The Merchant Live

Walk through a short neon tunnel and into The Merchant Live, where its acoustic panelled walls are awash in changing backlit colours (thanks to 1,000 LEDs). This new club nestled in The Armada Petaling Jaya is spacious, featuring a raised area where there is a mix of tables, bar stools and couches next to a DJ console, so you can groove at your place or head down to the dance floor for a good workout.

While the setting may indicate an atmosphere pumped up by pulsating beats and loud remixes, this club makes live music performance its main entertainment, courtesy of local talents. As they take the stage daily from 9.30pm onwards, you can sip on your drinks at the illuminated island bar beside it, which offers a list of classic cocktails as well as bar bites such as otak-otak on toast and chicken chimichanga. If you want to escape the crowd, there are three private suites available for booking. Unwind with a group of friends – each suite accommodates up to 30 people – over a karaoke session and a game of darts, while guests who take the biggest suite get to enjoy the pool table facility.