Jakarta

[QUOTE=LoveItHere69;2970420]If you want to be that specific than it is 350,000 until 8:00 pm and then it is 400,000.

Not sure but.

Royal VIP across from MEGA I believe is 450,000.

Before Mega are 2 small bars across from each other that are 350,000 or 400,000 depending on your negotiation skills or if they need business. I went to one and got the 350,000 price around 5:00 pm but it could be an early price, a slow day price, or when they asked 400 I said 350. But can not remember. I do remember though that bar had the worst rooms in the Kota Indah complex. That was months ago.[/QUOTE]That doesn't sound right. MEGA AYU is on the otherside of the horseshoe from Starmoon. If I remember right, there's nothing else in that short alley on that side. MEGA's girls are 750 k+ and I didn't notice a visible difference. I didn't partake to know if there was a difference in service level.

[QUOTE=Werqweq;2972531]I think it's a bad idea. I've ridden bikes and driven cars all over Thailand, where traffic was, and somewhat still is, similar to Indonesia, but even if you're an experienced rider (are you?) it will take some weeks to get used to the very different style of driving and traffic patterns that you will find here, compared to the west. Until then you will be confusing all the locals with your crazy western driving, greatly increasing the risk of an accident, even if you are the one "driving by the rules".

I'm not sure about about Indonesia, but I'll assume it will be somewhat similar to Thailand also in that you as a tourist will by default be the party at fault, which could lead to all sorts of nightmares when someone and their two kids crashes into you.

Back then there was no grab or uber, so I was kind of forced to get a bike eventually, or things would just take too damn long, and become too expensive for me also. Today, for just a months stay, I'd be using Grab, or the presumably somewhat cheaper local alternative (gojek?) all day. Grab-bikes in Thailand, as of rather recently, now mostly seem to carry with them an extra helmet (with all the quality of an old plastic bucket), so I no longer bother to bring my own for each ride, but not sure about Indonesia.[/QUOTE]I almost rented a scooter but have never driven one before. An Indonesian friend took me to his friends scooter rental. They both talked it over and decided that the risk of me getting in an accident and getting hit up for a major bribe by the police was just not worth it. Given what we have all read recently about the massive bribe taking scandal at the EDM concert I think this concern is legit.

[QUOTE=BenderOver;2972569]That doesn't sound right. MEGA AYU is on the otherside of the horseshoe from Starmoon. If I remember right, there's nothing else in that short alley on that side. MEGA's girls are 750 k+ and I didn't notice a visible difference. I didn't partake to know if there was a difference in service level.[/QUOTE]Astro Bar is before Royal VIP. Royal VIP is the expensive one but not sure the price because the other bars keep me busy enough for cheaper. Happy is before Mega. Mega is 400,000. I have taken 6 girls from there last month and 15 this year. As always I am right. Google maps is your friend. Just keep maximizing the map and see for yourself.

Mixed emotions on this.
Being from the USA, I like the freedom to go when and where I want. But this is Jakarta.

CAVEATS:
1. I am an experienced motorcycle driver in USA - 750cc.
2. Worked and drove car and scooter in Cilacap Indonesia all of 2014.

Rented a scooter in Lombok July 2023 on Honeymoon. NO problem driving. Not much traffic in Lombok.

Bought a new Honda Vario 125 in December 2023 while visiting my new wife in Jakarta.

Crazy traffic so we waited until Christmas for me to acclimate driving in Jakarta.

Started "driving" Dec 26. Not too bad. She warned me that traffic would increase on Jan 8. WOW. Was she right.

I took her to work at 5:30 every morning (15 minutes). Drove to gym then back home by 8:30.

Picked her up at work at 3 pm. Much heavier traffic (now 25 minutes).

Drove until March 1 with no accidents.

The roadways in Jakarta are a clusterfuck. The bigger issue is navigation. No problem driving my daily route every day. I never went anywhere new without her on board to help navigate. Getting lost or in a bad place are likely. Despite having a phone in holder and Google Maps.

ONLY YOU CAN EVALUATE RISK VS REWARD.

[QUOTE=MrHappyKat;2972503]I'm scheduled to be there for the full month of April, 2025. Thinking of renting a scooter for the month rather than paying for 4-6 Grab Rides a day. I saw some rental shops in the area with a monthly rate of 1,300.000 IDR, including a helmet. Seems like a good deal and I will be getting an International Driver's Permit from AAA in the US (cost $20 US). Note I'm not too worried about the cost of grab rides. I have budget for that. I'm thinking a scooter will be valuable in getting around shitty traffic.

Any thoughts on this?

I am aware of the "scooter scams" from less than reputable renters that claim damage to the bike upon return. I think I know how to mitigate this; find a reputable dealer, take full video of the bike with the rental agent on camera before signing the contract, and ensure secure overnight parking (staying at Movenpick Hotel).

But any suggestion on this will be appreciated:

Good idea or bad?

Tips to ensure all goes well?

Things to avoid?

Better off with Grab?

BTW: I am not a long-distance walker (even moderate-distance). I have bad knees and can't easily walk more than a few blocks with ease.

Finally, if you have a recommendation for a preferred vendor, please share.

Thanks![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=SeaTraveler;2972731]Mixed emotions on this.
Being from the USA, I like the freedom to go when and where I want. But this is Jakarta.

CAVEATS:
1. I am an experienced motorcycle driver in USA - 750cc.
2. Worked and drove car and scooter in Cilacap Indonesia all of 2014.

Rented a scooter in Lombok July 2023 on Honeymoon. NO problem driving. Not much traffic in Lombok.

Bought a new Honda Vario 125 in December 2023 while visiting my new wife in Jakarta.

Crazy traffic so we waited until Christmas for me to acclimate driving in Jakarta.

Started "driving" Dec 26. Not too bad. She warned me that traffic would increase on Jan 8. WOW. Was she right.

I took her to work at 5:30 every morning (15 minutes). Drove to gym then back home by 8:30.

Picked her up at work at 3 pm. Much heavier traffic (now 25 minutes).

Drove until March 1 with no accidents.

The roadways in Jakarta are a clusterfuck. The bigger issue is navigation. No problem driving my daily route every day. I never went anywhere new without her on board to help navigate. Getting lost or in a bad place are likely. Despite having a phone in holder and Google Maps.

ONLY YOU CAN EVALUATE RISK VS REWARD.[/QUOTE]Yup, If you are one of those timid little chaps who likes to push the button and stop the cars to cross the road, then Jakarta is not for you. If you can tolerate risk then a motor cycle is the only way to get around Jakarta. As a 30,000 km high speed veteran of Jakarta roads on 800 CC of pure Ducati enjoyment, It is the best way. Why, OS can even play grab feel with himself.

Your biggest hassle using a motorcycle is actually having to park it, invariably you end up in the basement everywhere you go so welcome to underground Jakarta. Once moving through the traffic it is relatively easy to get in a meditative zone where you are accepting all the information but only acting on what is necessary.

Finally, half the secret of going fast, is stopping fast. If you T bone somebody. Grab the keys from your bike ASAP so nobody else does, start handing out 100,000 rp notes and then get the F out of there.

Hope that helps.

Stayin in a monger venue? Pros / Cons?

I will preface this by saying I usually stay at sparks hotel due to never having missed in this area (almost always a great time) I keep going back but.

Has anyone actually tried to stay at the Classic hotel, Hotel Travel or Olympic Hotel in Lokasari and in Kelapa Gading a lot of the venues are "Hotel" & spas (D'Heaven Hotel & Spa Kelapa Gading).

Will they not allow outside working girls to come into the hotel?

Is this a lot like shitting where you sleep?

Why do we not just stay in these hotels and why is it not recommended.

Its been a while since I've been to Jakarta but io plan to take a trip verry soon so re-uping my intel on the scene and wanted to know if anyone does stay at these venues or if there is some downside to it.

Just as a secondary question I think its been about 6 years since I've been back maybe 2018 was my last time there has much changed since then, anything of note? Is sparks and Mangga Besar still a good hunting ground seems like it is from the reports I've read I will continue to do some research but its been a while.

TI.

Please share the modus operandi at Mega, Astro and bars nearby in the Kotah Indah area.

While there is a lot of info on emporium, classic and 1001, there is no clear post explaining the MO in these places (and the quality and service of girls). This will help newbies like me a lot.

Thanks in advance.

[QUOTE=Delbo1;2972879]You would only need to read back this week to find out about Lokasari and clearly you have not done any research and just looking to be spoonfed.[/QUOTE]Lokasari hoes have always been shady that hasn't changed was like that is 2018 I don't know how that is not doing any research I'm asking if anyone who was there in 2018 has seen any notable changes. Hookers still pull from this shopping area and the street still seems like it has freelancers so what might I have not done any research on? They would ask for exorbitant prices in 2018 but happily take whatever you are willing to pay this hasn't changed.

[QUOTE=MrHappyKat;2972503]BTW: I am not a long-distance walker (even moderate-distance). I have bad knees and can't easily walk more than a few blocks with ease.[/QUOTE]These guys drive on the sides of the roads going the wrong way. I was looking at one way traffic trying to run across. No reason to look behind me so I did not. The guy could see me but I could not see him and he hit me from behind as I tried crossing. Luckily no damage to me or his bike. He was mad so I ran across the street and took off. I knew others would join him in a story about how I was at fault.

If your knees are that bad I would be afraid to get crippled in even a small slow wreck. Assuming you are not going across town, I would rent a small electric bike where you can go slow on the sides of the road and go fast in the middle when traffic is thinner or slower. Also, with the small electric you can park up close and personal with it thus less walking for you. Those electric bikes that look like mini motorcycles can haul ass.

Does anyone know what King Cross looks like and whether it's worth it?

[QUOTE=MrHappyKat;2972503]I'm thinking a scooter will be valuable in getting around shitty traffic.
[/QUOTE]Thanks for everyone's feedback. Looks like it's the back seat of a grab or gojek for me.

I stopped by Classic on New Year's Eve. I had wanted to go to Emporium but David said they were closing earlier for that night and I would not make it there in time. I arrived at Terminal 2 around 9:00 PM. The last time I was here was in 2012 so I took a seat to take it all in.

There was a group of girls in red lingerie dancing on stage. When they finished dancing, a pretty hot tall tattooed girl with a great rack came up to me. I wish I read the more recent reports before I went because the next thing I know a shot girl came by and she started asking for shots. The dancer was grinding her ass into my lap and letting me grab her tits and then she asked for some shots. She told me she gets a cut and that is how she makes money. She asked for 10 shots and I balked at that. She was talking with the shot girl and they went down to 5 shots. I was busy feeling her up so I said fine, go ahead. She drank the shots pretty quickly and I asked if she would go to the rooms. She replied that she would give out her phone number later and would only do BJ. After that she went to go change and said she would come back later. When she came back, she continued to let me feel her up and asked for more shots. She just started taking shots off the tray. I said no more but she kept insisting. I must have been distracted by grabbing tities because the next thing I know I end up buying 5 more shots. She finished these shots in like 15 seconds. At that point, I knew I had to get away from her. She had the audacity to ask for a tip for her and the shot girl.

I went towards the sofas to check out what was available. I selected a nice girl names Karolina. Paid the 365 k to the mamasan and off we went to the room. My only other time here was in 2012 and the experience was horrible. The girl wanted me to use 2 condoms. After that I just went to Top Gun at Blok M (who else remembers that place? Where I had a much better time. It was a pretty standard session this time. When she took off her dress, I could see she had a baby because her breasts were saggy. No real damage on the belly. First, we showered together then on to the bed. BBBJ with the Listerine dabs then she took out a condom. I asked if it was OK for no condom but she insisted so I didn't push it. We did a few positions but I had trouble finishing with the condom on. I laid down to take a rest and she took off the condom and started jerking me off. Next thing I knew she hopped on cowgirl and she started riding me. I wasn't able to last much longer after that and I started tapping her waist to give her a courtesy warning before I would blow. Either she didn't know what I was indicating for or she was just in the moment, she wasn't getting off. I literally had to push her off before I blew my load.

There was no mention of a tip but I gave her 200 k for the good service and she seemed very happy with that.

Sugar Spa, Kimochi Mabes, Emporium were all closed for New Year's Day, so it was back to Terminal 2. This time I arrived around 7:00 PM. There were much less customers and it looked like the girls that were available were better looking. Maybe it is better to go earlier?

When you first enter, a mamasan always comes up to you but I like to go get a drink first. They will leave me alone after this but my problem is that when I am ready and I see a girl I am interested in, I am not sure which mamasan to go to or I have to go find the mamasan for that group. How do other guys handle this?

I selected a nice girl Rahma this time. She was in a black low-cut dress with spaghetti straps. I could tell she would have a nice rack and that's what did it for me. When we got to the room and showered. While we were on the bed, she asked me if I wanted to use a condom. I said no condom and she said she wanted a tip. I offered 200 k and she countered with 500 k. I countered with 300 k and she countered that with 400 k. I agreed to that to just get on with it. I know I probably paid too much but it's hard to bargain when you're both naked and I have a raging hard on.

The service was pretty standard, nothing special to note. I left satisfied. Compared to the girl from yesterday this girl was more attractive but less affectionate.

[QUOTE=KingSquared;2972999]
They will leave me alone after this but my problem is that when I am ready and I see a girl I am interested in, I am not sure which mamasan to go to or I have to go find the mamasan for that group. How do other guys handle this?
[/QUOTE]How about going up to the girl and asking her.

I asked ChatGPT which ATMs were best for foreigners in Jakarta.

According to ChatGPT, BNI, Bank Mandiri and BRI have transaction limits as high as 5 million. In this thread we have usually been complaining ATMs will give you no more than half that sum. Has anyone here here been lucky enough to get 5 million from these ATMs?

I stress more about money logistics these days than anything else as payment means often turn out the limiting factor, especially since getting replacement for credits cards is not as straightforward in my case as it is for some mongers who live in the same country as their issuing bank.