Georgetown, Penang, is a busy city with a long and fascinating past and culture. It also has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs. One of the most popular types of bars in Georgetown for guests from Singapore is the speakeasies.

As a tourist from Singapore, you're in for a treat when you visit the charming city of Georgetown in Penang. As you discover the hidden speakeasies in this lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll find a world of hidden treats and sophisticated drinks.

In this guide, we'll show you 12 exclusive secret nightlife spots in Penang, George Town, with carefully made drinks, unique settings, and a touch of mystery. If you happen to want to come to Penang, don’t forget to book a flight ticket through Traveloka here.

Georgetown, Penang, holds a treasure trove of speakeasy bars waiting for you to explore. These hidden gems offer a blend of creativity, mystery, and refined cocktails that will surely leave an unforgettable impression.

Location: 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

Introducing Magazine 63, an enchanting hidden gem nestled within the walls of a charming traditional shophouse. Indulge in an exquisite array of handcrafted cocktails meticulously curated to tantalize your taste buds. Step into a bygone era of glamor and intrigue as the establishment exudes the timeless allure of the Prohibition era. Visiting this bar is one of the things-must do in Penang.

Location: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

Hotel near the bar: The Gallivant Hotel

Not only is The Gallivant Hotel conveniently located near various places of interest for adventure, but it also provides a comfortable stay. If you're looking for nightlife in Penang, The Gallivant Hotel is the perfect choice as it's surrounded by numerous bars.

Backdoor Bodega is a "pin shop" that may be a bit expensive but offers a rotating menu of specialized drinks. Customers receive a complimentary drink in exchange for purchasing one of their adorable lapel pins.

This owner-operated speakeasy, with a small team of self-taught bartenders, opened stealthily in November 2016 with zero fanfare. Since then, it has been recognized as one of the top cocktail bars in the city, becoming the first Penang bar ever to be listed among Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2022. Since its opening, this speakeasy has maintained its reputation as one of the city's top cocktail bars.

Location: 63, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

If you went to the Hold Up café in Penang during the day, you might have thought that the big orange fridge behind the bar was what kept your milk cold. Not so! It's a hidden entry to a bar called Out of Nowhere, or OON, as the regulars call it. Well, guess it's like The Chronicles of Narnia, but with booze instead of the closet and liquid cooks instead of the characters.

Location: 38 & 40, Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Penang, Malaysia.

Open hours: 8.00 pm

Hotel near the bar: Loop On Leith George Town Penang Hotel

The style and building of a hotel are two essential things that can make your stay more enjoyable. The Loop On Leith George Town Penang Hotel is an excellent place to stay because of its unique setting. It is in the same area as the Manchu bar.

This bar is on a busy street, so you might miss it if you aren't paying attention. It's just a tiny room with a red curtain and a figure at first, but when you move the curtain, you can see the secret doors that lead straight to this bar. In addition to the location at the end of this piece, the guy also gives a small hint as to where the gem is hidden.

Location: 86, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

Hotel near the bar: Ixora Hotel

If you plan to stay for a certain period, you should stay at the Ixora Hotel. This place to stay makes you feel right at home because it has a lot of amenities and great service. The good news is that this hotel is in the same area as Beso Rosado.

Beso Rosado by ChinChin has several small plates that everyone at the table can share. Each was made with the idea that fresh foods should speak for themselves. The head bartender, Francesco Moretti, created the bar's quirky, playful, and unique cocktail menu.

It was inspired by memories, nature, and art, focusing on homemade syrups, spices, herbs, infusions, advanced mixology techniques, and attractive displays.

Location: 12, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

Hotel near the area: Ink Hotel By ALV

If you want to travel easily on a budget, Ink Hotel By ALV is the best place to stay. It has good facilities and great service, and it's close to 12 Senses Bar in Penang if you want to go out at night.

12 Senses is hidden inside a traditional shophouse in Georgetown, on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The modest front of Penang and the hidden entrance make it hard for random people to walk into the bar by accident. The bar with a Chinese theme is only for people who know about it.

To get into 12 Senses, you can use Google Maps to get to 12 Lebuh Presgrave. It will lead you to a shophouse with dim lights. You'll see a picture of Bruce Li and a Wing Chun fake when you get there. If you pull the bottom button on the Wing Chun, the door to 12 Senses will open on its own.

Location: 268, Jalan Dr. Lim Chwee Leong, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

Visit Song 宋 Bar in Penang, Malaysia, for a unique speakeasy experience combining traditional Chinese teahouse style and modern cocktails. Sip their signature tea-infused cocktails and savor delicious dim sum while enjoying the comfortable and dimly lit setting. With exceptional service and ambiance, it's the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the city.

Location: 24 Muntri St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

Hotel near the bar: Vangohh Eminent Hotel & Spa

It is strongly advised that budget travelers who are looking for a comfortable place to stay that is also reasonably priced check into the Vangohh Eminent Hotel & Spa.

If you are preparing for an event or other special occasion, the Vangohh Eminent Hotel & Spa is an excellent option. They have a spacious function space that is well-equipped to meet all of your needs, and it is located near the Mish Mash bar.

In contrast to many of the more recent cocktail bars, Mish Mash Bar has not invested as much in the atmosphere, entrances, or overall hidden-bar trend. Instead, it maintains a low-key presence in the ancient mansion it once occupied on Lebuh Muntri, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while exuding a quaint, laid-back European vibe.

Location: 153 Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

The Canteen is a vintage-inspired speakeasy that can be found tucked away within the well-known China House. They serve a wide variety of beverages as well as live music. Find the nearest hotel around ChinaHouse bar here!

Location: 207 Lebuh Chulia, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

Step into a world of intrigue and delight as you venture beyond the unassuming facade of a convenience store. Discover a hidden gem that promises an extraordinary experience like no other.

This captivating bar is a haven of innovation, where expert mixologists craft sensational drinks that push the boundaries of flavor. Prepare to be dazzled as each sip takes you on a journey of taste and imagination. Uncover the secret, embrace the excitement, and indulge in the extraordinary at this hidden bar. Find the car rental for the bar here!

Location: 32C, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

Discover the hidden gem tucked away within The Gurney Paragon Mall - The Bar°n historic walls. Step into a world of refined sophistication and indulge in the art of cocktail craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of classic libations, expertly crafted with a touch of elegance. Join us at The Bar°n and experience the epitome of refined indulgence.

Location: 105 Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Open hours: 8.00 pm

This rustic café and bar have a nice assortment of beverages and a relaxing ambiance, making it an excellent location to unwind. Indulge in the warm embrace of this charming rustic cafe and bar, where a delightful atmosphere awaits.

Step into a world of coziness and relaxation, where every corner exudes a sense of comfort and tranquility. Savor the moment as you sip on a carefully crafted cocktail expertly prepared by our talented mixologists. Whether seeking solace after a long day or simply looking for a place to unwind with friends, this establishment is the perfect haven for your leisurely desires.

Georgetown is a bustling metropolis that has a deep cultural and historical background. It also has a vibrant nighttime culture, with a vast selection of pubs and clubs, making it a popular place for people to party.

One of the sorts of pubs in Georgetown that are particularly well-liked by visitors from Singapore are known as speakeasies. Even the most discriminating drinker is likely to be wowed by the one-of-a-kind and one-of-a-kind experience that can only be had at these obscure watering holes. Book flight to Georgetown from Singapore now with Traveloka!

Uncover the secrets and treasures of Penang:

Things to Do in Penang at Night: A Singaporean's Guide

The 10 Best 5-Star Hotels in Penang for Singaporeans