By Chris Andre
Teeming with multinational residents, Kemang is a lively residential playground that combines trendy eateries and vibrant clubs alongside upscale properties.
If Jakarta is New York, then Kemang is Brooklyn. This favourite suburb in the southern part of the capital has long been known as the place for expats to live and Kemang has grown to cater to multifarious tastes, with everything from high-end nightclubs to round-the-clock restaurants. For newcomers, rather confusing urban planning can cause quite a shock, especially when stuck in a traffic jam. But perhaps like a messy salad bowl, Kemang would not suit a neat and pretty layout, instead its tumultuously rich, zingy and ever so stylish atmosphere is part of the irresistible charm. This part of Jakarta never sleeps, and therefore comes with a lively sense of cosmopolitan community.
01 Kemang Icon
01 KEMANG ICON Kemang Icon by Alila represents a new dimension in urban living for Kemang. The all-suite boutique hotel houses only 12 individually designed rooms: eight courtyard and four edge suites. The latter come with a butler service and every room is tastefully adorned with different pieces of art, an iPod, LCD TV and home theatre with surround sound system. The award- winning 16-metre rooftop pool is an elegant addition, while the spa experience at Thann Sanctuary is equally enticing. As a dining option, The Edge offers simple but refined home cooking with an impressive stock of fine wines. www.alilahotels.com
02 Gandaria City
02 GANDARIA CITY Gandaria City is the brainchild of Pakuwon, a well-known developer of supermalls and residential towers. Dubbed the biggest retail centre in South Jakarta, Gandaria City boasts a total gross area of 564,784 sqm. There are 12 major anchor tenants, catering to the mid to high-end market, from Metro department store to Lotte Mart and XXI Cinema. Themes play a vital role in distinguishing sections of the mall from one another, with a blend of modern and traditional architectural influences. The project is the proud work of Singapore- based design company Genius Loci. www.gandariacity.co.id
03 Amarone
03 AMARONE Amarone Bistro & Bar occupies the front of the Grandkemang Hotel. Adorned with a countryside look, the two- story eatery serves European and Asian fare. A wide range of wine can be enjoyed with a meal and the alfresco second floor caters to smokers. The first-floor main dining area seats 58 guests and is flanked by sofas for 20 people at the lounge — 24 seats are also available for private dining. The second floor has 40 covers and 12 stools at the bar. Thanks to its easy access at the entrance of Kemang, socialites, artists and models are often seen hanging out at this chic city eatery. www.amarone-bistro.com
04 1Park Residences
04 1PARK RESIDENCES A new vertical living project on the outskirts of Kemang, 1Park Residences is managed by Intiland whose portfolio also comprises the ultra-luxurious apartment The Regatta in North Jakarta, as well as Intiland Tower Jakarta and the sprawling Graha Famili estate in West Surabaya. The land space used for 1Park Residences covers 1.2 hectares, in close proximity to major shopping malls, hospitals, international schools and entertainment centres. The 16-storey Tower A houses facilities such as restaurants, cafes, a mini market and laundry on the ground floor. The development is slated for completion this year. www.intiland.com
05 Kemang Village
05 KEMANG VILLAGE Under the management of LIPPO group who built The St. Moritz in West Jakarta, Kemang Village is a new integrated lifestyle estate on a 15.5-hectare piece of land. The premium residential project will house over 10,000 residents in multiple towers, and complementing facilities include a 130,000-sqm shopping mall, JW Marriot Hotel, Aviantonic Spa and Country Club, and Pelita Harapan School. The first phase is completed, with three condominiums built, namely The Ritz, The Cosmpolitan and The Empire, all sold out. Two newly launched residential towers – The Tiffany and The Infinity – are now on the market. www.kemangvillage.com
06 AIS Primary Campus
06 AIS PRIMARY CAMPUS Quality education is always a factor for investors and in Kemang, and parents often choose AIS Primary Campus, which caters to children from pre-school to Year 6, based on Australia’s Victorian AusVELS framework. Computer labs with Internet access, an air-conditioned gymnasium, pools for learners and advanced swimmers, a large football field and fully serviced canteens are just some of the in-school facilities offered. Each class is supervised by a qualified expatriate teacher, supported by a local teaching assistant. The maximum number of students per class is 22 at most levels in order to sustain the friendly and family-oriented environment. www.ais-indonesia.com
