By Ellfian Rahim
With so many bars across this beautiful city, what is it about the prospect of sitting outdoors in the fresh air, high above the bustle of commuters below, watching the sun set, that makes people practically race for the elevator? With the holiday season here, now seems the perfect time to take a closer look at some of best and outstanding rooftop bars in KL — and see which might suit your party mood.
Terrazza KL
This stylish rooftop restobar sits atop the six-storey Yap Ah Shak House, one of Kuala Lumpur’s chic boutique enclaves in the Chow Kit area. Housing boutique serviced offices, the building also offers sweeping skyline views that take in the Petronas Towers and KL Tower. Terrazza KL is known for its Italian-inspired small plates, creative cocktails and laid-back vibe, operating mainly from Thursday to Sunday evenings, with themed nights ranging from disco to jazz.
At the bar, expect crowd-pleasing cocktails such as the Pompelno Spritz — a refreshing blend of Aperol, Prosecco and grapefruit juice — as well as the Barcelona Fizz, a gin-based thirst-quencher brightened with St-Germain, lime juice and soda.
Sky51
Voted Malaysia’s top city hotel for three consecutive years, EQ Kuala Lumpur is also home to one of the city’s most celebrated rooftop bars. Sky51 was listed among Asia’s top five rooftop bars and is widely regarded as a pinnacle of KL’s vibrant food and beverage scene.
Its spectacular alfresco terrace delivers the requisite Petronas Twin Towers view, while the bar focuses on refined, expertly crafted cocktails that showcase fruits, botanicals and spices in inventive ways. A wide selection of premium spirits is also available, along with elevated bar bites — from oysters to sliders — to keep the party going.
SkyBar
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, SkyBar boasts unobstructed Twin Towers views and an impressive list of accolades, including Asia’s Best Bar Award and multiple “Best Hotel Bar” and “Best Nightlife Experience” titles. Located on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, this sophisticated hotspot invites guests to let their hair down the moment they step out of the elevator.
Choose one of the alcoves lining SkyBar’s signature pool and let your gaze drift across the glittering cityscape, set to smooth beats courtesy of the resident DJ.
Satellite Restaurant & Bar
Perched on the 53rd floor of the glass-encased Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur, Satellite Restaurant & Bar is a sleek, modern and spacious venue that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline, including uninterrupted vistas of the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower and Merdeka 118.
Here, dinner or light bites — such as Tempura Maki and Wagyu Beef Tacos — can be paired with artisan cocktails, fine wines, premium spirits and a generous selection of non-alcoholic options. Still something of a hidden gem, Satellite offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for sunset drinks or an evening of good food, great company and panoramic city views.
Vertigo
Situated on the 60th floor of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, Vertigo is best known for its sweeping city views and elegant, meticulously handcrafted cocktails. The menu brings Malaysian fruits, botanicals and spices to life in creative and contemporary ways.
Spanning three sides of the building, the views stretch across almost the entirety of Kuala Lumpur. Guests can sink into comfortable lounge seating while enjoying well-crafted cocktails and Southeast Asian-inspired tapas. One floor below, the stylish Horizon Grill features its own open-air terrace, complete with lush greenery, a man-made stream and front-row views of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Canopy Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Established in collaboration with the much-talked-about Tiger Bay London lounge, Canopy Rooftop Bar & Lounge offers a relaxed rooftop setting beneath an expansive canopy. Comfortable loungers and sofas make it an inviting spot to unwind with a cocktail in hand.
The drinks menu features cocktails by resident and guest mixologists, alongside wines, champagne and an extensive selection of premium shishas. Diners can also choose from a range of traditional Indochinese dishes. Adding to the experience is a lively entertainment programme, with performances ranging from belly dancers to snake charmers.
