By Sam Coleman

Sam Coleman goes on night safari of KL`s fresh batch of newly opened or about to open clubs. Recession? We don`t see no stinking recession

Dragonfly KL
Born from the excellent pedigree of Jakarta`s famed club by the same name, this new and hungry team takes over the challenged Orange Dance Club space. Ok, they have some nice hip hop happening and the venue is well decorated but beware the Red Square effect. Red who? Exactly.
No.1, Jalan Kia Peng, KL (1700 80 2999)

Elixir
There`s was some speculation on what would become of the space above Flams on Changkat, a place owned by the people who brought us Cynna and Upstairs. Now we know: Changkat`s newest dance club, a bit on the glam side with R&B as its music policy, Elixir brings the street closer to Asian Heritage Row (AHR) than some are comfortable with. Still, a cool place to party.
37 & 39 Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL (03 2145 8222)

Elysium
A new place along with Gosh on AHR that is styled in the Roman ethos of drink, flirt and be merry. Adequate dance floor and Spartan ambience due to being only recently opened; the software of service and music remain to be seen. Still, there were worse launches on AHR; this place may survive.
No 44, 46, 48 Jalan Doraisamy, KL (016 678 1384)

Gosh
Soon to opened companion to one of AHR`s few success stories of 2008/9, Le Blanc, Gosh is similar in timbre to MILK in that it`s catering to a posher, more A-list crowd. And with its cool black and grey interior, multiple floor environs and private rooms it might just get there.
21 Jalan Doraisamy, KL (03 2698 0903)

KL Live
Less a club than a venue for killer EDM acts, this place is a godsend for the scene taking back the moribund Ruums locale. A 4,000 capacity space, KL Live has hosted a string of great electronica including Basement Jaxx, 2many Djs, Axwell and others to the glee of those that attended. Props KL Live, props.
KL Live @ 1st Floor, Life Centre, 20 Jalan Sultan Ismail,
KL (03 2162 2570/ www.kl-live.com.my)

Tin Mine
Yes, it`s back: the infamous 80s club, the Studio 54 of Malaysia is re-launched and, if you see the place, maybe even better than ever. Great interior, a live band that warms the place up until the Djs come on, Tin Mine is certainly an adequate place to have a drink. But to recapture glory days? Hope it doesn`t become the Deborah Harry of KL clubs.
Lower Lobby, Crowne Plaza Mutiara, Jalan Sultan Ismail KL (03 2145 0020/www.tinmine-kl.com)

MILK
After a killer run in 2008/9 with Mist Club, the place that became the heart and soul of the hip hop and R&B community here in KL, the boys have decided to go upmarket, add a VIP room on that will cater to a swankier (read Chinese) crowd. Still being developed, we got a sneak peak at the place and yes, it looks great. Risky though but don`t bet against these young Turks.
18 Jalan Liku, Bangsar (03 2282 2018/http://mistclub.com.my)

Spin Club
Solaris adds another club to its quiver by way of this half club/half bar haunt that sees a moderate sized dance floor keeping a crowd. Some good Djs have spun there, DJ Nikki and others, but they`ve told us they`re toning down on the electronic music. Ok, that may save a few shekels but be careful Spin Club, KL Klubbers expect to be entertained.
J-01-05,6,7,8, Solaris Mon't Kiara No.2, Jalan Solaris, KL

twentyone tables+terraces
Yes yes, the boys have done it again, bastards! Yet another killer venue where our money and nights will be sucked dry, this time in BSC`s beautiful newly renovated locale. It`s gorgeous with a wide sweeping view of the Bangsar jungle, great programming, anchored by DJ Niza Minx and of course the great drink menu that owners Richard and Dan are known for. Make no mistake about it, this place single-handedly has made Bangsar sexy again. Good job boyos.
11, 3rd Floor, BSC 285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, KL (03 2287 0021/ www.drbar.asia/twentyonetablesterrace)

G Six Club
Let`s just get to the point on this one without any ado; it is amazing, simply beautiful, one of the best new clubs in recent years. First the location, on the sixth floor of the Gardens with a great inside and outside view of the Mid Valley area. The interior is a stunner, cool and fluid with the perfect sense of style and differentiated covey holes to hang and explore. Aye Caramba, this place will be huge.
6th floor, the Gardens, Mid Valley City, KL 012 307 6616)

Opera
The much anticipated opening of the Sunway located Opera finally had its soft launch and we were there to witness what all the fuss is about. Three stories high with a centre area that`s used for circus acts, Opera is really something different and unique on the clubbing scene.
Lot no OBG (MS) & OBF (MF) Oasis Boulevard, Sunway Pyramid
(03 5635 7272/www.theopera.my)

Reggae Bar
Oh sure, we know all about Reggae Bar, Chinatown don`t we? But don`t bring all (some you can, but not all) of those preconceptions with you. Reggae Bar Changkat is something different, a far more upscale place that has some nice live music (Sarah Daye is performing off and on there) and is appealing to more than the backpacker audience that made the Chinatown location what it is.

Vanity Mansion
Former Heritage Mansion has been taken over by the Envie boys (Michael and Rizal) and they `ve got big plans, currently doing renovations as we speak. Will our caped crusaders save this venue from oblivion, delivering on the promise of good AHR clubbing? Stay tuned.
18–26 Jalan Kamunting, KL (03 2698 8282/www.heritage-mansion.com)

Zinnia
Good one to end on. This unusual space is part of the Lake Club, the super exclusive haunt of Malaysia`s elite. Adding Zinnia as a club in a members` only space is a gamble but manager Nanthan assures that `drinks are a third the price of outside and all you have to do is be friends with one of our 9,000 members`. Women will love this place.
Taman Tasek Perdana, Jalan Cenderamulia, off Jalan Parlimen (03 2698 9889)