Jakarta boasts a wide and varied nightlife patronized by the local population as well as expats, and caters to all age groups, genders and tastes through diverse offerings of music, food and drink. Planning ahead on where to party is important here as popular restaurants, clubs and bars can be in locations that are not always convenient to get to. Jalan Sebang and Senayan in Central Jakarta, Kemang and Block M in South Jakarta are some of the areas that offer great choices for some quality night-time excitement.
Among the more popular clubs is Red Square in Plaza Senayan Arcadia Central Jakarta. It serves up a complete selection of vodkas and Russian cuisine. Its theme nights and promotions are always much-anticipated events. Also, in Plaza Senayan Arcadia is the Black Cat Jazz Supper Club that draws a sophisticated clientele. Its attractions include live music in all jazz genres featuring local and international artistes along with a selection of eclectic cuisine, fine wines and cocktails. The X2 Club nearby, one of the first and biggest clubs in the city is also a place to see and be seen in. It is popular for its cocktails, electronic and classical disco music. The Hard Rock Café is still going strong and is packed to the rafters almost daily. The scene here is enlivened during weekends with live music. Cazbar behind the Ritz Carlton Hotel is a quiet sports bar and is an ideal place to hang out with a beer.
Jaya Pub in the Jaya building is modeled on the pubs of old Amsterdam and is a good place to enjoy a bit of Batavian culture. Cork and Screw, a wine bar and bistro franchise in Kuningan and other places are known for their wine selection and good food. The Embassy in Taman Ria Senayan, a three-storied night club with a lounge, a dance club and a bar is said to be one of the hippest places in town. At the other end of the scale is the elegant Café Batavia that recalls Jakarta’s colonial past. Planet Hollywood is another fun place that attracts a youthful crowd with good food, theme nights and a live band. Jakarta even has a “Buddha Bar” that has proved to be controversial in several other places. On the other side of the coin is Jalan Sabang also in Central Jakarta where night or day Indonesian street food enjoys great popularity among a wide range of people. When going out on the town, dressing up is important as dress codes are strictly enforced at most clubs, bars and restaurants. All establishments close for Ramadan and some remain shut till the end of fasting.
Visitors looking for quality Jakarta accommodation close to some of the city’s most visible landmarks should consider the Somerset Berlian Jakarta. Geared to cater to the requirements of modern travelers, these apartments in Jakarta enable comfortable stays for business and leisure clients.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+
