Singledom isn’t all that bad.
Research shows people are choosing to stay single longer and settle down older.
Jumping into relationships when we’re unknowingly not ready for them, haven’t had the proper time to accept and heal from past heartaches, or merely for the sake of escapism may turn out either sour or valuable. It all comes back to our mindset.
Remember, there’s a difference between being alone and lonely. When you’re comfortable being alone, you tend to be more self-sufficient, excel in work, cultivate better relationships with friends and family, focus on becoming healthier, have better financial management, and most of all, have space to think clearly in a calming way. Being single gives the boost to learn new skills, explore interests, and take on new experiences through which you get to know your true authentic self along with your needs and wants.
There’s a saying to “get yourself out there”. If you’re ready and eager to, we’ve got you covered with a list of Jakarta’s and Bali’s top hang out spots for single expats.
JAKARTA
Like any other metropolitan city in the world, Jakarta offers exquisite nightlife targeting different types of crowds. What atmosphere are you looking for? Laid-back? A lively dance floor? Intimate? Both indoor and outdoor?
The H Club
Introducing The H Club, Jakarta’s best nightclub and ultimate hangout destination. Located in the prestigious SCBD area of South Jakarta, The H Club stands as a vibrant oasis for expatriates seeking a sense of community and exciting nightlife. Since its grand opening, this extraordinary venue has become the talk of the town due to its unparalleled experience.
The H Club’s stage is packed with modern lighting and sophisticated, high-quality sound that can bring a spectacular, unforgettable performance. From the moment you step in, you’ll be impressed by their exceptional bottle delivery service, ensuring you receive VIP treatment from the start. Every visitor is promised an extraordinary night of entertainment that will leave a lasting impression.
One of the highlights at The H Club is their mesmerizing laser show, which adds a touch of magic to the night. You can expect a stellar live music experience with a dedicated show director, from featuring popular Spotify top 40 hits to local and international DJs. The H Club is also named the biggest club in Asia, with its impressive capacity to accommodate thousands of party-goers. It has earned a well-deserved reputation for hosting top-notch DJs and captivating national and international performers.
If you’re a food lover, The H Club won’t disappoint. They take pride in offering a selection of mouth-watering steaks that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Treat yourself to a delicious meal that perfectly complements the vibrant ambiance.
Caspar
A Spanish restaurant that has become the latest hype for expats in Jakarta, Caspar serves Spanish cuisine alongside a whisky and cigar bar in Sudirman, Central Jakarta. The rustic wooden-based interior design is splashed in cool tones on leather seats and a cosy, romantic garden outdoor area makes Caspar the “it” place to hang out.
On the weekends, though, Caspar turns into a lively dancing venue with a DJ blasting a variety of genres. You can dance and mingle your night away. Not feeling like going home? Caspar happens to be connected to The Orient Jakarta, one of Jakarta’s newly opened hotels that offers a unique, traditional Javanese ambience with rooms overlooking the city’s skyline.
Follow Instagram @casparjakarta to stay updated.
BASQUE Bar de Tapas
By far the most happening bar in the capital, Basque Bar de Tapas on Friday and Saturday nights is packed with expats and locals hitting the dancefloor. Head over to Noble House in Mega Kuningan and take the elevator to the 8th floor to bask in the lively Latin music.
A first-drink-charge (FDC) of Rp200,000 is applied upon arrival after midnight on weekends. On other nights, Basque is a place to have chilled night outs as the restaurant serves Spanish cuisine from the region of Basque. There’s an exception of themed nights too on the weekdays like Latin night to Salsa your midweek away.
Follow @basquejkt to stay updated.
Dragonfly
Dragonfly has been around for a while, precisely since 2004. It’s a dance and nightclub that’s renowned as one of Jakarta’s leaders in the entertainment industry. Wood and marble designed in modernity, outstanding lighting effects, and a sound system that pampers music lovers’ ears makes Dragonfly a favourite to have relaxed nights in the evening and to be a party people hub late at night.
International acts livened up Dragonfly in the pre-pandemic days. Nowadays, there are virtual concerts that Dragonfly holds for party people in Jakarta to dance together. Or else, enjoy the many talented DJs Dragonfly has spinning on one-of-a-kind themed events throughout the week.
Follow Instagram @dragonfly.club to stay updated.
Eastern Promise
Whether you want to listen and sing-along to live music at the open-air garden area, play billiards or darts in the bar, watch your favourite sports team in the Sports Bar, or dig in British, Indian, and Indonesian food at the restaurant, Eastern Promise is a laid-back pub that has it all. This expat-friendly place welcomes plenty of singles and mixed couples to hang out and grab a beer. The drinks arrive swiftly and are served by delightful and attentive waitresses.
Eastern Promise has been a crowd-pleaser for over 30 years. Despite the passage of time, you won’t be disappointed coming home after an entertaining evening. Head to Kemang, South Jakarta to mingle with Jakarta’s long-stay expats.
Follow Instagram @epkemang to stay updated.
BALI
Tourists go to Bali to recover, relax, reflect, etc. Bali is also best-loved to have some drinks as the sky turns into cotton candy colours and the moonlight and stars shine bright like a diamond. Of course, indoor spots are also presentable.
Atlas Beach Fest
One of the best places to go to leisure and enjoy entertainment, there’s also the biggest beach club in Bali, Atlas Beach Fest. Nestled along the iconic Berawa beach, this esteemed venue reigns as Bali’s premier destination.
Inside Atlas Beach Fest, you will find Atlas Beach Club in the world, and Atlas Nightclub, the biggest nightclub in Bali. It offers visitors a luxurious holiday experience, with a 30,000 m2 area. They also provide good hospitality, being the biggest beach club in the world.
The many attractions of Atlas Beach Club include non-stop entertainment all day, from Kecak dance, glow-in-the-dark Balinese dance, tarot readers, stilt walkers, fire jugglers, fire dance, magicians, and para motorists. You can also enjoy the performance of local and international artists and DJs. In addition to that, Atlas Beach Fest also features a department store.
If you want to learn more about Atlas Beach Fest, please visit their website at atlasbeachfest.com. You can discover all the offerings, amenities, and experiences this exceptional beach club provides there. And also find us on Instagram @atlasbeachfest
Location: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.88, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Single Fin Uluwatu
A must to be included in your Bali activities’ bucket list, Single Fin Uluwatu has been set on the epic cliffs overlooking Uluwatu’s surf break since its establishment in 2008. Relish in a wholesome breakfast, an icy cold Bintang in the afternoon, and gaze into the Balinese golden hour against the Indian Ocean with specially curated cocktails.
A music enthusiast? Single Fin has entertaining live acts on selected days. The exceptional food and drinks and splendid music invites digital nomads and international and local tourists to the epitome of island life.
Follow Instagram @singlefinbali to stay updated.
ShiShi Bali
Maybe the outdoor ambience is not your scene. Come to ShiShi Bali then! This is one of those nightclubs that attracts many expats visiting the island to dine and dance.
There are three floors, each illustrating how one should spend their night out Bali style. Start off at the ground floor where you can devour Japanese cuisine at the Izakaya Lounge. Once your tastebuds and stomach are full of tasty food, it’s time to head upstairs either to the second floor for rhythmic techno house music or to the third floor rooftop for busting RnB tunes. Remember to dress up to the nines – flip flops are not allowed!
Follow Instagram @shishibali to stay updated.
Mirror Lounge and Club
Neon lasers hit the pastel-coloured mosaic glass as DJs spark the crowd to get on their feet. Mirror is one of Bali’s nightclubs that will get the stiffest humans out there dancing their daytime exhaustion from their systems. Order a drink or more, and grab somebody sexy and tell them “Hey”.
As Mirror’s official website says, “close your eyes, enter our world where all senses are awakened. Reflect yourself and simply let go”. In a way, if Ubud’s serenity is not your definition of self-reflection, then Mirror is the place to go.
Follow Instagram @mirror_allin to stay updated.
The Shady Pig
Do you love the 20’s? The Shady Pig is the spot to transport you back in time and dwell into the night like the flappers once did. This Sipping Club in Canggu is an experimental lounge inspired by the charm and depravity of the 20’s in Birmingham. Think of it as a secret laboratory of a bootleg society thus, without a password, you can’t get in.
Follow Instagram @theshadypig to stay updated.
Red Carpet Champagne Bar
Upon entrance, you will be greeted how a celebrity is cherished on the red carpet of an award show – with bright-red carpet lining and queue line dividers. Continuing the star-like treatment, glasses of champagne are at your disposal. The Red Carpet Champagne Bar has extensive selections of not only champagne, but also cocktails, wines, spirits, and beers.
The bar’s service elevates this bar’s uniqueness. The waitresses (also known as champagne ambassadors) are dressed as flight attendants, ready to serve and embrace the superstar that you are.
Follow Instagram @redcarpetchampagnebar to stay updated.
So many places, so little time – how untrue. If there’s a will, there’s always a way. Have fun visiting these hang out spots and please stay safe!