Story by Iman Hidajat | Photos by Bagus Tri Laksono
On top of The Orient Jakarta, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, is Café Cali, where groups gather for laid-back leisure time. With a contemporary interior mixing American and Mexican styles, it’s easy to see why this rooftop day club is becoming one of the city’s most popular lifestyle destinations.
The Orient Jakarta is a boutique hotel, its ground floor lobby and restaurant areas are decorated in dark wood with art and trinkets on display. However, a short lift ride to the rooftop reveals an entirely different atmosphere – a bright spacious area with white walls, tall ceilings and expanses of glass revealing a panorama of the city. Café Cali’s 1,800 sqm space has been cleverly designed and well-executed by the in- house design team to evoke a refreshing openness and international flavour.
“When you walk out of the elevator, first you will pass this orange brick reception area that sets the tone of arrival, then the ambiance will take you to this American-Mexican design,”Dhany Rahmana Nasution, Head of PR and Entertainment at The Orient Hotel Jakarta Royal Hideaway, explained as we toured the space. “You can also see the archways decorated in contemporary haciendas-style placed in the corners of Café Cali,” he continued. The palm trees throughout, the inside-outside lounging areas, and the cream-colored décor of the swimming pool give a distinct feel, like an oasis in the desert. “The owner had envisioned building Café Cali since The Orient Jakarta was first designed, and I think today, the place has become a popular destination for people to relax or hang out,” he added.
Café Cali is an architectural marvel, you don’t feel like you are on a rooftop. The sunken dining area feels like a backyard terrace. On the other side daybeds and cabanas surround the pool which overlooks the iconic GBK stadium. The twinkling lights of the city at night lighting create a background to the dance floor, with a DJ booth in the corner. The bar unites both areas. Guests can also go to the upper level where they can view the premises from thebalconies “Being in Café Cali, you feel quite a shift in the atmosphere,”Dhany continued,“It’s only the cityscape seen all around that reminds you that you are still in Jakarta.”
In line with the décor, the menu contains a variety of international cuisines that are updated regularly. Guests can find tacos, quesadillas, and the always popular margarita pizza. Desserts feature all-American classics like peanut-butter-jelly ice cream, delicious apple crumble, and a refreshing mixed sorbet.
Come on the weekend after the sun sets. You will find people lining up in front of the bar sampling the extensive cocktail menu and premium wine list. The swim-up bar must be the happiest place in town. Are you going to Café Cali this weekend?
Project Data
Cafe Cali at The Orient Jakarta
Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.36 Jakarta 10210
T: +62877 7654 5223
IG: @cafecali.jkt
Website: www. theorienthoteljakarta.com
Floor Area: 1.800 sqm
Venue Capacity: 1.000 people
Seating Capacity: 250 on ground level
Interior Consultant: In-house team
Opening: 5 November 2022