Tired of the usual loud music and overcrowded dance floors? There are plenty of great bars hidden throughout KL. If you’re interested in trying something new, why not visit one of these 5 best hidden gems?

Heli Lounge Bar

By day, this is just an ordinary helipad – one of only five in the city. But at night, this place transforms into one of the city’s hottest hidden bars. Just below it is a lounge with a quirky aeronautical theme – there are plane propellers on the walls, a DJ console made from a Boeing-747 turbine and a floor of stark black and white tiles.

Once you arrive at the lounge, simply walk up the stairs (come between 6pm to 9pm for free access) and you’ll reach the rooftop bar. You can enjoy the most amazing views – especially if you arrive early enough to catch the sunset. Be sure to bring your camera!

Website: Heli Lounge Bar

PS150

Based in Chinatown, PS150 is a cocktail bar housed in a pre-war shop lot. Today, it’s split into three sections: the vintage-style Opium Den, with intimate booths perfect for a date night; the outdoor courtyard known as the Tiki or Post-war space which is perfect for bigger groups; and finally the Main Bar area – a darkly romantic place where the magic unfolds. Befitting its location, Far Eastern accents liven up the bar as the interiors harken back to a darker, yet more exciting time in our city’s history.

The cocktails at PS150 draws from bold Southeast Asian flavours using distinct ingredients that are native to this part of the world. A wide array of spirits and liqueurs are also available to choose from. Stepping through the store is like taking a trip back in time. The cocktail list is divided into five distinct eras: Vintage (1850s-1910s), Classic (1920s-1930s), Tiki (1940s-1960s), Disco (1970s-2000s) and Contemporary (late 2000s-present).

Website: PS150

The Vault

Step into The Vault for an evening of refined debauchery. This cozy little speakeasy bar offers a number of specially crafted cocktails suitable for satisfying even the most discerning palette. This bar invokes the spirit of the Prohibition Era, complete with charming bartenders and soothing music ranging from jazz swing to house.

Note that The Vault has a Smart Casual dress code, so don’t forget to kick off the flip-flops and put on something a little nicer before coming in.

Website: The Vault

Omakase + Appreciate

Tucked away in an artistic part of KL, Omakase + Appreciate is an eclectic concept bar bringing the best of various elements together to achieve balance. This tiny bar blends the service styles of Japanese and Western bars to create perfect drinks that you will Appreciate every single time.

The owners, Shawn Chong and Karl Too, are award-winning mixologist who never stop experimenting, bringing together new styles and ingredients to create something unique and original. Between the excellent cocktails and the cozy atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Omakase + Appreciate has been included in Asia’s 50 Best Bar list in both 2016 and 2017.

Website: Omakase + Appreciate

No Black Tie

Walking into No Black Tie for the first time is almost like an initiation rite into a very exclusive fraternity that embodies the artistic soul and essence of Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1998 by Sarawakian born-US trained classical pianist Evelyn Hii, No Black Tie is more than just an ordinary bar – it is also KL’s Premier Jazz Club and Gastro-Bar.

Unparalleled in it’s acoustics, NBT’s stage has seen the likes of stellar Malaysian and international jazz, classical, blues, folk or the spoken word acts. Step through the doors to discover good food, good drinks, and even better live music.

Website: No Black Tie