In what must surely be a record of some sort, Blue Note at Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa closed down for just four days and underwent a complete transformation.

The result – a sleak, modern looking upmarket bar, ready with groovy tunes for the hip and beautiful.

With a look that will undoubtedly impress first-time visitors and regulars alike, the blue of Blue Note has been covered by a predominantly white theme.  A red wall along the back of Blue Note contrasted by blue lighting behind the main bar, lends to the new Blue Note a vibey atmosphere.

A feature that keen observers will recognise, hang from the ceiling to adorn the centre of the dance floor.  Blue Note’s much talked about titillating lamps have combined to create a unique, organic light source and an equally unique conversation piece.

And for conversation Blue Note provided in their new look.  With thumping club rhythms the talk of the town and the envy of many, it’s nice to notice that the back portion of Blue Note is enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, allowing a quieter environment without being segregated from the club atmosphere.

The revamp has enabled Blue Note to now accommodation 175 seated party goers, good news for those attending club nights on Fridays or Saturdays or Cover Girl Night on Thursdays.

Beauty comes at a price though as Blue Note now charges a RM 30 cover charge at the door. On the upside, it includes a house-pouring drink.

For the uninitiated, Blue Note Bar provides premier nightlife and is located at Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu (KK) and operates from 6pm to 1am, Sundays to Thursdays, and until 2am on Fridays and Saturday.

A hot line-up of international DJs sets the night club scene in Kota Kinabalu alight, with dance tunes of all varieties.  Check out this post for the skinny on Generation Y in May.

Making his first appearance on the 2nd of May, is DJ Zaskar.  His source of inspiration is evident as he admits to his admiration of Djs Richie Hawtin, Sven vath, Sasha and John Digweed.  All for educating his countrymen about the borders beyond house and trance, DJ Zaskar’s originals are regarded by those who like Gabriel Ananda and Sebastian Ingrosso.

DJ Ben Katana is captain of the decks on Saturday, 3 May as introduces Kota Kinabalu to his passion; electro-clash.  Having honed his skills alongside DJs Derrick May, Ben Sims, Jeff Mills, Takkyu Ishino, DJ Taska, Ken Ishii and Richie Hawtin, DJ Ben Katana also worked with producers and remixers the likes of Deep Dish, Erick Morillo and Sister Bliss.

DJ Khai, also known as BananaRpublik, will set the tone for the weekend starting May 9.  With a collection of dance music and an addiction to electro and techno from greats such as Steve Angello, Carl Cox and Sven Vath, DJ Khai knows how to rile the crowds.

Saturday, 10 May sees DJ Van descending upon Blue Note to uplift the crowd with new beats, new rhythms and new desires.  This he converges in urban vernaculars to bring a new style, story and identity to global dance culture.

Back by popular demand, DJ Terence C graces Blue Note with his presence once again, when on 16 & 17 May he wields the party.  With numerous performances in South East Asia, alongside internationally acclaimed DJs, DJ Terence C is no stranger to Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong, Chicane, Omid16B, Anthony Pappa, John Digweed and Hernan Cattaneo.

On 23 May, DJ Hooi, better known as C-Master, follows in the footsteps of progressive vibe DJs John Digweed, DJ Moshic and Chris Micali with progressive vibes at Blue Note.  A semi-finalist in the Pioneer Digital Battles in 2006, DJ Hooi reached th semi-finals of The Juice DJ Quest in 2007 and is reaching for greater heights in 2008.

Saturday 24 May sees international DJ Mike Ho hotting up the dance floor.  Semi-finalist in Thirsts Heineken DJ Battle, second runner-up in The Juice DJ Quest and also Pioneer Digital Battle, DJ Mike Ho has a thirst for beat.  With a funky break-beat vs. post Rock ‘n Roll, Indie and hip-hop, in the blender with electro beats and bass with Eltro Disco as garnish, DJ Mike Ho is bound to deliver a dancing sensation.

May’s Generation Y concludes with an old favourte.  DJ Bryan Burger is back at Blue Note in KK on 30 and 31 May.  Having rubbed shoulders with BT, Dave Seaman, Steve Lawler, John Digwed and Paul Van Dyke, DJ Bryan Burger is a virtual legend by association.  Not to be preceded by his reputation, DJ Bryan Burger will demonstrate his ability to move the dance floor to an orgasmic crescendo at Blue Note at the end of May.

Blue Note at Shang-ri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa in Kota Kinabalu continues to bring well-known international DJs to KK’s night club dancing scene and promises more of the same in June.

D Junction is a food & entertainment outlet at the junction of Jalan Lintas and Jalan Penampang, which offers quality choices in one convenient location.

Although a little off Kota Kinabalu’s tourist track, a 15 minute taxi ride from the city centre will bring you to D Junction where food and entertainment options await.

You can start off your evening with a message treatment at Thai Odyssey, one of the most reasonably priced Thai Massage centres in KK. Pamper yourself with a half body massage, a traditional foot massage, an authentic traditional Thai Massage or an aromatherapy massage. For aching muscles, they even have a sport massage.

Multiple Choice for Dinner

Authentic North Indian cuisine awaits you at Spice Garden on the first floor. Featuring spicy cuisine for the culinary adventurer, or a choice of mild or non-spicy for those more cautious. The range of standard and speciality naan bread is a must-try.

Next door in a tranquil setting decorated with dark wood furniture and bamboo, lies D Junction’s Japanese Restaurant Umai. Delectable Japanese cuisine in an intimate setting.

Royal China, D Junction’s famous Chinese Restaurant. Located on the 2nd floor Royal China is popular for its selection of well-priced dim sum and other delectable Chinese cuisine.

Fun & Entertainment

D Junction is a great venue for a party and boogie with a choice of either KTV, or Karaoke TV, for singing the night away and impressing (or depressing), your friends.

Alternatively, you can dance to the music or have a drink or two at D Junction Fun Pub, both on the lower level of the D Junction complex.

4 & 5 April: DJ Jonvu

The first weekend in April sees DJ Jonvu making his first appearance at KK’s Blue Note. A regular on the circuit at clubs like Zouk, Palate Palette, Maison and Atrium, he gained international experience along side DJ Raysoo, Bryan Burger and Ben Katana.

11 & 12 April: DJ Victor

Spinning the decks with names such as Mauro Picotto, Eric Enterna, Hybrid, Luke Chable, Dano, DJ Tatiana, BT and Dimitri, DJ Victor promises to bring something special to KK’s club scene on the weekend of 11 April. Experiences under his belt is having hosted his own dance show, Wicked, on Red FM, winning the Heineken Juice Magazine DJ Quest and Vestax Extravagazna DJ Competition’s mixing category.

18 April: DJ Terence C

Not new to KK’s club circuit, DJ Terence C has rubbed shoulders whilst spinning decks with Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong, Chicane and John Digweed. In a collaboration with Callen Thama nd Didjital, he performed part of Altered Image Collective and won the Heineken Thirst Malaysia Championship.

19 April: DJ Blink

DJ Blinks brings a unique sound to Blue Note when on the 19th of April he will show off his persistence and innate turntable skills. His distinct sound is polished by spinning with DJ Tony Tay from Zouk Singaore, DJ Hyper, Meat Katie and Hybrid. He’s also won several competitions including Vestrax and Heineken Thirst.

25 April: DJ Elf

Through experimentation with various methods on the decks, DJ Elf has built up a range of sounds ranging from down tempo, house and trance, to techno and electro. Having attended the Royale DJ Academy, DJ Elf is also a film editor, and although he doesn’t have a musical background, his rapid intuition enables him to produce astonishing results.

26 April: DJ Groove Doctor

Blue Note’s April edition of Generation Y concludes on the 26th when DJ Groove Doctor rocks the scene with his roots firmly in house. Reputed to be Malaysia’s pioneer club DJ he boasts the title of Malaysia’s Godfather of House. Providing his groovy recipe of dance floor madness in China, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand, DJ Groove Doctor made history when he became the first Malaysian DJ to be invited to play in the US at San Francisco’s famous Red Melon Party.

For a clubbing vibe, house music and serious dancing or just a good night out clubbing in Kota Kinabalu, be sure not to miss Blue Note’s Generation Y.