While there are promising signs that the global craft beer revolution is finally starting to infiltrate Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the rest of Malaysia finds itself lagging behind.
However, this has not prevented cracks from appearing in the Carlsberg and Heineken-held duopoly that has dominated the Malaysian beer market for decades.
Up and down the western shores of the peninsula, craft beers are becoming more accessible too. In order to celebrate this encouraging trend, we have compiled a series of guides to help you get your craft fix outside of the Klang Valley metropolitan area.
Unfortunately, for the time being, it is still a case of slim pickings. This is why we have decided to include a number of bars and restaurants that, at present, do not serve craft beer but are well worth a visit regardless.
In this second instalment of Beer Asia’s Malaysian Beer Guides, we will be taking you on a journey south of K.L. and Selangor, through the states of Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor, all the way down to the causeway that links the peninsula with Singapore. En route, you will be introduced to some of the best places to grab a beer. Should this inspire you to visit these spots in person, all the better!
Negeri Sembilan
Meaning “nine states” in Malay, Negeri Sembilan was founded on a loose confederation of nine territories – including parts of present-day Selangor, Melaka, Johor, and Pahang – in 1773. Its honorific title in Arabic is Darul Khasus – “The Special Abode”.
Unlike the other royal Malay states, Negeri Sembilan is ruled by a constitutional sultan selected from a pool of territorial chiefs. These chiefs trace their ancestry back to the monarchs of Srivijaya, a maritime empire based on modern-day Sumatra. When this seafaring folk first settled Peninsular Malaysian shores, they brought a matrilineal society and laws with them. Although no longer widespread, these customs continue to exist and are unique to Negeri Sembilan.
The state capital, Seremban, is a sleepy provincial city located approximately 65 km due southeast of K.L. Established as a tin-mining settlement along the Linggi River in the 1840s, its current economic output is largely dependent on rubber production.
Due to its proximity to the Klang Valley metropolitan area, Seremban can easily be reached within the space of two hours – even by train. Thus, prospective day-trippers need not refrain from exceeding the legal driving limit when visiting the venues listed below!
Blue Monkey
The only establishment serving craft beer in Seremban at the time of writing in July 2024. Located in a planned satellite town – ingeniously named Seremban 2 – some 4 km southeast of the original city centre, Blue Monkey is a sports bar and grill with fridges full of imported as well as local brews.
Even if you’re only passing through, which is often the case when one finds themselves in Seremban, be sure to swing by and stock up on cans and bottles for the next leg of your journey!
- Address
335 – 1st Floor, Jalan S2 B8, Uptown Avenue Seremban 2, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 12 903 2537
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Tuesday-Sunday: 5PM-12AM
Monday: Closed
Bombay Bar & Restaurant
The sublime combination of banana leaf and beer is a rarity – which makes it all the more unlikely that such pleasures should be served up on the easternmost outskirts of Seremban 2. At Bombay Bar & Restaurant, you can order a pint of Heineken, Tiger or Guinness to wash down your lamb mutton or vegetarian thali, among many other delicious Indian dishes.
If this sounds like your type of jam, you may want to allow yourself more than a fleeting pit stop in Seremban in order to sleep off the extra pounds.
- Address
150 Sendayan, Merchant Square, Jln Pusat Dagangan Sendayan 3/1, Bandar Sri Sendayan, 71950 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 16 818 1654
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
11AM-2.30AM daily
El Dinos Bar & Restaurant
Next up, a quaint neighbourhood establishment into which some of the more defining features of the previously mentioned venues have all been integrated. A sports bar known for its briyani and beer, El Dinos also serves cocktails and an array of regional dishes. All in all, as good a reason as any to spend a bit more time in Seremban!
- Address
97, 98, Jalan S2 D32, Seremban 2, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 16 667 4605
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Thursday-Saturday: 5PM-1AM
Sunday-Monday, Wednesday: 5PM-12AM
Tuesday: Closed
Melaka
The unofficial historical capital of Malaysia, the city of Malacca (for which we shall apply the anglicised spelling so that it may be differentiated from the homonymous state of Melaka) has served as a link between East and West for over 500 years. It is the oldest Malaysian city on the Straits of Malacca.
Situated at a highly strategic point along the maritime trade routes between China, the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula, Malacca long prospered as a busy transshipment port in the global spice trade. Not only was the city frequented by tradesmen of all races and ethnicities, it was ruled by consecutive colonial powers for more than four centuries.
The imprints of British, Dutch and Portuguese rule are still perceivable in the city’s architecture and customs. Listed as a UNESCO Heritage Zone since 2008, the focal point of Malacca’s historical city centre is a square surrounded by crimson Dutch-era buildings on the left bank of the Malacca River. Chinatown, with its centuries-old shophouses and lively Jonker Walk, is located on the right bank. An array of bars and restaurants can be found here, including some of those listed below.
Further removed from the city’s historical heart, Malacca’s laid back atmosphere and ageless feel perseveres. In these ends, life goes by at a leisurely pace – one that goes hand in hand with a nice, cold beer.
The Craft Bier Shop Melacca
Firstly, we present the undisputed go to spot for craft beer aficionados in Melaka. Wholly dedicated to craft, you will not find any mainstream beers here. While the range of imported brews on tap is limited, the selection of bottled and canned beers stocked at this small and cosy hangout is second to none. A must visit for any beer lover who may find themselves in the area.
- Address
1 Jalan KSB 11, Taman Syah Bandar, 75200 Melaka - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 12 229 2606
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Check-in on Untappd
- Operating hours
2PM-11.30PM daily - Delivery
Call or WhatsApp +60 12 229 2606
BIER Garden Melaka
Tucked away in an alley behind a Chinese temple in Melaka’s historical city centre, BIER Garden is a tiny bar that serves both local and imported craft beers. Secluded and peaceful, it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Jonker Street and the old town’s riverside promenade.
Although there are no draught beers to choose from, the variety of canned and bottled brews on offer will not disappoint. Be on the lookout for the Hazy NEIPA courtesy of Chill Bill, an up-and-coming microbrewery based in K.L.
Dog friendly: Yes
- Address
Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 13 377 7301
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Thursday-Tuesday: 5PM-1AM
Wednesday: Closed
Geographer Cafe
The next venue on our list operates out of a historical corner lot right in the heart of Melaka’s old town.
Geographer Cafe has been attracting solo travellers, crowds of locals, and everything in between since 1999. An eatery that personifies the gracious charm of Melaka as an age-old melting pot between East and West, this cafe is better known for its ambiance and fusion food rather than its selection of brews. Not that it makes any difference – amidst such pulsating vibrancy, your ice cold pint of Tiger or Carlsberg will surely go down a treat!
- Address
83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 6 281 6813
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Sunday-Thursday: 11AM-11PM
Friday-Saturday: 11AM-12AM
90 Riverside Cafe
A bar and restaurant with a breezy outdoor section overlooking the Malacca River, 90 Riverside Cafe is one of many quaint food and beverage establishments located along the promenade. Various mainstream beers – including Asahi and Kronenbourg – can be ordered by the bottle or per bucket; that also goes for Somersby Cider.
What truly sets this lively cafe apart is that they serve up a mean Snakebite. For those of you who have never gone down that slippery slope, a Snakepint consists of half a pint of lager, a half pint of cider, and a dash of blackcurrant cordial. Easily drinkable but, boy, do they hit hard. In other words: Proceed at your own risk!
- Address
90, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 10 271 6871
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Monday, Wednesday-Thursday: 12PM-1AM
Friday-Sunday: 12PM-2AM
Tuesday: 5PM-1AM
Sin Hiap Hin
Quite possibly the oldest bar in Melaka, Sin Hiap Hin is a tiny, time-honoured haunt that serves a modest range of beers and spirits. Some of these spirits are locally made, including the rice wine and pandan gin.
Sin Hiap Hin has been a family business for four generations and its current proprietress has been running the show for almost 50 years. With our support, this legacy need not be discontinued any time soon.
- Address
5, Kampung Jawa, 75200 Melaka - Open location on Google Maps
- Operating hours
Monday-Friday: 9.30AM-5PM
Saturday: 9.30AM-5.30PM
Sunday: 9.30AM-4.30PM
Johor
In conclusion to our journey, we have reached Peninsular Malaysia’s southernmost state: Johor Darul Ta’zim (“Johor, Abode of Dignity”). Founded by the fugitive sultan of Malacca and his son after their kingdom fell to the Portuguese in 1511, the inhospitable swampy terrain at the tip of the peninsula was all but disregarded until the post-World War I era.
Johor’s historical isolation came to an end when the railway line that connected the peninsula’s tin and rubber belt was extended southward to Singapore. This subsequently led to the introduction of large-scale rubber plantations and the discovery of tin as well as iron deposits.
Nowadays, Johor is a major producer of both palm and coconut oil. Vast pineapple estates also flourish in the state’s swampy plains, and bauxite is worked at two locations west of the capital, Johor Baharu (commonly referred to as J.B.). In essence, however, the state has become part of Singapore’s hinterland. Due to a lack of deep natural harbours along its 400-kilometre coastline, Johor’s trade is dependent on Singapore’s port facilities. At the same time, Singapore is dependent on Johor’s Teberau River for its water supply.
Unfortunately, the entrenched symbiosis between the two has not yet extended to artisanal brews but – as is the case throughout large parts of Peninsular Malaysia – there are signs that a craft beer revolution is on the horizon. For the time being, these venues are more than capable of stilling (some) of your cravings…
Beer Story
Top of the list, a hidden gem among the monotonous, northernmost suburbs of J.B. Beer Story is a chilled out bar and restaurant with fridges full of craft brews from all around the world. For those of you at liberty to do so, it is one of those prime spots for a couple of quiet afternoon beers with your laptop at your fingertips.
- Address
No.30, Jalan Austin Height 8/6, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 10 669 9016
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Wednesday-Monday: 3PM-12AM
Tuesday: Closed
Project Smoked
Project Smoked is an American BBQ joint that serves up mouthwatering smoked meats and a fine selection of imported and craft beers to boot. A range of BrewDog, Hitachino Nest, and Young Master brews are available, for starters – just to give you an idea of what’s waiting for you.
At the risk of outraging the purists, it is noteworthy that Project Smoked also dabbles in beer-flavoured gelatos. At the time of writing, an IPA Gelato and a Craft Stout Gelato have been incorporated into the desserts menu. If you’d rather give those a pass, just order yourself another beer instead!
- Address
224, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 12 385 8224
- Visit Website
- Like on Facebook
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours
Wednesday-Thursday: 12PM-3PM & 5PM-10PM
Friday-Saturday: 12PM-11PM
Sunday: 12PM-10PM
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Bert’s Keller
Probably the oldest pub in town, Bert’s Keller is certainly the only one of its kind left in J.B. An undisputed local institution, most of its regulars have been stepping through the heavy wooden front door for decades. Nevertheless, they will warmly welcome any stranger with noble intentions into their midst!
Bert’s Keller – or better said: its proprietress, Teresa – is also revered far and wide for a scintillating oxtail stew that can be prepared upon request. You will need to place an order at least 48 hours in advance but it’ll be worth well the wait, and your while.
- Address
No.23, Jalan Pelanduk, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 7 335 8788
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
Monday-Friday: 4PM-12AM
Saturday-Sunday: 5PM-11PM
Mulligan’s Pub & Bistro
Next in line, a safe bet for any weary traveller: The compulsory Irish Pub. Offering a solid selection of mainstream beers and wide range of spirits at decent prices, Mulligan’s also has a second outlet – Mulligan’s Straits View – located within the compound of a nearby condominium.
- Address
No. 17, Jalan Permas 10/2, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor - Open location on Google Maps
- Call +60 7 388 1869
- Like on Facebook
- Operating hours
4PM-1AM daily
The Bierhaus
And finally: “The best German food in town!”
With a whopping 13 outlets dotted all over the greater J.B. area, The Bierhaus is swiftly becoming a scene in itself. On top of an extensive menu of traditional central European and fusion dishes, the chain does its name justice. A solid variety of German beers are available on tap or by the bottle, including the widely acclaimed Franziskaner.
So, if you’re in the mood for a hearty meal and an invigorating pils, be sure to look up the outlet nearest to you. Chances are, it won’t be far!
- Open locations on Google Maps:
Sentosa ; Sutera Utama ; Mount Austin ; Molek ; Senibong Cove ; Bukit Indah ; Gaya ; Impian Emas ; Permas Jaya ; Eco Botanic ; Century Garden ; R&F Marina Place ; Kulai - Visit Website
- Follow on Instagram
- Operating hours vary per location
