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Advisory: Various kinds of sexualities are an integral part of Indonesia's cultural mosaic. Many married men and women may also maintain same-sex relationships. Indonesia's first Gay Pride celebration took place in Surabaya, on June 25, 1999. There are no laws which deal concretely with HIV or AIDS, but to avoid problems with uninformed officials, it is recommended that people living with HIV be discreet about their status. Contact Spiritia for further information.
The updated and expanded 2nd Edition of the Utopia Guide to Indonesia surveys the gay and lesbian scene in 43 cities. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, spas, accommodations, restaurants, and more. A special section highlights venues that are especially welcoming for women. Click here to order
Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous nation and the largest Muslim-majority country on the planet. But the islands that make up Indonesia are hardly homogenous, reflecting not only an astounding repository of natural diversity, but also rich threads of cultural and religious traditions woven into its social tapestry.
Economically emerging, and rather slowly at that, Indonesia is shockingly cheap. While the low value of the rupiah contributes to the country’s many social and political challenges, it’s great news for travelers.
If you ever wanted to feel like one of the grand old explorers of the past, there are plenty of world wonders here within easy access; from the astounding cosmic pyramid of Borobudur in Yogyakarta, to the Hindu enclave of artists that is the island of Bali.
With nearly as many homosexuals in its population as the United States has, Indonesia’s large number of long established queer social organizations and activists stands in contrast to the relative lack of social spaces by and for gays and lesbians. But as the general economy grows, gay entrepreneurs are also beginning to flex their muscle.
Questions about AIDS/HIV care? Current medical treatment offers a normal lifespan for those living with HIV. A Harvard-trained Physician and Infectious Disease expert in Kuala Lumpur offers compassion and strictly confidential advice about health matters and state-of-the-art HIV treatment. Email the Doctor with your questions.
Fascinating Time Magazine article on a fading homosexual tradition in Ponorogo, Indonesia
Thinking about booking Indonesia hotels for your next trip? Look online for the best cheap hotels before you book your room. Whether you want to see the sights in Indonesia with your friends at pet friendly hotels or just want a quiet romantic trip for two, you'll find many deals to be had.
Jln Karangsari No 88, Sanur, (62-361) 271-484, FAX 286-087, email. Gay-managed and friendly luxury villas and resorts in Bali, Lombok and Java. Magellan Resorts hand-selects accommodations to anticipate the individual requirements of international travelers. Balance your body, mind and spirit to ensure that your vacations are superior in every sense.
15 Jln Asia Afrika, 423-0760. Wed night "jeans night" attracts gay clientele and some lesbians.
Studio East and Tropicana Club (mixed)
Jln Cihampelas (big corner building), 422-0292. Two clubs at the same location. No longer gay, but some PLUs on Fri, Sat and Sun nights.
Imperium Hotel Sauna & Fitness Centre
30-32 Jln Dr. Rum, 420-2244. Some body builders.
Santika Hotel Sauna & Fitness Centre
54 Jln Sumatera, 420-3009. Not too crowded, but sauna and showers popular after 6pm. Be discreet.
Bahagia Panti Pijat Tunanetra
28 Jln Kebon Sirih Belakang, 0812-140-8818. Blind massage. Many PLU customers and peep holes.
Balistick
117 Jln Ciduka Pateuh, Gatot Subroto. A dozen masseurs. Open 24 hours.
Firman massage
3/F 51 Jln Gatot Subroto, Appointments: 730-5545.
Gentle Massage
Komplek Perumahan Kurdi (Housing Complex), appointments: 7011-1594. Half a dozen masseurs. Closes at 11pm.
Happy Massage
3 Perumahan Kompleks Bahagia Permai V (Bahagia Permai Housing Estate, not far from Ichibento Japanese Restaurant), 753-1068. Very clean place. Half a dozen masseurs. Open 24 hours.
M. L. Arjuna Massage
Jln Dr. Junjunan at Pastuer 139, 0818-621-405. If driving, park at Antariksa or Nyland Hotel. Half a dozen masseurs.
Ray Jaguar Massage
Jln Naripan Blk 38, 813-2210-0636, email. 30 masseurs, aged 19-25 years and multiethnic. Open 24 hours.
Satisfaction Massage
27-A Jln GG. Suniaraja, 426-3501, 0818-635-501. Half a dozen masseurs. Open 24 hours.
Sports Massage
12 Jln Sederhana, appointments: 204-2241.
Tasik Panti Pijat Tunanetra
Jln Pajajaran, Gg. Kina no. 126, Rt. 3 Rt. 4 (near Gedung Olah Raga), 0815-466-4502. Small, blind massage with friendly staff.
Wil Saloon + Massage Parlour
5 Jln Pelesiran, Taman Sari (very close to the Bandung Zoological Park), 250-4325, 251-0793. Gay-owned. Half a dozen masseurs.
Alongside the office of Emergency Safety (Bala Keselamatan) and Ponderosa.
Cipaku Swimming Pools are very cruisy especially on Wed.
Merdeka St, nights.
Shopping malls
Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP) at 56 Jln Merdaka (behind Grand Hyatt hotel). 3/F, at McDonalds, or in the basement car park facility, late afternoon and nights. Beware of hustlers.
Bandung Super Mall at Jln Gatot Subroto
Dago Plaza, 61-63 Jln Ir H Juanda
Istana Plaza at Jln Pasir Kaligi/Rajajaran. Very popular with PLU.
Sumatra St, nights.
Town Square (Alun-alun Bandung or A2B) at Jln Dalam Kaum (opposite the central mosque). Two facilities at opposite ends. Dangerous after dark!
Banjarmasin (Kalimantan Selatan Province)
The population of Banjarmasin is 600,000 (that's 24,000 Utopians).
Bobo Discotik (mixed), Tues nights.
Matt Discotik (mixed), Fri nights.
Shinta Discotik (mixed), Wed nights.
Banyuwangi (East Java)
Warung Lesehan Chandra (food stall)
Jln Hayam Wuruk. Evenings, gays and M2F waria (transgenders).
Warung Lesehan Mak Lampir (food stall)
Jln Jaksa Agung Suprapto (in front of Diponegoro Stadium). Evenings, gays and M2F waria.
Warung Soraya (food stall)
Bambu Ria, Jalan Brawijaya. Evenings, gays and M2F waria.
Warung Susan (food stall)
Jln Pierre Tendean. Evenings, gays and M2F waria.
Batam (Riau Kepulauan Province)
The population of Batam is 160,000 (that's over 6,000 Utopians).
Noname Café (mixed)
In Nagoya area. Live bands and often frequented by middle to upper-class workers in Batam. Good Music.
Comments from Utopians:
"Noname is still the coolest place in Batam, albeit mostly straight. They currently have their own version of 'American Idol', the NONAME IDOL, cool. It's the only bar that has two bands playing one after another. The manager is very accommodating, her name is Wiwiek. Lots of young guys after 11pm. PLU's just roam around. If you're brave enough, you can ask the singers out to eat. I really love Batam and now I'm missing it!" -- riverrobles, Apr 30, 2006
Ozon Discotheque
Located at the back of Studio 21 (near Legenda Hotel) in the Batu Ampar/Jodoh area. Frequented by a younger working crowd, students. Quite a number of Singaporeans and Malaysians, too.
Pacific Discotheque
Located in the Batu Ampar/Jodoh area at the hotel they call "Titanic" (the hotel is shaped like a big cruise ship), just in front of Melia Panorama. Young crowd. Many Singaporeans and Malaysians also.
Comments from Utopians:
Pacific Discotheque is getting popular: better ventilation, a nice mix of crowd, more polished compared to Planet Discotheque. " -- riverrobles, Apr 30, 2006
Planet Ozone Discotheque (mixed)
At the back of the Planet Holiday Hotel, the tallest building in Batam Island.
Comments from Utopians:
"A lot of things are happening in Batam. There's a new pub, Zouk, now open. The crowd is mostly chinese." -- riverrobles, Apr 30, 2006
Batu Ampar harbor, Sat night from midnight to morning.
In front of the BCA branch in Batam: daily from 10pm - 5am.
Bukit Senyum (Smiling Hill), nights.
Bus stop in front of the Permata Bank. Daily from 10pm - 3am.
Centrepoint Shopping Centre
Plaza 21, Tanjung Pantun-Jodoh. Daily from 2pm - 10pm.
Bengkulu
The population of Bengkulu is 260,000 (that's over 10,000 Utopians).
Nala Beach (Pantai Nala), late afternoons.
Bogor (Jawa Barat Province) -- area code (66-251)
The population of Bogor is about 600,000 (that's about 24,000 Utopians).
"HAVE A PLEASANT STAY IN THIS PEACEFUL, LITTLE CITY OF BOGOR. PEOPLE THERE ARE QUITE FRIENDLY AND VERY HELPFUL AS WELL! HOWEVER, A GOOD SUGGESTION IS TO VISIT JUST FOR THE WEEKEND. IT’ S A VERY SMALL TOWN, SO MOST LOCALS PREFER TO STAY AT HOME DURING THEIR WORKING DAYS. TO MY SURPRISE, MOST OF THE ‘GAY MEN’ IN BOGOR ARE MARRIED WITH WIFE AND CHILDREN AT HOME. IT’S SUCH A SMALL GAY COMMUNITY THAT MOST OF OUR GAY BROTHERS AND SISTERS DO NOT HAVE MUCH CHOICE AND FREEDOM TO REALLY STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHTS, AND OF COURSE FEEL TREMENDOUS FAMILY PRESSURE ON THEM. MOST HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR HOPES AND DREAMS AND DECIDED TO SETTLE DOWN BY GETTING MARRIED IN THEIR LATE TWENTIES OR EARLY THIRTIES. OH MY, WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO DESERVE THIS?!?!" -- Santo, May 2, 2004
Jln Pajajaran (near to Hotel Pangrano III, on the main street after you exit the highway), 257-057. Popular with the gay crowd.
Karaoke Mulia (mixed)
Taman Topi, Kapt. Muslihat St. Sat nights.
Hotel Salak, in front.
Pajajaran St. Bus Stop
Before the Internusa Shopping Centre, near the fence in front of the Kebun Raya (great garden).
The Palace (Istana)
In front. Day and night.
RRI (Radio Republik Indonesia)
In front of the offices.
Shopping malls
Internusa Shopping Complex (Pertokoan Internusa)
Jambu Dua Mall is the largest in Bogor. The main entrance stair is quite cruisy and always a few gays hanging around. The facility at the back has quite a few PLU, but be discreet.
Robinson at the corner of Jln Surya Kencana used to be more popular before JDM opened. Lots of traffic here so be careful of pickpockets!
Taman Topi (Topi Park), opposite the Central Police Station. Very cruisy from 7-10pm, especially weekends. Easy to get to know people here, most are young gay men looking for friends. Facility is cruisy, but dirty.
Tuju Kujang, near the guardpost.
Gumati Restaurant & Gallery
26 Jln Paledang, 313-422. Popular place for tourists to eat and relax. Live entertainment on the weekends.
Senggigi. Great music (rock and blues), pool table upstairs and nice atmosphere. Cover charge. One of the best places to go at night in Senggigi. Open daily from 10pm. The local gay community usually move between here and Tropicana. Some nights, the
clientele of each place can be up to 40% gay.
Comments from Utopians:
"The Sugar Bar is closed. A shame as it was the only true gay place in Lombok to hang out. Now people go to Quake on the waterfront at the art market before hitting the clubs." -- islandlove, Jul 17, 2007
Blok A No 09 Jln Raya Senggigi (at the front of Senggigi Square, next to BCA ATM), 693-432, FAX 693-463, email. Gay-owned disco/restaurant complex, the largest nightspot on the island, welcomes visiting and local GLBT and their friends. Live band and dance music. Grand Café is a fine dining colonial restaurant with a wide menu of international and local favorites. Grand Café Coffee is an air-conditioned coffee lounge. Full with locals on Sat nights. Smart casual dress code.
Bumbu Café (Thai cuisine
Jln Raya, Senggigi (approximately half way between New Marina and Tropicana), 818-540-989. Easily identified by the large sign with a chili on it in front of the pavilion. Owner is gay as are a few of the staff, with the others being very gay friendly. Excellent food. Occasional drag shows on Fri nights.
Cafe Pojok
A few doors to the north of Bumbu Café and displays the rainbow flag. Gay-owned and operated with entirely gay staff.
Comments from Utopians:
"There's a new beachfront chill bar and restaurant called Quake. It's gay-managed, with that gay flair (smile). A wonderful place to relax and chill before going out." -- islandlove, Jul 8, 2007
Madiun (Jawa Timur Province)
The population of Madiun is 200,000 (that's 8,000 Utopians).
Behind the Wilis Stadium, Oendowo St.
Town square (alun-alun)
Makassar / Ujung Pandang
Botol (mixed)
Losari Beach area. Live music.
Colors (mixed)
Losari Beach area. Live music.
M Club (mixed)
Panakkukang area. Disco.
Karebosi Field, nights.
Makassar Theatre
Bali St.. Sat nights, after the midnight show, people continue hanging out at the Losari beach.
Donald's Canteen
Karunrung. 11:00 to 22:00.
Losari beach pub & restaurant
Makassar Golden Hotel, nightly.
Score!
Panakkukang Mall. Mixed crowd, great food. Live music nightly. Pool table and rollerblade area.
Malang (Jawa Timur Province)
The population of Malang is 800,000 (that's 32,000 Utopians).
My Place (mixed)
Kartika Prince Hotel, Sat night.
Comments from Utopians:
"There is a GLBT night in the Bale Barong bar and club, located at Panglima Sudirman St. Every Tuesday night, starting at 10pm until you drop." -- rachman414, Jul 9, 2007
Lobby Mandala Theatre, Sat night.
Manado (Sulawesi Utara Province)
The population of Manado is 400,000 (that's over 16,000 Utopians).
The Pasar 45 station and terminal complex, nights.
Near the Balai Wartawan and Arta Pusara Bank, nights.
The People's Unity Park (Taman Persatuan Bangsa).
MEDAN (Sumatera Utara Province) -- area code(62-61)
The population of Medan is nearing 3 million (that's about 120,000 Utopians).
Danau Toba Hotel. This bar has a healthy number of gays mixing in with the straights.
Comments from Utopians:
"Retro and Tiara Hotel's Song Discotheque and the separate bar room still attract a healthy number of gays." -- shatim, Oct 16, 2005
Comments from Utopians:
"The Etalase Boutique at Jln Teuku Umar has launched its MAN Spa and Massage with a gay hang-out café, too. But the place looks so obviously gay, even for straights that pass by on the road. Most of the visitors are young Chinese men." -- gedonk_medan, Aug 2, 2007
A. Yani St.
At end, near the Post office, Telecommunications, and Tourism office (PTP) at the London Bld.
Balia Kota St. at the coffee shop "TD."
Iskander Muda St. (transgenders)
At Hotel Berlian.
Pal Merah St.(transgenders)
Shopping Malls
Medan Plaza at Jln Iskandar Muda
Plaza Medan Fair
Swimming pools
Danu Toba International Hotel at Jln Imam Bonjol. Open to the public for a small entrance fee. Very cruisy.
Gaperta swimming pool, every Fri dozens of gay men.
Tiara Hotel at Cut Mutia St. Visitors and gay locals.
Tirta Kartika at Jln Gaperta (near Tata Plaza). Entry fee. Very cruisy, especially on Fri.
Theaters
Deli at Jln Perdana right in front of Music House Discotheque. Very old theater. Lots of gay men watching films.
Odeon at no. 8 & 9 Jln Jend. Gatot Subroto (1km from Taman Ria and Medan Plaza)
Pelita at Jln Pelita, P. Brayan (next to Pelita Mini Market). No air-con. Be discreet.
Cat Walk Café
Jln Teuku Umar at Tumapel No. 7 (corner house), 456-7277. In the evening. Helpful owner.
TD (Tembakau Deli)
Tembakau Deli St., near Deli Plaza. Nightly. Lots of gay men to the point near the center of town/next to Deli Plaza and Darma Deli Natour Disco.
Etalase Boutique
Jln Teuku Umar at Tumapel No. 7 (corner house), 456-7277. In the evening. Helpful owner.
MOJOKERTO (Jawa Timur Province)
The population of Mojokerto is 120,000 (that's 5,000 Utopians).
Town square (alun-alun), next to the military police building. Nights.
PADANG (Sumatera Barat Province)
The population of Padang is 120,000 (that's about 5,000 Utopians).
Bumi Minang Pub(mixed)
Hotel Bumi Minang. Open from 9pm. Popular hang out with Padang gays, especially on Sat night.
Imam Bonjol Park
Best from 9pm till dawn. Transgenders as well as gay man here.
Minang Plaza
Open from 10am-9pm. Good spot for browsing.
Padang Theater, all hours.
President Music Room
Taman Melati
Aditiawarman Museum Complex, near the Utama Theater at the Taman Budaya.
Palembang (Sumatera Selatan Province)
The population of Palembang is 1.5 million (that's 60,000 Utopians).
Mega Bintang disco
Hotel Darma Agung, Jln Sudirman - the road to the
airport. (Everyone knows it as Darma Agung.) Usually some gays.
Lembang disco
Hotel Lembang, Jln Kolonel Atmo. Usually some gays.
GYM. Gay customers and staff at this health club.
Internasional Plaza (IP). Top floor in the cinema lobby. 3-7pm daily.
Jln Dr Wahidin, Topaz area, near Kambang Iwak. Nightly, transgenders.
Lumban Tirta Public swimming pool (kolam renang umum) next to the sports hall on Jln
P.O.M. IX in the Kampus area. Best on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Outside the Telkom office on Jln Merdeka, near Tugu MONPERA. Between the post office and Garuda cinema. Best between 8pm and 10pm nightly.
Tugu MONPERA Monument on Jln Merdeka, opposite Mesjid Agung. Nightly, gays and
transgenders.
Outside Wartel Dahlia (a telephone office)
Jln Letkol Iskandar 902a,
opposite the Internasional Plaza (IP) shopping centre. Best between 7pm and
9pm every evening.
Pandaan (Jawa Timur Province)
The population of Pandaan is 40,000 (that's 1,600 Utopians).
In front of the Mojopahit restaurant, nights. Transgender.
The Gunung Sari grave, every Thurs night leading into Jum'at legi (a particular Thursday night in the 35 day Javanese calendar). Transgender.
PANGANDARAN BEACH, CIAMIS (Jawa Barat Province)
The population of Ciamis is about 70 thousand (that's about 3,000 Utopians).
Diskotik Star
Meridian. Sat night.
Tempo Doeloe Café
Jln Bulak Laut. Daily from 10:00-22:00.
Pasuruan (Jawa Timur Province)
The population of Pasuruan is 160,000 (that's 6,400 Utopians).
The Banyubiru baths, 17 kilometers from Pasuruan. Sun daytime.
The north town square (alun-alun), nights.
Makam Gunung Gangsir, Bangil. Every eve of Friday Legi. Transgenders.
Purwanto Hause, Jln Hayam Wuruk 16 (in front Sang Timur school)
The warung (small restaurant) second from the south, called Pasar Poncol, Nusantara St., beside the Himalaja Cinema, nights.
Pekalongan (Jawa Tengah Province)
The population of Pekalongan is about 275,000 (that's about 11,000 Utopians).
Independence Monument (Juang '45), Thurs and Sat nights.
Far end of entrance to Pangandaran Beach, Sat nights.
Pekanbaru (Riau Province)
The population of Pekanbaru is over 500,000 (that's 20,000 Utopians).
Atrium of Plaza Citra. Gay men, nightly, 9pm - midnight.
Cafe Plaza Citra (mixed), nightly, 8-10pm.
Jln Cut Nya Dhien (next to the Education & Culture [Depdikbud] building). Gay men, nightly, 9pm - midnight.
Around the MTQ location (Qur'an reading contest), (mixed), Sat night, 9pm - midnight.
Ponorogo (Jawa Tengah Province)
The population of Ponorogo is over 80,000 (that's about 3,000 Utopians).
Fascinating Time Magazine article on a fading homosexual tradition in Ponorogo, Indonesia
Town square (alun-alun), center of town, next to the banyan tree on the south side, along the sidewalk between the West and East squares. Nightly, esp. Sat.
Pontianak, West Borneo (Kalimantan Barat Province)
The population of Pontianak is a half million (that's 20,000 Utopians).
Taman Alun Kapuas: park in front of the Korem (subregional military HQ), nightly after 7pm.