A bar that drinks to Batavia
Kota Tua is where Jakarta began as a port. In 1619 the Dutch East India Company (VOC) made Batavia its Asian headquarters, and for generations ships bound for the spice and trade routes crowded the harbour at Sunda Kelapa, a short way north.
De Tiger takes that period as its whole premise. It is a hidden bar inside House of Tugu, designed to put you back in the years when this harbour town ranked among the busiest ports on earth. The name is Dutch, “the tiger”, and it points straight at that colonial-era setting.
Kota Tua around the door
The bar sits among the old quarter’s landmarks, so the drink works best as the last stop of a walk. Within easy walking distance of each other:
- Fatahillah Square, the cobbled plaza at the centre of the old town
- Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah), in the former Batavia town hall
- Wayang Museum, on the square’s west side, devoted to Indonesian puppetry
- Café Batavia, the colonial-era café facing the square
- Sunda Kelapa harbour, where traditional pinisi schooners still moor
Arriving in daylight lets you see the facades and the square before you head inside. Most museums here close in the afternoon, so do them first and keep the bar for the evening.
Getting to Kota Tua
Rail is the simplest route. Jakarta Kota Station, the terminus of the KRL Commuterline from central Jakarta, opens onto the edge of the old town. The station building itself is a 1920s Art Deco landmark.
TransJakarta Corridor 1 runs along Jalan Thamrin and Jalan Sudirman and ends at Kota. Traffic in north Jakarta can be slow at rush hour, so the train usually beats a car. For the ride home after dark, Grab and Gojek both pick up across Kota Tua; set your pin on the House of Tugu address rather than the square.
Finding De Tiger without fuss
A hidden bar rewards a little planning. De Tiger is recently opened, and hours, reservations and entry rules for new venues in Jakarta change often. Contact House of Tugu or check its official channels before travelling, and ask how to locate the entrance once you arrive.
- Book or ask first. Small concept bars fill up, and a reservation spares you a wasted trip across the city.
- Dress smart-casual. Tugu properties lean on period character, and beach shorts look out of place.
- Read the bill. Upscale Jakarta venues commonly add service charge and tax, so check before adding a tip.
- Ask about payment. Cards and QRIS mobile payments are widespread in the city, but confirm at the bar.
- Respect the theme. Staff can usually tell you the Batavia stories behind the place; asking is part of the experience.
Allow an hour or two inside, longer if you pair it with dinner. Prices are not published in advance, so see the menu at the bar for current costs.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is De Tiger?
It is a hidden bar inside House of Tugu in Kota Tua, Jakarta's old town, within walking distance of Fatahillah Square. Ask House of Tugu how to find the entrance.
How do I get to De Tiger by public transport?
Take the KRL Commuterline to Jakarta Kota Station or TransJakarta Corridor 1 to Kota, then walk into the old town. Grab and Gojek are easiest for getting home at night.
Do I need a reservation, and what are the opening hours?
The bar is recently opened and its hours were not confirmed for this guide. Check with House of Tugu directly about hours and reservations before you go.
How long should I plan for?
An hour or two at the bar. Add a couple of hours beforehand for Fatahillah Square, the Jakarta History Museum and the Wayang Museum.
What else is nearby?
Fatahillah Square, the Jakarta History Museum, the Wayang Museum, Café Batavia and Sunda Kelapa harbour with its pinisi schooners.
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