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!
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.
- 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:
Large nightclub located in SCBD. Popular with Indonesians from upper-middle class. Music is mostly EDM.
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
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
Fable
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
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
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
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 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).
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
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
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
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 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
More info: 108 The New Atmosphere
Loving your guides. We from Netherlands and going to Bali, Jakarta and Singapore beginning of June to find out how the parties are! Looking forward to more tips on your site!
ReplyDeleteLet' go to party.. shall we...?
DeleteThere is no closed for clubbing in jakarta.
Deletealways open for hv fun
Welcome to jakarta, as the best city of clubbing.
ReplyDeleteFor more information , you can page me
Hi Robertus, are you the author of this article? I'm trying to find out moe about Jarkata's clubbing scene. How do I page you? Can you send me a message?
DeleteHi Kelvin, I'm the author, you can email me thibaud@jakarta100bars.com
DeleteDo you know which one would be open this weekend (first week of ramadhan)? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi, sorry but all clubs will be closed this weekend. The first week and last week of ramadhan are the strictest. In case things have changed since last year, you can check Mille's or BATS but I seriously doubt they will be open.
Deletewhen was this article posted? just wondering if the writer still have d same opinion for this november and december
ReplyDeletenow, potato head garage is one of the best place too! its crowded as well in events like peaches and cream or press play. and fyi, umbra is closed already.
ReplyDeletehow about the safety in all the clubs?
ReplyDeleteplease drop me some information about this.
I don't think there are any reasons to be afraid of the safety. It's probably more dangerous to cross the street in Jakarta than go to a nightclub.
DeleteJust don't get into fights with anybody and be respectful of bouncers.
Hello, i am emailing from Christmas Island (Jawa Selatan)
ReplyDeleteOur flights from Christmas Island to Jakarta is every Saturday and in a couple of weeks time i am taking up a soccer team to play at ISCI.
So without waffling on :) can you suggest a good club that has a good week night? If it makes any difference we are a very campur bangsa people so Malay, Chinese and European with some girlfriends and wives all open minded. All like greart sounds and party (our island soooo small) Best regards, majulah Indonesia. :) Oliver
Hi Oliver, on which day exactly will you be in Jakarta? On Wednesdays, X2, Dragonfly and Immigrant are good. Otherwise, it might be quiet so your best option is to go to a hotel bar like BATS or CJs. Those two places are lively but quite expensive and crowded with freelance prostitutes.
ReplyDeleteWhere to get the ecstasy?
ReplyDeleteAsk Tony
DeleteHey guys, could someone know any clubs contact to play as a guest Dj in any of those clubs ?
ReplyDeleteManager name, email, facebook... ? Thanks guys!
Milles will be closed soon :'( They have house and breakbeat played in sepearate halls. In the breakbeat hall, usually the DJ plays 'Indonesian' breakbeat first which sounds like dangdut-koplo (although the songs are all in english) and around 1 AM 'Western' breakbeat is played which has more complex and delicate arrangement. But on weekdays they keep playing that 'dangdut' until 4 AM before changing to breakbeat. This is only my assumption though, judging from how the music sounds it seems that the first type is composed by Indonesians and the latter is composed by foreigners.
ReplyDeleteHello, how do you know that Mille's will close soon? Is it just temporary?
DeleteHaven't you heard the news? I read it on detik.com. Last Saturday a policeman was caught red-handed consuming drugs. Since that was the second time drug was found at Milles, the authority decided to close it for good just like they did with Stadium.
DeleteI'm so devastated :'(
Thanks I just heard from you... it seems very common for policemen or soldiers to be caught using drugs in Indonesia... but if they didn't close it already, it means they are probably trying to find an arrangement...
DeleteThere is not a perfect alternative yet... Golden Crown for the music but it closes at 5am, Exotis or Puja Sera for the drugs but the music there sucks, Illigals Karaoke rooms are another option.
ReplyDeleteI am goig to golden crown tonight...10pm i have booked balcony...who want to join? Drop reply with yoir info and ill invite you
ReplyDeleteHow was the scene at Golden Crown when you went?
DeleteIs Fable, Exodus, and Colosseum strictly check the IDs?
ReplyDeleteWhere do the hottest girls go in Jakarta, that are willing to mingle with guys?
ReplyDeleteDragonfly, then Immigrant, then X2
DeleteAny of the clubs in jakarta that do not allow you to wear cap?
ReplyDeleteCan someone tell me where i can enjoy descent underground electronic music besides Mille's?
ReplyDeleteI really want to know a place that has similar vibe like Boiler Room.
Which is they come to enjoy the music, not the females (lol).
Jenja
Deletethe pallas is new, u gotta put it in
ReplyDeleteyou also have O2 rooftop nightclub which is new and Ismaya group's just opened live music venue - The Establishment as well both will no doubt be popular with expats.
DeleteSaying that just because a venue is new doesn't automatically mean it should make the top 10 list which is of course itself subjective to the author's taste anyway.
Will clubs be open on Wednesday 19 April - Election Day? Will people be partying or will it be dead?
ReplyDeleteit should be normal I guess...
DeleteNow that Ahok has been voted out as Governor anyone willing to wager a bet that Stadium or Milles could soon reopen again perhaps under different names but at the same locations?
ReplyDeleteI have a question:
ReplyDelete1. Where could I find karaoke with girls besides Alexis?
2. Which karaoke in Jakarta that can have big room for at least 12 people? (exclude girls)
Illigals, Level 5, Club 36, Golden Crown...
DeleteJust came back from Classic Hotel yesterday, and experiencing an sudden search for the club with police. Looks terrible, police with rifle, dogs, and you need to empty your pocket and take off your shoes. Searching lasts 1.5 hours, kind of scary. Anyone want to go to nightclubs in Jakarta recently should be careful and bring your passport, because you do not know if your choice club will be "attacked" by police.
ReplyDeleteAre the clubs opened this weekend?
ReplyDeleteYes they are...
DeleteAre places like Alexis and malioboro open during cuti bersama?
ReplyDeleteyes they are open, but close little bit earlier. don't trust there webpages regarding this.
DeleteIf we are inside the club and suddenly police will come.....it will trouble you if you are a foreigner???? Or Are they cooperative???
ReplyDeletePolice rarely comes inside club except for making drug tests (it never happened to me personally in 10 years in Jakarta). In case it happens, foreigners will probably be treated the same way Indonesians are.
DeleteCooperative? Yes,only if you have enough money to bribe,because last year my friend get caught during roadblock and they insisted to do urine test, and we able to convice them to take our money and let we go away
DeleteHahahaha... Just because you are foreigners you think you will be treat differently? Nope... Especially those who got no brain and depends only on their money.
DeleteNeed info.. which bar/club frequently visited by koreans? Thanks
ReplyDeleteThey go to karaoke in Jalan Melawai or in Wijaya Complex
DeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteWhich is the best place to go when it's not a Wednesday, Friday or Saturday?
In South Jakarta, try BATS, CJs (both have a lot of prostitutes though), Loewy, Eastern Promise (expats), Lucy in the Sky (young Indonesians), Cloud, Skye.
DeleteIn North Jakarta, Club 36, Malio Club, Crown.
Hey can you please recommend me a night club to go tonight close to the airport, I’ll be staying here only tonight
ReplyDeleteThere is no nightclub very near from the airport... the closest is Colosseum but it's more than 20 kilometers away... If you go in the evening it doesn't take that long to get there, maybe 30 minutes...
DeleteIllegals have extended their trading hours for Club Voyeur. Stadium Allstars are openly advertising 9pm till 9am for their regular Friday night parties. I have also been last Sunday morning at the club and it was still going at 9am. I'm not sure during the week what there closing time is but maybe not as late. Club Voyeur is probably the best alternative for the defunct Milles and Stadium in North Jakarta now in terms of after hours clubbing for expats although still a little bit quiet on the weekdays compared to how those places used to be. Colosseum can also be open up till 9am or later depending on the event.
ReplyDeleteyou should update your 10 nightclubs. Some of them are already closed down..
ReplyDeleteHi I'm going to Jakarta next month after Ramadan, I will update all then, thanks...
DeleteAccording to Illegals official Twitter they will be closing down for Ramadan for renovations and reopening under the new name "108 Club" which is the same as their street address on Jl. Hayam Wuruk. The Spa/Karaoke and Hotel will open on June 26th and the Nightclub on 2nd July.
DeleteI'm not sure if changed ownership or maybe they decided keeping the name as Illegals is too dangerous in the current environment with a lot of clubs in Jakarta being shut down for illegal activities.
Great, thanks for letting me know.... I will visit it after it opens!
DeleteWhat's the best bar to go to for younger girls (18-22) looking to be pampered/spoiled and then used for a night by a good looking, fit expat guy in his 50s who speaks pretty fluent Bahasa Indonesia (I've never spent much time in Jakarta.)
ReplyDeletePlease advice, which club can buy molly safely? Thanks for guidance..
ReplyDeleteu can buy safely from dealer in outside,,and take it inside every club u like.. just beware of 'cepu'..all my friend always do that..so do i..
Deletemilles still the best..good xtc,great music n ppl.. since anniv party w/ my wife, a week before it closed. i can't move on until now. no one club similar like milles. please,if anybody here have a info about underground club like milles. i would love to share.
ReplyDeleteSame question, any Mile's alternative, been to Jakarta many times and Mile's was good one also remember another one I went to but it's closed as well, any suggestion?
DeleteYou don't really have an alternative to Mille's anymore... The craziest place in Jakarta now is Puja Sera on Jalan Mangga Besar but it is too underground for most people i guess...
DeleteI visited Puja Sera in late July at about 7am in the morning. The music is pretty confronting for a bule with very loud & fast Kota Techno music. I don't enjoy the atmosphere as much the former Milles especially the small room. If you order a beer it will be warm and you will also likely be the only bule there most times if you visit too so will attract attention which can be good or bad depending on your mood. For me the best alternative now would be the Stadium All Star night on Fridays at 108 Club (ex-Illegals) hosted by DJ Bobby. Great progressive house music and late opening till early morning. Not as crazy as the old Milles but about the best in North Jakarta at the moment.
DeleteOne to check out - Colosseum Nightclub just officially opened their new purpose built underground room "BAIA" last weekend with French DJ Sebastian Leger headlining. It will be hosting the regular monthly "Enter the Void" Techno events which finishes very late in the morning past 10am and used to be hosted in a converted VIP Karaoke room. The room is very nicely done with a quality sound & lighting system. You can check their instagram page @baiajkt for some photos and any upcoming events.
ReplyDeleteAre beans/rolls/Molly on the menu here?
DeleteNot easy to buy there if you don't know anyone. If you need, you can go to a club like Pujasera and ask someone from security inside.
DeleteSince Jan 2019 Immigrant is closed
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update!
DeleteThibaud, where's the best place to party now? Also looking for pick ups in jakarta? We will be there mid week April? Mid range budget..
ReplyDeleteBATS Shangri-La
DeleteAnyone can recommend a good spot for a night out for singles and good pick ups? Going there in April?
ReplyDeleteShangri-La - BATS
DeleteSo with Immigrant now closed, where do you guys think the crowd will move to? Any ideas anyone?
ReplyDeleteThat crowd probably goes to Jenja now as DF is too upmarket for them
DeleteBasque and DF I'd say
DeleteFor Expat/Foreigners, I can host and let you experience the nightlife in Jakarta, the unspeakable nocturnal scene. It’’m be much safer if you go with local. Hit me up :)
ReplyDeleteNight life King - let me know how to contact you.
DeleteWhere can I get molly without having to go to clubs
ReplyDeleteHow about this hotel hotel Ciputra Jakarta. Here have any night pub like nightlife
ReplyDeleteThis hotel doesn't have a bar or club, but you can check B'Fashion nearby.
DeleteAnyone know of any swingers clubs for group sex here?
ReplyDeleteNo clubs for swingers in Jakarta, but there are a few nice girls and couples available on Adult Friend Finder.
ReplyDeleteCan someone please let me know what are the best bars/clubs on a Tuesday night in Jakarta?
ReplyDeleteIt's quiet on a Tuesday night... CJs and Bats will be busy...
DeleteYou should check out two awesome music lounges that basically are like small clubs with no entrance fees, Kilo and The Safehouse. Highly recommend them, perfect with Molly so I have been told.
ReplyDeleteAlso Jenja is not a club anymore, its a live music bar. I suggest you visit these places to stay updated, just because its still open doesnt mean it still has the same theme.
Thanks I will check Kilo and the new Safehouse. I'm in France now so I have to wait until January though...
DeleteJenja Jakarta are most definitely still doing club nights. You are correct that they are doing more live nights now but they still have their club nights called "Jenja Vibes". They recently had DJ Bobby Suryadi play last Friday night who is quite a famous progressive DJ in Indonesia and also do EDM and Hip Hop/R&B nights. They don't seem to have many international DJ's play anymore maybe because they used to share the costs with Jenja Bali which is now permanently closed.
DeleteKilo has an entrance fee (first drink charge) during weekends and is very crowded. Have to book in advance. Pretty good food though
DeleteLavva is the new X2 and yes Jenja now live music. Hakkasan lounge on the roof now on hold, Tao will open soon still in Senayan but Omnia supposed to go in the car park of Alila also on hold again.
ReplyDeleteThanks very good info! I'll check Lavva in January...
DeleteHakkasan Rooftop lounge on 26th floor of Alila SCBD is still under construction but will be opening before Christmas 2019 according to staff at the restaurant just recently.
DeleteAlso opening soon: "new" Cloud. And Animale and Carbon both in MD building in Setiabudi. Animale replaces Valentino. Carbon will be a bar.
ReplyDeletehii..can you give the suggestion which clubs should i visit near the sultan hotel jakarta? along with the price and so on..thanks
ReplyDeleteBoca Rica and Basque. Around 80k for a beer and 150k for a cocktail. Entrance fee in Basque 200k on weekends.
DeleteA few new places worth checking: Kilo Lounge, AA, Will's Restaurant (Menteng), Zodiac and RTL.
ReplyDeleteZodiac has good events and the vibe is boiler room-ish. (Using the term "boiler room" very loosely here hahaha)
DeleteI've been to The Swillhouse, it's been fun bro
ReplyDeleteI have two questions.
ReplyDelete1. what is a good mid range hotel that is guest friendly if you want to hang out in Colosseum ?
2. is Easter a good time to visit in 2020 ? This is before Ramadan which starts on 24 April 2020.
Thanks in advance
Jonathan
1) I like the Holiday Inn Gajah Mada (10 minutes by car from Colosseum).
Delete2) Easter is good, nowadays clubs less crowded than usual due to Coronavirus (i guess). The weekend before ramadan is usually quite nice as there are many "closing" parties.
I’m wondering what has happened to the Jakarta I first visited in 2013, which had so many fun places to party. Red square, X2, immigrant, stadium, etc. are now closed and haven’t been replaced as far as I can see. Last Saturday I went to basque and DF, both were half empty. I then tried colosseum, arrived around 1:30, and the place was so quiet and empty. Only some small groups sitting at table. Are there some new places not listed here I’m not aware of? Or have people just stopped partying?
ReplyDeleteReligious conservatism is what happened.
DeleteAlso, lots of new places not mentioned here that are quite crowded like Zodiac, Kilo or Boca Rica.
That era 2008-2015 red square equnox x2 stadium was the best era
DeleteMore (quality) people partying
Crowd more diverse and fun
any ideas about nightclubs still selling drugs ?
ReplyDeleteVery hard to get nowadays. You need to know the right people.
DeleteYou can try Pujasera on Jl. Mangga Besar. They are selling sometimes just ask security inside but it is not consistent like it used to be and you might be unlucky.
DeleteDo not ever try that. It's not safe, I know because I tried it few years ago. I had to pay the police 50 million to get my gf free.
DeleteWelcome to the era of Sharia in Indonesia. Although it was a good run between 1995-2017, Jakarta is now embarking on a path that could and may turn it into the next Iraq or Syria. Indonesia has gone from being a tolerant and liberal society to one of hate, fear and extremism. Stay tuned for more bar closures.
ReplyDeleteand avoid visit jakarta on rain season, because the flood is almost everywhere. or maybe avoid visit until the next governor. ;)
DeleteDear Thibaud,
ReplyDeleteFor purposes of your wonderful site, it is time to begin re-assessing the quality of nightlife in Jakarta especially compared to its neighbors in the region. With the recent closing of Golden Crown nightclub in Kota it would appear that the Governor of Jakarta is on track to make a Jakarta a Halal tourism destination by 2026--a stated campaign goal. As I write the BNN is preparing recommendations (at Anies' request) of further closures, primarily Colosseum but could include others like Dragonfly, Jenja and most all of the places with EDM in Kemang. This started with Stadium and will end somewhere in South Jakarta but no one knows exactly. To this writers knowledge the request to BNN was made in December 2019 and the BNN started with Crown. The goal here is to limit alcoholic beverages to either hotels or your home. So, just as a suggestion you may want to begin re-ranking the cities with the best nightlife in SE Asia.
For readers of this site it was the Kota area of Jakarta that made it unique. There was no where else on the planet at the time that a total stranger could go into a club (Stadium/Crown/Milles/Raja Mas/K7) and order both happy pills and a hot chick for the evening. While this may sound shallow it was an experience unmatched by any other, it's what made Jakarta unique. Now we are left with women, who after years of draining bules dry (both figuratively and literally) haunt such places as Dragonfly/BATS/CJs/SCBD like goblins in search of their next victim. The bars of South Jakarta are nothing more that "wannabe" clubs like those in the West. Kota was the last "Real Asia" in Jakarta if not the region and or the planet. King Kota is dead, long live the King.
Amen to that!
DeleteJenja Jakarta has followed the Bali sister club and is officially closed down. Instagram page says for "reconcepting" whatever that means?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above post. Jkta night life has changed a lot starting from when Stadium closed. Time for an update of best places to go..
ReplyDeleteNot a club but Loewy will close April till Ramadan 2020 for renovation, between 6-10 weeks major reno etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso the people blaming FPI on the nightlife, on the contrary there are as many if not more bars and clubs open, Senopati, SCBD area particularly. Yes some major ones closed but that is not for religious reasons. Some had rental lease break options which increased, others have been sold, etc but mainly the market has changed. There are hardly any westerners left here employed legally with high paying jobs who party a lot and in turn support a couple of girls who also party a lot, etc etc etc
Now most of the weekend westerners are here from SG for cheap party and s3x nightlife etc. For bule still Basque is by far #1, Boca and DF maybe split 2/3 .
Remember after Corona became official some were a little scared, also some weekends there are other events, or a lot of people party in Bali now.
But for Chinese Indo, there are new bars every week opening, a lot of the time its old bars closed and reopened as a restaurant with lounge bar up or down.
Hakkasan lounge is open, Lavva is new, Omnia still planned
So it's nothing to do with religion making night life less. It's the economy and financials, making foreign investment and foreigners unwelcome here, bule being laid off all the time, expat packages no longer viable so the big guns now relocated to SG, KL, etc etc
Most of the westerners you see now are either here illegally digital nomads who only drink 3 for 4 beer promo, some players from SG who think they are big shots because they can spend $100 on a bottle here but not $500 in Marquee SG etc etc, or embassy staff who also are not the highest paid people in the world and usually stick to Kemang (the bule females are easy to spot, always wearing flat shoes and bad hair lol)
There are literally just a handful of single, well dressed and well paid expats in Jakarta who can afford to party and party well and hard (and classy) and of course they (we! lol) are also busy and sometimes overseas on business
Plenty of good bars and clubs and restaurants if you live here and know where to go
Just remember please you / we are all guests here and be polite, courteous, classy and represent your country well and don't do drugs and expect sympathy when you get grassed up and arrested.
Well, that is actually encouraging. Am coming to Jakarta to work soon and looking forward to it, being recently divorced. I dont know the city, but do Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and HK. Could be comparable, but I take lack of farangs as a big +. In BKK they are a sickening sight, but impossible to escape from. Often, with their wives, girlfriends and cameras
DeleteQuote: AnonymousFebruary 6, 2020 at 12:35 AM
ReplyDeleteWrote:
I’m wondering what has happened to the Jakarta I first visited in 2013, which had so many fun places to party. Red square, X2, immigrant, stadium, etc. are now closed and haven’t been replaced as far as I can see. Last Saturday I went to basque and DF, both were half empty. I then tried colosseum, arrived around 1:30, and the place was so quiet and empty. Only some small groups sitting at table. Are there some new places not listed here I’m not aware of? Or have people just stopped partying? Unquote
Exactly what my friends and i are thinking
2008-2015 were the best era in jkt
After that just going downward
Personally i dont think because of more religious/sharia thing above
But more like economic reason, economy started hoing downward 2016 till now getting worse
Like every eceonomic graph, there will be upturn.. Hopefully we finish the trough soon
It's definitely because of the hardline islamist groups. The government had been able to control these group and the nightlife economy from the soeharto to the sby era, but everything changed when ahok became the vice governor which affected jokowi's influence and hence the less control jokowi could enforce, as to not reducing his influence to the muslim majority. Then, it started to turn around when Anies came into power with the backing of those hardline islamist group, which are able to influence Anies policies on Jakarta's nightlife.
DeleteIt IS because of the hardline Muslims that clubs are being closed. Anies used these groups to get into power and he so he has to follow through or his plan to run for president will be for nothing. As a long term Jakarta expat this trend has been gaining steam since 2012. The economy has nothing to do with it because only people with money can afford to go out and they don't balk at pricing. Clearly this poster has very little experience in Jakarta or his only experience has been with the hard-core perek-perek/bule hunters of the south.
DeleteThe notorious GC was offically closed down by the authority, but will be officially open again... Damn! I love this country!
DeleteRIP Jakarta nightlife.
ReplyDeleteWould be happy to eat my words.
Do the poster who cited the most recent court decision. Yes, the owners of Crown Disco were successful in court but that does not mean that DKI Jakarta has to give them back their license. Aside from religious pressures, which I'm sure they will invoke, the administration can keep the license from being re-issued based on COVID-19. A hollow victory at best. I agree with the other poster, RIP Jakarta Nightlife. Hello SAIGON!!
ReplyDeleteJust received an update from friends who live near Mangga Besar in Kota. If you have a relationship with a karaoke in Jakarta you can call the mami or the papi and they will arrange a chick for you or more than one. You can even order the chick complete with a COVID test. The price varies from Rp 1.5M to Rp 2.5M all in and depending on whether you were a good customer prior to the lockdown. Things are starting to loosen up a bit but not much. Again, for those of you who take the time to get to know the mami or the papi, at your favorite place, then you can order. People are using Airbnb to make a "Karaoke for the Day" kind of experience. Haven't tried it yet myself but have heard from friends who have attended or organized. It isn't just one karaoke it is most but again you need to have had that relationship or know someone who has. Like everything else in Jakarta (and the world) it's based on money.
ReplyDeletenightlife here is pathetic now.
ReplyDeleteoh jakarta..the has been of SE Asia..it was hands down the best..probably rivalled the best in the aorld 15 yeras ago...oh how he mighty have fallen...its a shithole now at best.
ReplyDeleteThis article desperately needs an update. All the closed clubs have reopened with the exception of BAIA and Blowfish which is permanently closed. You also have new clubs to check out including the reborn - Embassy nightclub which reopened inside the Elysee Building in SCBD. They are already bringing out some famous international DJ's like Cosmic Gate.
ReplyDeleteHow is the scene at Bats and CJs these days? Are the hot girls still going there?What can I expect in early January?
ReplyDelete