Beach bars in Malaysia
Nothing screams vacay more than relaxing by the beach with a cold drink in hand while waiting for the sun to set.
Places such as Bali, Phuket, and Koh Samui are teeming with beach bars with their bustling nightlife. While Malaysia has some catching up to do, we have our fair share of gorgeous beach bars dotted around the country too. From luxurious, to quirky, to cute, here are eight beach bars to visit and chill out at during your next cuti-cuti Malaysia trip.
1. Puteh Beach Bar, Kuantan
Image credit: @yutanakamura.blanju
Located on Pantai Balok, behind Aduna Hotel and next to Swiss Garden hotel, Puteh Beach Bar resembles a mini Greek oasis in the small, laidback town of Kuantan with its blue and white decor.
Customers can choose to lounge on their deck and laze on the sun chairs and sofas, or plonk themselves on the airbags right on the beach, closer to the water.
Image credit: @melissaluvfood
Their menu is pretty standard as they serve Western cuisine priced around RM20+ per dish.
They also regularly host events and feasts such as weekend barbecue, Ladies’ Night, and more, so make sure you follow their Facebook and Instagram to see what they’re up to and book a spot.
Address: Jalan Kuantan, Kemaman Sungai Karang, Pantai Balok, 26080 Kuantan, Pahang
Opening hours: 12PM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 017-774 1097
Puteh Beach Bar website | Facebook | InstagramÂ
2. Yellow Cafe, Langkawi
Image credit: @doublelewk
An extremely Instagrammable cafe with bright yellow walls, umbrellas, table cloths – pretty much the entire building is yellow – Yellow Cafe keeps true to its namesake. There are also quirky, vibrant murals on the wall so you’ll have a ball of a time taking pictures at every corner possible.
Image credit: @daromoja
The cafe is meant for chilling out and relaxing for a long period of time as there are plenty of bean bags, swings, and hammocks for patrons to lie on. Those feeling peckish can fuel up on their Western menu priced at around RM25 per meal.
Image credit: @bbobo_
Yellow Cafe is situated on the touristy Jalan Pantai Cenang, but tucked away in an obscure nook without a signboard next to Langkapuri Inn. You actually have to walk through Langkapuri Inn to get to the cafe that’s right at the back.
The cafe has just reopened after the pandemic, and is said to feature a new menu, bar and more.Â
Address: Lot 63 & 40, Jalan Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Opening hours: 5PM-1AM, Daily
Telephone: 04-953 3228
Yellow Cafe Facebook | Instagram
3. Kalut Beach Bar & Cafe, Langkawi
Image credit: @kalutbar
Kalut is operated by Mali-Mali Beach Resort, an affordable hotel suited for backpackers. This place is popular among the younger night-goers as it opens late till 12AM.
Also located on the popular Pantai Cenang, Kalut has an especially affordable menu consisting of bar bites such as satay, sandwiches, chicken wings, and more all starting from RM12.
Image credit: @emsaphine
Their live band performs every Wednesday and Friday from 6PM to 9PM, and Saturday at 6PM to 12AM, so you can head there during those hours to enjoy some music while lounging on their many colourful bean bags by the beach.
Address: 2, Jalan Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Opening hours: 12PM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 012-817 1870
Kalut Beach Bar & Cafe FacebookÂ
4. The Cliff Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
Image credit: @theclifflangkawi
We may not have the likes of Bali’s AYANA Rock Bar here, but The Cliff Restaurant in Langkawi is as close a contender to that famous beach bar here in Malaysia.Â
Perched atop an elevated platform with views of the Andaman Sea and the popular Cenang Beach below, The Cliff is a cosy spot to enjoy the ocean breeze, wait for the sunset, and people-watch. The setting is also quite romantic, suitable for a couple date night.
Image credit: @feungfax
Their menu is on the pricey side with appetisers starting from RM25 and main courses priced around RM50 and above.Â
Foodies can look forward to their specially curated menu of fresh seafood and meat. Their signature dish, Rendang Tuan Rumah (RM48) has gotten particularly good reviews. It’s a braised beef rendang stew served with spiced rice and cashews. Made with galangal, ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, chilli and coconut, the dish is a hearty meal that will leave you satisfied.
Address: Lot 63 & 40, Jalan Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Opening hours: 12PM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 04-953 3228
5. Frandy Beach Bar, Penang
Image credit: @sparrow_tweets
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets while you have your dinner and drinks at Frandy Beach Bar, a prime spot for unobstructed views of the ocean.
Located on the quieter end of Batu Ferringhi beach, next to Bayview Beach Resort, Frandy’s is away from the main street and the crowds. It’s the perfect place for some peace and quiet without being too difficult to get to.
Image credit: @yeoh_kea_huey
They serve Chinese and Western cuisines – the former has your usual Chinese dishes and white rice, while the latter comprises a menu of chicken chop, spaghetti, burgers, and more – for around RM30 per person.
Address: 338, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Taman Tanjung Bunga, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Penang
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 016-498 7885
6. BoraBora, Penang
Image credit: @celineyee911
Around 20 minutes away from Frandy’s lies another happening beach bar, BoraBora. This bar exudes the ultimate chill vibe with reggae and jazz music playing throughout – perfect for a fun night out with friends.
Image credit: @kl.khor.5
You can relax on their lawn chairs while waiting for the sun to set, then have dinner after. Their menu is a mix of international and Asian cuisine, reasonably priced at around RM10 per plate.
Address: Lot 415, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Opening hours: Thu – Tue 12PM-12AM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Telephone: 04-885 1313
7. Sunset Bar at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Sabah
Image credit: travelmalaysia.me
Tanjung Aru is known as one of the best spots in Kota Kinabalu to catch the sunset and you can make the experience even better at the Sunset Bar in Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.
As its name aptly describes, Sunset Bar is a luxurious al fresco bar that curves out into the sea to give patrons a view that will truly be unforgettable.
Image credit: @hj1o21
Their menu includes artisan cocktails priced at RM38 each, and finger food that includes Jerk Chicken Quesadilla (RM55) and Chicken Pop Corn (RM45). Those up for a proper dinner can head over to Coco-Joe’s Bar & Grill, their poolside restobar, to savour a variety of grilled seafood and meat dishes for around RM50 per person.
Address: 20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Opening hours: 5PM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 088-327 888
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru website
8. Alfresco Restaurant at Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu
Image credit: Sutera Harbour Resort
Similar to Shangri-La, Magellan Sutera Resort also has its own al fresco sunset bar in Tanjung Aru called Alfresco Restaurant where patrons can enjoy the views and drinks in a lavish setting right next to their pool.
The alcoholic drinks are priced above RM25, while their food menu comprising pasta, seafood dishes, and wood-fired pizza are approximated to be around RM30 and above.Â
You can enjoy discounted drinks during Moonlight Hour from 7PM to 9PM daily too, with options such as Tiger Drought (from RM13), selections of wine per glass (RM17) and cocktail specials (RM18).
Image credit: @nrafqh.hh
They also host a tableside barbecue buffet dinner every Friday from 5.30PM to 10PM for RM64 per person. Meat lovers can look forward to an assortment of grilled meats, seafood, and sausages to feast on the whole night by the ocean.
Address: 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu 88000, Sabah
Opening hours: 11AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 088-318 888
The Magellan Sutera Resort website | Facebook
Malaysia beach bars with good food and great views
It seems like the winning formula to a good beach bar includes a beautiful view, good food, and comfortable chairs. When you have all three, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have a great time relaxing in a tranquil setting without a care in the world.
Whether you’re with friends, family or your significant other, these beach bars in Malaysia sound like the perfect note to the end day with.Â
Those bitten by the travel bug should also check out these places in Malaysia to visit:
- Kudat, Sabah is hidden M’sian town with pristine beaches for a quiet beach getaway
- 11 things to do in JB’s Danga Bay
- Visit scenic beaches, Sky Mirror Jetty and more in Jeram, Kuala Selangor
- 10 hiking trails in Sabah to conquer other than Mount KinabaluÂ
Cover image adapted from: Sutera Harbour Resort, @nrafqh.hh, @vicky_423, and @putehbeachbar