bukit bintang

Changkat: Not Your Standard “Best Bars” Guide

Want to go drinking and dancing?

We’ll catch you down at Changkat.

Changkat is Kuala Lumpur’s famous party street, a single block of bars and nightclubs where people go to “go out.”

Should you hit it or skip it?

changkat kuala lumpur

What is Changkat?

Changkat is the nightlife hub of Kuala Lumpur, a short but vibrant street that’s nestled between the skyscrapers that dominate the KL skyline.

KL has many places to go for a night on the town, but Changkat is by far the most energetic. Because of its central location, Changkat draws a diverse and excitable crowd of locals, expats, and travelers.

If you only had one night to explore the bars and nightclubs of Kuala Lumpur, then you’ve got to stop by Changkat for at least one drink (or seven).

changkat kuala lumpur

Changkat Map

Changkat is located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Don’t forget to explore the rest of Bukit Bintang! The neighborhood has excellent shopping, dining, and night markets.

Type of Bars in Changkat

Here’s the truth about Changkat: it’s the same as every party street you’ll find anywhere.

Most of the bars in Changkat are designed to be as trendy as possible to appeal to the widest variety of people. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because it allows the crowd to ebb and flow very easily from one place to the next––it’s the ideal spot for a pub crawl. If you’re looking for a specialty bar, you’ll have to go somewhere else.

That being said, Changkat is a fun place to go with friends or people you’ve met during your travels. You’ll find bars with:

  • Local beer and wine
  • Pool tables
  • Shisha
  • Live bands
  • Dance floors (including a few dedicated nightclubs)
  • Sports broadcasts

However, Changkat’s vibrant personality will make more of an impression on you than any single bar.

At night the street is full of color, busting with music, and packed with people. There’s a raw energy in Changkat that’s infectious, even if you’re not much of a party-goer.

changkat kuala lumpur
A dance floor that’s also an aquarium.

The Best Bars in Changkat?

You’ll find a lot of online blogs that list the “best bars in Changkat.”

We think that’s a little silly.

If you’re trying to find a good bar in Changkat, we think it’s best you walk down the street until you stumble upon one that jives with you.

Trust us on this. [We’re locals.]

The bars in Changkat are so similar to each other that it’s hard to differentiate between them. They generally offer the same types of drinks, food, and music, so no bar really stands out from the crowd. Don’t expect a totally different experience from one bar to the next.

Whether or not a bar seems appealing to you will probably depend on how many people are there and if you like the music they’re playing.

So, if you’re looking for the right bar in Changkat, it’s better to walk down the street and scope out the scene. Find a bar that’s calling your name, and answer the call.

changkat kuala lumpur
Changkat as seen from above.

Changkat Bar Hopping Tips

Going to Changkat for a night out? Here are a few tips for you:

  • Sit Outside: In Changkat, it’s most fun to sit at the tables outside of each bar (unless it’s raining, of course). The outdoor tables are fun because they’re more breathable, less noisy, and give you a pretty view of the bustling street.
  • Dress How You Like: Few places in Changkat have a dress code, so feel free to dress as casually or as fancy as you like. You’ll see people in Changkat wearing all sorts of different attire.
  • Pregame at KK Mart: Kuala Lumpur is one of those places where you can drink on the street. If you’re on a budget, don’t hesitate to go buy a cheap beer from a local KK Mart before you buy the pricier drinks at the bars.
  • Don’t Buy Food at the Bar: In Changkat, most of the food menus are simply “bar food.” And they’re quite expensive. If you get hungry while you’re drinking and dancing, just walk up the street to Jalan Alor night market. You can buy delicious street food for a fraction of the price.
  • Beware of Traffic: The toughest thing about going out in Changkat is dealing with the heavy traffic, especially on weekends. Traffic in and around Changkat can be nightmarishly slow. It’s best to have a taxi / Grab drop you off at the outskirts of the neighborhood, and then just walk into Changkat. You’ll walk faster than the line of cars.
  • Have an Exit Strategy: Leaving Changkat can be equally difficult. It can be tough to secure a Grab ride because of the heavy traffic. And while there are plenty of taxis waiting on the street, they’ll charge exorbitant prices even if you’re only traveling a short distance. It’s best to walk to the outskirts of Changkat to find a ride, or to walk directly to your hotel. Bukit Bintang is a safe neighborhood with a heavy police presence in the evening, but remember that it’s always best to walk with a group of family of friends after a night of drinking.
  • Stay Nearby: The best way to avoid Changkat traffic is to stay at a hotel nearby so you can easily walk to Changkat and back.
changkat kuala lumpur

Hotels in Changkat

There are plenty of hotels and hostels near Changkat, but keep the following in mind:

  • Most of the hotels surrounding Changkat are low-quality or very noisy (it might be hard to fall asleep to the sound of car horns and bass thumping)
  • There are several nice hotels on the outskirts of Changkat, but they do charge higher rates—not ideal for budget travelers or backpackers

Check out Bestow Boutique Hotel if you’re looking for a quieter, budget-friendly hotel that’s still within walking distance of Changkat.

We’re just a fifteen-minute walk from Changkat, Jalan Alor, and several shopping malls. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy an atmosphere that’s far more lovely than the hustle-and-bustle of Changkat. Less touristy, too!

Kuala Lumpur Nightlife: Other Places to Go

Changkat is the most popular nightlife spot in Kuala Lumpur, but it’s definitely not the only one. KL has many excellent places to explore when the sun goes down.

TREC

TREC is hugely popular with locals and offers a more eclectic variety of bars and clubs. It’s generally more expensive than Changkat, but the bars are more unique and it’s much easier to get to. In fact, TREC is only a 5-minute Grab ride from Bestow Boutique Hotel and Bestow Hostel.

bestow kuala lumpur

Bestow Restaurant & Bar

Looking for a quieter place to hang out in the evening? Come check out our lovely bar and restaurant in Bukit Bintang. We offer:

  • A unique Asian fusion menu
  • A variety of liquor and mixers
  • Beer and beer buckets
  • Organic wines
  • Shisha (half the price of the shisha in Changkat—and you’ll love lounging in our beautiful outdoor courtyard)
  • Affordable prices!
changkat kuala lumpur

Rooftop Bars

Kuala Lumpur has many excellent rooftop bars that give you a stunning view of the skyline. Heads up: these bars tend to be more expensive and may require a dress code or reservations. Do your research ahead of time!

Speakeasies

Kuala Lumpur is famous for its speakeasy scene. There are dozens of hidden bars throughout the city with unique themes and dazzling cocktails. We shouldn’t spill the beans here. 😉