Kuala Lumpur Entertainment

This is a city that is not short on entertainment. KL is the Malaysian hub of nightclubs and bars, which continue until the early hours every morning. Meanwhile, those with more refined tastes can catch a performance by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra or tickle their thespian taste buds with a show at the Actors Studio theatre. The events calendar is equally packed with colourful, mostly religious, festivals held frequently.

Nightlife

KL has an exciting nightlife to offer those who like to party, while there are also plenty of entertainment options for those looking for a sedate evening. Clubbers are spoilt for choice. There are oodles of bars lining Jl Sultan Ismail, many of which open until 02:00, while those looking to continue to a dance floor will not have far to go, with many of the city’s most popular nightclubs in the same area. Nightclubs here mostly have a cover charge that includes a free drink, with the vast majority closing at 03:00.

If you are burnt out from all your sightseeing, there are cinemas at all the main shopping complexes, while many of the city’s restaurants provide the ideal setting for dining and drinking the night away.

Theatre and music

If classical music is your thing, don’t miss a performance by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, which gather every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Petronas Towers. Meanwhile, thespians can catch contemporary and classical performances of music, dance and comedies at the Actors Studio and the Actors Studio Bangsar; some performances are in English. Tickets should be booked in advance.

While many modern cover bands as well as Malaysian acts play out at the bars along Jl Sultan Ismail, more cultural musical performances can be found at the Malaysian Tourist Information Complex four days of the week, while Central Market is also frequently the host of open-air musical events. In addition, dinner-and-show deals are offered at some of the city’s hotels.

Festivals

Malaysia has a festival for almost every calendar month of the year ensuring visitors to KL will catch some kind of celebration while they are here. Many of the festivals are religious or culturally based, making them fascinating for outsiders. Among the highlights are:

• Thaipusam is one of the most intriguing festivals to witness, with it being characterised by Hindu devotees piercing various parts of their bodies in a sign of fulfilment for answered prayers. The silver chariot that is housed at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is taken to the Batu Caves in a procession that is followed by huge crowds (January).
• Chinese New Year goes off with a bang in KL, with a large percentage of the community being ethnic Chinese. Head for Chinatown to see the colourful celebrations, which include fireworks, dancing, music and costumes (January).
• Deepvali is the Hindu festival of light, with followers setting off lanterns and small banana leaf boats with candles onto the city’s waters. Little India is the best area for taking part in the celebrations, with fireworks and special food being prepared (October to November).
• Malaysian National Day is a celebration of independence, with KL celebrating the day with the most gusto. Expect parades and all sorts of cultural performances at Lake Gardens (31 August).