Discover everything you need to know about travel, shopping, upcoming events, and more in Malaysia.
Discover everything you need to know about travel, shopping, upcoming events, and more in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur is not only the center of Malaysia, famous for its skyscrapers, historical places, and multicultural population, but also for its active and bright nightlife. At night, the city turns into a fun zone for people who love to have a good time, and there are many activities to engage in. Whether you are a clubber, a food lover or a person wanting to have a quiet time, KL has everything for you. Below are seven of the best things you can do in the nightlife of Kuala Lumpur for your easy reference.
Changkat Bukit Bintang is said to be Kuala Lumpur's version of Times Square. This is one of the most famous streets in KL for nightlife, as it is vibrant throughout the week. But it is full of bars, pubs, and clubs that have different atmospheres. If you fancy a few beers, a boogie, or some tunes, Changkat has it all in one place. Visit places like The Rabbit Hole, famous for its interior design and multi-themed menu, or Havana Bar & Grill, famous for its Latin atmosphere and good cocktails. When you are in Changkat, do not expect to see a dim-lit environment, scanty crowd, or low music volumes. It is lively and energetic, which makes it ideal for starting one's nightlife.
This city is especially known for roof bars that suggest magnificent views of the city’s skyline. Drinking a cocktail while the Petronas Twin Towers turn into a beautiful scene at night is extraordinary. These bars are comfortable and classy and suitable for people who want to have some time off work. SkyBar at Traders Hotel is one of the most popular rooftop bars in KL, where you can get a magnificent view of the Twin Towers. Another exciting place is Heli Lounge Bar, which has a helipad during the day and a bar in the evening. Rooftop bars in KL are somewhat classy, with great cocktails and remarkable city skyline views. As most of these places have a smart casual dress code, dress well.
If you are in the mood for something more mysterious and private, then KL's speakeasies and hidden bars will not be missed. These are rather private and secretive places, as many of them are behind a door that doesn't look like it leads to a club or is disguised as something else. PS150 is one of KL's most famous speakeasies, tucked into a former brothel in Chinatown. It is popular for its innovative drinks and interior design, which references the 1980s and 90s. Another discreet restaurant is Omakase + Appreciate, located in the basement with a monochrome design. The challenge of discovering these bars is half the battle. As soon as you get inside, you enjoy well-mixed drinks and a setting that can be described as retro.
For the culturally inclined, the night markets in KL are the best places to be in the evening. These markets are very active; you can find food, traditional meals, clothes, accessories, and even souvenirs here. They're also a wonderful platform to interact with the locals and get a feel of the diverse culture. The most popular night market in KL is Petaling Street in Chinatown, where you can find almost everything, and people are friendly and open. Taman Connaught Night Market is another one, well-known for its uncountable number of food stalls, which serve all Malaysian street food imaginable. Night markets are active and lively; the air is heavy with the scent of roasting food, people are bargaining, and stalls are brightly lit. Be ready for a lot of walking and possibly some haggling at a very basic level.
If you are not interested in clubbing but wish to experience the nightlife of KL, many cafés are open late into the night and serve coffee or desserts. Most of them operate until the wee hours of the morning and are a welcome respite from the city’s livelier club scene. VCR café is one of the most famous cafés in Bukit Bintang, offering great coffee and a warm atmosphere. Another excellent place is Merchant's Lane in Chinatown; it looks like a place from the Middle Ages, with a rustic design. Some cafés in KL operate late at night, giving a more laid-back atmosphere that is good for conversations with friends or after work. They may offer a range of sweets, snacks and drinks, making them perfect for a relaxed, low-key night.
The nightlife in Kuala Lumpur, as in most cities, is as diverse as the city itself, and there is always something for everyone. Whether dancing till the break of dawn, a well-crafted cocktail, a birds-eye view of the city, discovering a rather obscure corner, or even just a quiet cup of coffee, KL has it all. The night represents the city in a way that is quite different from the day, and there is always fun and new memories to be created. Therefore, next time you are in KL in the evening, try out these seven great things to do and have the best of KL at night.