Looking for the best bars in Malaysia? The latest edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 has spotlighted seven must-visit Malaysian bars, from futuristic cocktail labs to hidden speakeasies. Malaysia’s cocktail culture is gaining international recognition, and Kuala Lumpur leads the pack with six entries, while Penang charms with its signature hidden gem.
Whether you’re a local, an expat, or a cocktail-loving traveler, here’s your ultimate guide to Malaysia’s top bars in 2025.
1. Penrose – Kuala Lumpur
Asia Rank: 8 | 🇲🇾 Best Bar in Malaysia 2025
Penrose made a historic leap to 8th place in Asia, making it the highest-ranked Malaysian bar ever. This stylish minimalist bar is renowned for its elegant cocktails crafted with clarity, balance, and precision. Every drink tells a story, often inspired by Malaysian heritage and culture.
Must-Try: Silk – A refined mix of shochu, osmanthus, and citrus, paying tribute to the ancient Chinese silk trade.
2. Bar Trigona – Kuala Lumpur
Asia Rank: 36 | Sustainable Cocktails with Local Ingredients
Located at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Bar Trigona is a pioneer of eco-conscious mixology. It sources ingredients like Trigona honey from local farmers and champions zero-waste techniques.
Must-Try: Trigona Old Fashioned – A unique take on the classic cocktail, using honey from stingless Malaysian bees.
3. Reka:Bar – Kuala Lumpur
Asia Rank: 41 | Malaysia’s Most Innovative Bar
Reka:Bar brings a scientific twist to mixology. Known for its futuristic, experimental approach, the bar incorporates molecular gastronomy and sci-fi themes. It’s a visual and taste experience like no other.
Must-Try: Orion – Served in a smoky glass sphere, this space-inspired drink is as mesmerizing as it is delicious.
4. Backdoor Bodega – Penang
Asia Rank: 52 | Hidden Speakeasy in George Town
This Penang gem is cleverly hidden behind a pin shop. Known for its witty branding and creative cocktails, you “buy a pin” and get access to world-class drinks. It’s playful, relaxed, and packed with local charm.
Must-Try: Gin & Juice (RM5 Rebate) – A cheeky yet sophisticated cocktail that’s become a fan favorite.
5. Three X Co – Kuala Lumpur
Asia Rank: 56 | Vintage Shanghai Meets Modern Malaysia
Three X Co combines 1930s Shanghai glamour with modern cocktail innovation. Located in Bangsar Shopping Centre, this speakeasy-style bar delivers elegance, with bartenders in suspenders and meticulously crafted drinks.
Must-Try: Asam Boi Margarita – A tangy, nostalgic cocktail that fuses Malaysian flavor with Mexican flair.
6. Coley – Kuala Lumpur
Asia Rank: 70 | Classic Cocktails with a Malaysian Soul
Named after Ada Coleman, one of history’s most iconic female bartenders, Coley blends traditional techniques with Malaysian ingredients. Expect pandan, coconut, and even Milo in your glass.
Must-Try: Milo Dinosaur Cocktail – A nostalgic childhood favorite turned indulgent adult treat.
7. Junglebird – Kuala Lumpur
Asia Rank: 80 | Rum Bar Inspired by KL’s Own Classic
Junglebird pays homage to the Jungle Bird cocktail, invented in Kuala Lumpur in 1978. With its lush, tropical interior and more than 100 rums, it’s Malaysia’s top bar for rum lovers.
Must-Try: Jungle Bird – The original cocktail reimagined with modern flair.
Quick Map: Where to Find These Bars
| Location | Bars |
|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | Penrose, Bar Trigona, Reka:Bar, Three X Co, Coley, Junglebird |
| Penang | Backdoor Bodega |
Why Malaysia’s Bar Scene is on the Rise
Malaysia’s emergence in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list is more than just a trend—it reflects a growing appreciation for local ingredients, innovative mixology, and cultural storytelling through drinks. With six bars in Kuala Lumpur and one in Penang recognized, the country is fast becoming a cocktail capital of Southeast Asia.
Plan Your Bar Crawl in Malaysia
Whether you’re planning a night out in Kuala Lumpur’s high-rise lounges or a hidden getaway in Penang’s heritage core, these bars offer world-class cocktails in unforgettable settings.
So next time you’re in Malaysia, raise your glass to craftsmanship, culture, and creativity.
