Jakarta

[QUOTE=MontanaMonger;2191421]. This next trip I do plan to put more effort into the Dangdut thing.[/QUOTE]Dangdut clubs! I encourage you to explore, MotanaMonger! They're a lot of fun.

As always, I yield to the superior experience of those who have gone before me, like Smoothy, et. Al. I don't have any wild stories to share, but, in pursuit of fun in Jakarta, have something to report on dangdut.

The places I would recommend in Jakarta don't have a lone sexy singer perched on a high stage gyrating (ngebor, or drilling, as they say) before a huge crowd of hormone-addled teens and young adults.

The clubs I recommend offer some weird mixture between the intimacy of a jazz bar (for music) and the intimacy of a striptease club (for everything else).

Sadly, my favorite venue. Cafe Skorpion in the Permata Hotel and Restaurant on Jl. Pencenogan. Has been shuttered. It's diamond-shaped neon sign has gone dark and the lobby's stuffed tiger (likely resold on Tokopedia.

There are a few other choices, though.

First would be Cafe Asmoro on Jl, Blora, just steps away from Grand Indonesia. Other nearby clubs, like Lone Star, have closed down, but Asmoro remains. It outlived the punk rock venue that was once on the second floor, which, shall we say, attracted quite a different crowd. I must have moved my way through 75 percent of the city's riotgrrl punk crowd there.

As another person wrote about Asmoro: "The first time you hate it because you don't understand it. The third time, the place is yours and you are the queen of the dance floor, requesting "Kucing Garong."

Asmoro is accessible. Tourists are seen there sometimes. I've bought regular civilian Indonesian girlfriends there and they've laughed and had a blast. In the olden days, there used to be a lot of hanky panky going on on Jl. Blora. A lot of places and girls short-time action. While that's no more, there's the occasional working girl sitting at the warungs late late at night.

There's also the dangdut clubs from the Menteng Group hotels: Cafe Iguana in the Hotel Menteng I off of Jl. Cikini; and the nightclubs in the Hotel Grand Menteng (which is nowhere near Menteng, but on Jl. Matraman) and the Hotel Mega Matra (which is also on Jl. Matraman).

I've seen Rhoma Irama impersonators and some of the sexier "Duo" or "Trio" acts at these places.

The MO is the same. MC will be friendly, and wearing a shabby, ill-fitting suit. On a microphone from the stage, he'll work the crowd and keep the show moving. Regulars will be welcomed, newcomers greeted. He will introduce the singers and remind you that requests are welcome.

On stage: a band of 12 talented journeyman musicians who know how to jam.

In the crowd: middle-aged Javanese men who, when sufficiently inebriated, will take to the dance floor, waving Rp 50,000 notes as they dance with the singers. The lads will also tip to take the microphone to render their own versions of favorite songs.

The girls will all be in high heels and squeezed into tight shiny dresses. Some will be young, pretty and sullen. Some will be overweight, cute blowsy and flirty. Most will be in their late 20's and early 30's, with too much make-up.

All can sing! All will dance! It's a lot of high-spirited fun!

After finishing a set, the girls will walk through the crowd shaking hands. It's your chance to tip the girls again, or to invite them for a drink. (NB: There are no ladies drinks, just regular drinks).

Dangdut songs cover the same topics as country / western songs: my wife gone left me, my cheating man, she just don't love me no more. Buy a dangdut singer a drink (or tip her while talking to her) and you'll hear similar stories.

Usually they're janda (widowed or divorced), with some sad story about why they're singing in this club. There's a circuit that the singers follow among the Menteng Group clubs. Some even work on contracts in mining or logging camps in Kalimantan.

Pro? Semi-pro? At this point, we don't know. As is typical in Jakarta, hijinks ensure when men with full wallets meet women with empty wallets. I've met a few of the singers outside the club and had a grand time.

TL; DR Dangdut clubs are not a cash-extraction machine like Malioboro or Classic. The experience is not as raw as the girly clubs. It really is about the music and some mild fun with the girls, who you might be able to meet outside the club.

Enjoy Jakarta!

[QUOTE=OmBule;2192214]
First would be Cafe Asmoro on Jl, Blora, just steps away from Grand Indonesia. [/QUOTE]Loved that post, thanks for sharing. I used to go to Jalan Blora many years ago. It got to be where the preman (thugs) were just too abundant there so we stopped going. I haven't tried it in over 15 years though. It's nowhere near as busy as it used to be, so it's probably worth visiting Asmoro again these days.

I haven't been to the other places you mentioned, but I will check them out.

[QUOTE=OmBule;2192214]
Usually they're janda (widowed or divorced), with some sad story about why they're singing in this club. There's a circuit that the singers follow among the Menteng Group clubs. Some even work on contracts in mining or logging camps in Kalimantan.[/QUOTE]Janda? Mabuk Janda is always the first song we sing at karaoke. Great song. Although a lot of Dangdut songs have a sad story, the music is pure fun when the songs are fast. Goyang Dumang, Oplosan, etc. Songs like that are great to dance to. I have no interest at all in the slow dangdut songs.

Glad to hear there are other bules out there who like dangdut.

Years ago, I got hooked on the slow gyrating hips of the Indo girls from Java and Bali as they grind me to some Indo song or Kpop. They would never tell me names of the songs nor the translation but it really zones them out into hot little bunnies. That was what led to Dangdut. Many performances and performers got in trouble over the years and made headlines in Indonesia. It brought many young performers instant success and stardom. It is a great general.

[QUOTE=OmBule;2192214]Dangdut clubs![/QUOTE].

[QUOTE=Smoothy;2192401]Loved that post, thanks for sharing.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=OmBule;2192214]
TL; DR Dangdut clubs are not a cash-extraction machine like Malioboro or Classic. The experience is not as raw as the girly clubs. It really is about the music and some mild fun with the girls, who you might be able to meet outside the club.
[/QUOTE]In terms of frequenting the girly clubs and these clubs I plan to do both. In the afternoon I usually visit a brothel right when they open for a "massage" for around 400 k give or take and then go out for some entertainment or possibly a 2nd pop that is my normal MO. Bag a sure thing before the hunt for a reasonable price and then find freelancers or a "date" late night. And if I make some reasonable connections I switch it up and go out for a date or to taman mini or tourist crap in the day with a nice girl and then hit the brothels to end the night. Either way I try to get 2+ pops in. These Dangdut clubs that you posted are a gold mine I went ahead and pined them on my maps for safe keeping thanks for being so explicent on their locations that really helps. Sometimes the grind of having sex with girls get boring if you have been doing this long enough you'll know what I mean and hanging out at a "cash-extraction machine" isn't always the most fun. So finding things like dangdut really helps to liven things up a bit. I abhor / strong dislike western clubs like CJs and BATS they have that same despair that LA Cafe does in Manila or the RCA area in Bangkok. Kind of a love hate situation i love big cities and the abundance of good food and services, i like a good steak every now and then but the purpose of my trips is to get away from western culture to kind of reset. As I get older they don't do what they did for me 10-15 years ago. I see the attraction for picking up women in them but they aren't someplace I want to hang out, I personally go to asia to escape western culture as much as possible just personal preference. Thanks for posting some great alternatives.

[QUOTE=OmBule;2192214]

First would be Cafe Asmoro on Jl, Blora, just steps away from Grand Indonesia. Other nearby clubs, like Lone Star, have closed down, but Asmoro remains. It outlived the punk rock venue that was once on the second floor, which, shall we say, attracted quite a different crowd. I must have moved my way through 75 percent of the city's riotgrrl punk crowd there

I've seen Rhoma Irama impersonators and some of the sexier "Duo" or "Trio" acts at these places.

The MO is the same. MC will be friendly, and wearing a shabby, ill-fitting suit. On a microphone from the stage, he'll work the crowd and keep the show moving. Regulars will be welcomed, newcomers greeted. He will introduce the singers and remind you that requests are welcome.

On stage: a band of 12 talented journeyman musicians who know how to jam.

In the crowd: middle-aged Javanese men who, when sufficiently inebriated, will take to the dance floor, waving Rp 50,000 notes as they dance with the singers. The lads will also tip to take the microphone to render their own versions of favorite songs.

The girls will all be in high heels and squeezed into tight shiny dresses. Some will be young, pretty and sullen. Some will be overweight, cute blowsy and flirty. Most will be in their late 20's and early 30's, with too much make-up.

All can sing! All will dance! It's a lot of high-spirited fun!

After finishing a set, the girls will walk through the crowd shaking hands. It's your chance to tip the girls again, or to invite them for a drink. (NB: There are no ladies drinks, just regular drinks).

Dangdut songs cover the same topics as country / western songs: my wife gone left me, my cheating man, she just don't love me no more. Buy a dangdut singer a drink (or tip her while talking to her) and you'll hear similar stories.

Usually they're janda (widowed or divorced), with some sad story about why they're singing in this club. There's a circuit that the singers follow among the Menteng Group clubs. Some even work on contracts in mining or logging camps in Kalimantan.
![/QUOTE]Gawd Danggit! That there is ROD material, thank you!

Dangdut is the quintessial Indonesian experience, thanks for the info and enjoy dangdut.

OS.

The longest running youtube "sexy" dangdut channel I subscribe to is only 2 years old and the rest are 1 year or less so it seems like this is starting to ramp up. They post new videos almost daily. I see a lot of different kinds of this type of music they have no sexual overtones in it. I hope I can get balls deep in this before they try to stomp the sexy out.

Well, let us know if you find more locations! With Eid yesterday, more will be coming out to play. Still need to pick up some Java. Many of my regulars relish the fact that no one is willing to teach me.

[QUOTE=MontanaMonger;2192725]The longest running youtube "sexy" dangdut channel I subscribe to is only 2 years old and the rest are 1 year or less so it seems like this is starting to ramp up. They post new videos almost daily. I see a lot of different kinds of this type of music they have no sexual overtones in it. I hope I can get balls deep in this before they try to stomp the sexy out.[/QUOTE]

A small youtube tip, search for; (ROYAL) Exploring one of the most dangerous area in Jakarta.

Although the title might be debatable, it might be worth a watch for those who aren't as adventurous as some guys here, just to see what "down and dirty" means. I like that he does daytime and nighttime posts as well. He has some other interesting videos worth a watch on his channel. Don't mind the "Flying drone around jakarta" titles, there are interesting parts in the vids.

[QUOTE=Smoothy;2187720]Speaking of blok m, here are some old photos of Maribaya.[/QUOTE]Is it true that Maribaya is going to open after Ramadan in a new Avatar, after refurbishing. Does anyone know.

[QUOTE=JohnAldrich;2193694]Is it true that Maribaya is going to open after Ramadan in a new Avatar, after refurbishing. Does anyone know.[/QUOTE]I don't know anything, went by in March went I passed through the Big Durian and was unable to find out what had happened / was happening.

May 9 - Return to Jakarta from Province.

2 Days before returning to Jakarta I messaged an ISG member to query meeting someone he wrote about in a recent report. He gave me her WhatsApp number and I contacted her. Her name is Mei. She responded quickly.

I made plans to meet her with a friend, Putri, on Wednesday afternoon at my room in Hotel Mulia. At her suggestion, this was just a meeting to see if there was interest. A great idea on her part. They were to arrive between 3 & 4 pm as I had a dinner date at 7 pm. Of course, they arrived at 5:30 in the lobby. Mei was definitely cute, but I had no interest in her friend Putri. I agreed to meet Mei later and showed them out, so I could get ready for my Indonesian Cupid date.

My Cupid date was not high on my list because a definite no-go on sex, but she WhatsApp'd me enough to pique my interest and she is a college educated pharmacist. She shows up at my hotel 30 minutes early and I'm not ready! WTF. Early? Hahaha.

Strangest date I ever had. We go to Outback Steakhouse. Weird personality. She makes a few remarks during dinner that I find insulting. I finally ask her why she is here with me. "Free dinner," is her answer. I said "Dinner not free, yet. We each pay. ".

I guess she thought I was kidding. After dinner, I go to cashier; pay my bill and walk out. Never done that before in 60 years, but she really pissed me off with the insults and free meal declaration.

It takes a while, but I eventually catch a cab back to Mulia to get ready for Ladies Night and to rendezvous later around 11:00 with Mei.

I walk into Mulia around 9:15 and get my favorite seat right by the door. It was Wednesday Ladies Night and I expected a good crowd. Ladies Night means ladies get in free. By 10 pm, I was surprised at the small crowd. Maybe 10 ladies. On Ladies Night? Well, you've heard the saying, "If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all". That's me.

Mei messages me and says she and Putri want to come in to CJ's to "check it out". I say "Come on over". She messages me back that she has to pay the cover charge. I explain it is Ladies Night and she can get in free. She says NO ladies night. Confused by that remark, I ask a waiter & find out that because Thursday is a holiday, Ladies Night is suspended. CRAP! YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Well that explains to poor turn out so far. I realize I am booked as party of 2 at the hotel so I message Mei that she can be my Guest. I eventually meet her at the front door and she is my guest. No problem, except her friend Putri is whining for me to pay her entrance fee. No go.

I have fun with Mei in CJ's and after an hour (11 pm), we go to the room. By now, I'm all horned up over this cutie. She comes out of the bathroom and says she has to leave because her period just started. I can't believe it and half jokingly say "Show me". So, she does. We go into the bathroom and she wipes with a tissue and sure enough red tissue. DAMN. YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!

Now my evening plans are all askew and I want to fuck. I head back down to the bar and now I'm in quick search mode. I peruse the bar several times and find some cute tiny girl. Pretty innocent looking too. Standing along the rail. I stop, chat & invite her up. Cute girl. Good tiny body. Nice time. Nothing memorable.

I find another girl in CJ's later that evening, but not surprisingly. Now a month later, I can't remember details.

I did run into Zahara in the bar, a favorite from 2 weeks ago, and promised to see her the next afternoon, which I did. Best video of the whole trip.

UP NEXT. Thursday. With an evening stop at Eastern Promise to check it out.

SEA Traveler.

[QUOTE=SeaTraveler;2194370]
Strangest date I ever had. We go to Outback Steakhouse. Weird personality. She makes a few remarks during dinner that I find insulting. I finally ask her why she is here with me. "Free dinner," is her answer. I said "Dinner not free, yet. We each pay. ".
[/QUOTE]What kind for remarks racial or personal? Can you give an example of what she was saying? It is interesting to hear what they spout. Was it her attitude behind the remarks that put you off? Sometimes when I run into bitchy women its a turn on in some ways because I bang them like a trampoline. Nicer girls you kinda don't want to bang them too hard in fear of them not coming back for a second date but if they are bitchy its like a pass to go all in. I take the approach of if they said some nasty shit few hours later they got a dick in all 3 holes now so who got the last laugh?

Hello fellows! I will be at Jakarta for first time on middle of July for 3 nights I already have list of the places I want visit: malio complex, travel hotel, classic hotel, kota indah, lokasari. I will arrive around midnight on Friday night to Jakarta airport from manila, so probably when I will reach my hotel (red planet) on pasar baru (central Jakarta) and will ready go out it will be around 2 pm Friday night (or later).

The question is which is the best place for me to find girl for short time this time at night? I not interested to take overpriced girls from places like B. A. t. S, blok m, eastern promises, Cjs or expensive nightclubs. My budget is 300000-500000 k for short time girls. I know the places from my list are still operate at this time at night, but maybe it will have poor choice of the girls? Any suggestion guys? Any places I didint mention? You can answer here or with private message. Report will follow after trip!!

[QUOTE=Pokeris;2194471]Hello fellows! I will be at Jakarta for first time on middle of July for 3 nights I already have list of the places I want visit: malio complex, travel hotel, classic hotel, kota indah, lokasari. I will arrive around midnight on Friday night to Jakarta airport from manila, so probably when I will reach my hotel (red planet) on pasar baru (central Jakarta) and will ready go out it will be around 2 pm Friday night (or later).

The question is which is the best place for me to find girl for short time this time at night? I not interested to take overpriced girls from places like B. A. t. S, blok m, eastern promises, Cjs or expensive nightclubs. My budget is 300000-500000 k for short time girls. I know the places from my list are still operate at this time at night, but maybe it will have poor choice of the girls? Any suggestion guys? Any places I didint mention? You can answer here or with private message. Report will follow after trip!![/QUOTE]To Pokeris.

For actions late night after 2 pm classic hotel is about 10 min walk from your hotel but you only get the left over or go to Lokasari plaza to pick up some skanks, the best pick up at that time is club and disco but it will cost you over one million and up.

Fast Eddie 48.

[QUOTE=MontanaMonger;2194467]What kind for remarks racial or personal? Can you give an example of what she was saying? It is interesting to hear what they spout. Was it her attitude behind the remarks that put you off? [/QUOTE]Thanks for asking. It was her attitude mostly. She badgered me in WhatsApp for not making a date with her and putting her off while in Jakarta the first 5 days of my trip, before my 10 days in the province. So before I leave Jakarta, I promise to see her the day of my return. Which I did.

Then the evening of the date, first she bitches because we are not eating in the hotel Mulia (super expensive). I like Outback and wanted some good beef. Second, at the restaurant she orders the single most expensive thing on the menu and I order an Angus burger. I was always brought up to at least order on the same level as the host. She brags about only working 10 to 3 during the week. Just plain lazy.

I've seen all this before of course and usually have a handle on it.

Finally, her "free dinner" comment threw me over the top and I thought "fuck this". Paid and left.

She called my phone while I'm walking down the street to complain. Answered and told her what I thought and then went on to enjoy the rest of my evening.

SEA Traveler.