You will find the so-called Pen J-area on Jalan Jayakarta. It might be hard to find it the first time so you better take a cab there. If you are familiar to the Soi 6 venues in Pattaya, Thailand then that is what you find here in Jakarta in the Pen J bars. It is basically all about a short time session in one of the bars upstair rooms. The bars are looking pretty decent from the inside and are not run down places someone might have expected in Indonesia. Speakers are turned to the max, constantly playing Indo-mixed House and Techno music. Plenty of girls to choose from and the mamasans will be helpful with your decision. English might be a little problem here since these bars rarely get visited by “bules” – foreigners. You will get your meaning across but don`t count on a lengthy conversation here. Prices are very reasonable at around 230.000 IDR, about US$ 25 for a relaxing ST including the room rent. Girls might be a little shy talking to you at first and it is very realistic you are her first foreigner she ever talked to. By the way, unlike the ST bars in Thailand the girls are not waiting for customers outside their bars. You have to go actually in the bar to scout the talent. Venues I enjoyed during my last visit were MTR-Club, Royal, LA-Bar and Sari Ayu. Do not go there late at night, Pen J opens in the early afternoon hours and thats when you should stop by there as well. All in all, I really enjoyed the Pen J bars. They are hassle-free, reasonable priced and usually have a good selection of available girls with a nice attitude. Enjoy and happy hunting !
A great site and thanks for all the info. I’m a regular visitor to Jakarta, and last time I was there I tried to find Pen J, but of course the taxi driver played the usual trick of saying “yes I know way” and of course he had no idea.
That particular street is very long – can you give me some directions to find the place please? I’ll post some feedback if I can ever find it
The full address Jalan Pangeran Jayakarta 45 refers to a U-shaped block, including two whole streets. Coming from Jalan Hayam Wuruk, walk along the left hand side of Jalan Pangaran Jayakarta until you see a sign saying “New PH – Hot Stone Massage”. Take the first street on the left after that sign. Good luck and have fun.
Update : Type the following latitude and longitude coordinates into Google Maps. It should give you a pretty close idea where to find the Pen-J bars in Jakarta.
-6.139627,106.820562
Drove through Pen-J this morning on my way to work whilst the traffic was clear. Either going to visit there after lunch or head to Berlian/Kartika for a soapy massage included.
Will post a FR later on.
Have fun, Stavros and I`m looking forward to your report.