Best Rooftop Bar in Penang: Sphere vs The Pokok vs Gravity
Short answer: Gravity on Level 24 of G Hotel Kelawai is the best rooftop bar in Penang for a high-rise view over Gurney Drive and the channel, with cocktails from RM26. Sphere Rooftop Bar on Chulia Street is the pick for inventive, space-themed cocktails in the heritage zone. The Pokok is the cheap, open-air option under a big tree on Chulia Street, with draught beer from RM10 and opening hours until 2 am.
Picking the best rooftop bar in Penang comes down to what you want from the evening: a high view, a creative cocktail list or a cheap, social night out. George Town's low-rise skyline means even modest elevation gives you a good look across heritage rooftops, while the Gurney Drive hotels add proper height. The three bars covered here show that range: a hotel rooftop lounge, a themed rooftop on a heritage street, and an open-air bar that is more beer garden than sky bar.
Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Sky Bar at the Bayview Hotel, which used to feature in this comparison, closed permanently in April 2026 along with the hotel. Below we compare Sphere, The Pokok and Gravity on view, drinks, prices, hours and atmosphere, using details verified in October 2026.
Best Rooftop Bar in Penang: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Sphere | The Pokok | Gravity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | Space-themed rooftop cocktail bar | Open-air bar built around a large tree | Hotel rooftop bar on Level 24 |
| View | Low-rise view over the Chulia Street area | Street-level atmosphere; no elevated view | Gurney Drive coastline and the mainland across the channel |
| Price (cocktail) | RM42โ48 | RM20โ35 (Tiger draught from RM10) | RM26โ42 |
| Hours | Daily 6 pm โ 2 am | Daily 5 pm โ 2 am | SunโThu 5 pm โ 12 am; FriโSat & eve of public holidays 5 pm โ 1 am |
| Dress Code | Relaxed | Casual; sandals welcome | Smart casual |
| Location | 403 Chulia Street (Chulia Mansion), George Town | Lot 227, Chulia Street, George Town | Level 24, G Hotel Kelawai, 2 Persiaran Maktab |
| Best For | Creative cocktails, date night in the heritage zone | Budget drinks, late nights, social atmosphere | Sunset views, a polished drink before dinner on Gurney Drive |
Sphere Rooftop Bar (Chulia Street)
Sphere Rooftop Bar sits on top of Chulia Mansion and leans fully into a space and cosmic theme: blue lighting, planet-shaped decor and cocktails served in globe-shaped glassware. The concept sounds like a gimmick, but the drinks are well made. Sphere's Oddity (RM48) mixes whiskey and plum wine with wasabi and yuzu, Wild Eclipse (RM45) uses vodka infused with wild mushrooms and thyme, and Beyond Earth's Atmosphere (RM42) blends truffle-washed bourbon with caramel and chocolate notes.
The terrace gives a low-rise view over the Chulia Street area rather than a high-rise panorama, which keeps the atmosphere intimate. It is open daily from 6 pm to 2 am, and the bartenders will adjust cocktails to your taste. Seating is limited, so arrive before 8 pm on weekends. Card payments are accepted. Because it is on Chulia Street, it is easy to combine with The Pokok and the other heritage-zone bars on foot.
The Pokok (Chulia Street)
The Pokok is not a rooftop bar in the high-rise sense. It is an open-air bar on Chulia Street, in the middle of George Town's backpacker and nightlife strip, built around a large old tree (pokok means "tree" in Malay). A raised terrace and ground-level tables spread across the courtyard, lit by coloured lanterns hanging from the branches.
Draught beer is the main draw: a glass of Tiger starts at RM10, with Heineken and Guinness at RM13 and bucket deals available. Cocktails run RM20 to RM35 and are straightforward rather than craft-focused. It is open daily from 5 pm until 2 am, as late as Sphere, and fills up after 10 pm on weekends with backpackers, locals and tourists. No reservations and no cover charge; cash and card accepted. The dress code is as casual as Penang gets.
Gravity (G Hotel Kelawai)
Gravity is the rooftop bar at G Hotel Kelawai on the Gurney Drive strip, 24 floors above street level and about 15 minutes by Grab from the heritage core. The view faces the coastline and the Gurney Drive promenade, and on clear evenings you can see the mainland across the channel. It is the highest of the three and the best choice for watching the sun go down.
Signature cocktails such as the Gravity Sunset (RM26) and Pomegranate Mojito (RM38) are well made without being overly complicated, and the bar also carries a decent wine and spirits list. There is seating for around 70, and the bar is open to the public: tell the lobby staff you are heading to Gravity and take the lift to Level 24. No cover charge or minimum spend. Smart casual dress is expected, and a light jacket helps once the wind picks up after 9 pm.
Our Pick by Situation
- Sunset with a high view: Gravity. Level 24 at G Hotel Kelawai gives the widest view of the three, and it opens at 5 pm, so you can settle in before sunset.
- Creative cocktails in George Town: Sphere. The space-themed signatures are the most inventive drinks here, and it is a short walk from the rest of the Chulia Street bars.
- Short on time: The Pokok. Walk in from Chulia Street, no reservation needed, and pair it with dinner at nearby hawker stalls.
- Late night on a budget: The Pokok. Draught beer from RM10 and doors open until 2 am.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rooftop bar in Penang has the best view?
Gravity on Level 24 of G Hotel Kelawai has the best view of the three, looking out over Gurney Drive, the coastline and the mainland across the channel. Sphere Rooftop Bar on Chulia Street has a lower, more intimate view over George Town's heritage rooftops. The Pokok is at street level. Three Sixty at the Bayview Hotel, once known for its revolving view, closed permanently in April 2026.
Is there a dress code for rooftop bars in Penang?
Gravity, as a hotel rooftop bar, expects smart casual: avoid slippers, sleeveless tops for men and beachwear. Sphere is relaxed, and The Pokok welcomes shorts and sandals. When in doubt, closed-toe shoes and a collared shirt will get you into any Penang rooftop bar.
Do I need a reservation for rooftop bars in Penang?
The Pokok does not take reservations and works on a walk-in basis. Sphere has limited seating, so arrive before 8 pm on weekends. Gravity is open to non-guests with no cover charge or minimum spend, but it gets busy on Friday and Saturday evenings, so arrive early for a sunset seat.
What time is sunset at Penang rooftop bars?
Sunset in Penang falls between 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm year-round due to its proximity to the equator. Gravity and The Pokok open at 5 pm, but Gravity is the best of the three for sunset views; arrive at least 30 minutes before to settle in with a drink. Sphere opens at 6 pm.