Ramadan starts June 7, so if you are planning on going later, best to go before that date (although can still cheong after first few days).
Being a happy man travelling in Jakarta at prsent. Many thanks to bros who contributed so much very useful information in this thread, good bro like lost99. Thanks again
One more observation which I didn't see bros mentioned is looks like the drink bills in Classic has been added 20% so call tax? And also 15.5% on top of all those blah plus blah for MY PLACE?
Also successfully to find the massage place in PIK area, good value for money!
My Indonesian friend told me the strength of ceweks starts to diminish even just 1-2 weeks before Ramadan begins.
Same as the Chinese New Year effect over at China KTVs.
The number of girls overall goes down just before and during Ramadan, but the big brothels will still be almost full strength. Ramadan is without a doubt the worst time to be in Jakarta. 15 years ago every place in town shut down during Ramadan. But that was before the big money generating brothels in North Jakarta took over the city. The big places that pay the huge bribe money to the Government like Classic, Malioboro, Travel, Alexis will all still be open mostly. Some days they will be closed. The smaller places will be closed during Ramadan, and many of the KTV places close completely during Ramadan. The best thing about Ramadan is the girls are desperate for money for Ramadan presents and will gladly come to your hotel on their days off.
Even living in Jakarta, I prefer to leave Indonesia during Ramadan if possible. There are far better places to be than in Indonesia during Ramadan.
Being a happy man travelling in Jakarta at prsent. Many thanks to bros who contributed so much very useful information in this thread, good bro like lost99. Thanks again
One more observation which I didn't see bros mentioned is looks like the drink bills in Classic has been added 20% so call tax? And also 15.5% on top of all those blah plus blah for MY PLACE?
Also successfully to find the massage place in PIK area, good value for money!
I think this might be under the new revision to entertainment tax in Jakarta. Maybe try paying everything in cash, shld be able to avoid having to pay so much of the taxes. cheers~
I think this might be under the new revision to entertainment tax in Jakarta. Maybe try paying everything in cash, shld be able to avoid having to pay so much of the taxes. cheers~
Bro Setzer, I am indeed paying everything in Cash. Am I kind of being played by those cashiers? Should I reject such bill with TAX and tell them I am paying in cash so the bill amount will get fixed?
My Indonesian friend told me the strength of ceweks starts to diminish even just 1-2 weeks before Ramadan begins.
Same as the Chinese New Year effect over at China KTVs.
I've been during Ramadan last year. Major places (Alexis, Malio, Classic) are closed first few days and last few days only, although there is less gals when they open (maybe 20-30% less????). Many smaller places just shut down. In a way, it is nicer as these places not so crowded with customers, but indeed less selections.
On the plus side, it is a more of a buyers market for those that like the pickup scene. You can go to the mall and find many girls desperate for cash. Didn't go to FL places like CJs/Bats/BlokM, but i imagine the same, girls accept lower prices due to less customers.
Ramadan starts June 7, so if you are planning on going later, best to go before that date (although can still cheong after first few days).
Eh wait, TonyCheong2 bro was talking about 5, 6 May and not June, right?
Cos in fact I was planning to go from 4 May onwards, but reconsidering cos of the public holidays.
Bro Setzer, I am indeed paying everything in Cash. Am I kind of being played by those cashiers? Should I reject such bill with TAX and tell them I am paying in cash so the bill amount will get fixed?
Hi there, apologies if i mislead you. depending on where you go, some things when you pay in cash , there wont be any extra taxes incurred. eg. LDs, food, tips at clubs. you can try talking to them n check if they would allow "discounts" if you pay cash.
Over at massage spa, usually some should have promos or discount, just try to google first before you go. Otherwise, check if they have any membership etc. it'll help offset some of the taxes.
For me, I usually go empo so i just get a membership there.. then i get 15 or 20 percent discount on bills (sorry cant remember the details) either at their ktv, spa or club.
For me, I usually go empo so i just get a membership there.. then i get 15 or 20 percent discount on bills (sorry cant remember the details) either at their ktv, spa or club.
Hope this helps.. cheers
Thanks for the detailed sharing, will try some bargain next time even though I have Zero Bahasa skills see whether it works out. Thanks again.
For me, I usually go empo so i just get a membership there.. then i get 15 or 20 percent discount on bills (sorry cant remember the details) either at their ktv, spa or club.
I believe you have to pay for the membership - so it is only worth it if you live in Jakarta or you are a frequent visitor. Otherwise it is better just to get one of their alcohol Promo's.
I always suggest you pay cash in these places, and avoid CC unless no more cash. If you use CC you have to pay a 3% or 5% fee, plus you run the risk of your CC# being skimmed (this was reported to happen at Golden Crown before).
Also, always review your bill when you are leaving. Usually the bills are accurate at these places (Malio, KC, Emporium, Alexis) and i've never really experienced 'bill padding' like they do in Thailand or Philippines, but one time at 1001 pool they charged me 150k entrance fee when it should have been waived as i got a LC - when i brought this up to the cashier they instantly removed that charge. I'm not sure if that was an honest mistake or scam, but these little mistakes do happen from time to time.
I believe you have to pay for the membership - so it is only worth it if you live in Jakarta or you are a frequent visitor. Otherwise it is better just to get one of their alcohol Promo's.
...............
Also, always review your bill when you are leaving. Usually the bills are accurate at these places (Malio, KC, Emporium, Alexis) and i've never really experienced 'bill padding' like they do in Thailand or Philippines, but one time at 1001 pool they charged me 150k entrance fee when it should have been waived as i got a LC - when i brought this up to the cashier they instantly removed that charge. I'm not sure if that was an honest mistake or scam, but these little mistakes do happen from time to time.
Actually I got my initial membership at empo free, maybe becos I used to entertain my clients there so chalked up enough bottles thus I got it. But for 5mil (incl 2 btls of gold label) plus other perks... if shared among a few friends it should be fine.
You are absolutely right about checking the bill... it'll still happen to me once in a while if I forget to check thru the stack of order slips that I signed.
I always believe when having fun, just don't take me for granted, and I'll closed one eye.
24-04-2016, 11:14 PM
Re: Jakarta
