Jakarta Nightlife: Top 10 Nightclubs

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

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

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

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

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

Tips About Clubbing in Jakarta:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Nightclubs in Jakarta:

Embassy Club

Large nightclub located in SCBD. Popular with Indonesians from upper-middle class. Music is mostly EDM. 

Boca Rica

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

For more information, check their Instagram: Boca Rica Jakarta

Basque

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

Instagram: Basque

Dragonfly

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

For more information, check their Instagram: Dragonfly Club

The Swillhouse

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

For more information, check their Instagram: Swillhouse

Brexit Club

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

Instagram: Brexit

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

Fable

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

For more information, check their Instagram: Fable Jakarta

Clubs Temporarily Closed Because COVID-19:

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

Colosseum

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

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

For more information, check their Instagram: Colosseum Club Jakarta

Baia in Colosseum Jakarta

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

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

Blowfish

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

For more information, check their Instagram: Blowfish

The Room at Hotel Monopoli

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

More info: Hotel Monopoli

108 Club (ex-Illigals)

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

More info: 108 The New Atmosphere

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