Jakarta100bars - Nightlife & Party Guide

If you've tried to access a porn website while in Qatar/Doha, you've probably seen the following message:

"The webpage you are trying to access has been blocked by Internet Qatar as the content contains materials which are prohibited in the State of Qatar"

This is actually part of a government effort to prevent Qataris to be exposed to obscene or indecent content. Considering Islam is the official religion of the country, it is hardly surprising they don't want their citizens to access the thousands of adult sites available on the World Wide Web in just one click.

Unfortunately, some regular and inoffensive websites are also blocked, usually for political or religious reasons. For instance, if they criticize the government or if they promote atheism.

Finally, it might be difficult to access online gambling websites, torrent websites, as well as escort services.

How to Unblock Porn Sites in Qatar?
In any case, you should know that it is very easy to unblock them.

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 Qatar (usually state-owned Ooredo) 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 Saudi Arabia, 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 Qatar 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 Qatar, 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 Qatar
You could think that it would be illegal to use a VPN in Qatar, 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.

I had previously written an article to explain how to unblock Netflix in Indonesia. Indeed, for several years, Telkom, a government-owned company and one of the largest Internet Service Providers (ISP) in the country (under the brand IndiHome) had blocked Netflix. The official reason was that its content was deemed offensive to Indonesians, but the real motivation was to protect IndiHome's own streaming service called iFlix.

Anyway, I deleted the content of this article entirely since Telkom/IndiHome finally allowed Netflix on its network. I guess it was bad for their reputation and they were losing customers to their competitors.

That said, now that Netflix is finally easy to watch in Indonesia, you will probably be disappointed when you see their catalog. It is quite poor, with few of the movies or series that you may be used to watch back home available.

To solve this problem and to get access to the US catalog of Netflix (or the French, UK, Australian catalog), all you need to do is to subscribe to a VPN. It isn't free, but still very cheap (under 2$ per month with PureVPN) and extremely useful if you also care about your privacy online. Read about the benefits of using a VPN here: Best VPNs for Indonesia.

PureVPN is the one I prefer, but you can also use another one like VyprVPN. I used both and they were working well with a few differences.

What you have to understand is that Netflix doesn't allow the use of a VPN and it will track down anyone who uses one, by blocking IPs identified as coming from a VPN.

If you are using a VPN, you will get the following message when you start watching a movie:

For this reason, you have to make sure that the VPN you use is sophisticated enough to avoid being detected by Netflix. With PureVPN, I rarely have any issues. From time to time, the VPN is detected, but it only lasts for a short time (in the meantime, you can just connect from the UK/Canada/Australia instead of the US for instance as the catalog is pretty similar in those countries).

Another crucial feature you need is speed, obviously, as you need a rather high bandwidth when streaming videos.

My suggestion is that you use the free trials offered by the VPN companies so you can test how well they work. Both VyprVPN and PureVPN have a 30-day money back guarantee that is just perfect for that.

If you are just visiting Indonesia for a few weeks on a holiday or business trip, it can also be smart to use this 30-day money back guarantee as you'll basically get a free VPN during your stay.

Using PureVPN to stream Netflix US from Indonesia:

This is really easy.

After you've logged in to PureVPN, just choose "Location" and select the country from which you wish to stream Netflix. Click on it and it will connect automatically. That's it! Enjoy!

Using VyprVPN to stream Netflix US from Indonesia:

Things are slightly more complicated with VyprVPN. To make Netflix work perfectly in Indonesia using it (and to avoid being detected by Netflix), you need to modify its settings a little bit. Let me show you below how to to do that properly:

1) Once logged in, go to VyprVPN Preferences (or Customize), and select Protocol:

Make sure you select either IKEv2 256-bit encryption or Chameleon whenever you want to unblock Netflix in Indonesia. The rest of the time, you can select OpenVPN only.

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

Troubleshooting:

- You should now be able to watch Netflix US, just as if you were in your home country. The connection will sometimes drop, so you can solve this problem by simply clicking the button "automatically reconnect" in VyprVPN --> Preferences --> Connection

- Another problem you could be facing is that a server might get temporarily blocked by Netflix. In that case, just try another server. For instance, choose Miami instead of Chicago.

The fact that VyprVPN has several US servers is an advantage compared to PureVPN as it makes it easier to switch from one server to the other in case one IP gets blocked by Netflix.

If you've tried to access a porn website while in Saudi Arabia, you've probably seen an error message that looks like this one:

There is a special agency within the government of Saudi Arabia whose task is to track down any website with pornographic or erotic content. Even something very mild may be flagged and added to the "forbidden" list.

Porn websites are not the only ones blocked by the government. Any website with "haram" content such as homosexuality, bestiality, nudity, vulgarity, drugs, or gambling will be impossible to reach in the country. The block will also affect websites that promote atheism, hate speech, and of course those who are opposed to the Saudi monarchy.

In total, there are millions of websites that are blocked, which can be annoying for someone who is traveling to the country for a short period of time.

How to Unblock Porn Sites in Saudi Arabia?

In any case, you should know that it is very easy to unblock blocked websites in Saudi Arabia.

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?

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 Saudi Arabia (like STC or Zain) 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 its 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$2.5 per month for the two-year plan).

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.

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.

Changing servers can be useful if you want to watch Netflix US from Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia?
You could think that it would be illegal to use a VPN in Saudi Arabia, 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.

You can make your life in Jakarta much easier by downloading a few apps on your phone. They will be helpful in numerous everyday situations, from getting around the city to buying your groceries. There's even an app to order a massage!

I've selected here my 15 favorites, most of them free. Please leave me a comment if you think I forgot one worth mentioning!

Here are the most useful apps for living in Jakarta:

Waze

Owned by Google, Waze is a GPS navigator with real-time traffic information. For instance, it tells you if there are traffic jams, accidents, road repairs and even police stops on your way.

It is an essential tool to estimate the length of your road trips within Jakarta. It can also give you excellent advice on the best routes from point A to point B.

Alternative:
Lewat Mana has webcams pointed at the main thoroughfares in Jakarta.

Price: FREE

Maps Me
Maps Me is similar to Google Maps with one additional benefit: You can download the maps you need and then consult them offline. It is particularly useful whenever you are in an area of Jakarta with slow internet (or if you don't want to use your internet quota).

I also enjoy the possibility of marking a location on a map with a pinpoint. I put on in every cities I've been and now I have this:

My MapsMe world map with all my pinpoints

Price: FREE

Bumble

If you are a single person in Jakarta, Bumble is the best app available to find a partner compared to its competitors.

Alternative:

There are a few options other than Bumble that I listed in the guide Best Dating Apps in Indonesia: Badoo, Skout, Tinder, OkCupid, Paktor, Grindr (for gays).

Price: FREE with paying features.

PureVPN

You probably noticed that a lot of websites are blocked in Indonesia, including gambling, torrent and porn. To access them freely (while staying anonymous), you'll need to download a VPN on your phone and computer.

The one I currently use is PureVPN (it works great and it's really cheap), but in the past, I also tried and enjoyed VyprVPN.

You can read more about this topic: Best VPNs for Indonesia and Are VPNs Legal in Indonesia?

Price: Between 2$ and 5$ per month with an annual plan. If you choose PureVPN, use the coupon "Jakarta100bars" to get an extra 10% discount.

Grab

Similar to Gojek, it is mainly a transportation app (car, motorcycle, taxis) with additional services like food delivery. You can also use it to rent a car or to book a doctor's appointment, pay your bills, or even buy "pulsa" (phone credit).

You should subscribe to their newsletter too as they give out special promotion codes regularly.

Finally, with GrabPay (linked to an OVO account), you can make purchases in hundreds of thousands of shops in Indonesia, from your local warung to a trendy boutique in Grand Indonesia.

Price: Compared with traditional taxis, they cost around 30% less. The discount is even higher if you pay with Ovo (GrabPay).

Gojek

Gojek is probably the most versatile app in Indonesia. Whatever your needs are, you'll almost always find a Gojek answer to them.

It started as a transportation app like Grab and Uber, but specializing in moto-taxis (Ojek in Indonesian). They now have an army of riders that can be used for regular transport (Go-ride), food delivery (Go-food), grocery delivery (Go-mart), package delivery (Go-send), medicine delivery (Go-med), ticket delivery (Go-tix), etc.

They also offer maid services (Go-maid), car repair (Go-auto), beauty services (Go-glam) and moving truck rental (Go-box).

Last, but not least, you can order Blue Bird taxis through the app.

Price: Each service has its own pricing, usually cheap. By using the prepaid option Go-pay, you'll get significant discounts and you can use your credit to buy phone credit (Go-pulsa).

HappyFresh

HappyFresh allows you to buy your groceries directly from their app and get them delivered to your door within a couple of hours. They have partnerships with several supermarket chains like Lotte, Carrefour, Ranch Market or Farmer's Market.

I use it for buying beer among other things (see How to Buy Alcohol in Jakarta).

Price: IDR20,000 per delivery + a 10% markup on every item bought (they are not very transparent about this, unfortunately).

Mondly

I wrote about Mondly in my article How I Learned Indonesian. It is a fun app for learning Indonesian, perfect for those who don't have too much free time available. Typically, I open it when I'm stuck in traffic or waiting for someone at the restaurant. 10 minutes every day for a month is enough to make significant progress.

You can get a special discount if you buy the app through this link: Mondly Promotion.

Price: Around 20 lessons are free, and then you have to pay a few dollars per month.

Google Translate

Make sure you download the Indonesian language package so you can use it offline. Google Translate is available on Play Store and on iTunes.

Price: FREE

Traveloka

In general, Traveloka has lower prices for Indonesian hotels and flights, especially if you are paying with an Indonesian credit card (Mandiri, BNI, BCA, etc).

You can also try the competition, PegiPegi (only in Bahasa) and Tiket.com. All these companies always give promo codes through their websites or through their newsletter.

Line

Similar to Whatsapp, Line is a very popular messenger app in Indonesia. It is often used by small businesses, like warungs or laundry shops. As such, it is useful to install it if you wish to communicate with them.

Price: FREE

Shopee or Tokopedia

Those two marketplaces are the closest things to Amazon or AliExpress in Indonesia. They have an impressive number of items for sale, from discounted plane tickets to phone credit.

I was a bit reluctant to use them at first but I always choose vendors with at least several dozen 5-star ratings and I never encountered any issues. I use Tokopedia the most, especially to buy imported food (pasta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, etc) or some dry items (like nuts, organic rice, chickpeas, etc.). Prices are generally 30% lower than in my nearby supermarket

Wise
As I wrote in my article "What Is The Cheapest Way to Send Money to Indonesia", the Wise app (formerly TransferWise) allows you to send money to most countries on earth for a fraction of what it would cost with traditional banks or with Western Union. It's essential if you have a business or a girlfriend to support in Jakarta.

Price: 1,5% of the total amount you want to transfer

In this review, I will explain how to bypass Internet censorship in Indonesia (mostly targeting porn websites) by using a VPN service (Virtual Private Network). I will also give you tips on how to watch Netflix in Indonesia.

Note: The VPNs I recommend here also work well for China, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, etc.

Thousands of blocked websites in Indonesia

Most porn and torrent websites are blocked in Indonesia. This includes all the most famous ones like XVideos, YouPorn, PornHub, XHamster, KickAss Torrents, and The Pirate Bay. It is also not possible to visit some forums like Reddit or InternationalSexGuide. Same thing with the hook-up website Adult Friend Finder and the cam website Chaturbate.

Some regular websites have also been banned, like Vimeo. Tumblr was shut down in March 2018 after its management refused to remove porn content from the platform.

Another problem internet users are facing in Indonesia is the 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions Act. This vague set of laws can make you the target of a defamation suit for exposing your views online. You are not allowed, for instance, to suggest that someone might be corrupt.

Because of this law, posting a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Path in Indonesia can land you in jail. This is what happened to Alexander Aan or Florence Sihombing.

I have been using a VPN for over 8 years already. It allows me to visit any websites I want on the internet without anyone knowing about it. It is 100% legal, secure, and safe. In fact, according to this study, Indonesia is the country with the most VPN users in the world: 23% of its Internet users have one installed.

The cost is low (fewer than USD2-4 per month on an annual plan) and it works great. If you travel a lot in Asia, it is also very useful in heavily-censored countries like Vietnam or China.

Since VPN companies usually give you a free trial from a few days up to 1 month, I tested at least 10 of them to make sure I was choosing the best. There are so many different companies that you could probably get a free VPN just by using their trial periods and switching from one to another.

However, the prices are really reasonable so once you've found one that works well, it's really easier to just pay.

Many of the VPNs I tried were similar, but I found there were 2 standing out of the crowd:

PureVPN - Best Value for Money: Perfect for anonymous web browsing, downloading torrents and streaming videos (Netflix)

PureVPN is often considered one of the best on the market because of its super-fast servers (they have over 6500 of them in 78+ countries, including one in Jakarta). If you watch a lot of videos or download movies through torrents/peer-to-peer network, I strongly recommend it.

First, because there is no bandwidth limit on your data transfers. Second, because they keep no logs of your connection (or IP) and therefore your activity is 100% anonymous.

If you are looking for a VPN that allows you to watch Netflix US, this is an excellent choice too. Just choose an American server, and it will be as if you were there. You can switch to Australian Netflix, French Netflix, or any other location as long as there is a server there. Occasionally, Netflix will flag one specific IP and you'll have to change your location again. Nothing to worry about though as it only lasts for a few hours. This happens with every VPNs.

In terms of security, they use a military-grade key with up-to-256-bit encryption to protect your communication for government spying.

They also have a great support team that will resolve any issue you may have within a few hours.

Pure VPN is the recommended choice for PCMag, Mashable, Forbes, and the Huffington Post.

Great news! PureVPN has just launched a huge offer. You can now buy a 2-year plan for only USD2.04 per month. That's 80% off from their normal price. Also, you can get an extra 10% off with the coupon code "Jakarta100bars".

To benefit from this offer, you can click on the following link: PureVPN - 30-Day Money-Back Guaranteed.

Vypr VPN - Strongest and Best VPN with 30 days money-back guarantee

VyprVPN is a slightly more expensive VPN because of one main feature: The Chameleon technology. Thanks to that, it manages to bypass the government's restrictions in China (one of the only VPN providers to do so).

When I was traveling to China last year, I used it a lot and it never let me down. Their support was really amazing, I could ask any questions and they would reply to me within just a few minutes.

I would recommend it to those who travel in countries with heavy restrictions on VPNs. Naturally, it works perfectly for Indonesia as well (they have a server in Jakarta too for faster speed).

VyprVPN was recommended by the New York Times, The Verge, and LifeHacker.

A great thing about VyprVPN is that the annual plan is actually quite cheap! It will cost you only USD3.75 per month, which is nothing for the privilege of being able to surf the web freely and anonymously.

You can purchase it using your credit card, Alipay or PayPal. It can be used on up to 5 devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop, TV, etc).

Pricing of Basic Plan:

USD3.75 per month (billed annually)
USD9.75 per month (billed monthly)

Pricing of Premium Plan:

USD5 per month (billed annually)

USD12.95 per month (billed monthly)

Update: There is currently a mega-sale at USD1.67 per month for a 2-year plan. Unbeatable price! You can get the deal here: Spring Sale VyprVPN.

How Do You Access Porn/Blocked Websites in Indonesia? Do You Use A VPN As Well?

There are a lot of new VPN providers entering the market every month. If you are using a different VPN in Indonesia or if you have another way to visit porn/blocked websites in Indonesia, please leave a comment below to share your experience!

With 1,8M inhabitants, Abu Dhabi is the second-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after Dubai.

Even though the country is officially Islamic, it has a decent nightlife that caters mostly to expats, tourists, and businessmen. There are around 10 lively bars and nightclubs, almost all of which are located within 4- or 5-star hotels. You can find a crowded event most days of the week, except during Ramadan when everything is closed.

That said, not everything is perfect. The main problem is that very few women go clubbing in Abu Dhabi, so it is not rare to have bars full of guys (minus the prostitutes). To avoid that, select your venues carefully and keep an eye out for ladies nights.

Another issue is that prices are generally quite high. A cocktail in a high-end bar will easily reach US$20, and a beer US$10. To order bottle service, be ready to spend at least US$500 for one bottle. It is a good idea to check for happy hours, usually from 5PM to 8PM.

If you want to know more about Abu Dhabi nightlife, just scroll down and read all my tips below: The best hotels near the nightlife, how to buy alcohol, how to meet people, the best time to party, how to dress, what to bring with you, and a list of my favorite bars and clubs.

Abu Dhabi Nightlife Areas + Hotels

Abu Dhabi nightlife is spread over a rather large area. You may need more than 30 minutes to reach some clubs, so it's important to choose the right neighborhood, depending on your taste.

Yas Island
If you want to party in the hippest venues, you should stay on Yas Island. This is not very central, especially if you work in the city center, and it is more expensive than average, but you will be near Ferrari World, the F1 Circuit, the Yas Mall, and the Yas Marina. In the latter, you have several great restaurants and bars, particularly Iris and Mad.

Where to stay on Yas Island?
It is best to choose one of the 6 hotels within Yas Island Plaza as you will find many dining and drinking options there. The most recommended is W Hotel as it has several bars and a club (US$110/night). Park Inn By Radisson is also good and it is well-priced (US$65/night).

Tourist Club Area (near Capital Park)
Al Khalidiya and Al Danah, also called the Tourist Club Area, is where you have the highest concentration of bars (many of which can be quite seedy and full of prostitutes). It is an older part of the city, that can be interesting for tourists, but it is not so modern nor beautiful. Choose this area if you want to experience the busy city life.

Where to stay in the Tourist Club Area?
Le Royal Méridien is reasonably priced (US$100 in low season), and it is ideally located. For nightlife lovers, it has three popular bars: Illusions (see review below), PJ O'Reilly's Irish Pub and the rooftop lounge Stratos.

A more affordable option is Al Maha Arjaan Hotel by Rotana (around US$70 per night).

In the midrange category, Novel Hotel (ex-Mercure) is interesting for some tourists. It has a bar called Cyclone (ex-Blitz) that has live music. It's quite popular with an Arab crowd. Many Chinese and Pinay prostitutes work there as well.

Al Bateen/Corniche Beach
This area, particularly between Corniche Beach (St Regis Hotel) and Al Bateen Marina, is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Abu Dhabi. There are only a few upscale bars around, but it is only 15 minutes away from the Tourist Club Area. Stay there if you want to live in a beautiful and relaxing neighborhood.

Where to stay in Al Bateen?
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi is a new 5-star hotel that opened in 2018. Gorgeous design, great views. Around US$200.

Are Abu Dhabi Hotels Girl-Friendly?
Almost all the 4 and 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi are guest-friendly, especially the famous international chains. However, if you wish for a girl to visit your room, she will always be required to register at the reception and to show her ID.

Buying Alcohol in Abu Dhabi

If you are over 21 and a non-Muslim, you will have three ways to buy alcohol in Abu Dhabi:
- The easiest is to get some bottles at the duty-free in the airport, just after the luggage pick-up (up to 4 liters per person)
- You can also apply online for a special license that will allow you to purchase alcohol from liquor stores like Spinney's (several outlets all over the city).
- Finally, you can just buy drinks/bottles in a bar or a club, and drink on the spot

Meeting Girls in Abu Dhabi

While in Abu Dhabi, it is very unlikely that you will get to meet, talk, or hang out with a single Emirati girl (except in a professional environment). So you can just forget about this option.

The single girls you might meet are all foreigners, from various backgrounds.

There are many Arabic women from other countries (Egyptian, Syrian, Jordanian, etc) but in the best scenario, you'll just get to chat with them online and you'll never meet.

You have the Indonesian or Filipino maids, especially on social media or dating sites (especially on Tinder, Badoo, OkCupid), but they are not often free to do what they want, and they work almost all the time. If you are very picky, you should know they aren't really the model type. They are easy to meet in Filipino clubs like the one in the Emirates Plaza Hotel.

There are also quite many flight attendants, in particular from Etihad Airways (Tinder, Bumble, Happn). They come from all over the world, and you'll often see them in high-end nightclubs and bars. You cannot imagine how much attention they receive from guys, so don't expect to approach them easily unless you have good money and looks.

English teachers are also plentiful and they are more easy to date. Again, not always the most pretty.

In the end, apart from the famous dating apps, your best bet is to go to the most successful ladies' nights in Abu Dhabi, like MAD on Thursday/Friday, or Iris on Wednesday.

Prostitution in Abu Dhabi
While it is normally forbidden for a non-married couple to live together, prostitution is nonetheless very common. There seems to be a certain tolerance from the authorities, at least with expats.

There are hookers in almost every bar or club in the city, mostly Chinese, Africans, Eastern Europeans, and Southeast Asians. As a general rule, if a pretty girl is staring at you or smiling repeatedly, you can assume she is after your money.

On Tinder/Badoo, you will also see many girls advertising for massage or sex, but beware as they are almost always scams. Most likely, a pimp is managing the account and the pictures are fake. The sugar baby website Seeking.com is more trustworthy, but it can be expensive.

Finally, there are some secret AMPs (or Asian Massage Parlors) in hidden locations in the city. They are constantly moving from one apartment to another, but taxi drivers will often know where they are.

Abu Dhabi Nightlife Tips

Here are a few things you should know to prepare for your nights out in Abu Dhabi:

Bring your ID

You can enter a bar or a nightclub in Abu Dhabi only if you are over 21. Showing your ID is often compulsory (passport recommended).

Price of Clubbing

Partying in Abu Dhabi is rather expensive if you are a guy (girls can find free drinks almost any day of the week). The best clubs will often charge at least AED100 for entrance (with one or two drinks) on weekends. On top of that, you will pay around AED30 for a beer and AED50 for a cocktail.

Overall, for a typical night out, expect to spend AED300-500.

Dress Code

You should always dress up when you visit a bar or a club in Abu Dhabi: Wear pants, closed shoes and a collared shirt. It is very common for non-accompanied guys to be denied entry at a club (particularly if your skin is dark).

When to Party

Since the weekend in the Emirates is on Friday and Saturday, the busiest nights of the week are Thursday and Friday. On the other nights, bars can be quite empty unless there is a special event or a ladies' night. Most venues close at 3AM or 4AM.

The best time of the year to party in Abu Dhabi is during the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Most of the action happens on Yas Island, near the racetrack. You can expect some famous DJs or singers to come for the occasion.

On the contrary, the worst time is during Ramadan. Then, there is no nightlife in Abu Dhabi. Some clubs stay open but there won't be any music or alcohol.

Weekly and monthly events:

To check the latest clubbing events in Abu Dhabi, you can have a look at Abu Dhabi Nightlife Guide.

Internet Censorship in Abu Dhabi
Many websites are blocked in Abu Dhabi, including porn. Personally, I use VyprVPN and I'm very happy with it. If you are confused about how it works, please read my article: Why Adult Websites are Blocked in Qatar (and How to Unblock Them).

Best Bars and Nightclubs in Abu Dhabi
This is a list of my top venues to party in Abu Dhabi.

Roberto's Club in Rosewood Hotel

This elite lounge/bar is attached to the fine dining Italian restaurant Roberto's. Chic design. Stylish, mature crowd (40-something), mostly Westerners, including some pretty flight attendants.

Music is eclectic: Deep house/electronic/techno on Wednesday (best night to visit) and Thursday, 70s/80s hits on Monday, Jazz on Tuesdays and Fridays. Strict dress code (no flat shoes for ladies). It is best to book a table in advance.

In the Rosewood Hotel, there is also an elegant speakeasy bar called Dragon's Tooth. Perfect for sipping cocktails in an intimate setting.

MAD (Yas Island)

Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, MAD is probably the most exclusive club in Abu Dhabi at the moment. It's a massive venue, surrounded by a 360° LCD screen, with a bar in the center and sofas on the side.

It is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until 3AM and, despite the 350 Dirham entrance fee per couple, it is usually full. Very strict door policy: Dress well and bring a girl with you (she should wear high heels). If you are just a bunch of guys, you should reserve a table ahead (minimum spend around AED3,000-US$815 on a normal day). Ladies night on Thursday and Friday.

The music is mostly hip-hop/R'N'B. Great sound system. About every 2 weeks, they will host a famous band or singer (so far this year: Akon, Busta Rhymes, Maitre Gims, among others) for their URBN nights (Thursday).

Iris (Yas Island)

This outdoor bar-club-lounge-restaurant is only opened during the colder season, between fall and winter. Upscale crowd, mostly Arabic and Western (seems that Blacks and Asians have issues getting in). As usual in this kind of venues, dress chic, and make a reservation if possible. Without a lady with you, you will have to buy a bottle to enter. Music is good, mostly house/EDM/chillout. Some famous international DJs have played there like Erick Morillo or Roger Sanchez.

They have a popular brunch on Friday for around 200 AED per person. The Ladies Night on Wednesday is interesting too (girls get 3 free drinks).

Stars and Bars in Yas Marina

American-style sports bars, originally from Monaco. Popular with Western expats. The outdoor area has a nice view of the Viceroy Hotel. Recommended for watching sports in Abu Dhabi.

Generous ladies night on Wednesday (4 free drinks). Popular Latin night on Thursdays (Reggaeton).

In Yas Marina, there are more nightlife venues that you can visit:
- Casa de Cuba (live Cuban music, Latin cocktails)
- Mr. Miyagi (Asian food, daily cabaret shows, karaoke at 8PM)
- Iris (reviewed above)

Porter's in Grand Millenium Hotel

Classic English pub with reasonable prices (27AED for half a pint of beer, 45AED for a cocktail). Karaoke on Sundays, Ladies night (3 free drinks) on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Brunch on Fridays. Daily live band.

There are two similar pubs in Abu Dhabi: Victor's in Hilton Grand Capital and Cooper's in Park Rotana Hotel. Both are perfect for meeting other expats living in the city. In particular, you can check the karaoke ladies night in Victor's on Wednesday (5 free drinks).

Mardi Gras, Pomodoro, Rock Bottom in Al Diar Capital Hotel

Al Diar Capital Hotel is home to a few famous bars with affordable prices: On the first floor, Mardi Gras (free entrance, live band), and on the second floor, Pomodoro (for Arabs) and Rock Bottom (club atmosphere, live band at 9PM, AED110 entrance with 2 drinks). They can be crowded at the end of the week. Many prostitutes from various nationalities.

Update 2019: A new bar called Groovz has opened its doors in the hotel

Histeria in Hilton Capital Grand

Histeria is an elite, medium-sized lounge with a modern design. It's mostly geared towards Arab clients, with Arabic music nights several times a week. I talked to a group of Moroccan girls there but they turned out to be high-end escorts. Free bar for ladies from 11PM to 2AM on Monday.

Onyx in Novotel Al Bustan

This brand new lounge has just opened in July 2019. They have a Lebanese night every Monday, and 2 very generous ladies nights on Thursday and Saturday (everything free for girls). It's a bit far from the Tourist Club Area. Sexy girls will dance on podiums several times during the night.

The Exchange and New Bar Arkadia in Le Méridien

Le Méridien has two bars which are somewhat similar. The Exchange is more upmarket, with an English live band, and targets Arabs/Western expats. New Bar Arkadia is more focused on Indians, Pakistanis, Southeast Asians. It has a Filipino live band.

Both have many working girls.

Good to know: Ladies night in Arkadia every Wednesday (2 free drinks from 11AM to 1AM).

Illusion in Le Royal Méridien Hotel

This small nightclub is one of the most famous prostitution spots in Abu Dhabi. 200AED entrance charge with 1 free drink for non-hotel guests (free on weekdays). Many working girls from various nationalities, particularly from Eastern-European or Russian-speaking countries.

Le Royal Méridien Hotel (which is girl-friendly) also has two other bars: PJ O'Reilly (Irish Pub) and Stratos (panoramic revolving bar).

49'ers and Trap Bar in Al Diar Dana Hotel

On the penthouse level of this hotel, 49ers is another bar with live music (Filipino band) and plenty of prostitution (with girls that are mostly from Asia, in particular Chinese). Entrance fee is 80AED (110 AED on weekends). Better to visit after 11PM. Before that, the place is actually a decent steak restaurant.

In the same building, there is a smaller bar, Trap, with no entry fee.

Emirates Plaza Hotel

This unique 2-star hotel in the Tourist Club area has several "ethnic" nightclubs inside its walls: Manila Bay Club for Filipinos (probably the best venue there) + several other ones for Iranians, Arabs, Pakistanis, Africans, Indians, etc. They are rather cheap places, targeting expats with lower salaries. Crowded on weekends.

Viewz in Cristal Hotel

Sports bar, popular with Western expats. Live music and DJ every day. Owned by a British guy. Average food. Closes at 4AM.

Medellin nightlife is one of the most diverse and exciting in Colombia, along with that of Bogota and Cartagena. It is a vibrant party city with dozens of nightclubs and hundreds of bars, spread into at least 3 nightlife districts.

There is a scene for everyone, whether you are a digital nomad, a tourist, a backpacker, or even a (young) retiree. It is easy to blend in with Colombians from both the middle and the high class, or to hangout with other foreigners if that's what you are looking for.

There is also a great dating scene, as long as you are aware of some obvious scams (more on that below). Combined with the excellent weather and the affordable cost of living, this makes Medellin one of my favorite cities to stay in Latin America.

The city, especially at night, has its fair share of dangers, annoyances, and downsides. The busiest nightlife district, around Parque Lleras, can feel like a giant tourist trap with rampant prostitution, drugs and petty crime.

Read my guide below to know everything you need to enjoy a safe night out in Medellin: Where to stay, where to party, how to get around, what to expect, and how to meet people.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!

Quick summary of Medellin Nightlife

If you don't have the time to read my whole article, here is a quick summary:

Most bars and clubs in Medellin are in the Poblado district, specifically in the Calle 10 near Parque Lleras and in Carrera 35, in the Provenza neighborhood. A more local and cheaper area is Carrera 70 in Laureles, near the Estadio metro station. In all these streets, you can walk rather safely and easily from bars to bars.

Good hotels near the nightlife are 14 Urban (affordable) and Selis (upmarket), both in Poblado.

The most happening clubs and bars in Medellin are Perro Negro (Reggaeton, Perreo music), Teatro Victoria (mostly Latin and R'n'B) and Salon Amador (EDM, techno).

Medellin Nightlife Map

You can click on this image to open a Google Map of the best bars and clubs in Medellin:

Nightlife Areas + Hotels

As you can see on my nightlife map above, most of the best bars and clubs in Medellin are located in one of three nightlife areas:

El Poblado

The main party area of Medellin is in the district of El Poblado. If you are new to the city, don't think too much and just go there. You can start your night out in Park Lleras, also called Zona Rosa, which is safe, walkable, and busy every day of the week. Some will think that it's too touristy, but there are still plenty of hidden gems.

Most venues are located along Calle 10 and in the nearby carreras, notably Carrera 35. The latter is in the neighborhood of Provenza which is the most happening in the city.

My most recommended hotels in El Poblado, walking distance to the nightlife and open 24/7, are:

15$: Yolo Hostel (dorms, great for meeting people, perfect for first-timers)

50$: 14 Urban (very good value for money, close to bars, clean, friendly).

100$: Selis (brand-new, central, walking distance from nightlife)

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

200$: Click Clack Hotel (One of the best hotels in the area, great gym, great beds, great service)

Where to Dance and Party in El Poblado?

- For crossover/mixed genres: Teatro Victoria (large club with different rooms, expensive), Vintrash (popular with foreigners, especially on Tuesdays since they have a language exchange event called Gringo Tuesday), Miranda (packed club), La House (big club, no cover)

- For Reggaeton/Perreo: Perro Negro (famous reggaeton club)

- For EDM and techno: Mad Radio (alternative crowd, eclectic music genres), Sonorama (techno), Salon Amador (various genres), Calle 9 (gay-friendly, more underground)

- Live music: Blue Bar (Rock), Son Havana (Salsa)

- Rooftop/cocktail bar: Envy (best view, on top of the luxury hotel Charlee)

- Tourist trap to avoid: Gusto (overpriced, lots of prostitution)

Laureles

Another party area in Medellin is the district of Laureles. This is a less expensive neighborhood, more laidback, more local, and more flat (El Poblado can be quite hilly). It is perfect if you prefer bars/cafés to nightclubs. It also has less prostitution and it is less noisy.

If you decide to visit it, just go to the metro station Estadio and exit to Carrera 70. Many bars are on this street, most of them with Colombian music and a Colombian crowd. There is also some street food. The biggest nightclub of the area is La Logia (reggaeton, perreo). Don't forget to check Julieta as well (reggaeton too).

To be close to the action, you can stay in the Dorado Hotel which is very affordable and clean.

Manrique

There is another clubbing street in Manrique on Carrera 45 (at the crossing with Calle 69-71). There are very few foreigners who go there so I don't recommend it if you are new to the city and if you don't speak any Spanish. One of the best nightclubs in Manrique is Zenith (EDM).

Medellin Nightlife Tips

Cost of partying:

It is relatively affordable to party in Medellin. The popular clubs like Salon Amador will usually charge an entrance fee if you come after midnight, between USD 5-10 per person on weekends. Beers should cost between USD 3-5 and cocktails around USD 10. You can normally ask for trago (a glass), media (half a bottle) or botella (whole bottle). For the latter, the cheapest ones will cost around USD 50-60 (or even less if you order Aguardiente, the most famous Colombian spirit).

Walking around at night

It is generally safe to walk at night in places like Parque Lleras or the more upscale areas of Laureles, as long as you are surrounded by other people. Avoid being alone in a street and, in any case, don't bring with you more than what is necessary.

Personally, this means I roll around with an old iPhone and no more than USD 80 in Colombian pesos.

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

Dating scams

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

The prepagos are also very active online, in particular on sugar baby websites like Seeking.com. In Medellin only, there are over 6,000 profiles who are just looking for a guy to take care of them financially.

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

Seeking.com is the largest luxury dating site in the world

In the vast majority of cases, everything goes well, but there are also some horrible dating stories. The most talked about involves being drugged (with scopolamine or benzodiazepines) and robbed by someone you met on a dating site, often on Tinder.

Is it common? Based on my experience, I don't think so. In most cases, the scams are pretty obvious and could be avoided with common sense. For instance, if you are a middle-aged average-looking guy who matches with a pretty 19-year-old, be suspicious. Don't assume that because you are European or American, girls who are way above your league will fall directly into your arms. If you are a 5 in your home country, then maybe you are a 6 in Colombia, that's it.

You can take a few extra steps to improve your safety:

- Check if the person you matched with is verified, and add their Instagram/Facebook.

- Make a video call

- Plan the first date during the day, in a safe environment such as a busy café or a mall. Never, ever go on a date in an unfamiliar or sketchy neighborhood.

- Be on the lookout for any potential red flags. For instance, if the guy or girl deletes your match right after you gave him or her your WhatsApp.

- Avoid taxis and order instead your own Uber or Cabify.

- Don't drink or take drugs to the point that you lose control.

- Always keep an eye on your glass

Drugs
Drug tourism is a thing in Colombia, especially in Medellin. Prices are very low, a gram of cocaine costs USD 3-5 and a pre-rolled joint US 50 cents. In techno clubs, the drug of choice, 2-CB, is called "tusi". It is known in Europe as "pink cocaine" (though it doesn't contain any cocaine). The reality is that most pills sold are fake and contain various substances (ketamine, MDMA, caffeine, or even more dangerous stuff).

If you go on a night out in Medellin, you will almost certainly be offered drugs at some point, either on the street or within a club.

Is it legal? Weed is somewhat decriminalized as long as you have less than 20 grams on you. Cocaine and 2-CB are not, but your chances of getting caught are low and the police will probably just try to get some dollars from you.

The biggest danger when you take drugs in Medellin, in my opinion, is that you are making yourself more vulnerable to scams or robberies. Be smart about it.

Prostitution

Prostitution is legal and very common in Colombia. Unsurprisingly, Medellin is home to a large contingent of sex tourists.

It may take many forms, from a freelancer working discreetly in a regular nightclub to a flashy bordello in the city's red-light district of La Candelaria/Villa Nueva (also called El Centro).

In this neighborhood, Luna Lunera is famous among foreigners: It is a huge, crazy bordello with strippers and escorts, open 24h. Many will go there to celebrate bachelor parties among other things.

Best Dating Sites in Colombia

I always say this, but the best way to meet girls (as a tourist) is to prepare your trip in advance. ColombianCupid is a great website for that. Colombian girls who use this website won't mind chatting with you even if you leave abroad.

If you do not prepare, you are most likely to struggle getting quality matches on the dating apps in Medellin (unless you are really handsome).

If you are planning to stay long term in Medellin, it will be easier. I found that several dating apps were working well. Bumble was easily the best for me. I had average success on Tinder, Happn, OkCupid, and Hinge (mostly American users).

Seeking.com is popular with mature guys who are financially stable. Some of the prettiest Colombian girls use it but most of them will expect you to support them.

Best Nightclubs/Bars in Medellin [Photos]

Salon Amador

House and techno club on two floors in the heart of El Poblado.

Perro Negro

Maybe the most famous nightclub in Medellin, quite touristy nowadays. Expensive and they might not let you in if you are just guys.

Mad Radio

One of my favorite party spots in Medellin. Great music and underground vibe.

Teatro Victoria

Nightclub with 4 different rooms including a rooftop.

The Blue Bar

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

Son Havana

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

PIK, Pantai Indah Kapuk, is one of the favorite nightlife spots in Jakarta for wealthy, young Indonesian-Chinese.

Many among them live in West and North Jakarta, especially in Pluit, Kelapa Gading and Taman Anggrek. Therefore, it can be more convenient for them to meet in PIK instead of going to South Jakarta's usual nightlife venues.

As a result, the nightlife in PIK is heavily influenced by the preferences of this demographic. For instance, most of the popular restaurants in PIK serve pork, which is rare elsewhere in the city. You will also find more Korean, Japanese and Chinese restaurants as well as some trendy Asian brands (especially in the mall PIK Avenue).

The bars and clubs in PIK follow the same logic. Soju is very popular here, and the clubs tend to focus on customers who buy bottles. There are also several karaoke joints.

Below is a quick rundown of where to hangout and party at night in PIK:

Nightlife in PIK

Most of the popular restaurants are located in the streets surrounding the Damai Indah Golf course, namely Jalan Marina Indah and Jalan Pantai Indah Kapuk (near the Jakarta Outer Ring Road). The bars and clubs are mostly in PIK 2, a new area that was built on land reclaimed from the sea.

The current popular bars and clubs are the following:

Whiterabit Monteyra KTV

High-end, trendy KTV and club that has recently opened a sister venue, Elyxium on Gatot Subroto (which replaces Blowfish club). They have luxury private suites that you can rent to make your own parties. Live bands and DJs with sexy dancers.

Mantra

Modern Chinese-style bottle nightclub with mostly EDM music. They also have live music events. They have many foreign guest DJs though I'm not familiar with most of the names.

Phoenix Gastro Bar (PIK)

If you follow many Jakartans on social media, you've probably seen a few selfies or stories taken from Phoenix Gastro Bar. Opened by the HW Group (H Club, Atlas Bali), this restaurant/bar is built on several floors in a style that resembles the interior of the Titanic (think about the scene with the staircase). If you come after 6 PM, you have a minimum charge of IDR 1,5M to get a sofa (for 6-8 persons). Live jazz/pop every day until 10PM, followed by a DJ until 2AM.

Black Owl

Similar to Phoenix, you come here to eat with friends while enjoying live music and a DJ. It is very happening and they usually have several events every week. It is also part of a chain and they have several locations in Jakarta.

Tipsy Monkey

One of the busiest bars in Pantai Indah Kapuk. Good selection of beers and soju. Not so pricey. They usually have live music (Indonesian and English pop/rock) followed by a DJ (EDM, top 40, RnB).

The Replay KTV

One of the best karaokes in PIK with Bose sound system.

Union

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

In Pantai Indah Kapuk, they are located in the mall PIK Avenue.

The Garden PIK

Not really a place to get drunk, but it can be a nice meeting point for a date. This is more a café/restaurant with a garden theme. It is often crowded.

Barcode Ultra Lounge

A bar with a daily live band and DJ. For an older, Indonesian crowd.

You shouldn't expect much from Muscat nightlife. There are very few bars, even fewer nightclubs, and you won't find a party atmosphere like in Dubai.

That said, if you are living in the city, or if you are visiting for a few days, you can always find some decent venues to have fun, to meet people, and to drink alcohol.

Just scroll down to learn more about the best party spots in the capital of Oman.

Muscat Nightlife Areas + Hotels

You can click on the map below to see the location of the best bars and clubs in Muscat:

Muscat is a city with several centers, making it rather inconvenient to navigate. Expect to spend quite a bit of time in a car or a taxi every time you want to go somewhere.

For this reason, it is important to choose your hotel carefully. Personally, I would recommend a location near the Sultan Qaboos Highway, ideally near the neighborhood of Al Qurum. It is an upmarket district, near the beach, where you can easily reach shops, malls, and restaurants. It is also within 10-20 minutes from the business district of Ruwi.

For nightlife lovers, the Grand Hyatt Hotel is the best choice as it has three popular bars and clubs inside: Safari Pub, Habana Sports Bar and John Barry. It is quite expensive, but you may be able to find some good deals on Agoda (less than US250$/night). Another plus point is that it's not too far from the airport.

In a similar price range, the Intercontinental is a good choice as well, with two bars: Al Ghazal Pub and Trader Vic's.

Al Qurum Resort has poor ratings, but its location is perfect, it's cheap, and it is in the same building as NV nightclub.

The W Hotel has recently opened and they have a nice pool bar called Siddharta by Buddha Bar. Prices start at US300$/night.

If you need a cheaper option, book the Beach Bay Hotel (US90$ per night). It is across the street from Grand Hyatt.

Also good are the Ramada Qurum Beach Hotel (less than US80$/night) and the Waves International Hotel (US50$$ per night).

Note: Hotels in Muscat may not always be guest-friendly. You should remember that it is normally forbidden for unmarried couples to live together. The international chain hotels will rarely enforce the rule, but, still, it is better to be discreet and to make your booking for two people.

Muscat Nightlife Tips

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

Bring your ID/Passport

You must be 21 to enter a bar or a club in Oman.

Price of Clubbing

Clubbing in Muscat is a bit cheaper than in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha. Most bars are free to enter, especially if you are in a couple. The places that charge an entry fee tend to do so on the weekends, usually for men only, and they give you 1 or 2 free drinks. You can expect to pay between 10$ and 30$ for entrance to a nightclub in Muscat.

In a typical expat bar, a beer will cost OMR 2-3 (US$5-8) and a cocktail OMR 3-5 (US$8-13).

Many of the venues listed below will have a happy hour promotion, usually from 5PM to 8PM. Ladies' nights are also a great way to save money. The best ones are in Sheraton (Turbines & Taps) and Trader's Vic on Wednesday.

Dress Code

Since most bars and clubs are located within luxury hotels, you are normally required to dress well. In particular, do not wear shorts and sandals.

When to Party

Weekends in Oman are on Friday and Saturday. Therefore, the best nights for clubbing are on Thursday and Friday. The rest of the week, it can be very quiet unless you go to a specific event.

Weekly and monthly events:

For information on the latest events and parties in Muscat, you can check the following online groups:

- MuscatNights.com (Facebook)

- Oman Events (Facebook)

- Muscat Gossip (Instagram)

If you are into Salsa/Kizomba/Bachata, look at Muscat Salsa Rueda.

Dating in Muscat

Like the rest of the Middle-East, Muscat is not an ideal destination for bachelors. Local women are pretty much impossible to date so, as a man, your only chance is to meet foreign girls.

If you are lucky, you may encounter flight attendants from Oman Air in places like Trader's Vic or NV (they have a crew/hotelier night on Sundays). They are from various nationalities (Thai, Filipinas, Eastern Europeans, etc) and you can certainly interest them as long as you are handsome, smart and/or wealthy.

English teachers are another possibility. I talked to a few in the usual dating apps like Bumble or Tinder.

Finally, you also have thousands of foreign ladies who work as maids, or as shopkeepers/waitresses/receptionists/etc. Many are Indonesians or Filipinas. They rarely go out to bars or clubs, so you'll have to find them online.

The sugar baby website Seeking is popular among local expats who want to meet attractive ladies. It works but it's expensive. It is blocked by the government so you will need a VPN to open it.

Internet Censorship in Oman
Many websites are blocked in Oman, including porn. To unblock them, you can download a VPN like PureVPN. This is the one I use and I'm very happy with it. If you are confused about how it works, please read my article: Why Adult Websites are Blocked in Qatar (and How to Unblock Them).

Prostitution in Muscat
There are working girls, often Asians, in several expat bars like Safari Pub, O'Malley's, Al Ghazal or Rock Bottom Bar. You may also see them online on Badoo or Tinder.

Best Bars, Pubs, and Clubs in Muscat

Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar in W Hotel

This lounge/bar/restaurant is one of the most stylish nightlife venues in Muscat. It is not always busy, so prefer it for a nice dinner, a date, or to have a few drinks. Friday is their best night as they have a DJ. Check their Instagram page as well for events.

NV Nightclub in Al Qurum Resort

One of the few proper nightclubs in Muscat at the moment, it is a small place that gets somewhat busy on weekends. The crowd is mostly foreign and male. It is open each day of the week and features various events, from African nights to Salsa nights. It is a bit shady so avoid it if you are looking for a stylish venue.

Safari Club, Habana, and John Barry in the Grand Hyatt

Habana Sports Bar

Within the Grand Hyatt Hotel, there are 3 different nightlife venues:

The Safari Club is a typical expat bar with a kitsch African theme. It has live music, pub food, and pool tables. It is famous for always having some ladies of the night.. Attached to it, Habana is more laid-back and perfect for watching sports.

Finally, the John Barry Bar is more stylish. It is more appropriate for a date or a quiet drink with its live piano music nights.

Trader's Vic in Intercontinental Qurum
Trader Vic's is a chain of Polynesian-themed restaurants and the self-proclaimed inventor of the Mai Tai cocktail. It is surprisingly very present in the Middle East, with branches in Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Bahrein.

I find it a bit touristy, but if you are a bit old-fashioned, you might enjoy it there. They have live music, exotic cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere. Beware that shorts and sandals are not allowed.

Other expat pubs in Muscat

Rock Bottom Bar in Muscat

There are many British/Irish/American pubs in Muscat. They are quite similar to each other so I thought it was useless to describe each of them. I rank them below starting with my favorites:

→ Turbine and Taps in Sheraton: Best bar in the business district of Ruwi, modern industrial design, and nice cocktails. Bollywood night on Friday, Ladies night on Wednesday (3 free drinks). They also host some techno nights.

→ Duke's Bar in Crowne Plaza Hotel: Sports bar, good burgers, outdoor terrace with the ocean view.

→ Al Ghazal in Intercontinental Hotel: British food, pool tables, live band/DJ from Wednesday to Friday.

→ O'Malley's in Al Khuwair Hotel Radisson Blu: Busy on weekends, many Filipinos, live music, some prostitution.

→ Rock Bottom in Ramee Guestline Hotel: High testosterone bar/club with an OMR 10 entrance fee on weekends. The crowd is mostly Arabic, with many Asian prostitutes as well. Daily live music followed by a DJ. Affordable prices.

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

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

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

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, Who's Your Daddy and PNNY. They organize some of the best parties on the island.

Where to party in Bali?

Read my detailed article: Seminyak and Canggu Nightlife

Canggu nightlife

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

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

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

Where to party in Canggu:

There is not one single area in Canggu where you can just walk from bars to bars. However, I would say there are 2 main nightlife hotspots:

→ On Jalan Berawa, near Atlas Beach Club and Atlas Superclub. Both are huge properties that attract hundreds of visitors every day. They have big events regularly, including famous international DJs several times per month. Nearby, there are more bars such as Finn's (beach club popular with Australians), Milano's (good for food and cocktails) or Vault (a BDSM-themed nightclub with a minimalist design and techno parties [+ reggaeton on Thursday]).

Atlas is the largest beach club in the world

→ On Jalan Batu Bolong, there are several happening venues in the area between the beach and Luigi's Hot Pizza (best on Mondays) such as Old Man's, Sand Bar, Mason's, and X Bar.

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

Apart from the bars mentioned above, you can also check Black Sand (a large open-air tavern that brews its own beer), Behind The Green Door (techno) and the Shady Pig. Twice a week, La Brisa has nice outdoor parties too.

Where to stay in Canggu near the nightlife:

Canggu Beach Apartments(around USD 100, rated 8.9)

Aston Batu Bolong (around USD 150, rated 8.6)

Seminyak nightlife

After Canggu, Seminyak is another great area for partying in Bali.

The Seminyak crowd is more diverse than in Canggu (which is mostly young and Western). Here, you will find a mix of upper-class Australians, rich Indonesians from Jakarta, European travelers, and expats living in Asia.

Seminyak has some of the most crowded bars and nightclubs in Bali: ShiShi, La Favela and Mexicola. These are almost always packed, whatever the day of the week. If you are new in Bali, this is probably where you will end up on your first nights out.

Bars and nightclubs in Seminyak are more expensive than average. A beer will cost you at least IDR 50,000 and a cocktail over IDR 110,000. Some venues have an entrance fee on weekends and a dress code, for instance, Mirror.

Where to party in Seminyak?

Seminyak nightlife is spread in 4 main areas: Jalan Kayu Aya (also called Jalan Oberoi), Jalan Petitenget, Jalan Camplung Tanduk (also called Jalan Dhyana Pura), and on the beach.

→ Jalan Oberoi is the best street for dining out and partying in Seminyak. Its heart is near La Favela, which is one of the most popular bars/clubs in Bali. Walking distance from it, there are several other venues that are crowded as well. Most of them are in the open air so you can go there and walk around to see which ones are interesting or not. Currently, the most happening spots apart from La Favela are Red Carpet Champagne Bar, The Goat and Mexicola (in a parallel street). Beware, there are always huge traffic jams right in front of La Favela.

→ 5-minute away, Jalan Petitenget is a street that extends for more than 2 kilometers. It has dozens of bars, clubs and restaurants, usually upmarket. The busiest venue for nightlife is ShiShi, a nightclub with 3 floors, famous for its ladies' night every Wednesday (girls drink all night for free). It is the favorite option for guys who want to meet Indonesian girls in Bali. Other recommended venues on Petitenget are Mirror (Indonesian upper-class crowd), Red Ruby (indoor club with hip-hop or techno, many 30+ guys and some Indo girls), Forge (sports bar that stays open late), Ling-Ling (busy bar). The pizzeria Da Maria has a good party on Sundays and Tuesdays.

→ Jalan Dhyana Pura is famous for having several small gay bars (Bali Joe, Mixwell, Bottoms Up) and LGBT-friendly clubs such as Opera (which closes at 5 AM on weekends, good to know if you need an after-hour place).

→ Finally, on the beachfront of Seminyak, there are several bars as well. Some are part of upscale hotels, like Potato Head, Woo Bar and Morabito (great on Fridays). Others are independent, like La Plancha, the chic Kudeta, or the laid-back 707 (techno nights on Sundays).

Where to stay in Seminyak near the nightlife:

Near Jalan Oberoi
U Paasha (rated 8.6)

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

Near Jalan Dhyana Pura
Courtyard by Marriott (rated 8.8)

Kuta nightlife

Only 15 minutes away from the Ngurah Rai international airport, Kuta is the epicenter of Bali's tourism industry. Or I should say "was" as it suffered a lot from COVID-19 and it hasn't fully recovered yet. Many businesses are still closed and the nightlife has seriously deteriorated as most young people now prefer Canggu or Seminyak.

Where to party in Kuta:

You can still have fun if you don't have high expectations. The best thing about Kuta is that it is cheaper than elsewhere. For this reason, it is popular with Indonesians who live and work in Bali.

The biggest party zone is located on Jalan Legian, near the Ground Zero monument (in memory of the 2002 Bali bombing). There are at least 10 nightlife venues there, almost side by side.

The best one is probably LXXY. They have promotions for each day of the week, some very interesting if you are a woman or a student (free drinks on specific days). There is no cover charge and it's not very expensive to get drunk. The club has several dance floors to choose from and a rooftop. The music is generally EDM.

The other popular venues are SkyGarden (which is not as busy as before), Engine Room, Paddy's or Bounty. There are also some live music pubs and some hostess bars.

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

Where to stay in Kuta near the nightlife:
Here are a few recommended hotels in Kuta walking distance from the nightclubs (Book early to get the best prices!)
- Harper Kuta (40$ per night, rated 8.3)
- Aloft Beachwalk (70$ per night, rated 8.3)

Legian nightlife

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

Where to party in Legian?

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

Y Sports Bar in Jalan Padma Utara

Uluwatu nightlife
I lived in Uluwatu in the early 2010s and I remember that there was close to zero nightlife back then.

Nowadays, it is still quiet compared to Canggu/Seminyak, but you can definitely have some fun at night.

Savaya is the most iconic venue in the area. It is a beach club but they have big events several times a month, usually with famous international DJs or singers. They are quite active on social media and you might get a free ticket if you contact them beforehand.

Another busy hangout spot in the Uluwatu-Bukit area is Single Fin, especially around sunset time. On weekends, they open until 1 AM and they have a DJ/live band.

You can also check for events in bars like El Kabron, Ulu Cliff, and Hatch.

Ubud nightlife

Even though Ubud has a calm atmosphere at night, a few cafés can be lively until 2 AM in the city center (along Jalan Monkey Forest, Jalan Dewisita or Jalan Gutama). The most happening is the live music pub Laughing Buddha, always packed with backpackers and long-stay residents. Their salsa night on Wednesday, with a live band, is great fun. Another interesting venue is Bali Bohemia. Check their Instagram for their open-mic night (currently on Thursdays). Also on Jalan Monkey Forest, the bar No Más has salsa and rock nights while Blue Door has afro, techno and hip-hop.

Clubbing in Ubud is possible in Kabana, about 20 minutes from the city center by car (free shuttle every 30 minutes). Cool hippie vibe with progressive house / techno DJs.

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

Sanur nightlife

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

Apart from that, there are a few expat pubs too, notably on Jalan Danau Tamblingan. You can try Casablanca for instance.

Overall, not interesting for me at least.

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

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

Phnom Penh nightlife is fun, diverse and laidback.

The cost of partying is still low, the venues cater to a wide range of clients, and the rules are relaxed: Several clubs close late in the morning and a few bars stay open 24/7.

The city attracts a mix of tourists (mostly backpackers but also many older people on group tours), low-budget expats (from guys on retirement to English teachers and NGO workers), small business owners and unfortunately, a lot of sex tourists as well. I noticed it is particularly easy to meet both locals and foreigners in Phnom Penh.

I only spent a couple of weeks there so this review will only scratch the surface of the things to do at night. Still, I managed to visit all the most popular bars and nightclubs, and discover a few that aren't on everyone's map. If you feel I forgot something, please share your own experience by leaving a comment.

Jump to content:

Phnom Penh Nightlife Areas

Dating in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Nightlife Tips

Phnom Penh Nightlife Map

Click on the map to open it in Google Maps

Nightlife areas + best hotels

One of the best things about Phnom Penh nightlife is that the bars and nightclubs are not too far from each other. You can spend a whole night partying, trying plenty of venues, and only spend a few dollars in taxis/Grab.

There are 4 main nightlife areas that you can visit in Phnom Penh:

1) The tourist area, including the riverside (which is also a red light district)

2) The expat & foreigners area of BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)

3) Bassac Lane area (for hip locals and younger foreigners living in Phnom Penh)

4) The modern area, where all the biggest nightclubs are located

Here is a description of each:

1) Nightlife in the tourist area

The tourist area is between Wat Phnom temple in the north, the Royal Palace in the south, the Tonle Sap riverside on the east, and the Sorya Shopping Center in the west.

If you are visiting Phnom Penh as a tourist, there is a 95% chance that you will stay there. It has everything: luxury hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars, cafés, and tourist sights.

The nightlife is everywhere, but it is particularly busy in a few streets: the 51st (Pasteur), the riverside and the streets 104th, 110th, 130th, 136th, 172nd, and 178th.

Recommended bars and clubs in the tourist area:

Nightclubs:

Pontoon Club (one of the most famous in PP, commercial music, lots of tourists and prostitutes).

Heart Of Darkness (similar to Pontoon but more trashy, popular with gays and transsexuals)

Vito (a bit further away, with retro music from the 70s and 80s)

Bars:

Oskar Bistro (trendy restaurant, good food and music, expensive)

Bouchon (wine bar with live jazz every Wednesday).

FCC (Foreign Correspondent Club, a historical hangout spot for journalists)

Lone Star (American bar with Far West theme. Good Tex-Mex food and burgers. NFL/NBA/MLB on screens)

Larry's 110 Street Bar and Grill (upmarket American bar with good pizzas, pool tables, and pretty waitresses)

Rooftops:

Sora Skybar (37th floor, chic, excellent cocktails, good for a date and dinner)

Bars open 24/7

Ostex 136 (also called Corner Bar, it is a popular "girly bar" that stays open all night long, in the same building as the bistro Ostro 136).

Hostess bars:

There must be at least 50 hostess bars in Phnom Penh, with most located on the streets 136, 104, 51 and 130. In general, they open at 7pm and have happy hours until 9pm.

Unlike in Thailand, they are not exactly prostitution places. Most of the hostesses are only interested in getting ladies drinks, on which they get a commission. Some will try to find a sugar daddy, but many of these now prefer to work more discreetly online on websites like Seeking.com.

The bars usually have games (Connect Four, cards), if not a pool table. So even if the girls don't speak English well, you have something to do with them. The music is often from a YouTube playlist and you can make requests as you wish as long as it's commercial and upbeat. On TV screens you'll have either sports or music video clips.

Recommended hotels in the tourist area

To be both near the nightlife and near the tourist attractions, I recommend staying near street 172. These hotels are perfect:

⭐ The Big Easy Phnom Penh: Popular party hostel with a busy bar

⭐⭐ Silver Mounts: Around 25$ per night

⭐⭐⭐ Ohana Hotel: Around 35$ per night

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tao Riverside Residence: Around 60$ per night

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hyatt Regency (affordable luxury at 140$ per night)

2) Nightlife in BKK1 (expat area)

Another area you might consider for partying is Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) which is south of Sihanouk Boulevard. This is where most expats live and it is more clean and less dodgy compared to the tourist area. Most "normal" bars are there, particularly on 278th and 282nd street.

Here are my recommendations:

Nightclubs:

Club Love (upstairs from Duplex, Western crowd, alternative music DJ)

Bars:

Battbong Bar (upmarket bar and restaurant)

Duplex (live music bar and vegetarian restaurant with hippy crowd. Belgian beer and salsa).

Berlin Bar in Meta House (cheap bar at the German Cultural Center with electronic music)

Score (busy sports bar with a very large screen)

Rooftops:

Eclipse (360° view, 23rd floor, classy, always busy for sunset. 6$ for a cocktail)

Recommended hotels in BKK1

⭐ Mad Monkey (one of the most famous party hostel in Phnom Penh)

⭐⭐ Homesyn Hotel: Around 20$ per night

⭐⭐⭐ Khmer Surin Guesthouse: Around 30$ per night

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Duong Chan Hotel: Around 60$ per night

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hyatt Regency (affordable luxury at 140$ per night)

3) Nightlife near Bassac Street (hip area)

Next to BKK1, there is one small neighborhood that has developed into a busy nightlife area. It consists mainly of Bassac Lane and 308th street.

Being less creepy than the tourist area and cheaper than BKK1, it has become popular with a younger crowd, both foreign and local.

It is an exciting area, often very busy, with a nice mix of bars, cafés, restaurants and clubs. I'm only recommending two places because it's better to just go there and try whatever bar is busier.

Nightclubs:

HClub (small club, commercial music, open daily)

Bars:

CanCan (fun bar with different events every day)

Recommended hotels near Bassac Lane

⭐⭐⭐ Times Hotel at Bassac Lane: Around 30$ per night

4) Phnom Penh's clubbing area

This area is in the south of BKK1, near Aeon Mall. It is more modern than the rest of the city and it attracts wealthy locals, including many Chinese Cambodians.

The nightlife here is mostly targeting rich Cambodians and you won't see so many foreigners around, apart from young expatriates.

The current popular venues are EDM6 Club and Epic 2. Both are upmarket nightclubs where most customers order bottles and stay in groups around a table. They play commercial music, usually EDM. Dress well if you go (shoes, pants, shirt).

In the same area, Darlin Darlin' is infamous as the city's most expensive hostess bar. Located within Naga World Hotel and Casino, it features live Top 40 music and DJ every night. Usually crowded with mostly Asians, including Japanese, Koreans, Singaporeans and some rich Cambodians as well. Avoid flip-flops and shorts.

Dating in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is not the best city for dating in Asia, but there are still plenty of opportunities. One problem is that Cambodia doesn't have a large middle class yet, which means that, as a foreigner, it will be more difficult to meet someone who speaks proper English, who is educated, and who can support her- or himself. Cambodia is also still a traditional and conservative country. Often, people will marry at a young age and it is not common, especially for women, to hangout in nightclubs.

In the most touristic bars and nightclubs, unfortunately, many girls make a living from dating or sleeping with foreigners. If you are looking for casual fun, you might be interested, but it gets more challenging if you want a long term relationship.

In more high-end venues, the Cambodians you will meet are often very rich and not interested to date someone who is a tourist.

This doesn't mean that it's impossible to meet someone, but I think it is better to focus on dating apps. The usual apps like Tinder, Bumble, Badoo, Skout and OkCupid have a surprisingly limited number of profiles. AsianDating is an interesting option for tourists because its members are specifically looking for foreigners and they don't mind long-distance relationships. This means you can start chatting with someone even before you've set foot in Phnom Penh.

Seeking is also trending among expatriates living in Asia even though it's more costly. It is a site that matches rich, older guys with young, pretty girls who want someone to support them.

Phnom Penh nightlife tips

What to expect in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is still lagging behind Bangkok, Jakarta or Saigon. There are fewer skyscrapers, fewer modern malls, fewer cars, etc. This also translates into more poverty, poor public services (bad road maintenance, garbage) and average infrastructure (bumpy roads, slow internet, occasional power cuts).

That said, Phnom Penh can actually be a pleasant city to visit as long as you don't pay too much attention to the lack of cleanliness and the disorganization. You have a relaxed riverfront where you can stroll in the evening, several authentic markets, colonial architecture, great palaces and pagodas, good food and a genuinely nice population.

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Cambodia is from late November to early March. Be aware that during Christmas, New Year and Khmer New Year, the prices of hotels will increase significantly.

Avoid it in April. When I was there, the temperature reached 40°C (104°F) several times. May and October are hot as well. June to September is the rainy season which is both hot and humid.

Visa for Cambodia

As of today, almost everyone can get a visa on arrival. The cost is 30$ but you may have to pay 35$ if you cross by land (it's a scam but hard to avoid). If you arrive by plane, you won't have any issues. Bring 2 ID photos or pay 2$ extra.

You can get the visa in advance with the e-visa procedure, which costs 7$ extra. I don't really see the benefits of doing so though.

To make sure this information is up-to-date, check Visa Requirements to Cambodia before your trip.

Cost of partying

Drinks are cheap. 4$ will get you a cocktail and 2$ a draught beer in most venues (and half that price during Happy Hours). In trendy nightclubs, it will probably be 30-50% more expensive but still affordable. These may also have a cover charge on weekends between 5$ and 10$.

Cambodia uses two currencies, the US dollar and the riel. As of today, 1$ = 4,120 riels. You will end up with riels when your change is under a dollar. If you don't have any, it's ok. I used dollars for 99% of transactions, except small payments.

Dress code

You can dress any way you like in almost all bars and clubs. Only in a few elite nightclubs will you need to wear pants, shoes and shirts.

Getting around

During the day, you can use one of the two main transportation apps in Cambodia: Grab and PassApp. They are cheap, convenient and user-friendly. Grab is a more complete app that also offers food delivery services.

If you really want to save money, buses are very affordable and only cost about 0.40 cents per ride.

At night, you may have to use normal taxis or tuk-tuks. You have to negotiate the price in advance. Don't pay more than these prices:

Tuk-tuks : 5$ for a 20-minute ride.

Moto-taxis: 3-4$ for a 20-minute ride

Taxis: I usually try to get the meter but it's not always possible, especially at night. In that case, I give the same price as I would for a tuk-tuk. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs from $8 to 12$.

Renting a motorbike is convenient but dangerous. Beware of dishonest renters. You can rent one starting at $6 per day.

Internet access and mobile phone

For just $5, you can get a local phone number and internet access from your mobile. Don't spare this expense. You need the internet for so many things including to help you get around with Grab or PassApp.

Recommended providers are Cellcard and Smart. Both have special 30-day tourist packages.

The internet in Cambodia is sometimes restricted. Using a VPN like PureVPN will help you circumvent any restrictions. It is very convenient also if you wish to watch Netflix US or UK for instance.

Safety

Phnom Penh is safe by Western standards, but probably slightly more dangerous than other cities in Asia.

There are two main dangers, especially at night: Bag or phone snatchers and road accidents. Both can easily be avoided by being normally cautious.

Small in size but touristy, Solo (or Surakarta) is often considered the little sister of Yogyakarta. I was in the city to visit a French friend who lived there for 8 years. He showed me the nightlife on a Friday and a Saturday night.

Here's what you need to know before partying in Solo:

Nightlife Areas + Hotels

Note: You can click on the map above to enlarge it.

Solo doesn't have an obvious city center. It is a rather low-rise city where the interesting sights are spread over a large area. This means you will need to get around by car (Grab or Gojek) instead of walking.

In my opinion, the most strategic location to stay would be on Jalan Brigjen Slamet Riyadi, between Grand Solo mall and Fort Vastenburg. Some of the best bars and nightclubs in Solo are located within 5-10 minutes, and it is also close to most of the famous attractions in the city (see nightlife map below).

Hotels in that area include Ibis Style (25$ per night), Solia Hotel (35$ per night), and Novotel (40$ per night). If you are a digital nomad, you might also want to check out JW Naungan Coliving (45$ per night).

For a romantic weekend, the Royal Surakarta Heritage - MGallery Collection is also perfectly located and its rooms are all decorated in a Javanese style.

Be aware that Solo is a conservative city. Some hotels may refuse you if you are staying with your boyfriend or girlfriend. As a rule of thumb, avoid small family guest-houses and any hotel with the name "syariah" on it (obviously).

The newest part of town is called Solo Baru, in the South, but it is far from the main attractions and from the best nightlife (Grand Mercure Solo Baru is the best hotel there).

Solo Nightlife Tips

Cost of partying

Solo is rather cheap compared to other cities in Indonesia. In the beer gardens, you can normally buy alcohol at almost the same price as you would in a supermarket. A small Bintang often costs around 50,000rp and a bottle of Smirnoff vodka around 500,000rp.

On weekends, some clubs have a first-drink-charge policy, meaning you need to buy at least a drink to enter. This is usually 50,000rp and rarely more than 100,000rp.

Dress code

There is no strict dress code in Solo and you can dress pretty much any way you like.

Smoking

Restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs in Indonesia always allow you to smoke inside.

Bottles and tables

The concept of nightclubs in Solo (and elsewhere in Indonesia) is different than in Europe. Few people come alone, expecting to meet other people. Instead, they come with a group, order bottles, and stay static around a table. That's why the dance floor is usually small and replaced by tables and sofas.

If you can, it's better to order a bottle, knowing that if you don't drink all, you can come back to the club another day to finish it. With a bottle, you can also get a table and you won't have to pay any entrance fee.

Lady companions

Another difference with Europe is the concept of lady companions. In some clubs, it is possible to ask for the company of girls, who will then drink and party with you. If you are alone, they might come to introduce themselves. I'm not sure how it works exactly for payment as I've never done it myself. I guess they get a commission on drinks you order and you should certainly give them a tip.

Events in Solo

To stay up-to-date with the latest events in Solo, you can check the Instagram pages Surakarstage and SoloWheng

Dating in Solo

As a foreigner, either a guy or a girl, you will probably draw a lot of attention while in Solo. Your profile will get plenty of matches on dating apps, though the number of profiles is limited if you compare to Jakarta or Surabaya. The popular dating apps in Solo are Tinder, Bumble, Badoo, OkCupid.

If you don't live in the city and if you are only passing by, you may find it more difficult to meet someone. To avoid this, you can try IndonesianCupid which is a more traditional dating site where users are specifically looking to meet with foreigners. This allows you to start chatting with Indonesian girls or guys even before starting your trip.

Best Bars and Nightclubs in Solo

Sixth Sense Solo

Sixth Sense is currently the largest nightclub in Solo and it is the number one party spot in the city. This is where most young people go on weekends, especially students. It is quite modern but the sound system is very average and too loud, which can be unpleasant.

Similar venue: District23

Southgate Bar

Trendy bar with live music/DJ. Many students.

Lava Bar & Kitchen

This is one of the most popular hangout spots in Solo. It is spacious with an indoor space and a garden. Prices are reasonable but the choice of alcohol is limited. Their Indonesian food is okay but avoid the western dishes (pizzas, steak, pasta). Live music and DJ every day until 2am.

Similar venue: La Folla

Atlantis Bar

Small nightclub with a mixed crowd depending on the events. Usually they have a DJ or live band playing famous hits. They also have sing-along (karaoke) nights.

11 12 Beer Garden

11 12 Beer garden is the biggest beer garden in Solo. It was really packed when we visited. I was surprised to see that even girls wearing the jilbab were among the guests. You can smoke shisha as well. Beware the music is loud and the place smokey. Open from 4pm to 2am. It's usually free (unless there is a concert) and the drinks are cheap.

Par Four Cafe

This is the closest thing from an expat pub in Solo. American-owned. Not a party place but nice for chilling with home-cooked American food and beer. Open from 4pm to midnight every night except Mondays.

Musro Solo (Music Room)

Musro is the night club within the Sunan Hotel. It may belong to Tommy Winata considering he also owns Musro in Bali and Jakarta.

It is more male-oriented and older than the clubs mentioned above. The place is small and does not really feel high class. They have first a local band, and then a DJ playing house/progressive music.

The entrance is usually free unless there is a special event. Ladies night on Wednesday. Open from 6pm to 2am from Monday to Saturday.

Similar venue: Pion Executive Club and KTV which also seems to have lady companions.

House of Beer (HOB)

House of Beer is located in Park Mall in Solo Baru. More polished than other venues in the city and also more expensive. Daily live band including acoustic sessions and jazz. They have various kind of beers, all famous brands produced in Indonesia (around 50,000rp per bottle). They also serve soju and average-tasting food (pizzas, pasta, snacks). Beer towers available. Ladies night on Wednesdays.

Agra Rooftop Bar (Alila Solo)

On the 29th floor of the Alila (15 minutes from the town center), this is the highest rooftop bar in Solo. It is not that sophisticated for Jakarta standard, but the view is worth going. They serve expensive cocktails and tapas.

I spent several days in Baku during the Formula 1 Grand Prix and I partied for a couple of nights only. Obviously, I didn't visit every nightclub and bar in the city, but I think I got a pretty good idea of how the nightlife is here.

In this short guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about partying in Baku.

Note: I was in Baku during the busiest weekend of the year, so it is likely that most venues were much more crowded than usual.

Click below to jump directly to:

- What to expect at night in Baku

- Baku nightlife tips

- Nightlife areas + hotels

- Best nightclubs and bars

Baku nightlife summary

If you don't have the time to read my whole review, here is a brief summary:

- Busiest street at night: Torgovaya

- Best bar: Madrid Bar or Room (expat crowd)

- Best pubs: Shakespeare, Finnegan's or O'Malley

- Best nightclub: Fomo Baku and The Vortex

- Best elite bar: Pasifico Baku

- Best hotels to stay near the nightlife: Choose a location near Fountains Square such as Hilton Baku (200$/night), The Merchant Hotel (130$/night), or the cheaper Center Hotel (starting at 26$ per night).

What to expect at night in Baku

From what I've seen, Baku nightlife is not the best, especially if you are traveling as a single guy and if you are on a budget.

The main problem is that most nightclubs and bars have much more men than women, except for a few elite places.

Azeri women often live in conservative families that do not allow them to party or even to hang out with friends late at night. So the only women who go out are either from rich, open-minded families, foreign girls (often from ex-USSR countries or Turkey), or prostitutes.

And to make things worse, the expatriates living in Azerbaijan often work in the oil & gas sector, which is predominantly masculine.

As a result, many nightlife venues, even regular bars and restaurants, will make it difficult for men to enter if they are not accompanied by women. Or they will ask them to spend a ton of money on bottle service.

Some clubs near the city center specifically target and welcome foreign male tourists. Many can be found in the basements of old buildings. They are dark, poorly designed and dodgy, with rarely more than just a few customers. If there are girls inside, they are almost always prostitutes. That's not the kind of experience I want when I'm out partying.

In the end, the best way to enjoy a night out in Baku for a single guy is probably just to go to a simple expat bar. Most of them are located within walking distance from each other near Fountains Square. I'll give you my recommendations for that below.

Beware of this nightlife scam!

Hostess club in the red light district of Baku

There's a common scam happening at night in Baku where a friendly promoter invites you to try a bar or club. Once inside, a pretty girl will sit next to you and ask if you can offer her a drink, conveniently forgetting to tell you that the price of her lady drink is much higher than normal. Before you know it, you're stuck with a bill running into several hundreds of dollars.

This happens especially in the venues located near the crossroad between Bulbul Avenue and Dilara Aliyeva Street. This area actually feels like a small red light district with its discreet massage parlors, its hostess clubs and its KTVs. Be cautious!

Baku nightlife tips

Cost of partying

Even in the most expensive venues, you will not pay more than what you would pay in a normal bar or club in Europe/the US.

These are typical prices at night in Baku:

- 1 beer = US$3-6

- 1 simple cocktail = US$6-10

- 1 bottle of a basic spirit (such as Smirnoff, Red Label, etc) = US$80-100

- Entrance fee to a nightclub: US$5-10

Dress code

It is very common to be refused entry in nightclubs in Baku. For this reason, I recommend you to make an effort and to dress sharp, especially when you go to elite venues.

Getting around

The two most commonly-used transportation apps in Baku are Uber and Bolt. I prefer Bolt, which is cheaper. It also seems to have more drivers available. Note that for Uber, you will need to download a separate app than the one you normally use (Uber AZ).

There is also a metro but it closes at midnight and there's only one line available.

Internet

I recommend buying a local SIM card when you arrive in Azerbaijan. It is very affordable, just a few dollars, and then you'll have to pay about 5$ for 5 GB of mobile internet.

The two main providers are Azercell, which has the best network, and Bakcell, which has more competitive prices. They have several shops in the city center that you can easily find on Google Maps. Do not buy in the airport as it is much pricier.

Safety

I felt very safe in Baku, even when I was walking back home late at night. That said, I stayed in the city center only so the situation might be different in other neighborhoods.

Dating

Baku is not the easiest place in Asia for dating. As I mentioned before, many Azeris women are conservative and family-oriented. You will not meet them often in bars or clubs. Even on popular dating apps like Tinder or Bumble, there are only several hundreds active profiles.

However, as a foreigner, especially if you are young, well-dressed, and decent-looking, you will draw interest and you can certainly create a few opportunities.

Nightlife areas + nearby hotels

You can click on the map above to enlarge it.

The center of Baku nightlife is around Merchant's Street (called Torgovaya), a small pedestrian area east of the Old City. The most distinguishable landmark there is the Fountains Square. From there, you will be within 5 minutes walking distance from most of the best bars and clubs in the city.

I would recommend choosing a hotel anywhere between Fountains Square and the waterfront, for instance, one of the following properties:

5-star hotel:
Hilton Baku: 200$ per night, rated 8.6/10. It has a panoramic bar called 360 which has a very nice view of Baku. Ideal for a date.

4-star hotel:

The Merchant Hotel: 130$ per night, rated 9.4/10.

Park Inn By Radisson: 130$ per night, rated 8.3/10.

3-star hotel:

Center Hotel: Start at 26$ per night, rated 8.6/10

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

There is another nightlife area near National Flag Square. It is a renovated industrial area with upscale restaurants (El Portalon, Atelye 61), bars (Madrid), and clubs (FOMO). I don't recommend staying there as it is too far from the city center, but if you must, the East Legend Hotel has good ratings (60$ per night).

Best bars and nightclubs in Baku

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

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

Expat pubs

Since Baku has a sizable number of foreign residents, you can find many expat pubs. Most are located within a few streets from the Fountains Square.

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

The advantage of these pubs is that it is easier to get in, even if you are not a couple. The current best ones are Shakespeare, Hops, O'Malley, Hairy Lemon and Finnegan's.

They all serve Western food (sometimes Indian and Mexican too). You can expect sports channels to be turned on and a live band to play on weekends.

Room

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

FOMO

Berlin-style nightclub with perfect sound and lighting. It is open only twice a week, Fridays and Saturdays, until 5am. On most nights, they have international guest DJs playing anything between techno and minimal. The dress code is casual/informal, so they will refuse you if you either overdress or underdress (just wear jeans and you'll be fine). You can buy tickets in advance on their websites, the price is usually around US$15.

If you are into electronic music, you can also visit the club The Vortex Baku which is similar.

Vortex Club

Pasifico

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

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

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

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

Madrid Bar

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

Otto

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

Cubar

Caribbean-themed bar with good parties on weekends. Elite crowd. Surprisingly, the DJ didn't play Latin music or reggaeton, but deep house.

Hashtag bar

A small, dark bar that seems popular with Russians. Music is house, techno, trance. Specializes in cocktails.

Etud

Live music bar in a basement. Relaxed crowd, inexpensive drinks. You need to be a couple to enter.

Kefli

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

I spent a month in Chiang Mai and that was more than enough to explore the city's nightlife. Read this detailed review for my tips, including the best party areas, the best nightclubs and bars, and how to meet people.

Jump directly to

- Chiang Mai tips

- Nightlife map

- Nightlife areas + hotels

- Best clubs and bars [with photos]

- Other things to do at night

Quick summary of Chiang Mai nightlife

If you don't have time to read my whole review, here are the main takeaways:

- Best party areas: Old city (for tourists), Nimman Soi 7 and 9 (for young Thais and digital nomads), Loi Kroh Road (for older, male foreigners)

- Best nightclubs: ReD (techno), Infinity (Thai live music)

- Best bars: Zoe in Yellow (backpackers), North Gate Jazz Co-Op (digital nomads), Shelby (Thai)

- Where to stay near the nightlife: Anywhere around Tha Phae Gate, for instance Makkachiva Hotel (60$), Lamphu House (30$) or Thapae Happy House (28$).

Chiang Mai nightlife tips

Party & Events

There are several ways to stay up-to-date on Chiang Mai's nightlife events and parties. On Facebook, there are two groups called Chiang Mai nightlife and Chiang Mai Events. There are also WhatsApp chats created by digital nomads about Activities, Meetups and Things to Do and one about Meetups only. Finally, check Steve's weekly email.

Pub crawl

A fun way to meet people is to join a pub crawl. You can try the one organized by TripGuru.

Cost of partying

Thailand is a cheap country to party though prices have increased since COVID-19.

In a popular bar like Zoe in Yellow, a local beer costs around 100 THB (less than US$3), a cocktail 180-250 THB (around US$5-7), and a whole bottle of non-premium alcohol at least 2,000 THB (around US$ 60). Those are standard prices in the city but you can get slightly better deals in less-known venues.

Opening hours

Something I struggled with in Chiang Mai is that bars and clubs selling alcohol are required to close between midnight and 1AM. Sure, there are still a few places that stay open after that, but it means you'll always end up in the same bars every night once the curfew has begun.

A better way to proceed is to start earlier, just after dinner, so you have more time to enjoy the night and you can try at least a few different places.

Getting around at night

The best way to get around Chiang Mai at night is to use Grab. You can order either a GrabCar or a GrabBike and the price is cheap (50-60 THB for a 15-minute ride with GrabBike, double with cars). Tuk-tuks are almost always more expensive since their business model is different (they can't do as many rides so they charge more for each).

If you don't drink alcohol, you could also drive a scooter. It costs about 200 THB per day or 2,000 THB per month (more or less depending on the type of bike you rent).

Dress code

As long as you wear a shirt, you'll be fine everywhere. Backpackers are not always viewed favorably by Thai people, so if you can, try to avoid looking like one. This will help you to socialize in upper-class clubs and bars, especially in the Nimman area.

Internet

You can buy a SIM card in the city for about 300-350 THB with at least 50 GB per month. Don't buy them in the airport and avoid the Tourist Sim Cards which are 2-3 times more expensive for no reason. You can purchase a normal sim card with an internet package in any 7-11 (as long as you bring your passport). You can also buy them in the shops of AIS, DTAC and True, the 3 main telecom companies in Thailand. I usually choose AIS but in a big city like Chiang Mai, all of them will have good coverage and speed.

Note that WhatsApp and Instagram are rarely used in Thailand, where Line and Facebook are still the most popular social media apps.

Safety

Crime is low in Chiang Mai and it should not be a big reason for concern (though you should exercise the same level of caution as you would in any big city).

The biggest danger you will face in Thailand is road accidents. Last year, the country had nearly 1,000,000 of them, many of which involved foreigners driving scooters.

If you haven't done it yet, check if you have proper travel insurance covering such accidents.

Dating in Chiang Mai

Online dating is easy if you are young, attractive and you live in Chiang Mai. If you are lacking any of these, you will still be more successful than in Europe or the US, but don't expect to date a 9 if you are a 6 (unless you pay or you found her on seeking.com).

The dating apps that work the best in Thailand are Bumble, Tinder, OkCupid, and Badoo. Hinge is also recommended if you want to meet foreigners.

If you are planning to visit Thailand as a tourist, check Thai Cupid. The advantage of this site is that its users want to date foreigners and they don't mind if you don't live in Thailand. This will allow you to make some contacts in the country even before you land.

Meeting people

Chiang Mai isn't exactly a party capital, but you can still have a great social life here. There is a vibrant digital nomad community, loads of tourists, and it is also the main student city in North Thailand.

To connect with people living or traveling to Chiang Mai, you can join some Facebook and WhatsApp groups such as:

Chiang Mai Digital Nomads on Facebook

Digital Nomads 2.0 WA group

Digital Nomads Meetups and drinks WA group

If you are traveling solo, you can download the CouchSurfing app and use the "Hangout" function.

Chiang Mai nightlife map

This is a map I created to help me when I was going around the city. Click it to enlarge it.

Nightlife areas + Hotels

From what I've seen, foreigners and Thais don't really mix much. If you go to a tourist bar or club, the crowd will be almost 100% foreign and inversely if you go to a Thai nightclub, the crowd will be almost 100% Thai.

There are 3 main nightlife areas in Chiang Mai, each catering to a different crowd:

- The old city is where most backpackers and tourists hangout

- Nimman, which is where young, trendy Thai people go for party (as well as some digital nomads)

- Loi Kroh, with an older, mostly male crowd of expatriates and retirees

Old City

The nightlife within the old city is scattered in various locations but the best area is definitely near Zoe in Yellow. This is where all the backpackers and all the international students gather to party every night.

Best bars and clubs in the old city
Zoe in Yellow is one of the busiest bars in Chiang Mai. It is split in two venues including a pub and a semi outdoor beer garden. You'll hear the same songs every night, a mix of famous pop, EDM, Latin and RnB songs. It's very easy to talk to people there and make friends. It is so full that the crowd spills to the adjacent bars (like 48 Garage and Roots Rock Reggae).

In the old city, another busy place is the North Gate Jazz Coop. It is a semi-opened small bar on two floors with live Jazz/Reggae/Soul/Blues music every night. I went there a few times as I was staying nearby. It was always full with a mix of more mature expats and tourists. A local beer costs 100 THB.

The only nightclub you can reach by foot from the old city is Spicy (which is part of the same group as Spicy Bangkok). I didn't really like it as it was full of freelancers and the music was crap.

Electronic music in Chiang Mai

There are a few clubs and bars with techno, house and electronic music in Chiang Mai.

The two main ones are ReD and After Bar, both of which close after hours and are near the old city. For the latest events and parties, you can also check Techno Chiang Mai.

Best hotels near the nightlife in the old city

The best area for that is anywhere near the Tha Phae Gate. It is walking distance to the Old City and walking distance to the Night Market. Also, it is near an important road with fast access to Nimman or to the airport.

4-Stars

Makkachiva Hotel (60$): The best location in Chiang Mai. A bit old but good value or money. Breakfast included.

3-stars

Lamphu House (40$): Cheap rooms in the city center with balcony and swimming pool. 24-hour reception.

2-stars

Thapae Happy House (28$): Excellent value for money for this clean and new property

Party Hostels

Mad Monkey has dorm beds for 10$ per night. They organize parties and bar crawls daily.

Nimman (Nimmanhaemin road)

This is the posh area of Chiang Mai and it attracts mostly young Thai students. You'll also occasionally see a few foreigners, usually under 30, who are long-term residents in Chiang Mai. From the Old City, it takes about 10-15 minutes to reach using Grab.

Almost all the nightlife in Nimman is located just south of the upmarket mall Maya. More specifically, the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, live music clubs and coffee shops is in the Soi 7 and Soi 9.

The popular bars in Nimman are quite similar from one to the next. They have Thai music (often from a live band), a Thai crowd, sports on flat-screen TVs and a hipster design. They are generally inexpensive, with local beers costing between 80 and 120 THB.

I think the best way to explore Nimman's nightlife is by foot.

You could start your night out in Warm Up, a large café with live Thai music which is normally always crowded. It is a bit pricier than the average but you can still get a local beer for less than US$4. Their Thai food is also decent.

From there, you can easily go to Beer Lab, another nice spot with over 200 brands of beer. A bit pricey if you order the imported stuff (8-9$ for a pint).

You can then head to Nimman Soi 7 and 9 which are just a few minutes away by foot. There are dozens of cafés, restaurants and bars there so it's best to just walk around and choose the places that seem to be the most happening. In general, LVMC (Living Machine) and Rush Bar are good. For something more upmarket, go to Shelby or Caravan.

Outside of Soi 7 and 9, Nimman also has some larger nightclubs with semi-professional live bands. They may have an entrance fee of up to 200 THB and the drink menu will be more expensive. Understand that Thai nightclubs are different from the ones in Western countries. They usually have a mix of live music and DJs, and the customers rarely dance. Instead, they'll stand in groups around tables or sit on sofas watching the show and singing along with the band. If you are going out alone, this isn't the best configuration to meet other people.

The famous Thai nightclubs around Nimman are Infinity (the more upmarket, feels like going to a concert), TaWanDang (old style, it seems to have working girls) and LISM.

Best hotels near Nimman's bars:

4-Stars

De Chai Oriental (60$): Comfy bed, new property, nice pool area.

3-stars

Hug Nimman (40$): Affordable hotel in the middle of the action

Mayflower Grande (25$): Best value hotel in the area

Loi Kroh Road

Loi Kroh is within walking distance from the Old City and from the night market. It can be considered a red light area even though there are some normal bars as well.

If you walk around, you'll find plenty of beer bars that all look alike. The busiest area is within the Loi Kroh boxing stadium where you have around 40 of them. Each has about 8-10 hostesses that will try to grab you and force you to sit down as you walk by. They can accompany you for drinking, for playing pool or for sleeping if you pay.

There are also live music bars and pubs that don't have prostitutes. Among them I liked the pub Red Lion. They all close at 1AM but depending on the number of customers, they may stay open an hour more with the curtains closed.

Finally, there are some LGBT-friendly bars in Loi Kroh, each with drag queen shows. Check Ram Cabaret and 6ixcret.

Best hotels near Loi Kroh

3-stars

Nightbazaar Inn (30$): Walking distance to the bars in the area

Best bars and nightclubs [with photos]

ReD

North Gate Jazz Coop

Zoe in Yellow

Infinity

Warm Up Café

Shelby

Beer Lab

Hom Bar

Ram Show Bar

LVMC (Living Machine)

Other things to do at night in Chiang Mai

Old Bazaar

It's quite touristy but always fun, especially if you are new to Thailand. You'll find everything here from cheap clothes to street food.

Join a food tour

If you have to do one tour in Chiang Mai, this is the one. Rated 5*, the guide will take you all around the city and make you try 15 dishes of Northern Thailand. It starts at 5 PM and lasts 4 hours which can be too long for some. In that case, you can also try this one which lasts only 2.5 hours and is also highly rated.

Bike tour by night

A pleasant tour by bike around the Old City where you will see all the most famous temples and sights. You will finish with a food tasting at the night market.

Night trip along the river with a kayak

A fun activity that you can do alone or with your family. You will paddle for 6km on the Ping River, passing by local neighborhoods that are normally difficult to visit.

Bangkok nightlife is very diverse and fun to explore. Here's everything you need to know before heading out.

Summary:

- Where to party? Nightlife areas + map

- Where to sleep near the nightlife?

- Best nightclubs and bars in Bangkok

- Dating apps for Thailand

- Bangkok nightlife tips

Nightlife areas in Bangkok + Map:

Bangkok nightlife is really spread out, with at least 8 party areas. The good news is that each of them is packed with venues and easily walkable.

The map below is showing you all where all the best bars, nightclubs, hotels and party areas are located in Bangkok. You can click to enlarge it:

Khaosan Road:

This walking street is the main party area for young backpackers and also some Thais (middle-class, students, travelers). Many cheap bars and clubs with commercial music. The vibe is very social so you can meet people very easily.

The most famous nightclub in Khaosan Road is simply called The Club. It is built on 3 levels and costs around 250 THB to enter with a free beer included. If you don't want to pay, there are plenty of free options walking distance from it.

You can also buy alcohol from street sellers and party on the main road.

Soi Nana (Not Nana Plaza):

This is another Soi Nana, in Chinatown. It is home to the alternative/hipster nightlife of Bangkok. Current favorites there are Teens of Thailand and Asia Today.

Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, Patpong Soi 2

These 3 different areas are red light districts that are popular among foreigners. They are quite touristy so even people who are not into prostitution may visit them out of curiosity.

In each, you will find dozens of gogo bars next to each other (24 exactly in Nana Plaza, the largest of the 3). Gogo bars are small hostess clubs where girls offer company to customers and may perform some sexy dances.

The gogo bars may all look the same, but they all have their own differences. Some target Japanese and Korean customers, some have sophisticated erotic shows, some have younger or older girls, some have ladyboys, some have nudity (like Baccara or Crazy House), etc.

In all these areas, there are also regular expat bars with live music and sports on screens. If you meet a girl in any of these, there is a very high probability that she is a prostitute.

Sukhumvit Soi 11

This side street on Sukhumvit is easy to reach and centrally located. It has several busy clubs and bars, among which Sugar (R'n'B club), Eden (techno, expensive), Juicy and Levels (6th floor of Aloft Hotel, EDM/House music).

The crowd in Sukhumvit 11 is a mix of tourists, foreign residents, prostitutes and some regular Thai people as well.

RCA (Royal City Avenue)

This is a street with a row of bars and nightclubs, mostly popular with Thais from the middle and upper class, in their early 20s. Some foreigners as well, long-term residents and young tourists who are tired of Khaosan Road.

These are the famous party spots in RCA:

Route 66 is a large club with several rooms including an EDM zone, a hip-hop room and a live music area. The crowd is middle to upper class. It has become more popular with foreigners because it is always crowded and you can easily meet people there.

Space Plus: Huge and modern bottle club, more appropriate for large groups who book a sofa. EDM music.

Onyx: Pricey (500 THB entrance fee with a drink), yet so crowded you'll barely be able to move around. Go with friends and order bottle service. Good ladies' night on Mondays.

Ekkamai and Thong Lor

These are two long streets on Sukhumvit near the BTS station Thong Lor. It is a very exclusive area with a nightlife that caters mostly to the richest Thais (and also to Koreans/Japanese).

The current popular bars and clubs there are:

Sway: Hip-hop club

Terra: Thai live music:

Milley isc: Posh bar with a teenish crowd

MU:IN (Korean club with 3 party areas: EDM, pop and hip-hop)
Dope and Dirty (Hip-hop, many Koreans)

Echelon (Chinese crowd)

Max Club (small club with EDM)

There are also some gentlemen's clubs (Czech, Sherbet) and some KTVs.

Silom

This is the business district and you will also find a high concentration of bars/clubs, most of which target expatriates and western tourists.

It is also the heart of Bangkok's gay nightlife (in Patong Soi 4).

Where to stay near the nightlife:

Khaosan Road:

Many cheap hostels and hotels, strategic to visit the old town, Chinatown, the riverside and the temples. Far from the upscale shopping area and from the rest of Bangkok's nightlife.

Best hotels on Khaosan Road:

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ember Hotel (rated 9.1/10, starting at 50 USD per night)

⭐⭐⭐ Baan Chart Hotel (rated 8.6, starting at 30 USD per night)

Along Sukhumvit Road:

Near Nana Plaza or Sukhumvit 11: Quite a seedy location but many guest-friendly hotels and near the BTS.

Near Soi Cowboy (Asok): Very central and strategic location as it is near the BTS and the Metro. Also easy access to many malls. But more expensive than elsewhere.

Near Thong Lor or Ekkamai streets: Upscale Thai area with fewer hotel options.
Near Siam: Very strategic, ideal if you plan to do some shopping

Best hotels on Sukhumvit:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Solaria Nishitetsu (rated 9.2/10, starting at 90 USD per night)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Miami Hotel (rated 8.6, starting at 35 USD per night)

Silom

Business area of Bangkok, close to Lumphini Park, with a rather eclectic nightlife and good food options. Also quite central in terms of transportations.

Best hotel near Silom:

⭐⭐⭐ Ibis Style Silom (rated 8.9, starting at 45 USD per night)

Other areas:

If you are on a budget, or if you are looking for a more authentic location, you can also stay in those areas:

- Along the BTS between Victory Monument and Chatuchak Park

- Along the metro between Central Rama 9 and Ratchadapisek

Hotels with nightclubs or bars in Bangkok:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Intercontinental Hotel (8.9/10, 250 dollars per night) It has Mixx Club inside which is actually full of luxury Russian escorts. It's kind of like seeking.com in real life. DJs play R'n'B and EDM in two different rooms and it closes late.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Aloft Hotel Sukhumvit 11 (8.5/10, starting at USD 100 per night). Central location and it has the popular nightclub Levels on its 6th floor.

Best bars and nightclubs in Bangkok:

- For backpackers: The Club and nearby

- For tourists: Levels

- Mainstream club: Route 66

- Upscale nightclubs: Space Plus, Onyx

- Techno music: Decommune, Mustache (Ratchadaphisek)

- Hip-hop, R'n'B: Sugar, Dope and Dirty, Sway

- Korean club: MU:IN

- Gentlemen's Clubs: The Pimp or Czech club

- Rooftop bar: Tichuca

- Bars with live shows: Sing Sing Theater and Fuchsia (high-end club with quality sexy shows)

- Good cocktails: Vesper

- Draft beer: Hair of the Dog, Mikkeller

- Classic bar: Bkk Social Club (voted best bar in Asia)

- Live music: Alonetogether, Speakerbox

- Expat bar: Smalls, O'Shea's Irish Pub

Best dating apps

- If you are young enough and you have game: Bumble, Tinder, OkCupid, Hinge

- If you are not in Thailand at the moment and want to chat with Thai girls who want to date foreigners: Thai Cupid

- If you have money and want to meet the prettiest Thai girls: Seeking.com

Nightlife Tips

How much does it cost to party in Bangkok?

Entrance fees to nightclubs in Bangkok usually cost between 250 THB and 500 THB (which normally includes a free drink).

In most nightclubs and bars, you will pay 2,500-3,000 THB for the cheapest bottles of alcohol (such as Red Label, Smirnoff, etc), 100-150 THB for a local beer, and 250-350 THB for a cocktail.

Bottle clubs

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

To book a table, you need to contact the club in advance and you will agree to spend a certain amount of money, depending on the number of people in your group and the location of your table.

In a nightclub like Space Plus, the cheapest package to get a table costs around 23,000 THB, nearly USD 700, and includes a bottle of Gold Label, a bottle of sparkling wine (Chandon) and mixers/fruits.

Dress Code

There is generally no dress code in all the tourist areas like Khaosan road and Sukhumvit. In RCA, Ekkamai, and Thong Lor, many nightclubs may refuse you if you are wearing shorts, flip-flops or singlets.

An ID is necessary to enter some luxury nightclubs such as Space Plus and Onyx. It's best to bring it with you just to make sure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel Indonesia (Plaza Indonesia / Grand Indonesia)

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

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

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

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

Pros:

Central, easy to access, upmarket area

Good for nightlife, shopping, eating and drinking out

Cons:

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

Busy, crowded with a lot of traffic

Nowhere to walk around except inside malls

No street food
Expensive

Sarinah Mall (Jalan Jaksa, Wahid Hasyim, Sabang)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros:

Central, in-between modern Jakarta and old Jakarta

Many budget hotels with good value for money

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

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

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

Cons:

Not an upmarket location

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

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

Golden Triangle

Mega Kuningan Streets

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

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

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

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

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

Pros:

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

Central
Public transport options (Transjakarta)

Cons:

Expensive
Limited street food options

No traditional street life
Heavy traffic during peak hours

Setiabudi

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

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

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

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

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

Kota Tua

Street food near Jalan Kali Besar in Kota Tua

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

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

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

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

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

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

Other possible areas for staying in Jakarta

Kemang

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Map of the Best Areas in Jakarta - Summary

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

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

16 Cheap Girl-Friendly Hotels in Jakarta

Jakarta Hotel Guide

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

A common mistake of foreigners visiting Indonesia is to limit their knowledge of Indonesian cuisine to Nasi Goreng and Nasi Padang. Few will taste one of the dozens delicious soups that you can try everywhere, from classy Indonesian restaurants to popular food courts.

Indonesian soups are typically made from some of these ingredients: turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, onions, potatoes, coriander, ginger, galangal, tomatoes and of course, coconut milk. Chicken is the most common type of meat, followed by beef, mutton and fish. Pork soups are very rare outside of Bali.

Sop or Soto?

It seems that even Indonesians are not so sure about the difference between "soto" and "sop". Some friends told me that "sop" are clear soups while "soto" are mixed with coconut milk. Wikipedia tells a different story: It says that traditional soups are called "soto" while modern, western-inspired ones are called "soup". If you know the difference, please help me by commenting below.

If you don't like coconut milk, you can ask the cook not to use any by saying "Jangan pakai santan". Alternatively, you can request your soup to be "bening" (clear).

I have just spent the last 3 weeks trying every possible "Soto" and "Sop" that I could find in Jakarta. That's about 40 to 50 soups. I noticed that the same soup will almost always be cooked in a different manner. Naturally, some venues are better than others so I give my some good restaurant recommendation for each type of soups.

Best Indonesian Soups

Sop Konro Makassar

Though the Coto Makassar is more famous, I prefer the Sop Konro. It is a thick, flavorful soup with a big piece of beef rib in it. It is made using keluwak which gives it a black color (similar to that of rawon).

You can try it in Daeng Tata or in Sop Konro Karebosi (Kelapa Gading). If the taste is too strong, you can balance it using lime juice.

Soto Betawi

Originally from Jakarta, the Soto Betawi is similar to a few other soups that are cooked in a coconut milk broth (for instance the Soto Ayam). Just before serving, you will add green onions, boiled potatoes and fresh tomatoes. It is usually made with beef offals.

You can try in in Soto Jakarta Asen (Jalan Mangga Besar 1) or in Soto Roxy H. Darwasa (one of the oldest restaurants in Jakarta).

Rawon

Rawon is a popular black beef soup originally from Surabaya. It is similar with Coto and Sop Konro Makassar as it uses kelawak. It is normally served with rice and called Nasi Rawon.

The most famous place to eat rawon is Rawon Setan in Surabaya. If you cannot go there, you can also try Rawon Setan Mbak Endang on Jalan Mangga Besar Raya.

Sop Buntut

The sop buntut or "oxtail soup" is usually rather expensive, even if you eat it in the street. Apart from the beef, it may include carrots, potatoes, cloves, nutmeg and tomatoes.

I would recommend you to try Sop Buntut Mangga Besar on Jalan Mangga Besar 1 (yes I spend a lot of time in that area as you can see).

Soto Ayam

Soto Ayam is the most widely available Indonesian soup, and possibly the most delicious too. The broth is aromatic and spicy, with a yellowish tint. It contains shredded chicken, fresh tomatoes, potatoes, turmeric, herbs, small eggs, koya and onions. The Soto Kudus, Soto Medan and Soto Lamongan (see below) are similar.

Best restaurant to taste a Soto Ayam in Jakarta: Soto Ayam Ambengan Pak Sadi (multiple branches in Kelapa Gading, Thamrin, Senopati, etc).

Sop Kambing

The Sop Kambing is my absolute favourite. I can usually smell restaurants that serve it a mile away and I love to try its variations. Popular versions include the Sop Kaki Kambing (Mutton Leg Soup) or the Sop Kepala Kambing (Mutton Head Soup). It is very similar with the Sop Buntut.

My favourite venue for Sop Kambing: Kui Sen Restaurant in Jalan Gajah Mada.

Soto Lamongan

The Soto Lamongan is a variation of the Soto Ayam. The main difference is that it is a clear soup, without any coconut milk used. It is named after Lamongan, a city in East Java.

There are not many restaurants serving Soto Lamongan. If you don't find it near from where you live, you can go to the street food stall "Soto Ayam Lamongan Cak Kumis" in Bintaro 9 Walk.

Empal Gentong

Empal Gentong is a spicy beef soup from Cirebon. It is made of beef tripes (intestines) cooked in a curry sauce with coconut milk.

The most famous place in Jakarta is certainly Kedai Empal Gentong Mang Darma Cirebon in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta.

Soto Daging Madura

There are actually several kinds of Soto Madura, with chicken or beef. The one I tried was a dark beef offal and meat soup. It is not my favourite as I find it less aromatic than other Indonesian soups.

I only had Soto Madura once in Tosoto, on Jalan Mangga Besar Raya. They have other branches all over the city as well.

Soto Medan

The Soto Medan is a variation of the Soto Ayam, with a sweeter flavour. Another difference is that it contains potato croquettes called "perkedel". The one I had also had some noodles inside.

The best place to eat a Soto Medan in Jakarta is near Ancol in Soto Medan Pak Syamsuddin, Jalan Muara Karang Raya No. 17.

Soto Tangkar Iga Sapi

The Soto Tangkar Iga Sapi is similar to Soto Betawi except that the meat used is always beef ribs. It is popular mainly in Jakarta.

The legendary Soto Tangkar Tanah Tinggi is the must-try restaurant for this soup. It has been around since 1938, an eternity in Jakarta (Jalan Tanah Tinggi III No. 54 Central Jakarta).

Soto Kudus

The Soto Kudus comes from the town of Kudus in Central Java. It is a clear broth soup, usually made from chicken or buffalo, served in a small ball in which rice can be added. Its particular taste comes from the heavy use of garlic, fresh and fried.

There are several good venues to eat Soto Kudus in Jakarta. One of the most delicious is Soto Kudus Blok M on Jalan Kh. Achmad Dahlan No. 36.

I was in Hue for just a few days in January, on a stopover between Hanoi and Hoi An. I thought it was a pleasant town, with a fun nightlife, a laid-back vibe, some world-class attractions and excellent food.

If I had known beforehand, I would have skipped Hoi An, probably the most overrated destination in Vietnam, and I would have stayed in Hue for a few extra days.

In this review, I will give you all the information you need to have a fun night out in Hue: The best party area, where to stay nearby, the busiest bars and clubs, as well as

Nightlife Area in Hue

A couple of nights is enough to visit all of Hue's top bars and nightclubs. Almost all of them are located in a small area between Doi Cung street and Chu Van An street, which also happens to be where most of the hotels are.

Within that perimeter, Pham Ngu Lao is the most happening nightlife street. It is crowded every night until 2 AM with a mix of backpackers, tourists and young Vietnamese. The bars are very laid-back, in the open-air, and they also serve food.

Not too far from there, a few swanky nightclubs are scattered around and easy to reach by foot. They target almost exclusively Vietnamese, who often come in groups of males.

If you don't know where to start your night out, my advice would be to simply walk to Pham Ngu Lao, near Vietnam Backpackers Hostel, and go into the café that seems the most lively on that particular evening.

Hotels Near The Nightlife

Hue is one of the cheapest cities I've ever visited in my entire life. Prices for a double room start à 8$ in guest houses, and for 30$ you can get an excellent 3-star hotel.

To be close to both the nightlife and the Imperial City, I recommend you to stay near Doi Cung street.

These are the best hotels if you want to be near the nightlife (and near the tourist attractions too!):

Backpackers: You can get a comfy room in Amigo Hotel for only 10$ per night, just 1 minute away from all the bars in Hue.

14$/night: Amona Hotel (rated 9.3 on Agoda)

20$/night: Hong Thien Ruby Hotel (rated 9.4 on Agoda)

30$/night: Moonlight Hotel (rated 8.9 on Agoda)

40$/night: Rosaleen Hotel (rated 8.9 on Agoda)

Best Bars in Hue

DMZ Bar

One of the most happening spots on Pham Ngu Lao street, DMZ is a 3-floor building with a bar on the ground floor, a restaurant on the 2nd, and a sky garden on the 3rd.

Cheap prices (VND30,000 for a beer, VND80,000 for a cocktail). The crowd is more diverse than in Brown Eyes, probably because they also serve decent food and they have a more strategic location. Pool tables and a karaoke room available. Good for watching sports and people passing by.

Brown Eyes

Brown Eyes is probably the most popular bar/club in Hue for young travelers. It is cramped and dark, with a pool table and a bar on the side. It is packed from 9 PM until 3 or 4 AM with mostly drunk backpackers, curious Vietnamese, and a small number of freelance prostitutes.

Prices are cheap (VND40,000 for a beer, VND90,000 for a cocktail, VND40,000 for a shot), and you can get even cheaper prices if you come during their happy hours from 5 PM to 10 PM (20% off). They also go around the city giving away flyers with "buy one get one" promos. Great for meeting people, especially in their small outdoor terrace. Music is a mix of Top 40 songs from the 80s until now.

Secret Lounge Hue

This is not exactly a party place, but it is a nice hangout spot, slightly away from the busiest part of town. They serve good cocktails, but they are more expensive than elsewhere (150,000 VND or USD 6).

Gecko Café

A cute restaurant/pub that serves pizzas and about 10 brands of craft beers. Reasonably-priced.

Nightclubs in Hue

Nightclubs in Hue are not targeting foreigners but Vietnamese. For this reason, don't expect an experience similar to the one you would have in Europe or the US.

Vietnamese clubs often have a shiny, flashy appearance, with over-the-top lighting and special effects. They mainly serve groups, who book a table or a VIP corner and order bottles. This means that if you are alone, you may not meet other people so easily, unless you are lucky and join one of the groups (which actually often happens when everyone is drunk). There are also lady companions, whose job is to keep you company while you drink. They get paid with tips and commissions.

Customers dress sharply, especially women. They will wear skirts, high heels, and they will often go to the salon before heading to a club.

There is a DJ, often a 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. The larger clubs have live bands, typically singing Vietnamese pop.

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.

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:

These are the popular nightclubs in Hue:

Dong Bar

This bar/club is more popular with Vietnamese students. Loud EDM music, fun vibe and reasonably priced.

Sophie Club

Just in front of Dong Bar on Pham Ngu Lao street.

Alita Lounge

A more intimate and luxurious club. Beware as they tend to refuse foreigners, especially if you are not well-dressed or if you don't plan on purchasing bottles. To be honest, you won't lose much since the entertainment is really geared towards Vietnamese taste (Vietnamese songs, very loud Vina House, sexy dancers).

New DTV

This crowded nightclub seems to be the favorite of young, under-18 local Vietnamese. Vietnamese techno and hot girls dancing with bikinis. In front of the Huong Giang Hotel. Dress sharp.

Asta Nightclub

Another Vietnamese-style nightclub, similar to the ones listed above. Quite expensive (VND100,000 for a beer, VND150,000 for a glass of Whisky). Many chic Vietnamese ladies inside. Vina House music or live bands, depending on the day. Sexy dancers. Closes at 2 AM.

Nightlife Tips

Nightlife cost in Hue

It is very affordable to party in Hue, especially if you only hang out in bars and cafés. In those, a local beer will cost around one US dollar (25-30,000 VND) and a cocktail around 4-5 dollars (100-130,000 VND). You can also buy a bottle of liquor for less than 1,000,000 VND (less than 40 dollars).

It gets more expensive in nightclubs, especially if you order drinks by the glass. Expect to pay 2-3 times more for these. Bottles are better priced, usually around 1,200,000 VND for one (around 50 USD).

Dating in Hue

As elsewhere in Vietnam, it is relatively easy to chat to girls online in Hue and to ask them out on a date. In general, very little happens afterwards, except an invitation for a second date, and then a third, a fourth and a fifth.

I would recommend using the following apps:

- If you are young, good-looking, and staying for a while in Vietnam, try Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, or Badoo.

- If you are currently not in Vietnam but you would like to chat with Vietnamese girls before you arrive in the country, try Vietnam Cupid.

- If you have a good financial situation and feel generous, you'll also meet plenty of girls on Seeking.com.

You can read my article Best Online Dating Apps and Sites in Asia and Best Countries to Meet Asian Women for more information about dating Vietnamese girls.

Safety and danger at night in Hue

Hue, like the rest of Vietnam, is pretty safe when it comes to crime and theft. It can happen and you should definitely be careful, but it is rare.

The number one danger you will face in the country, especially at night, is to have a motorbike accident. It happens way more often than you think and it is the leading cause of death among young travelers.

Limit the danger by staying walking distance from the nightlife, and if you are drunk, just use taxis or grab.

Phuket is one of the most renowned nightlife destinations in Thailand. It has a buzzing party scene, with most of its bars and nightclubs concentrated on the 1-km long street of Bangla (or Walking Street), in the beach town of Patong.

Here is the concise guide of Phuket (Patong) nightlife:

Best Hotels Near Patong Nightlife

If you are in Patong for partying, I advise you to stay within walking distance from Bangla Road, but far enough that you won't hear the music until 3 AM.

By doing so, you won't have to deal with the tuk-tuk and taxi mafias (charging ridiculous prices at night even for a 100-meter ride), and if you have your own car or bike, you will avoid the temptation of driving back home while drunk.

Booking.com has a great list of hotels located within a short distance from Bangla Road. Among them, the following are the best in terms of value for money, rating and location:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Clover Hotel: One of the most popular hotels in Patong, only 150 meters from the beach and 5 minutes from Bangla Road. Nice rooftop pool, delicious breakfast, and affordable price (under 60$ off season). Rated 8.9/10.

⭐⭐⭐

Summer Breeze would be my first choice within this price range: a 1-minute walk from the nightlife and only 25-35$ per night. Rated 8.7/10.

⭐⭐⭐

Sleep with Me: It is 200 meters from the nightlife and 100 meters from the mall JungCeylon. Price starting at 30$ per night on Agoda. Rated 8.5/10.

⭐⭐⭐

Yorkshire is a popular choice among regulars of Patong. It is both guest-friendly and a 200-m walk from nightclubs. Their basic room is comfortable and costs 30$ per night. Rated 8.2/10.

Note: Some hotels in Patong may ask for a "joiner" fee (around 300 THB) if you bring someone to your room who wasn't part of your initial booking.

Phuket Nightlife Tips

What to expect

Type of crowd

With its gogo bars, its naughty massage parlors, and its sleazy clubs, nightlife in Patong is rather male-oriented. It is a (paid) sex destination that draws mostly guys, older and younger, from all over the world.

While Russians are the main nationality in Phuket, you also have hordes of Northern Europeans (British, Germans, Scandinavians), Asians, Australians, Americans, Indians and Arabs. There are also thousands of foreigners who retired in Phuket or started their own businesses (restaurants, bars, tours, etc), many of whom are married to or dating a Thai girl.

Patong, and Phuket in general, also attracts "normal" tourists, including families, couples and backpackers. They come mostly for the beach, but at night, some will come to Bangla street out of curiosity. They are not particularly interested in the sex trade so they contribute to make Patong nightlife less creepy.

Dress code:
There isn't a very strict dress code in most of the bars and nightclubs in Phuket. You can wear shorts, torn jeans, t-shirts, and even sandals.

Cost of partying
Patong is more expensive than the average for Thailand, but it is still reasonable compared to other countries.

In a typical gogo bar or nightclub, you will pay about USD 2-4 for a beer, USD 5-6 for a glass of spirits, and USD 6-8 for a cocktail. The cheapest bottles of imported alcohol, like Red Label, usually cost around USD 100.

Almost all the nightclubs in Phuket have a free entrance, except White Room and Illuzion (they will charge USD 10-15 depending on the event or DJ). If you are a small group, you should consider purchasing a bottle of alcohol as it will give you access to a table and you'll save money on drinks.

Many nightclubs run an all-you-can-drink promo for about 800 THB. It usually lasts from 10pm to 1am. Beware because if the club is full, you may struggle to get your drinks at the bar.

Music
DJs will usually alternate between commercial EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Hip-Hop, Rn'B and Top 40. The only places where I listened to more original playlists were in the VIP rooms of Illuzion and Seduction.

Dating/Meeting people
You shouldn't be too naive about the dating scene in Patong/Phuket, especially if you are a guy. On a dating site like Tinder, the majority of users are prostitutes or ladyboys. In nightclubs, even those with a good reputation, you can pretty much assume that most of the girls you will talk to make a living from dating guys or having sex with them.

For a sex tourist, it is probably paradise, but if you are looking for the love of your life, you'll probably struggle.

Best dating sites in Phuket:

- To meet "normal" girls: Bumble

- To meet foreigners: Hinge

- If you are not in Thailand and you want to meet Thai girls before your trip, try Thai Cupid. It's very popular in the country among Thai women who want to date foreigners.

- To meet high-end, model type Thai girls: Seeking.com

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

Best time to enjoy Patong nightlife

The high season runs from December to February (with a peak during the Christmas holidays and Chinese New Year). More tourists choose to visit the island during this period because the weather is always sunny, the sea is quiet and the water is clear blue. This is when the nightlife will be the most happening.

The rest of the year, and particularly in July or August, you will have considerably fewer people visiting Phuket. In Patong, the occupancy during the low season may not even reach 50%.

While you will get cheaper deals on hotels, you can't expect that all bars and nightclubs will be crowded.

Travel Insurance

One foreigner dies every three days in Phuket. The most frequent causes of death are drunk driving, drowning and strangely, suicide. There are thousands of non-lethal accidents every month and the worst ones may end up costing you a lot of money (a medical evacuation from Phuket to Australia = 100,000$). Other common problems like dog bites, malaria, dengue fever, food poisoning, flu, etc... can be treated in Thailand but you will get charged a highly inflated tourist price.

Before or during your trip, check that you have proper travel insurance. It costs a few dollars per day and it can save you a lot of trouble if something happens to you.

Best Nightclubs in Patong

The most recommended nightclubs in Patong are the following:

→ Illuzion is my favorite party place in Patong. Ranked 93rd best nightclub in the world by DJ Mag, it is brand-new and modern, with a huge stage where sexy dancers, acrobats, DJs and singers perform all night long. You have fewer prostitutes than elsewhere and most of the customers are young Westerners. It also has a smaller room called Empire specializing in urban music.

→ White Room is smaller, less classy, with mostly hip-hop and R'n'B music. 600 THB for all-you-can-drink.

→ Sugar: Hip-hop club, same owner as Sugar Bangkok. Lots of Middle-eastern and Indians.

→ Tai Pan is an old nightclub popular with long-term Phuket residents. It is just one low-ceiling room with plenty of tables and dancing poles. There is always a show on stage: Dancers, live bands, DJs. At least 90% of the girls are prostitutes.

Gogo Bars and Erotic Clubs in Phuket
Girlie bars are everywhere in Patong and they make take several forms:

→ The cheapest are the ubiquitous beer bars that can be found every 20 meters (and especially in Soi Freedom or Soi Tiger). They can accommodate around 15-20 customers with a staff of 10 bar girls.

→ Gogo bars are larger and more expensive. They have a podium with girls dancing in lingerie/bikini/uniforms, topless or naked (depending on the bar). Customers can sit all around and enjoy the show. Like in beer bars, they may ask a girl to join them.

Most of the famous Patong gogo bars are located in Soi Sea Dragon. The group Suzie Wong manages at least four gogo bars there (Suzie Wong I & II, Harem, Exotica) and another one on Bangla (Rock Hard). They are the best ones (prettiest girls, great atmosphere, good music, first drink for 99 THB).

You can also try the new Upstairs Gogo Bar (nude and topless girls, first beer 99 THB then 200 THB), No1 A Gogo, Diablo A Gogo and Club Lover.

→ Erotic clubs or Ping Pong Shows. Those clubs are a trashier version of gogo bars. They usually have older, less attractive girls who will do some kind of sexual performances. Most often, it involves inserting something in their V.

Honestly, it is pretty gross. With my own two eyes, I've seen a girl removing an actual frog from her V, then throwing it on a customer. The staff looked depressed and tourists were rather uncomfortable.

Note: Many tourists get scammed in ping pong shows. They get inside because they are promised a 99 THB beer, but they ignore that it only applies to the first drink. After that, they get charged between 500 THB and 1,000 THB per drink.

→ There are a few Russian strip joints in Patong. More luxurious than Thai ones, they also cost more and have a bad reputation for scamming customers.

If you have any additional questions about Patong (Phuket) nightlife, do not hesitate to leave a message below. I'm also interested to know about your favorite bars and nightclubs if I missed them.

This is my updated list of the best bars in Jakarta (2024).

I wrote mostly about the most established venues that have existed for several years and are consistently crowded. I also focused mostly on South and Central Jakarta.

At the end of the article, I've added some of the newest bars as well as some that are located in North and West Jakarta.

Please leave a comment if I forgot one!

For more information about where to party in Jakarta, you can also read:
Best Nightclubs in Jakarta
Jakarta Nightlife Guide
Best Beer Garden and Beer Houses in Jakarta
Best Expat Bars in Jakarta

Best Bars in Jakarta

These are the best bars in Jakarta. They are not ranked in a particular order: I don't think there is one that is better than the others as they each target a different crowd.

LiveHouse Kelapa Gading (Sponsored)

LiveHouse, which is part of the HW group, has just opened a new branch in Kelapa Gading (after the success of the one in Kemang). It has a fun and fresh concept which is very popular among young Indonesians. Basically, there is a live band or singer every night, and the public is invited to sing along. Most of the song are Top 40 hits, in English and in Indonesian, so everyone will know the lyrics. There is also a giant screen behind the stage where people can post updates and chat directly from their phones. After the live music and between breaks, a DJ will mix mostly EDM and pop tunes.

It is quite affordable compared to the competition, and there are interesting promos every night (free cocktails for ladies before 12pm on Thursday, 30k shots on Monday and Wednesday, etc.) Check their IG @livehouse.kelapagading for the updated list of events.

Basque (Mega Kuningan)

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

This is especially true on Friday and Saturday when the dance floor gets so packed you can barely move a finger. On those days, there is a first-drink-charge of about IDR 200,000 if you come after midnight.

Many customers are foreigners, either expats or tourists, and there are also a fair amount of Indonesian girls. Many are just office girls who want to have fun, but there are some "professional girlfriends" as well (the kind you would meet on the dating site Seeking.com).

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

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

Léon Goldstein (Jalan Wijaya)

Opened in early 2017, Léon is a serious competitor to Basque, but it attracts mostly rich Indonesians instead of foreigners. It actually consists of two venues:
- The main one: A massive square room with a high ceiling, a long bar and a garden, is open to anyone (as long as you dress properly) day or night, for dinner or drinks.
- The second one, the Social Room, is a more intimate speakeasy bar with its own weekly schedule. They have a nicer selection of premium cocktails and spirits, and the music is better (live jazz, techno DJs, etc).

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

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.

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.

Lucy in the Sky (SCBD)

Lucy in the Sky started as a laid-back, unpretentious open-air café. Today it is a hip bar, rather expensive, attracting all the cool kids in the capital. Recommended if you are a 20-25 years-old hipster. Entrance fee of IDR 150,000 on weekends.

The best thing about Lucy is that it is walking distance to many other bars and nightclubs in Jakarta. If you are new to the city and you don't really know how to get around, you could start here then check other venues nearby such as H Club, Zoo, Swillhouse, Billions, etc.

In the past few years, they have added a location in Cikini and in Spark Mall (Senayan).

Loewy (Mega Kuningan)

Walking distance from Basque, Loewy is not new but it is still happening. It is a great place to eat casual French food and to hang out any day of the week. If you are alone in Jakarta, the bar area is an easy place to socialize, especially with foreigners living in Mega Kuningan.

Caspar (Sudirman)

The Spanish restaurant Caspar is one of the favorite party spots of foreigners living in Jakarta (along with Basque). This means you will also find a whole range of Indonesian girls interested in dating them. It gets really busy only on weekends as its main room turns into a dance floor. DJs usually play techno but they can also have live bands.

It has a whisky and cigar bar in its mezzanine, as well as an outdoor terrace.

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.

Eastern Promise (Kemang)

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

If you just arrived in Jakarta and you want to meet some fellow expats, this is a good place to start.

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

Black Pond Tavern (Senayan)

This Deep South-themed bar is located inside a wooden cabin in the Maj (Senayan Golf Club). Quite unexpected for Jakarta and worth trying for those looking to experience something different.

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.

BATS (Sudirman) and CJs (Senayan)

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

Social House (Grand Indonesia)

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

Cork & Screw

There are 3 Cork & Screw in Jakarta, but the only one I've been to recently is the Pacific Place's branch. This wine lounge and restaurant is possibly the busiest nightlife spot in the whole mall. Most customers are wealthy Indonesian-Chinese in large groups. You can also buy wine bottles.

Cork & Screw Country Club is different from the others as it is located outdoors in the Senayan Golf Course. It is more like a day club with sun loungers, a garden and a swimming pool.

Union

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

There are now almost 10 locations in Jakarta apart from the original branch: In PIK Avenue, in Pondok Indah Mall and in Mall Kelapa Gading 3. I have only been to the one in Senayan.

Helen's Epicentrum (Jalan Rasuna Said)

Crowded live music bar with dim lighting. Popular with young Indonesians, so the bands will usually play many Indonesian pop songs. There is a location in Epicentrum (near Jalan Rasuna Said) and one in Gunawarman Street (near Senopati).

Duck Down Bar (Senopati)

A small bar tucked inside the basement of a building in Senopati. It is very packed, full of smoke and noisy, but the clients seem to love it even more because of that. Easy to meet people. Live bands play famous rock and pop songs.

Camden (Cikini)

Camden is very popular and busy almost any day of the week. They have an outside beer garden and an indoor area (very packed and full of smoke). Cheap prices, perfect for students or backpackers.

Beer Hall (SCBD)

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

Paulaner Brauhaus (Grand Indonesia)

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

Bluegrass (Rasuna Said)

Popular steakhouse with a long bar. Quite many foreigners as it is centrally located near Epicentrum mall.

Beer Garden

A group of affordable beer gardens with 3 locations in Jakarta: Radio Dalam, Hublife (Taman Anggrek) and SCBD. Usually, they are happening every night with a live singer or band.

Queen's Head (Kemang)

One of the best venues in Kemang to have drinks on weekends. Beautiful design, delicious food and a mature crowd.

Liquid Exchange (Rasuna Said)

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

Halfway (Puri Indah)

From the same owner behind Camden, this is another student bar with very cheap prices (IDR 25,000 for a beer during happy hour from 5 PM to 8 PM). Cheerful, yet messy, atmosphere. Located in Puri Indah.

Melly's Garden (Central Jakarta)

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

Vin +

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

Burgundy (Plaza Indonesia)

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

Motion Blue (Senayan)

Jazz bar featuring different artists every week. Entrance fee around IDR 150,000 inclusive of one drink. Check their Facebook for the updated event schedule.

Shamrock (Tebet)

One of the few bars in the area of Tebet/East Jakarta. Outdoor garden with an indoor pub. Affordable prices and a nice, student crowd. Live music or DJs on weekends. It's quite similar to Camden Cikini.

Tipsy Monkey (PIK)

One of the busiest bars in Pantai Indah Kapuk. Good selection of beers and soju. Not so pricey. They usually have live music (Indonesian and English pop/rock) followed by a DJ (EDM, top 40, RnB).

While in PIK, you can also visit Black Owl and Gold Tiger.

Brotherhood of Gunawarman (Senopati)

Usually just called Brotherhood, it is a grill restaurant during the day, but turns into a busy bar/club at night. One of the most popular places to hangout in Senopati at the moment. Live music before midnight, then DJ.

Pantja (Senopati)

Pantja was opened by two expatriates, one who was a chef for Nobu restaurants and is now heading the kitchen, while the other one is responsible for the bar. Prices are quite high so you can expect to spend at least a million rupiah if you dine and drink there. It is one of two bars in Jakarta, along with the Cocktail Club, that have been listed in the list of Asia's best bars.

Both places are actually not that crowded and they can be a bit boring. Still, I recommend visiting if you are looking for better-than-average cocktails and an exclusive vibe.

Phoenix Gastro Bar (PIK)

Missing a Bar?

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