Jakarta

[Drfcarpenter]

This is a report directed more towards long term residents of Jakarta, people who have an idea of the lay out of the city and who can get by on reasonable Bahasa Indonesia, I appreciate it will be of no assistance to anyone who is newly arrived, a tourist or someone on a tight schedule on a business trip for example.

There are two main reasons for my report and I'd be interested in hearing the opinions of anyone, like me, who is now long past the kid in a sweetshop phase of Jakarta life and is now a jaded old stager. The first element related to a recent move in my career. It was a promotion I am happy to say but a transfer that saw me leaving the comfort zone of my well established happy hunting ground along the Transjakarta Busway corridor 1 in central Jakarta. No longer would I be within twenty minutes of Blok M or Kota depending on my mood, instead I found myself in the dreary (so I thought) wastelands of east Jakarta.

On arrival at my post my heart sank at the grim vista bisected by a railway line and a six lane highway; no bright shopping malls, bars, clubs, karaoke joints, five star hotels, upmarket restaurants or plush offices, instead just a vast swathe of minor government offices, unfashionable shopping centres, car showrooms, warungs, down at heel military bases, second rate further education institutions and cheap hotels. Oh dear, they were going to have to pay me well to stay in this godforsaken wilderness.

However a few weeks into this drudgery I soon realised that of course Jakarta is still Jakarta and all is not what it seems under the surface. I mentioned the colleges and cheap hotels, well they are the key and one afternoon I grasped the connection. I was at a loose end and mooching around outside a seemingly uninteresting mall when I noticed three young ladies hanging around who appeared to be at a similar loose end, when one of them approached and mentioned that I might like to take them for a bite to eat I realised that things might be looking up.

Not having come down in the last rain shower I cut straight to the chase, how much would it cost for the three of them to join me for a bit of afternoon delight? The princely sum of 200k each was agreed. Where could we go? Just grab a taxi and she'll work out the rest, we jumped on a taxi and my procuress had us at a suitable establishment within five minutes. Lo and behold they did "transit rates", 175k for six hours, so, thought I, there's a lot more of this going on than I imagined.

After a thouroughly enjoyable foursome in the room (similar decor and style to the Melawai hotels for less than half the price) I questioned my lovely companions more intensely. They were locals, they attended one of the colleges nearby and typically of students were always short of cash. They met blokes regularly indeed they were waiting for one such appointment when I picked them up (I am fairly sure by the nature of phone calls that they took that they merely delayed their prior appointment and no doubt he had fun with my sloppy seconds).

The beauty of it is that they of course have dozens of friends who are more than willing to accommodate me if I wish and with the genius of FaceBook I now have far more leads than I can actually handle at the moment.

This leads me to the second point. I used to be an absolute devotee of Blok M, there was no more fantastic place on planet earth than the handful of bars that lined Jalan Falatehan, however in recent years work and domestic issue have meant that I rarely ever got to visit the place. One such occasion presented itself during the World Cup and I immediately seized the opportunity to once again sample the delights of a late nighter in My Bar or Top Gun.

OMfuckingG! What a shithole.

Was it always that ghastly? Or is it just that I saw the place for the first time without rose tinted spectacles? Such a collection of hard faced, worn out slappers I have never before seen, actually that's not true, I've seen them before, years ago back when I was a regular, they're still there, going through the motions but charging absurd amounts of money for the privilege, I couldn't believe it.

What was worse however was the blokes themselves, they were fawning over these tired old trollops as if they were catwalk models, buying them drinks and even fighting with each other to dance with them! What shocked me most is who these guys were, they were pretty much the longstanding regulars who have been propping up the bars there since long before I arrived on the scene. Do they not know anything else about Jakarta? Have they never been out and about to see what else is on offer in this heaving metropolis? Presumably they speak reasonable Indonesian, they must know their way around a bit but still they pay way over the odds for overpriced booze and way, way over priced totty.

Like I say, if you're new to Jakarta or are time constrained you have no choice but to stick to the main drag but for heaven's sake gentlemen, if you can handle your way around this crazy town get your asses out of Falatehan, take a few risks, you'll be amazed at what's out there.

I can't agree more. I recently moved to BSD (western Jakarta) and the pickings are great. The malls are not posh, but full with syt willing to make a few rupiah on the side.

Blok M is totally overrated.

[Fast Eddie 48]

I think Dorman's comments could apply to a number of countries around the region, where the focus by Westerners becomes one particular area (or even one particular group of girls!). These are invariably places surrounded by Westerners or where this is a high incidence of English spoken.

Having ventured to a few other places like that in a few other countries lately, the high pricing/ bad attitude/ low quality situation becomes apparent. Except to those who are regulars there.

Just attempting to move outside these areas even a bit (to sometime Westerner/ mostly local crowds) pays off significantly. North Jakarta is a prime example of that. Contacting locals also works, though that usually costs a bit more, but is so worth it I've found. But free also is a common result.

Hung man

I only have problem one time that I pick up a girl at TC she don't speak one word of english and I got her for all night, she just look at me and smile all night, I don't think Jakarta is the worst city in asia for communication is much worst at surabaya.

Fast Eddie 48

[Hung Man 1808]

I think Dorman's comments could apply to a number of countries around the region, where the focus by Westerners becomes one particular area (or even one particular group of girls!). These are invariably places surrounded by Westerners or where this is a high incidence of English spoken.

Having ventured to a few other places like that in a few other countries lately, the high pricing/ bad attitude/ low quality situation becomes apparent. Except to those who are regulars there.

Just attempting to move outside these areas even a bit (to sometime Westerner/ mostly local crowds) pays off significantly. North Jakarta is a prime example of that. Contacting locals also works, though that usually costs a bit more, but is so worth it I've found. But free also is a common result.

Unfortunately I don't have the time to base myself for weeks on end in an outer region like Dorman, so I can't enjoy the way that he will be. I don't think most guys here can do so either. But if a "site visit" or "evaluation" is ever needed Dorman, no matter what it is, don't hesitate to get in touch...

[Gonzo Two]

If you can handle your way around this crazy town get your asses out of Falatehan, take a few risks, you'll be amazed at what's out there.

Hahaha. I think you're being a little bit unfair on Top Gun. Perhaps you forgot that it's necessary to drink a fairly large amount of alcohol before stepping foot inside? Still n all, you got a point. It's also fun meeting women who wouldn't be seen dead in a Blok M bar, but still enjoy having some fun on the side. Most non-Indo speakers would probably do better on dating websites for that, as at least most of the girls there have quite good English. The ones in the obscure shopping malls probably don't.

[FreebieFan]

OMfuckingG! What a shithole.

Was it always that ghastly? Or is it just that I saw the place for the first time without rose tinted spectacles? Such a collection of hard faced, worn out slappers I have never before seen, actually that's not true, I've seen them before, years ago back when I was a regular, they're still there, going through the motions but charging absurd amounts of money for the privilege, I couldn't believe it.

What was worse however was the blokes themselves, they were fawning over these tired old trollops as if they were catwalk models, buying them drinks and even fighting with each other to dance with them! What shocked me most is who these guys were, they were pretty much the longstanding regulars who have been propping up the bars there since long before I arrived on the scene. Do they not know anything else about Jakarta? Have they never been out and about to see what else is on offer in this heaving metropolis? Presumably they speak reasonable Indonesian, they must know their way around a bit but still they pay way over the odds for overpriced booze and way, way over priced totty.

You make a good point ( and a good report ). Im resident in KL and visit Jakarta about 4 times a year and find very few charms in Blok M bars. The road is broken and crumbling, the taxis there are crap rip offs ( I learnt quite quickly to find normal taxis at the end of the road) and many of the people hanging round there seem to be in the low life category.

Ive been devouring freebies on all my trips which has introduced me to some great bars in Kemang where I;ve later gone hunting alone.. Im never alone in Jakarta ( see trip reports ) but Blok M is off my list unless really desparate.

Its a shithole as stated.. and for some Im sure its a goldmine. Not me tho...

[Dorman]

This is a report directed more towards long term residents of Jakarta, people who have an idea of the lay out of the city and who can get by on reasonable Bahasa Indonesia, I appreciate it will be of no assistance to anyone who is newly arrived, a tourist or someone on a tight schedule on a business trip for example.

There are two main reasons for my report and I'd be interested in hearing the opinions of anyone, like me, who is now long past the kid in a sweetshop phase of Jakarta life and is now a jaded old stager. The first element related to a recent move in my career. It was a promotion I am happy to say but a transfer that saw me leaving the comfort zone of my well established happy hunting ground along the Transjakarta Busway corridor 1 in central Jakarta. No longer would I be within twenty minutes of Blok M or Kota depending on my mood, instead I found myself in the dreary (so I thought) wastelands of east Jakarta.

On arrival at my post my heart sank at the grim vista bisected by a railway line and a six lane highway; no bright shopping malls, bars, clubs, karaoke joints, five star hotels, upmarket restaurants or plush offices, instead just a vast swathe of minor government offices, unfashionable shopping centres, car showrooms, warungs, down at heel military bases, second rate further education institutions and cheap hotels. Oh dear, they were going to have to pay me well to stay in this godforsaken wilderness.

However a few weeks into this drudgery I soon realised that of course Jakarta is still Jakarta and all is not what it seems under the surface. I mentioned the colleges and cheap hotels, well they are the key and one afternoon I grasped the connection. I was at a loose end and mooching around outside a seemingly uninteresting mall when I noticed three young ladies hanging around who appeared to be at a similar loose end, when one of them approached and mentioned that I might like to take them for a bite to eat I realised that things might be looking up.

Not having come down in the last rain shower I cut straight to the chase, how much would it cost for the three of them to join me for a bit of afternoon delight? The princely sum of 200k each was agreed. Where could we go? Just grab a taxi and she'll work out the rest, we jumped on a taxi and my procuress had us at a suitable establishment within five minutes. Lo and behold they did "transit rates", 175k for six hours, so, thought I, there's a lot more of this going on than I imagined.

After a thouroughly enjoyable foursome in the room (similar decor and style to the Melawai hotels for less than half the price) I questioned my lovely companions more intensely. They were locals, they attended one of the colleges nearby and typically of students were always short of cash. They met blokes regularly indeed they were waiting for one such appointment when I picked them up (I am fairly sure by the nature of phone calls that they took that they merely delayed their prior appointment and no doubt he had fun with my sloppy seconds).

The beauty of it is that they of course have dozens of friends who are more than willing to accommodate me if I wish and with the genius of FaceBook I now have far more leads than I can actually handle at the moment.

This leads me to the second point. I used to be an absolute devotee of Blok M, there was no more fantastic place on planet earth than the handful of bars that lined Jalan Falatehan, however in recent years work and domestic issue have meant that I rarely ever got to visit the place. One such occasion presented itself during the World Cup and I immediately seized the opportunity to once again sample the delights of a late nighter in My Bar or Top Gun.

OMfuckingG! What a shithole.

Was it always that ghastly? Or is it just that I saw the place for the first time without rose tinted spectacles? Such a collection of hard faced, worn out slappers I have never before seen, actually that's not true, I've seen them before, years ago back when I was a regular, they're still there, going through the motions but charging absurd amounts of money for the privilege, I couldn't believe it.

What was worse however was the blokes themselves, they were fawning over these tired old trollops as if they were catwalk models, buying them drinks and even fighting with each other to dance with them! What shocked me most is who these guys were, they were pretty much the longstanding regulars who have been propping up the bars there since long before I arrived on the scene. Do they not know anything else about Jakarta? Have they never been out and about to see what else is on offer in this heaving metropolis? Presumably they speak reasonable Indonesian, they must know their way around a bit but still they pay way over the odds for overpriced booze and way, way over priced totty.

Like I say, if you're new to Jakarta or are time constrained you have no choice but to stick to the main drag but for heaven's sake gentlemen, if you can handle your way around this crazy town get your asses out of Falatehan, take a few risks, you'll be amazed at what's out there.

[LondonSoul]

Hi guys, I'm coming to Jakarta on 20th September for 10 days, would be great to hang out with some fellow mongers who can show me the ropes, or would like a good wing. So if you're laid back easygoing sort of person drop me a line.
Would also appreciate any tips..

[Traveler1234]

So I guess 12th - 15th would work for you then? Sounds like a plan...
MD II

Can't commit just yet, waiting on business issues as usual! But I know many of the regulars only come in during the weekdays...will keep that in mind as I arrange my schedule.

[Master Diver II]

Bro,

If I could make it, my window would start on an ETA on the 8th and a probable stay of 7 to 8 days. Therefore the 12-13th looks more appropriate. Dunno how that woul work for Traveller 1234.

Cheers

So I guess 12th - 15th would work for you then? Sounds like a plan...

MD II

[Knight 1001]

Earliest I can do in October would be maybe 12th/13th - 15th/16th. How about that?
MD II

Bro,

If I could make it, my window would start on an ETA on the 8th and a probable stay of 7 to 8 days. Therefore the 12-13th looks more appropriate. Dunno how that woul work for Traveller 1234.

Cheers

[Hung Man 1808]

Looks like I'm going to just miss the ISG convention. End of October visit for me.

JAD, do venues give discounts for bulk bookings? From the sounds of it - the opportunity to try it on is coming up!

[KL Guy]

KL Guy,

When are you going to visit Jkt again?


JAKARTA AFTER DARK

Im waiting for Doctor's instructions but it seems bleak! You guys enjoy yourselves!

[Master Diver II]

We know each other for something like 6 years. Let me choose this time and you do the ciki ciki. Thinking back .. no one trusted me .. not even Knight 1001 ::sad::. Anyway, do we have a deal?! ::devilish smile::
JAKARTA AFTER DARK

Hmmm... not after I saw what you suggested last time bro..

Pencil in mid Oct for a get-together? Have jad take us out for new sights?

Funny you should say that because I am more than less trying to get away on the 7th October for another asian trip to Indo and Vietnam ... if I can. Must be some kind of telepathy going on here as we missed each other last time for a matter of few days I believe.

A recent accident that nearly took me away mad eme even more conscious to try and enjoy life, and of course Jakarta has a biiig share of that. I will pm you and Jad and other friends if and when I can confirm the the trip.

MDII: will you be around at all?

Look forward to see you all soon.

Cheers

Earliest I can do in October would be maybe 12th/13th - 15th/16th. How about that?

MD II

[Member #2041]

I'll be in Jakarta Oct. 14, 15, and 16th - Staying at Le Meridien and leaving for Yogyakarta on the 17th. Would love to share a round, as well as shagging stories.

[Knight 1001]

Pencil in mid Oct for a get-together? Have jad take us out for new sights?

Funny you should say that because I am more than less trying to get away on the 7th October for another asian trip to Indo and Vietnam ... if I can. Must be some kind of telepathy going on here as we missed each other last time for a matter of few days I believe.

A recent accident that nearly took me away mad eme even more conscious to try and enjoy life, and of course Jakarta has a biiig share of that. I will pm you and Jad and other friends if and when I can confirm the the trip.

MDII: will you be around at all?

Look forward to see you all soon.

Cheers