Night Owl's guide to Kuala Lumpur

3 PM

Beneath the shadows of the Petronas Towers, indulge in an English high tea at the Mandarin Oriental’s Lounge on the Park. The beautifully presented four tier stand features cakes, fruit tarts, buttery scones, plus salmon and curried egg FInger sandwiches. With more than twenty varieties of herbal tea to choose from, including some local blends, it should recharge your batteries ahead of an afternoon of shopping and bar hopping.

4 PM

Wander next door to one of KL’s premium megamalls, Suria KLCC, for some duty free shopping. The Australian
dollar stacks up very well against the Malaysian Ringgit at the moment, so it’s not hard to pick up a bargain. High end highlights include Chanel, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Versace and Giorgio Armani. There’s no rush to the counter either, with stores open until 10pm daily.

5 PM

Take a ten-minute cab downtown to the world famous Chinatown, a mecca of street stalls and cuisine. As the sun goes down, the haggling kicks off in Petaling Street, where you’ll find an astonishing array of textiles, fresh produce and knick-knacks. Behind the stalls you’ll find a myriad of restaurants and coffee bars with cheap but very
palatable snacks.

7 PM

Swing back into KL’s CBD for a Thai fusion feast with no parallel at Neo Tamarind. This unique restaurant allows diners to pick and mix their favourite local and international ingredients, before passing them to chef Thiti Thammanatr to whip up a memorable stir fry. While you wait, grab a signature cocktail and marvel at the internal waterfall, cauldron of flames and medieval chandeliers.

9 PM

Head to the city circle and ride up to Level 33 of the Traders Hotel for one of KL’s best views. The hotel’s Sky Bar has become synonymous with late night chic since its opening five years ago, attracting a mix of trendy tourists and business people. I visited on a Wednesday, which is Ladies Night, and received a free mango margarita as I listened to the DJ spin his signature ‘80s tracks. If you can, grab a lounge next to the window and absorb the
sights while the friendly staff bring drinks and food to your table.

10 PM

Step outside futuristic KL and into 18th century Russia at Rootz Bar, a surreal and decadent night spot modelled on Baroque Palaces. Located on the rooftop of Lot 10, its drawcard is its intricately detailed ceilings, draping curtains and wall portraits. Like Sky Bar, it aims to lure the ladies in on a Wednesday night with the offer of
free drinks and VIP treatment, and it does not disappoint. In an effort to retain its exclusivity, cameras are banned and patrons are expected to dress up on themed evenings.

11 PM

Cap off your night at the elite Bridge Bar, which sits suspended between the GTower’s two buildings and features unmatched views of the city’s skyline. With a cover charge of 50 ringgit ($16) to non-hotel guests, it’s one of the city’s more expensive bars, but visitors get a drink upon arrival included in the price. Ultimately, you’re paying for the views, the intimacy and experience of floating in the middle KL – something you won’t get elsewhere. The comfortable, outward facing lounges make it an ideal spot to relax into the night and soak up KL’s intoxicating sea of lights.

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