Anyone who lives in a big city has definitely felt stifled at some point – it doesn’t help that many of us spend most of our time in small spaces, be it a cubicle at work or a humble kost.
This is why it helps to get out of our suffocating routines once in a while. It might be a temporary fix, but if you’re thinking of grabbing a drink with your loved ones after a stressful day at work, consider these beautiful Jakarta rooftop bars that’ll let you feel the open air and do wonders for the psyche.
Image credit: @fjrestaurants
Less than 5 minutes away from The Moon is another Kemang rooftop bar that’s worth a visit. FJ on 7 is great for long post-work chats as it’s open till pretty late and isn’t in a busy area, so you can properly unwind.
The outdoor area has lots of plants, making the bar feel relaxing. If you’re a music fan, you can enjoy the music selection presented by DJs who specialize in different genres – follow FJ on 7’s Instagram account to keep yourself updated on what’s playing this week. Since the place can get pretty packed on the weekends, it’s best to make a reservation at least a day in advance.
Image credit: @fjonrooftop
Alcoholic drinks start at Rp. 50,000 (~USD3.59), and delicious sweet treats such as a classic chocolate fondue (Rp. 65,000, ~USD4.68) and a simple yet satisfying scoop of ice cream (Rp. 29,000, ~USD2.09) are also on offer.
Address: Jalan Kemang Raya #6, Bangka, Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta 12730
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 11AM–1AM | Sat 11AM–2AM
Telephone: 02129529912
Instagram
Image credit: @hauserooftop
Hause is a cozy little rooftop bar within reach of office buildings in the Setiabudi area. Cute decor and lots of plants give it a laid-back vibe perfect for people who prefer a place that’s a cross between a bar and a cafe. It’s so chill it can even make for a good spot to catch up on some work during the day.
Image credit: @hauserooftop
There are regular screenings of popular films such as Edward Scissorhands and the 1998 romcom You’ve Got Mail, live music performances by local indie artists, and DJ sets to dance to, so if you’re curious, just go on Instagram to see what events are planned for the month.
Alcoholic drinks start at Rp. 50,000 (~USD3.59), though you’d have to spend a bit extra to try Hause’s signature cocktails, which range from Rp. 140,000 (~USD10) to Rp. 180,000 (~USD13). To have something to nibble on while you drink and chat, get some sweet potato fries or bruschetta for Rp. 55,000 (~USD3.96) each.
Address: MD Place, Tower 2, Jalan Setiabudi Selatan #7, Kuningan, Karet Kuningan, South Jakarta 12910
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 9AM–12AM | Fri-Sat 9AM–2AM
Telephone: 02129529852
Instagram
Image credit: @raden.adit
Kemang is filled with lounges and bars, but if you want a place that’s relaxing and breezy, check out Hotel Monopoli’s The Moon. It has a comfortable indoor section as well as an outdoor area with a view of the neighborhood.
Image credit: Hotel Monopoli
There’s a small swimming pool where you can have a little splash while savoring a refreshing cocktail or a cold beer with your friends. But note that on event nights, the pool is usually closed to the public.
Image credit: @hotelmonopoli
Alcoholic beverages start at Rp. 45,000 (~USD3.21) and you can also order some light bites such as tortillas (Rp. 45,000, ~USD3.21) or cheese croquettes (Rp. 55,000, ~USD3.96) to go with your drink.
Address: Jalan Taman Kemang #12, Bangka, Mampang Prapatan., South Jakarta 12730
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4PM–2AM | Sat-Sun 4PM–3AM
Telephone: 082111100336
Instagram
Image credit: Haro By The Rooftop
Located between the Cipete Raya and Fatmawati MRT stations, Haro By The Rooftop is a hip hangout spot that’ll dazzle you with its artsy atmosphere. Come here to experience a bar with a lot of character, unlike a lot of the sleek bars you’ll find around the CBD.
Image credit: @reylukito
Haro’s painted murals and color scheme invite visitors to take pictures for the ‘gram.
Image credit: @fahmitsu
Though patrons vary, Haro is most popular among Jakarta’s scenesters, so if you’re looking for a cross-genre music selection, the DJs who play there won’t disappoint. The bartenders and staff are super friendly, too, so you’ll feel welcomed even if it’s your first time there.
Popular drinks here include beer, amer (anggur merah, a type of local wine) and abidin, which is a mix of both. Prices start at Rp. 45,000 (~USD3.21).
Address: Rossi Musik Fatmawati, Jalan RS Fatmawati Raya #30, West Cilandak, Cilandak, South Jakarta 12430 (till 25th March 2020; check back on its Facebook page for the new address)
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 4.30PM–12AM
Telephone: 02122763904
Instagram
Image credit: @jakalog
Those of you who want some authentic Spanish cuisine to go with your drink should consider going to Por Que No, which is located in Central Jakarta. It’s not far from major business districts, but at the same time, it’s in Menteng, a calm residential area with few tall buildings to block the view.
Alcoholic beverages start at Rp. 40,000 (~USD2.87), and you can also enjoy some tortillas (Rp. 35,000, ~USD2.52) or marinated chicken (Rp. 40,000, or ~USD2.87), presented with attentive service.
Por Que No also hosts events from time to time. Listen to groovy tunes selected by local DJs as you take a sip of your drink – the upcoming ones are on their Instagram.
Address: De RITZ Building 5th floor, Jalan HOS Cokroaminoto #91, Menteng, Menteng, Central Jakarta 10310
Opening hours: Tues-Thurs & Sun 12PM–12AM | Fri-Sat 12PM–2AM
Telephone: 0213901950
Instagram
Image credit: @nnammfonn
BART is on the rooftop of Artotel Thamrin, a boutique hotel with a good view of Central Jakarta. It’s near major office buildings. Its location and airy ambience make it a great place to catch up with friends or your significant other after work – it’s not every day you can enjoy a stunning view while ranting about your problems.
The layout also accommodates those of you who are desperate to get some me-time. You don’t have to sit at the main bar if you want some privacy – there are plenty of spots that’ll give you a direct view of the city.
Alcoholic drinks start at Rp. 65,000 (~USD4.66) and you might also want to get some truffle fries (Rp. 62,000, ~USD4.47) or calamari rings (Rp. 89,000 ~USD6.41).
Address: Jalan Sunda #3, Gondangdia, Menteng, Central Jakarta 10350
Opening hours: 5PM–1AM, Daily
Telephone: 02131925888
Instagram
Image credit: @theawanlounge
Kosenda Hotel is another boutique hotel that has a rooftop bar called The Awan Lounge that you won’t regret visiting. It’s in a highly accessible area that can be reached by public transportation systems such as the MRT and the Transjakarta.
Image credit: @patburd
You’d think that a hotel rooftop bar would be intimidatingly formal, but you’ll be surprised at how simple yet tasteful The Awan Lounge is. It won’t take long for you to settle in and the comfy seats will surely make you want to stay longer.
The music is well-selected so you won’t feel annoyed because a particular song is out of place. It’s also played at a reasonable volume so you’ll still be able to chat while you drink. Alcoholic beverages start at Rp. 59,000 (~USD4.23), including a selection of tasty signature cocktails. If you’re a fan of Baileys-based drinks, do try the WAHA Creamy (Rp. 120,000, or ~USD8.64).
Address: Jalan KH Wahid Hasyim #127, Kebon Kacang, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta 10240
Opening hours: Tues-Thu & Sun 5PM–12AM | Fri-Sat 5PM–2AM
Telephone: 02131936868
Image credit: @skye_56
Skye is located on the 56th floor of the BCA Tower in Central Jakarta, so it’s clearly a great vantage point if you want to take a really good look at the whole city. Its lavish setting heightens the feeling of breaking away from the daily grind, and it’ll literally make you feel like you’re on top of the city.
Image credit: @skye_56
For information on special music events, or if you simply want to know what kind of music is in store on the night you plan on visiting, follow Skye’s Instagram account. If you’re lucky, you can catch renowned acts such as Dipha Barus performing there.
Image credit: @skye_56
Alcoholic drinks start at Rp. 60,000 (~USD4.30), including fresh signature cocktails such as the Skye Sour or the Dragon Fruit Margarita (Rp. 140,000, ~USD10).
Address: BCA Tower 56th floor, Jalan MH Thamrin #1, Menteng, Menteng, Central Jakarta 10350
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 4PM–1AM | Fri-Sat 4PM-2AM
Telephone: 02123586996
Instagram
Rooftop bars are not just for grabbing your next drink – but they’re also an visual experience worth sharing with a friend or more the next time you need to kick back and relax with company.
Don’t drink on an empty stomach – here’s where to get some grub before your bar outing.
For more Jakarta articles:
Cover image adapted from: @hauserooftop and @nnammfonn
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