Originally Posted by
mikesaidyes
I'm taking a trip there from 12/26 (arrive 11 PM) - 12/30 (depart 6 PM). It's myself and three friends in our late 20s. What's the good scoop on bars/clubs/restaurants, anything and everything! In a perfect world, we'd go to the Thousand Islands for an overnight (or two) trip. What's the best island? We don't need anything super luxurious...just clean water and beaches.
Western or Indonesian restos?
Western Food: Union (Plaza Senayan Mall) and Bluegrass Bar & Grill (in Rasuna area) are popular restaurants. I suggest arriving after 9pm for dinner as queues are often notoriously long before 9pm.
My favourite lunch places (Jakarta):
-Soto Cakdi (they serve Indonesian chicken soup/beef soup) at Jalan Tulodong Atas. Price of one bowl of soto with rice is Rp 22,000 ($2). They open until around 3pm (they close when they sell out).
-Sari Bundo (traditional Padang restaurant) main branch at Jalan Juanda. This is perfect if you are unsure of what Indonesian food you would like to order. They bring various dishes to your table and only charge you for the dishes that you eat. If it's not convenient for you to go to Sari Bundo, try their competitor "Sari Ratu". I discourage you from going to Sari Bundo main branch for dinner (as leftovers from lunch are served for dinner).
Favourite dinner places (Jakarta):
-Seribu rasa: pricey by Indonesian standards. I particularly love their chicken satay and seafood.
-Kafe Betawi: Chain Indonesian restaurant found in a lot of malls. Typical entree price is $3-$4.
-Pondok Laguna: Seafood restaurant
Nightclubs: My group of friends enjoy Empirica and Fable