It’s just past midnight and in a Kuala Lumpur basement a heaving, sweaty crowd watches a DJ bang out techno in near-darkness. Above them sits the five-star Mandarin Oriental hotel, but below is a different world: a party scene that has taken over the city’s nightlife.
This subterranean club is Kyo KL, and it’s re-envisioning the city’s clubbing culture, transforming its burgeoning underground music scene into one that deserves a place on the international dance circuit. Since launching its doors three years ago, the sleek club has become a magnet for top-notch DJs and music lovers alike, and its brand of world class house and techno talent has helped kyo earn a spot among the capital’s most vital clubs.
Founder Godwin Pereira, a Singaporean expat and former club promoter who now runs the kyo group of venues across south east Asia, has seen his vision of a global nightlife hub come to fruition. The club has attracted an impressive list of artists, DJs and celebrities and its influence is spreading to other parts of the region – its London launch earlier this year is an indicator of its growing reach.
The kyo concept fuses its European music influences with Asian sensibilities in a huge space that combines minimalism and industrial chic with Japanese undertones, creating an explorative space and journey into the heart of the global underground soundscape. It’s a space that has been carefully curated by its team to ensure the sound and atmosphere match the brand, with a diverse lineup of cutting-edge music supported by a dedicated community of dancers.
Clubgoers are drawn to kyo for its wide variety of genres and atmospheres. From the hedonistic r&b and hip hop nights at Artebar to the more progressive EDM, trance and psychedelic pop of Vibes Club, the sprawling venue can host up to 770 partygoers with its vast dance floor.
With an extensive selection of cocktails and drinks, kyo’s bars are a great place to kick off your night. The cosy bar on the ground floor serves up a range of spirits and alcoholic beverages, while the main club features an expansive dance floor with a view of the Petronas Twin Towers.
During a recent visit, the club was crowded with people from all walks of life and their varied tastes in music. The mix of people is testament to the fact that kyo is a true party hotspot and that its reputation is well founded.