Kuala Lumpur Nightlife • A Complete Guide

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is one of the country’s most significant urban and technologically advanced areas. From high-rise buildings to small shop houses – this city has become a hub of architectural advancement and held onto traditions. As a result, the nightlife of Kuala Lumpur is extremely vibrant. Many youngsters, as well as international travelers, like to experience the rich nightlife of this city. But what are your options? If you are feeling confused, don’t worry! Here is a list of popular things to do at night in Kuala Lumpur

Popular nightlife areas in Kuala Lumpur

There are a few areas in Kuala Lumpur which are known for their fantastic night-time scene. These areas are filled with amazing restaurants, karaoke spots, and hip nightclubs. 

  1. Jalan Bukit Bintang

Apart from the amazing dining and shopping options on this street, there are plenty of other places that are an integral part of the nightlife of Kuala Lumpur. You can see street performances regularly at Jalan Bukit Bintang. The pub and nightclub scene is one of the best in the city. This area becomes especially lively during important festivals such as New Years’.

  1. Changkat Bukit Bintang

This area is considered the best party spot in Kuala Lumpur. ChangkatBukitBintang is always busy with tourists as well as locals. There is a wide array of Irish pubs, nightclubs, and cocktail lounges on this street. If you want to party in a place where there is a wide range of options, this is where you should be.

  1. Jalan P Ramlee

The best night-time events in this area take place on Saturdays and Fridays. But, just like ChangkatBukitBintang, there is a wide range of options for enjoying the nightlife of Kuala Lumpur. 

Best bars in Kuala Lumpur

When you are in Kuala Lumpur, you have to check out the bars in the city. But which one to go to? There are a lot of options. Thus, here is a list of the top bars in the city:

  1. Shelley Yu’s

This bar specializes in artisanal cocktails. It is a classy bar that is perfect for a night out with friends. According to regular bar hoppers of Kuala Lumpur, you get the best gin and tonic here. Moreover, there are quite a few Nonyafood delicacies at Shelley Yu’s. 

  1. Havana Bar and Grill

Havana Bar and Grill is set up in an old mansion from the 1950s. Located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, one of the hippest places in Kuala Lumpur, this place offers an exotic Latin American vibe. Here, you can get some of the best cocktails in town. The food is delicious and is inspired by Cuban cuisine. On top of that, the sprawling outdoor terrace sitting area makes it a must on your itinerary. 

  1. Mantra Bar

If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the entire city of Kuala Lumpur, Mantra Bar is the place you need to be. It is a rooftop joint where you can look at the city’s skyline. The cocktails, as well as the food available at this bar, are to die for. Moreover, every Wednesday, it hosts ‘Ladies Night.’ This means that the drinks are cheap. The D.J. plays some of the greatest hits and keeps the ambiance lively.

  1. The Iron Fairies

The décor of this bar is charming and is inspired by the fantasy world. The walls are covered with glitter or ‘fairy dust,’ giving the bar a magical aura. The Iron Fairies is sprawled across three levels and is spacious.  There is a fairy rooftop garden where the D.J. plays on weekends. Below that level lies the ‘butterfly room,’ which is dark and gothic. The underground space is made up of cast iron and reminds one of an iron mine. Apart from the attractive décor, you can visit this place for its unique cocktail prices. The happy hours start on Tuesdays and continue till Saturdays. Moreover, this place hosts live performances regularly.

  1. PS 150

PS150 is located in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur. The bar can be divided into three different spaces. The first space is called ‘the Opium Den’ due to its vintage décor. There is an open courtyard space which is known as ‘Post-war space.’ The main bar area has a modernized vibe with a touch of vintage. Due to the variety offered by the bar, both in terms of space as well as drinks, this is the bar you should visit on your night out in Kuala Lumpur.

  1. Franks Bar

It has not been a long time since the ‘Frank Bar’ has been opened for business. Yet, it has carved its position in the Kuala Lumpur night-time scene. As the name suggests, the bar pays homage to Frank Sinatra, one of the greatest musicians of all times. The décor of the bar is influenced by the bars in New York. Franks Bar holds weekly collaborative events in other bars. There is a wide array of options when it comes to alcohol. It is an ideal place for all the jazz lovers in Kuala Lumpur. 

  1. Pisco

Located onJalanMesui Street, Pisco is an exotic-looking bar in Kuala Lumpur. This is a South American-themed bar where you can get some of the best delicacies of Spanish and Peruvian cuisine. In addition, you can enjoy some amazing cocktails with South American flavors while attending their regular live show music events. One of the specialties on the menu is ‘Pisco.’ It is a drink from Peru and is a hot favorite amongst the bar hoppers in Kuala Lumpur. Apart from this, international as well as local D.J.s play at this place from time to time.

  1. Jungle Bird

If you want a casual place to drink the entire night away, Jungle Bird is the right place for you. It is a rum bar that is tropical-themed. There is a lounge as well as a bar area. The owners believe in organic farming. When you grab a window seat, you will be able to see their homegrown plants. These plants are used to spice up your cocktails and food. Since it is a rum bar, there are over a hundred options for rum. The most famous cocktail at this place is called ‘Jungle Bird.’

  1. The Deceased

This is a quirky place that might not suit everyone’s taste. But it deserves a place on this list because of its uniqueness, as the name suggests, ‘The Deceased’ spiritual and Asian Horror-themed bar. But does that mean you will have to face unnecessary jump-scares in between your drinks? Not at all. The theme is present for only the décor as well as the cocktail menu. Apart from the bar, there is a rooftop sitting area as well. The names of all the cocktails are inspired by the ancient folktales of Chinese and South-East Asian Cultures. Moreover, if it is your birthday, you will get a free shot.

  1. HealyMac’s Bangsar

Looking for an Irish Pub in Kuala Lumpur? If your answer is a yes, then you need to head over to HealyMac’s Bangsar. This Irish Pub opened in September 2019 and is a chill place to down a couple of beers. The bar’s décor is similar to that of a regular Irish Pub. You can order ‘Guinness’ at this place along with some of their delicious finger food.

Adventure games in Kuala Lumpur

If you are bored with the usual bar-hopping scene, you can try out several other activities. One of the strange activities that you can try is laser tag! ‘Laser Battle’ in Kuala Lumpur is one of the best places to play laser tag with your friends. Even if you are alone, do not worry! The place is always crowded, and you will find people to play with. This is a joint where you can make new friends. Laser Battle’sBerjaya Times Square branch is open till late at night. Another fun activity that you can take part in is the ‘Escape Room.’ You can find branches of this place all over the city. In this activity, you will be locked up in a room for about 45 minutes, and you will have to find out clues to get out of it.

Best nightclubs in Kuala Lumpur

If you are eager to dance the night away in Kuala Lumpur, there are a couple of nightclubs in the city where the music is amazing. Kuala Lumpur is constantly being developed and getting modernized. More and more nightclubs are popping up every year. For now, here are the best ones in the city:

  1. Zouk Club

Located in JalanTuk Razak, Zouk Club has a lot to offer to its customers. Apart from being a nightclub, it is a bar and a restaurant as well. There are over eight clubbing spaces in this nightclub. Each space has its theme. Local, as well as international D.J.s, play at this club regularly.

Moreover, there are themed nights as well. On every Thursday,  you can attend the events’ Crayon’ and ‘School of Pop.’ While the D.J. plays E.D.M. and traps in the former theme, the latter features pop, 90s music, and the latest hits. On Fridays, you can attend ‘C.R.E.A.M.’ where the D.J. plays hip-hop music. On Saturdays, you can attend ‘LOUD’ where you can dance to Party music. Apart from this, the place acts as a live music event venue, and local artists perform on weekends.

  1. Groove the Disco

If you are a 90s kid, you will love this place. ‘Groove the Disco’ is a great place to dance to old yet groovy hits. The D.J. plays music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The décor is like that of a disco with a lot of shimmer and disco balls. This nightclub is located in Desa Sri Harmatas and is one of the best in the city.

  1. Vibes Club

This is one of the biggest clubs in Kuala Lumpur as it covers an area of 3000 sq. ft. The Vibes Club is a place where both locals and tourists like to hang out. The décor of this place is exceptionally vibrant. They have introduced a new color-lighting system that elevates the look of this club. From Tuesday to Saturday, Vibes Club holds weekly theme nights for its guests. The D.J.s mostly play E.D.M. tunes for the guests to dance all night long. If you get lucky, you will be able to witness the live performance of international D.J.s at this club.

  1. Jiro

This is the nightclub where the D.J.s have an eclectic music sense. The most common music genres in this club are techno, trance, progressive tunes, R&B, and E.D.M. E.D.M. Jiro has two huge bars that serve some of the best cocktails in town. The lighting system in this club is praise-worthy. Partygoers in Kuala Lumpur eagerly wait for the D.J. lineup at this place. The nightclub tries to showcase local D.J.s along with international ones. However, there is no compromising when it comes to the quality of music at this joint.

  1. Under9

If you want to party and yet stay underground, Under9 is the best place for you. Not a lot of mainstream partygoers visit this techno club. The club can only accommodate 130 people at a time. Moreover, you will get tons of variety when it comes to music. House, Psychedelic, Trance, techno – these are some of the popular genres in this club. Another essential feature of this club is that it is highly affordable. This is the ideal space for those who do not want to burn a hole in their pockets while partying. The cover charge of this club ranges from $3.75 – $5 and is quite affordable.

  1. Esperance

Esperance has a futuristic décor. It is a restaurant as well as a nightclub in Kuala Lumpur. The place is decorated with plush seats to give out an elegant vibe. Located in Fraser Business Park, Esperance has a cigar lounge as well. The nightclub area is usually very crowded. The D.J.s mostly play House, E.D.M., and Trance for the audience of this club.

  1. The Box

The Box is a part of Elysium Bar and Terrace. This nightclub has an eclectic vibe. The setting is minimal, and it is dimly lit. Every week, you can enjoy theme nights that are regularly hosted at this place. The main bar has a lot of options to cater to the usual partygoers of Kuala Lumpur. From the terrace, you can sip on your drink and enjoy a stunning view of the city’s skyline. The Kuala Lumpur Towers and Petronas Twin Towers are visible from this nightclub. 

  1. The Rabbit Hole

Located inside an old colonial house, ‘The Rabbit Hole’ is a popular party spot amongst the young population of Kuala Lumpur. The primary reason why it is so popular amongst the youth is affordability. You do not have to have to spend a lot to party at this club. There are about six spaces at this joint. Each space has its theme. The ‘Heineken Green Room’ is the dance room with laser lights. The D.J. plays classic hits for to audience to dance to. 

Visit the Illusion 3D Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur

If you like to explore unconventional options in Kuala Lumpur, you can visit the ‘Illusion 3D Art Museum’. There are over thirty-six  3-D paintings. Most of these paintings are hand-painted. In addition, there are visual guides to help you view these paintings in the right direction. It may not be the first choice when it comes to experiencing the nightlife in the city. But it is undoubtedly one of the landmark experiences that you cannot miss out on.

Best night-markets in Kuala Lumpur

The night markets in Kuala Lumpur are called ‘Pasar Malam.’ Several neighborhoods in the city get closed for the night markets to pop up on different days of the week. Apart from shopping, you can taste some of the best delicacies from all over the world at such markets. Some of the best night-markets are:

  1. Kasturi Walk

Kasturi Walk is located right behind the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. As soon as you enter this market, you will be greeted by a huge Malay Kite that looks like a butterfly. You can get clothes, footwear, and watches at this place. Moreover, you can get a wide variety of snacks and beverages as well. The market is a hit amongst the residents of Kuala Lumpur as the prices of the commodities are quite reasonable. The market opens at 10 am and stays open till 11.30 am every day. It might not be huge compared to other markets present in the city, but still a favorite amongst tourists and locals. 

  1. Petaling Street

This night market is known as ‘a Shopper’: heaven’ in Kuala Lumpur. Petaling Street is located in China Town. It remains open from 6 pm to 1 am on all days. You can find numerous stalls where several commodities are sold at a reasonable price. There is a huge collection of handbags, clothes, accessories, handicrafts, and watches at this night market. If you wanted to try out the local cuisine of Kuala Lumpur, this is the place you should be. From Chinese to Seafood – you can get plenty of options when it comes to choosing delicacies. 

  1. Jalan Alor Street Food Market

It is one of the most famous night markets in Kuala Lumpur. This is one of the few markets that are open 24/7 on all days. However, it becomes more lively at night. Tourists visit this place to taste authentic Malaysian Delicacies. You can also shop for several kinds of products at this market. 

  1. Kampung Baru Night Market

This night market remains open only on one day. It starts at 6 pm every Saturday and stays open till 1 am.Kampung Baru Night Market is located in Jalan Raja MudaMusa. The market was established back in 1899 and offered a peek into the rich Malay culture. From traditional Malay clothes to jewelry – you can get it all at this market. Delicacies such as satay, rojak, kuih, and nasi lemak are popular here. Do not worry as the prices are extremely affordable. 

  1. Taman Connaught Night Market

Located in JalanCerdas, this night market is open on all days. The market stays open from 5.30 pm till 12 am. There are over 700 stalls. You can get a lot of variety in terms of food in these stalls. Some popular food items are satay, tofu in chili sauce, laksa, noodles, and curry. Apart from the food, you can get the usual commodities at this market. You can shop for a lot of things as the prices are quite affordable.

  1. Fiesta Nite 

On every Thursday, the ‘Fiesta Nite’ night market opens for locals as well as tourists. The timings of this market are located at Plaza Mont’Kiara, the quality of the commodities available at this market is superior to any other market in this city. You can find over 80 stalls in Fiesta Nite. So whether you want to buy handmade baked goods or clothes – you can get it all here. 

Get a foot massage at night in Kuala Lumpur!

After walking around the city for the entire day, you can relax at night. There are several foot massage parlors in Kuala Lumpur where you can book an appointment. Some of them are open 24:7, and hence, you do not have to worry about the timings. One of the best places to get a foot massage is ‘Best Friend Foot Massage and Health Therapy’ on Bukit Bintang. This place has received great reviews and is highly affordable.

Conclusion:

You can never run of things to do in Kuala Lumpur. The city has a lot to offer. The night-time is especially lively. There are several bars as well as nightclubs in this city. You can go bar hopping till the wee hours of the night. If you do not like the conventional options, you can always shop at night markets and try out the delicious street food of this city. So what are you waiting for? Start preparing for your trip to Kuala Lumpur as soon as possible.

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