When you travel, it’s not just about sightseeing—it’s also about the little corners where you sip coffee, laugh with friends, or watch a city light up at night. Both Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok are buzzing with hidden cafés and rooftop bars that combine culture, design, and breathtaking views.
Here’s a curated list of spots where you can escape the tourist crowds and experience these cities like a local.
Hidden Cafés in Kuala Lumpur
1. Merchant’s Lane
- Tucked behind an old wooden door in Chinatown, this café is a true hidden gem.
- Vibe: Vintage interiors, lush plants, cozy corners.
- Try: Pandan pancakes, matcha lattes, and fusion dishes with a Malaysian twist.
2. VCR Café
- A favorite among creatives and remote workers.
- Vibe: Minimalist black-and-white design, good WiFi, and chilled playlists.
- Try: Hand-brewed coffee, caramel waffles, and their hearty big breakfast.
3. Feeka Coffee Roasters
- A bungalow-turned-café hidden among trees.
- Vibe: Bright, airy, with a community feel.
- Try: Cold brews, salmon bagels, and fresh pastries.
🌿 Hidden Cafés in Bangkok
4. Gallery Drip Coffee
- Near Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, perfect for art lovers.
- Vibe: Creative, artsy, with handcrafted coffee culture.
- Try: Drip coffee, Thai iced lattes.
5. Blue Whale Café
- Famous for its dreamy blue interiors and whimsical drinks.
- Vibe: Instagram-perfect with an underwater theme.
- Try: Butterfly pea latte, cakes, and desserts.
6. Luka Moto Café
- A café-meets-bike-shop concept.
- Vibe: Industrial chic, cool crowd.
- Try: Healthy bowls, flat whites, craft sodas.
🌇 Rooftop Bars in Kuala Lumpur
7. Heli Lounge Bar
- An actual helipad turned into a rooftop bar.
- View: 360° skyline with the Petronas Towers glowing at night.
- Try: Classic cocktails, light bites.
- Pro Tip: Go before sunset for golden-hour photos.
8. Vertigo @ Banyan Tree
- One of the tallest bars in the city.
- View: Chic vibes, classy cocktails, and sweeping cityscapes.
- Try: Signature cocktails paired with Asian tapas.
🌇 Rooftop Bars in Bangkok
9. Sky Bar @ Lebua State Tower
- One of the world’s highest rooftop bars (featured in The Hangover II).
- View: Panoramic skyline and the Chao Phraya River.
- Try: The famous “Hangovertini” cocktail.
10. Above Eleven
- A rooftop bar with a unique Peruvian-Japanese menu.
- View: Trendy Sukhumvit vibes with city lights.
- Try: Sushi rolls, ceviche, Pisco cocktails.
11. Octave Rooftop Bar & Lounge
- Multi-level rooftop with live DJs.
- View: 360° view from the 45th floor.
- Try: Sunset cocktails, seafood platters.
✨ Pro Tips for Café & Rooftop Hopping
- Dress code matters – Rooftop bars often require smart casual attire.
- Go early – Sunsets are magical, but seats fill fast.
- Budget smartly – Cafés are affordable, but rooftop drinks can be pricey.
- Stay camera-ready – Both spots are perfect for Instagram shots.
Final Word
Whether it’s sipping butterfly pea lattes in a hidden Bangkok café or clinking glasses high above Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, these spots add unforgettable flavors to your journey.
At Qaarwaan, we don’t just plan trips—we craft experiences that go beyond the usual. Hidden cafés, rooftop sunsets, and stories that stay with you forever.