Sora Penang, Penang

Last updated: October 2026

About Sora Penang

Sora Penang occupies a waterfront spot on Pengkalan Weld, overlooking the jetties and the channel toward the mainland. The interior is modern and open, with a long bar counter and lounge-style seating. The cocktail list includes signature towers and individually mixed drinks in the RM25 to RM45 range. The bar also serves Italian and Chinese fusion food, so it works as a dinner-and-drinks destination.

Open from 7 pm (8 pm on Wednesdays) until 3 am, Sora is one of the latest-closing bars on this list. Closed every Tuesday. The waterfront location gives it a different feel from the heritage-zone bars — more spacious, more breeze and less backpacker-oriented. It draws a younger local crowd after 11 pm on weekends. Card payments accepted.

George Town is compact enough that a walking bar crawl through the heritage zone is practical. Here are two routes depending on your preference and budget.

Start at The Pokok on Chulia Street around 7 pm for cheap draught beer under the tree. From there, walk south to Sphere Rooftop Bar on the same street for a cocktail with a view. Cross east to Lorong Stewart and grab a can from Antarabangsa Enterprise for an informal break. End the night at Backdoor Bodega on Jalan Gurdwara (opens at 8 pm) for a final craft cocktail. Total walking distance is under one kilometre, and the whole route keeps you within the UNESCO zone.

Begin at Magazine 63 on Jalan Magazine at 8 pm for Chinese-inspired cocktails in a dim setting. Walk to Golden Shower by ChinChin on Bishop Street for something lighter. Finish at Mish Mash on Muntri Street for whisky or a seasonal cocktail. If you still have energy, Grab to Gravity at G Hotel Kelawai for a nightcap 24 floors above the city. Budget RM120 to RM180 per person for four to five drinks across this route.

Bars in the heritage zone are all within walking distance of each other. Wear comfortable shoes — George Town pavements are uneven in places. Most bars open between 5 pm and 8 pm, so starting a crawl at 7 pm gives you the widest selection. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest nights. Grab rides back to hotels on Gurney Drive or Batu Ferringhi cost RM10 to RM25 after midnight.

Three Sixty at Bayview Hotel offers a rotating platform with panoramic views. Gravity at G Hotel Kelawai sits on the 24th floor overlooking Gurney Drive. Sphere Rooftop Bar on Chulia Street is a space-themed rooftop with inventive cocktails. All three are open to non-hotel guests.

Antarabangsa Enterprise on Lorong Stewart sells cans from RM6 to RM8 — it is a convenience store with plastic chairs rather than a bar, but the prices draw a loyal crowd. The Pokok on Chulia Street offers Tiger Draught at RM10 per glass.

Most Penang bars close between midnight and 2 am. Chulia Street and Love Lane bars tend to stay open until 2 am or 3 am on weekends. Hotel rooftop bars close at midnight on weekdays and 2 am on weekends. Sora Penang runs until 3 am. Check individual schedules before heading out, as hours can shift.

Yes. Backdoor Bodega on Jalan Gurdwara is concealed behind a pin shop and has appeared on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. Magazine 63 on Jalan Magazine is styled like an old Chinese inn with porcelain jar serves. Golden Shower by ChinChin on Bishop Street operates as a pink-themed cocktail bar. All three require you to find the entrance, which is part of the experience.

Cocktail prices in Penang range from RM20 to RM50. Budget spots like The Pokok charge RM20 to RM35. Mid-range bars such as Mish Mash serve cocktails at RM25 to RM45. Speakeasies like Backdoor Bodega and themed bars like Sphere Rooftop charge RM35 to RM50. Hotel rooftop bars sit in the RM26 to RM42 range.

The Chulia Street and Love Lane area has the highest concentration of bars within walking distance. Start at The Pokok, walk to Sphere Rooftop, then loop to Antarabangsa on Lorong Stewart. Upper Penang Road is another cluster with Soho Free House and live music venues. Both areas are flat and walkable.

What to Order at Sora Penang

Sora Penang offers a menu that changes with seasonal ingredients and availability. Below are the typical items you can expect. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and may vary.

• Signature dish (RM15–25) — The house specialty and most popular order. Ask staff for the day's recommendation if it rotates.
• Set meal (RM20–35) — A main course paired with a drink. Good value for a full meal.
• Drinks (RM5–15) — Coffee, tea, fresh juice and soft drinks. Specialty coffees cost slightly more.
• Dessert (RM8–18) — Daily selection that changes regularly. Worth asking what's freshly made.

Prices are approximate and were last checked in October 2026. The venue may adjust pricing without notice.

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