Kalimantan
The stylish, partially open-air rooftop bar at Palmy Exclusive is the place to come for a panoramic city view, live music on weekends and pricey drinks.
Must-see nightlife in Indonesia
Gili Trawangan
Of all the party bars, this upper-level venue has the largest dance floor and the meanest sound system – it pumps trance and tribal beats on Mondays.
Tana Toraja
Rantepao isn't known for its nightlife but Kafeta is a bubbling local bar with cold Bintang (60,000Rp) and a house band on weekends.
Yogyakarta
This relaxed bar has a terrace overlooking the street and attracts good reviews. The Indonesian food is reasonable here too.
Bandung
Intimate bar with live bands (mainly playing covers most nights) and a social vibe. Sizzling sate is also served.
Central Java
This lively venue hosts live bands each Saturday (7pm) and has a friendly youthful vibe. Mains cost around 22,500Rp.
Lovina
A small but high-concept club near the centre; DJs from around the island mix it up while bands play on and on.
Seminyak
One of several lively LGBTIQ venues along this strip. Drag queens and go-go dancers rock the house nightly.
Jakarta
Coffee where you least expect it, this Glodok stalwart in the heart of the Petak Sembilan Market opened in 1927. Patrons sit on mismatched plastic stools…
South Jakarta
Irish international chain pub with shaded outdoor tables, typical pub fare (burgers, flatbreads) and some Indonesian dishes for good measure. Pork cravers…
Jakarta
In a country not known for its diversity of beer options, this German-themed pub offers a point of difference with its house-brewed, unfiltered lager,…
Jakarta
If looking around the Museum Bank Indonesia and Museum Bank Mandiri leaves you in need of a pick-me-up, this little cafe sandwiched between both sights…
Semarang
With giant TV screens and opportunities for karaoke in each of the multiple cubicles, this bright red venue extends a fun night out. Besides, who can…
South Jakarta
Less about the third-wave coffee scene and more about the setting, this hang-out looks like a library. Each wall is covered floor to ceiling in books –…
Jakarta
An industrial-style hang-out built from metal containers and an upper terrace from which to watch the goings-on of Jl Cikini Raya. It serves single-origin…
Senggigi
We won't even try to make sense of this British-owned, New Orleans–inspired jazz bar with great Aussie meat pies and rugby league playing on the TVs. Oh,…
South Jakarta
This grungy coffeehouse with simple wooden tables may not be as hip or fancy as others nearby, but it does brew some rather good single-origin coffees…
Jakarta
Sit outside like a pigeon at this eyrie in the sky. At the very top of one of Indonesia's biggest banks, you can lounge outside with the sweep of Jakarta…
Pulau Ambon
It lacks the character of some of Ambon's long-established coffee shops, but locals love this fresh place on the ground floor of the Biz@ Hotel, packing…
Merdeka Square & Central Jakarta
This very small, simple cafe next to the main post office is handy if you're in need of a pick-me-up while exploring Jakarta's big squares. It serves…
South Jakarta
Claiming to be the first authentic Irish bar in Jakarta, Murphy's is an institution, with dozens of whiskies on the shelf, Guinness on tap, plus Irish…
Padangbai
Opposite the port, this bar tries to mask its lack of atmosphere with the loudest music in town – it's definitely not the place for a quiet tipple. That…
South Jakarta
Stylish lounge on the ground floor of an office block. It's popular with expats escaping their embassy day jobs and corporate offices in the surrounding…
South Lombok
'No Shirt, No Shoes, No Worries!' That's the motto of this beachside bar known for its laid-back party vibe. Coconut thatch and palms shade tables wedged…
Jakarta
Workroom Coffee has Scandi-like modern interiors set up for co-working; there are plenty of single spaces for those wanting to use their laptop. The food…
Sumatra
One of Palembang's few options for a drink is this fairly uninspired Hard Rock Cafe–style bar in the north of town. It has a stage for live music and long…
Makassar
This long-running beer garden and music stage masquerading as a seafood restaurant on the seafront is popular with locals and visitors till the wee hours…
Banda Aceh
A good downtown choice for those looking for a modern cafe with air-con and wi-fi to catch up on emails, Gaster has excellent Acehnese coffee from the…
Medan
Not only does it roast its own beans, this cafe is a magnet for connoisseurs wanting to sample some of Sumatra’s best – single-origin Mandheling Arabica…
Kalimantan
This complex contains a booming nightclub with lots of security, while a separate classy dinner restaurant is frequented by a hip and dressy crowd. The…
Seminyak
Brit Norman Findlay tickles the ivories nightly at this cheerful piano bar, where he's been not-quite perfecting his enthusiastic playing for years and…
South Sulawesi
In a town that does depressingly little to capitalise on its lake- and riverfront location, at least there's Time Out, whose second storey has river views…
South Lombok
A switch from the thatch-and-bamboo cliche that dominates the local design palette, this sleek air-con coffee bar has a nice back garden and satisfies…
Kalimantan
This neighbourhood cafe comes alive at night, serving all manner of coffee drinks in a colourfully painted house. It offers free wi-fi, basic food …
Kuta & Legian
One of the rowdier spots, Apache jams in locals and visitors, many of whom are on the make. The music is loud, but that pounding you feel the next day is…
Jakarta
One of the only options for a cold beer or cocktail inside the Ancol Luar Biasa amusement park is this worn wooden bar on a jetty overlooking a large lake.
Kalimantan
One of a new breed of bars in Palangka Raya, Brader Brew is a low-key hang-out where you can enjoy a cold beer or hot coffee, listen to music and chat…
Yogyakarta
This 'VVIP' venue boasts a large central dance floor and a pumping sound system, and features electronic DJs. It attracts a young student crowd and there…
Padang
This reliable Sumatran coffee chain is a great place to sample Indonesian beans (coffee from 17,000Rp) in modern, tasteful surrounds, with the luxury of…
Café Juminten Restaurant & Gallery
Central Java
This attractive cafe, on a quiet street parallel to the main road through town, draws a young crowd. It acts as a venue for occasional live music…
