Jakarta remains to be one of the best place to experience a great nightlife in Southeast Asia. From the bars to the nightclubs, and even the massage entertainment complexes, this city has it all.
In this guide I wanted to give you guys a clear understanding of the nightlife in Jakarta, including the best areas to check out.
Table of Contents
Intro To Jakarta’s Nightlife Scene
Jakarta has had a title of being a wild and fun city throughout the past years, especially when it came to gentlemen travel, but the the truth is that there have been some changes recently. Most of these changes have to do with new government “policies”, which resulted in many bars and clubs closing down, and in return, some other venues opened up that were targeting more than just single male foreigners. So of course, this has some good and bad things about it.
The good is that there are a wide variety of things to experience, and also a more diverse crowd, which also includes many young people who come here to party and have a great time. Naturally this also created better security and safety, since the local authorities would like to achieve a safe nightlife experience for the tourists.
One drawback is that being a foreigner is not a novelty like it was in years gone by, another is that the prices have also seen an increase, especially when it comes to the better nightclubs and buying alcoholic beverages.
Going out to the best clubs in Jakarta can get quite expensive, especially if you also plan to pay for freelancers, massages, and other such things. Generally speaking, the entrance fee to some of the clubs in Jakarta is some of highest I have seen in Southeast Asia.
North Jakarta
The north of the city is where you can experience the unique and authentic nightlife experience in Jakarta. It is much less trendy than the southern part of the city, and has more of the original nightclubs, bars, massages, and men’s spas that Jakarta has been so famous for.
South Jakarta
If you want a more trendy experience, with the most modern nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels in jakarta, then the South of the city offers that type of experience. Just also keep in mind that South Jakarta is also where the prices are much higher, especially in the more upscale places. But of course, you generally get what you pay for, which for the most part includes better service, standards, and upscale freelancers.
Best Nightlife Areas in 2019
To get a clear understanding, I have listed here the best areas to check out, with some extra pointers about each place, and what to expect. Here we go:
Jalan Jaksa
Possibly the best value can be had in this area. If you want to party without breaking the bank, then consider this area. For the most part, the crowds here will be locals, backpackers or others looking for a budget friendly place to party. This also includes many single male foreigners who come to experience the naughty activities for decent prices.
Mega Kunigan
An overall excellent place to check, it has a wide variety of bars and clubs, and most of the establishments are close to each other. You can easily check them out and see which ones you like. Another great thing about this place is that it is very popular among the young locals, which also includes the nice Indonesia girls who frquent this area, and are interested to meet and party with foreigners. Some popular places here are Flow, Basque, Jack Sparrows.
SCBD
Offers more of trendy and upscale experience. Most of the popular places like the Fairgrounds Complex is an excellent place to experience the exciting nightlife in this area. You will find many of the younger locals partying here, especially the wealthier ones that consider themselves to be part of the “high society” crowd. A few establishments to consider are Fable Club, Beer Garden, Hard Rock Cafe, and Pallas Lounge.
Senopati
More of a residential area, with plenty of Indonesian Chinese locals who prefer to party here. However, you also find a few foreigners in the venues such as Lola, Monty’s Vibes.
Block M
The famous “red light district”, which was one of the cities original areas for nighty fun, especially when it came to single male foreigners. As mentioned before, much has changed, and the area is not only considered for the title it once had. It does still have some girly bars to check out though, most of which will be around the Jalan Faletehan area. These places cater to the single men who are interested in the bar girls.
Kemang
Kemang has plenty of bars, most of which are very popular among the expat crowd in Jakarta. You will also see a few nightclubs to explore. A few popular places to check out are Murphy’s, Queen’s Head, Nuchina and 999.
Kota/Glodok
Was also considered one of cities dedicated naughty areas. It is located in the north part of the city. Of course, you can expect nightclubs and bars that have freelancers/working girls in them. There are also some men’s spas and massage parlors in Kota-Glodok.
Pentai Indah Kapuk
An excellent area full of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Many local crowds, especially the wealthier Indo-Chinese variety.
Melawai/Grand Wijaya
Another area most famous as a red light district in Jakarta. Many Asian single males tend to frequent here, especially the Koreans and Japanese who like to go to the KTV bars and massage spas.
Popular Bars in Jakarta
Jakarta is well known for its bars. Not only are there so many of them all over the city, but each establishment has something unique to offer. From tasty drinks, to appetizers, you can find a wide variety of experiences at the bars. Here are places to keep in mind:
- Monty’s
- Jack Sparrows
- Basque
- The Dutch
- Union
- Lucy in the Sky
- Bluegrass
- Cork and Screw
The following bars I mention are more popular for single male foreigners who are interested in meeting Indonesia girls, including freelancers.
- BATS, 36, CJ’s, My Bar (Plenty of working girls and freelancers)
- Basque
- Social House
- Bluegrass
- Eastern Promise
Popular Nightclubs
As you may know, Jakarta has some of the best nightclub experience in Southeast Asia. There are so many venues in this city, here are some of the more popular places for partying and dancing:
- Empirica – EDM & Club Hits
- Immigrant – Top 40, mixed club music
- Domain – EDM & Club Hits
- Jenja – Techno & House
- Dragon Fly – Top 40, Mixed club music
- Blowfish – Mostly Top 40 hits
If you are specially looking for the clubs with the most freelancers then check out the following list which has the places with the most working girls.
- 08 Club
- B’Fashion
- Malioboro
- Classic
- Colosseum
- Sumo
- Kings Cross
- Cherry
- Tease Club
- Mars
Final Thoughts
As mentioned, buying individual drinks can get quite expensive. A good idea may be to get bottle service, especially if you are with a couple other people, or with some girls. Generally, you will get much better service, and they venue will throw in some comps for the entrance fee. As a single male it will also be a great way to set up a post and have better way to meet women in Jakarta. You can ask them to join your table for a drink.
Just like most cities, the better days for partying would be from Thursday to Saturday. You can expect a lively and exciting crowd these days, especially in the trendy South Jakarta area. In North Jakarta the scene is a bit more consistent, and even on the weekdays you may find a decent amount of people at most of the places.
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