The coolest place in Jakarta may just have opened up on the rooftop of the already pretty cool Orient Hotel on Jl Sudirman. Perched atop a building packed with art and curios blended into luxury by famed designer Bill Bensley, the expansive Café Cali adds yet more excitement to the eclectic hotel.
Where the hotel lures you in with its dark wooden interiors, seductive mood lighting and discerning design, its rooftop day club, Cafe Cali as it is also known, transports you into another world entirely. A big and breezy space opens up before you as you walk out from the elevator; the high, chalk-white walls create a brightening atmosphere, flooded in the natural light of this al-fresco hotspot, a rarity on the Jakarta skyline.
A contemporary Hacienda-styled exterior, with its iconic archways, sets the scene of the surroundings. With date palms plotted across the venue, combined with the stretching, cream-coloured swimming pool, gives the rooftop a distinct ‘oasis in the desert’ feeling, making the venue really live up to its name.
Each corner presents its own purpose. Along one side are daybeds and cabanas: a pool club that overlooks GBK Stadium; the terrace to dine and meet with views across the Jakarta skyline; a sunken seated-dining area; a DJ Booth and open area to dance and drink. There is even an upper-level, with balconies that hang above this high-up hacienda. It’s quite a shift in atmosphere, and really it’s only the unmistakable cityscape seen all around the rooftop that reminds you that you’re still in the centre of an urban landscape.
Doubling down on this Californian Dream theme is the casual and delicious Cali cuisine offered on the menu, with some Tex-Mex inspiration thrown in. Starters include Nachos and Quesadillas, Tacos de Asada, Jalapeno Poppers, Flautas and Taco Baja Fish, but you’ll also find a tasty New England Clam Chowder and fresh Ceviche. The well-proportioned main courses include: Burritos, Spicy Jambalaya Pasta and a delicious Wood-Fired Truffle Mac & Cheese, and the real treat is the Lobster Gumbo. All-American classics are on the dessert menu, with a Café California Ice Cream Sundae and Banana Split made available.
Of course, as an oasis, Café Cali at The Orient Jakarta has a few watering holes (i.e. bars) dotted around the space — including a swim-up bar option. With an extensive cocktail menu and premium wine list, you won’t go thirsty in this day club escape.
If all sounds too outlandish for you to imagine, and if the photos still have you wondering, the only way to understand what this venue has to offer is to see it for yourself.
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 4PM – 10PM
Friday – Saturday: 11AM – 2AM
Sunday: 11AM – 10PM
Café California at The Orient Jakarta
Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.36
+6287776545223
theorienthoteljakarta.com
