Chinatown & the CBD
This outpost of the famous New York cocktail bar of the same name has brought a slice of big city buzz to Singapore, along with a dazzling array of…
Must-see nightlife in Southeast Asia
Little India & Kampong Glam
Straight out of 1920s Manhattan, this cocktail lounge is an art deco–inspired extravaganza, adorned with ornate bronze ceilings and low-lit plush lounge…
Kuala Lumpur
Push aside the heavy curtain at the end of a clubby bar to discover the wild goings-on at this old Hong Kong–style speakeasy cocktail bar. Expect a…
Singapore
Step back in time to the golden age of fine drinking at this handsome Mad Men–esque bar, where long-forgotten cocktails come back to life. Grouped by eras…
Chinatown & the CBD
From the cloud-like light sculpture to the boundary-pushing cocktails, extraordinary is the keyword here. To encourage experimentation, libations are…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
Softly lit 28HKS plays hide-and-seek inside an unmarked 1960s shophouse. Slip inside and into a slinky scene of cosy booths and passionate mixologists…
Chinatown & the CBD
This hidden bar in hotspot-heavy Amoy St is the brainchild of bartender extraordinaire Vijay Mudaliar – formerly of Operation Dagger – and his concoctions…
Kuala Lumpur
Top-tier coffee bar and micro-roaster Three Little Birds is manned by the pioneers of third-wave coffee culture in KL: Michael Wilson and wife Amirah…
Chinatown & the CBD
Tippling Club propels mixology to dizzying heights, with a technique and creativity that could turn a teetotaller into a born-again soak. Sample the…
Singapore
You'll find this hidden drinking house, a throwback to a bygone era, behind a secret door in the Singapore Marriott lobby – ring the doorbell for entry…
Bangkok
An alarmingly short barrier at this rooftop bar is all that separates patrons from the street, 61 floors down. Moon Bar claims to be among the highest…
Vientiane
Sip your piccolo latte to a soundtrack of jazz and the scent of cooking beans; tiny Le Trio roasts its own coffee and is the most atmospheric hang-out for…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
This legendary super club has been pumping beats since 1991 and draws in some of the world's biggest DJs and Singapore's seen-to-be-seen crowd. This is…
Bukit Peninsula
Perched at the base of the Bukit peninsula, Bali's hottest new day club is home to seekers of sunshine-fuelled revelry and house and hip-hop beats. The…
Phnom Penh
The origins of sugarcane are in Southeast Asia, so the Venezuelan owners of this beloved rum distillery see themselves as bringing the tradition full…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
Oozing style, this rooftop bar offers one of the best views of Singapore. Perched on the top of the National Gallery, the vista looks out over the Padang…
Melaka City
Fancy a full-bodied Johor or classic Perak white? Sip a coffee inspired by your favourite Malaysian state at this perky place. The coffee is excellent,…
Padang
Overlooking the river in the colonial quarter, this sprawling, graffiti-splattered 'ruin pub' feels a bit like a bombed-out building, but instead is…
Manila
A precinct of cool bars, cheap eats and boutiques, Cubao X is a must for anyone interested in Manila's underground scene. Venues come and go, but boozy…
Phuket
Engulfed by beautiful Andaman and island views and bordered by glittering reflective pools, the elegant, intimate rooftop Baba Nest lounge-bar at Sri…
Kuching
This bar attracts a relaxed crowd of tourists and locals. There's a nightly BBQ of meaty skewers (7pm to midnight) and you'll find menus from nearby…
Yangon
Sample some of Myanmar's first generation of craft beers at this taproom-cum-sports-bar in the leafy embassy district. Most ales are European-inspired but…
Hua Hin
Vana Nava Sky is Hua Hin's classiest cocktail joint. Opened in 2018, the 27th-floor stunner features marble floors and lattice iron framing high windows…
Luang Prabang
Lush riverside bar with peaceful views of the Nam Khan, recliner cushions, low-slung tables and leafy nooks. Chill over a fruit shake, burger or breakfast…
Ubud
From the same folks at Locavore, this neighbouring, 2nd-storey cocktail bar has a talented mixologist and some fascinating flavour combos. Inventive…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
For a decadent high tea, it's hard to beat the one at this chichi waterside lounge. Book ahead (one week for weekdays, one month for weekends), style up,…
Chiang Mai
A tiny cafe with enormously good coffee. Only about 10 people fit inside, and the line often snakes down the old city block. Favourites include the Nitro…
Chinatown & the CBD
Hidden away in the Everton Park public housing complex, this pocket-sized, standing-room-only cafe and roastery has an epic reputation for phenomenal…
Kuala Terengganu
Equal parts cafe, bar, restaurant and wine shop, Vinum Exchange is a game changer for Kuala Terengganu. The stylish interior features a great selection of…
South Jakarta
A real contender for Jakarta's best cup of coffee is this third-wave roaster that offers a range of single-origin beans from around Indonesia. It now has…
South Jakarta
One for those who take their booze seriously is this classy French bistro with a long bar you can prop yourself up at to order from a pleasing, ever…
South Jakarta
Immortalised by the Indonesian coffee-lover's movie Filosofi Kopi (the film itself was shot here), this busy cafe does a range of local coffees prepared…
Canggu
A sibling of Seminyak's La Favela, La Laguna is one of Bali's most alluring bars. It combines a beatnik look with Moorish trappings and sparkling tiny…
Yangon
A pioneer of Yangon's blossoming third-wave coffee-shop scene, Cafe Salween goes all out for hipster status, making drinks in a variety of methods with an…
Malaysia
Coffee making is approached with scientific precision by Cheau See and Chun Hoong, who serve hand-brewed drip coffee from a counter laden with beakers and…
Pasteur Street Brewing Company
Ho Chi Minh City
Pasteur Street Brewing turns out a fine selection of craft beer. Brews utilise local ingredients including lemongrass, rambutan and jasmine, and up to six…
Jakarta
Hidden in a renovated building near Taman Fatahillah, Acaraki is the coolest cafe in the area. It's decorated with exposed brickwork and an enormous…
Ubud
An idyllic location in the midst of a rice field a short walk from the centre of town makes this a wonderful spot for a drink or simple meal. You'll be…
Jalan Jaksa Area
Set on the top floor of Kosenda Hotel, this lovely rooftop garden bar manages to be both understated and dramatic. There's a vertical garden, ample tree…
West Java
This old favourite has upped sticks and moved further along the beach (alongside a number of other warungs), but the beach-bum vibe and sunset sea views…
