David Bowden Words and Photos

(Kuala Lumpur, February 5, 2026) It would be a foolish developer who did not install a rooftop bar at the top of any new building development in Asia. One of the pioneers of drinking at altitude is SkyBar on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, strategically located with the finest views of the Petronas Twin Towers. 

Now in its 20th year of operation, SkyBar still sets the standard that most other nightspots try to emulate, and there is an argument that, if you have not been to SkyBar, you have not been to Kuala Lumpur.

While SkyBar has won every award for KL’s best bar, the management has not been one to rest on its laurels, as it continually reinvents itself according to current trends and consumer tastes. When SkyBar opened, there was little competition, but it is a different story today. An invitation arrived for me to visit after a recent revamp, and it was then that I realized that I had not been in the bar for years, so I jumped at the opportunity. 

As I entered the SkyBar, I noticed a new vertical garden that adds a pleasant tropical greeting.

SkyBar is unique in the city, as it has a five-lane, oblong-shaped lap pool in the middle of the bar’s semi-open space. Hotel guests can use the pool until late afternoon before it becomes a bar and entertainment space. Fresh air flows in through open windows, and oversized ceiling fans ensure SkyBar is one of the city’s coolest bars.

Drinks with a View

With SkyBar’s views, the staff at this popular nightspot could almost serve anything and still have drinkers queuing to get in. However, this is not the case, and although the views are a million dollars, the service, beverages and bar snacks ensure SkyBar is hard to beat when it comes to rooftop hospitality.

Arriving before 7:00pm makes good sense because this is when the lights to the Twin Towers come on to illuminate KL’s famous landmark. Cabana-like booths line the glass railing that faces the Twin Towers, and it is hardly surprising that these are the most desirable locations in the outlet. At dusk, the sky is still purple against the sunset, the best time for photography. Night owls will baulk at such an early start, but it is the early bird that secures a cabana booth at SkyBar. Apart from the cabana booths, patrons occupy positions around the pool in an area beside the bar at high bench tables and tall rattan stools. 

Beverages of Choice

While the views are unbeatable, the music, cool beverages and tempting snacks create an inviting setting. Not surprisingly, cocktails take centre stage here, with the house signatures presented in a colourful and informative book entitled ‘Spirits of Kuala Lumpur’. 

The bar team have scoured the streets and city skylines for inspiration in their attempt to tell a story in every sip. This 12-cocktail collection is the bar’s ode to the city, its people and its historic crafts. In the interests of research, we were up to the challenge of sampling most and are pleased to report that these beverages offer an elevated drinking experience.   

The cocktail that towers above all others is the SkyBar Superstars, two cocktails sold together as a ‘his and her combination’. Served in two tall glasses to represent the Twin Towers, gin is the spirit of choice, with one being blue and one pink. The ‘lady’ version includes elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine, while the ‘male’ version comprises infused gin, elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Its price of RM188 closely matches the number of floors in the two towers combined. 

 Being interested in all things whisky, our attention also turned to the Jazzy Boozy Boogie cocktail of whisky, Martini Rosso, Amaretto and hazelnut syrup. The bar team claim it is a tribute to Chow Kit in the 1960s and 1970s. While the whisky used in the cocktail was not a smoky, peated style, the blend provided a reference to the smoky nightclubs and jazz bars of the city’s Chow Kit precinct. The presentation on a wooden block added to its charm.  

The Red Lantern Remedy cocktail, comprising gin, lemongrass syrup, lychee purée and fresh lemon juice, is a tribute to Petaling Street. The sweet drink’s herbal flavours evoke memories of classic apothecaries and herbal shops still nestled in central Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.  

Fans of coffee might be reminded of Malaysia’s kopitiam culture when drinking the CTRL + Kopi cocktail, as it features a shot of coffee. However, this combination of tequila, coffee liqueur, palm sugar, coconut purée and milk provides a bigger kick than anything offered in a Malaysian coffeeshop. The presentation is visually exciting, and the flavours should tantalize the taste buds of coffee lovers.  

Ikan bilis and sausage is a popular local snack served at the SkyBar. SkyBar Bucket is the ideal hunger quencher  

Bar Snacks

SkyBar serves very tempting bar snacks, so patrons can make a night of it here. Pizzas are perfect, and several variations are available. We began our evening with calamari rings, sausage, and ikan bilis (anchovies), dishes that, as we learnt, are favourites among local diners. 

The Skybar Tub, the signature tasting bucket, includes chicken wings, crispy prawn tempura, mixed satay skewers, fries and chicken pieces served with various sauces.  

SkyBar is not only a place for locals to highlight Kuala Lumpur to visitors, but it is also a venue for a classy night out. It is also easy to see why the venue is popular for events and launches. It is advisable to make a reservation, and all prices are nett, meaning they already include government and service charges, so guests will know exactly what they will pay.  

SkyBar remains a top choice for a stylish evening out and an essential venue for visitors to Kuala Lumpur.

Contact

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).

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