Three Weeks Until DWP: A Guide for Foreigners Travelling to the Festival

Jessica | November 22, 2019

This December, Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) is returning for its 11th edition, which promises to be bigger and better than ever! After briefly relocating to Bali for its 10 year celebrations last year, this time round the festival will once again be held in Jakarta— the capital city of Indonesia— during the weekend of December 13-15, 2019.

As is expected, the lineup is comprised of a stellar list of names, including Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, Zedd, Skrillex, Jonas Blue, Dash Berlin, R3HAB, Yellow Claw, and Salvatore Ganacci. The last of the lineup was finally released yesterday, featuring the likes of Cash Cash, Tinashe, Claptone, Brohug and more, check out the full list below.

Whilst traveling abroad for a festival is definitely the best way to level up your experience, it also adds a whole host of new things that need to be considered. Where to stay? What transport to take? Where to go before and after the festival? Luckily, we've asked around and compiled some tips for those travelling to Jakarta for DWP.

Getting to The Festival

The festival is located in JIEXPO Kemayoran in North Jakarta. Getting there should be pretty easy as the venue can be accessed by commuter train, bus, or taxi.

However, it's worth noting that using public transportation in Jakarta has its limitations. Although taxi is by far the most comfortable way to travel around, it’s not the most convenient. Jakarta’s traffic is notoriously bad, so it’s quite possible that you could end up stuck for hours— albeit with the radio and air conditioning. If you prefer to get to your destination quickly and don’t mind looking a little bit messy, then GO-JEK or Grab are the ones for you. Both services provide motorcycle and car options.

Just like Uber, all you need to do is download the application to your phone, open it up, enter your pick-up and drop-off location (you’ll get an estimate cost for the ride) and if you’re good with it, hit confirm! They are metered so you won’t have to run the risk of getting scammed, just simply pay the amount indicated on the app once you’ve booked your ride. Both services are dependable and safe, whilst also being cheap! Additionally, these apps can offer you a little more than just a ride, as there are options available for you to order food or massage services straight to your hotel room.

WARNING: Watch out for your belongings when riding motorcycles in Jakarta. Put your phones away and keep your bag sealed and close to you.

However, if you still prefer to take a street taxi, it is recommended to always choose a reputable taxi service. Search for cars that belong to the Blue Bird Group, avoid using the non-metered taxis and don’t accept rides from unofficial drivers. Stay safe!

Accommodation

Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) takes place at JIEXPO Kemayoran in North Jakarta. This venue was always intended to welcome hundreds of events and exhibitions each year, so it’s no doubt that a few hotels have set themselves up nearby. From 5-star hotels (Grand Mercure Jakarta Kemayoran) to cheaper ones (Ibis Jakarta Kemayoran), all within a 15-20 minutes radius to the festival.

DWP Have Their Own “Currency” Inside The Venue

Inside the DWP venue, tokens are used instead of local currency when purchasing food and drinks. These are to be purchased in advance with cash, credit card, or debit card at the token counter which also inside the venue.

Pre-drink Tips

Many people want to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes when they go to a festival. But, the law for alcohol is quite strict in Indonesia. Take a note that 90% of Indonesia’s population is Muslim, so alcohol is not sold in most of convenient stores in Indonesia. If you want to grab a drink before going to the festival, you might have to go to a large supermarket (Farmers Market, Carrefour, etc.) or your best bet is to go to a local bar to start your pre-game.

Recommended Local Bars/Clubs

Lucy In The Sky

This bar offers a glasshouse and bohemian-inspired setting. Lucy promises party and drinks, with the moonlight beaming down upon their glass roof. Right in the midst of Jakarta’s central business district, this bar is perfect for a laidback night filled with pleasant drinks and flowing conversation.

Dirty Laundry

Some say that Dirty Laundry is a speakeasy bar, but it’s really not that hard to notice if you pay close attention. Unlike other speakeasies in the city, Dirty Laundry doesn’t mind putting up their sign at the entrance. If you drop by during the weekend, this place is bound to be packed with crowds whiling the night away.

Blowfish

Blowfish is one of the pioneers in Jakarta's nightlife industry, founded by ISMAYA (the company that host DWP). If you want to experience a hip-hop and R&B bar, this is the right place for you! The partying crowd dominate this place every weekend so the atmosphere is always buzzing.

Fable

Fable is also one of the most famous night clubs in Jakarta... the ambience, the vibe and the music here is just right! However, if you are 25+ then you may want to reconsider this one because Fable is known for attracting a younger crowd.

Djakarta Warehouse Project will take place on December 13-15, 2019 at JIEXPO Kemayoran, Jakarta. More information and tickets are available via the link below.

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