Nightlife In Malaysia

Saddle up to take in the sights of Kuala Lumpur’s swanky skyline at posh cocktail bars; sample some of Penang’s wonderful mishmash of old-school traditional Chinese bars alongside sand-in-your-toes beach shacks; and sway to the sounds of languid beats in Langkawi – here’s our pick of the best places.

1. Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s capital is a popular hotspot for locals and tourists to unwind after hours. Dedicated cocktail bars have recently become especially popular, offering up twists on classics and new inventions with South-East Asian flavours.

There are also sky bars with city views, dance clubs, craft beer bars and live music bars. A good idea is to go where the locals go – not only does it help you avoid paying extra for alcohol but you also avoid getting fleeced by overcharging cabbies. Depending on the vibe you’re going for, here are the top 3 destinations in KL.

a. Zouk

Ask anyone about the best nightclub in KL, and they will say Zouk. One of the city’s premier dance clubs, it is also the most expensive. Among its seven party spaces are the Main Room, which reverberates to electro, techno and trance, and Ace, a hip-hop and RnB club. There is a dress code here, which means you need to be dressed in your flashiest best.

Admission charges depend on what sections of the club you want access to and what day and time of the night you visit. This is the kind of place you want to spend an entire night at, because different zones play a variety of music. Take your passport along, though – tourists get free entry before 1am.

b. Heli Lounge Bar

KL’s cityscape forms the perfect backdrop for spirited evenings. It’s no surprise then that there are many rooftop bars from where you can admire the skyline. But none of the others sport the exhilarating 360-degree views offered by Heli Lounge Bar, which makes it perfect for sundowners.

Soak in the sunset views unfettered by safety barriers, especially that of the Petronas Twin Towers. Heli has a special 6pm to 9pm happy-hour menu. After 9pm, a dress code applies and you will need to pay up for a bottle in order to enter. Women get free drinks on Thursday ‘ladies’ night’.

c. Coley

One of Asia’s top cocktail bars, Coley is named after Ada Coleman, the legendary creator of the Hanky Panky cocktail who made her name at the London Savoy’s American Bar in the early 20th century.

Coley has a retro-modern vibe and sits somewhere between a bar and a cafe – airy but intimate, buzzy but laid-back. Revive your parched taste buds with inventive concoctions, such as coconut gin and whisky and guava bubble tea, at this sleek and sultry bar.

2. Penang

Penang, or The Pearl of The Orient, as it is known, is rich with possibilities when it comes to getting a drink after sunset. From boozy beach bars and cocktail lounges to swanky rooftop bars and even casual pubs, the island’s options for a great night out are endless.

If you’re looking for a bit of frolic, choose from the most popular Latin dance club with weekly tango lessons, or a wild night on the dance floor to hits spun by DJs on turntables. It is a fact that George Town’s after-dark scene does not disappoint – here are some of our favourites.

a. Good Friends Club

If you love nostalgia and the playfulness of a contemporary art space, Good Friends Club in George Town is definitely for you. A new project commenced by locals, the aim of this bar is to create a space that better portrays the island.

Plant yourself in a vintage sofa at this fun, funky, Chinese retro-themed bar, and try one of the cocktails that couple local rum with spices such as nutmeg. And when the munchies hit, try their cheesy sausage fries.

b. Slippery Senoritas

An icon on the Penang party scene for having been one of the earliest establishments of George Town, Slippery Senoritas is set on Upper Penang Road, and stretches across three storefronts along the strip with an easily identifiable rust orange façade. Despite its name, expect a mix of groovy tunes, not just salsa, here.

This is a great place, especially if you’re the sort who likes to sample local sounds – the club has live music acts from bands on most nights. Sip on a cocktail while you observe people around – there’s always something happening. And if not, the bartenders put on some slick moves while fixing your drink.

c. Bora Bora

This bar at Batu Ferringhi provides the perfect setup to watch the sunset. There’s much to say about this beachside eatery – it’s got a great selection of beers, and at low prices too. But the best part of the bar is that the atmosphere is relaxed and the daily happy hour really draws in the crowd.

Patrons include a diverse range of locals, tourists and expats – so be prepared for diverse conversations and impromptu dance sessions with people you’ve just met from around the world.

3. Langkawi

The nightlife in Langkawi has a mix of hippie bars and sophisticated lounges that offer sweeping views of the Andaman Sea and a wide range of alcohol. Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah are where the best bars are – Pantai Cenang’s bustling stretch is popular for its restaurants that morph into cocktail bars, while Pantai Tengah’s strip is comparably tamer, with laidback pubs featuring DJs spinning music and live performances from local acts.

While it may not be the place with a rambunctious booming scene, Langkawi’s chill vibe is sure to set an easier pace for your evening. Here are the three best places to sample Langkawi’s nightlife.

a. Yellow Café

Proudly marching to its own beat, the quirky and vibrant Yellow Cafe is a standout beach bar with chairs, walls and even hammocks in varying shades of yellow.

During the evenings, diners can lounge on colourful bean bags right on the sandy beach and enjoy the soundtrack of the cascading waves along with the music. Diners can also get two beers for the price of one from 6pm to 8pm – a steal, considering booze is already dirt cheap in Langkawi.

b. Charlie’s Bar & Grill

Located at Langkawi Yacht Club Hotel, this is a friendly and unpretentious place that functions equally well as a restaurant or bar. Charlie’s Bar & Grill serves delectable cocktails and various non-alcoholic beverages to accompany the picturesque sunsets and the sensual swell of the sea.

c. The Cliff

Perched on a wave-lashed rocky edge between Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah, this is an exhilarating spot for a sundowner. Expect a full bar, a good wine selection, and cocktails a notch above those mixed on the beach below.

After sunset, you can also head to the main restaurant area for a seafood dinner. Although the drinks are pricier than places along Cenang Beach, the Cliff Bar is much less hustle and is a more peaceful spot to watch the sunset.