A visit to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia is indeed incomplete without experiencing its scintillating nightlife. While it is not a big city, the same cannot be said about its nightlife. The Australian wines that are served in the majority of the restaurants are reasonably priced. You can also try out the popular South African, Italian, Chilean, and French wines that are offered in several bars in the city. If you’re planning a trip here soon, you can stay in one of the top hotels with pool or Airbnb vacation rentals. Before you tuck in, however, check out some of the best bars to end your night in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
1. Tavern Kitchen & Bar
Tavern Kitchen & Bar is known for its mind-blowing cocktails, beverages, and great meals at a reasonable price. The staff in the bar and the kitchen are highly skilled and have perfected the art of presentation and flavor for beverages as well as for foods. Tavern Kitchen & Bar specializes in both Western and local cuisines. It is known for is special local twists to Western dishes that are quite popular with the guests.
Tavern Kitchen & Bar
Address: Lot G-93, Aramaiti Street Walk IMAGO Shopping Mall, KK Times Square Phase 2, Jalan Coastal, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Tavern Kitchen & Bar
2. Sunset Bar
Sunset Bar is located in Shangri-La Tanjung Aru and enjoys an excellent location to enjoy a relaxed drink prior to pushing off to some other noisy and crowded places. Though the beverages at Sunset Bar are not quite cheap, the quality is superb and the place has become quite a favorite with many after its renovation. The bar is an ideal one to celebrate any special moment of your life. You can enjoy a popular jazz band playing foot-tapping music on a Sunday afternoon.
Sunset Bar
Address: Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, 20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Sabah, Kota Kinabalu
Website: Sunset Bar
3. El Centro Nas
El Centro Nas serves delectable desserts, sandwiches, salads, soups, and tacos until 10 p.m. every night. It is the sole non-smoking bar in the city. The place does not have a live band and so when you want to enjoy some quality conversation with your friends, then this is a perfect place for you. The drinks are pocket-friendly and its owner is an expert in preparing innumerable strong and delicious cocktails that will definitely appeal to your taste buds.
El Centro Nas
Address: 32, Jalan Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu
Website: El Centro Nas
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4. Sully’s Bar5
Sully’s Bar5 is popular for its sophisticated surroundings and good music. Sully’s Bar targets visitors that are in the age group of thirty plus who prefer it for its quiet music. However, they play endless varieties of music on a number of musical themes from 70’s peppy numbers to jazz. It also has its own in-house live band called Booboo Band.
Sully’s Bar5
Address: KK Times Square Hotel, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Sully’s Bar5
5. Shamrock Irish Bar
Visit Shamrock Irish Bar if you’re looking for some fun things to do. This pub offers an interesting menu with an amazing collection of food and serves one of the best burgers in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. As the name suggests, it is an Irish-themed bar and is a perfect place for the fans of the local rugby team to hang out and have fun. These fans simply love to watch a host of international games on Shamrock Irish Bar’s big screen.
Shamrock Irish Bar
Address: Lot 6, Waterfront, Anjung Samudera, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Shamrock Irish Bar
6. Chilli Vanilla Café
This cafe is located in one of the busiest streets of the city of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, opposite Kinabalu Emporium and near Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center. Chilli Vanilla Cafe is indeed a gem of a cafe. It serves lip-smacking Mediterranean style foods, main courses, and healthy salads along with homemade apple pie, bread, and cakes. If you are a caffeine lover, you must have a cuppa here as the place is famous for its coffee, which is served throughout the day. Alternatively, you can also order your preferred wine that will be served in a bottle or glass as per your preference. Staff here are known for their warmth and friendliness and can converse fluently in both Malay and English. It is an air-conditioned cafe that also offers free Wi-Fi facilities for its guests.
Chilli Vanilla Café
Address: 35, Jalan Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Chilli Vanilla Cafe’
7. Shenanigan’s Fun Pub
There was a time when this was the most famous pub in Kota Kinabalu but that legend still appears to live on. Even today, Shenanigan’s is regarded as an extremely popular venue and is located right below the Hyatt Hotel at street level. The pub features a pool table and happy hour. Moreover, popular bands from the Philippines play here to entertain the guests. You will also find a beer garden right in front of this pub. Though it is one of the town’s costliest bars, it had its own group of loyal customers who will swear by it.
Shenanigan’s Fun Pub
Address: Jalan Datuk Saleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu
Website: Shenanigan’s Fun Pub
8. Beernest Mixo
Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed.
The bar is unique in a way as it is the sole mixology bar Kota Kinabalu and also the first of its kind in the city. The bar features unique designs that make the place an excellent chill bar. Beernest Mixo offers a splendid view of the sunset and is also known for serving a versatile range of cocktails and beers. It also boasts of a great bartender. It is Kota Kinabalu’s only bar, which specializes in serving a wide range of fresh and draught beer.
Beernest Mixo
Address: Lot 15, Touri-Cultural Entertainment Esplanade, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Beernest Mixo
9. BED
BED is the acronym for “Best Entertainment Destination” and is conveniently situated in Waterfront complex. BED is regarded as the finest and real night club in Kota Kinabalu and also known as one of the biggest live entertainment venues, pubs, and clubs. The pub has a designated area for its members and several other private areas that are closed to house bigger private gatherings or parties.
BED
Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu
Website: BED
10. Vino Vino Bistro
The bistro is located at the Times Square of Kota Kinabalu and enjoys a reputation for serving an excellent choice of wines and fine dining. Vino Vino Bistro is also known for its impressive ambiance and hospitable staff. The bistro also serves scrumptious Japanese and Western dishes. The chef uses fresh ingredients to maintain the high-quality of food that you can enjoy with wine pairing recommended by the staff.
Vino Vino Bistro
Address: Unit No. J-57 & 58, Ground & 1st Floor KK Times Square, Off Coastal Highway,88100 Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia
Website: Vino Vino Bistro
Enjoy nightlife at Kota Kinabalu
We hope you liked our recommendations and will plan your evenings accordingly when you visit Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. These bars have been hand-picked based on their popularity, fine service, and an excellent selection of wines, cocktails, and other beverages. Don’t forget to check out some great places to stay for your accommodation needs.