Nightlife and Entertainment

Kuala Lumpur is a city that never sleeps, at least until the wee hours, with night spots pulsating to the rhythm of the night life. As KL comes alive in a blaze of multi-coloured lights when the night falls, there is always something to keep you entertained with the profusion of lively karaoke lounges, pubs with live bands and jazz, discos, cinemas and cineplexes showing contemporary English, Malay, Chinese, Hindi and Indonesian movies, theatres, night clubs, cabarets, bowling alleys etc. Local theatre groups regularly stage enthralling Asian and Western dramas, dance dramas and the bangsawan (traditional Malay opera). Or you may just take a stroll at the pasar malam, the local night street market, for worthwhile bargains.

At dusk, Malaysia reveals a new facet. Hotel lounges and clubs, frequently found within the larger hotels, are active at night. Although somewhat expensive, these clubs usually have entertainment on a nightly basis, excluding Sunday. Performances and styles range from jazz to piano acts and popular music.

Locating pubs and bars may require some effort as the these are usually situated in the suburbs where live-music is often played.Pubs close around 11pm, however, so late-night action seekers must look elsewhere. Discos begin to warm up just as the pubs start closing their doors and often stay open until 2am. Some have live bands and light shows but often require cover charges or drink minimums. Consult with the locals for the hottest spots. Nightclubs and cabarets, or "kelab malam" as the locals call them, offer fifties-style atmosphere, often with variety acts, floor shows and bands.