Entertainment in Malaysia
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A
Honky Tonk Haven
A great new addition to the Melaka drinking scene, this music bar is run by Kiwi jazz pianist Joe 'Itchy Fingers' Webster and his singing wife Jill. Jazz memorabilia photos line the walls and spontaneous sessions of live music are performed by Joe, Jill and their collection of talented friends. It's a place to make fast friends, grab a quick meal (including real New Zealand-style burgers, and all-day breakfasts) and find out how funky you really are.
reviewed
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B
Bed
Get those bed puns ready: the space that launched a thousand quips is arguably the fulcrum of Kota Kinabalu nightlife, and it’s a rare night out that won’t see you ending up in Bed at some point. Bands play from 9pm, followed by DJs til closing.
reviewed
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C
B@92
Hip bar with a laid-back attitude that features some live acts and hosts a pretty large – and mixed – expat and well-to-do locals crowd. Has an atmosphere somewhere between a British pub, American chain bar and small music venue.
reviewed
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D
Geographér Café
This ventilated, breezy bar with outside seating and late hours, in a prewar corner shophouse, is a godsend. A tasty choice of local and Western dishes (meals around RM8) and laid-back, but professional, service round it all off.
reviewed
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E
Discovery Café
The staff take things at a serious stroll and the food is mediocre, but the location near the Melaka River, the late hours and the outside seating maintain a somewhat shaky allure. Stop by if you're looking for a tour guide.
reviewed
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F
Tanjung Golden Village
Tanjung Golden Village is Kuala Lumpur's most convenient multi screen cinema located smack bang in the City Centre at Suria KLCC, a six story shopping extravaganza at the foot of the Petronas Towers.
reviewed
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G
Upperstar
Opposite the Hilton, this pleasant semi-outdoor bar offers cheap booze and decent pub grub.
reviewed
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H
Golden Screen Cinemas
Book a seat in Gold Class (RM40) for La-Z-boy–style reclining chairs and drinks service.
reviewed
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Luna
With all of KL's towering skyscrapers, it would be unthinkable for there not to be some bars to enjoy the sky-high views from. Some of KL's most exclusive nightspots are perched on top of cloud-busting towers, offering dizzy views over the whole of the city. Topping the bill is Luna, which lords it over the city from the top floor of the Pacific Regency Suites.
This is KL at its most chic - the bar coils around a swimming pool, and features giant, soft furnishings, screens of crystal beads and chill-out booths with glass walls and views that plummet to street level. Things can get very busy at weekends. Enter via the elevator on the 7th floor of the hotel.
reviewed
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J
Zouk
KL’s top club offers spaces to suit everyone and a line-up of local and international DJs. As well as the two-level main venue, there’s the more sophisticated Velvet Underground, with a dance floor that’s glitter-ball heaven; Phuture for hip-hop groovers; and the cutting-edge Bar Sonic, home to the indie-dance event Koko Asia (www.kokoasia.com). Glimpse KL’s gilded youth passing by from the outdoor Relish@Terrace Bar.
reviewed
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K
Pitt Street Corner
Pitt Street Corner feels like the offspring of a hipster bar crossed with a sports pub plunked in Tamil Nadu. It’s not a dive but it sure isn’t posh, either. Basically, it’s a friendly spot for Tamil guys to get together, sink some beer, watch some football and Bollywood and sink a few rounds of pool. While we imagine women would be treated fine here, we never saw any inside the bar on any of our visits.
reviewed
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L
Harbour Bistro & Cafe
Sandakan's downtown revival plans include ramping up nightlife. Currently, there are a couple of beer bars along Lebuh Tiga and a few joints off Jln Elopura. The Harbour Sq development is creating a fresh centre for evening activities. Harbour Bistro & Cafe offers alfresco dining, coffee and drinks, with an air-conditioned upper-level lodge, open after dark to the wee hours.
reviewed
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M
La Queen
This unashamedly hedonistic gay venue at the Nouvo club is rapidly growing in popularity. It's big on theme parties with lots of events supporting local gay organisations.
There are several other bars and clubs where the scene is strong. Visit www.princeworldkl.com and www.utopia-asia.com/klbars.htm for more listings of gay nights and special events in KL.
reviewed
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Neway
Karaoke bars are everywhere in KL but, like elsewhere in Southeast Asia, some have a seedy side. One place you'll get no funny business is Neway, a futuristic karaoke complex in Berjaya Times Square that attracts hordes of teenagers and whole families at weekends. The price for sharing the gift of song (ahem) varies depending on the time of day.
reviewed
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O
Voyager Travellers Lounge
It'll draw you in with promises of free internet and its 21:30 Wednesday movie nights, but you'll keep coming back to this place for the mellow and surprisingly local vibe. Ease back into a wicker chair and order a cold beer from the glowing bar built out of recycled bottles. The young owner can help arrange activities throughout Melaka.
reviewed
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P
Shenanigan’s
Following the international ‘Irish pub’ model, from dodgy draught Guinness to drunk and incapable patrons, this has long been a popular establishment in Kota Kinabalu. Live bands perform most nights from 9pm and the place is totally rammed on weekends. Prices are horrendous (up to RM30 for a small beer) but get better during happy hour.
reviewed
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Q
Shock Egypt
Georgetown isn't the only place in Penang where you can shake your booty. Shock Egypt, in the ritzy Copthorne Orchid Hotel on the island's north coast, will more than satisfy your nocturnal fun-seeking urges. DJs spin drum 'n' bass and techno, music videos play constantly on big screens, and the Pharaonic decor is pretty cool too.
reviewed
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R
Friends Café
Buzzing with everyone from businessmen to young and hip locals, this convivial spot serves espresso drinks in the day and becomes a lively bar at night. It's a hard-to-miss spot right where Jln Melaka Raya 3 meets Jln Taman Melaka Raya. There are light meals like sandwiches and tom yam and the whole place is a wi-fi zone.
reviewed
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S
Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
Don’t miss the chance to attend a concert at this gorgeous concert hall at the base of the Petronas Towers. The polished Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra plays here (usually Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees, but also other times) as do other local and international ensembles. There is a dress code.
reviewed
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Soho
This is arguably the hippest bar in the centre – even the name oozes London cool. Local Gossip Girl -esque youngsters hobnob to grind-worthy play lists of jazz, dance and latin beats. The atmosphere starts out relaxed but can definitely build up some heat under the red lights as the night draws on!
reviewed
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U
Bagan Lounge
A restaurant, as well as a bar, this cosy, secluded place is popular with hip under-thirties and expats. There's a sultry jazz diva who enhances the décor of cooshy couches, giant mirrors, fairy lights and ceiling fans. This is also a great place for a romantic dinner. Gay and lesbian friendly.
reviewed
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FMS Bar
This Ipoh institution was closed for renovation during our visit. Hopefully open by the time you read this, the Federated Malay States bar has been going since 1906, and was the favoured haunt of colonial planters and miners. It still attracts a gaggle of colourful local characters and expats.
reviewed
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W
Club Momo
This place has a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean theme going, complete with a Harem Club with sofas and Moroccan tents. There's a special dance floor and alcoves for VIPs, live music and theme-music nights. On Wednesday women get in free. Alfresco Asian-fusion dining is on a leafy patio.
reviewed
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X
Urban Attic
Shaping up to be CapSquare’s social hub is this partially open-air bar and live-music space. It’s a fine hangout and has hosted KL’s sporadic Pecha Kucha (www.pecha-kucha.org/cities/kuala-lumpur) nights – show-and-tell sessions with local creatives – in the past, too.
reviewed
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Y
Glo
If you’ve been longing for superclubs/meat markets while travelling in Malaysia, here’s a taste of what you’ve been missing. Here you’ll encounter ear-splitting bass, big lights, lots of smoke, guys with slicked hair and ladies in little dresses. You know the drill.
reviewed