London DJ Stage Manager’s guide, to Sri Lanka’s clubs, beach bars and tourist hot spots
The popularity of British tourists visiting Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” continues to grow year-on-year. The government have for this season, scrapped tourist visa’s for 35 countries.
My My Music’s artist and DJ Stage Manager, aka Dan Proxy, decided to move to Sri Lanka for part of the year in part due to increasing his overall wellness and wellbeing. The move was a chance to secure some freedom to explore his art and to hone is musical craft, away from the financial costs of living in London.
For Dan, DJing in Sri Lanka can be even more challenging than playing in London – for this is not a niche target audience, so it forces you to find common ground.
To dig deeper and deeper, testing and finding that universal appeal that ticks every single box on the dancefloor, no matter who the listener is.
You recently played a set at Ice Hiriketiya and will be back there in November. What are your other top Sri Lankan clubs, attractions and bars to visit for dance music lovers?
The scene out here is still in its infancy. I’d compare it more to the scenes in UK towns, more than in the cities.
The south coast draws a surfing crowd who love to party, but they are more obsessed with getting up early to catch the waves, so it doesn’t tend to run as late as we do back home.
Trax, Ahangama
Trax reminds me very much of the Lion & Lamb pub in Hoxton, as it has the same intimacy on the dancefloor; It’s a garden café by day and cocktail bar by night. I had the pleasure of going b2b with Robert James last season, and it is the place to play if you are a visiting International DJ.
Laura, Giles Smith and Remi Mazet have played at Trax. Tom Haus, Paloma Monnappa, Emanuel, and Leandro are the best resident DJs, so keep an eye for them too.
The Ruin, Hiriketiya
A new venue I’m most excited about is called The Ruin in Hiriketiya. They are just about to launch. It’s an incredible space, and the first time I visited, it gave me goosebumps. It’s got a VOID Soundsystem too – so The Ruin is my hot tip for this season.
Doctor’s House, Madiha
This is a stunning 200-year-old former Dutch Ayurvedic hospital, situation on the south coast of Sri Lanka, by the beach in Madiha.
They have popular nights every Wednesday and Saturday, but it’s also a great place to visit any time of the week. Guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, snacks and cocktails and private and dorm rooms are also available for guests to stay.
Lazies, Midigama East
Lazies is a hotel and has a stunning rooftop bar. Every Tuesday this is now the place to be. The rooftop bar draws a couple of hundred party people in each week and it’s open every day.
Other venues to mention when you’re visiting are Dots Bay in Hiriketiya, Ceylon Sliders, Lamana, Tiki Maran, Ahangama and TIKI Bar in Weligama.
Under The Radar
These organisers run their events more like traditional European underground music raves, and they feature local and international DJs across techno, break and acid.
Under The Radar have some fantastic day and all-night events and parties, with frequently changing locations.
What tourist sights are a must-see for Londoners?
Sigiriya, Lion’s Rock This is one of the wonders of the world, it has an amazing history and breathtaking views. There are a couple of super hikes here, which are totally worth the effort for taking in an epic sunrise or sunset vistas.
It’ s an ancient kingdom and the entrance through the gardens feels like something out of Game of Thrones.
Kandy
Is undoubtedly one of my favourite places to stay, as it has its own distinct culture, and the botanical gardens are a must see. If you are in Kandy, you must check out the bar Slightly Chilled.
The train from Kandy to Ella is the one of the best railway journeys in the world, and Ella is must-see. It’s a beautiful village nestled in the mountains with plenty to see and do there for a few days.There are a couple of good hikes, ziplining, quad biking etc.
There is also the famous Nine Arches Bridge, and you can walk along the train tracks too. Then of course the South Coast, which faces out towards the Maldives, has incredible beaches and a vibrant surf scene.
The best time to visit the south is between January – April, as that is the guaranteed dry season.
What are your top luxury suggestions in terms of hotels or restaurants?
There’s a fantastic selection of truly unique places to stay, in the most beautiful natural surroundings.
The Nirbana Retreat and the Palm Hotel offer an array of lifestyle options including deluxe suites and A-Frame Cabana’s. If your fancy boat parties, I would recommend Terra Resorts and Kima surf.
Nirbana Retreat
I’ve played here before, it’s Nestled on a serene inland island; this retreat is simply minutes away from world-renowned surfing on the Southwest Coast.
Relax and unwind whilst you induldge in yoga and wellness treatments all designed to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit.
I would also suggest you visit Paradise Cove – I was playing there regularly last year and it’s a stunning beach lounge. The Ravana Pool Club in Ella, Sri Lanka’s first and largest pool club – enjoy their selection of pool parties with unbelievable views.
Sri Lanka has an amazing surf scene, any tips or insider advice?
Start off on the beginner waves in Weligama or Hiriketiya bays. There are plenty of great surf schools here.
Places like Kima and Layback, offer fully inclusive packages, accommodation, lessons, surfboard hire, food and entertainment; plus, the chance to meet and learn alongside likeminded people.Get up and get out there early to avoid the traffic.
And apply lots of zinc cream to your face to avoid sunburn. What can we expect to see from you going forward? I’m going to be launching my own weekly parties here on the south coast in Sri Lanka, as well as playing regularly for a few promoters and friends.
And I will be back in the UK next year for the festival season. I’ve been booked for an official Stage Manager set at We Out Here 2025, brought back by popular demand.
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