TRAVEL MALAYSIA: Top 5 Rooftop Bars in KL

Author: @yasminep

One of my favourite things to do in South East Asian cities, especially after a long day of travelling around or working remotely, is chill with a cocktail on a rooftop bar. Probably kind of extra, but it can be affordable as well as fancy. In my opinion a must do experience, especially in KL! There are many rooftop bars to choose from, but these are my top 5 favourites!

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1. PJ’s Bar & Grill, Rooftop Bar KL, New World Petaling Jaya Hotel
Best for dates

I'm putting this at number 1. because I haven't yet seen any lists with this bar on it and I think it's completely underated! Next to Paradigm Mall, this is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, uninterrupted views of the city i've ever seen. Perfect for date nights or summer evenings with friends. The drinks are innovative and truly delicious. My recommendation would be the Ginger and Pineapple Margarita (made with tequila). Just scrumptious and comes in a huge glass too. A little pricey, but for the view you really can't complain!

The view by night!

No. 1, Jalan SS7/26A, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

2. Helipad Lounge Bar
Best for sunsets

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You'll find Helipad Lounge on a lot of the tourist hit-lists and for very good reason. My go-to place to take visitors, for beautiful sunsets or just some drinks (no excuse needed). I love the height of the helipad because you really feel like you're a part of the city, really amongst it. Enjoy a drink in the evening breeze looking out onto the heart of KLCC and beyond! The drinks are also very reasonably priced. You'll need to buy a drink at the bar beneath before taking it up to the rooftop.

Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3. Marini's on 57

Not a rooftop bar as such (because I would count rooftop to mean open air), but there is a small area of open air here and my favourite part of the bar to grab a seat - come early to ensure you can do so. Sitting so close to the Petronas Towers makes KL feel somehow like Gotham City. Maybe it's the bats circling the towers or maybe it's the proximity of the buildings, either way this is one of my favourite bars with a view. Go during happy hour as the drinks can get kind of expensive otherwise.

The view from Marini's rooftop area. Getting that Gotham City vibe?

Level 57, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC

4. Fuego Sky Dining
Best for a fancy occasion

This is my favourite place in Troika. The view was once flawless, but in the last year with many new builds going up, you can now only see one of the Petronas Towers. A real shame, but still a stunning view in a beautiful setting. Fuego is a South American restaurant serving up a pretty meat heavy menu with some of the most delicious guacamole you'll find in KL! The cocktails are tasty too! There's usually a minimum spend here so i'd recommend coming for a fancy occasion or special evening and taking your time with some food and drinks.

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The Troika, Tower B, 19, Persiaran KLCC, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

5. Mantra Bar
Best for drinks with friends

On the roof on Bangsar Village II this bar is the perfect place to grab some chilled drinks in the area, somewhere which feels a little more special. They also have a dance floor inside so you can root yourself here for a while, take it the city atmosphere and relax. As far as cityscapes go, Mantra doesn't have the best view, but I love the vibe here.

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Lot R-E, Bangsar Village 2, 2 Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

You may have noticed i'm writing many of the KL features. I think it's important we cover the capital first and we didn't have many takers for this amongst the team. Don't worry, it won't be only me ;-) Plenty of local features coming next!

This is part of a series of features about Malaysia Expect hidden gems, local flavours, off-the-beaten-track experiences and much more. Consider this steemit's first independent guide to Malaysia!

Next up: Top 5 Speakeasy Bars!