A daytime look at the heart of SANTAI, where the sleek central bar meets a spread of our favourite poolside bites.
The RuMa isn’t new to me. I’ve dined at ATAS several times and even checked in for a stay before. Each visit delivered on its promise: a home away from home. For Malaysians, especially, it resonates. The decor carries familiar heritage textures, and the flavours reinterpret favourites we grew up with. Even the names — RuMa, ATAS, SANTAI — feel intentional, rooted, and ours.
Last week, I was stuck in the usual mid-Kuala Lumpur gridlock, watching the minutes tick by as I made my way to meet Ezza. By the time I reached Jalan Kia Peng, I was more flustered than fashionable.
Then the elevator doors opened on Level 6.
The traffic noise dissolved the moment I stepped onto SANTAI Pool Bar & Lounge’s terrace. Open skies. A sweep of city buildings. A breeze that felt deliberately placed. Ezza was already there, relaxed, weighing up which table would give us the best sunset view over the city’s skyline. Without realising it, I softened. Shoulders dropped. The evening reset itself.
Spoilt for Choice, Guided by Intention
We took our time with the menu, eventually guided by Rusli, our host for the evening, who knew it well enough to steer us confidently.
SANTAI’s food is curated by Suhalmi Tasir, Executive Chef of ATAS, so expectations were quietly high. For two of us, our food and drinks came in at under RM300 (a detail worth noting for a sunset pool bar in central KL).
We started with the Homemade Satay, both the chicken and beef varieties. The skewers were generously portioned, properly meaty rather than decorative. Tender, juicy, and paired with a rich peanut sauce and traditional condiments, it was a familiar dish done with care. Next came the SANTAI Sliders: three petite beef patties layered with lettuce, pickle, and cheddar. Well-balanced and satisfying, though I wouldn’t have minded a touch more sauce to round things out.
Dessert later that evening was the Single Origin Chocolate, served with chantilly cream, strawberries and cocoa nib crumble. We debated the Tiramisu (also highly recommended by Rusli) but didn’t regret our choice. It was rich without tipping into excess, and indulgent enough to share.
For drinks, we alternated between cocktails and something lighter. The Midori Pineapple was bright and tropical without being cloying. My glass of Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc was crisp and clean; a reliable choice in the best way. The Ipanema, with orange juice, lime, mint and ginger ale, made for an easy, refreshing option.
The drinks list is generous, spanning wines, beers and house-crafted cocktails, yet it never feels excessive. There’s a sense that whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it without endless scrolling.
SANTAI also runs a daily Sundowners ritual from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, featuring unlimited sparkling wine, beers, selected house pours, and chilled juices, from MYR200+ per person. If you’re looking to stretch after-work drinks into a longer golden-hour ritual, it’s worth considering.
From Sunlit Terrace to Twilight Glow
From breezy poolside lounges to the intimate two-person nooks near the bar, every corner is designed for a different pace.
If you prefer a quieter rhythm, the seating areas tucked closer to the bar offer a more secluded sanctuary.
Strategic greenery softens the concrete skyline, creating a pocket of stillness in the heart of the city.
By late afternoon, the terrace feels open and easy. Low terracotta-toned sofas line the wooden deck, while woven rattan pods (referred to as “cones” by the staff) are tucked into corners for those who prefer privacy. These cones are outfitted with side tables and trays, which allow for transitioning from a lounging nook to a space for a slightly elevated wine and dine experience. Greenery softens the concrete pillars. Beyond that, neighbouring high-rises remind you that you’re still very much in the city, just momentarily above its pace.
As the sun dips, the mood shifts naturally.
The bar becomes the quiet focal point, its warm lighting casting a soft glow. The transition from daylight to dusk feels gradual rather than staged. The sky deepens into blue, table lamps flicker on, and surrounding conversations soften.
The magic of the “blue hour”—watching the Petronas Twin Towers light up as the city shifts into its evening glow.
As the natural light fades, amber lamps and standing lights flicker on, highlighting the bar’s thoughtful furniture design.
The music sits comfortably in the background. Relaxed, contemporary beats add to the atmosphere without taking over. I caught myself reaching for Shazam once or twice, yet Ezza and I never had to lean in to each other to be heard.
Earlier, the poolside was dotted with small families and couples. As evening approached, the crowd shifted: after-work drinks, small groups (like us) meeting up, and hotel guests curious about the skyline. The loungers filled differently, less about sun and more about unwinding.
Why It Works for a Best-Friend Evening
What lingered wasn’t just the drinks or the view. It was the ease.
We turned almost everything into a photo moment: satay mid-platter, cocktail glasses clinking against the skyline, sunset filtering between buildings. When dessert arrived, we even migrated poolside for a change of scenery, letting our last hour linger a little longer. But in between the snapshots were uninterrupted conversations, shared plates, and at times, comfortable silences.
It was a space where we didn’t have to perform, not for each other, and not for the people that surrounded us.
SANTAI Pool Bar & Lounge at The RuMa Hotel & Residences strikes that balance well. Polished but not intimidating. Elevated without being exclusive. And a place where you can unwind after work, ease into the weekend, or simply mark time with someone who knows you well.
And sometimes, that’s reason enough to raise a glass.
All photos were taken and provided by Ezza Zainal.
SANTAI Pool Bar & Lounge @
The RuMa Hotel & Residences
Level 6, No. 7, Jalan Kia Peng, 50450, Kuala Lumpur
+60327780888 | [email protected]
