian vibe). There are good nights out also in Morabito, the Yard, and the Shady Pig. The beach clubs Finn's and La Brisa are worth visit as well during sunset time.

The famous Old Man's was closed during COVID-19 but it should reopen soon.

Where to Stay in Canggu Near the Nightlife:

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

Some cheaper alternatives are:

Echoland Bed and Breakfast (rated 8.4)

Aston Batu Bolong (rated 8.6)

Alternative Beach Club

Alternative Beach Club is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon in Canggu. Located in the same complex as Kos One Hostel and Canggu Village Accommodation, it features plenty of activities, including daily yoga classes, movie nights (Monday), pool parties (Wednesday and Saturday), salsa nights (Thursday) and BBQ (Sunday). Happy hours from 3PM to 6PM every day.

Kuta & Legian

Covid Update 2021: Kuta and Legian are dead at the moment apart from the nightclub Lxxy. Avoid this area until things get back to normal.

Skygarden from outside

Kuta Nightlife

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

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

Clubbing in Kuta can be fun, especially if you are young. The atmosphere is similar to that of a massive frat party with an additional holiday vibe. Sure, the music sucks, you drink from plastic glasses and people are drunk way too early. But on the positive side, you meet people easily and you won't spend so much money.

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

Where to Party in Kuta:

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

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

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

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

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

Legian Nightlife

Legian is the village between Seminyak and Kuta. Its nightlife is rather laid-back, consisting mostly of family pubs with live music and reasonable prices.

Where to Party in Legian?

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

Y Sports Bar in Jalan Padma Utara

Nightlife in Other Balinese Cities:

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

Apart from that, there are a few expat pubs too.

Overall, not interesting for me at least.

Recommended hotel in Sanur: Taksu Hotel (rated 8.5) or Akana (rated 8.6)

Ubud

No Mas party

Even though Ubud has a calm atmosphere at night, a few cafés can be lively until 2 AM in the city center (along Jalan Monkey Forest, Jalan Dewisita or Jalan Gutama). The most happening is the live music pub Laughing Buddha, always packed with backpackers and long-stay residents. Their salsa night on Wednesday, with a live band, is great fun. Another interesting venue is Bali Bohemia. Check their Instagram for their open-mic night.

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

Nusa Dua

Mixologist in ZJ's

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

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

Gili Trawangan

Jiggy Boat Parties in Gili Trawangan

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

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.com (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

Learning Indonesian online has never been so easy. There are so many websites, apps and videos available for free that the real problem is to identify the right one for you.

Before choosing, you should ask yourself a few questions:

How serious are you about learning Indonesian?
Do you want to become fluent or do you only want to learn the basics?

Do you want free lessons or are you ready to pay for a subscription?
The advantage of paying sites is that you'll usually get a complete program that you can follow every day. By investing money, you will feel more motivated as well.

Without paying, you'll need to stick to trial offers with a limited number of free lessons. That's fine for a beginner, but it can be annoying as you make progress.

Do you prefer learning through an app or a website?
If you don't have too much time to spare, using a mobile app is a convenient way to learn. You can practice for a few minutes from everywhere, for instance while commuting.

Websites are better if you can sit in front of your computer for at least 30 minutes straight, several times per week. The ones I tried have a rich content, requiring focus and sustained efforts, but they are recommended if you intend to become fluent.

Do you learn better through reading texts and written exercises or through listening and talking?
The learning process of each individual is different. Personally, I need to write things down to memorize them. I would never make progress by just listening to a podcast for instance. If you are unsure about his, maybe you can try a few methods and judge for yourself which one is the most effective.

4 free ways to learn Indonesian online
Based on the questions above, you should be able to identify what is the best way for you to learn Indonesian online. The particularities of each are described below:

Free apps (with premium features)
On both Android and iPhone, you will find plenty of free applications that are quite similar from one another.

They tend to ignore grammar to focus on helping you learn vocabulary lists. In general, the first lessons are free, but you must pay to have access to everything.

Honestly, I don't think you can reach a fluent level in Indonesian only by using these. They can complement proper online courses or help you learn words, but at a certain point, you might need to upgrade to a proper learning method.

Still, for busy expats or travelers who can't dedicate too much time to learning Indonesian, they will do the trick. Since Bahasa Indonesia does not have a very complex grammar, just learning words will prove useful in your daily interactions with Indonesians.

Note that all the free apps listed below have both a trial mode and a paying mode. Without paying, you can only access a certain number of lessons.

→ Mondly (Itunes and Android)
It is the best app I've used, with a focus on learning words. Typically, an exercise starts with a dialogue, followed by games that help you memorize a few key words and sentences.

Price: By clicking on this link, you can get a promo price of USD 7.99 for 1 month or USD 38.39 for 12 months with access to 600 lessons.

→ Babbel (Itunes and Android)
25 free lessons (1 in each category including grammar). It is perfect for beginners, less for the others. Each exercise lasts about 5 minutes. To make you memorize words, Babbel combines listening, writing, reading and playing. It is quite fun and it does not require a lot of efforts.

→ Fun Easy Learn (Android)
The beginner level is accessible for free and it contains a lot of interesting words by categories. Some mistakes in the translations and some irrelevant words.

To unlock levels and disable ads completely, you need to pay a one-time fee of $18.

→ Learn Indonesian Like a Native (Android)

This app is free and makes money with ads. It contains several errors and some formal expressions that, unlike the name of the app would suggest, are not actually spoken by natives. Its content is also quite limited, but I guess it's enough for tourists who plan on visiting the country and need some travel-related vocabulary.

→ Learn Indonesian Fast with LingoLinks.biz (Android)
This is an interesting and innovative app for those who have trouble learning the traditional way. Lingo Links help you memorize words by creating short stories and inserting the pronunciation of the Indonesian word inside it. For instance, to learn "Terima kasih" (Thank you), you should imagine that, while riding a taxi, you damaged a seat. As you left, the driver said: "Thank you for tearing my car seat" (which sounds like "Terima Kasih").

The free version contains only about 100 phrases and words. To get access to 300 more, you have to pay $5.

Free websites (with or without premium features)

You can download a few apps to help you learn Indonesian vocabulary and to practice your oral skills, but I think you can only make real progress with proper websites.

The reason for that is that they allow for more complex and longer lessons. It is a method similar to what you would do in a classroom with a teacher and a guidebook. You start with a dialog, then learn specific words related to that dialog, and you finally you do grammar exercises. Lessons after lessons, the difficulty increases, and the path should ultimately lead you to fluency.

Below are the best websites for learning Indonesian. Some of them are 100% free while other (unfortunately the best ones) require a subscription to access some of their content.

→ IndonesianPod101

60-day money back guarantee with IndonesianPod101

This website, recommended by the New York Times, the BBC and Newsweek, is part of a larger group offering several other language methods (Spanish, French, etc). It is very complete and certainly the best for those who want to reach a fluent level in Indonesian.

There are so many resources on IndonesianPod101 that it can be confusing at first. You have videos, podcasts, texts, games (flashcards), wordlists, a dedicated app (Iphone and Android), a grammar bank, etc. You can even ask for a private teacher tutorial if you need (and if you are a member).

The best way to start is to click on "Learning Path", then to choose your level (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced) and the theme you want to work on (travel, daily life, etc). In total, there are 500+ lessons.

Contrary to an app like Mondly, IndonesianPod requires more efforts and commitment. I would say you should spend at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week, to see some results.

Upgrading to paying version?
Even without paying, you have access to a wealth of free resources on IndonesiaPod101. You can also use their free 7-day trial (without a credit card needed).

If you want to be serious about learning Indonesian though, it is probably useful to get a membership.

For just $4 per month, you get access to ALL their lessons.
For $10 per month, you get access to an additional 2000 word-lists, all the grammar points, HD video lessons, the full app, voice recording tools, etc.
For $23 per month, you get access to a teacher for 1-on-1 guidance.

Each subscription comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.

→ LearningIndonesian.com

This website is the second best for learning Indonesian. It is much more simple compared to IndonesianPod101: 32 basic audio lessons in its free version, and 72 for paying members only.

When you register for free, you will receive by email a valuable learning guide to be used as a support for the online podcast. It is very useful for beginners and by the time you're done, you should be able to speak decent conversational Indonesian.

The paying version is quite expensive ($149) but you can take advantage of the 30-day no-question money back guarantee. During that time, you can do at least 20 free lessons and then decide if it's worth to continue paying or not.

→ BahasaKita and Learn Indonesian by MyLanguage.org

These two websites are the best I could find that are completely FREE. Of course, the quality cannot be compared to IndonesianPod101 or LearningIndonesian.com (no exercises, no audio or video, a limited number of lessons, few vocabulary lists), but they will do the trick for those who want to learn Indonesian without spending any money.

Note that BahasaKita also offers some paid tutoring via Skype.

Free Youtube channels and podcasts
There are numerous YouTube channels dedicated to learning Indonesian online.

The best one actually belongs to IndonesianPod101. Their videos are short, varied and with a clear sound.

I also like some channels that are run by Indonesian amateurs. Yahya Zakaria has around 25 videos that are fun to watch and useful for those who want to work on their pronunciation.

Ina Carolina is also a great teacher, but her lessons are a bit complicated. I only recommend them for advanced learners, especially those who need a better understanding of Indonesian grammar.

Online Teacher/Skype Tutors/Penpals
Finally, another great way to learn Indonesian online is to find locals with whom you can talk. It is the fastest and least boring way to becoming fluent.

You can easily meet Indonesian girls or guys who will be willing to have conversations with you by phone or WhatsApp. My advice would be to create a profile on dating sites and apps like IndonesianCupid, Badoo, Tinder. Just say that you are looking for someone to practice Indonesian. You will have no problem getting plenty of answers.

If you want real teachers, you can also try online tutoring services such as Preply, Verbling or Italki.

Those sites help you connect with native teachers, with prices starting at $4 for a 1-hour session.

I can't say I'm particularly gifted at learning languages. Before Indonesia, I lived 2 years in Italy and 2 years in Brazil, and yet I can barely speak any Italian or Portuguese.

Indonesian, or Bahasa Indonesia as it is called here, is different from any other languages.

There are no tenses, no declension, no tones. There is nothing tricky about the spelling, nothing complex about the grammar, and you always pronounce the words the same way.

You don't even have regional differences: It is spoken identically in Sumatra, in Papua, in Java or in Bali. And best of all, it uses the Roman alphabet.

Put it simply, it is probably the easiest language to learn in the world.

I arrived in Jakarta in November 2018. After one week, I had learned enough words to get by in all the most common situations: Greetings, introductions, ordering food, buying groceries, asking for directions, expressing basic feelings, etc.

After 1 month, I was able to have a normal conversation with any Indonesians.

My new skill has proven extraordinarily useful - either at work, to make friends or for dating girls. It is a great addition to my CV also.

I think it is one of the best things about living in Indonesia. If you motivate yourself, you can easily learn its language, the 6th most spoken in the world, in a record 4 weeks.

All it cost me was a small phrasebook I bought in the streets (10$) and a one-month subscription to IndonesianPod101 (10$ for videos, audios, exercises, grammar lessons, vocabulary lists, etc). Overall, I spent as much time learning Indonesian as I spent watching 2 seasons of The Walking Dead.

In this article, I will tell you how you can do it as well. If you have suggestions, please just leave me a message at the end of the article.

1st step: I got motivated
If you've read this article until now, I guess you are already somewhat motivated. You realize that speaking Indonesian would benefit you, but maybe you are still hesitating because you imagine it requires years of work and practice.

This is not true.

As I mentioned before, learning Indonesian does not require tremendous sacrifices. All you need is to study 30 minutes every day for a month.

With a mobile app, you can practice from everywhere: While queuing at the store, while in traffic, while in the toilet, etc.

As long as you stay focused, you will get results fast, within weeks.

The fact that Indonesian was easy to learn was actually one of the reasons I moved to Jakarta. I didn't want to live in a country where I could not communicate with 90% of the population.

Expats living in China, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, Vietnam or the Middle East don't have this opportunity. They take private lessons for a year and they still struggle to talk to a local for 5 minutes.

Once you realize how lucky you are, it's time to move on to step 2.

2nd step: I listed and memorized the 250 most useful Indonesian words

Time spent: 6 minutes per day = 3 hours

Learning words by heart is not the most fun part of the process, but it is necessary. The positive thing is that there aren't that many essential words needed to speak Bahasa. I made a list of them that you can read here: 250 Most Useful Indonesian Words.

What you can do is print the list and read it out loud once or twice a day during a month. Since all these words are very common, you can use a few of them in your daily life: Any encounter with an Indonesian should become an opportunity to practice.

When I ride in a taxi, I always sit in the passenger seat, next to the driver, and I start a conversation. Just simple things: What is your name? Do you have children? Are you from Jakarta? etc. It's a great way to profit from traffic jams, thus turning an inconvenience into an advantage.

3rd step: I downloaded Mondly and practiced every day

Total time I spent on Mondly: 20 minutes per day X 30 days = 10 hours

A great way to start learning Indonesian is to use Mondly. They have both an app and a website with more than 300 exercises. It will help you with vocabulary, basic grammar and pronunciation.

It has several advantages:
- You don't need to carry a book and you don't need to write down anything.
- As long as you have your phone with you, you can practice from anywhere, for as long as you want.
- Most exercises are short (less than 5 minutes)
- The exercises are free and they unlock as you finish them. You can also subscribe to their premium version for 10$ per month (monthly plan) or 4$ per month (yearly plan).

Update: Click on this link to get a 20% discount on your subscription!

Because Mondly is fun to use and never boring, it was my main tool for learning Indonesian.

If you feel more comfortable with more traditional methods (online classes, tutoring), you can read my recommendations in the article 4 Best (Free) Ways to Learn Indonesian Online.

4th step: I learned the basic pronunciation

Time spent: 60 minutes.

The Indonesian pronunciation is pretty straight-forward. Letters are almost always pronounced the same way (except "e" that can sometimes be pronounced like "cut" and sometimes like "fate").

You can read this page: How to Pronounce Indonesian? for a detailed explanation on how to pronounce each vowel, each consonant and each diphthong.

One of the important things to be aware of is that the final "K" is silent, for instance in "tidak" (pronounced "tida'"). The "R"s are rolled but, if you can't do it properly, you'll still be understood.

Apart from that, there aren't many difficulties. Bahasa Indonesia does not have tones like in Vietnamese, Chinese or Thai, so you don't need to be worried about saying the wrong word unintentionally.

To learn the alphabet, I thought that video was useful:

With the IndonesianPod101 website, every word you learn will be repeated a few times so it is also an excellent way to improve your pronunciation.

5th step: I understood the basic grammar rules

Time spent: 8 hours

I said earlier that Indonesian grammar was easy. It was a bit of an exaggeration.

There are actually some rather complex rules but, luckily, you don't need them to reach a conversational level.

I wrote a dedicated blog post about this topic called: 10 Basic Indonesian Grammar Rules You Should Know.

It should be enough for your first month of learning.

If you want to deepen your knowledge, there are a few online resources to help you. IndonesianPod101 has a huge grammar section with 100+ articles. It is a paying site but there is a free 30-day trial for $1. You can also get 20 videos for free if you subscribe using this link: IndonesianPod101 - 20 Free Videos.

6th step: I practiced with my friends, girlfriend and anyone else available

Time spent: 10 hours

There are no reasons to learn a language if you are not using it, right?

Talking to a local girlfriend is the fastest way to make progress. When I began learning Indonesian, I asked mine to communicate only in Indonesian. She played along, even when sending texts on WhatsApp. It was a bit annoying at first, yet after a week I could understand almost everything she was saying.

If you don't have a girlfriend, maybe you could try chatting with a few girls on dating sites? I wrote a list of popular online dating apps and websites in Indonesia that you can check. If you write a profile saying that you are looking for someone to practice your Bahasa, especially on a website like IndonesianCupid, you will get plenty of positive answers.

As I mentioned before, don't hesitate to speak with any Indonesians you meet: Colleagues, friends, taxi drivers, maids, street food sellers, etc. They will feel proud knowing that a foreigner is interested in learning their language and they will be happy to help.

7th step: After my first month, I continued
After my first month of learning Indonesian, I had reached a decent conversational level, but I was still unable to read the newspaper or to understand Indonesian TV. Following a meeting in Indonesian was also still difficult.

Since I was planning to spend several years in the country, it made sense to continue learning.

I did that using the IndonesianPod101 method. They have over 100 audio lessons for intermediate and advanced learners, organized in an easy-to-follow learning path.

I only did about 30 of them while using their $1 30-day trial.

You can also try LearningIndonesian.com. This is a great website, whose resources are often used by teachers. It is a bit expensive ($149 fee) BUT there is a 60-day money back guarantee (no questions asked).

Conclusion: Start today

Indonesia will become the fourth largest economy on the planet by 2045. If you are a young professional planning to spend part of your career in Southeast Asia, learning Indonesian is one of the best decisions you can make.

On a more personal level, being able to communicate with any Indonesians will enrich your stay considerably. You will be able to travel as far as Papua and still be able to have a discussion with anyone.

Now, you can ask yourself: Are all those benefits worth 30 minutes of your time, every day, for one month?

If yes, don't procrastinate. Just start today. Start Now.

The Atlas complex in Berawa beach in Canggu is the number one entertainment destination in Bali. It features the Atlas Beach Club, the biggest in the world, and the W Atlas Superclub, the largest nightclub in Bali. It also has some shops and a food court area with restaurant chains such as Dear Butter, Wahana, Pison, or Sushi Toku.

Atlas Beach Club

Atlas Beach Club sits right in front of the Indian ocean, on the sands of Berawa beach. It has 6 swimming pools, all of them surrounded by tropical trees and lush plants. One pool is reserved for kids while another one, with a length of 50 meters, is ideal for swimmers. In the center, there is a stage area with a sound system so powerful that it can be used for outdoor concerts.

At the time of writing, it costs IDR 250,000 to enter the beach club. For this price, you get a free drink and a towel.

Personally, I prefer booking a private table, right next to one of the swimming pools. It is much more convenient as you will have a place to keep your belongings and you will be able to lay down on a mattress.

To get one, the cheapest package costs IDR 3.5 millions for a group of up to 4 people (you can check the prices and book yours online on their website). This is a minimum to spend and it is quite easy to reach if you stay a few hours in the beach club. In case you have a remaining credit, you can always buy a bottle of spirits or some food to take home with you.

The atmosphere of Atlas changes during the day:

- In the morning, the music is soft and the pools are less crowded. It is perfect for those who really want to swim and relax. Before 1 PM, you also get a 50% discount on the minimum spend of each table. It’s also the best moment to bring your kids. They have their own dedicated space with plenty of games and activities.

- In the afternoon, the DJs increase the volume and the tunes are more upbeat. The beach club fills up all day long until it reaches its maximum occupancy at sunset. If you plan to come at this time, it is better to reserve your table in advance as it is most likely to be full. Don't forget to bring your sunscreen as the sun can hit pretty hard in the middle of the day.

- In the evening, it is more or less crowded depending on the event. If there is an international DJ, the whole place will be packed. Other evenings are more laid-back but you'll always have some people dancing in the center, near the podium of the DJ.

The crowd of Atlas is quite diverse. It is very popular with Indonesians, especially those from Jakarta, but lately, there have also been more and more foreigners too.

Good to know: If you stay elsewhere in Canggu or even Seminyak, you can also come to the club walking from the beach. From Echo Beach for instance, it is only a 10-minute walk.

W Atlas Super Club

Just behind the beach club, in a separate building, you can find W Atlas Super Club. This nightclub is built like a warehouse: one huge rectangle room with brown bricks on the walls and a high ceiling.

It is decorated in an industrial style, with the upper part above the mezzanine made to resemble the inside of a clock. Despite this retro design, it has a modern and impressive sound and lighting system, probably one of the best in Bali and on par with what you could find in the best nightclubs in the world.

Mostly, the DJs play EDM and all the latest bangers. They also have famous international DJs about once or twice a month.

On average, the entrance fee is IDR 150,000, but some weeknights are free while others can cost up to IDR300,000. Do check their Instagram before heading there to know about their latest events and promos.

Naturally, you can also book a sofa or a table if you spend at least 5 million for 8 people (on the second floor). This is the best option to avoid being squeezed with the rest of the crowd.

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For more information, check their website Atlas Beach Fest or their Instagram pages: Atlas Beach Club and W Atlas Super Club.

While driving in SCBD, you've probably seen a massive new building, just behind Electronic City, with the logo "The H Club". It just popped up in late May 2023 and it's hard to miss, especially at night, with its modern design and bright neons.

Biggest Nightclub in Jakarta
The H Club is actually the biggest nightclub in Jakarta, and possibly in the whole of Asia. Sprawling on 7000m2, it can accommodate more than 2,000 party-goers on its massive dance floor. It is the flagship property of the HW group, which is also the owner of multiple other nightclubs all over Indonesia (including the very famous Atlas in Bali).

It is even more impressive inside than outside. It has a rounded shape with a 10-meter high ceiling and several huge chandeliers. Both the sound and lighting system are top-notch, on the level of the best nightclubs in the world. The special effects are really spectacular, using fire, smoke, lasers, pulsing lights, and LCD screens to change the atmosphere of the club depending on the tunes being played.

The music consists mostly of crowd-pleasers, i.e. famous EDM/Top 40 hits, but this might change if they have a guest DJ. Before midnight, it is actually more like a lounge with live bands playing a mix of Indonesian and international songs. If you come at this time, you can also order dinner.

Don’t forget to follow their Instagram page to know about all their special events. Several times per month, they welcome a big international or local artist (DJ, band or singer). They also have regular themed parties, such as Atlas Take Over, Halloween, etc.

As often in Jakarta, priority is given to those who order bottle service. By purchasing bottles of liquors, guests will get priority entrance, a sofa and a table, and more attention from the waiters. If you are a group of at least 3-4 people, this is actually better value than having to buy each drink individually.

If you come alone, it's fine too as the dance floor is always packed with people who are happy to mingle and talk to you, especially if you look foreign. The cover charge depends on the evening, but you can expect to pay between IDR 200,000-300,000 for the First-Drink-Charge (FDC) which includes a free alcoholic drink.

It is open every day with a special promo on each day, including free flow alcohol from Sunday to Wednesday.

Last thing I should mention: There is a strict dress code policy for both men and women. Men should wear pants and shoes, while women should wear heels. You will be denied entry if you don't comply.

The H Club Jakarta
Jalan Sudirman Kav 52-53
Jl. SCBD Lot 19, Senayan,
Jakarta 12190, Indonesia

Phone number: +62 21 50886170

For reservation: https://hwgroup.id/
Instagram: @h.scbd

If you are looking for the best nightclub in Bandung, look no further than Tiger Club in the Paskal Hyper Square complex.

Opened in mid-2023 by HW Group (also the owner of Atlas Bali and H Club SCBD), it is without any doubt the most modern and luxurious club in the city.

Shaped like a square, its most impressive feature is its massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling. I don't know if it was done on purpose but it makes the whole place look like a boxing arena. Just below, there is a dance floor which is mostly occupied by standing tables. On three sides, it is surrounded by premium sofas, which are on a slightly elevated platform, and on the fourth one, by the podium of the DJ.

The concept of Tiger Club is more that of a bottle-club: It's better to come as a group and get a table. For that, you need to spend a minimum amount. Normally, buying a bottle of liquor among 3-4 people is sufficient.

You can still visit without booking a table but, in my opinion, the experience will be less satisfying in terms of comfort and service.

The nightclub is open every day from 11pm to 4am. There are different promos every night such as Daebak Party on Sunday, Millenial Party on Monday, Tiger U on Tuesday, and ladies night on Wednesday. There are also regular special events, with famous DJs such as P. Joana or Winky Wiryawan.

You can get all the latest infos about events and parties on their Instagram @tiger.paskal.

Tiger Club Paskal
Paskal Hyper Square, Jl. Pasir Kaliki No. 25
Bandung, West Java 401.

For reservation (WA only): 0811-1908-6167

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Atlas Bali (Canggu)

H Club (Jakarta)

Tiger Club Paskal (Bandung)