We were definitely worried at first that we were going to be all sad and lonely on New Year’s Eve. New Year is such a big event in Manila that I usually need at least 2 days to recover from it hehe. This year most of our Filipino friends here in Jakarta were home for the Holidays, but thankfully our Fab friend Ted invited us to Kemang Kolonie New Year’s Eve celebration!
My New Year’s Eve Outfit is an LBD with a twist from Tyler Philippines – there is a fluttery detail on one shoulder which I can wear to cover my arms (which I am always conscious off) or can also be worn behind the shoulder. Silver peep-toes from BCBG.

I love the über chic apartments of Kemang Kolonie and this fabulous infinity pool with floating lamps! Oh if only we could afford to live here! =P
Dinner buffet was beside the pool. I wasn’t able to take pics because it was a bit dark. They basically had salad, some appetizers, yummy grilled food which they would prepare and sent to your table. We could choose between grilled steak, chicken, fish and prawns. I like the beef the best – perfect with the potato gratin. Dessert was bread pudding and some other local dessert that I didn’t try.
The mood was set with candle lit tables. There was a wet bar set up, selling cocktails – though a bit too steep for us at Rp 100,000 a pop! (10 USD or Php 500 est.) Besides we had our very own bar at Fab Ted’s unit. It was a crazy amount considering there were only 6 of us! Check it out!
Bawang is garlic in Filipino. If I am not mistaken in Bahasa I think it is also Bauang – just spelled differently. I always ask friends to bring me BOY BAWANG CLASSIC FLAVOR for me when they come here from the Philippines hehe! Thanks so much for those who have accommodated us!

Fireworks were launched from the top of that apartment (L) and the tries were so festive with the lights (R)
A few mins before midnight we came out of the unit to see the fireworks (click here to see pictures) and enjoy the snacks prepared by Kemang Kolonie. They also handed out some bubbly for toasting.
Candle Killers
Tis the season for greetings!
We got home at 5:30 in the morning (Whoa!) and woke up at 4pm that afternoon. With lots of funny stories and funny memories of our New Year’s celebration i.e. UE finally remembered to bring his phone (he is notorious for losing phones like me) but this time he brought TWO phones home – poor Fab Ted his phone was kidnapped! =P
The week after (as is Filipino custom we finally had to take down the Christmas decor. Our home is feeling a bit bare without it. =( Must find other ways to decorate.
Kemang Kolonie
- Full service apartments with health club, butler services, housekeeping, 24 hour security and free breakfast (in bed or in the lounge)
- Also included are electricity, drinking tap water, wifi internet services, etc.
- For the New Year’s Eve Dinner and midnight snacks & bubbly we paid Rp 250,000 (25 USD or Php 1,250 est.) exclusive of cocktails
What a beautiful place! I’ve seen the ads for Kemang Kolonie. I would love to live in a place like that. 🙂 I’m sure that residence is very expensive! I’m on vacation, but my hubby brought his computer, so I’m able to check out your blog! I couldn’t beat against my temptation! 🙂 You look fabulous in the black dress. Very chic!
Hahaha! You were getting internet separation anxiety hahaha just like me the other day… gosh! This blogging is really sooo addicting! =P
I wish I took pics of the unit. It really was nice! Compared to Pakubuono I think Kolonie is a great deal at usd 3,000. Because Paku is almost usd 4,000 if I am not mistaken and it’s not full service apartments and you pay for your own utilities. However that number is so very far from our budget! It great for a group of visitors though because for 3 rooms you pay usd 150 including breakfast for 2 and all other services (internet, laundry, butler etc!). Not bad if there is a big group right?!