De Leila (Arabic Nightclub) - FX Sudirman

Update 24th October 2016: 17 Moroccan prostitutes were arrested in De Leila over the weekend, yet strangely no newspaper was mentioning the name of the club. This is the review I wrote about the venue in March 2016:

De Leila is an arabic nightclub located on the 8th floor of FX Sudirman, where Privé used to be. It is a popular party spot for tourists from the Middle East and particularly Saudis, Qatari and Emiratis. You have a few other nationalities such as Egyptians, Iranians, Turkish and Omanis. Even though most customers are Muslims, alcohol and prostitutes are widely available.

I had reviewed De Leila before when it was still in Putra Jasa on Jalan Gatot Subroto. You can see the original review here: De Leila Gatot Subroto.

Do you need a hotel near De Leila? Harris FX is walking distance and the price is affordable. You can compare the prices here: HotelsCombined.

The new De Leila was opened a year ago early 2015. It is still partly owned by the Ahmad Fahmy family (also behind Tanamur).

It is now more modern and spacious, with an upmarket feel. I have to warn you though that is a a place of prostitution, with at least 50 freelance working girls from Indonesia, China and Morocco (yes there are Moroccan prostitutes in Jakarta!). You will notice that many girls are plump while some are borderline obese. Many are very pretty though, better than in BATS, Blok M or CJs.

The music in De Leila is Arabic, either from their live band or from the DJ. It is best to book a sofa so you can enjoy the show with the best possible view. You can order shisha as well.

There is also a mezzanine with brand new pool tables and a second bar. There was no belly dancers when I visited but there are regular performances.

The entrance fee is Rp125,000 and it includes one free draught beer.

I shot this video inside of their beautiful and sexy belly dancer (apparently from Uzbekistan):

De Leila Arabic Nightclub

FX Mall Sudirman 8th Floor (You have a dedicated entrance in the lobby of FX)

Jalan Jendral Sudirman Pintu Satu Senayan

Jakarta 10270

Phone number: +6221 2555 4489

Email: claudyasti@yahoo.com

Facebook: Arab Bar Jakarta

Website: DeLeila

Opening Hours:

Every day from 7pm to 4am (from 5pm on Saturday and Sunday)

Nip and Dram (Whisky Bar)

Nip and Dram is a Whisky and Fine Spirit bar located in Landmark Center near Jalan Sudirman. In Jakarta, it is as close as it gets from a true Gentlemen's Club. While it is not member's only, it is clearly targeting a male, upper-class crowd. Women are allowed of course, but the feel of the bar is very masculine.

The team behind it is a group of 10 people, Indonesians and Expats, among which (from what the waiter told me) the owner of Blue Bird, the previous GM of Keraton at the Plaza (Klaus Woizik) or the previous GM of Buddha Bar Jakarta (Bogdan Vlase).

The prices are among the highest of any other bars in Jakarta. Cocktails start at 165,000rp++ and the (extensive) list of alcohols includes bottles costing up to 50 million rupiah per unit. They also sell cigars.

Nip and Dram is dark and intimate, with live music 4 times per week (Jazzy on Wednesday and Thursday, Top 40 on Friday and Saturday). It is recommended if you are looking for a classy, quiet place to have a drink, and of course if you enjoy alcohols that are not always available elsewhere in Jakarta.

They also have a kitchen, but I didn't try any of the dishes.

Nip and Dram Jakarta

The Landmark Centre II

Jalan Jend. Sudirman No. 1, GF

Jakarta, Indonesia 12910

Phone number: +62-21 5790 3991

Email: bogdan.vlase@nipanddram.com

Opening Hours:

From Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 1am.

From Friday to Saturday from 5pm to 3am.

Twitter: Nip & Dram Whisky Bar
Instagram: Nipanddram
Facebook: Nip and Dram Jakarta