Spent 5 Million for a sofa, and this is it? I fell for The Moon Bar's trap so you don't have to.
qponx
2026-01-24
The Moon Bar in Jakarta boasts a stunning rooftop pool and Instagram-worthy city views, making it a popular photo hotspot. But is it worth the hype? This review uncovers the potential traps, from a jaw-dropping 5 million minimum charge for a sofa to weekend crowds and disappointing food. Get the inside scoop on the pros and cons, plus essential tips on how to visit without breaking the bank, before you decide if this trendy spot is right for you.
Friends, you won't believe this! After hanging around Jakarta for so long, it's the first time I've heard of a rooftop bar with a 5 million minimum charge for a sofa, and it only seats 4 people[1]... Anjay! I'm talking about the famous The Moon at Hotel Monopoli in Kemang.
Over the weekend, my girls and I were looking for a place to nongkrong, and we went there drawn by the reputation of its rooftop pool. Honestly, the environment is beautiful, and they definitely nailed the vibe. As soon as you get to the top floor, the shimmering pool paired with Jakarta's night view makes every snapshot look like a blockbuster photo[2], it's truly very Instagrammable. Looking at their official account, they also often throw themed parties with various organizations[3], seems like they know how to have fun.
But! The beautiful fantasy ends there. On weekend nights, it's ridiculously crowded, making the whole space feel extremely cramped and small, and it's hard to even find a quiet corner to chill[4]. We ordered some food, and how should I put this... The fried rice was completely unremarkable, and we even found a 'surprise' in it—a piece of eggshell[5]. Combined with that price, I was truly speechless.
The biggest turn-off was the service and some of the bizarre rules. The waiters were completely out of it the whole time. We hadn't even finished looking at the menu, and they were already standing next to us rushing our order, the pressure was intense, and it instantly ruined the mood[6]. Plus, I heard the quality of the crowd and the taste in music have gone way down recently, becoming a bit 'alay' (tacky/corny)[7].
Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (A Must-Read for Saving Money!)
Alright, rant over, let's get to the real tips! It's not that you can't go, but remember a few points to make sure you don't get ripped off:
Overall, it's a place with extremely distinct pros and cons. It's suitable for young people who want to experience Jakarta's nightlife and take some photos, but if you're looking for good service and value for money, you might want to think twice. Mantap
- 1. Never get a sofa! Don't be fooled, the 5 million minimum charge[8] and strict capacity limits make the value for money abysmally low. Just be smart and buy an FDC (entrance ticket) to get in, wouldn't it be better to spend the money you save on a few more rounds of drinks?
- 2. Avoid peak weekend hours! If you're not just there to party hard, but want to chat with friends and take photos, be sure to go on a weekday evening. Otherwise, you won't be feeling the chill, you'll be feeling the crowd.
- 3. Adjust your expectations and focus on drinking and the view. Treat this place purely as a bar, and don't have high expectations for the food. After all, the prices are on the high side, but the quality is a total crapshoot[9].
- Jakarta rooftop bar's 5 million IDR sofa is your luxury pass to a top-tier club's exclusive vibe [1].
- Rooftop's shimmering pool meets Jakarta's dazzling night view – every photo's an instant social media masterpiece [2].
- Beyond views, they often host themed parties, making this Jakarta's ultimate trendy hotspot [3].
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