A bar in Indonesia can be a hit or miss, depending on where you are. The frenetic capital of Jakarta boasts a thriving pub scene, while in less metropolitan areas you’ll find the options for socializing are more limited, with ‘warung’ street stalls and mosques often being the focus of activity.
Bali offers two distinct drinking scenes – the hedonistic party town of Kuta and the more refined, sophisticated bars found in Seminyak. Whether you want to sip a cold beer on a rooftop bar overlooking the cityscape, enjoy a cocktail made with exotic fruit at the Potato Head Bar or pump your feet to DJ-driven tunes in a nightclub, the island’s many bars are a must-visit.
Located on the 56th floor rooftop of Jakarta’s BCA Tower, SKYE is the ultimate high-rise bar destination. This Instagrammable location offers stunning views, an indulgent menu and a full range of cocktails – all with a hint of the exotic.
It might take some effort to track down the hidden entrance to Jakarta speakeasy A/A Bar, but once inside it’s worth it for the atmospheric interior and enticing drinks. The cocktail menu is infused with botanical flavours, and each drink takes its name from a headline ingredient, like Pandan, Sage or Chrysanthemum.
You’ll also be hard-pressed to find classic cocktails like Bijou, Last Word or Vieux Carre in Indonesia, as ingredients like Chartreuse and Peychaud’s Bitters have never been introduced to the country. But that hasn’t stopped the bartenders at some of the most sought-after Indonesian bars from creating their own deliciously creative drinks.
