Sky Bars in Kuala Lumpur
This exclusive trend was picked up a number of years ago when many were talking about these sky bars in other countries like Bangkok, Singapore and around the world and now we have not one, not two but a total of 7 Sky Bars in KL alone.
Below, I will share with you about these amazing rooftop bars or sky bars that have taken the city and also country by storm.
Nowadays, almost all major cities around Malaysia would have at least one or a few sky bars to experience, and this is one of the ways that visitors to Malaysia can unwind after a long day of seeing the country.
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| A general view of a Sky Bar in Kuala Lumpur – Image from skyscrapercity.com |
Most sky bars are outdoors and have unobstructed views while many are indoors with large glass panels in between you and the views.
They are usually priced on the higher side compared to your regular bar or lounge due to the exclusivity and some even have an entrance limit due to space and privacy.
Rooftop Bars are similar but can be located on a rooftop of a 2-story building or 5 story building which doesn’t qualify to be named as a sky bar. Sky bars are supposed to reach the skies, located above 20 stories.
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| Jose Padilla poses at Marini’s on 57 in Kuala Lumpur |
In terms of ambiance, Marini’s offers a pretty amazing mix of luxury and lifestyle while the views are hands down the closest you will ever get to the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers.
As Marini’s is on level 57, you are assured of some incredible closeup views of the Twin Towers. The bar offers indoor and outdoor seating while after 9pm, there is a DJ spinning music.
In 2014, World renown Chill Out Guru Jose Padilla launched his Sunset Hours in Kuala Lumpur album and then played a special DJ set that night. Highly recommended for just about anyone visiting KL.
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| SkyBar at Traders Hotel KL – Image from Shangri-La |
2. SkyBar at Traders Hotel
This is one of the popular sky lounges in Kuala Lumpur with its ultra-modern designs and views and still holds one of the best skyline views of the Petronas Twin Towers.
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| Incredible views at SkyBar KL |
Special reservations are required for booking the cabana areas as this is the best spot to chill out and enjoy the evening. It gets pretty crowded on weekends too.
Level 33, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
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| Luna Bar at Pacific Regency Hotel KL |
The first skybar of Kuala Lumpur which made headlines and also super long lines to get up there. This was hands down the introduction to sky bars in KL with a beautiful design complimented with a central swimming pool.
Located on the 34th floor of the Pacific Regency Hotel, Bar Luna KL offers some incredible views of the KL skyline. It is noted that this sky bar also practices the bottle of liquor to get the best spots so tourist takes note.
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| Fuego Sky Bar and Grill in KL |
While the rave is about the entire Troika Sky Dining package, this will feature the Fuego Sky Bar and Grill that offers the beautiful KL city skyline view.
Fuego focuses on classic cocktails, incredible tapas and of course the big slabs of meat on grill while there are three other theme restaurants in this Crème de la crème outlet.
Open all week, there are also 2 seatings for dinner so reservations need to be made in advance at this classy package called Troika Sky Dining KLCC which was opened by the owners of Frangipani KL in 2014. Expect to see well-heeled patrons here too.
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| Mai Bar at Aloft KL Sentral |
This skybar is a Tiki-themed bar located on the 30th floor of the new Aloft KL hotel located just next to KL Sentral.
The interior and feel of Mai Bar are pretty modern and funky while it offers spectacular views of the KL skyline.
Cocktails, food, and DJs are found here and for anyone visiting this place, do check out the Mai Bar’s signature cocktail which is the Malaysian Princess Mai Tai. The sky bar also has an indoor and outdoor area.
At the end of the day, all of the sky bars have their own crowds and visiting some of them will let you know which you prefer in terms of comfortably, service and overall ambiance.
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| Heli Lounge Bar, one of the new rooftop bars in KL – Image by Thrilling Hong Kong |
One of the latest sky bars in KL, the Heli Lounge Bar KL still serves its purpose as a helipad on Menara KH in the day.
Come evening, it turns into the Heli Lounge Bar offering guests amazing 360 degrees panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur city and is currently the talk of the town.
This one-of-a-kind sky bar was opened in early 2014, there are two levels here, the bar and club level on level 34 and of course, stairs to climb to the rooftop or helipad where you can catch some pretty amazing views. This is best visited from 6.00 to 7.00 pm.
Note for anyone wanting to party on the helipad after 9pm, guests are required to purchase a bottle of alcohol to do so.
This is one of the bad things that KL city practices, especially at the sky bars. No bottle, no access.
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| SkyLounge at Ascott KLCC (Now closed) |
Apparently, this sky bar is closed and there is no information if it will re-open anytime soon. This swanky sky bar offers one of the best views of the Petronas Twin Towers and also one of the closest to them.
The Ascott has also been a very popular place to hang out, especially on festive nights where you see amazing fireworks on major festivals at the KLCC.
We believe that the beautiful views were obstructed by a new skyscraper that was built in front of the Ascott KL.
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| View Sky Bar at G Tower in KL – Image from www.accidentaltravelwriter.net |
8. View Rooftop Bar at GTower
Located on the 30th floor of GTower along Japan Tun Razak, this sky bar offers indoor and outdoor seating but of course, nothing beats the outdoor section which offers guests views of the surrounding Jalan Ampang area with skyscrapers in view.
Cocktails, Single Malts, Alfresco Bar and a DJ are the usual suspects that perform nightly. Great for anyone wanting a sky bar experience in KL.
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| Frisky Rooftop Bar in Kuala Lumpur with great views |
9. Frisky Rooftop Bar KL
One of KL’s Best Kept Secret is now no more as the all-new Frisky Rooftop Bar KL which opened in January 2015 is Kuala Lumpur’s latest Sky Bar addition.
This chill concept bar caters to clubbers, loungers and just about anyone who wants to chill out at a non-hectic club.
Frisky Bar is also branded as a concept rooftop lounge experience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, providing clubbers with deep, tech and groovy non-commercial music, a friendly atmosphere, and amazing views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
A lot of local and international DJs have also played here over the years, making this one of the top lifestyle rooftop bars in KL.
Frisky Rooftop Bar Address;
Address: 4A, Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 2166 0750
Website: http://www.friskybarkl.com/
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| View from the Heli Lounge Sky Bar in KL – Image from www.saimnicy.blogspot |
Pro’s and Con’s of visiting the Sky Bars in KL
The Good
• Obviously, on a clear day, you will see some of the best views of Kuala Lumpur
• Amazing Kuala Lumpur Sunsets
• Some Sky Bars offer 360 degrees view
• Swanky and ultra-chic modern designs
• Meet beautiful people
The Bad
• Hot and humid when sitting outdoors
• Rain and smog
• Overcrowded on weekends
• Buy a liquor bottle as entry to these sky bars
• Buy a liquor bottle to get the best seats
• Expensive cover charges after 9.00pm
• Bad service
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| View of the Petronas Twin Towers from Marini’s on 57 SkyBar |
In general, sky bars or rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur are a great way of seeing the city’s skyline in the day or night and also catching a beautiful sunset in the evenings.
It is also best to visit with friends of loved ones as it would compliment your visit to any of these touristic entertainment spots.
Some of the sky bars are best visited at night to see the city lights while some of them are awesome to visit in the evenings just before the sunset.
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| An impression of the Banyan Tree Sky Bar in Kuala Lumpur |
Final Thoughts on the Sky Bars in Kuala Lumpur
As I travel quite a bit, I have visited some of the beautiful sky bars in Thailand, Shanghai, Japan, and Singapore and I am sure there are many others waiting to be discovered. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to get updates.
There are also a few new sky bars opening in Kuala Lumpur in the near future and one of the much talked about is the Banyan Tree Sky Bar KL which is to open somewhere in 2017 or 2018.
Word is that a few other high-end residences in Kuala Lumpur will also feature rooftop bars and until then, enjoy your visits to any of the Sky Bars in Kuala Lumpur.
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