Must-see nightlife in Central Java

  • Hero Coffee

    Semarang

    This delightful cafe is one of several popping up in the old city area. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial terrace, with a pink awning and wrought…

  • Agenda

    Yogyakarta

    This Berlin-inspired bar has relocated from its former hip hotel rooftop location to this equally cool industrial space with atrium roof and concrete wall…

  • Sakapatat Social House

    Yogyakarta

    A little out of the way in a residential area north of town is this hip, contemporary Belgian-owned gastropub. It has several local beers on tap along…

  • Taphouse

    Yogyakarta

    A good spot for a beer, this atmospheric bar is set within a crumbling, stylised, ruined-brick courtyard. It's a sprawling, eclectic space with bench…

  • Ruang Seduh

    Yogyakarta

    A must for coffee enthusiasts, this tiny cafe feels more like a laboratory with its frosty white decor and high-tech coffee-brewing station installed with…

  • Ndoro Donker

    Central Java

    Named after the first tea mogul of Java and set in the 19th-century home on his original plantation, this teahouse teems with visitors at the weekend,…

  • Bloem Café

    Semarang

    For those feeling inspired by DMZ, the 3D 'trick art' museum opposite, this sweet little coffee shop helps continue the sense of illusion into the…

  • Warung Damandiri

    Central Java

    With unrivalled views across the gorgeous little village of Selo, towards the looming, brooding presence of Gunung Merapi, this open-air coffee shop…

  • Awor Gallery & Coffee

    Yogyakarta

    One for those who take their coffee seriously. Grab a stool at the counter and watch aficionado baristas painstakingly prepare Indonesian coffees as an…

  • Chocobean Kudus

    Central Java

    This eye-catching cafe, decorated with giant cartoons, is a popular place for a juice or coffee in the evening. For those wanting to try durian without…

  • Nota Bene

    Solo

    This fresh, white-painted cafe sells a range of local Javanese coffees in a hip, air-conditioned space on the ground floor. There's also a pleasant open…

  • E Plaza

    Semarang

    Semarang can be lacking when it comes to nightlife, but this popular complex, right by the Simpang Lima square, contains an upmarket club, cinema and…

  • On On Pub

    Semarang

    A classic expat hang-out in the centre of town, this pub sells ice-cold draught Bintang as well as decent international food, including the famous OMG…

  • Jaba Jero

    Yogyakarta

    This relaxed bar has a terrace overlooking the street and attracts good reviews. The Indonesian food is reasonable here too.

  • De Koffie

    Central Java

    This lively venue hosts live bands each Saturday (7pm) and has a friendly youthful vibe. Mains cost around 22,500Rp.

  • Happy Puppy

    Semarang

    With giant TV screens and opportunities for karaoke in each of the multiple cubicles, this bright red venue extends a fun night out. Besides, who can…

  • Boshe

    Yogyakarta

    This 'VVIP' venue boasts a large central dance floor and a pumping sound system, and features electronic DJs. It attracts a young student crowd and there…

  • Café Juminten Restaurant & Gallery

    Central Java

    This attractive cafe, on a quiet street parallel to the main road through town, draws a young crowd. It acts as a venue for occasional live music…

  • Kiosk Coffee

    Yogyakarta

    This hole-in-the-wall cafe (little more than a shack but decidedly shabby chic) offers a chance to sample beans from across the archipelago.

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