Rooftop bars in KL

The Attic Bar in Chinatown, atop the guesthouse and hostel Travel Hub, isn’t your average backpacker’s bar, though the backpackers do set the chummy, happy-go-lucky social tone of the space. Once you get past the reception on the first floor and climb your way up the spiral staircase, the hardest part is over. Arrive early on an afternoon to score a seat on the deck to watch the sun set over the new Merdeka 118 Tower, plus the KL Tower and the twins. When it comes to reservations, we recommend 10/10.

Sip, savor, and lounge by the pool at SANTAI on the sixth floor of The RuMa Hotel and Residences. It boasts 380 sq m of open-air, sun-lit space; perfect for an unparalleled poolside (though not quite rooftop, but close) experience. Soak up the city’s skyline with a cocktail, snacks or refreshments throughout the day in the sun — or how about a nightcap, with the glittering city lights as your backdrop?

Patrons are not playing — they’re here for serious cocktails and serious parties. Marquis is crushing the club competition with its rotating roster of DJs; the cinematic views of the city is almost an afterthought. The food is actually good, so here’s the plan: swing by with friends a little before sunset to secure a table on the spacious terrace, and survey much of the city while noshing on loaded nachos and tandoori chicken pizza. As the bar fills up and the music turns up, head inside and dance the night away.

Yah Ah Shak House, after a complete refurbishment, has become one of downtown Kuala Lumpur’s most luxurious mixed-use addresses. On its rooftop is Terraza, a chic restobar with plenty of seating and stunning views of the Kuala Lumpur Tower and the twins. Cool off with a cocktail, and as for food, there are light bites and sharing plates made with mostly locally-sourced ingredients.

KU NA at TREC is a laid-back rooftop joint with libations potent enough to rival the view. Should you feel like starting early, there’s always a happy hour deal. Aside from the rotating roster of DJs spinning house, techno and more, go for live performances from the late-night circuit, shisha, and delicious nosh.

From the kitchen of Chef Mui Kai Kuan, this rooftop restobar atop REXKL features a terrace overlooking Chinatown; sculptural seating and a tranquil garden add to Shhhbuuuleee’s hidden gem ambience. A menu of inventive east Asian plates — like mala cauliflower tempura and smoked gyutan with edamame — plus highballs, sake and natural wines make it the perfect spot for a perfect evening.

Perched in prime position overlooking the city, Blue boasts picture-perfect views of KL Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers. The view is best enjoyed at sundown with one of the bar’s signature cocktails in hand, like the showy smoked negroni or the Sky Old Fashioned. If you’re feeling peckish, the bar bites are excellent. Go for crispy baby crabs, jalapeno poppers or even beluga caviar served with crème fraîche, chives, shallot, organic egg mimosa and melba toast. Hold private parties at the discreet upper deck for front-row seats to the city’s skyline. Click, click, snap.

There’s something about an afternoon-turn-late-night poolside hang with a chilled drink in hand that just feels right. On the eleventh floor of the KL Journal Hotel, you’ll find one of the city’s most Instagrammable rooftop bars and pools. No, really, it’s designed by pow ideas, inspired by the imagery of David Hockney’s artworks and his use of lines, patterns and planes. Sip on specialty cocktails, a cold beer or a glass of wine whilst soaking up the sun. Munch on bar bites—chicken karaage, ikan bilis with turkey bacon bits, or truffle fries—that are great for parties or, you know, just for two.

Sweeping views of Merdeka 118, The Exchange 106 and the Petronas Twin Towers are reason enough to visit The Face Suites’ rooftop bar, Deep Blue. Perched on the 51st floor, the spot’s futuristic, swanky-penthouse aesthetic, along with an extensive cocktails, wine and spirits list add a little extra something. Expect electro, techno, and trance tunes.

Hear us out: sure, the seventh floor of Chinatown’s Four Points by Sheraton might not offer the most soaring views of the city, but few other bars are as strategically positioned as Jaan with must-snaps of Merdeka 118 and the KL Tower. The bar buzzes with locals, expats and tourists alike, sipping on Chinatown-inspired, inventive cocktails. Order the Chok (gin, sesame oil, ginger, century quail egg, spring onion) or the Tau Foo Fah (spiced rum in a creamy, silken blend with tau foo fah.