5 Board Game Cafes in Malaysia - Screens Off, Great Challenges On!

Now that younger adults are realizing how bad screen time can be for them, they also begin to rediscover all the fun humanity has lost over time. So, here come the board games – the social media and entertainment of the pre-digital era. Combine that with modern coffee culture, and we now have board game cafes as a new trend.

Why Board Games?

Have you ever tried putting down your phones while lounging in a cafe with your friends and then suddenly, there’s an awkward silence at your table? Well, that’s not gonna happen in a board game cafe. Board games are, by design, fostering people to talk to each other about the game procedure. You don’t need to figure out how to socialize because the game has done that for you.

Also, each game includes specific rules to trigger various emotions in a light way, like those depressing +4 UNO cards, that exciting Ace card, and so on. A backstabbing friend, the begging for your life, the utter surprise of an unexpected win – so scandalous, but nothing truly harmful! Such mixed feelings are what make the group hangout feel more alive.

Unless you’ve been an avid boardgamer, you will be so amazed realizing that this world can have that many board games – it’s not just Monopoly and Ludo ah! Even the smallest board game cafe can have such an astonishing collection – there’s no way to finish all of those games in a few days. So here they are, new experiences all the time!

But games would be dull without something to nibble and sip, right? Not to mention how people are already accustomed to hanging out in a cafe with all the tasty foods and fresh drinks.

So, here we are. The board game fun mixed with the cafe culture, giving you a well-rounded experience for socializing while also keeping you full and hydrated.Now, while a board game cafe is a great spot for hanging out with your friends, it can also be perfect for a unique date idea. Opt for a private game room, order something tasty, and let your competitive senses stir up drama in your relationship!

Best Board Game Cafes in Malaysia

Ready for playing? Here are some of the best board game cafes in various parts of Malaysia.

1. UnboxmoU 

In UnboxmoU, you and your friends will play in private rooms. There will be a Nintendo Switch there, but guests mostly prefer the board games. No worries about the confusing game rules and instructions. The staff will gladly explain patiently when needed. It’s interesting how this board game cafe allows people to bring in food and beverages, yet still offers several yummy options on the menu.

Location: 41A, Jalan SS 15/4b, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (Google Maps)

Prices: Starting from RM 22 / session

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 6.00  PM – 9.30 PM

Popular Games: Played Dead by Daylight, Catan, Dixit, Codename Pictures, Exploding Kittens, The Monsters

Popular Foods & Beverages: soybean pudding, marshmallow pudding, rice chicken chop mala

2. Zzang Korean Board Game Cafe

A board game cafe specializing in Korean delicacies, Zzang Korean Board Game Cafe has the most extensive menu among other board game cafes in Malaysia. And yes, most board games are imported directly from South Korea with English manuals, so you’ll get a more comprehensive K-culture experience here. Private rooms are quite cozy and well-spaced, especially if you opt for the VIP ones. And if you need some other kinds of fun, there’s an arcade space with so many gaming machines to use for free, including a techno beer pong table!

Location: 18-1, 18-1 & 20-1, 20-1, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Google Maps)

Prices: Starting from RM 15 / hour

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 12.00  PM – 2.00 AM

Popular Games: 꼬치의 달인 (Kkocchi-ui Dalin), Kopi King, Rummikub, 김밥 요리사 (Gimbap Chef), 요트다이스 (Yacht Dice), 커피 러시 (Coffee Rush)

Popular Foods & Beverages: strawberry matcha, blueberry yogurt smoothies, strawberry watermelon hwachae, tteokbokki, buldak corn cheese, chicken rice bowl

3. Vivae Board Game Cafe

If you love board games, Vivae Board Game Cafe might be your favorite board game cafe in Malaysia. One of the reasons is that some games are available to buy. The open area setting allows you to meet fellow players and socialize. Even better, game nights and tournaments are being held occasionally on both the KL and PJ branches. It should be effortless to form your community. While there aren’t many options for food and beverages here, people are pretty satisfied with how the pizza here adds fun to their playtime.

Location:

• 18A, Jalan SS 21/62, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (Google Maps)
• 383c-2, 4th Mile, Jln Ampang, Desa Pahlawan, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Google Maps)

Prices: Starting from RM 80 / visit

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 4.00  PM – 12.00 AM, Saturday – Sunday 2.00  PM – 12.00 AM

Popular Games: Dungeon Mayhem, That Sound Game, Ketupat Rendang, Alibaba & the Forty Thieves, Cash & Guns, Las Vegas

Popular Foods & Beverages: 4-cheese pizza, chicken pepperoni pizza, fries

More reads: 10 Aesthetic Hotels in Malaysia

4. Boards & Brews

Entering Boards & Brews, you’ll find so many loyal customers, mainly playing Dragons & Dungeons with some craft beers on the table. That’s what the name of this board game cafe intends to serve, although it also has plenty of other options as well. And of course, this community wouldn’t be so alive if it weren’t for the occasional interesting events, such as Demo Day and even game-based speed dating!

Location: 5D, Nadayu, 28 Dagang, Jalan PJS 11/7, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (Google Maps)

Prices: No charge, but have to buy at least 1 food/drink per person

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 2.00  PM – 11.30 PM

Popular Games: One Night Ultimate Werewolf, Steam Up, Cascadia, Pandemic, Dragons & Dungeons, Dixit, Sequence

Popular Foods & Beverages: mango beer, sambal udang petai pizza, duck alfredo pasta, cake selections (mocha nut butter, rhum raisin chocolate, whiskey salted caramel), grilled chicken

5. Bored Board Games & Cafe

Bored is exactly where you should go when bored. Once you step inside, the cute interior in pastel colors will instantly sweep your boredom away, and things will get much more interesting when you look through the collections of this board game cafe. What most people like the most about this place is that you get unlimited game time – stay for hours if you must! And when you’re witty enough with your strategies, dare yourself to enroll in the championship!

Location: 78B, SS22/25, Damansara Jaya, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (Google Maps)

Prices: Starting from RM 30 / unlimited games

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 10.00 AM – 12.00 AM

Popular Games: Really Loud Librarians, Monopoly, Cascadia, Wonders, Azul, Exploding Kittens

Popular Foods & Beverages: popcorn chicken, grilled chicken, cheesy lasagna, steak & mushroom pie

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Best Hotels Near Board Game Cafe in Malaysia

As more people get drawn to this board game cafe frenzy, they tend to include this activity in their daycation. Inarguably, this is one effective way to digital detox. And if you’re thinking the same way, these are hotels that offer both hourly rates and proximity to at least one board game cafe in Malaysia.

1. Royale Chulan Damansara

Staycation in Royale Chulan Damansara has always been a charm – a classic-style room, full-width window, and even a bathtub. People love it for how it’s near a skating rink and the Curve shopping mall. And now that board game cafe comes in as a new trend, people love this hotel even more for being a short drive away from Vivae.

Rate: From MYR 120 / 7 hours

Hotel Features: Swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, residents’ lounge, barbecue area, children’s playground, function room, concierge, 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi, parking

Address: 2A, Jln PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (Google Map)

2. Dorsett Grand Subang

Dorsett Grand Subang is where people choose when daycationing on Subban, but it’s not merely for its proximity to Zzang. Yes, it’s nice to have a board game cafe nearby, but this 5-star accommodation also offers a lot more to ensure your ultimate fun in just a few hours of your stay. Rooms are large, and so are the windows and the infinity swimming pool. But most of all, you can get a spa here to give your daycation the most relaxing finale.

Rate: From MYR 126 / 4 hours

Hotel Features: Swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant, café, room service, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, parking, meeting room

Address: Jalan SS 12/1, Ss 12, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (Google Map)

3. Sunway Lagoon Hotel

Longing for a healing daycation but not sure about spending your whole time only playing board games? Easy. Just go to Board & Brews, and then move on to Sunway Lagoon Hotel, which sits in the most comprehensive entertainment complex in PJ. It’s going to be comprehensive fun, as you start with challenging your brain while staying still, and then getting all physical while resting your brain. Rest in your room when you need both body & soul reset, the window view and plush bed will support you on that.

Rate: From MYR 308 / 4 hours

Hotel Features: Outdoor swimming pool, children’s pool, fitness centre, restaurant, café, bar/lounge, poolside bar, business centre, meeting/banquet facilities, concierge, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, parking

Address: Jalan PJS 11/15, Off, Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (Google Map)

4. Crystal Crown Hotel Petaling Jaya

Spending so many hours in Bored for endless boardgaming will get you exhausted eventually, so you need somewhere to rest, like Crystal Crown Hotel Petaling Jaya. It’s near, and the rooms here are so comforting with plush beds, ample space, and super large windows overlooking the busy city panorama. Spa and swimming pools are worth trying as well if you want your daycation to be more soul-mending.

Rate: From MYR 185 / 4 hours

Hotel Features: Swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, restaurant, café, bar, room service, concierge, meeting rooms, ballroom, business centre, free Wi-Fi, parking

Address: 12, Lorong Utara A, Off, Jln Utara, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (Google Map)

5. Dorsett Hartamas Kuala Lumpur

Here’s a dating idea: take your partner to play at Unbox, and continue your private bonding time at Dorsett Hartamas Kuala Lumpur, which is just a short drive away. Your room would feel even more romantic if you opt for one with a bathtub, but don’t just stop there. Come to the rooftop area, where the luxury sparks even more. The super-large infinity pool makes you feel like swimming towards the sky!

Rate: From MYR 217 / 6.5 hours

Hotel Features: Outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, steam room, restaurant, café, bar, room service, concierge, meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, parking, airport transfer

Address: Plaza Damas, D-G-8 3, No. 63, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Google Map)

People might want different things for their daycation, but hanging out in board game cafes is truly a popular option. It’s affordable, fun, healthy – literally no reason to say no! Just make sure your hourly hotel is not very far, so you wouldn’t need to stress yourself out about commuting.

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More reads: Spa Hotels in Kuala Lumpur || Best Staycation for Couples

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