Prime Jakarta view, but the dessert crushed the main course? This rooftop... I can't.
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover KARUMBA, a South Jakarta rooftop bar with a split personality! This 19th-floor spot at the Mercure hotel offers stunning city views and a vibrant tropical decor, but surprises with a loud rock music soundtrack. While the main courses can be underwhelming, the desserts are the absolute showstoppers—so good they’re worth the trip alone. It's the perfect, quirky destination for rock fans and dessert lovers looking for a unique night out with an incredible view.
Having been around South Jakarta for so long, I've been to my fair share of rooftop bars, but I've never seen one as schizophrenic as KARUMBA. 🤷♀️
I originally went for the incredible night view from the 19th floor of the Mercure hotel. As soon as the elevator doors opened, I was hit with Caribbean-style tropical decor—so colorful and quite photogenic. I thought to myself, isn't this the standard setup for a date or a Nongkrong session? But before I could even get my seat warm, Metallica started blasting in my ears?! Anjay! What happened to the romantic ballads? It instantly turned into a rock concert!
Food Experience: A Tale of Two Extremes
The main vibe here is supposed to be relaxed and Chill, but the live band is seriously loud[1], so if you're looking for a quiet chat, you can probably skip this one. However, if you're a rock music fan, this place is definitely your paradise.
Now let's talk about the food; the flavors were also quite surreal.
We ordered their specialty Sate Pentah[2], which had lemongrass and spice flavors. It wasn't bad, pretty interesting. But the main courses... how should I put it? The oxtail soup (Sop Buntut) and a few other mains tasted a bit too"healthy"[3]. It felt like the chef was too gentle with the seasoning, making them a bit bland.
BUT! The MVP of the night has to go to the desserts! The Kue Soes (cream puffs) and Pie Buah (mini fruit tarts)[4] were so good I'd come back just for them! Seriously Mantap! The combination of the pastry and the filling was to die for, and the disappointment from the main course was instantly cured.
Let's Be Real, Then Some Tips
To be fair, it's a hotel rooftop bar, so the prices are definitely not street-food level; don't expect great value for money[5]. Also, the serving speed was... I waited forever that day[6], so impatient friends should think twice. If you're just looking for a place to have a drink, eat some dessert, and enjoy the night view, then it's fine.
Pitfall Guide & Quick Summary
Finally, for those of you who want to check it out, here are the key points:
- Ordering Strategy: Main courses are a hit or miss, but for desserts, just go for it without hesitation[7]!
- Seat Selection: If you want to eat comfortably, don't pick the low tables by the pool, unless you want to work on your core by bending over the whole time[8].
- Getting There: Super convenient! It's right next to the Lebakbulus MRT station[9]. If you're driving, don't drink and drive. Calling a Grab/Gojek is the right thing to do[10].
- Who Should Come: Friends getting together, rock lovers, and dessert fiends. If you're looking for a quiet date spot, this might not be the place for you.
- Mercure 19F's Caribbean Rooftop: stunning night views alongside Metallica rock [1] – a uniquely wild Jakarta contrast!
- Forget mains, the Kue Soes (cream puffs) & Pie Buah (mini fruit tarts) are a must [2]! Perfect crusts & fillings will have you craving more.
- Rock fans or friend gatherings, this is your paradise [3]! Live bands blast, taking you to a Live House.
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