6 Best Bars in Cilandak - TB Simatupang - Lebak Bulus

In recent years, the area of Cilandak/TB Simatupang/Lebak Bulus (South Jakarta) has seen tremendous development, with skyscrapers sprouting like mushrooms in what is now considered Jakarta's second business district. This trend will likely continue as the largest MRT station in Jakarta is currently being built in Lebak Bulus.

Some major multinational companies have relocated there, especially those from the oil and gas sector. They are drawn mainly by the cheaper prices and by the strategic location between the airport and Bekasi. It is also convenient for expats due to the proximity of most international schools.

As a result of all these, the nightlife in Cilandak/TB Simatupang/Lebak Bulus has improved. You have enough interesting venues to save yourself a trip to SCBD when you are in the mood for partying.

Below are my 6 most recommended venues to go to in this area (it is interesting to note that 4 of them didn't exist 3 years ago):

Jenja Nightclub
The opening of Jenja in 2016 in the mall Cilandak Town Square (CITOS) was a game changer. It made the whole neighborhood much trendier, and suddenly it attracted clubbers from all over the city.

It is a lounge-bar-club, popular with expats and upper-class Indonesians, especially because of the quality of its DJ line-up. On most nights, the music will be non-commercial techno/electronic music. They have an international guest DJ almost weekly (recently: Kollektiv Turmstrass or Dominik Eulberg that I had listed in my 2016 DJ Wishlist). Opened from Wednesday to Saturday from 10PM until 4AM.

Full review here: Jenja Jakarta

Karumba Rooftop Rum Bar
Located on the 19th floor of Mercure Simatupang hotel, Karumba is a relaxed rooftop with a live band or a DJ five nights per week. It is not a wild party place, but I enjoy it to sip a few cocktails at sunset time.

Full review here: Karumba Rooftop Rum Bar

View from Karumba Rooftop (Jalan TB Simatupang)

No Name Bar
Located in Poins Square Mall in Lebak Bulus, this small bar used to called Camden (until it moved to Gandaria). It is a rather cheap venue to drink alcohol, therefore attracting mostly young students. One beer jug costs IDR225,000. You can check their Instagram or Facebook page for more information about their live music schedule.

Imbiss Stube German Bar and Restaurant
Imbiss Stube is the sister restaurant of Die Stube (Kemang). Located inside CITOS mall, it is a great place for eating affordable German food, drink beer and watch sports. The crowd is a mix of Indonesian/Expat. Draught local beer for Rp50,000.

Ra Stube in Ra Residence (TB Simatupang) is also part of the same group but it is rather quiet and not really happening.

Second Home is another possible option for drinking and hanging out in CITOS mall.

Satu Lagi
Satu Lagi is the hotel bar of the Kristal Hotel, about 15 minutes from CITOS. It is one of the oldest pubs in Jakarta and many of its guests are regulars from the oil & gas industry.

Read my review here: Satu Lagi

Mad Dogs
A veteran of South Jakarta nightlife, Mad Dogs is an expat pub with an older crowd of long-time residents.

Read my review here: Mad Dogs Bar Jakarta

If none of these options is fine with you, you can try bars in Pondok Indah Mall (PIM 3 and Street Gallery for casual drinks), Gandaria (Camden Bar, Halfway Bar - for students), Kemang (for clubbing and eating Western food) or Blok M (of hostess bars and Japanese karaokes).