Last update : August 2011
“Normal“ clubbing places :
1.STADIUM, Jl. Hausann Wuruk No.3
Huge, legendary club. This place is very controversial, always full of people. I really enjoy the music and dark, gloomy atmosphere. It is like a cathedral for all “evil” minds. The owner also operates Malioboro spa/hotel. Stadium is an unreal original : The world’s only place that is a club/disco, restaurant, short-time hotel all in one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N01fMdLrg-M
2. IMMIGRANT, Plaza Indonesia, 6th flor
Great party place. Club is inside Plaza Indonesia and got a terrace with an impressive view. The place is classy, people behave well, the music is not too loud and gladly not mainstream.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQlu41LmTGw
3. X2, Plaza Senyan, 4th flor
The biggest clubbing place in Jakarta, always packed with people. A bit too large for me and it has nothing that really dazzles me. Still always worth a visit for some special events. It is also a good place for nanpa with normal girls.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJLS02zAGjk
4. DRAGONFLY, Graha BIP
Stylish club. Women dress to kill and plenty of international guests. People could be friendlier though.
5. MUSRO, Hotel Borobudur, Jalan Lapangan Banteng Selatan
Very cool, small-sized club. I wish it had more events and would be open more often.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfQSs77g64I
6. BARCODE, Le Codefin, rooftop, Jalan Kemang Raya 8
People you encounter in Kemang are extremely friendly. Place is owned by DJ Riri, Indonesia’s most famous one. Interesting place, but far away when staying near the Welcome Monument.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnmE35eszlA
7. RED SQUARE, Arcadia Plaza, Senayan complex
Popular expat club, moved upstairs. Some Bats/CJs girls hang out there also. This place gets packed at weekends and it is not that big actually, around 350 sm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QfPeuZ7Vkk
8. Blowfish, Wisma Mulia, Gatot Subroto
Next to Dragonfly and had the same interior designer; Ismaya Group. Both places are stylish, it depends on your taste. Blowfish also exists in Surabaya where I like it more.
Hotel bars :
1. MO Bar, Mandarin Oriental
Most classy hotel bar. Ladies night is sweet, it can get surprisingly crowded at special events. Managed by a cool German guy.
2. CJs, Mulia Hotel
A bit lower class than Mo bar, but more easy-going and relaxed atmosphere. Drinks are expensive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m5Cd3Gqpk8
3. BURGUNDY, Grand Hyatt Hotel
Small-sized but stylish place. Good thing about the Grand Hyatt is that it is very established and you always meet interesting people.
4. BATS, Shangri-la Hotel
Larger bar with live music and many freelancers. Feels like CM2 in BKK.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4n1GJJawx4
Bargirl places :
1. TOP GUN, BLOK M
Best bar on Blok M. Quite large, mostly around 50 girls, good pool tables and often live music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDSphipiuKU
2. MY BAR, Blok M
Used to be my favorite place at Blok M in the beginning.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDwZk-4B7h4
3. D’s, Blok M
Upstairs at D’s got sadly closed now, but the place is still fun.