Kuala Lumpur Nightlife

Attracting the cool brigade, this retro-themed cocktail bar is hidden away behind a nondescript entrance of an old townhouse. Inside, seating comes in the form of wooden picnic tables set amid peeling walls, bamboo blinds and exposed bulbs. Expect heady drinks imbued with local ingredients such as lemongrass G&Ts and Pina Coladas made with pandan syrup.

This daytime helicopter pad on the 34th floor of the Menara KH Building transforms at nightfall into a sky-high rooftop bar offering potent cocktails and heart-pulsing views of the glimmering cityscape below. Come early to watch the sunset before the night hots up with DJ sets and open-air dancing.

On the 33rd floor of the Traders Hotel, adjacent to the KLCC complex, Sky Bar is a prime hangout for the 'smart' set, which means you should dress to impress. Tables are arranged around a stylish swimming pool on the rooftop (care is required to avoid an unwanted soaking), with spectacular views of the Twin Towers.

It's worth the taxi ride to The Roof, a multi-space venue in Petaling Jaya that's home to the much-touted Play Club. Trendsetters love this rooftop establishment for its industrial-themed interiors, all exposed pipes and neon lighting, while its state-of-the-art stage, sound and visuals host a steady stream of international acts.

Dress to impress for an exclusive night at Providence, a more intimate alternative to KL's super-club scene. The luxurious venue boasts a banging sound system and an impressive set of light fixtures that shine down on dancers as they shimmy to R&B, hip-hop and electro beats.

Reopened in 2015, the revamped and relocated Zouk has quickly established itself as KL's most revered club with its all-night partying and roster of top local and international DJs. Revelry plays out across 11 rooms spanning 60,000 square feet and each has its own decadent style and music theme. There's also a VIP lounge and snazzy rooftop deck.

Amazing acoustics define the Philharmonic Hall, Malaysia's first dedicated concert space for classical music that was inaugurated in 1998. The 865-seat venue, located in the Petronas Twin Tower complex, is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra but also hosts many other classical concerts and musicians.

A welcome addition to KL's live music scene, this trendy entertainment hub stages live rock and pop concerts, with internationally renowned acts regularly topping the line-up bill. There are two licensed bars spread across two floors where, as well as musical performances, regular comedy acts and DJ sets play out.

Offering authentic Japanese food and authentic live jazz, No Black Tie is the perfect gastro-bar for an intimate evening of easy listening. Its small, but a sleek wood and glass interior creates an atmospheric backdrop for local and international names performing to an unpretentious, music-loving crowd.