Perched on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, SkyBar remains one of the city’s defining nightlife experiences, pairing peerless landmark views with polished cocktails, relaxed glamour, and an enduring sense of occasion.
It would be a foolish developer indeed not to include a rooftop bar atop any new building in Asia. One of the pioneers of drinking at altitude is SkyBar, perched on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur and strategically positioned to deliver uninterrupted views of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Now marking its 20th year of operation, SkyBar continues to set the benchmark that many other nightspots attempt to emulate. There is a long-held argument that if you have not been to SkyBar, you have not truly experienced Kuala Lumpur.
Despite having collected just about every accolade for the city’s best bar, the team here has never been content to rest on past success. SkyBar has evolved consistently alongside changing tastes and trends. When it first opened, competition was limited. Today, the skyline is crowded with rooftop concepts. A recent invitation following a revamp proved a timely reminder of just how effectively SkyBar continues to hold its own.
The first impression is a refreshed sense of arrival, with a new vertical garden offering a distinctly tropical welcome. SkyBar remains unique in Kuala Lumpur for its five-lane, oblong-shaped lap pool that sits at the heart of the semi-open space. Hotel guests can use the pool until late afternoon, after which the venue transitions seamlessly into an evening bar and entertainment destination. Open windows invite fresh air, while oversized ceiling fans ensure SkyBar remains one of the city’s most comfortable rooftop venues.
DRINKS WITH A VIEW
With views like these, SkyBar could arguably serve almost anything and still draw a respectable crowd. Instead, it continues to take its beverage programme seriously, ensuring the experience extends well beyond the scenery. Service is attentive, the drinks are well considered, and the bar snacks are strong enough to turn a casual visit into a full evening out.
Arriving before 7.00pm is a strategic move. This is when the Twin Towers begin to light up, transforming Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark into a dramatic evening backdrop. Cabana-style booths line the glass railing facing the towers and are, unsurprisingly, the most sought-after seats in the house. Dusk brings a purple-tinged sky that is ideal for photography. While night owls may scoff at such an early start, those who arrive early are rewarded with first dibs on prime real estate. Beyond the cabanas, seating wraps around the pool, with high tables and tall rattan stools creating a relaxed but lively atmosphere.
BEVERAGES OF CHOICE
Cocktails take centre stage at SkyBar, presented through a colourful and thoughtfully curated menu titled Spirits of Kuala Lumpur. The bar team has drawn inspiration from the city’s streets, neighbourhoods, and history, aiming to tell a story with every glass. The resulting 12-cocktail collection serves as a liquid tribute to Kuala Lumpur and its cultural fabric.
Sampling across the range reveals drinks that are both playful and polished. Among the most talked-about is the SkyBar Superstars, a paired cocktail concept marketed as a ‘his and her’ combination. Served in two tall glasses representing the Twin Towers, both are gin-based. One features elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine, while the other combines infused gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. Priced – admittedly not inexpensively – at RM188 for the pair, the number nods cheekily to the combined number of floors in the twin landmarks.
Whisky drinkers will find interest in the Jazzy Boozy Boogie, a blend of whisky, Martini Rosso, Amaretto, and hazelnut syrup. Said to reference Chow Kit in the 1960s and 1970s, the cocktail evokes the era’s smoky jazz bars rather than peat-heavy whiskies. Served on a wooden block, it is as much about mood as flavour.
The Red Lantern Remedy, built around gin, lemongrass syrup, lychee purée, and fresh lemon juice, pays homage to Petaling Street. Its herbal sweetness calls to mind traditional apothecaries and herbal shops that continue to define Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
Meanwhile, CTRL + Kopi nods to Malaysia’s kopitiam culture while delivering a far more potent punch. Tequila, coffee liqueur, palm sugar, coconut purée, milk, and a shot of coffee combine in a visually striking drink that will appeal to caffeine lovers seeking something stronger than the usual brew.
BAR SNACKS
SkyBar’s food offering is more than an afterthought. The menu includes a solid selection of bar snacks that make lingering well into the night an easy decision. Pizzas are popular, while calamari rings, sausages, and ikan bilis consistently rank among local favourites. While very little here could be characterized as health food, it doesn’t miss the mark at all as far as “pub grub” goes: it’s tasty, plentiful, and pretty much the perfect accompaniment to your drink.
The SkyBar Tub, the venue’s signature sharing platter, brings together chicken wings, crispy prawn tempura, mixed satay skewers, waffle fries, and popcorn chicken pieces, all paired with an array of sauces. It is ideal for small groups and casual grazing between cocktails.
SkyBar continues to serve as both a showcase venue for visitors and a reliable choice for a polished night out among locals. Its layout, service standards, and visual impact also make it a popular setting for events and launches. Reservations are recommended, and with all prices listed nett, there are no surprises at the end of the evening.
Two decades on, SkyBar remains a defining feature of Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife scene and an essential stop for anyone seeking a stylish evening above the city.
Additional text and photos by Chad Merchant
Location and Details
SkyBar
Level 33, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, KLCC
T: +60 3 2332-9888
W: www.tradershotels.com
Open noon to 1 am (Sunday-Thursday) and noon to 2 am (Fridays, Saturdays, and the eve of public holidays).
