Entertainment in Kuala Lumpur
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Reggae Bar
‘Love all, feed all’ is the catchphrase of the red, yellow and green bedecked bar, which is knee-deep in travellers and has Bob Marley on constant rotation.
reviewed
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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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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.
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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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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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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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Laundry
The first of the new breed of suburban club-bars in KL, Laundry has a reputation for slow service but brilliant live music. The attitude can be a bit overbearing but the bar does a commendable job of supporting local musical talent, particularly indie bands.
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Quattro
Drift from spring, through summer, autumn and winter at this season-themed bar, lounge, restaurant and club complex. On the hour you can make a dash through an indoor rain shower – umbrellas are provided! They also have live music Tuesday to Saturday.
reviewed
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Taman Budaya
A good venue for performances of traditional Malaysian theatre and dance. The building - an AC Norman construction from 1893 - used to be a school. Shows take place at weekends at 20:30; contact the centre for details of upcoming events and prices.
reviewed
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Rum Jungle
Jln P Ramlee has numerous theme bars with live music or DJs and happy-hour specials. Unfortunately, these places tend to attract lots of sex workers and sexpats. Beach Club Café and Rum Jungle are the most popular places in this part of town.
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Beach Club Café
Jln P Ramlee has numerous theme bars with live music or DJs and happy-hour specials. Unfortunately, these places tend to attract lots of sex workers and sexpats. Beach Club Café and Rum Jungle are the most popular places in this part of town.
reviewed
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Palate Palette
Gotta love a place that offers curry popcorn and a drink called Kick in the Nuts. Colourful, creative, quirky and super-cool this cafe-bar is a great place to eat (mains RM10 to RM30), drink, play board games, and check out KL’s boho crowd.
reviewed
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Lecka Lecka
Among the several pavement cafe-bars lining Bintang Walk, Lecka Lecka, outside Starhill Gallery, seduces with its wafting chiffon curtains, soft seats and trademark ice creams. Alternatively, puff on a hubble bubble or sip a cocktail.
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Tiffin Bay/Tiff's Jazz Lounge
Reminiscent of the Mad Hatter's tea party, the upstairs bar at Starhill Gallery features oversized polka dot lounges and lamp stands made from piles of crockery. Jazz bands play from 21:00 in front of a shimmering light display.
reviewed
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Old Town Kopitiam
A convincing recreation of an old-fashioned kopi tiam (Malay Chinese coffeeshop) serving teh, kopi and breakfast snacks like eggs, toast and soup. There's another branch in Plaza Low Yat.
reviewed
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Istana Budaya
Big-scale drama and dance shows are staged here, as well as music performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and National Choir. There’s a dress code: no shorts, and men must wear long-sleeved shirts.
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Bar Upstairs
Above Alexis Bistro is this supreme chill-out venue boasting subdued red lighting, opaque furniture and soothing sounds. See the website for details of live music performances here and at other branches.
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Ivy
The Ivy faithfully recreates the feel of a British gastro pub. The downstairs bar has draft beers (including Guinness) and bar snacks, while the upstairs restaurant showcases modern European cooking.
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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.
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The Apartment Downtown
Imagine you actually live at the KLCC at this convivial lounge-like cafe-bar space with outdoor seating overlooking the park – it’s a lovely spot to revive after a hard day’s shopping at the mall.
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Purple Cane Tea House
Upstairs from Ikopi is this tea drinkers’ heaven, while around the corner its shop ([tel] 2031 1877; 11 Jln Sultan; open 10am to 10pm) provides a full selection of teas and tea-making implements.
reviewed
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Sanctuary
A very slick concept nightspot, Sanctuary has indoor and outdoor bars, a swish Southeast Asia restaurant and an 'ice bar' serving chilled vodka in (dare we say it) chilled-out surroundings.
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Espanda
A long-established club in the Jln P Ramlee entertainment district with resident DJs and regular theme nights. Zouk has stolen some of Espanda's thunder but it still gets busy at weekends.
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