My objective is not to give good and bad points, but to help you decide where to go or not in Jakarta if you want to have a great night out, not simply sip on a Mojito and stares at other people sitting next to you. I may not always be right, and that's why I would love to have your feedback by email or simply by commenting this post (very easy, no registration necessary).
Overall, the Top 20 Venues I would recommend in Jakarta this year:
1) Domain
Fun-loving, laid-back upper-class crowd. Eclectic music & events.
2) Immigrant
For a guy: The most beautiful girls go there. Period.
3) Stadium
Used to be my number one, but I'm getting older and I no longer have enough energy. Full of surprises, always something happening, great for anybody who likes underground clubbing.
4) CJs
Always crowded with an odd mix of businessmen, prostitutes, party girls! , expats and tourists from the 5 continents. Good live band.
5) Mille's
The place to go after all the above clubs have closed.
6) Red Square
Still the favourite place for under-40 expats to find their girlfriends. Unfortunately, too empty during the week, too crowded during weekends.
Fun-loving, laid-back upper-class crowd. Eclectic music & events.
2) Immigrant
For a guy: The most beautiful girls go there. Period.
3) Stadium
Used to be my number one, but I'm getting older and I no longer have enough energy. Full of surprises, always something happening, great for anybody who likes underground clubbing.
4) CJs
Always crowded with an odd mix of businessmen, prostitutes, party girls! , expats and tourists from the 5 continents. Good live band.
5) Mille's
The place to go after all the above clubs have closed.
6) Red Square
Still the favourite place for under-40 expats to find their girlfriends. Unfortunately, too empty during the week, too crowded during weekends.
7) 365 Eco Bar
Not crowded enough, but friendly and trying to be different, which is rare in Jakarta.
8) Beer Garden
Diverse crowd of Indonesian students + some expats. Usually good bands.
9) Tempus (Ex Mistere)
I've always loved Tempus (previously known as Mistere), in Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan, even though it is generally empty. Great centerstage and bands with top-notch service.
10) Burgundy
Most romantic place in Jakarta to have a drink, with a fantastic view on Bunderan HI.
11) BATS
Same that CJs but smaller and more western. Difficult to find a place to sit if you arrive to late.
12) Sun City
Grandiose club with perfect sound system, best enjoyed if you book a table with a group of friends.
13) MO Bar
Good DJs but the crowd not consistent. Can be excellent or boring to death.
14) Club! 36< br>Always crowded, always lively until early morning, with non-stop strippers on the bar.
15) Millennium
The loudest sound system in Jakarta, always crowded and closes late. Since last year, it is playing more and more western music (used to be only Hardcore Techno).
16) Golden Crown
Opens late, the live music room is usually happening.
17) Malio Club
HOT HOT HOT
18) Dragonfly
Not as happening as it used to be, but still OK if you are lucky to go there on a good day. Still crowded with models & co.
19) X2
Not to my taste but still popular and interesting to meet you boy/ girl friend.
20) Blowfish
Popular with younger clubbers, mostly wealthy Indo-Chinese, and now specializing in hip-hop/R'n B.
Specific Rankings, if you want something a little more precise depending on your age, wallet or personal preferences:
Top bars/clubs if you are younger than 25 (and wealthy)
1) Blowfish
2) TriBeCa
3) SF Club
4) 999
5) Tipsy
Top bars if you are younger than 25 (and/or broke):
1) Beer Garden
2) 7/11 and Circle K
3) Melly's Garden
4) Equal Park
5) Bremer
Top bars for young executives and expats:
1) Domain
2) Immigrant
3) Dragonfly
4) Shy Rooftop
5) Loewy
Top bars if you are in transit in Jakarta with no friends (and want to meet some)
1) CJs
2) B.A.T.S.
3) Eastern Promise
4) Red Square
5) Jaya Pub
Top "male" one-stop-entertainment (massage, disco, bar, restaurant)
1) Malioboro
2) Alexis
3) Golden Crown
4) Sun City
5) Illigals
Top pick up spots:
1) Loewy
2) X2
3) Red Square
4) MO Bar (on Ladies' nights)
5) Domain
Top 5 Adventurous Night Clubs in Jakarta
1) KSC 117
2) ML Disco
3) Monggo Mas
4) Exotis
5) Siera
Top Nightclubs with longest opening hours (perfect for clubbing after 5am)
1) Mille's
2) Millennium
3) Stadium
4) Golden Crown
5) Exotis
Top Bars for "Sexy Dancers"
1) ! Malio Club
2) Terminal Classic Lounge
3) Bunker in Hotel Classic
4) Club 36
5) V2 Lounge
Top "not very well known" bars I like to go occasionally:
1) Jaya Pub
2) Sports Caf
3) Dyna Pub
4) Face Bar
5) Marley
Top Live Music Venues:
2) Tempus (Ex Mistere)
5) Black Cat
Top Sports Bar
1) Aphrodite
3) Fez!
4) Sports Caf
5) Sportsman
Top New Openings 2012 (reviews to come)
1) Bluegrass
2) Umbra
3) Fairgrounds (ex-Bengkel)
4) Nutz Culture
5) Prive Club
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