Jakarta Nightlife • A Complete Guide

Jakarta, located on the northwest coastline, is the multi-cultural capital city of Indonesia. Jakarta has cropped as one of the most popular travel destinations globally. People from around the world have been flocking to the city in search of a relaxing alternative lifestyle. The city is popular for its exotic food, deserted beaches, and exciting nightlife. If you are a party animal looking to explore Southeast Asia.

Jakarta should feature on the top of your travel list. Below are some of the must-visit sites if you come to Jakarta.

Popular tourist spots 

If you are on your first trip to Jakarta, it can be confusing and hard to choose the best spots. There is so much to see that you have to make some hard choices if you have limited time. We have listed some of the hotspots for foreign tourists in Jarkarta. 

1. Sudirman central business district 

Located in the south of Jakarta, this is one of the busiest spots in the city. The treasury tower and many other tall skyscrapers are built here. People come to the business district for its five-star lounges and bars. It is home to the most exclusive selection of nightclubs. The area is a little more expensive and gives you the best experience of luxurious Jakarta nightlife. MK House SCBD and Favehotel Gatot Subroto are some of the budget-friendly stays available in the area. 

2. Jalan Jaksa

This 400-meter short tourist street is home to some of the most affordable hostels. There is ample local culture, authentic food joints, and nightclubs for you to enjoy. This downtown portion of the city is one of the most happening places in the whole of Jakarta. Tourists love it here as it is cheap, fun, and extremely safe. Budget backpackers and travelers usually end up here. Located in the city center, Jalan Jaksa is a hotspot for expats. 

3. Kota Tua 

Situated in the old town, this area is infamous for being the local red-light district. However, you will also find good bars, pubs, strip joints, and massage parlors here. The street food stalls serve classic cuisine, and the hotels also are pretty budget-friendly. So if you don’t mind living in chaos, a night stay in Kota Tua is the real Jakartan nightlife experience.

4. Kemang

This district also boasts a vibrant nightlife. It is a little less popular among tourists and hence can be considered to be a hidden gem. There are rustic family restaurants as well as loud nightclubs for youngsters. You can also find the Ragunan Zoo, Anco Waterpark, Central Park Jakarta, Blok M Shopping Mall. So there are a lot of travelers can explore here during day and night. 

Best bars and lounges

Jakarta is well known to be a pocket-friendly trip and party destination for foreigners. So people are always on the lookout for the best spots in the city to eat and drink. Here are some of the most popular bars and restaurants you must visit the next time you are in Jakarta. 

1. The Awan Lounge

This bar is so pretty with lush greens and bright, colorful decorations. It adds a fresh and youthful vibe to the place. Of course, being a terrace spot, the Jakartan skyline is visible. This bar is most famous for its fresh seafood dishes and cocktails. If you are craving some prawn cocktails or Asian food, come to Awan Lounge. It is located on the top floor of Kosenda hotel in Jakarta. 

2. La Vue Rooftop Bar

Adorning the terrace of Hermitage Hotel, this rooftop bar is a classy and elegant dinner spot. You get a full 360 view of Jakarta city from this high tower roof. La Vue is decorated with boxy comfortable couches, which gives the space a cozy, comfortable vibe. The bar menu is extensive with fancy cocktails, imported rum and whiskey, and homegrown beer. This casual dining rooftop bar is open from 4 pm to 9 pm on all days. 

3. Hause Rooftop

A romantic dinner overlooking Jakarta’s skyline with your significant other must sound like a dreamy experience. Hause Rooftop is a vertical garden rooftop bar with rustic décor. The menu consists of a good mix of Italian, Mediterranean, and American dishes. Its minimalistic vibe and dim lighting add to the romantic charm of this lounge. 

Hause Rooftop is located on the 6^th floor of MD Place Tower 2. Unwind with a romantic candlelight dinner with your lover at Hause rooftop. 

4. Parc 19

This bar is modern and contemporary in its décor as well as a menu selection. It opens late afternoon and is one of the coolest bars for Jakartan tourists. It serves a variety of western and Asian dishes, including oxtail soup. There is also pizza, pasta, and other western cuisines. The bar is stock will whiskey., tonic, vodka ranging from American to Irish brands. The retro bar is located in the Kemang area. 

5. Social house 

Jakarta is filled with unique pubs and bars. Amidst heavy competition, the Social house has emerged to be a well-known name. Models and celebrities of Jakarta can often be spotted here. This club is also on the more expensive and luxury side. Drinks range from 50,000 Rp to 95,000 Rp. Two people will end up spending Rp 250,000 on a few drinks and appetizers at the social house. 

Bundaran hotel is the nearest landmark. 

6. Skye bar 

The Skye bar is located on the 56th floor of the Thamarin plaza and gives the clearest view of the city skyline. It is little on the expensive side as the Skye bar is offering luxury dining. The cost for the two is about Rp 600.000. There is also live music and bands almost every day. The drinks menu is enormous, with whiskey, wine, and vodka from all over Europe. Expats love this bar due to its wide range of western alcohol. 

7. Beer garden 

The Beer garden is a light-hearted pocket-friendly bar that is extremely popular among the youth. The crowd is usually under twenty-five, and a lot of single people flock to party here. On your first trip, visit Beer garden to connect with some phenomenal locals and fellow travelers.  As the name suggests, this bar located in Kemang is famous for its wide range of cheap beers. 

Best Nightclubs in Jakarta

Everyone likes to party hard when they are on vacation. It’s the right time to let go of your inhibitions and try to blend into a new culture. Indonesian nightlife is different from western countries. It is vibrant, loud, and the perfect mix of traditional and modern. There are numerous nightclubs in the city so you can visit a new one every night. 

1. X2 Club

One of the oldest and most popular nightclubs in Jakarta is the X2. It attracts the best party crowd in the city every night. The club is filled with expats almost every night of the week. You will meet some of the richest and influential party animals of Jakarta at this happening club. 

It is open all days of the week except on Sunday and Monday. Located on the 4^th and 5^th floors of Plaza Senayan, this club is a must-visit. 

2. Immigrant Lounge & Club

This club is one of the favorites among foreign tourists. Many of the most fashionable folks of Jakarta are regular here. The club is quite spacious with a central dance floor. You will also find Jakarta’s most famous DJs playing at the immigrant lounge every night. The club also has some spectacular specialty drinks which are not found anywhere else. Located on the 6^th floor of Plaza Indonesia immigrant lounge is open from 11 pm onwards. 

3. Colosseum Club

The sheer magnitude of the club makes it such a popular party destination. The club is so massive that it doesn’t seem crowded even during busy weekends. This sophisticated spot has a groovy dance floor, international bar, and a balcony to get some fresh air after partying too hard. Music played is primarily electronic, which attracts the fun-loving youthful crowd. 

Located in Pinangsia, West Jakarta, this club remains open from 9:30 pm to 5 am.

4. Dragonfly Club

Situated in southern Jakarta, this place is probably one of the most modern and chic clubs in town. The interiors are unique, with high ceilings and wooden accented décor. You need to be dressed from head to toe to get a valid entry. The Dj usually spins electronic or house music, and the club is very safe and foreigner-friendly. It is in Semanggi, south Jarkata, and remains open from 6 pm to 4 am.  

5. Empirica

If you wish to go club-hopping, there will be no shortage of party destinations in Jakarta. Empirica is for the classy and sophisticated older crowd. The club is decorated with chic white sofas and square tables. Usually, the dancing is a little less compared to other nightclubs. The vibrant and ever-changing colorful lights give the place an enchanting feel. 

For a pleasant clubbing experience that is not so hardcore, visit Empirica at Sudirman Integrated Complex.  It is open from 9 pm to 3 am Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. 

6. Fable

Fable is a three in one combination. It has a restaurant, bar as well as nightclub. Overlooking the downtown of south Jakarta, this exotic club certainly deserves to feature on our list. The range of alcohol knows no bounds. From international malts, wines to experimental cocktails, everything is top-notch. 

7. Nebula

The list of nightclubs in Jakarta can be thought of as non-exhaustive. However, some of the best ones are listed here. Another famous club in west Jakarta is Nebula. The club is a rave party destination. The neon lighting and artistic dance floor make the club look futuristic. It also has a specific section dedicated to VIPs looking to party in a bit of privacy. The cocktails at nebula, especially the Nebula martini, are the signature feature of the club. It is open from 10 pm to 4 am every day. 

The Night Market 

Jakarta is well known for its night markets. Unlike other western nations, here shopping is done during the late evening. These night markets sell food, clothes, bags, souvenirs ad many other things. If you are not much of a drinker or party animal, the Jakartan nightlife still has plenty of options for you. Some must-do activities are listed below. 

1. Pasar Baru

This shopping street remains open from 8 am to 10 pm. It is famous for clothing, jewelry, shoes, and other textile items. The products are inspired or imported from China, India, and Bangladesh. The street market has been there since 1820 and has become a landmark in the modern city. However, it is vital to bargain at the street markets to get the best price. 

The exact location is Jl. Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar. Along with textiles, one can also find spices and food items here. 

2. Kota Tua or old tow market

Kota Tua is the hub for tourists in Jakarta. You will find hotels, markets, food, drinks, everything in this part of town. This area in the city is very foreigner friendly and always remains packed with tourists. This is a proper late-night market, open from 5 pm to 1 am. The food stalls here are to die for. You will find authentic Indonesian food like insects and durian fruit. People come here to sit and relax, enjoy the food, and experience Jakarta’s authentic laid-back culture. 

3. Santa Modern Night Market

Located in the Kebayoran Baru area, this market is more local in its charm. You will find many college students or locals here shopping for daily items like food, clothes, and books. This market is more for daily needs rather than tourist items. The number of tourists here is less compared to other night markets. Hence it can be treated as a hidden gem of Indonesia. 

4. Pecah Kulit Night Market

This is another popular street market located just 1 km away from Mangga Dua railway station. The market has items and shops from other Asian nations and is a big cultural blend spot. It remains open from 6 pm to 2 am. The market is famous for accessories and clothing, but you can also find a few scattered food stalls. Again to get the best deals, make sure you bargain well with the shopkeepers.  

Massage parlors 

Jakarta is famous for its massage parlors. You can find many different kinds of Asian massages which aren’t available anywhere else. Hence it a must-have experience when you visit Jakarta. 

1. Sun City Luxury Spa

Massages in Jakarta can also have sexual undertones. Hence always check before booking. Feel free to ask about all the available services at Sun city. There are exotic Thai massages by beautiful girls. Plus, some spa-style treatments and sauna are also available on the list. You can always book a VIP room at the sun city luxury spa for a more private experience. It is located in Mangga Besar in West Jakarta. 

2. Fortune Spa Jakarta

Located in central Jakarta, this spa is among the high-end ones in the city. The rich and famous of Jakarta are a regular at this prime spot. Inside the spa, you will also find a wellness center, swimming pool, and sauna. Here you won’t find prostitutes or sexual massages, but massages include somewhat of a happy ending. It is on the mild side, so it is perfect for first-timers. 

3. Delta Spa

This spa has become more and more popular with time. Currently, it has over ten branches in the country. This is also not a sex destination but again can offer you happy ending massages. Usually, there is some sort of sexual gratification act involved in such massages. You can find a delta spa almost in every corner of the city. It is highly reputed and a safe place for foreigners. 

4. Sumo Spa

This is a fantastic Japanese sumo-inspired spa. It is unique but indeed not a family spa. They also have girls offering sexual massages and services during happy hours from 12-5 pm. They also have other facilities, but the Russian girl massages anyway end up selling most. You can find this spa in the Daerah Khusus Ibukota area. 

5. B fashion spa

This spa features on the most naughty list in Jakarta. This a spa cum hotel that also hosts prostitutes overnight. For single guys, this spa is a huge attraction. Most of the services are sexual and out of the box. The experiences one has here are unforgettable certainly. Places like these have turned the nightlife in Jakarta upside down. You can find any service you are looking for as long as you are willing to pay. The services offered at B spa are named butterfly, tiger claws, sweet honey, etc. 

Street food in Jakarta

Asian food has a wide range and variety. To come to Jakarta and not try some of its authentic cuisines is a crime. Of course, there are high-end restaurants, but the street food stalls serve the best food here. Ask a local, and they will tell you a stall serves a hundred times better food than five-star hotels in the city. 

1. Gulai Tikungan

Situated on 28 Mahakam, this small food stall is extremely popular among locals. Every night people flock here in their cars to taste the beef gulai. It is the signature dish of this stall and a must-try. The dish is essentially beef slow-cooked in Asian spices server with rice in small portions. 

2. Seafood Ayu

Indonesian cuisine features a lot of seafood in general. This stall located near the north Jakarta shore is precisely what seafood in Indonesia represents. The fish is freshly caught and fried with different spices. You can see all of this in front of your eyes. There are also crabs, clams, and prawns, all prepared in Indonesian style and serve with sticky rice. The stir-fried spinach is also a must-try here. 

3. Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih

This food stall has been running since 1958 and has become an iconic spot in Jakarta. Run by the third generation, now the food from this stall stylishly showcases old and traditional food. The beef dishes are a hot favorite. It is situated in the Menteng area and impossible to miss. Make this food stall a must-visit on your to-do list in Jakarta. 

4. Sate Padang Ajo Ramon

Satay is probably the most popular Indonesian food worldwide. But no satay tastes like the satay you will eat at the Sate Padang Ajo Ramon stall. This meat in a spicy sauce dish can also be prepared in many styles, which you will only find in Jakarta. Although it’s a cheap small stall, celebrities also come here to eat often. 

5. Warmindo Abang Adek

Asians have taught the rest of the world to eat and love noodles. Indonesian noodles can be prepared in many different ways and styles, some of which you will find at this fantastic food stall. Warmindo Abang Adek serves almost 100 types of noodles. Their spicy noodles are a customer favorite, and you will end up crying but still wanting more. 

Conclusion 

Indonesia is slowly becoming the party hub of the east. It is also relatively cheap compared to Europe and America. Hence every year, foreigners flock here to spend a few months of relaxation time. The tropical weather, food, exotic sex massages make Jakarta a fantastic choice for single people to travel to. Even families come here to see the beaches, cafes, temples, shopping malls, and water parks. All in all, Jakarta seems like the upcoming destination to vacation at.