When it comes to crowd-favourite venues in Kuala Lumpur, Zebra Square or The Bee Publika remain top of mind. That said, Kuala Lumpur also plays host to many other unique and offbeat spaces that you could consider having your next event at – like these five snazzy alternative venues below!
Slate @ The Row
It doesn’t get any fresher than this. As of this June, 22 pre-war shop houses along Jalan Doraisamy were refreshed and relabeled as The Row. These 1940s buildings are now a lively neighbourhood of exciting new and local outfits. Slate’s 2,760 sqf ground floor is perfect for all types of events, especially ones that are looking for a cosy feel. This exciting new development is just a short walk away from both Bukit Nanas Monorail and Damai LRT.
Website: www.facebook.com/TheRowKL
Address: Slate @ The Row, 50 Jalan Doraisamy, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Barlai @ Jalan Sin Chew Kee
Photo: JUICE Online
It’s hard to believe that this charming brownstone corner house on Jalan Sin Chew Kee is just a couple of streets away from the madness of Changkat Bukit Bintang and so near the KL Police Contingent HQ— but there you have it. Innocuously tucked away on a quiet street peppered with old-school KL residents is this converted lot bearing renown local architect Seksan’s signature reverence for a building’s history and neighbourhood. Barlai is smaller than most venues, but varied and exciting— there’s a bar on the first floor with an exciting drinks menu, a larger space upstairs for galleries and events, a tavern-style common room, and a rooftop that fits about 15-20 people.
Website: thebiggroup.co/bignightout/barlai
Address: 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Heli Lounge
Any hangout feels that much more special when you’re hanging out on an active helipad at the heart of the Golden Triangle— no helicopter necessary! For one thing, every sunset here is Instagram-worthy, and a 360 degree view of the city would certainly take your attendee’s breathes away. This space has seen its share of marriage proposals, but it’s easy to see its potential for other kinds of events too. Get your drinks and dance on at the aviation-themed bar beneath the helipad.
Website: www.facebook.com/Heliloungebar
Address: 34th Floor, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Merdekarya
Photo: Silverkris.com’s 7 Places That Rock Kuala Lumpur
Merdekarya not only boasts one of the best-named venues we’ve ever encountered in Klang Valley, but is hands-down an unpretentious and welcoming space (see their guest rules and witty website if you don’t believe us!). Typically a fool-proof option for a night of local music (a scene which it thoroughly supports), this warm and friendly space has been open to notable events like local artist Sharon Chin’s Weeds/Rumpai art party. Merdekarya is a five minute taxi ride from both Taman Jaya LRT and Bangsar LRT, but the website helpfully lists directions if attendees are coming from other areas.
Website: www.merdekarya.com
Address: 352, 1st Floor, Jalan 5/57, Petaling Garden, Section 5, 46000, PJ
Ruang @ Subang Jaya
Photo: TimeOut KL
As we slowly orbit out of central KL, we arrive at our last recommendation for this list— Ruang, in Subang Jaya. Subang Jaya is known to locals as pretty much its own suburban ecosystem outside of KL, and Ruang is one of the best options for an event space in this part of town. Its large two sections can be fiddled with to form a space that’s becoming of almost any kind of event— and it’s played host to fashion shows, art exhibits, meetings, training sessions, game nights, and product launches.
Website: www.facebook.com/ruangeventspace
Address: 1, Jalan SS18/6 Subang Jaya, 47500 Selangor
Did a venue above catch your fancy, or have others in Kuala Lumpur to suggest? Share them with us in the comments box below, we’re always game to discover more unique spaces!
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