Jakarta, the metropolitan city that never sleeps, offers its own charm, especially at nightfall. Dazzling neon lights, passing vehicles and the hustle and bustle of nightlife are the characteristics of this city. 

For expatriates, Jakarta is not only a dynamic business center, but also a paradise for nightlife seekers. With a wide choice of entertainment venues, from bars and nightclubs to charming restaurants and cafes, Jakarta promises an unforgettable night out.

Main Entertainment District in Jakarta

Jakarta offers a variety of entertainment areas that appeal to expats and locals alike. Here are some of the main entertainment areas to explore in Jakarta:

1. SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District)

SCBD is a business district which is also an entertainment center in Jakarta. Known for its skyscrapers and modern atmosphere, SCBD offers a wide selection of bars, clubs and restaurants.

Recommendation:

• Bar: The Foundry 8, which offers a relaxed atmosphere with a varied drink selection.
• Club: Fable, famous for its DJ music and energetic atmosphere.
• Restaurant: Potato Head, which serves international food in a unique setting.

2. Kemang

Kemang is known as the culinary and entertainment center of Jakarta, with a rich history as an area that has developed rapidly since the 1990s. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse dining options, Kemang has become a favorite destination for expats and locals looking for a unique culinary experience.

Recommended Places to Eat with a Variety of International Cuisine:

• Toscana: A restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine in a comfortable and elegant atmosphere, perfect for dinner with friends or family.
• Dronk Restaurant & Bar: A popular place to relax, offering a wide choice of food and drinks in a modern and trendy atmosphere.
• Wangsa: Cafe that serves Asian cuisine with a contemporary touch, offering an exciting culinary experience for visitors who want to try new tastes.

3. PIK (Pantai Indah Kapuk)

PIK has developed into a modern entertainment area that offers a variety of nightlife options. This area is equipped with shopping centers, restaurants and other entertainment venues.

Evening Entertainment Options:

• Where to Eat: Wide choice of restaurants from fast food to fine dining, such as Jan Bistro and Hakkasan.
• Bar: Tipsy Monkey Bar & Lounge, which offers a relaxed atmosphere with a varied selection of drinks.
• Gastrobar: Phoenix Gastrobar, known for its creative food and drink menu and exciting atmosphere.

4. Kelapa Gading

Kelapa Gading is increasingly popular as an entertainment area with many choices of places to hang out and relax. This area is known for its various interesting restaurants and cafes.

Recommended places to hang out and relax:

• Double Six International Karaoke: A karaoke place that offers a fun singing experience with a wide selection of songs and a comfortable atmosphere.
• Elise: A bar and lounge known for its elegant atmosphere, offering a wide selection of drinks and snacks, perfect for relaxing with friends.
• Black Owl: This cafe has a unique interior design and serves a wide selection of coffee and food, making it an ideal place to relax while enjoying the evening atmosphere.

With a wide choice of attractive entertainment areas, Jakarta at night offers a rich experience for expatriates and tourists who want to enjoy the nightlife in this metropolitan city.

International Culinary in Jakarta

Jakarta offers a wide selection of international culinary delights that can be enjoyed by expats and locals alike. Below are several types of international cuisine that are easy to find in this city, as well as recommendations for comfortable restaurants to enjoy.

1. Various Cuisine Choices

If you live in the Pondok Indah area, especially in Pondok Indah Golf Apartment (PIGA), it offers residents a prime location with access to a variety of culinary delights. Being close to Pondok Indah Mall (PIM), residents can enjoy numerous dining options. 

Here are some recommended places to eat at Pondok Indah Mall:

• Dragon Hot Pot: You can choose your favorite toppings and cook them in one of four broths: signature ma la tang, collagen bone broth, ma la ban, or Sichuan hot and sour. Spice levels are customizable.
• Marugame Udon: This restaurant serves a variety of udon dishes with delicious broths
• Monsieur Spoon: A French-inspired bakery that offers a cozy ambiance perfect for relaxing. 
• Saigon Delight: Specializing in authentic Vietnamese dishes like mi vit tiem.
• Burgreens Eatery: Offering healthier burger options made from whole wheat, mushrooms, red beans, and organic parmesan cheese.
• Sushi Tei: Serving a variety of Japanese dishes, including sashimi, sushi, nigiri sushi, fusion sushi, and more.
• The Garden: Decorated with flowers and ornamental plants, this restaurant makes you feel like you’re dining in a garden. Signature dishes include duck roll up.
• Monolog: Known for its coffee and brunch menus, such as breakfast pancakes.
• Seirock-Ya: A halal ramen restaurant known for dishes like chicken ramen and tori paitan shio.
• Gyu-Kaku: Offers an all-you-can-eat meat menu for 90 minutes.
• Sate Khas Senayan: Features a variety of satays and other Indonesian dishes, such as sate ayam campur bumbu khas Blora, sate ayam buntel, and lontong cap go meh mixed with chicken satay.
• The Playground: A uniquely designed restaurant with swing chairs. Recommended dishes include grilled ribs, iced mixed fruit, shredded chicken, and gado-gado.

Pondok Indah Mall boasts an extensive range of dining options, from Indonesian and Western cuisine to Japanese and all-you-can-eat establishments.

2. Culinary Fusion

The fusion culinary trend is increasingly popular in Jakarta, combining elements from various cuisines to create innovative new dishes. Fusion restaurants often offer unique and interesting menus.

Examples of Restaurants Serving Fusion Food:

• Union: This restaurant is famous for its dishes that combine Western and Indonesian cuisine, as well as a comfortable atmosphere for relaxing.
• Noktah: Offers a combination of Asian and European cuisine, creating an interesting and different culinary experience.
• The Goods Diner: Features a menu that combines American cuisine with local flavors, such as burgers with chili sauce.

Social Events and Expat Community

As a metropolitan city inhabited by many expatriates, Jakarta offers a wide choice of communities and social events to participate in. Joining a community and attending social events can help expatriates adapt to life in Jakarta and expand their network of friends.

1. Expatriate Community

Joining an expat community is very important for building social networks and getting useful information about life in Jakarta. This community is usually divided based on country of origin, interests, or profession.

How to Find a Suitable Community:

• Look for information on the internet or social media about the expatriate community in Jakarta.
• Ask coworkers or neighbors about the communities they belong to.
• Attend an event organized by your country's Embassy in Jakarta.

2. Social Events

Jakarta has several annual festivals and events that are of interest to expats, such as:

• Chinese New Year Celebration: A festive event celebrated by the Chinese community in Jakarta.
• Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival: The largest jazz music festival in Southeast Asia.
• Jakarta Marathon: An annual marathon event attended by thousands of runners.

Additionally, many social groups hold regular meetings, such as:

• Jakarta Expat: An active Facebook group with various social activities.
• Jakarta Hiking Group: A group of nature lovers who often organize hiking around Jakarta.

3. Sports Activities

Popular sports among expatriates in Jakarta include:

• Golf: You can play golf at Pondok Indah Golf Course. PIGA offers views of the newly renovated golf course, surrounded by lush green landscapes.
• Yoga: Many yoga studios offer classes in English.
• Running: City parks such as Senayan and Ancol are often used for running. Additionally, the area around Pondok Indah is ideal for jogging, and PIGA also provides sports grounds that can be used for running.
• Bike: Bike paths around Jakarta, such as in Ancol and Sudirman, are suitable for cycling. The Pondok Indah area is also a great spot for biking, with safe and scenic routes available.

Places that are often used for exercise include:

• Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex: Sports complex equipped with various facilities.
• Menteng Park: A comfortable city park for morning or evening exercise.

Tips for Enjoying Nightlife in Jakarta

Jakarta offers many interesting nightlife options for expats. However, there are several important things you need to pay attention to to enjoy nightlife in this big city safely and comfortably. Here are some tips that may help you:

1. Transportation

Choosing safe and comfortable transportation is very important when traveling at night. Some transportation options to consider:

• Online taxis: Apps like Grab and GoJek offer safe and affordable online taxi services. Make sure to order a taxi via the official app.
• Conventional taxi: Conventional taxis such as Blue Bird can also be an option, but make sure to use an official taxi with clear fares.
• Hotel shuttle: If you are staying at a hotel, take advantage of the shuttle service provided by the hotel for convenience and safety.

2. Security

As a big city, Jakarta has security risks that must be considered. Here are some safety tips when enjoying nightlife:

• Avoid carrying conspicuous valuables.
• Don't walk alone in a deserted place.
• If you feel uncomfortable, leave the area immediately.
• Save emergency telephone numbers and helplines in your cell phone.

3. Label

Understanding local etiquette and customs can help you interact with local people better. Some things to note:

• Dress politely and appropriately when visiting public places.
• Avoid drinking alcohol in public places, because it can disrupt order.
• If smoking, pay attention to permitted areas and avoid disturbing other people.
• If you want to take a photo, ask permission first from the person you want to take the photo.

Strategic Residence for a Complete Living Experience in Jakarta

Jakarta, with all its glitter and bustle, is a city that never sleeps. For expatriates who want to experience the sensation of authentic nightlife, this city is heaven. 

Explore the charm of Jakarta at night from a comfortable and strategic residence. Pondok Indah Golf Apartment offers easy access to various entertainment venues, restaurants and shopping centers.