Semarang
Semarang can be lacking when it comes to nightlife, but this popular complex, right by the Simpang Lima square, contains an upmarket club, cinema and…
Must-see nightlife in Indonesia
Balikpapan
Take the elevator to the 8th floor of the Hotel Gran Senyiur for awesome rooftop views from the Sky Bar. Drink prices aren't completely stratospheric …
South Jakarta
Set in a cavernous, industrial-chic space is this upmarket coffee roaster that specialises in Indonesian beans. Take your pick from pour-overs, filter or…
Sanur
This veteran boozer has an old South Pacific thatched charm and is one of several casual bars on this street. Enjoy cheap drinks under the palms in the…
Surabaya
On the top floor of the designer MaxOne hotel is this cool rooftop bar that's the perfect spot to enjoy a balmy evening with a cold drink in hand. There's…
Pulau Ambon
More of a hipster hangout than downtown's other cafes, but friendly and welcoming too. Perch on the cushions that line the walls or grab a table. There's…
Kuta & Legian
Open to the street, this lurid club features go-go dancers in cages as a come-on. As the evening progresses almost everyone dances and clothing gets shed…
Gili Air
This eccentric bar-cum-gallery is run by the Sulawesi-born artist Hardi, who also offers silkscreen workshops (150,000Rp). It's largely built out of…
North Sumatra
Pull up a rugged bar stool and enjoy a strong coffee (12,000Rp to 25,000Rp) and the hum of locals in conversation. There's plenty of choice, from filter…
Gili Trawangan
This locally owned beach bar has a party vibe at all hours. It's 20 minutes from the main strip on foot, or an easy bike ride. There is also a compound of…
Senggigi
The decor here is slick, with exposed stone walls, sturdy wooden furniture and evocative tribal art. There’s a wide selection of imported liquor. By day…
Ubud
The highly caffeinated masterminds behind the Seniman coffee brand recently opened this bar next to their coffee studio, and it has become one of Ubud's…
Flores
A solid spot for a Manggarai coffee to power your day. Buy a bag of ground and roasted beans to take home or order cheap-eat Indonesian fare from a…
Danau Toba
One of a handful of genuine bars in Tuk Tuk, with pool tables and occasional live bands, that gets particularly lively on weekends. Happy hour is a…
Sumatra
Comprising no more than a couple of chairs, a turntable and a cassette deck, this hipster coffee shop specialises in beans from across Sumatra. Get a…
Kuta & Legian
A huge pool with a view of Double Six Beach anchors this sort-of high-concept club (alcohol-branded singlets not allowed!), which has parties and events…
Kuta & Legian
Set on a faux sailing boat amid a mini-mall of food and drink, the Bounty is a vast open-air disco that pumps all night to hip-hop, techno, house and…
Makassar
For the best views in the city, head to this sophisticated bar and restaurant on the 20th floor of Swissbel Hotel. A young crowd comes here for bar snacks…
Kerobokan
A bunch of drinking shacks line this inviting and uncrowded stretch of beach just north of the W Bali hotel including Pantai, which offers up cheap drinks…
Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo's answer to Starbucks, this casual coffee house serves ice-cold frappes alongside strong wi-fi. People-watch from above the street or browse…
Medan
Head up to the top floor of the Grand Swiss five-star hotel for cocktails (from 97,000Rp), beers (48,000Rp) and shimmering city views. There's live music…
West Sumatra
A great spot to grab a quick coffee for the road is this 24-hour cafe that does V60 pour-overs and espresso using local beans. It shares space with Hotel…
Ubud
Local hipsters get their java from this place which is, well, from Java. Indonesia's answer to Starbucks takes its (excellent) coffee seriously and so…
Balikpapan
Our favourite Ruko Bandar music bar, intimate RPM (Retro People of Music) has live music most nights on the ground-floor stage and DJs on the 3rd floor…
Mataram
This hipstery little coffee bar does everything from cold drips to caramel lattes. The brews are local, strong, and you can buy the beans afterwards. Also…
Bukit Peninsula
Just in case Jimbaran Bay wasn't inviting enough, this beach bar has a long pool bordering the sand. It's rather upmarket: you can rent a comfy lounger…
Bukit Lawang
For something different, check out this cafe that's built within a natural grotto, with murals on the walls and strong Gayo Aceh coffee and cheap beers…
North Sumatra
This cool little cafe plays local indie music and serves excellent coffee using beans sourced locally (and from across Indonesia), made by friendly…
Papua
Sip on fresh coconut water at this scenic overlook of Teluk Imbi and the dramatic cliffs plunging toward it. It's a nice way to break up the drive if you…
Medan
With its long and glamorous list of cocktails (135,000Rp) and equally glamorous people, swanky Traders is the place to be seen in Medan. There are cold…
Surabaya
Popular with all, this large upmarket pub-club, which has been going for years, has live music and a DJ every night. There's a full bar, but drinks are…
West Sumatra
This excellent coffee shop gives Sungai Penuh a cool, urban touch. Here you can sample quality beans from all over Sumatra and beyond, and there’s local…
Gili Trawangan
The name says it all. All types of seating can be found right on the beach. Large trees offer shade by day while the restful swish of the surf calms the…
Malang
A popular hang-out for the young and cool of Malang is this corner cafe with stained-wood furnishings. It serves a wide range of local coffees and…
Senggigi
A classic beach bar with multicolour beanbags and happy-hour prices that coincide with the sunset. The cocktails are exceptionally strong and there's also…
Kalimantan
Muse is the most sophisticated nightlife venue in central Samarinda, with several floors of karaoke, DJs and live bands, as well as a chilled rooftop…
Gili Air
A great beach bar: lounge back on bamboo recliners and watch the sun set behind Gili Meno. There are DJs on Sundays and monthly full-moon parties with…
Semarang
A classic expat hang-out in the centre of town, this pub sells ice-cold draught Bintang as well as decent international food, including the famous OMG…
Aceh
This cool little coffee roaster by the beach serves A-grade Acehnese brews along with simple food items. It rents out surfboards too (per half-day 70…
Ubud
Head to this popular bar between 8pm and 11pm, when musicians (rock, blues, latin, acoustic and more) entertain the crowd. The kitchen serves Asian bites.
