From rooftop establishments to poolside hangouts, here are five bars in town on our must-visit list for great booze with a side of KL’s skyline.
Another week, another new bar to visit in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur. Or at least that’s what we’d all like to make of our busy schedules. If you’re both adventurous and available though, then perhaps it’s time to plan your next haunt at one of the most fashionable bars in the nation’s liveliest city.
From rooftop establishments to poolside hangouts, here are five bars in town that are on our must-visit list for great booze with a side of KL’s skyline.
WET Deck @ W Kuala Lumpur
Let us warn you, this poolside bar comes with a view of the Petronas Twin Towers that will hit you in the face – in the best possible way. Enter the 12th floor of the newly opened W Kuala Lumpur and let your sense of sight lead you into its spacious outdoor setting, illuminated by natural sunrays in the day and vivid neon lights come evening. After getting comfortable in the pool-facing daybed or lounge area, allow your sense of taste and smell to take over with Malaysian-inspired original cocktails and light snacks.
Watch: Our F1RST Party highlights at W Kuala Lumpur
Bar Trigona @ Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur
For picturesque views of the city from the comfort of posh sofa seats indoors (read: air-conditioning included), look no further than Bar Trigona at Four Seasons KL. Named after a native honey-making bee, this avant-garde bar pays attention to every detail from the exquisite interior architecture (check out the cool mosaic walls!) down to its innovative menu. The latter comprises both classic and original cocktails drawing inspiration from Malaysia’s lush natural landscapes, with the focus of highlighting local and sustainable ingredients.
Pacific Standard @ Alila Bangsar
While this is neither a poolside nor rooftop bar, Pacific Standard offers a glimpse of both. Nestled on the 41st floor of Alila Bangsar, one corner of this Hollywood-themed bar faces the hotel’s pool while another looks out to the city, albeit at a distance from the heart of KL. Expect a warm-palette setting marked by wooden furnishings and gold accents, combined with music that will take you back to vintage Hollywood. The theme follows through to the menu, featuring timeless cocktails reimagined by head bartender Anandha Ruben.
Read our full review: Pacific Standard Bar puts a modern Malaysian spin on Old Hollywood
Vertigo @ Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
Overtaking Marini’s on 57 by two floors to become the tallest bar in the city is Banyan Tree KL’s Vertigo. Boasting 280-degrees of uninterrupted birds-eye views, including of the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower, its magnificent height is arguably the greatest pulling factor. But that’s not to say the menu here isn’t worth a try, as its extensive selection of food and drinks will surely find you a worthy companion to savour the vistas with.
CÉ LA VI @ Ilham Tower
CÉ LA VI (of Marina Bay Sands Singapore fame) promises to captivate your senses with 360-degree views from the 37th floor or Sky Terrace of Ilham Tower. The iconic development spans 1,150 square metres, featuring a restaurant, a lounge/bar and an exclusive club. Like its foreign counterparts, it hosts some of the most prominent local and international DJs for your dance and music pleasure even as you sip away on cocktails to the enchanting views all around.
Images: Courtesy of respective establishments
