Kuala Lumpur Nightlife areas - Your Ultimate Guide for 2021
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city complete with an incredible nightlife scene. There is something for everyone with its exclusive restaurants, hip bars, trendy nightclubs, and cool karaoke spots. So where might you find the best places to really experience the nightlife of Kuala Lumpur, you're probably wondering? Well, we will let you in on some of the most happening nightlife areas in the capital city of Malaysia.
Please note that bars not serving food and nightclubs are currently closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is widely regarded as the ‘it’ party spot in the city’s famous clubbing scene. A busy street packed with buzzing tourists and locals alike, you will find a boulevard filled with posh cocktail lounges, snazzy nightclubs, and lively Irish pubs. This is where to come if you are looking for a “night on the town.”
Jalan Bukit Bintang
This is a street that really comes to life at night. Offering many entertainment, dining, and shopping options during the day, you can expect lively street performances, trendy nightclubs, and a vibrant pub scene at night. Many special events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations, along with other festivals and concerts, take place here.
Jalan P Ramlee
In the centre of downtown Kuala Lumpur, you can expect an eccentric alternative to Changkat Bukit Bintang. If you want to experience the best of this street, then you will need to go on a Friday or Saturday when party-goers spend their night hopping from one establishment to another.
KLCC
Kuala Lumpur City Centre is commonly known as the area that surrounds the Petronas Towers and mostly consists of upmarket hotels, trendy restaurants, and bars. With no shortage of things to choose from - dining, culture, sightseeing, recreation, and entertainment, you won’t be stuck for ideas in what to do in this area.
A well-known shopping area, this street turns into a vibrant night market after dark. There are hundreds of stalls selling all sorts at a great price. It’s the most happening night market in the city. You can find anything here from toys and T-shirts to jewellery and antiques. There is a great vibe, and it’s a great place to spend the evening before hitting the party scene.
The streets of Bangsar are filled with bistros, nightclubs, and pubs making it one of the city's go-to party areas. Most of the action happens in Bangsar Village, which is a grid of several streets. If you’re looking for a party, this is definitely a place to find one.
Petaling Jaya including also the Curve and the Roof at 1Utama
You could say that Petaling Jaya is the entertainment hub of the city. Complete with a live-action puzzle room, trampoline park, theme park, and Southeast Asia’s largest climbing gym, this is one of the most exciting areas to visit. Home to the curve - a gleaming shopping mall - and The Roof nightclub, you can combine a day of shopping with a trendy dinner reservation, ending off at one of the city's most electrifying nightclubs.
Putrajaya
This area has a very European feel with stylishly designed streets and well-paved roads. With a rich culture and brilliant architecture, you can expect an area full of heart and soul. The nightlife here is fairly quiet since it’s a residential neighbourhood and home to mostly governmental building. However, there are many five-star hotels in the area with onsite lounges, restaurants and bars. This is the perfect spot if you are looking for a chilled night out.
Desa Sri Hartamas
A few blocks of restaurants, shops, and a couple of shops, this is not the most exciting area when compared to some of the other places on this list. However, it is home to a few top-quality restaurants and if you’re after some tasty and affordable dining then check it out.
Formerly known as Asian Heritage Row, The Row is home to trendy cafes, event spaces, restaurants, and bistros. As the name suggests, it’s a row of old shophouses that have been converted into stylish new establishments. With plenty of live music shows, various dining and nightlife spots and delicious local cuisine, this is a great area to explore.
Jalan Alor
Jalan translates to street and Jalan Alor is the go to spot for food. A street scattered with roadside restaurants all selling very similar food, means that you can grab a seat and order up before moving on to the next street for a party. Jalan Alor borders Changkat which is known as the party capital of Kuala Lumpur.
Sunway Pyramid
A huge shopping mall just outside of Kuala Lumpur, you can find a selection of clubs and bars located close to the main entrance of the mall. You can also find a variety of restaurants, as well as the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa interconnected to the mall.
IOI Boulevard
This is a lifestyle-centric hub, and everything comes together here under one roof. A combination of food & beverage, retail, office space, as well as entertainment & lifestyle, you can find it all conveniently located here.
This is the largest entertainment centre in the city and it features an array of pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, lounges, and clubs.
With views of the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara KL Tower from the dining and nightlife hub, this is a unique destination, offering exquisite scenery along with an exciting night out on the town.
How to travel around Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a busy city, notorious for its heavy traffic during rush hour. The good news is that while you won’t find Tuk-tuks or motorcycles as you would in Thailand, Kuala Lumpur has a very diverse transport system to offer.
Home to the largest train station in Southeast Asia - KL Sentral station, there are three railway systems that tie the city together. The KTM Komuter train and RapidKL LRT service over 100 stations, while the KL Monorail connects 11 more stations dotted around the city centre. The train system may seem complex at first but it’s a well-priced and efficient alternative to navigating through the city’s infamous traffic.
The buses are also a very cheap option for getting around the city but they’re mostly crowded and make frequent stops in the heavy traffic. There is also the option of using a taxi, however, this should be used as a last resort because of the cost and the need to get through traffic-clogged streets.
Staying in Kuala Lumpur accommodation
As always your accommodation choices have a lot to do with what you are looking for and what your preferences are. Kuala Lumpur is not short of choices when it comes to choosing your accommodation. Whether you’re looking for budget options, snazzy Kuala Lumpur hotels, or family guest houses, you’re bound to find something that suits your needs.
If you have a look at airbnb you will find lots of well-priced rooms or homes to rent out. If you’re looking for a hostel, you might want to check out BackHome or Reggae Mansion. Or perhaps you’re looking for designer stay options? Then have a look at Container hotel or Chaos hotel. Lastly, if you’re looking for a serviced apartment, then check out Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur or MiCasa All Suite Hotel
Eating out in Kuala Lumpur
There are a diverse range of restaurants on offer in Kuala Lumpur, ranging from food courts, quaint coffee-shops and all-day hawkers to posh bars and fine-dining venues. With its unique mixture of religions, languages, and cultures, there’s no better way to really experience Kuala Lumpur than through its cuisine. An ethnic mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian results in some of Malaysia’s most delectable dishes. If you’re curious about where to find the best dining spots, then check out The City List foodie section here.
