Kuala Lumpur is filled with breathtaking sceneries from sunrise to sunset, but what better way to appreciate Malaysia’s vibrant capital than from a bird’s-eye view?
No, we’re not asking you to hire a private helicopter. Not everyone has that kind of money in their bank account. Thankfully, there’s another way to enjoy the cityscape and savour the KL skyline. Just head up to the skies and find a scenic top surface spot – we’re referring to the rooftops bars.
You see, rooftop bars are the perfect place to let loose after a long day at work. Alternatively, you and your companion or your group of friends can wine (read: alcoholic beverages such as cocktails and hard liquors) and dine, while taking in a horizon of skyscrapers with the radiating night sky as your backdrop.
From helipads to rooftop pools, let’s raise our glasses to some of the best rooftop bars in KL shall we?
1. Marini’s on 57
Currently known as the highest sky bar in Malaysia, Marini’s on 57 is located on the 57th floor of Petronas Tower 3. The Italian ristorante consists of 3 different sections: a restaurant dining area, a good chilling place at the lounge, and a rooftop bar that offers a spectacular view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. For drinks, their in-house signature cocktails include Jungle Bird and The Cool Banana.
- Address: Level 57, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, 50088, City Center, Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm – 1:30am; Friday – Saturday, 5pm – 3am
- Tel: 03-23866030
2. Heli Lounge Bar
Sipping your favourite drink while perched on a helipad? Yes please! Located on top of Menara KH, Heli Lounge Bar is directly across from the KL Tower, and with a stunning 360-degree view of KL city, you’ll be hard pressed not to whip out your phone and start snapping some fantastic photos. As patrons are required to climb a few flights of stairs up to the 36th floor rooftop, do wear something more comfy. Ditch the heels for flats, ladies.
The lounge on 34th floor is where the party is at night, after 9pm. Decorated in an aviation theme where the DJ console was built from parts of an actual refurbished Boeing 747 and a reconstructed Boeing 737 cabin seat, you can find a couple of vodka-based cocktails and mojitos such as Hopper and Fizzy 747.
P/S: Look out for upcoming festivals such as Halloween and New Year’s Eve if you’re into lively themed parties.
- Address: Bukit Bintang 34th Floor, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 6pm – 12am; Thursday, 6pm – 2am; Friday-Saturday, 6pm – 3am
- Tel: 03-2110 5034
3. SkyBar @ Traders
Since making its debut a decade ago, SkyBar has been dubbed as Malaysia’s Best Bar. Situated on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel, this glamorous cocktail lounge is well known for its elegant 26 meter long swimming pool. Seats that are arranged near the glass wall allows guests to enjoy a panoramic view of KL’s signature Petronas Twin Towers.
- Address: Floor 33, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
- Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 1am; Friday -Saturday and eve of public holiday, 10am – 3am
- Tel: 03-2332 9911
4. Fuego
Sitting pretty on the 24th floor at Troika Sky Dining is Fuego (which means “fire” in Spanish). Founded by Eddie Chew and Chris Bauer, Fuego claims to specialise in South American flavours. For proof, explore their long list of tequila, gin, rum, and other alcoholic drinks, on top of their famous tapas and guacamoles .
Visitors are advised to make reservations for either the 6:30pm slot (sunset seatings), or the 8:45pm slot (city light dining seatings).
- Address: Level 23A, The Troika, Tower A, 50450, Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6pm – 12midnight
- Tel: 03- 2162 0886
- Website l Facebook
5. Mai Bar @ Aloft
Said to be one of KL’s funkiest rooftop bars, Mai Bar’s Tiki-themed interior design is adorned with “life-sized carvings of Tiki totems, red LED lighting, and filled with bold red and dark wooden furnishings”. Drink-wise, the bar is famous for its signature Malaysian Princess Mai Tai tropical cocktail (RM35). Enjoy their happy hour promo, which is from 5pm – 9pm.
- Address: No. 5, Jalan Stesen Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 12pm – 12am; Friday and Saturday, 12pm – 2am
- Tel: 03- 2723 1188
6. Luna Bar
The popular nightspot located on the 34th floor of Pacific Regency Hotel might be the city’s best-kept secrets. Not only is Luna Bar well-liked for its stylish decor and breezy ambience, the 2-storey rooftop bar also offers a 360-degree breathtaking view of the city down below. With top-notch cocktails to enjoy by the picturesque setting of a swimming pool in the middle, it’s safe to say that Luna Bar never disappoints.
- Address: 34th Floor, Pacific Regency Hotel Suites, Jalan Punchak, off Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250, City Center, Kuala Lumpur
- Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm – 1am; Friday -Saturday, 5pm – 3am
- Tel: 03-2332 7777
7. Malt & Leaf @ The Roof
Situated atop First Avenue, just beside One Utama Shopping Mall, The Roof is divided into 5 concept venues: Malt & Leaf, Play, Score, Signature, and Stratosphere. With a selection of over 150 international single malts in addition to a full range of other liquors, the classy whisky and cigar lounge exudes a vibe of an old gentleman’s club. Malt & Leaf is also a favourite hangout for casual drinkers who relish the urban nightscape from up above.
- Address: First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6pm – 2am
- Tel: 017-9085766
Did we missed out any amazing rooftop bars in our list? Share them with us and we’ll be happy to check ’em out ;)
Sources: KL Magazine, Food Advisor, The Culture Trip, Journalist On The Run.
