Must-see nightlife in Malaysia

  • Shenanigan’s

    Kota Kinabalu

    Shani's, as it's affectionately known, enjoys a loyal crowd of regulars, as well as a few international visitors. Below the Hyatt at street level, it has…

  • Lamin

    Kuching

    This rustic, longhouse-style bar erected beside the related Telang Usan Hotel serves beer and food in a decidedly local atmosphere. There's also a small…

  • Fruto

    Kota Kinabalu

    You know a city is undergoing gentrification when it acquires a 'lifestyle juice bar'. And as these places go, it's a very good one: you can power up on…

  • Mods Cafe

    Melaka City

    Not strictly mod and more a 1960s-decorated cafe with 1970s ingredients, though concessions are made with mod roundels on the tables and a Quadrophenia…

  • Coffee Addict

    George Town

    Enter from the back alley off Jln Nagor to find this attractive space, decorated with a world map chipped out of the plaster wall and an Ernest Zacharevic…

  • Farquhar’s Bar

    George Town

    A colonial British–style bar, named after Penang's one-time Lieutenant-Governor, in the E&O Hotel. It serves beer, traditional pub food and cocktails,…

  • Sid's Pub @ Jonkers

    Melaka City

    Sid's has been a fixture on the Kuala Lumpur bar scene for years. He's now set up a branch of his English-style pub chain in Melaka City, bagging a…

  • Mixx

    Melaka City

    In a city with few nightclubs, Mixx dominates the scene with Paradox, a laser-lit, warehouse-style venue where international DJs spin techno and…

  • Shamrock Irish Bar

    Kota Kinabalu

    About as Irish as a made-in-China leprechaun, this is, however, a good spot for a bit of rock music. There's Guinness on tap, but best of all is the al…

  • BED

    Kota Kinabalu

    KK's largest club thunders with pop, gyrating Filipino musicians and shrill teenagers, and features guest DJs nightly. It's overcrowded and cheesy, but if…

  • Black Kettle

    George Town

    One of the more spacious of central George Town's many cafes, Black Kettle stands out for its excellent range of freshly baked pastries and cakes, as well…

  • Georgetown Wines

    George Town

    Built into a former stable, this wine bar and restaurant is one of the city's more attractive places to have a drink. Take a walk through the cellar to…

  • 55 Café

    George Town

    Located in what was formerly a coffee roaster (ask to see the former roasting oven, out back), this sophisticated cafe, with attached gallery, does both…

  • Zon

    Johor Bahru

    Two words: duty-free booze. About eight bars and clubs, including Texas Pub, Avenue Zon and The Geoventure restaurant/bar, surround the courtyard of this…

  • Whisky Bar Kuala Lumpur

    Kuala Lumpur

    This specialist bar stocks more than 500 different whiskies, including single malts, blends and bourbons. Also offers a good selection of cigars.

  • A Peace Place

    Pulau Tioman

    Located opposite Ray's Dive Adventures, this place has great ocean views and occasional live music.

  • Muchacha, QE2

    George Town

    Located over water, open-air Muchacha, QE2 boasts 360-degree views of the Strait of Melaka and a decent selection of booze and beers.

  • Slippery Senoritas

    George Town

    This is the longest-standing party option on the cheesy strip of pubs and clubs along Upper Jln Penang. This club offers live music, lots of drinking and…

  • Charlie’s Bar & Grill

    Pulau Langkawi

    Located at the Langkawi Yacht Club Hotel, this is a friendly, unpretentious place that functions equally well as a bar or restaurant (mains RM26 to RM48).

  • Soho Free House

    George Town

    This place starts rocking out early with cheesy '80s hits and a Chinese clientele noshing bangers and mash and swilling pints with a handful of expats.

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