Sumatra
In a town where a beer isn’t always easy to find, this spot is a bit of an oasis, opening up to a smart, leafy decor where you can prop up a stool at the…
Must-see nightlife in Indonesia
Bukit Peninsula
A relaxed cafe-bar sitting on a cliff away from other cafe spots, with stunning views. One area is perched on a gigantic mushroom of concrete atop a rock…
Jakarta
Walk under an arched doorway to find this inconspicuous little place with minimal chic decor, chunky wooden tables, exposed concrete walls, coloured metal…
Bukit Peninsula
Star of a thousand glossy articles written about Bali, this bar perched 14m above the crashing Indian Ocean is very popular. In fact, at sunset the wait…
West Sumatra
Grab a beer and make yourself comfortable amid the wooden carvings and pop-culture posters and chat to the friendly youthful staff. There's a menu of…
Jakarta
A branch of the hip 1920s-themed local coffee shop sits on a quiet lane to the south of Candra Naya. It serves a decent cup of coffee, plus Indonesian and…
Solo
This fresh, white-painted cafe sells a range of local Javanese coffees in a hip, air-conditioned space on the ground floor. There's also a pleasant open…
Seminyak
The most substantial of the many beach bars along the beach walk south of Jl Camplung Tanduk, La Plancha has its share of ubiquitous brightly coloured…
Jakarta
If you like board games, Addictz is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Order a coffee and play everything from Scrabble and Uno to more unusual…
Sumbawa
This hole-in-the-wall shop on the beach walk in front of the Balumba Hotel offers the best coffees in East Sumbawa. All beans come from farms on the…
Ubud
The basement bar at Casa Luna hosts a popular jazz club on Sunday evenings from 7.30pm – bookings recommended. On other days, the 5pm happy hour and tasty…
Gili Air
Right in the thick of things, where boats to Gili Air disgorge their sun-seeking seafarers, Coffee & Thyme is a bustling, part-open-air cafe that makes…
Bandung
One of a string of pubs that make up Bandung's raucous nightlife strip is this boozy venue that's notable as one of the few (if only) places in Indonesia…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
