As Kuala Lumpur grows ever upwards, one of the benefits is an increasing number of rooftop bars where you can get spectacular views of the city. For the most part these are based in high end hotels, making for a mixed clientele of well-heeled locals, expats and visitors. The dress code tends towards “smart casual”, so no sandals, shorts or vests for men.

Location, location, location ... and pretty balloons.

The drinks may be overpriced, and the service is often inept, but no KL venue can match the views from Sky Bar at Traders. Particularly at night, it seems like you can almost reach out and touch the Twin Towers.

Turn up by 19:00, and getting a window table is not as hard as you might think, especially if it’s been raining. Priority is given to hotel guests when it comes to table reservations.

Shoot for the moon.

The views at Luna, at the top of the Pacific Regency, might not quite match those at Sky Bar, but they are still superb. The setting too, by the twinkling pool, is very classy. Although not on most tourists’ radar, Luna is popular with moneyed locals.

Seeing KL through beery goggles.

This means the bar (which opens from 19:00) can get away with charging a 50 ringgit cover charge after 21:30 on Friday and Saturday.

Willing suspension of disbelief recommended.

One of KL’s classiest new hotels in town, G-Tower, has not one but two bars with great views. Suspended between two towers is the Bridge Bar, which keeps its exclusivity by imposing a 50 ringgit cover charge. This includes one free drink, so it’s not as bad a deal as it sounds. View is somewhat more democratic, and as a result has a much livelier atmosphere. Check out this link for the latest promotions and happy hour deals.

View: the name says it all.

Another recent addition to the scene is Skylounge at the top of Ascott Kuala Lumpur (serviced residences). Run by the same people at Sevenatenine, one of KL’s classiest bars, it provides a more quiet, intimate experience than Sky, Luna or View. Skylounge is probably the best of the bunch for cocktails.

La dolce vita, Bar Italia style.

Although it is only two storeys above ground level, probably my favourite rooftop bar of all is at Bar Italia. It’s the perfect spot to start or finish off an evening out in KL, and an all-round top choice for a romantic date. Quite apart from the setting, Bar Italia serves up some of the best Italian food in town. Unfortunately, the rooftop space is not always open, so check first to avoid disappointment.

Sky Bar
Floor 33, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
T: (03) 2332 9911
www.skybar.com.my

Luna Bar
Floor 34, Pacific Regency Hotel, Jalan Punchak, by KL Tower, off Jalan P Ramlee
T: (03) 2332 7777
www.luna.my

Bridge Bar
Level 28, G Tower, Jalan Tun Razak, KLCC
T: (03) 2168 1899
gtowerhotel.com

View
Level 30, G Tower, Jalan Tun Razak, KLCC
T: (03) 2168 1881
www.view.com.my

Skylounge
22nd Floor, Ascott Kuala Lumpur, 9 Jalan Pinang, KLCC
T: (03) 2142 6868 (ext 4340)
sevenatenine.com/kl/skylounge.html

Bar Italia
29 Jalan Berangan, off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang
T: (03) 2144 4499
www.baritaliakl.com

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Tags: Bar Italia, Bridge Bar, G-Tower, Luna, Pacific Regency, Petronas Towers, Sevenatenine, Sky Bar, Skylounge, View