Kuala Lumpur
Jetsetter presents the best design-conscious stays, cocktail bars and outdoor pursuits in the Malaysian capital
HIP COCKTAIL SPOTS Pull up a stool at these cool establishments
Bar Trigona at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur ( fourseasons.com) offers cocktails crafted with locally-grown, sustainable ingredients, like signature tipple the Trigona Old Fashioned (rye whiskey, cynar, trigona honey & cedar wood bitters). The cocktail menu is split into sections headlined by fruits: mango, watermelon & jackfruit and mandarin orange – and there’s even claypot-aged cocktails.
If you’re a fan of that speakeasy vibe, then pull up a stool at Three X Co, which regularly introduces themed cocktail menus such as its de-stress series, which included Lavender & Herbal Negronis. The award-winning bartenders have a reputation for shaking up creative mixes and friendly service.
At PS150 ( ps150.my), the cocktail menu pays tribute to Malaysia, Malacca and Sarawak. Try a Kelapa Pendan Julep (Rittenhouse Rye, pandan, toasted coconut) for a taste of Sabah, or rock up for teapot cocktails like Oolong (Oolong tea gin, citrus, mint & sparkling lemonade) between 5pm & 7pm.
Craving great views of the Petronas Twin Towers along with a lychee martini? Then check into the Heli Lounge Bar, a helicopter pad by day and bar by night located on the 36th floor of Menara KH.
OUTWARD BOUND Explore the great Malaysian outdoors
A popular daytrip from KL being just 14km away from the city centre, the Batu Caves are a series of caves and cave temples renowned for its steep flight of colourful steps to reach Cathedral Cave and the world’s tallest statue of Hindu deity Murugan. There’s also opportunities for rock climbing, with more than 150 routes to choose from.
Adrenaline junkies can head over to Extreme Park at Sunway Lagoon Extreme Park and freefall 22m above the water with Bungy Malaysia ( bungymalaysia.com), or board the G-Force x, the highest slingshot ride in Asia, a reverse bungee jump inside a capsule pulling up to 5Gs.
White water rafting awaits in Kuala Kubu Bharu, a 7km stretch of river and rapids an hour’s drive from the city along the Selangor River surrounded by jungle. Book with Xventure Mind ( malaysiawhitewater-rafting.com), which also offers trips along the Ulu Slim River at Tanjung Malim Perak.
Just 25km from KL, many visit Putrajaya to see the Putra Mosque, which is crafted from rose-coloured granite with a pink dome and is surrounded by Putrajaya lake. Get up early and admire it from above in a hot air balloon with My Balloon Adventure ( myballoonadventure.com).
DESIGNER STAYS Kick back in a design-conscious pad
Neoclassical/Art Deco hybrid The Majestic ( majestickl.com) dates back to 1932, making it the oldest hotel in the city. Check into the Orchid Conservatory for afternoon tea against a fragrant backdrop, and admire original features like the gold leaf domed ceiling in the bar above the grand piano.
If vibrant, bold design with a local twist is your thing, then check into W Kuala Lumpur ( marriott.com) and hang out with the in-crowd at Wet Deck or Woo Bar. The Ewow Suite even has its own private cocktail bar & bar counter in addition to a spa treatment room/gym space, while artworks & soft furnishings celebrate local culture in a typically modern W way.
Inspired by traditional Malay architecture, Villa Samadhi ( samadhiretreats.com) offers rustic luxe villas with a quiet, chilledout holiday vibe yet easy access to the city centre, which is a 10-minute walk away. The 21 villas include a luxe sarang, which has a garden with its own whirlpool and a patio offering direct access to the pool.
A modern urban retreat, Alila Bangsar ( alilahotels.com) offers calming white interiors and cool, minimalist design. Cocktail bar Pacific Standard pays homage to 50’s Hollywood glamour, while the swimming pool on the 40th floor is flooded with natural light and enlivened by tropical landscaping.