Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and offers an intriguing nightlife, similar to Thailand. However, it’s not as vibrant as Bangkok or Pattaya, as Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, and certain activities, such as prostitution, are not tolerated. Here’s everything you need to know.
Jakarta Nightlife Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Jakarta, this guide might be useful. It’s important to understand that while Jakarta’s nightlife is exciting, it doesn’t quite compare to other Southeast Asian cities. However, you can still have a great time here.
Women in Indonesia
Even though Jakarta isn’t known for party tourism like other cities, many tourists still visit. Indonesian women, especially Javanese, are known for their beauty, and many foreigners appreciate the locals’ friendliness. It’s important to note that prostitution is officially illegal in Indonesia, which impacts the character of the nightlife.
Is Jakarta a Predominantly Muslim City?
Yes, Jakarta is mostly Muslim, which influences social norms. It’s unlikely you’ll encounter strictly religious women in clubs or bars, as they generally avoid such places. The nightlife is mostly enjoyed by more liberal Muslims or those from other religious backgrounds. There are plenty of bars and clubs where you can meet locals open to friendly or romantic relationships.
Where to Experience Jakarta’s Nightlife
Jakarta’s nightlife is centered in several key areas such as Jalan Jaksa, Blok M, and Little Tokyo. Jalan Jaksa is particularly popular among backpackers, with a range of bars and discos frequented by both locals and tourists.
Some popular spots include:
- Cocktail and Friends: A favorite among young people, especially students, and foreign tourists.
- Equal Park: A small café with reggae and live music, perfect for relaxing, though not the best place to meet new people.
- Immigrant: One of Jakarta’s top clubs, where you can meet young locals and expats.
- Dragonfly: A well-known club that regularly hosts parties.
Other Places to Visit
Beyond the major clubs, there are also karaoke bars in Little Tokyo and some GoGo bars. It’s important to know that Jakarta has strict regulations, and not all hotels allow guests, particularly those that follow Islamic laws.
INFO: It’s a good idea to arrange a date with a local woman. Sites like IndonesianCupid make it easy to set something up. Jakarta’s nightlife also offers chill bars, and having a local companion can help you discover hidden spots around the city.
Safety in Jakarta’s Nightlife
Jakarta is generally safe if you follow basic precautions. Keep your valuables secure at your hotel, and be mindful of personal safety, especially in crowded areas. Avoid carrying large amounts of money and use taxis at night. With common sense, you should have no issues.
Sex in Jakarta
As mentioned, sex isn’t as openly tolerated in Jakarta compared to cities like Bangkok or Pattaya. However, there are many sex clubs where you can meet attractive local women for a date.
Here are some of Jakarta’s best-known sex clubs:
- Terminal 2 – Located on the second floor of the Classic Hotel, this area is large yet comfortable. The women sit on sofas waiting for customers and there are nude shows on the dance floor. You can have a private encounter for around 325,000 Rupiah, and if one woman isn’t enough, you can add another for 200,000 Rupiah.
- Alexis Hotel – A huge entertainment complex built for men. The 7th floor houses a spa where women are available, sorted by nationality—Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, and even Russian. You can choose a woman and enjoy time in the pool before being taken to a private room for a massage with a happy ending. This experience costs more (around $200).
- Malioboro – One of the biggest clubs on Jalan Gadjah Madah, with a dance club downstairs and a strip club upstairs. Private rooms are available for more intimate encounters, with prices varying depending on the woman’s nationality.
- Kings Cross – Another large entertainment complex where each floor offers different experiences. There’s a large dance floor with bikini-clad women and private rooms for massages with a happy ending.
- Travel Hotel – A smaller club with fair prices, where you can have a good time with a woman for around 350,000 Rupiah.
Other Places for a One-Night Stand in Jakarta
Aside from fun clubs, there are other places to find casual encounters:
- Little Tokyo – Popular with Asian tourists, it’s known for its KTV/Karaoke bars where you can take a hostess to a private room for a short time or the whole night.
- Brothels – There are hidden brothels in Jakarta, with Kalijodo being a well-known example. It’s like a red-light district straight out of a movie, with crime and violence. For beginners, it’s not the best place to start.
Can You Bring Women to Your Hotel in Jakarta?
Most hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs don’t have a problem with you bringing a woman to your room. However, some Islamic hotels may ask for the woman’s ID and may not allow guests. To avoid issues, book a room for two and list both names. Hotels following Sharia law may not allow guests at all, so it’s wise to check in advance.
Is It Safe to Bring Women to Your Room?
If you meet a woman on a dating site or in a regular club, theft is generally not an issue. Most local women are honest and straightforward. Our experiences have been positive, and some women even tidy the room! If you take a prostitute, it’s still usually safe, though it’s always smart to lock away valuables.
With this guide, you’re now ready to explore Jakarta’s nightlife and have an exciting time.