Kemang Joins the List of the World’s 39 Coolest Neighborhood

The Kemang neighborhood in South Jakarta ranked 28th in the list of the world's most interesting neighborhoods according to the British publication Time Out. Experts highlighted its creative and laid-back atmosphere where art, street food, and bohemian evenings intersect. Unlike the business district of Sudirman with its skyscrapers and malls, Kemang offers a peaceful and unique lifestyle. The area becomes especially lively in the evenings when street vendors with local dishes appear on Kemang Raya and Bangka streets.

Local Time Out expert Leila Rose described Kemang as a "creative oasis" with galleries, independent boutiques, and cozy cafes. According to her, it's a place with a more relaxed vibe than the bustling SCBD, where it's nice to spend an evening with live music or in small bars without pretentiousness.

Time Out also suggested an itinerary to explore the area: start the morning with coffee at Toko Kopi Tuku, walk through the galleries on Jalan Kemang Raya, and visit the art space Dia.lo.gue, which combines exhibitions and a cafe. During the day — shopping at the Lippo Mall or designer stores such as Cayenne Home, The Papilion, and Elements Concept. In the evening — a culinary tour of the street food courts and cocktails at Barchi, after which you can drop by the jam session at 1920 Lounge & Bar.

Special attention is given to the Palang Pintu festival, which takes place annually in June. It's a celebration of Betawi culture — the indigenous people of Jakarta — with traditional dances, songs, and street food.

The Time Out ranking is based on recommendations from editors in various countries. Evaluation criteria include nightlife, culture, gastronomy, local businesses, street life, and living comfort. The main condition is a combination of local color and a modern atmosphere. According to experts, Kemang perfectly reflects this balance: it lives its own rich and inspiring life.

Jimbotecho (Tokyo),

Borgerhout (Antwerp),

Barra Funda (São Paulo),

Camberwell (London),

Avondale (Chicago),

Mullae-dong (Seoul),

Ménilmontant (Paris),

Nakatsu (Osaka),

Vallila (Helsinki),

Labone (Accra),

Nguyen Thai Binh (Ho Chi Minh City),

Anjos (Lisbon),

Digbeth (Birmingham),

Red Hook (New York),

Perpetuo Socorro (Medellín),

Berwood (Sydney),

Linden (Johannesburg),

Former French Concession (Shanghai),

Spanish Quarter (Naples),

Bencoolen (Singapore),

Endoume (Marseille),

Plateau Mont-Royal (Montreal),

The Liberties (Dublin),

North Melbourne (Melbourne),

Portales (Mexico City),

Davenport (Toronto),

Little River (Miami),

Botafogo (Rio de Janeiro),

Sheung Wan (Hong Kong),

Barranco (Lima),

Mont Kiara (Kuala Lumpur),

Clarksville (Austin),

Margit-negyed (Budapest),

Glen Park (San Francisco),

MiZA (Abu Dhabi),

Villa Devoto (Buenos Aires),

Mehrauli (Delhi),

Poblacion (Manila).

Source: timeout, indonesiaexpat, idntimes