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Vang Vieng Nightlife (Laos) - Updated (2023)

July 1, 2023, 9:20 am
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Vang Vieng is a small town in Laos, half-way between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. It is a great spot to relax for a few days and try outdoor activities like trekking, rock climbing, and of course tubing in the Nam Song river.

For years, Vang Vieng had the reputation of having some of the wildest parties in Asia. It was an essential stop on the 2000's backpacker party trail just like Koh Phangan, Kuta, Goa or Koh Rong. 

(Un)fortunately, those days of unrestricted fun are almost over. In 2011, at least 27 travelers died, often from the combination of drinking + tubing. Facing international scrutiny and complaints from residents, the Lao government decided to crack down on the craziest aspects of the nightlife. It limited the number of bars on the riverside, imposed curfews and made a few drug-related arrests.

Vang Vieng nightlife today is certainly not the debauchery it used to be, but it has not completely died yet. Along the river, the two bars allegedly owned by the local police chief are - what a surprise - still standing. Recreational drugs are still easily available (mushrooms, laughing gas, marijuana, opium) and every night you still have at least two hundred backpackers filling up the bars in the city center.

Most of them are westerners in their early 20s on a gap year. I was also surprised to see many Asians, especially young Koreans. They all indulge in heavy binge drinking, similar to what you could experience during summer festivals or student parties.

I stayed two nights in Vang Vieng and that was more than enough to check all the nightlife spots. Below is a short summary of my findings.

Vang Vieng Nightlife Guide

Nightlife Areas in Vang Vieng - Hotels Near the Nightlife
Almost all bars in Vang Vieng are located in the city center within just a few streets. Sakura bar is the most crowded, and the other ones are within 100-200 meters.

If you come to Vang Vieng specifically for partying and meeting people, you may consider staying in a party hostel such as:

Nana Backpacker Hostel: The top party hostel in Vang Vieng. It has a loud bar downstairs with a swimming pool. Free alcohol after 6pm until 11pm. Double room for 20 dollars. Dormitory 4-5 dollars.

Real Backpacker Hostel 1 and Vang Vieng Freedom View Hostel: Both are clean, next to the bars and they organize a fun pub crawl every night. Several guests complained on Agoda of sexual activity in the dorms. Double room for 20 dollars. Bunk bed 5-6 dollars.

Vang Vieng CentralPark: This is where I was staying. Not a party hotel but it's new and very central. 22 dollars for a double room. Decent Wi-Fi.

Best Bars and Clubs in Vang Vieng

Sakura
Beer shotguns in Sakura
Sakura is where the party starts in Vang Vieng. Many of the bartenders and staff are foreigners so it really feels like a college house party. They give free drinks every night from 8PM to 9PM, followed by a happy hour until 10PM. A beer is 10,000 kip, a glass of spirits 30,000 kip. The idea is to get as drunk as possible in 2 hours for less than 20$. If you buy enough drinks, you get one of their famous T-shirt "drink triple, see double, act single".

Once Sakura gets really packed around 11PM, it is more of a nightclub than a bar. People go crazy on the podium, couples start to make out, and sweaty guys will tell you they're your best friends.

At midnight, the bar closes! It takes about 15 minutes for people to get out and 30 more for them to leave the street. Many will just move to the next available bar, Viva.

More information (events, photos, etc): Sakura Bar Vang Vieng

Viva Vang Vieng
Even though Viva has free beer from 10PM to 11PM and a happy hour until 11.30PM (half price on all drinks), it does not get crowded until Sakura closes at midnight. It is a short walk away yet more than half the people do not make it. The banana pancake sellers are partly responsible for this.

Viva is a messy, borderline dirty bar with a small outdoor section and an indoor club. Nothing fancy, it's just 4 walls, loud music and a podium. This is not a place anyone would normally enjoy but it is fine if you've had enough beers.

Popular bar and restaurant, especially at dinner time. Good and cheap pub fare. Friendly service and owner. Live music. You can watch sports and play pool.

If you want to avoid the rowdy backpacker party scene, this is a better option than the two venues mentioned above.

Vang Vieng Friday Jungle Party
Since COVID-19, this event has been put on hold. They used to happen about 10 minutes from the town center by tuk-tuk. Tickets were 30,000-40,000 kip and the music was anything but EDM (techno, drum & bass, deep house, breakbeat, ..). If it ever comes back, I'll write about it (or you can leave a comment below).

Drugs in Vang Vieng
Drugs in Vang Vieng are sold quite openly. You will see several coffee shops and bars with "Magic Shakes" (mushrooms + opium = 100,000 kip), "Happy Pizzas" (pizza + weed) or "Laughing Balloons" (nitrous oxide = 10,000 kip) on the menu. It is often cheaper than getting drunk, but I can't recommend you to try anything.

If you are curious and willing to go against my sound advice, the following bar will have everything you need:

Full Moon Bar
Psychedelic bar with reggae music and a totally relaxed vibe. As you can see on the photo above, they are very explicit about selling cannabis.

It is located by the river and not really crowded. Pool table. Friendly owner. Another bar called Jaydee is about 50 meters further down the road and it offers a similar setting (and similar products).

Dating in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is quite an easy place to meet other travelers, especially young Europeans and Koreans/Chinese/Indians. However, dating apps don't work very well (unless you are a girl), so it's best to socialize during the day in one of the party hostels or cafés mentioned above. If you do any activities, especially tubing, you will certainly meet girls or guys that you can party with in the evening.
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Nha Trang Nightlife (Vietnam) (UPDATED 2023)

July 3, 2023, 11:55 am
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If you are into beach bars, cheap drinks and hooking-up with drunk tourists, you might find that Nha Trang nightlife is the best in Vietnam.

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

The best thing about Nha Trang is that compared to other cities in Vietnam like Saigon or Hanoi, the rules are more relaxed. Venues stay open late, dress codes are rarely enforced, and the general vibe is definitely more friendly.

Prices are also very cheap, especially during low season. With a $50 budget, you should have enough to book at least a 3-star hotel, eat in nice beachfront restaurants and drink plenty at night.

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The drawback of Nha Trang, as you've probably read elsewhere, is the huge proportion of Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese tourists compared to other nationalities. I really don't have anything against them, but I noticed that they tend to stay together, maybe because of the language or culture, and rarely mix.

As a result, visiting a nightclub in Nha Trang can become quite a social experiment. You'll look at other people party but you won't always feel part integrated. Of course it depends where you go.

The objective of this review is to give you the best advice on where to go for nightlife in Nha Trang if you are visiting for a few days.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you should know about hotels in Vietnam
Many small and family guesthouses in Vietnam are not guest-friendly, meaning you won't be able to bring another guest to your room if he or she was not part of the original booking.

Dating in Nha Trang

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

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

Best Bars and Nightclubs in Nha Trang
Most of the best bars and nightclubs in Nha Trang are within a few hundred meters from each other, on Tran Phu Street. It's very easy to do a pub crawl just by walking. I suggest to start your night out by going there and choosing the bars you like the most.

You can also go to one of my recommended nightlife spots in Nha Trang:

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

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

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

Address: 72-74 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: +84 58 3524 628
Website: sailingclubvietnam.com
Open everyday from 10am to 2am

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

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

Yasaka 008 Night Club
Located in Yasaka Saigon Resort and Spa, this is another Vietnamese-style nightclub. It's very loud with aggressive lighting. It's supposed to be luxurious but feels a bit dodgy. Sexy dancers.

Address: 8 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: +84 58 382 0090
Open every day from 9pm to 3am

If you enjoy Vina House, there are more nightclubs for you such as Paradise Club or Dom (a bit more hip-hop).

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

Skylight 360° Sky Deck & Rooftop Beach Club
One of the most popular spots in Nha Trang, Skylight is well-worth visiting at least once. You have a VND100,000 entrance fee for the beach club (VND150,000 on weekends) that comes with a free drink.

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

Address: 38 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: 058 3528 988

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

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

26-28 Tran Phu Street
Phone number: 058 3880 000
Facebook: Altitude Bar
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to 11pm (closed on Monday)

Backpacker / Cheap Bars in Nha Trang
Nha Trang attracts many backpackers doing their Southeast Asia tour. As usual, they gather in just a few streets, namely Nguyễn Thiện Thuật and Tran Quang Khai.
90% of the backpacker bars in Nha Trang are within the green area

There are at least 20 bars there, with little to differentiate one from another. My advice would be to just walk around and pick the most crowded.
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10 Best Countries in Asia to Meet Girls Online (2023)

July 5, 2023, 9:52 am
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Many Asian girls won't admit it but they are primarily looking for foreigners when using online dating apps and websites (if they weren't, why would they write their profiles in English?).

As a European or as an American, this means you will get much interest from girls and all that will translate into an incredible number of dating opportunities. If you have 1 or 2 matches per day on Tinder in your home country, you can expect to get at least 20 or 30 per day upon landing in Asia.

All guys have a different reaction to their newfound success. Some will go on a banging spree to compensate for years of sex drought. Others will become insanely picky, rejecting girls they would have dreamed of dating just a few months back. What is certain is that all of them feel much happier with this situation.

Each country in Asia has its own challenges though. First of all, you need to know what are the best dating websites/apps in the region. You can read my guide Best Dating Apps and Websites in Asia to help you with that.

Second, you need to know the characteristics of each countries: What are the girls like? How easy is it to date them? Do they accept an important age gap? Are they conservative or open-minded? What are the best cities for online dating? Etc.

The objective of this article is to answer those questions. If you still have some interrogations after reading it, please just leave a comment below and I'll do my best to help you with them.

These are the 10 best (easiest) countries in Asia to meet girls online:

1) Indonesia
It is simple to understand why Indonesia is the best country in Asia to meet girls. It has a population of 260 million people, among which an estimated 10 million are single girls from the middle class aged between 18 and 40. Considering there are less than 10,000 single male expats living in the country, that's about 1,000 single girls per foreigner.

In a city like Jakarta, you could probably spend your entire days dating and meeting girls, and yet you would still have to pass on great opportunities due to a lack of time.

Note that the situation in Bali is different than in the rest of the country. The number of foreigners is much higher and therefore the competition is more tense.

Pros
- Indonesian girls are exotic, fun, friendly, open-minded and easy-going.
- An age gap of up to 15 years between a man and a woman is common and accepted.
- Very high ratio of available girls / foreigner
- Contrary to stereotypes, Indonesian girls are not particularly conservative, especially in the main cities (Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali)
- Bahasa Indonesia, the local language, is easy to learn

Cons
- Some girls can be a bit overly religious. I also noticed there is an increasing number of girls wearing a veil which I don't find very attractive.
- Lack of tourist activities in the main cities, huge traffic jams.
- Higher cost of living (accommodation, food, alcohol) compared to Vietnam/Thailand
- Very few foreign girls online (except in Bali)

Best Cities/Provinces:
Jakarta, Surabaya, Batam, Bali, Yogyakarta

Best Dating Apps
Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, IndonesianCupid, Seeking.com (for sugar babies), Badoo


2) Philippines
The Philippines is basically a copy of Indonesia with a Spanish/American influence and Catholicism instead of Islam as the major religion.

The country attracts more foreigners, especially Asians (Koreans, Japanese), yet it is still a great destination for single guys.

Pros
- Some of the hottest girls in Asia (some with Latin and Western features)
- Easy to get plenty of matches and dates
- English widely spoken

Cons
- Many conservative girls (Catholic)
- Most large cities are boring
- Slow internet
- American way of life = Obesity is developing rapidly and at least 20% of girls are overweight

Best Cities/Provinces
Manila, Cebu

Best Dating Apps
Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, FilipinoCupid, PinaLove, Seeking (for sugar babies), Badoo

3) Vietnam
Vietnam has the reputation of having the most beautiful girls in Asia, but also the most conservative (I confirm both). While it is relatively easy to get a date with a local girl, you may struggle if you want to kiss her or sleep with her. They will politely tell you that they are keeping themselves for marriage, or at least for a serious relationship.

For this reason, Vietnam is not the best country for those looking for easy one-night stands. Instead, I would recommend it to guys who are searching for a serious girlfriend or a potential wife.

Pros
- The most beautiful girls in Asia: Slim, fair skin, feminine, classy (but often surgically-enhanced with fake boobs, fake nose, etc)
- An age gap of up to 20 years between a man and a woman is acceptable
- Easy to get at least a date in coffee shops, dessert houses, etc.
- A lot of interesting things to do for tourists in Hanoi or Saigon
- A higher education level compared to Indonesia, Thailand or the Philippines

Cons
- Conservative girls who often live with their parents until marriage
- English skills sometimes poor (and Vietnamese is hard to learn)
- The character is not as easy-going and fun as Filipinas or Indonesian girls.

Best Cities/Provinces
Saigon/HCMC, Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang

Best Dating Apps
Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, VietnamCupid, Seeking (for sugar babies), Badoo, Zalo, Beetalk (read my article about the best dating apps in Vietnam)

4) Singapore
Most likely, you won't meet a Singaporean girl in Singapore. However, you'll find it relatively easy to match with European, American, Australian, Indonesian or Filipino girls.

Pros
- Lots of girls from various nationalities and backgrounds
- Many highly-educated and independent women
- An enjoyable, yet expensive city

Cons
- Dining and drinking out is pricey
- Not that many good looking girls
- High competition among foreigners

Best City

Best Dating Apps
Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, Paktor, SingaporeLoveLinks, Seeking or SugarBook (for sugar babies)

5) Thailand
Many foreigners assume that Thailand is great for meeting girls, but in reality the country is a disappointment.

As an expat or permanent resident, you will get plenty of opportunities with lower to middle-class girls. Rich girls may be harder to get, especially online.

As a tourist though, you will not be an interesting candidate except for older girls, prostitutes and ladyboys.

Pros
- Convenient and interesting country for foreigners and tourists (even larger cities)
- Open-minded, fun and hot girls
- Decent english skills

Cons
- High number of prostitutes and ladyboys
- A lot of competition among foreigners

Best Cities/Provinces:
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Isaan Province (Udon Thani). Avoid Pattaya and Phuket.

Best Dating Apps
Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, ThaiCupid, ThaiFriendly, Seeking (for sugar babies), Badoo, Skout

6) Taiwan
Sexy Taiwanese model Jennifer
For geopolitical reasons, the country has a positive view of foreigners, especially Americans and Europeans. As a result, girls are generally easy to approach and they make fantastic girlfriends.

Pros
- A lot of very educated, English-speaking, independent girls
- Rather low competition from other foreigners
- Great country for an expatriation

Cons
- 70% of the girls look like nerds/bookworms
- The most popular apps/websites are in Chinese

Best Cities/Provinces:
Taipei, Kaohsiung

Best Dating Apps
Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, Paktor, I-Part (in Chinese)

7) Cambodia
Hot Cambodian model Sunisa Kim
A few years ago when I first visited Cambodia, more than half the girls on dating sites were prostitutes, ladyboys or girls trying to find a way out of poverty. Things are much better today, as the middle class is slowly growing in size.

Pros
- Friendly, fun and genuine girls
- Low competition from other foreigners (usually older guys with limited financial means)

Cons
- Still quite many prostitutes and ladyboys online
- The number of middle class girls is still limited

Best Cities/Provinces:
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

Best Dating Apps
Bumble, Tinder, Badoo, AsianDating

8) Malaysia
Malaysia is an interesting country for guys who can't decide if they want to date Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian, Filipino or Western girls. Another advantage is that Malaysian girls are often educated and they have decent salaries.

However, I've noticed that there is only a small number of girls on datings sites and apps. Also, on average I don't find them particularly attractive.

Pros
- Girls from different nationalities and ethnicities

Cons
- Not a large choice available on dating sites
- Many conservative and religious girls
- Some girls will not date guys outside of their ethnicity

Best Cities/Provinces:
Kuala Lumpur

Best Dating Apps
Bumble, Tinder, Paktor, OkCupid, MalaysianCupid, Badoo, Seeking (for sugar babies)

9) Myanmar
Burmese Model Khin Coco
Burmese girls are not very active yet on dating sites and apps, but the country is popular with female tourists. For this reason, it is relatively easy to meet Western girls over there, especially in Yangon and Mandalay.

Pros
- Many desperate Western girls
- Some interesting cities to visit

Cons
- Few Burmese girls online
- Poor internet

Best Cities/Provinces:
Yangon, Mandalay

Best Dating App
Tinder, Bumble

10) Laos
Laotian model Eileen Khaosanga
Lao girls can be quite pretty, but you won't find many on dating sites. Even worse, it is officially forbidden for foreigners to date Lao girls.

Pros
- Some pretty girls
- Many female tourists and backpackers

Cons
- Conservative country

Best Cities/Provinces:
Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng

Best Dating App
Tinder, Bumble

Note
I've not tried online dating in a few additional Asian countries like South Korea, Hong Kong and China, which is why they are not in this list. 
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Cebu Nightlife: 10 Best Nightclubs and Bar (Updated 2023)

August 1, 2023, 7:40 am
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Note from Jakarta100bars: This article about Cebu City's best bars and nightclubs was written by my friend Seb who has lived there for years.

I love Cebu, both the island and the city. I could write a book about all the amazing things that you can do here, from tanning on deserted white-sand beaches to swimming with whale sharks. 

But today, I will focus on one specific topic: Cebu's nightlife. I will tell you where to party and how to make your stay more fun.



Even though Cebu City is a tourist hub, the number of foreigners remains low compared to Manila or any major cities in Thailand. The most noticeable community is made of Korean students learning English, followed by the usual backpackers, teachers, executives and pensioners. To be fair, many guys I met don't seem to do anything apart from chasing girls all day long.

Cebu nightlife is pretty straight-forward and you'll only need a couple of nights out to be familiar with the best venues. The major nightclubs are almost all located in central Cebu City with a few more in the suburban towns of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

Dating in Cebu
The good news is that Cebu City is one of the best places the Philippines for dating.

Because it is the richest province in the country, it attracts thousands of young, educated Filipinas who come to study or work, usually in one of the numerous call centers near IT Park. As they are far from their families, these girls enjoy a certain level of freedom and you'll meet many of them in bars and clubs every day.

Girls in clubs generally come with friends and may not always be receptive if you try to approach them. For this reason, I recommend you to meet girls from dating sites and apps instead.

Tinder and Bumble work well and you should get a fairly high number of match if you are young and handsome. That said, many girls may not be interested to meet with you if you are only passing by.

Instead, you could check Filipino Cupid. It is the most popular dating site in the country with thousands of girls online at any time. Among them, almost all are looking for a foreign boyfriend. Even if you are not living in the Philippines, they will still be interested to talk with you. Unlike Tinder, they generally won't mind if you are a bit older than them (10-15 years older is still ok).

If you are planning a trip to the Philippines, I recommend chatting with a few girls on Filipino Cupid before landing in the country.

Another dating website that is growing in popularity is Seeking.com. It is more controversial because the girls on it usually expect mutually-beneficial arrangements.

Where to Party in Cebu?
Before COVID-19, the main nightlife area used to be around Fuente Osmena Circle (Mango Square) and Mango Avenue (the other name of General Maxilom Avenue). 

Nowadays, it is much more quiet but you can still find a few bars and at least one nightclub. In Mango Square, you can go to Uptown club (packed with a student crowd) and Draft Punk. Outside, on Mango Avenue, there are some expat/sports/hostess bars such as Howling Dogs, 301 Ramos and Philly's Sports Bar, as well as some more basic venues whose names seem to change every couple of years (currently Jane, Sister's, Bamboozer). If you are above 35 and you just want to meet new people in a laid-back atmosphere, this is probably where you should hangout.

Outside Mango Avenue, the nightlife is more upmarket. It spreads between Alaya Mall and Mandaue City, with the highest concentration of quality clubs, bars and malls around IT Park. This is where more upper-class Filipinos will hang out. If you are looking for swanky clubs and you want to hang out with beautiful people, that's where to go.

There are other party areas, for instance the local red-light district of Colon. The latter does not have a very good reputation at night so I advise you to stay clear.

Best Hotels Near Cebu Nightlife
If you've never been to Cebu before, you may be wondering what are the best places to stay near the nightlife.

My first choice would be to sleep between IT Park and the Alaya Mall (a more expensive area). By doing so, you will be within 15 minutes by car from the majority of the clubs listed below, and also from the city's best malls, activities and restaurants.

Another option is to be near Mango Square as it is a rather central area with a handful of expat bars, clubs and restaurants all within walking distance.

The following hotels are the most recommended for party-goers:
Budget (under 30$ per night): S Hotel and Residences, ABC Hotel, Pillows Hotel, Red Planet
3-star (50$): Cuarto Hotel
4-star (60$): Harolds Hotel
5-star (120$): Marriott Cebu City

Best Nightclubs and Bars in Cebu City

This is a Berlin-style nightclub with techno and trance music in a very basic concrete setting. Probably the best place if you are mainly interested in hearing good DJs. The crowd is relaxed and easy to chat with. There are always a few foreigners.

It is in the same building as another bar called G-spot.

The Distillery is a happening bar located in the lifestyle center Crossroads, near IT Park. It is part of a larger chain that has branches in Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Quezon City.

It is a good place to go after dinner for a few drinks. The music is generally good, the crowd is fun and there is a really large choice of imported beers. On weekends, don't go there too late as it gets packed very fast. Happy hours from 6pm to 10pm with all cocktails at PHP75.

More information: 

Club Icon
Club Icon is in the center of Cebu City but a bit isolated from the rest of the nightlife. It is just a few hundred meters from Castle Peak Hotel. It used to be called Roof Hyper Club but was renamed Icon in 2016.

The majority of the customers are Filipinos and the rest Korean. It looks like a high-end venue but the prices are quite affordable actually. Beautiful crowd, Pinay and Korean, but as usual in this kind of club, hard to talk to.

It is open every day of the week until 6am, with Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays the busiest. The music changes every day depending on the DJ but most expect your usual trap or EDM songs. The entrance costs PHP100.

You can read my full review here for more information: Club Icon Cebu.

Instagram: @cebuicon

This club, located in City Time Square Mall in Mandaue, is one of the largest and most modern in the city. Open from Thursday to Sunday, it can welcome up to 900 pax until 6am. The music is mostly commercial EDM but it can change depending on the events. Entrance fee is around USD 2 on regular days and USD 4 when there is an event. For now, it attracts few foreigners.

Small club on two levels in Waterfront Hotel. Young student crowd. DJs play mostly famous songs. Entrance USD 4 on weekends.

Sentral - Hip Hop Bar and Club
I'm normally not a fan of hip-hop, trap and Rn'B but I had great fun in Sentral. It was opened in August 2016 as a small NY-style bar/club with a different themed hip hop night every day. Weekdays are still quiet but Friday and Saturday are fully packed. Lots of stylish girls who love to dance. The set up of the bar makes it easy to talk to them as well. Few foreigners. Free entrance.

The only problem is the location as it is about 20 minutes from Mango Avenue (in Norkis Cyberpark).

Hip hop nightclub with affordable prices and a fun local crowd. It has some food (tacos) and monthly drag queen shows monthly.

Located in Streetscape Mall in the northeast of the city, it is a simple bar but quite busy on weekends. Not really worth it unless you live in that area.

Small, elite club that targets an older crowd (over 30). 


I didn't go there but it exists in Lapu-Lapu City (Mactan island).

Japanese or Korean Karaoke
I didn't visit any Japanese or Korean KTV but I know there are quite many on A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City. They follow a similar concept: There are private karaoke rooms but also a main lounge with 10-20 pretty Filipinas in sexy outfits that dance or sing. To stay in the lounge, you pay a fixed price and you get to drink as much as you want for a certain period of time. In Komachi KTV, for instance, the all-you-can drink buffet costs PHP600 per hour. You may request a girl to accompany you and she will get a commission on your drinks + on the ones you buy for her (ladies drinks are generally a bit more expensive, around PHP200 per glass). 
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Maldives Nightlife - Best Resorts with Clubs and Bars to Party (2023)

July 3, 2023, 1:04 pm
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The Maldives is not the best place in the world to experience a crazy nightlife, mainly because tourists are spread on hundreds of different islands. It also doesn't help that most inhabitants are strict Muslims and that alcohol is prohibited in all local areas.

On the country's 200 "local" islands, you cannot drink or buy any alcohol, even a simple beer. Doing so is only permitted on the "resort" islands, on which the luxury hotels are built.

As a result, the Maldives has never been considered a party destination. Its atmosphere is relaxed and quiet, and a popular choice for couples on honeymoon.

If the thought of going to bed by 8 PM every night during your stay sounds too boring, don't despair. All the luxury resorts in the Maldives have at least a restaurant, a beach club or a bar where you can drink, listen to music, sometimes dance, and possibly meet other travelers.

The following nightlife review will give you a quick overview of your options for drinking and partying in the Maldives.

Maldives Nightlife Guide

How much does it cost to drink alcohol in the Maldives?
Drinking alcohol in the Maldives is not cheap, considering almost all the bars and clubs are within luxury resorts.

Indeed, you are not allowed to buy alcohol on any of the "local" islands, including Male, even if you are an expatriate. It is also forbidden to bring your own bottles from the duty-free. If you try to bring one, it will certainly be seen in the X-rays and confiscated.

In the international hotels, you can expect to pay between US15$ and US20$ for a cocktail (+ 22% tax and service) and between US7$ and US10$ for a beer (+ 22% tax and service).

Drinking alcohol in Male, the capital city
Foreigners living in Male do not have many options for partying or drinking alcohol. There are no bars or nightclubs in the capital city, only a few shisha cafés with live music (for instance, De Public).

Locals usually hangout and meet each others in coffee shops, in restaurants, or simply in public spaces like parks. Things like partying, drinking and flirting with strangers are taboo to them, except for those from upper-class families who have have a more western mindset.

Whenever expats living in Malé need a drink, they will need to go to nearby islands where alcohol is allowed.

Most often, they will choose the nearest and cheapest one, the airport island, more precisely at the Champs bar of the Hulhulé Island Hotel. There are ferries going there every 30 or 60 minutes and the return ticket costs less than US3$. The bar is quite basic but nice enough for downing a few beers, socializing with other expats, and watching sports.

Some luxury resorts (like Centara Ras Fushi) also offer daily packages to visitors, allowing them to enjoy their swimming pool, their beach, their restaurant, and their bar. In general, free flow alcohol, a buffet lunch, and a return boat transfer are included in the price (around US$80 -US150$ per pax). You can purchase your daily pass through an agent, for instance, iCom.

The Floating Bar and Safari (+960 763-0899) is another option for drinking alcohol. It's a small boat parked about 500 meters from the shores in Maafushi lagoon (Male). The staff is not particularly friendly and it is far from being luxurious, but the prices are reasonable for the Maldives (US5$ for a beer and US12$ for a cocktail). It's best to go there before sunset.

Finally, there are sometimes regular parties organized by expats and for expats (check on Facebook Maldives Expat Parties and Maldives Unwind Parties). Unfortunately, since COVID-19, those groups have not been so active.

Top Party Resorts in the Maldives with Bars and Clubs
All the luxurious resorts on the non-local islands will have restaurants and bars serving alcohol, most likely with a live band in the evening. Can any of them be called a party resort? Not really but you can still have fun in the following places:

Those familiar with NYC nightlife probably know 1-Oak, one of the most exclusive lounges in the city. The brand also has locations in Dubai, Tokyo, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

The concept of 1-Oak in Finolhu is a bit different, closer to that of a beach club. It has nightly performances from DJs, live bands and artists. They also have weekly themed parties and, a few times per year, festivals with famous guest DJs.

Beach Rouge at Lux South Ari
This is one of the coolest bars in the Maldives, with a DJ every evening playing tropical disco and beach house.

Sip Bar at W Maldives
The W Maldives targets a young clientele and features a nice beach bar, Sip, with a live DJ playing electronic music twice weekly. Note that there used to be a nightclub called 15 Below but it seemed to have closed down.

Farheinheit Bar at Per Aquum Niyama Resort
The Niyama used to have an underwater club, accessible only with a speedboat, called Subsix (six meters below water). It still exists but it is a normal restaurant now.

Instead, guests of the resort can enjoy a drink in their rooftop bar Fahrenheit, that features a beautiful view of the sunset.

Kandu Bar at Kurumba Resort
This resort, located near Male, is more affordable than the ones mentioned above. It is popular among expats for day trips and it has enough guests for the bar to be crowded enough.

Every night, you have a different event: Live music, Boduberu dance and drums performances (traditional Maldivian music), DJs, Jazz nights and wine tasting. It is in the open-air and closes at 1 AM.

Any other suggestions for nightlife in the Maldives?
If I forgot a great bar or nightclub for partying, please leave me a message in the comment section below.
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Best Bars and Nightclubs in SCBD - Pacific Place Jakarta (2023)

July 31, 2023, 3:39 pm
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SCBD is the most happening nightlife area in Jakarta at the moment. This is where you will find the hippest bars and clubs, especially those that are popular with young (and rich) Indonesians in their early twenties.

The main reason for this success is its central location, combined with the presence of high-class malls (Pacific Place, ASHTA), prestigious offices (banks and financial institutions especially), luxury apartments, and 5-star hotels (Ritz-Carlton or Alila). It is also near Senopati, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Jakarta, which is another vibrant nightlife area.

The best thing about partying in SCBD is that you can easily go from one place to another, sometimes just on foot. This allows you to experience different bars and nightclubs in just one evening, with minimal effort.

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


Best Nightclubs and Bars in SCBD

The H Club is the biggest nightclub in Jakarta, and even 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 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 account 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.

To book a table, you can visit their website: HW Group.

A trendy rooftop bar (now covered with a glass dome for the noise). The clientele is made of young Indonesian hipsters and some expats. They have different music events every day of the week (live music, DJs). Sunday is for techno. Entrance fee on weekends is around IDR 150,000. Fairly busy even on weekdays. It is within the Fairgrounds complex where you will also find Zoo, Bengkel, Swillhouse among others.

Large nightclub located in the Élysée building in SCBD. Popular with Indonesians from the upper-middle class. Music is mostly EDM. Entrance fee is IDR 200,000 on weekends. Ladies' night on Wednesday.

An offshoot of the original Beer Garden in Kemang, this open-air lounge is laid-back and friendly. It is also cheaper than the other nearby venues, which makes it popular with a varied crowd from students to middle-class executives. Live bands play there regularly. 40 types of beers.

From the same owner as Beer Garden, this is a more upmarket venue, with air-conditioning, comfortable seats, better food and cocktails, and dim lighting. Live music every night, usually a mix of Indonesian and English pop songs. They serve a few craft beers on tap, including Indonesian brands like Kura-Kura and Islands Brewing. 

The Swillhouse
This medium-sized club can get pretty wild. It focuses mostly on RnB, hip-hop and reggaeton. On weekends, 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 in the same building as Lucy in the Sky.

For more information, check their Instagram: Swillhouse

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

If you are a fan of Ismaya's venues in general, you might be disappointed with Mr. Fox as it does not come with their trademark flashy interior design. Instead, it seems they've tried to create a bar/restaurant for a mature audience, with a focus on quality. Good place for a date. It is normally quiet except on weekends when they have live bands.


An expat bar belonging to the Bugil's group (Eastern Promise, Double Doors, De Hooi, etc). Good for lunch or for after-hour drinks. Flirty waitresses. Live music. The clients are mostly older foreigners and Indonesians who work nearby.

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

Located in Pacific Place mall in SCBD, this is a small, expensive club with an intimate feel. RnB and Afrobeats on Tuesdays, House music on weekends.

This rooftop bar on top of the Alila Hotel SCBD replaced Hakkasan after it closed in 2020. It is an expensive place with only a tiny bar area. Most customers are required to book sofas (2,5M of minimum spend for 4 people). The view is ok but not exceptional. Good electronic music.

Artoz
 Part of the Amuz group, this whisky and cognac bar features a daily live jazz band. The mature clientele is wealthy yet friendly (if they feel you belong there).

Conclusion
 New bars and nightclubs keep popping up every few months in SCBD! Please leave a comment below if there is one I haven't mentioned yet.
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Best Nightclubs in Bali (Updated 2023)

August 23, 2023, 12:54 pm
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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.

You can also read 10 Best Nightclubs to Meet Girls in Bali and Bali Nightlife: Where to Party?

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

How to stay up to date on Bali nightlife?
Bali nightlife evolves constantly. To stay up to date on the latest openings and events, I follow several Instagram accounts such as Beat Magazine, The Canggupedia, Bali Radar, Bali Chronicles, What's New Bali and Bali Event Promoters. Check also Bali Night Clubs on Facebook.

A benefit of these accounts is that they advertise promotions and deals, such as ladies' nights and happy hours. They might also be able to get you free entrances to clubs, especially if you are a woman. Just send them a message and ask if they have any "guest list" available.

I also follow the accounts of Disko Afrika and PNNY. Both organize some of the best parties on the island.

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: Harper Kuta (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

Atlas Super Club: Biggest club in Bali
Where is it?
Canggu, Jalan Berawa

Who goes there?
Mostly upper-class Indonesians, with also fair share of foreigners

Description:
Atlas Super Club 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, such as Timmy Trumpet, Steve Aoki, Blasterjaxx, Krewella, etc.

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.

Shishi (Seminyak)
Where is it?
Petitenget, near Potato Head and Red Ruby

Who goes there?
Foreigners and Indonesians, lots of single people.

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 girls get free drinks and food while guys have to pay a first drink charge of IDR 150k. There are many prostitutes among the girls, though. Minimum spend to get a high table for 4 persons is IDR 2,5 millions.

Why should I avoid it?
More expensive than elsewhere. Too many people are smoking. Very mainstream.

La Favela (Seminyak)
Where is it?
La Favela is located in the heart of Seminyak's party area, on Jalan Kayu Aya. It is just in front of Red Carpet Champagne Bar.

Who goes there?
Mixed trendy crowd, Indonesian and foreign (mostly tourists).

Why should I go?
The interior design of La Favela is really amazing, a real work of art. The place is big, with an outdoor area (great to escape from the second-hand cigarette smoke).

Why should I avoid it?
I never liked the music in La Favela. The DJs just play a mix of Top 40 songs from the past 50 years, often without any proper transition.

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 (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.

If you like Vault and techno, maybe you will enjoy Back Room, Behind The Green Door, and Dat Dash (that one is open until 5 AM on weekends).

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

Who goes there?
Single foreign guys above 30, Javanese girls (among which many working girls), some gays, some Western girls.

Why should I go?
Intimate club with many regulars. Friendly crowd. Good music (techno, tribal, afro, latin).

Why should I avoid it?
It is a closed air-conditioned club that has no "Balinese" or holiday feel. You might not be comfortable with the number of prostitutes.

When is the best time to go?
It is an after-hour club. You can visit after 2-3 AM as it closes quite late.

Mirror (Seminyak)
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.

When is the best time to go?
There are events from Wednesday until Saturday. You can go starting at midnight. More info: Mirror Bali.

LXXY (Kuta)
Where is it?
LXXY is located on Jalan Legian, Kuta, in a busy part of the street. It is surrounded by other nightclubs and bars, among which Engine Room, SkyGarden and Paddy's.

Who goes there?
It attracts mostly Indonesians who live in Bali as well as tourists staying in Kuta.

Why should I go?
Big nightclub with affordable prices (free entrance on most nights). EDM music with some famous DJs once in a while.

Why should I avoid it?
Quite mainstream. Not always so crowded.

When is the best time to go?
Open every day. The campus night on Wednesday is pretty wild. Ladies night on Thursday.

Boshe VVIP (Kuta)
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?
Many 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?
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 should I 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.

Lunox (Legian)
Where is it?
Lunox is on Jalan Dewi Sri in Legian, in the same building as Delta Spa (a massage parlour with "extra services").

Who goes there?
Mostly Indonesian guys, often partying in groups with LCs (Lady companions). Some rare foreigners.

Why should I go?
If you are into progressive house and you want a more local clubbing experience.
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Best Nightclubs and Bars to Meet Girls in Bali (2023)

August 1, 2023, 7:53 am
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Bali is a fantastic destination for single guys who want to meet girls. As soon as you arrive, you can download some popular dating apps and you'll be surprised by the high number of matches you will get.

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.

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Best Nightclubs to Meet Girls in Bali

Shishi (Seminyak)
One of the busiest nightclubs in Bali at the moment. It has a restaurant and two floors of music (hip-hop, RnB, and EDM). Guest DJs weekly.

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 60/40. The entrance fee is 150K for men.

Beware, there are quite many prostitutes and professional girlfriends as well. Since it is indoor, you can also expect to breathe a lot of second-hand cigarette smoke.

Male crowd: Mostly westerners
Female crowd: Mostly Indonesians, some westerners
Age of clients: 25-40
Dress code: Casual

La Favela (Seminyak)
La Favela is another classic of Bali nightlife, and also a great spot to meet beautiful ladies.

Don't visit it too early as it is also a restaurant. Things get more interesting after midnight when the dance floor gets packed and steamy. The music is mainstream with essentially Top 40 hits from the past 50 years.

You can check their Instagram for the latest 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

Atlas Super Club is the biggest club in Bali and it is next to Atlas Beach Club, on Jalan Berawa (Canggu).

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, such as Timmy Trumpet, Steve Aoki, Blasterjaxx, Krewella, etc.

Do check their Instagram before heading there to know about their latest events and promos.

Male crowd: Mostly Indonesian with some foreigners
Female crowd: Mostly Indonesian with some foreigners
Age of clients: 20-35
Dress code: Casual wear


Old Man's (Canggu)
A massive outdoor bar just 100 meters from Batu Bolong beach in Canggu. Its crowd is mostly European, both for guys and girls. Many backpackers due to the affordable price of drinks. Lots of flirting going on but you may find yourself in the wrong spot if you are above 40. The music is fun, very danceable (top 40, disco, EDM, etc).

Male crowd: Mostly westerners
Female crowd: Mostly westerners
Age of clients: 20-30
Dress code: Laidback, come as you are.

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 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

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

The busiest club in Legian at the moment, it features EDM and Rn'B DJs every day. It is popular with Indonesian girls, mostly Javanese who came to work in Bali and live in Denpasar. Free entrance on most nights.

Male crowd: Indonesian, some foreigners
Female crowd: Mostly Indonesian
Age of clients: 18-30
Dress code: Casual

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
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
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Hanoi Nightlife Guide - Vietnam (Updated 2023)

August 1, 2023, 10:29 pm
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I just spent two weeks in Hanoi and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the nightlife.

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

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

The hundreds of bars, clubs, lounges, spas and karaokes in Hanoi range from extremely basic (4 walls and a stool) to world-class sophisticated venues. You'll rarely pay an entrance fee for any nightclubs and the drinks are usually cheap, even in the more upmarket spots. The crowd is young, with many travelers and backpackers on a budget. They are in the city to have fun, and you'll meet people very easily even if you come by yourself.

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


Hotels near Hanoi Nightlife

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

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

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

Some of the best accommodation in this area are
→ More than $100 per night: The 5-star Apricot Hotel
→ Between $50 and $100: The Chi
→ Under $30: Splendid Holiday Hotel
→ Backpacker: Mad Monkey and Hanoi Backpacker Hostel are famous for being party hostels. Ideal if you travel solo and you want to meet people.

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

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

Old Quarter: Tourists and Young Vietnamese
Old Quarter nightlife
A dense, action-packed district with at least 200 nightlife spots, most often small bars selling cheap draught beer (Bia hơi - as low as VND 5,000 or 20 US cents per glass). It is popular with a young Vietnamese crowd (mostly students) and foreigners (backpackers, tourists). 95% of the venues close at 1AM (official curfew), but if you poke around you'll find hidden bars to party until at least 3AM.

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

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

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

Bars:

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

Clubs:

This burlesque-themed nightclub is my favorite in the Old Quarter. It is located in an old theater, built by the French, in the now very crowded Tạ Hiện Street. The venue is modern and features daily live music (usually in Vietnamese) followed by DJs playing commercial EDM and Hip Hop. Mixed crowd of Vietnamese (75%, including many students) and foreigners (25%, mostly tourists). Recommended for meeting new people.

Beware as it closes as early as 1AM on weekdays (by 00.30AM they'll already stop selling drinks) and 3 AM on weekends.

The entrance is free on most nights but if there is a special event you'll have to pay around VND250,000. Drinks are more expensive than average: VND80,000 for a beer and VND120,000 for cocktail/liquor.

The dress code is not enforced as I saw plenty of foreigners wearing shorts. If you can, try to put on a pair of pants, a shirt and shoes. This will prevent you from being labeled as a "backpacker" by the bouncers and the Vietnamese crowd.

Weekend nights are the busiest, but some weekdays are interesting as well. Wednesday is students night (2 free beers for students with valid ID) and Tuesday is ladies night (2 free drinks for girls).

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

Some of the best venues are:

Bars:

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

100 Garden: A beer garden, owned by a Danish brewmaster (founder of Furbrew). Small beers (175ml) cost around VND45,000 and a pint (375ml) double this price.

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

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

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

Clubs:

A techno nightclub, bar and lounge in the West Lake area. Amazing sound system. It is owned and managed by 4 French based in Hong Kong. Popular with expats. Closes very late. Good cocktails but expensive. My favorite nightclub in Hanoi.

Hero is a popular nightclub in Hanoi for both foreigners and Vietnamese. It usually get crowded after midnight, when most bars in the Old Quarter close down, and it remains busy until closing time at 3AM.

The entrance is free but the drinks are more expensive than average. It remains reasonable though (VND60,000 for a beer, VND80,000 for spirits, VND50,000 for a laughing gas balloon). Many Vietnamese will buy a bottle (starting VND1,000,000) and share it with a group of friends at a table, with a shisha and a fruit platter.

The club is rather large, with a high ceiling and a mezzanine. The design is not remarkable but I like the set-up as it is easy to meet people (long bar, some narrow spaces). The DJ booth is large, elevated, with an LCD screen behind it. You also have 2 iron cages for sexy dancers to perform.

The music is a mix of Top 40 and commercial EDM/Hip Hop songs. Nothing that you haven't already heard a thousand times before. They have guest DJs once in a while, sometimes foreigners (in that case, the entrance fee might reach VND200,000).

Most customers are well-dressed Vietnamese. I would guess that there are some freelance prostitutes. There are also about 20% of foreigners, particularly young travelers/backpackers looking for a girl to pick up. 

The main alternative event and art space in Hanoi, it features live bands, DJ performances, open-mic nights and exhibitions. Entrance is usually free but drinks are pricier than elsewhere.

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

Below are some of the current hot-spots:

Bars:
Polite & Co: One of the best cocktail bars in Hanoi. Around USD 10 per drink.

Kumqat Tree Hanoi: A speakeasy bar on 2 floors with live music or DJ events. Good for cocktails.

Binh Minh Jazz Club: Most famous jazz club in Hanoi. No cover charge but drinks are expensive.

Elsewhere
Outside of these areas, there are many nightclubs, KTVs and beer clubs targeting Hanoi's middle to upper class.

Vina House Clubs
Many of these nightclubs have a similar concept. They cater for groups of friends, and the entertainment consists of a DJ playing loud "Vina House", with some sexy dancers performing on a podium.

In case you never hear of it, Vina House, or Viet House, is a specialty of Vietnam which is just as remarkable as Banh Mi or Pho. It is a crossover between Pop Music and Techno with almost the same bassline on every track. Here is an example:
There are at least 15 Vina House nightclubs in downtown Hanoi, and I went to most of them. To be honest, it was a bit repetitive as they are not really different from one another.

Basically, they are all quite luxurious in appearance, with flashy lights, modern LED displays, high tables and a few VIP corners. Vietnamese come in groups, sometimes only guys, sometimes with girls whom I'm not sure if they are their girlfriends or lady companions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting People in Hanoi
Online dating is your best friend for meeting new people  up in Hanoi as long as you use the appropriate websites/apps. Read my article Top Dating Apps and Websites in Vietnam.

Tinder and Bumble: These popular apps work well in the city with younger people, whether they are Vietnamese or foreign.

Vietnam Cupid: This website is the best for those who want to meet a Vietnamese girl but who are not yet in Vietnam. They have 500 to 1,000 girls online at any time, most of whom do not mind if you are staying abroad.

Seeking.com: The most beautiful girls are on Seeking.com, but they are looking for sugar daddies. If that's your thing, you'll be in heaven there.

You can also read: 15 Best Online Dating Apps and Websites to Meet Asian Girls.
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Best Hotels Near Hanoi Nightlife (Updated List) - 2023

June 30, 2023, 10:28 pm
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A strategic location to stay near Hanoi nightlife is around the Saint Joseph Cathedral. It is very central, near from all the tourist sites, 200 meters from the airport bus shuttle, 1 kilometers from the train station, and walking distance from 70% of the night spots of the capital.

I was staying in a mid-range family-owned guest house called Hanoi Old Quarter Homestay. The value for money was great (35$ for a large, modern room with double bed), but it is a small property so you don't get a lot of privacy.

The following are also highly recommended:

5-Star and Luxury 
Apricot Hotel: New property in a renovated colonial building, rated 9/10 on Agoda, just in front of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Price: Starting $120/night.

4-Star
The Chi: A boutique hotel with 42 rooms offering great value for money. You can get a double room for only $60 on Booking.com.

3- Star and 2- Star
Splendid Holiday Hotel has small but clean rooms for less than 30$, just behind St Joseph Cathedral.

Budget (under 10$)
There are plenty of backpacker hostels in Hanoi. A few are particularly recommended for party people such as:
- Hanoi Backpacker Party Hostel

In both of these, there is a bar in the lobby with cheap beers and a lot of travelers.

Discover the World's number 1 sugar dating website. Free to register and to look at all the girls' profiles.

You should know that many hotels in Hanoi (or in Vietnam in general) are not girl-friendly or guest friendly. This means that they will not accept if you bring a female guest in the middle of the night if she was not part of the initial booking (and especially if she is Vietnamese). Some may go as far as not accepting you to share a room with a female guest if you are not married.

For instance, among 5-star hotels, the Pan Pacific is not girl-friendly (but the Intercontinental and the Sheraton are OK).

If you can't afford these, I recommend you to choose the A25 budget hotel chain. There are at least 5 of them in Hanoi's city center, and not only they are girl-friendly, they even allow guests to book a room by the hour (short time).

Here is my selection of the best ones:

Near from Ha Tien street (heart of Hanoi's nightlife), rated 7.5/10, $32 for a double room.

100 meters from the Old Quarter, rated 7.6, $33 for a double room. Fast Wifi.

In between the West Lake and the Old Quarter, rated 8.5/10 and with price of only $26 for a double room.

For all properties, the price for renting a room short time is VND180,000 for 2 hours.

Finally, you would be surprised to learn that some hotels in Hanoi have an in-house massage parlor for men:

Fortuna Hotel ($160 per night) is the most reputed with its naughty karaoke (Boss) and its spa (De Palace).

Oasis Hotel and Baoson Hotel are cheaper (around $80 per night) and each of them has a spa with "happy ending" services.

If your budget is really tight, you can go to Windy Hotel ($40 per night).

NOTE: If you book using one of the links above, I will receive a small commission from Agoda. It does not affect the price you pay and it helps me run Jakarta100bars.
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Best hotels near Bali nightlife - Stay near clubs and bars (2023)

August 3, 2023, 2:32 am
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There are several reasons why you should choose a hotel near the nightlife in Bali.

First, the traffic situation on the island is terrible, even late at night. So if you go by car, you will probably end up getting stuck somewhere, either in Jalan Legian, in Jalan Pantai Kuta or in Jalan Oberoi.

Second, taxi drivers at night will try to cheat you most of the time, sometimes charging you 5 times the normal fare. You won't always be able to order an online taxi because they are often forbidden near the most touristic areas.

Third, it is not safe to use a motorbike, particularly if you intend to drink. Not only you are at risk of an accident (see my article about Travel Insurance), you could also be the prey of bag snatchers who operate between Kuta and Legian (read increase in reports of crime in Bali).

You can make your holidays much more enjoyable by choosing a hotel in the right location, walking distance from the most famous nightclubs and bars. 

There are 3 main areas in South Bali where it is possible to enjoy the nightlife by foot:
- In Canggu: Jalan Berawa where you will find Old Man's, Mason's, SandBar, Luigi's, Black Sands.
- In Seminyak: Jalan Kayu Aya, with La Favela, Red Carpet, Motel Mexicola
- In Kuta: Near the 2002 Bali Bombing Monument on Jalan Legian, with LXXY, SkyGarden, Engine Room, Paddy's Pub

I selected the best and most convenient hotels in each of these areas. The properties listed below are all girl-friendly or guest-friendly, meaning they will allow you to add a last minute guest if you decide to bring someone home after a night out.

From my experience, Agoda is the best booking site for Bali. They have the best prices and the most choice. They also have a dedicated portal with special deals for Bali hotels that you can access here: Bali Hotel Deals. Don't forget to create an account to be able to view the secret offers.

For more information about where to party on the island, please read: 12 Best Nightclubs in Bali.

Best Hotels For Kuta Nightlife:
If you want to be close from Kuta nightlife, you should choose a hotel around SkyGarden. You can click on the following links for all the options available: Hotels Near Skygarden in Kuta.

Below is my personal selection of hotels either very close from the nightlife of Kuta, or with a in-house nightclub/bar.

Budget (less than 50$ per night):
Love Hotel By Fashion TV
In-house bar: Fashion Bar
500m from Skygarden, VIP, Bounty, Paddy's Pub, etc

Harper Kuta
In front of Skygarden

Mid-Range (100$):
In-house live music bar: Hard Rock Café
Walking distance from Velvet, Hypnotized and 1 kilometer from Skygarden

Expensive (over 200$):
In-house nightclubs: Velvet and Hypnotized
500m from Skygarden

Best Hotels For Seminyak Nightlife:
Seminyak nightlife is spread compared to Kuta. I recommend you to stay in one of the following areas:

- Popular restaurants and open-air cafés (La Favela, Rumours, Red Carpet): Hotels near Oberoi Street
- Chic nightclubs, lounges and beach clubs (Ku De Ta, Potato Head, W, Gatsby, Shanghai Baby, Mint): Hotels near Petitenget Street
- Gay nightlife: Hotels near Dhyana Pura Street

My most recommended hotels in Seminyak are the following:

Budget (under 50$)
Ping Hotel
In front of the gay nightclubs/bars like Bali Joe

Ananda
200 meters from Oberoi restaurants/cafés

Petitenget 501 Apparthotel (around 70$)
Walking distance from Woo bar, Potato Head Beach Club, Mirror, Mint

Mid-Range (100$)
In-house nightclub: Jenja

IZE Seminyak
Top location, short walking distance from Ultimo, La Favela, Rumours, etc.

Expensive (more than 400$)
W Hotel
In-house bar: Woo Bar
Near Potato Head, Mint and Mirror

Best Girl-Friendly Hotels For Denpasar Nightlife:
Denpasar nightlife is most interesting around Teuku Umar, with the Akasaka nightclub. For a complete list of accommodation nearby, you can read: Best Hotels Near Akasaka Club.

The ones I recommend the most from this list are Ibis Style Teuku Umar and Amaris Hotel. Both are cheap, girl-friendly and a short 2-minute taxi ride from Akasaka. You could walk there as well but the sidewalk is not very practical.

More advice about Bali Travel: Cheap Bali Travel Guide.
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Meeting and Dating Indonesian Girls (2023)

August 4, 2023, 4:24 am
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The following guide is a datasheet with all the essential information you'll need to know about meeting and dating Indonesian girls.

It's a list of questions that people have asked me over time. I tried to answer them as concisely as possible so you won't lose time reading it. If you still have interrogations, please ask them in the comment section below.

What Are the Best Cities to Meet Indonesian Girls?

1) Jakarta and its suburbs (Bekasi, Depok, Tangerang)
The whole metropolitan area of Jakarta has over 35 million inhabitants in total. That's a dating pool of several million single women, many of whom are interested with foreigners.

Considering the sheer size of this megalopolis, it is essential to stay near the city center, for instance near the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD). Remember that the city is plagued by massive traffic jams that make it both expensive and time-consuming to get around.

2) Surabaya
The second city in Indonesia with over 3 million people. It's a rather clean city, well-managed, and affordable. Very few foreigners live there. Surabaya girls are reputed to make excellent girlfriends or wives.

3) South Bali
The area between Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Denpasar attracts Indonesian girls from all over the country. Many are looking to marry foreigners. They tend to be more open-minded, which is one of the reasons they left their hometown and moved to Bali.

4) Bandung
Only 3 hours away from Jakarta, Bandung is the capital of West Java and the third largest Indonesian city. It is home to a large student population. Sundanese girls are considered among the most beautiful in Indonesia.

What are the Best Dating Apps for Indonesia?
There are dozens of dating apps and sites to meet Indonesian girls, but only a few of them have a really large database of users. My favorite ones are the following:

1) Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, Hinge
Tens of thousands of profiles are available on these apps. However, most girls will expect you to live in Indonesia so it might not be great if you're only passing by. They work best with guys who are young and good-looking. 

Those apps are extremely popular with Indonesian guys as well so you'll probably need to pay something extra to promote your profile and to be seen by more girls.

IndonesianCupid is perfect for men who are not living in Indonesia. It's a more traditional match-making website, with a focus on personality more than looks. Recommended to prepare for a trip. Free to register here.

Seeking.com is also a very popular dating website in Indonesia, but it is more controversial. It is for older men, in their 30s, 40s, or more, who are looking for a young sugar baby. That said, many Indonesian girls use it as a normal dating site so you can always have a look!


What Are the Best Clubs to Meet Indonesian Girls?
Shishi is certainly the easiest option, but there are many prostitutes and semi-professional girls in the crowd. La Favela and Motel Mexicola are two other good options, with a slightly better crowd.

Basque, Loewy, Boca Rica, Caspar and Dragonfly are the most popular bars and nightclubs among foreigners who live in Jakarta. For this reason, many Indonesian girls will also visit them.

What Are Indonesian Girls Like?
While each girl is different, there are certain personality traits that you will find in most Indonesian girls. This is especially true for those who belong to the middle class and who were educated in Indonesia. That's because they were raised in a similar environment, with modest means, in rather conservative and religious families.

Here are some traits that are characteristic of Indonesian girls:

- Easy-going, cheerful: Indonesians usually have a positive outlook on life. As long as there is enough food on the table, they will be in a good mood to laugh, joke and tease.

- Kind, generous: She should be genuinely concerned about your well-being. Also, she won't hesitate to help a family member or a friend who needs a handout. Unfortunately, it might be done using your money.

- Religious, superstitious: She is most likely to be a believer. The ones who date foreigners may be more open-minded, but still, they'll ask their boyfriend to convert if there is a difference of religion. It is also very likely that she will believe in ghosts.

- Reserved, touchy: She might be shy to express feelings or emotions. That can become an issue within your couple if she doesn't tell you when she is angry at you for instance. It is often difficult to criticize her without causing drama. Always be very careful with your words.

- Group and family-oriented: In general, her behavior will tend to match her family and her communities' expectations. Being unique or original is not valued as much as in the West.

- Strong: The average Indonesian girl probably had a much tougher life than the average Western girl. As a result, I believe they have a unique ability to overcome hardships.

- Pragmatic: She will accept and be satisfied with a situation that is not ideal, as long as it fulfills her most important requirements (economic security is often the main one). In that sense, many Indonesian girls will consider that feeling safe and protected is the definition of love.

Do Indonesian Girls Like Foreigners?
I received this question dozens of times, from people of various ethnicities: White, African, Indian, Arab, Turkish, Chinese, etc.

 Indonesians tend to categorize people based on their skin color, with "white" being the most desirable. Caucasians, also called bule, clearly have an advantage, though not all girls like them (read Indonesian Girls Who Never Date Foreigners). Latinos and Turkish people are often considered "bule".

Japanese and Koreans are also popular, partly due to the influence of their culture (Korean dramas, movies, mangas, K-Pop, J-Pop, etc).

With Arabs, it depends if you are a Moroccan, a Saudi, or a French of Arab descent. The latter will be considered as a bule. The others might be attractive to more conservative girls. Being Muslim is usually an advantage with Muslim girls, for obvious reasons.

Darker skins, especially Indians and Africans may have more difficulties. I have heard countless times girls telling me they wouldn't date black people.

That said, skin color isn't everything. I know white guys who can't get Indonesian girls, and I know black ones who manage to score every night. What's their secret? They are friendly, well-educated, well-dressed, polite, handsome, and they have good jobs.

Overall, being a foreigner may help or hinder you, depending on your ethnicity/nationality. But in the end, you can still make a difference with your personality/personal situation.

What Are the Dos and Don'ts When Dating An Indonesian Girl?
If you are dating an Indonesian girl, here are a few recommendations:

- Pay for her drinks/food/movie ticket
I think you should always invite her unless she has a high-paying job or she comes from a rich family. If she insists on paying, just tell her that she can buy you coffee later.

If you don't want to pay for her, then choose an affordable restaurant with prices that match local salaries (you can consider that IDR 5 million per month is considered a pretty good salary for a young Indonesian in her 20s).

- Don't dress like a tourist
Jakarta is a business city, it's not Bali. Short pants and flip-flops are only acceptable on weekends. For the rest of the week, make the effort to dress up.

- Meet her in a bar/café/restaurant that has AC
The outside air in Jakarta is hot and polluted. If you don't want to look like a mess after a 1-hour dinner, choose a venue that has AC.

- Don't make derogatory comments about Indonesia
Talk about Indonesia in a positive way. Don't spend your time complaining as it will make her feel embarrassed.

I remember a terrible date I had where I started talking about how corrupt the Indonesian police was, and then the girl started crying because her dad was a policeman.

- Don't criticize her religion
A very touchy topic that often ends up with a disagreement. You won't change her view, so what's the point?

- Don't tell her she is skinny, short or dark
While you may mean that as a compliment, Indonesians usually perceive those as criticism.

Should I Send or Give Money to My Girlfriend?
Unless you are dating a rich Indonesian girl, there will probably come a time in your relationship where money becomes an issue.

While it may seem normal to pay for dinners or trips, you may feel uncomfortable sending her or giving her money. After all, it is not a common thing to do in Western countries (unless your girlfriend is a sugar baby).

In Indonesia, on the contrary, it is considered normal for a boyfriend to pay for certain expenses (accommodation, phone, school fees, etc) or to give money. It is a form of commitment, and also a way to show you care and understand her situation.

Personally, I don't see any problem with that, and I've helped a few exes in the past.

Still, there are some precautions you may want to take before heading to the ATM, especially if you don't have a lot of money for yourself already.

For instance:
- Can you be sure that she is not giving the money to someone else (an Indonesian boyfriend, her dad, a friend, etc)?
- Is she honest with you about why she needs money and how she intends to spend it?
- Are there other guys giving her money as well?

What you can do is calculate how much she earns compared to how much she spends. If she is unemployed but possesses the latest iPhone, a car, an apartment, and designer clothes, this means that she almost certainly has one or several generous sponsors.

Don't be naive also. If you met the girl in Bats, CJs, or Dragonfly, or on a sugar baby site like Seeking.com, the girl will probably try to extort as much money from you as she can. If you are OK with that (and if you can afford it), why not.

How to Send Money to Your Indonesian GF?
 If you live abroad, I suggest using Wise. It's probably one of the cheapest ways to send money to Indonesia.
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Dubai Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (Updated 2023)

August 16, 2023, 9:55 am
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Dubai nightlife is the best I've tried so far in the Persian/Arab Gulf region.

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

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

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

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

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

Hotels Near Dubai Nightlife
You can click on this map of Dubai nightlife to visualize where all the most important nightclubs, bars, and beach clubs are located.
As you can see, there are 3 best party areas:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Staff workers (waitresses, shopkeepers, maids, receptionists, etc) are mostly from developing countries of Asia and Africa. They are the easiest to meet, either online on Tinder or in bars/clubs during ladies' nights. In particular, there are many Filipinas.

- Mid-to-upper level expatriates: They aren't as numerous as men, but there are still plenty of them, from various nationalities (Indians would be the number one nationality). They are usually educated, ambitious and hard-working. Many English teachers too. The single ones are usually looking for expats, so they can be hard to date if you are only passing by.

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

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

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

Expat bars to meet people in Dubai
If you want friendly bars in Dubai where you can meet new people, these are my recommendations:

→ Lock Stock and Barrel - Best on Tuesday for their busy ladies' night. 2 locations in Dubai (Jumeirah Beach Resort and Grand Millenium Hotel)
→ The Stables: Equestrian-themed British pub
→ Rodeo Drive: Vintage restaurant and bar with live music and authentic American food
→ Double Decker - British pub with outdoor garden
→ McGettigan's - Irish pub, part of an international chain, with 5 different locations in Dubai
→ Fibber Magee's - Discreet Irish pub in the financial district with quiz nights and live music
→ The Irish Village - 3 branches in Dubai for this Irish pub, full of regulars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weekly and monthly events:
For a general list of events, you can follow the social media accounts of DubaiNight and Luvevents (trendy parties).

For techno and rave parties, check @ducksoupseries and @raversindubai.

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

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

Lately, I've been using PureVPN and it works great. They are currently having a sale with their 2-year plan costing less than 1.99$ per month (use my coupon "Jakarta100bars" to get an extra 10% off).

Best Nightclubs and Bars in Dubai

Analog Room in Holiday Inn Al-Barsha
This is the only place in Dubai where you can enjoy a more underground nightlife experience. They have techno on Thursday and Friday nights, often from guest DJs. The venue is not as professionally managed as its bigger competitors in terms of facilities, sound system, lighting, but you'll also find it more welcoming. It is usually free if you come before midnight, and AED 100 after that.

Soho Garden (in Meydan Hotel)
Main space in Soho Garden
Soho Beach
This complex about 15 minutes from the city center is the top nightlife destination in Dubai at the moment. This is where you have the best clubs, the best events, and the best crowd.

The main space, Soho Garden, is only open during the cooler months (September to June). They have famous DJs regularly, for instance: Agoria, Joris Voorn, Tiga, Mark Knight, etc. If you manage to pass the strict door policy, expect to spend money (as a single man, it may be difficult to enter without booking a sofa). Drinks cost at least US15-20$ and the minimum spending for a table is US700$ during special events.

On the same location, you can also find:

Black is a big indoor nightclub, presumably the largest in Dubai, that focuses on RnB. It is open from Thursday to Saturday, featuring both DJs and bands. Ladies night on Thursdays before 1AM.

Playroom is a techno/electronic music club with a minimalist design and an underground atmosphere (even though it is expensive and upmarket). Recently, they guest artists like Âme, Dubfire and Sébastien Léger.

NEW: There is now also a Soho Garden nightlife complex in Palm Jumeirah.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Dubai Nightlife Recommendations:

Outdoor lounges and rooftops:
→ Penthouse - In Five Palm Jumeirah, it offers one of the best views of the city. Chic and elitist. Best to go on Thursdays only.

→ Iris - Managed by the same group as White, this open-air bar is on the 27th floor of The Oberoi hotel. Cool crowd, good cocktails and live music on Tuesday and Sunday.

→ SKY5 - Hip rooftop on the 40th floor of the H Hotel. One of the top bars among younger expats in Dubai.

→ Seven Sisters - Chic bar with an open-air terrace. 5 free drinks for their Tuesday's ladies night. Their Sunday Brunch, organized by Sundown Brunch, is quite spectacular.

Ethnic Bar and Clubs:
These nightlife venues target specific communities.

→ Filipinos: Boracay or Club 7 (all great to try if you want to meet Filipinas and spend less money on drinks).

→ Indians: Inka. Check also the events organized by AKS Nights, DejaVu, or Desi Night in UAE

→ Russians: Luna, Club5, Muscovites, Regal, Rasputin, Amadeus, El Barrio, Red Square (a prostitution place)

→ Africans: Wednesdays in Marq

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

→ Zero Gravity - Huge and crowded beach club. I recommend their brunch on Thursday and Friday with 4 hours of free-flow alcohol and food.

→ Barasti Beach - Legendary beach club among the party crowd. A bit touristy and tacky, but perfect for those who want to mingle and flirt. Free entrance.

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

In the latter, prostitution is rather discreet. You will see some young women, from every part of the world (but mostly from Eastern Europe and Russia), sitting by themselves at a bar and enjoying drinks. If you smile at them, they will approach you and reveal who they are.

In Deira, things are more straightforward. In the hotel bars of that area, 100% of girls are prostitutes, and they will go straight to your table.

Here are some of those infamous clubs (most of them have a DJ/live band and a dance floor).

→ Premier Bar in Hyatt Regency - Famous spot with over a hundred girls from every ethnicity. Pricier than elsewhere. AED200 for entrance after midnight.

→ Red Square in Moscow Hotel - Mostly Eastern European girls - Weekend entrance fee is AED150.

→ Ratsky in Fortune Karama Hotel - Bar full of Filipinas

 → Jules in Le Méridien Centre: Lots of Vietnamese and Chinese girls. The entry fee is AED65 on a weekday.
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Bandung Nightlife: Bars and Nightclubs (Updated 2023)

August 7, 2023, 10:28 am
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Bandung nightlife is constantly changing and it can be hard to keep up with it. This is the fifth time I update this article and I'm pretty sure that within a couple of years, most nightclubs on this list will have disappeared.

A good way to stay updated is to follow some Instagram accounts with the latest events. I suggest you Signatures Media (cultural and clubbing), Bandung Konser (live music and concerts), and What's New Bandung.

Because Bandung is a vibrant student city, its nightlife caters mainly to young people in their late teens and early 20s. There are dozens of affordable cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs that are specifically targeting them, especially in areas like Jalan Setiabudi or within trendy malls such as Cihampelas Walk, Paris Van Java, 23 Paskal, or Trans Studio Mall. Note that for a majority of these students, the nightlife is alcohol-free and consists mainly of hanging out with friends in coffee shops.

There is also another nightlife scene, focused on domestic tourists who flock from Jakarta on the weekends. They usually head for the hills surrounding Bandung (like Dago Atas) where the cool air and the nice views offer a pleasant break from their life in the Big Durian. There, you will find mostly lounges and restaurants, some of them offering live music. If this is what you are into, you can check Skyline or Boda Barn.

Nightclubs in Bandung are modern, but they are adapted to local taste. Almost all of them will follow a similar concept. At the beginning of the evening, you will have some live music, usually a mix of Indonesian and English famous songs (it is not rare that customers will ask to sing a song or two).

Later in the night, you will normally have a DJ who will play mainstream party hits (EDM, pop, RnB). As often in Indonesia, clubbers will typically remain static and stay with a group of friends around a table. Unfortunately, this means that it is less easy to meet people at night.

During the whole time, an MC (Master of Ceremony) will be yelling in the microphone to hype the crowd. It can be more or less annoying depending on who's in charge.

In the following review, I will give you a quick overview of Bandung's nightlife: The best bars and clubs, where to stay near them, and how to meet people.

Hotels Near Bandung Nightlife
Bandung is a sprawling city that I haven't completely figured out yet despite visiting it at least 10 times.

There are various areas where you can stay, but if you come for the nightlife, the most strategic is anywhere near Jalan Braga. It is a walkable street, near the train station and near some famous tourist sites.

On Jalan Braga itself or nearby, there are several bars and nightclubs such as F3X, Triangle Beer House, La Baraga or Pati Braga. 5 minutes away by taxi, you can go to Paskal Hyper Square, a complex with top nightclubs such as Tiger and Southbank Noir.

Here are some hotels that I recommend near Jalan Braga, from cheapest to most expensive:

Kimaya by Harris (35$/night)
Artotel (40$/night) - It has a bar called Conclave in its basement
Grand Dafam (40$/night) - Inside the mall Braga Citywalk

Another central location to enjoy Bandung nightlife is near the City Hall. Janévalla Hotel would be my top choice there. It is reasonably priced (45$ per night) and it has a cool rooftop bar.

Bandung Nightlife Map
Below is a map of the most famous bars and nightclubs in Bandung. Please click on it for more details.

Dating in Bandung
Discover the World's number 1 sugar dating website. Free to register and to look at all the girls' profiles.
There are great dating opportunities in Bandung as it is a student city with many single, educated women (and men).

The girls in Bandung are mostly Sundanese (unless they came from other provinces for their studies). I wrote an article about the stereotypes surrounding Sundanese girls that you can read here Is it better to date a Javanese or Sundanese?. To summarize it, they are considered beautiful because of their lighter skin, but they also have the reputation to be materialistic.

The best dating apps in Bandung are probably Bumble, Tinder, Badoo, OkCupid. They will work well, especially if you live in Indonesia and if you are young. Among older foreigners, I know that Seeking.com is popular as well even though it is more controversial.

Best Bars and Clubs in Bandung
Below are some of the current happening party spots in Bandung. I linked to the Instagram of the venue so you can check if it is still open or not. If you know of a new place, please don't hesitate to leave a comment at the end of this article.

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, Millennial 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.

HW Group also owns Helen's Live Bar near Rumah Mode. This is a smaller and cheaper venue where you can listen to daily live bands.

Southbank Noir

This nightclub is also in Paskal Hyper Square, near Tiger.

You could try both on the same night as they are walking distance from each other. However, their concept is quite similar and I think Tiger is bigger and more happening.

Trendy bar near Bandung Zoo, it looks nice but not so professionally managed. Young crowd, some fun events (like the karaoke nights). Music is usually RnB, EDM, oldies or pop. Ladies night on Wednesdays.

If you like this bar, you can check Wu Backroom, Waiting room and Upstairs. Walking distance from Opiuci, you can also find Lucy in the Sky Bandung. It is a more relaxed venue with an outdoor garden and a regular live band.

August 2023: The Opiuci group just opened another bar called Panic Paradise.

Located on Jalan Braga, this is a club and KTV that targets an older crowd. Music is EDM/progressive house. Many girls seem to be prostitutes or lady companions.

Cheap and popular bar/nightclub with a young crowd. Near ITB Bandung.

Located on Jalan Braga, this is a small bar with DJs and reasonable prices: 50k for a large Bintang and 35k for a small one. Typical student hangout place. Music is better than average for Bandung.

Open in May 2023, this nightclub is not so modern or sophisticated compared to Tiger/Southbank. It is still quite empty, even on weekends, so I'm not sure it can survive for a long time.
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Nong Khai Nightlife: Best Bars and Nightclubs (2023)

August 2, 2023, 7:54 am
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Even if you live in Thailand, you may not be familiar with Nong Khai. This town of 50,000 inhabitants is near the border with Laos, and it is often a stopover for people heading to Vientiane by land.

This is exactly the reason I was there, for only 1 night. Naturally, I tried to find out if there was any nightlife.

The city gets very quiet in the evening and you'll barely hear any noise apart from dogs barking and motorbikes. Even finding street food after 10PM can be challenging.

Some areas are more busy though, with restaurants, bars, live music and even nightclubs.

Below are my top recommendations for drinking and partying in Nong Khai:

Where to Stay in Nong Khai Near the Nightlife?
For party purposes, I recommend you to stay in Soi Nitapat even though it is not exactly by the Mekong River. My hotel offered great value for money (13$ per night for a double room with AC) and it was just 5 meters from the bars. You can check it out on Agoda: Nong Khai City Hotel. A slightly more expensive option in the same street is the White Inn (18$ per night). The recently-opened Maceo is even better but it costs up to 80$ per night.

If you want to stay by the Mekong river, the Mut Mee Garden Guest House has excellent ratings and it costs only 11$ per night.

Nong Khai Nightlife Areas:

Along The Mekong River
There is a nice promenade along the Mekong River called Rim Kong Alley. It is approximately 3 kilometers long from the temple Wat Hai Sok up to the Phra That Lanong (a replica temple).

Along the way, you have at least 100 restaurants, among which more than 50% specialize in hotpot/BBQ (don't ask me why). At some point, you will see local pubs and karaokes, sometimes with live music.

In particular, young people will hang out in a few cafés located at the intersection of Soi Yot Kaeo 3 and Rim Kong Alley. The venues there are modern and really packed until 1AM. You can eat, drink, watch sports and enjoy some Thai live music.

One of the best venues there is King Kong. You should also check River Chill but it is a bit further away.
River Chill in Nong Khai
If you are into craft beer, do not miss Likhit. I recommend going at sunset time.

Soi Nitapat: Main bar area of Nong Khai for foreigners
My hotel was on this street which is about 300 meters from the Mekong river. It has a mix of affordable restaurants, guest houses, cannabis shops, as well as some girlie bars.

It seems that every bar is owned by a retired foreigner who married a Thai woman. Each one proudly displays his nationality outside the bar. You have an Italian (Oasi), a Swiss (Muscha & Lee), an American (DJ's Bar), an English (Candy Bar), an Australian, a Kiwi, etc. 

From what I understood, new places open and close quite often since most customers in Nong Khai are only interested in getting the cheapest beer they can. Many of those businesses never manage to make a profit so their lifespan is only a few years.

For this reason, I think it's best if you go to the street directly and check for yourself which bar is more busy than the others. Go to the White Inn and walk around from there.

Prices in those bars are about 70 THB for a beer and 120 THB for a Thai dish. The closing hours are flexible and change every night depending on the customers. In general, only a few places will be open after 1AM.

Near Wat Hai Sok: Some foreign-owned cafés and restaurant
If you go near the temple Wat Hai Sok, you will find a few bars and restaurants owned by foreigners (usually married with Thai girls).

As there are many guest houses around, they get reasonably crowded at night with a mix of long-term residents and tourists.

It is very basic but friendly. The popular venues are not too far from each other. Check the Irish Bar or Anchor Bar.

Nightclubs in Nong Khai
You can find modern nightclubs in the city that will stay open until 3AM. They are typical of those you may have already visited in Thailand: A beer pub with a live band singing in Thai. Between breaks,  he is replaced by a DJ who mixes loud EDM/Top 40 remixes.

They are normally free to enter, and then inside it will cost you around 70 THB for a beer and 600-800 THB for a whisky bottle.

The best ones are probably Runway and Flow. Both are located near inside Chic Chic, a busy shopping and food center that attracts a crowd of young Thai people.
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Most Famous Gogo Bars in Bangkok (2023)

May 10, 2023, 3:53 am
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If you are new to Bangkok and you want to discover its nightlife, you may be curious to visit one of the city's gogo bars.

Most of them can be found in the red light areas of Soi Cowboy, Patpong or Nana Plaza Entertainment Center which are easy to reach either by taxi, by Grab, or by public transport (BTS/Metro). They are perfectly safe places to go to, and they actually attract many tourists, including couples, backpackers and even some curious women.

What is a gogo bar exactly?
There are many different kinds of gogo bars in Thailand, but all of them share the same concept. They are bars, often small to medium in size, where girls, boys, or transgender people will perform sexy dances or erotic shows. Typically, you will have a stage in the middle of the room, and seats all over it so that the customers can enjoy the show while drinking.

Prostitution is obviously a key element. It is normally possible to invite one of the dancers for an (overpriced) lady drink, or even back to your hotel if you are willing to pay both the girl (directly) and the bar (this is what is called a "bar fine", to release the girl from her work so that she can accompany you).

Is there nudity in gogo bars?
It depends. Nudity is actually getting more and more common in Bangkok. Just a couple years ago, very few gogo bars had topless shows while today, you'll find it in probably a third of the venues. Full nudity is another story: While you can easily get private or semi private lap dances in many locations, especially in Patong, it is still rare to see girls completely naked on a stage.

Where to meet Thai women and men?
Gogo bars can be fun, but they are the worst places to meet genuine Thai people (if you are looking for a relationship).

Many people in Bangkok use dating apps such as Bumble or Tinder, and they work well if you are living in Thailand and/or if you are young.

If you live outside Thailand and if you are over 40 years old, I recommend instead the more traditional dating app Thai Cupid. It has thousands of Thai girls online at anytime and most of them are interested to date foreigners.

A more controversial option is the sugar dating site Seeking.com. It has a huge database of very attractive members, but a lot of them are actually escorts or looking for a rich guy.

What are the best gogo bars to try?
Below is a list of the most famous gogo bars to try in Bangkok. I only mentioned those with girls. If you are into men, you can check the street Silom Soi 4 which has many bars. For transgender, you can head to Rainbow 5 or Obsession.

In any case, don't hesitate to just walk around and visit random places. Some will let you go inside for free, while others will only charge for a beer (usually around 4-5 USD). It is the best way to have fun and stay up-to-date.

Baccara Gogo Bar - Soi Cowboy
Baccara is one of the most famous gogo bars in Bangkok, particularly among Japanese. A few reasons for that: It is a bit classier than the other joints on Soi Cowboy, there is a huge selection of very pretty young Thai girls and finally the erotic shows are particularly exciting.

It is bigger than the average gogo bar, covering 3 floors with only a glass ceiling between each floors. This means that you can basically peek under the girls' skirts from the lower floors. It is very blur but that's what voyeurism is all about.

Girls on the 2nd and 3rd floor will sometimes get fully naked while the ones on the first floor, the prettiest ones, only dance topless (some will remain in bikini). 

Crazy House Strip Club - Sukhumvit 23
Crazy House is often described as the most unique gogo bar in Bangkok. It is very aptly named as you really feel you are in a crazy place when inside.

You have two main floors with a see-through ceiling (just like in Baccara) and probably 50 to 60 girls. The show is not only on stage but also in every room: Some girls are wearing kimonos, some only a bra, some only their panties, and the others are nude.

You have two striptease shows (very short shows as they only need to take out a few clothes) with some pole dancing and lesbian action.

Compared to Baccara, there is more nudity but it is less classy and the girls are not as pretty.

Suzie Wong Gogo Bar - Soi Cowboy - Full Nude
Also located on Soi Cowboy, Suzie Wong has the reputation of having the most daring shows in the street. It is very true: While Baccara is all about charm and erotica, Suzie Wong is more trash and pornographic.

Girls are older and not exactly what you would call "fresh". Some are even a turn-off to watch. But if you like things to get naughty, you will be pleased. From lesbian play to ping pong shows, Suzie Wong shall not make you bored. It is also one of the most crowded gogo bars in Bangkok, especially with tourists, so it has a very lively, non-pretentious atmosphere.

Spanky's - Nana Plaza - Topless Only/See-Through Lingerie
Nana Plaza has several bars with topless dancers, including R&B, Bangkok Bunnies and DC 10. The best one, by far, is Spanky's. While you will not see full nudity here, it has a good team of sexy Thai gogo dancers that bring a lot of fun to the place.

A few of the girls were very hot looking at the time of my visit (naturally this may probably change), and you could spend some private sensual time with them for only the price of a ladies' drink (160 THB). 

There is a different live show every 15 minutes and the quality is usually good. If a show is boring, you just have to wait a little until the next one. Late in the night, they do sometimes a limbo competition with both the staff and the clients. In the left corner, you also have a girl taking a shower in public:

Badabing - Patpong
One of the most famous gogo bars in Patong.

Dollhouse - Soi Cowboy
Fun staff in this gogo bar right in the middle of Soi Cowboy.

Did I forget a great gogo bar in Bangkok? Please comment below to help me keep this website up-to-date! You may also be interested with my complete Bangkok nightlife review: 30 Best Nightclubs in Bangkok.
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Colombo Nightlife - Best Bars and Nightclubs (Sri Lanka) - 2023 Update

October 13, 2023, 6:15 am
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I stayed several weeks in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. I didn't really enjoy the city's nightlife, which is very limited, male-oriented, and conservative.

Before writing about the negatives, I will start with a few positive points:
- Sri Lankans are almost always very friendly and helpful. They speak good English too.
- Colombo is a rather clean and safe city, especially in the tourist and expat areas. New construction is happening everywhere, for instance near the Fort (5-star resorts, waterfront apartments, etc).
- There are several interesting things to do (parks, museums, markets, etc).
- You can go to the beach in less than 30 minutes.
- Most prices (except accommodation) are reasonable: Transportation, mobile internet, food and drinks.

When it comes to nightlife, Colombo is disappointing for several reasons:
- Sri Lankans don't have the habit to go out by night. By 10 PM, the streets are empty and you may have to walk a long time just to find something to eat.
- Bars and nightclubs are hidden and they are spread out. They have an early curfew, usually midnight. After that, only a few places are still open. 
- Colombo nightlife during the week is extremely quiet.
- There are barely any women in clubs or bars. It is similar to India where it is frowned upon for them to have fun with their friends. The ones you see in nightclubs are either "Westernized" Sri Lankan girls, girls who come with their husbands/boyfriends, or prostitutes/escorts.
- Some nightclubs give commissions to tuk-tuk and taxi drivers. As a result, the latter will pressure you to visit them and you'll have to pay an overcharged entrance fee.

Update 2023
Since I wrote this article, Sri Lanka has been through a long economic crisis that led to mass protests in 2022. Together with the terrorist attacks of Easter 2019, this has had a deep impact on tourism in the country and in Colombo. Only 719,978 people visited the country in 2022 vs 2.3 millions in 2018. Logically, you can expect the nightlife to be even more quiet now than it used to be.

Nightlife Areas + Best Hotels
Most of Colombo's nightlife is located near one of these 3 neighborhoods: The Fort, Kollupitiya or Cinnamon Gardens (near the Town Hall). I recommend you to stay in either of them as they are also close to the city's main attractions.

The Fort (Tourist area)
This area is expensive but very convenient for tourists traveling by train or for businessmen working in the Central Business District.

In particular, this is where you will find the Dutch Hospital Precinct. This complex is a good place for dinner and for after-work drinks. If you are new to the city, this is probably where you should start your night out as you will be sure to find places that are open and busy.

Where to drink and party in The Fort?
The current popular spots in the Fort are Botanik Rooftop, Re.Pub.Lk, and TapHouse.

Where to stay nearby?
→ Backpacker: CityRest Fort. It has an ideal location within the Dutch Hospital Precinct but average facilities considering the price (20$/night for a bunk bed and shared bathroom). A cheaper alternative is C1 Hostel.

If you can afford to spend a bit more, you can check the following properties in the Fort:
→ 50$ per night: Zest Metropole (rated 8.9 on Agoda)
→ 80$-90$ per night: The Steuart by Citrus (rated 8.1) or Fairway (rated 8.8). Both have a bar/café.
→ Over 150$ per night: The Kingsbury (rated 8.4)

Kollupitiya (or Colpetty)
This is the trendy and modern area in central Colombo. It has a large beachfront spreading from the Fort in the north until Bambalapitiya in the south. Also called Colombo 3 or Colpetty, this is one of the main expat areas in the city (with Cinnamon Gardens) and as such, it is more diverse culturally and less conservative.

Where to drink and party near Kollupitiya?
The current popular spots are The Chiller Room (the best nightclub in Colombo), Playtrix Sports Bar, Liv Karaoke and Bar, Floatz, or Irish Pub.

Where to stay nearby?
→ Budget hotel - Clock Inn, a friendly hotel with both dorms (15$ per night) and single rooms (45$ per night). The location is great, walking distance from a few restaurants (including a McDonald's) and malls.
→ 80$ per night: Hotel MaRadha (rated 8.7)
→ Over 100$ per night: Movenpick (rated 9.1, home of the nice Vistas Rooftop Bar) or Radisson Hotel (rated 8.1)

Cinnamon Gardens
This is an affluent neighborhood with a central location, but the choice of hotels is limited. Prices are higher than average.

Where to drink and party near Cinnamons Gardens?

For eating out, you can also visit Independence Square Arcade and Park Mews.

Where to stay nearby?
→ 100$ per night: Jetwing Colombo 7 (rated 8.7) - It has its own bar called 
→ 200$ per night: Paradise Road - Tingagel (rated 9.1)


Best Bars and Nightclubs in Colombo
Colombo nightlife is quiet on most nights except on Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday (if you go to the right venues).

On weekends, most nightclubs and bars will charge an entrance fee to men. The fare varies from 1,000Rs up to 2,500Rs and you'll get drink coupons in exchange. Before paying, try asking the bouncers if you can have a quick look inside to check the crowd situation.

Avoid wearing shorts and sandals in high-end venues. Also, be aware that it is not uncommon to be refused entry if you are a group of men without any women. This is especially true if you are Indian.

Here are the best bars and nightclubs in Colombo as of today:

Rhythm and Blues
This bar/club was one of the nicest I visited in the city. The indoor area is medium-sized, with a long rectangular bar in the middle, and sofas on the side. It is modern, well-designed and clean. The DJs or live bands play in one of the corners, in front of a small dance floor.

I was there on a Wednesday and it was crowded (90% Sri Lankans, 20% women). The music was commercial Rn'B/EDM and people were dancing enthusiastically. Different themes every night (Tuesday for Backpackers, 80/90s music, etc).

Drinks cost around 300-400Rs per glass of spirit (they charge the mixer separately 200Rs) and cocktails around 800-900Rs. Rs1,000 entrance for men only.


Re.Pub.Lk
Republk is built on two floors with a small garden/smoking area. Good selection of food/drinks. Eclectic music (Rn'B, reggae, electro, etc). Expat crowd with some rich Sri Lankans.

Be careful as they have a strict dress code: No shorts, no sandals, no skinnies after 7 PM on weekends.

Ladies night on Wednesdays. Happy hours from 5 PM to 7 PM. Cocktails cost around 700Rs.

Facebook: REPUBLIK Colombo

Playtrix
I went to Playtrix sports bar to watch a Champions League game and I had a great night. Most customers were young, easy-going Sri Lankans. Prices are average (350Rs for a beer). The music is from a DJ mixing EDM and Top 40 tunes. Ladies nights on Fridays from 8 PM to 11 PM and Couchsurfing meetings every Thursday.

Beware: Playtrix is hard to find. First, you need to go inside the racecourse track, and then climb the stairs of the tribune. It is at the top, just above Disques nightclub (closed already).

Instagram: Playtrix

Love Bar and Candi Room
Both are located within the Flamingo House, a chic restaurant in Cinnamon Gardens. Love Bar is open every day and it is famous for its cocktails (around 900Rs each). The music is laidback deep house and nu disco. The Candi Room is more like a speakeasy. It is better to visit it with a group of friends and order bottles. It is open only on Friday and Saturday.

Facebook: Candi Room and Love Bar

Sopranos Bar and Karaoke
Sopranos is a high-end bar with a live karaoke located about 100 meters from the Gymkhana complex. It is quite fun and you have a decent crowd from Tuesday to Saturday (until 3 AM). Men must pay Rs1,000 to get inside.

Facebook: Sopranos

Floor By O
Inside Gymkhana Complex, this lounge-bar-restaurant was empty when I visited it. Apparently, it only gets crowded on weekends (entrance fee 2,000Rs for guys to spend on drinks).

Facebook: Floor by O

The Manchester Pub
This minimalistic pub is one of the main expat hangouts in Colombo (You also have a fair amount of backpackers and locals among the customers). Good for watching football, cricket or rugby. You can order Indian food from the excellent Agra restaurant next door.

Busy quiz night on Wednesday. Open mic on Tuesday. Live music on Thursday and Friday. Closes very early at 11 PM.

Facebook: The Manchester Pub

Sky Lounge
Famous rooftop bar with a stylish setup, good drinks and perfect view. It is located in the 5-star Kingsbury Hotel, in the Central Business District area.

Happy hours from 5.30PM to 7 PM (usual price for a cocktail around 1200Rs each). Live music on Thursday.

Facebook: Sky Lounge

Honey Beach Club
Also part of the Kingsbury Hotel, it is actually more a pool club than a beach club. Live DJ every day starting 5 PM. Open from 10 AM to midnight. Full menu and prices available here.

Facebook: Honey Beach Club

W Lounge
Previously known as The Kama, it looks fine but there weren't any customers when I visited.

Facebook: W Lounge

Cleopatra Bollywood Club
Cleopatra is a bit complicated to find as it is hidden in the basement of Liberty Arcade (same building as Which Way West). You won't see any signs indicating it from outside so you should ask one of the security guards for directions.

I was charged 2,000Rs to get inside, without any drinks. I accepted to pay because I had read on the Internet that it was the "ultimate underground nightclub" in Colombo. What a disappointment!

It is more a sad bar with horrible music and staff who tried to short-change me. Crowd is mostly older local guys and prostitutes. The only positive thing is the belly dancer show every hour.

Address: Basement, Liberty Arcade Mall, R A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka

Meeting Sri Lankan Girls
My spontaneous advice would be "Forget about it" as there are very few Sri Lankan women in bars/clubs and also on dating websites/apps.

There are some foreign girls on Tinder/Bumble/Hinge, but you'll have better luck going directly to clubs like Chiller Room, Re.Pub.Lk, Rhythm and Blues, Floor by O, or Love Bar.

You may also want to look at Seeking.com, even though it is a sugar dating site. There may be more profiles there.
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Sleeping in a Male-Only Capsule Hotel in Tokyo

July 4, 2023, 7:33 am
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The best way to save money on a trip to Tokyo is to sleep in a capsule hotel. Depending on the location and the facilities, it costs from US$20 up to US$50 per night.

During my stay, I chose one of the cheapest capsule hotels in Tokyo, the male-only Oriental Capsule & Sauna in Ueno. It is a very convenient location to explore the city as both the Metro and the Japan Rail Yamanote Line are within 200 meters.

Rated above 8/10 on Booking.com and Agoda, the price is around US$20-25 per night.

This capsule hotel, like many other in Tokyo, does not have individual showers and bathroom, meaning you will bathe naked in public. I was a bit disturbed at first as I was not expecting it, but then you get used to it. The advantage is that the public baths also have a sauna and a jacuzzi that you can use for free after you shower. 

Since there is only one public bathroom, women are not accepted in the hotel. Another possible explanation for this ban is that some naughty stuff happens in the spa, but it's just speculation. You can try for yourself by getting a massage from 12am to 3am for 1,500 Yen (US$15) for 30 minutes or 2,800 Yen (US$28) for 60 minutes.

80% of the customers are probably Japanese office workers/sales representatives on business trips. Many do not even have a luggage, only a briefcase. They go to the sauna, get a massage, and sleep for a few hours. You have the option of staying for a short time and pay less: 8 hours for 1,800 Yen (US$18) or 3 hours for 1,100 Yen (US$11). In this case, you are not allowed to leave the premises until you check out.

Sleeping in a capsule hotel means you must obey to a certain number of rules. They can be confusing at first so I will explain them below:

Remove your shoes as you enter the reception area

As you enter the hotel reception on the 4th floor, you must immediately take off your shoes and use the plastic slippers provided. You can put your shoes in the small locker in the room on the left, then bring the key to the reception.

Check-in

Attracting foreigners is obviously part of the strategy of the hotel. The receptionists speak decent English and they take the time to answer your questions. The management has also installed posters and signs in English almost everywhere so you can pretty much understand how things work by yourself.

Luggage
Storage for larger luggage
Once you are done with the check-in, you will be given a key to a locker which is located on the 4th floor as well. The number on your key is the number of both your locker and your capsule, with the first digit corresponding to the floor number of the capsule. The locker provided is quite small so if you have a lot of luggage, you will need to keep them at the reception, free of charge.

Wearing a kimono
At this point, if you wish to access your bed or to take a bath, you must remove your clothes and wear a kimono. The kimono is provided and available in the locker with a towel.

The capsule
The capsules are located on the 5th, 6th and 7th floor inside large and quiet rooms.

They do not have a proper door, only a curtain. If you have valuables, it is therefore better to keep them in the safety box at the reception.

You will be provided with a clean towel and linens that you must put on by yourself. The mattress is not that comfortable, but decent enough for a few nights. Only one person is allowed per capsule. No eating or smoking is permitted but you have a smoking room on the 6th floor. Some customers on Booking.com or Agoda complained about the cigarette smell but that didn't bother me.

There is a small TV with only Japanese channels, among which, surprisingly, porn movies. There is also an alarm clock and a power socket. Be sure to bring your own plug adapter as they don't sell any at the reception.

Bathing
Grooming Room
The best part of sleeping in a capsule hotel in Tokyo is the sauna part. It is a cheap way to experience Japanese public bath, even though it is not as refined as visiting an actual Onsen.

An important rule is that is forbidden to persons with tattoos. Apparently, it is because they are associated with the mafia and anti-social behavior.

I'm not sure about the actual bathing protocol but I did the following by observing the Japanese around me: As you enter the baths, you take off all your clothes and put them in a box (without any locker). There are no towels provided on the spot so don't forget to bring the one from your capsule.

You must shower on a small plastic stool that you should rinse before and after sitting down. Shampoo and shower gel is provided. It is only after you've washed that you can use the sauna and the jacuzzi. Some Japanese were carrying a face towel with them the whole time.

Once finished, you can put the towels in the used bin (if you are not planning to use them again), dress up and go to the grooming room on the same floor (4th). There, you can shave, use gel, cut your nails, brush your teeth or dry your hair.

The facilities
Capsule hotels in Japan usually have a lot of interesting facilities and amenities for travelers. In Oriental, you have a coin washing machine, a dryer, a rest room, a grooming room, a casino (ground floor), a spa and several vending machines (alcohol, snacks, instant noodles). You can also buy shirts, ties or umbrellas.

Just outside the hotel, there are many cheap restaurants selling sushi or ramen. There is also a place where you can rent and watch DVDs all night long. It seems to be a red light area as several women offered me sexual services as I was walking around.

Oriental Men-Only Capsule and Sauna
Address in English: 6-9-9 Ueno, Taito 110-0005, Tokyo Prefecture
Address in Japanese: 台東区上野6丁目9-9, 上野, 東京, 日本 110-0005
Phone number: 03-3833-1501
Fax: 03-3833-6996
Nearest metro station: UENO.

You can see more pictures on their English website: Century Hotel - Oriental Capsule.

Check in at noon, check out at 11am. The price for walk-in guests (without prior reservation) is 3,000 Yen but you can find much cheaper online via Agoda or Booking.com. You can compare both sites on the comparator HotelsCombined: Oriental Capsule and Sauna.

Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Oriental Capsule Hotel from Outside
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Top 10 Rooftop Bars in Jakarta (2023)

November 1, 2023, 3:27 am
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Jakarta is one of the cities in the world with the most skyscrapers (buildings over 150 meters high). Luckily, several of them have rooftop bars and restaurants from which you can enjoy an amazing view.

Rising way above the traffic jams, they are also a great way to escape from Jakarta's pollution, and to enjoy a fresher air.

Below are my 10 favorite rooftop bars in Jakarta (scroll down for those which are free, without minimum charge to enter):

Best Rooftop Bars in Jakarta

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

Cloud Lounge (Thamrin)
Another rooftop near SKYE in the Plaza Building (Plaza Indonesia). It is conveniently located in the heart of the city and it offers fantastic views of Jakarta by day or by night. One of my favorite bars in Jakarta.

Chao Chao (SCBD)
This rooftop bar on top of the Alila Hotel SCBD replaced Hakkasan after it closed in 2020. It is an expensive place with only a tiny bar area. Most customers are required to book sofas (2,5M of minimum spend for 4 people). The view is ok but not exceptional. Good electronic music.

Highest Rooftop Bar in Jakarta

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

Newest Rooftop Bars in Jakarta

Newest luxury rooftop bar in Jakarta, on the 36th floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel (Menteng, near the American Embassy, not to be confused with the Grand Hyatt). I think its view is actually less spectacular than that of Henshin or Cloud, because the skyscrapers are further away. It is also less happening (not so many interesting events so far). It's a shame because it has potential. Prices on the high side (minimum IDR 200,000 for a cocktail and over IDR110,000 for a beer).

Cafe Cali (Sudirman)
This new rooftop bar is on the 32nd floor of the Orient Hotel. It is located in the same building as Caspar. During the day, it works as a pool club and restaurant with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. In the evening, it can be more or less crowded depending on their events. Sometimes quite empty (except at sunset time), sometimes very busy. So make sure to check their Instagram before going.

The entrance fee during the day is IDR 200,000 with one drink included (and pool towels). At night, it can be up to IDR 300,000.

Free Rooftop Bars in Jakarta (No Minimum Charge)

Awan Lounge
This is not the most spectacular rooftop in Jakarta, as it is only on the 9th floor of Kosenda Hotel (near Sarinah/Thamrin), but it is nevertheless popular. Its relaxing jungle concept is exactly what you need after a hectic day in the city, and it has more affordable prices than its competitors.
On the 7th floor of Artotel in Thamrin, just in front of Sarinah Mall, this is a minimalist rooftop bar which is rarely crowded, unless they have a special event. Customers are often young and/or clients of the hotel.

Hause is a small bar and restaurant located on the rooftop of MD Place in Setiabudi. You have a long selection of cocktails, Western and Indonesian food, live music on selected nights, and a hipster vibe.

The building is only 6 floors high so you don't expect a fantastic view. There are plants and flowers everywhere and it's what I liked the most about Hause. It truly feels like an oasis in the city (especially in that area of Jakarta where you don't have any green spaces). 

Apart from the plants, there is really nothing special about the design. It's cute and homey but nothing you've never seen before elsewhere.

My problem with Hause is that the prices are way too high compared to what the place has to offer in terms of food, drinks, service and atmosphere.

Small rooftop bar, not very far from Mega Kuningan, with reasonable prices. Indonesian crowd.

Another simple rooftop bar with cheap prices and a good view of the surrounding skyscrapers. Located on the 5th floor of Guesthouse De 80's Genteng Ijo, in Setiabudi.

You may also want to check Egghotel Rooftop near Mega Kuningan.
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Why Porn Websites Are Blocked in Dubai (and How to Unblock them)?

October 1, 2023, 1:29 am
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If you've tried to access a porn website while in Dubai (or elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates), you've probably seen an error message that looks like this one:


Porn websites are not the only ones blocked by the government. It is also the case with any website whose content is deemed to violate the country's values. It can be because of gambling, hate speech, nudity, vulgarity, or drugs. Censorship will also affect those who criticize the government or those who promote atheism.

Actually, it is forbidden to help anyone to access forbidden websites. Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised if my own website gets banned one of these days!

To make sure you can still read Jakarta100bars after you've landed, just make sure you follow these steps BEFORE arriving in Dubai:


How to Unblock Porn Sites in Dubai/the UAE?
In any case, you should know that it is very easy to unblock blocked websites in Dubai (or the UAE).

The solution is to simply use a VPN. Some are available for free, but they are slow and full of ads. Instead, I really recommend using a paid VPN. The price has become so cheap that you can buy one for as little as US2$ per month (PureVPN for instance).

If you are not sure about how a VPN works exactly, I will guide you step by step here. You only need 5 minutes to install one, and then you'll be able to surf the web freely and anonymously, just like in your home country.

What is a VPN?
A VPN is a software that you can download from the internet and install on your phone or computer. After you've launched it, you can simply connect your VPN to a server in a different country, and access any websites that are allowed in this country.

For instance, the VPN on my computer looks like this:
Picture of my VPN on my laptop (I'm not connected yet)
By clicking on the "connect" button, my internet connection will transit anonymously to a server in France (or another country if I want to). From this moment on, blocked websites will be reachable as if I was physically located in France and using a French Internet Service Provider (ISP). Also, as the connection is encrypted by the VPN, your ISP in Dubai (usually state-owned Etisalat or Du) will never know which websites you visit and you will be totally anonymous.

Choosing a VPN
Personally, I've been using VyprVPN for a few years already and I'm very happy with it.

I've tried maybe 5 other VPN brands before that which were OK. What really made the difference with VyprVPN is their proprietary Chameleon Protocol technology. This allowed me to surf the web normally even when I was in China, and also to use Netflix US from anywhere in the world.

The price is also reasonable in my opinion (US$3.75 per month for the yearly plan).

If you are not planning to visit China, you can consider using PureVPN whose value is fantastic as it costs less than 2$ per month for its 3-year plan. I had it for a while and I never had any issues with it.

If you are not sure, just try them first for free. VyprVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee and PureVPN a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Installing and Using VyprVPN
If you choose VyprVPN, here is a step-by-step guide on how to install it and use it. Honestly, it is very easy, even if you are not good with computers.

Step 1: Pay and Register (30-Day Free Trial)
After you've chosen your VyprVPN plan* and paid, you will be able to create an account on the VyprVPN's control panel. There, you can update your personal or your billing information. You can also contact the support team and read tutorials about VyprVPN.

* Note: If you plan on watching Netflix US in Dubai/UAE, or if you often go to China, you should choose the Premium Plan as it includes the Chameleon Protocol.

Step 2: Install VyprVPN on Your Laptop or Phone
The second step is to download VyprVPN on your laptop or your phone. All you need to do is click on "Download VyprVPN" as in the following photo:
- If you have a PC, click on VyprVPN for Windows.
- If you have a Mac, click on VyprVPN for Mac.
- If you have an iPhone, click on VyprVPN for iOS
- If you have a Samsung, a Huawei, an HTC, or any phone running with Android, click on VyprVPN for Android.

Step 3: Connect
After your VPN is installed on your computer or your phone, launch it and you'll be asked to enter your login/password.
Just enter the same email and password you used before to connect to VyprVPN's control panel.

You will now be able to connect to any servers you choose. By default, it is better to select "Fastest Server" but you can choose a specific country if you click on "Servers".

Changing servers can be useful if you want to watch Netflix US from Dubai for instance. In that case, you will have to choose a server in a city like New York or San Francisco. You can learn more about this by reading my article: How to Watch Netflix in Indonesia.

Step 4: Enjoy 100% Privacy When Surfing the Web

When you see that the dashboard says "Connected", you are now able to access any blocked websites in Dubai, especially porn. Moreover, you are totally anonymous and nobody will know what you are doing online (this includes your internet provider, your boss, your landlord, your hotel, your wife, etc).

Step 5: Customize VyprVPN (Optional)
Most people won't need to customize their VPN. Personally, there are two features that I use sometimes:

The Kill Switch feature allows you to remain completely anonymous in case your VPN connection is lost.

The Chameleon Protocol is a more secure way to encrypt your connection. With it, it is harder for websites, governments, or Internet Service Providers to know that you are using a VPN. This is particularly useful when using the Internet in China or to watch Netflix US (because Netflix doesn't allow its members to use a VPN).

Is it Legal to Use a VPN in Dubai or the United Arab Emirates
You could think that it would be illegal to use a VPN in the UAE, considering the government is so keen on controlling its citizen's use of the Internet.

And yet, as of today it is totally legal. In fact, the country has one of the largest numbers of VPN users in the world. Among expats, almost everyone I know has one installed.
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