7 Best Bars in Cilandak - TB Simatupang - Lebak Bulus
By
Thibaud (Jakarta100bars)
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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 7 most recommended venues to go to in this area:
While I was staying in Mercure Simatupang , I had the opportunity to try their rooftop rum bar, Karumba. Located on the 19th floor of the hotel, it is a Carribean-themed venue with a more than 180° view of Jakarta's skyline. In particular, you can face the Central Business District and, in the late afternoon, the sunset. It is a simple bar, semi-open, with a relaxing atmosphere. Everything is made to help you forget the daily stress of living in Jakarta: Laid-back music, smiling waiters and waitresses, colorful furniture and posters, and even a small swimming pool... Based on my observations, it seems to be popular with Indonesian women. Many will come in large groups to celebrate birthdays, baby showers, weddings or "Arisan" (social gatherings).
Graffiti Bistro is a restaurant and café located on the ground floor of the Mercure Simatupang Hotel . Opened all day from breakfast to dinner, it serves both International and Indonesian food. It has a playful design, with an industrial theme. Some of the walls have giant watches and clocks attached to them, while the others are painted with colorful graffitis. There is also a collection of around 50 framed photographs. The restaurant space is quite large, with at least 80 seats and a small outdoor area. During day time, large bay windows provide ample natural lighting, making it a relaxing space for hanging out or for meeting friends. It is not sophisticated or trendy, and it is even relatively quiet, but I enjoyed it a lot for working on my laptop during long afternoons. I also had a few breakfast and dinners there when I stayed in the hotel in March 2017.
Located in Cilandak Town Square (CiToS), Jenja is the newest nightclub to open in Jakarta. They had their first public night on August 5th, 2016 with a set from the German DJ Oliver Huntemann. It is their second branch after Bali, where Jenja is currently one of the best nightclubs . On the island, it is popular with expats, particularly because of the music they play (electro/tech-house/techno, the kind you would hear in Berlin, see 12 DJs I Want To See in Jakarta ). Their design is nice as well but it is not the main reason for their success in my opinion.
I visited the original branch of Bebek Tepi Sawah in Ubud a few years ago. I was disappointed at that time as it was expensive, overcrowded with groups of tourists, and the taste was really unexceptional. I blacklisted it in my mind and considered it a tourist trap. In the past few years, the brand has opened outlets everywhere in malls in Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bali. I thought that the management may have changed and that it would be worth having another try. I did so in Beachwalk in Kuta. My first impression was not too good. I was greeted by an apathetic waitress that I felt I was bothering. She gave me the menu and left. It took me 10 minutes to get another waiter, more friendly, to come to me and take my order. The menu features all kinds of Indonesian and International dishes with a large choice of drinks. It is so big that I cannot imagine the team in the kitchen is able to prepare them all correctly. Since Bebek Tepi Sawah means "the duck from the ri
Halo Niko is the second Greek Restaurant I try this week in Jakarta. It is a very homey place, owned by a mixed couple Indonesian/Greek. The decoration is not Greek though, it looks like a cute warung with an outdoor and an indoor area. There music was a CD of oldies songs, which unfortunately I heard 3 times in a row... Their menu is large, featuring all the famous dishes of Greek Cuisine with some Javanese ones. I was not so hungry so I only tried their Greek Salad (70,000rp ++). It was good but it had too many capers and seasoning. The one I had the day before in El Greco was better in my opinion (and slighty cheaper).
I saw Modi & Rosa from a taxi on Jalan Ampera and I immediately wanted to try it as it seemed like the kind of restaurants I enjoy: small, independent, and with a good value for money. I was a bit disappointed with the general atmosphere of the place. The decoration is minimal and there was no customers. It looks like a meeting room in a 3-star hotel. The waiters were friendly but they seemed bored to death. The music was not stable, sometimes there were songs, sometimes not. The music from the supermarket Jason's, at the lower level could be heard as well. They have a rather small Italian only menu, with mainly pastas (from 45,000rp++ to 95,000rp++), pizzas (from 35,000rp++ to 95,000rp++) and meat dishes (between 100,000rp++ and 200,000rp++). The oven for the pizza is electric. I took one of the dishes of the day, the Duck Confit Ravioli (65,000rp ++). The portion came very small, but it was very good. The raviolis were home-made and cooked perfectly with a de
Eclectic is a bar and club located in Cilandak Town Square (Citos) in South Jakarta. I haven't tried it yet as it is too far for me but it could be interesting for those living in the area. Please leave a comment here to let other readers know whether it is happening or not. Eclectic Bar & Lounge Citos Cilandak Town Square, Ground Floor Jalan TB Simatupang, South Jakarta
Tapas Movida is a Spanish restaurant with 2 locations in Jakarta, in Cipete Raya and Cilandak Town Square (Citos). I tried only the branch in Cipete where the food was decent and reasonably priced. I liked their booths, very comfortable and intimate. The music was a selection of songs that could be on a Buddha Bar playlist: Lounge, electronic, chill, etc... Very enjoyable. Tapas Movida was not very crowded but it was the middle of the afternoon. At night, it is usually busy with expatriates living in the area. Overall : Recommended if you live in Cipete for good-value Spanish food in a cozy atmosphere. Suitable for dates too. The Wifi in Tapas Movida was fast (up to 400kb/sec). Opening Hours: From 10am to 11pm, every day in Cipete. From 10am to 10pm in Citos. Phone number: +62-21 7510 851 Email: tapasmovida@yahoo.com