For Malaysians, the more common things to do on our days off include exploring or parking ourselves at the plethora of shopping malls, coffee shops, and restaurants. However, since the pandemic started, there’s a surge in outdoor activities, which is probably due to us being stuck at home during multiple lockdowns.
But then again, living in a tropical country like Malaysia, sometimes doing things outdoors can get a little hot and sweaty. Honestly, who wants that all the time, right? So, we’ve got some suggestions if you’ve run out of ideas on what to do and where to go. Granted, you don’t have to do them all only at night (as our title suggests), but they sure do make for fun night-time exploits.
Here are 11 things you can do in the dark around Malaysia:
1. Shuttle In The Dark, Kuala Lumpur
We begin the list with Shuttle In The Dark, the place that gave us inspiration for this article. Located within the Petronas Twin Towers, its setting resembles a scene from Tron: Legacy. Die-hard badminton fans will not want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience, and while it’s a little on the pricier side, for the memories – it’s certainly worth it. The package is also inclusive of shuttles and rackets. Pre-book your slots for a hassle-free registration process!
Price: From RM180 per hour
Address: Fitness Centre, Petronas Twin Tower, Suria KLCC, Concourse Level 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6016 328 7168
Opening hours: Weekdays, 7:30am to 8:30pm; Weekends and public holidays, 10:30pm to 5:30 pm
2. Dining In The Dark, Kuala Lumpur
Offering an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience, Dining In The Dark quickly went viral and piqued the interests of Malaysians when it first opened — encouraging patrons to test and heighten their sense of taste through eating in the dark. Vegans can also dine-in with ease, knowing there are vegan options available.
The menu here is set by the chef and a surprise for guests, who are advised to inform the team should they have any dietary restrictions. Make your booking at least two hours before your preferred dining time to avoid disappointment.
Price: From RM138 per person
Address: 50A Changkat Bukit Bintang 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012 305 2011
Opening hours: Daily (except Mondays), 6pm to 9:30pm
3. Tidofish, Ipoh
While it’s not entirely in the dark, Tidofish lights up their dining space with a mixture of colourful neon and glow-in-the-dark lights that will brighten up anyone’s mood. Serving delicious Malaysian comfort food and bubble tea (who doesn’t love bubble tea?), Tidofish’s name comes from the concept of being in an aquarium! Their bubble tea and rojak buah (salad of fruits served with spicy dressing) are some of the must-tries from the menu!
Price: From RM30
Address: 85A Jalan Jambu, Taman Teh Teng Seng, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm to 10pm
4. Rollerwa, Selangor
RollerWa, which first opened in South Korea, has finally arrived in Malaysia! Located in 1 Utama Shopping Centre, this skating rink is affordable and reminiscent of something out of a K-Drama series.
The 90s babies might feel like they’re being taken back in time with glittering disco balls and retro music playing in the background. Their glow-in-the-dark and neon lights make it a fun setting for a day of roller skating with friends and loved ones!
Price: RM50 for 2 hours per adult
Address: Lot F603A-F613, 1st Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
5. Dark Mansion, George Town
Next time you’re in the coastal city of George Town in Penang, pop on over to Dark Mansion, a 3D glow-in-the-dark museum! How cool is that? This first and only glow-in-the-dark museum closely resembles the extrasolar moon of Pandora in the movie, Avatar. Delight yourselves in colourful, unique attractions and masterpieces when you visit. Book your tickets on Klook now!
Price: From RM16
Address: 145, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +604 251 9694
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 6:30pm
6. Glow-in-the-dark painting: Art & Bonding, Kuala Lumpur
Grab your loved ones and unleash the inner Van Gogh in yourselves by spending some time painting at Art and Bonding. No special skills necessary here! Only the will to have fun to do something different like glow-in-the-dark painting. With calming background music, painting in the dark will be the stress-reliever you never knew you needed. Book a spot on Klook now.
Address: 22-3 Jalan 25/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6010 650 1212
7. Laser Battle, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru
Are you a big fan of laser tag like Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother? Well, then what are you waiting for? At Laser Battle, you can compete with friends in the dark, with neon lights to guide you in the arena.
There are over 40 games to choose from, and if you wish, you can even have a game customised to suit your needs. Pro tip: Don’t wear white if you don’t want your opponent to spot you easily.
Address: 07-90A, Level 7, Central Zone, Berjaya Times Square, No.1 Jalan Imbi 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6016 868 6279
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
8. The Hauntu, Kuala Lumpur
If you don’t have phasmophobia (fear of ghosts), head down to The Linc Kuala Lumpur to book a slot at Hauntu — the first-ever immersive haunted house experience in Malaysia. With a mixture of live theatre and intricate puzzles, Hauntu offers a storyline with which participants can role-play. The 45-minute spooky walkthrough will give you chills and the thrill of questioning what’s to come next.
Price: RM58
Address: The LINC KL, 360 Jalan Tun Razak, Taman U Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6011 1686 9199
Opening hours: Daily (except Tuesdays), 2pm to 10pm
9. Euro Fun Park, Johor
Relive your childhood and go for a joy ride (or two or three) at Euro Fun Park, Malaysia’s largest travelling amusement park.Usually based in Johor Bahru, while it’s not entirely in the dark, it’s best experienced at night, with all its neon lights.
Start slow with The Wave Swinger and steadily challenge your level of fear at Spook (a haunted ride), and of course, the Vortex ride, where you’ll be cartwheeled up in the air. All rides are charged by tokens, so be sure to have plenty to enjoy this funfair to the fullest.
Price: RM4 for entrance fee, RM2 per token
Address: Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Contact: +607 232 7800
Opening hours: Daily, 7pm to 12am
10. Escape Room, Kuala Lumpur
Game rooms that require patience and puzzle-solving skills are becoming increasingly popular. Much like the movie Escape Room, you’ll need to crack your brain to get out. In Kuala Lumpur alone, there isn’t just Escape Room. There’s also Breakout and Fifthroom, which has a similar concept. So, unwind with your mates and, at the same time, get those wheels turning!
Price: From RM35 per person
Address: Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall, 07-96, 7th Floor, Entertainment Podium, No. 1 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2110 4796
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 1pm
11. Immerse in virtual reality at D-Virtual Park, Selangor
Step out of the real world and into the virtual (and augmented) reality of D-Virtual Park. Experience activities and games like the Gatling Gun, Knight Rider, D’Battleship Car Racing, and more. All the virtual reality games here offer single and multiplayer options that provide excitement and competition. If you’re looking to host a unique birthday bash, D-Virtual can accommodate up to 35 people in their space.
Price: From RM30
Address: Lot T.14. T.25, Level 3, Evo Mall Bangi, Jalan Medan 2D, Seksyen 9,43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor
Contact: +6013 804 2031
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
