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Kuala Lumpur city centre with the Petronos Towers

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Kuala Lumpur Nightlife

With so many different cultures mixing together, nightlife in Kuala Lumpur is anything but dull. Although Malaysia is a Muslim country, alcohol is freely available in the capital and the nightlife is among the liveliest in Asia. Strict government controls close many bars by 0100, although some clubs stay open later. The legal drinking age in Kuala Lumpur is 21 years.

The main area for bars is in the 'Golden Triangle', where there are many European-style bars and nightclubs inside the luxury hotels. Bangsar, on the city fringe, is a serious rival to the city centre, with half a dozen streets of bars and eating places packed with a younger crowd.

Traditional arts and culture have made a comeback in Kuala Lumpur. All over the city, small-scale performances are rubbing shoulders with the more slick events at theatres.

The widely available monthly Vision KL Magazine (www.visionkl.com) and Time Out (www.timeoutkl.com) give visitors the low-down on Kuala Lumpur’s latest nightlife spots as well as events listings.

Bars in Kuala Lumpur

Citrus Rouge

In the heart of the Jalan Bukit Bintang entertainment district this is where live jazz, a bustling dance floor, fabulous cocktails, cigar divan and stylish restaurant combine to make this one of the most popular places in town.

19 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250
Tel: (03) 2142 5188.

Finnegan's

This is the Bangsar Baru bar most locals point visitors towards, although the high density of single males seems to have attracted an informal bar-girl scene. Live Irish music regularly features, but beware the cost of a pint of the 'black stuff' in Kuala Lumpur! Not everything is cheap in this city.

6 Jalan Telawi Lima, Bangsar Baru, 59100.
Website: www.finneganspubs.com

Sky Bar

Sky Bar at Traders Hotel, adjacent to the KLCC Convention Centre, has become very popular with the KL's 'smart' set over the past couple of years. With seating arranged around a swimming pool (care is required to avoid an unwanted soaking!), it has an open roof offering spectacular views of the Twin Towers.

Traders Hotel, KLCC 50088
Tel: (03) 2332 9888
Website: www.shangri-la.com/en/property/kualalumpur/traders/dining/restaurant/skybar

Clubs in Kuala Lumpur

Hard Rock Cafe

As well as its ubiquitous hamburger offerings, Hard Rock Café KL offers regular after-dinner dancing to classic rock music – a really western experience amid the exotic surroundings of the tropics.

Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250
Tel: (03) 244 4152.
Website: www.hardrockcafe.com

Sultan Lounge

An elegant new lounge style club offering a mix of relaxing piano music combined with DJ-spun sounds, located in the KLCC Mandarin Oriental Hotel close to the Twin Towers. Ideal for a quieter experience.

KLCC, 50088
Tel: (03) 2380 8888.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur

Zouk

One of the hottest clubs in town, high tech Zouk offers a roster of top local and international DJs, as well as two dance floors and two bars – one of which, on a covered terrace, gives views of the Twin Towers.

113 Jalan Ampang, 50450
Tel: (03) 2171 1997.
Website: www.zoukclub.com.my

Live Music in Kuala Lumpur

Neway

It's impossible to totally avoid karaoke in Kuala Lumpur. It can be entertaining from a people-watching point of view, just like it is in Tokyo, even if one isn't familiar with the local chart hits - but don't be too patronising. A good little insight into what makes a lot of Asian people tick.

Berjaya Times Square, 55100
Tel: (03) 2148 2600.
Website: www.newaykb.com.my

No Black Tie

If you like Japanese food, then No Black Tie is the perfect intimate dining venue - and if you're into live jazz as well it's a real treat. Top international names regularly appear at this small but atmospheric venue near the Istana Hotel.

17 Jalan Mesul, 50200
Tel: (03) 2142 3737.
Website: www.noblacktie.com.my

Classical Music in Kuala Lumpur

Dewan Filharmonik Petronas

For classical music concerts, the main venue in town is Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, in the Petronas Twin Towers complex. Malaysia's first classical concert hall, it is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and also hosts other major classical concerts as well as cultural performances.

KLCC, 50088
Tel: (03) 2051 7008.
Website: www.mpo.com.my

Theatre in Kuala Lumpur

Actor's Studio Theatre

On a smaller scale, the Actor's Studio Theatre is a flexible space with all sorts of performances and even some comedy. Small and intimate, it has only 250 seats, but offers a varied programme.

Lot 10, 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250
Tel: (03) 2144 2009.
Website: www.theactorsstudio.com.my

Culture in Kuala Lumpur

Istana Budaya Theatre

The move of Malaysia's Panggung Negara (National Theatre) to the massive Istana Budaya Theatre has revolutionised Kuala Lumpur's theatre scene. With seating for almost 1,500 people, the state-of-the-art venue is amongst the best in Asia.

Jalan Tun Razak , 50694
Tel: (03) 4026 5555.
Website: www.istanabudaya.gov.my

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