Our Story
From a dimly lit back alley to KL's most celebrated hidden bar
Born from Boldness & Friendship
In 2019, two close friends and prominent figures in Malaysia's entertainment industry — Kesavan Purusotman (KC) and Roen Cian Nagapan — were introduced to a derelict space in the back alleys of Plaza Batai, Bukit Damansara. What others saw as a challenge, they saw as an opportunity.
"It was an opportunity that came knocking, and we knew we had to pour our creative juices into it," Roen recalls. "We put in countless hours creating the design, curating the menu, crafting every detail to get it to where we wanted it to be."
They named their creation Circa — a word evoking ambiguity, the passage of time, and the thrill of the unknown. "The very word circa represents ambiguity and complements the whole journey of its discovery," Roen explains.
The decision to locate the bar on an upper floor, accessible only through a winding alley and a spiral staircase, was a deliberate one. Word of mouth did the marketing. Intrigue did the rest.
A Speakeasy for the Modern Age
We believe the best experiences are the ones you have to seek out.
The Secret Entry
Inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, entry to Circa requires a weekly passcode — published only on our Instagram. The ritual of discovery is part of the experience. It transforms a night out into an adventure.
Parisian Boudoir Aesthetic
Once inside, guests are transported to 1930s Paris — mismatched vintage furniture, exposed brick walls, mirrored ceilings reflecting candlelight, heavy drapes and art deco archways. Every corner has a story to tell.
Craft Cocktail Artistry
Our bar team — led by veteran bar managers — craft cocktails that weave together Asian heritage and Western techniques. Each drink on our menu is a thoughtful creation, using seasonal ingredients and locally sourced botanicals.
Inside the Boudoir
Walk through the golden archway, climb the spiral staircase, enter your passcode — and suddenly, the transformation is complete. Behind closed doors lies a charming boudoir of over 120 person capacity, filled with energy and finesse that seems impossible given the inconspicuous exterior.
The design draws heavily from the Roaring 1920s and Parisian bistro culture. Mirrors fixed to the ceiling create dramatic reflections. A personal library corner invites intimate conversation. A vintage photo booth — decked in large Edison light bulbs — captures memories. An elegant bathtub serves as a centrepiece, doubling as a champagne cooler on special occasions.
The bar itself is the main attraction — imposing, immaculately stocked with premium spirits from around the world, and constantly in motion as our expert mixologists craft their signature concoctions with theatrical flair.
As the night deepens, the intimate cocktail lounge transitions into a high-energy R&B dance floor, with resident and guest DJs keeping the crowd moving until the early hours.
Explore Our Cocktail Menu →
The Sound of Circa
Music is the soul of Circa. From the moment you enter, our carefully curated playlists set the tone — a blend of neo-soul, classic R&B, afrobeats, and contemporary urban sounds that complement the vintage aesthetic without contradiction.
From Monday to Wednesday, the atmosphere is relaxed and conversational — ideal for intimate dates, after-work wind-downs, and catching up with close friends over thoughtful cocktails.
Come Thursday through Saturday, Circa transforms. Our resident DJs take the decks and the crowd fills the floor. The energy builds steadily throughout the night, reaching its peak in the early hours. On Thursdays, it's our beloved Ladies Night — with free-flow cocktails for the ladies from 9PM onwards.
The result is a venue that defies categorisation — part sophisticated cocktail bar, part intimate club, part cultural gathering space for KL's most discerning night owls.
See Upcoming Events →What Sets Us Apart
An Experience, Not Just a Bar
From the moment you seek out the passcode to the last sip of your cocktail, every element of Circa is designed to be memorable and intentional.
Asian-Inspired Craft Cocktails
We celebrate Malaysian and Asian ingredients — butterfly pea flowers, pandan, kantan ginger flower, oolong tea — in cocktails crafted with world-class technique.
Warm Malaysian Hospitality
Our team is known for going above and beyond. We've built a loyal community of regulars who return not just for the drinks, but for the genuine warmth of the Circa family.
Thoughtful, Evolving Design
The space is constantly evolving — new artwork, seasonal décor touches, and rotating photo booth backdrops ensure that no two visits to Circa are quite the same.
About Circa Bar KL
Circa Bar KL was founded in 2019 by entertainment industry figures Kesavan Purusotman (KC) and Roen Cian Nagapan in the back alleys of Plaza Batai, Bukit Damansara. It has since grown into one of KL's most popular and beloved nightlife destinations, celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2024.
Circa Bar can accommodate over 120 guests. While the space may feel intimate and cosy on quieter weeknights, it transforms into a vibrant, fully packed venue on weekends. We recommend making a reservation in advance to guarantee your spot, especially on Thursday Ladies Nights and weekend DJ events.
Circa Bar is inspired by the speakeasy concept — hidden location, secret entry via passcode, intimate atmosphere, and a focus on craft cocktails. While modern regulations differ from Prohibition-era speakeasies, the spirit and experience are authentically in that tradition. The weekly Instagram passcode, the unmarked entrance, and the spiral staircase discovery are all intentional elements of this concept.