I would not recommend going to KL specifically for partying, but if you happen to be in town, there are enough good venues to have fun.
Keep reading for a summary of everything you need to know to enjoy the city's nightlife.
Nightlife Areas, Clubs, Bars + Hotels
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You can click on the map above to see the full list of the best bars and nightclubs in the city.
There are various party districts in Kuala Lumpur, each with their distinct atmosphere:
- Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang: Middle-class, backpackers, young tourists, mainstream
- KLCC: High-end, 30+ tourists, business people, rooftops
- Jalan Petaling: Trendy, alternative, small clubs, speakeasies, cocktails
- TREC: Upper-class, mixed crowd
- Bangsar, Damansara, Sri Hartama: Rich locals, expat, neighborhood vibe
Here's what you need to know about each of these areas:
Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang![]()
This is a small and lively street in downtown KL with numerous restaurants, cafés, bars, and nightclubs.
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Located in the Mandarin Hotel, it is the best club if you are rich and under 25. R'n'B/Hip-Hop/Electronic music. Often packed and you may need to queue to get in if you don't book a sofa. The entrance fee is around MYR60.
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It is rather messy, with traffic jams, street sellers and a constant flow of people on the sidewalk. The crowd is mixed, and it includes many foreigners, particularly backpackers/tourists. There are also some Middle-easterners due to the proximity of Arab Street (Bukit Bintang). It is not a very stylish area and you'll be fine wearing shorts and sandals in all venues.
Generally speaking, the bars and clubs on Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang are not too expensive, not too sophisticated, and the DJs play mainstream music. Many venues have a Latin/Spanish theme, such as Havana (Latin music) and Pisco bar (Peruvian restaurant with latin nights on Mondays). Both are among the best bars in the area.
The best way to explore the neighborhood is by foot and visit whatever place seems more appealing to you.
Where to stay near Jalan Bukit Bintang:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ramada Suites by Wyndham (rated 8.4/10, US$70 per night)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stay Collection Bukit Bintang (rated 8.6/10, US$40 per night)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ramada Suites by Wyndham (rated 8.4/10, US$70 per night)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stay Collection Bukit Bintang (rated 8.6/10, US$40 per night)
KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center)
This is the most prestigious address in KL, home to the world-famous Petronas tower. It is the main business district in the city, and also a shopping/tourism hub.
This is the most prestigious address in KL, home to the world-famous Petronas tower. It is the main business district in the city, and also a shopping/tourism hub.
For the party-goer, the main reason to go there is to try some upscale bars, clubs and rooftops, many of which are located inside 5-star hotels. Here are a few recommended ones:
Beautiful, modern club, with EDM/techno/hardstyle DJs. It was #66 on DJ Mag's Top 100 clubs in the world. Open from Wednesday to Sunday. Ladies night on Wednesday. MYR65 entrance with one drink.
Similar to Pitt, but less impressive, with fast-paced EDM, and a mainly Malaysian-Chinese crowd.
Inside the 4-star Shangri La Traders Hotel. Best view on the Petronas towers, but not a pleasant vibe. It feels like an airport lounge. Also have an indoor swimming pool. Expensive.
The Heli Lounge Bar
The Heli Lounge Bar
Impressive rooftop that features a 360° view from a helipad and hosts regular live bands. Check their instagram for parties.
Vertigo
Vertigo
My favorite. Highest rooftop in KL at the moment, on the 59th floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel. Chic and expensive.
Upscale lounge/restaurant very close to the towers. Pricey but perfect for a date. Dress code is implemented (no shorts, no sandals).
Where to stay near KLCC:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Banyan Tree (rated 9.3/10, US$220 per night)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Novotel KLCC (rated 8.4/10, US$80 per night)
⭐⭐⭐ de King Boutique Hotel (rated 8.3/10, US$45 per night)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Banyan Tree (rated 9.3/10, US$220 per night)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Novotel KLCC (rated 8.4/10, US$80 per night)
⭐⭐⭐ de King Boutique Hotel (rated 8.3/10, US$45 per night)
Petaling Street Area
This is a more recent nightlife area that consists of just a few streets in the heart of KL's Chinatown, including the charming Lorong Panggung. It is where 25+ hip locals, some young expats, digital nomads, and some backpackers hang out.
Most venues are located inside insta-friendly, colonial, two-story shophouses that have been more or less restored. They have unique concepts (though usually imported global trends), and will predominantly feature alternative music DJs/bands. Almost all are small places, mainly cocktails bars and speakeasies. A few only have loud music and a dance floor.
It is also a great neighborhood for eating out, so I recommend you to dine there first, then walk around and try a few bars/clubs.
For instance, you can check Concubine (hip-hop/latin music, fun for dancing), XO (hip-hop, urban music, in a rugged setting), or PS150 (cocktail bar with a retro-Chinese vibe):
Where to stay near Jalan Petaling:
⭐⭐ Yu Hotel Chinatown (rated 9/10, US$30 per night)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four Points by Sheraton Chinatown (rated 9/10, US$80 per night)
⭐⭐ Yu Hotel Chinatown (rated 9/10, US$30 per night)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four Points by Sheraton Chinatown (rated 9/10, US$80 per night)
TREC
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Many popular nightlife spots in KL are located in a complex called TREC which is located about 5-10 minutes by car from the city center. It used to be very trendy before COVID, when Zouk Club was there, but nowadays it is going downhill (in my opinion).
There are still a few interesting bars and clubs to visit, though. It is also very convenient as you can bar-hop from one place to another very easily. On weekends, most of them will be crowded and fun.
The venues I recommend there are Iron Fairies (same as HK, a visually-stunning bar with quality live music), Spark (the club replacing Zouk), Trak (Live music, Afrobeats, Hip Hop, RnB), Reggae Bar (self-explanatory), or Arte Bar (Non-commercial dance music and hip-hop).
Outside of the city center
Several upscale neighborhoods have nice bars, especially in Bangsar, Bukit Damansara, or Sri Hartamas where wealthy locals and expats live.
In Bangsar, you have several pubs and bars in Jalan Telawi 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Among them, the best one is the rooftop bar Mantra.
In Damansara, you can head to Damansara Height, a chic, leafy area where bars and restaurants are lined up one after the other. Check Jungle Bird (tropical bar), Skullduggery (cocktails) or Benang (speakeasy).