Lounging around for a good evening out

Kenny Santana, Contributor, Jakarta

When a friend of mine in Singapore reported that Indonesian students there were crazy about lounge music and could be found in music stores all over the island hunting for associated CDs, that was a good indication that the lounge scene had really taken hold of Jakarta and its denizens. And what's more, they are taking the trend with them to neighboring countries.

If you have never been to a lounge, a wine lounge in particular, you are clearly out of the loop; the Jakarta nightlife loop that is. And what everyone in town is talking about are not hotel lounges, but those lounges that stand by themselves, without the cheesy hotel decor.

Maybe this is just a fad which will burn out soon enough, to be replaced by the next new thing. It could be just another means of escape for stressed-out Jakartans. Maybe people are just bored of loud live music, of head-banging clubs and the whole ecstasy scene.

Whatever the reason, people have been seeking out the soothing comfort of lounges. The owners of these hip spots provide comfy couches and relaxing lounge music, which is what makes lounges different from pubs or bars and cafes.

With minimalist decor and soft tunes, lounges provide a feel- good atmosphere where people can loosen up, feel at home and talk with friends. This is why you should not go to a lounge by yourself, because the idea is to be able to engage in conversation with your friends without having to scream over very loud music.

A young executive recently told me, "Lounges are my fave place to go nowadays because the music is low and I can talk with the people I'm with." She added that the Manna Lounge was her favorite because when it's half-full you can lizard-lounge on the couches.

Asked if the trend will last, another lounge enthusiast said he was pessimistic.

"I don't think the lounge business has much time left. It's designed to accommodate the needs of yuppies. But they are active people and always up to date on the latest trends. Most likely, many of them will move on to another form of 'club', whatever it is."

Whether this trend lasts or is gone before you even knew it existed remains a question. But for the time being, let's embrace the trend by lounging around.

Venue (Jl. Kemang Selatan No. 2, tel: 780 5610)

The next big thing in the lounge world. This spacious place with a very simple but classy interior is a satisfying spot to talk and hang out. First, it's not too crowded (yet). Second, the prices are very reasonable. And if you like to eat, the food here is appetizing. The staff are friendly and very helpful.

Located on one of the busiest streets in Jakarta, be careful that you don't just drive by the place.

Drawbacks: It's not easy to get a cab after you finish sipping wine at 2 am.

One of the coziest places to be in Jakarta right now. Highly recommended.

Collection of wines: About 120

Specialties: French wines

Paprika (Jl. Wahid Hasyim No. 55a, tel: 314 4113)

Not as hip as it used to be, thus it is less crowded these days. But this is a good thing if you're looking for comfort. Their menu has been expanded recently, giving you a better selection of food. The desserts and appetizers are tasty and both are good for snacking on while you chat with friends.

Prices are reasonable. Don't forget your shoes and pants (they don't admit customers with sandals and shorts at Paprika). A pleasant atmosphere.

Collection of wines: Between 100 and 200

Specialties: Australian and French wines

Manna Lounge (Taman Ria Senayan, East Building Unit 101, tel: 574 5494)

The only real wine lounge, with a good ambiance and a great variety of wines on offer. Is this the most visited place in Jakarta during the weekend? There are no statistics on such matters, but when it takes about 10 minutes to walk from the VIP seats to the toilet because of the crowd you might be inclined to think that it is.

Definitely the in-place for Jakartans, where people come to see and be seen. They have a ridiculous reservation system, which doesn't make any sense and since they don't have a kitchen, they don't serve food, though the staff will help you if you want to order from a nearby cafe. Prices are a bit higher than other lounges.

But besides all that, Manna is a must-visit for wine lovers. Also, you can fool everyone into thinking you're hip by working the Manna scene.

Tip: If you really want to enjoy this place, come during the week when it's less crowded.

Collection of wines: About 300

Specialties: Australian wines

Cinna Bar (Plaza Gani Djemat, Jl. Imam Bonjol 76-78, tel: 390 3614)

Absolutely one of the most expensive lounges in the city, and one of the trendiest. A bit small compared to other lounges, the crowd is mostly 30-something expats as it's located in an area where lots of expats work. As the night wears on, this place becomes really cramped.

There is also a restaurant, which was hailed as one of best new restaurants in Asia by a Singapore magazine (the only restaurant from Indonesia on that list!).

Although the service is excellent and the food quite good, think twice before heading to the lounge: it's pricey and does not live up to one's image of a comfortable and spacious lounge. Better to go to the restaurant instead.

Collection of wines: About 140

Specialties: French and Australian wines