Kalkan Turkey Forum - EnjoyKalkan.com
Kalkan Discussion => Restaurants, Bars, Nightlife & Shopping => Topic started by: Enjoy Kalkan on May 07, 2007, 12:53:13 AM
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Everyone seems to have an opinion of Moonlight bar - from great place to be, to the noisy place in the location it shouldnt be!
What do you think..........
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I personally love it. A great place to start the evening with a nice cold Efes before a great meal in town. Yes, it can be a tad noisy later on, but why not. If it's not your thing there are plenty of alternatives.
Jo
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I'm with jofoss on this one. I love it too! Great way to start the evening and and even better way of ending it! I'm probably one of the ones sitting there late at night making the noise - well we are on holiday! Muhittin and his team run the best bar in Kalkan!
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I just want to chip in here and point out I am certainly not against Moonlight at all... I just know its always a good way to spark a healthy debate ;D
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i'm with you guys and gals!!! excellent place to while away the early hours!!! the boys have run this place for years and it is now an established business ..nothing is too much trouble and they always stick to closing the doors when it's late so as to keep music noise at a minimum ..Everybody Knows it and questions are often started with "wheres that from the Moonlight bar?"i shall be perched outside most nights with the mrs in 7 weeks time.....we always stop for a night cap or 6 or 7.... :D
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They certainly know how to work the street. We usually have a drink there whilst deciding where to eat. But I am a softie so I always try and have at least 1 drink at Utopia 'coz I feel sorry them!!
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We adore the place sitting and watching the world go by and watching the moon pass over the bay.
We go at least twice every night pre and post dinner.
Going in June for 3 weeks, probably be there every night...such is life
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The Moonlight Bar is the place to start the evening, that's for sure. We love it there - and the young bar staff go down well with the teenagers! Martin (can't spell his real name!) has always looked after us extremely well - even taking the trouble to make sure some younger members of our group got a cab safely back to the apartment at 3am!! That's what you call service!
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The main guy is Muhittin (the one who takes the money) and his brother (the quiet one) is Gurhan. Great lads, wish I was there now!
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We too go to the Moonlight pre and post meals, but why oh why doesnt the poor bar next door get people in, I feel so sorry for them but dont want to be the only ones sat there drinking
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There was this debate recently on a TA thread - why is Utopia dead and Moonlight bar always heaving...some people put it down to the streets being well worked by the Moonlight people..but even so - it is a Kalkan mystery!!
I too like the Moonlight bar for a quiet (or not so quiet drink!!) - and I like the music they play - more for us oldies...than the Yacht Point and Sandals (where my kids hang out) - they DON'T like the Moonlight Bar coz of the music.....!!
haha!
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the moonlight lads always go that extra yard!!nothing is too much trouble and we always get a warm welcome .....when we arrive they come running out and give us big hugs and back slapping!!!perhaps they know we will be in there most nights at some point ::)if they see us walking anywhere they always give us a chuggy on the back of the scooter..which often means coming back for one of us!!!....it's just so not like wetherspoons at home!!! :D
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I too love the Moonlight Bar. On my first Kalkan trip it was the only good bar to go to. Muhittin (aka Martin) was always friendly and always remembers you and looks after you. Utopia are empty because they make no effort - you reap what you sow - Muhittin is always there, happily chatting to guests. OK, sometimes you sit on the slope and the chair is lopsided, but that's half the fun!
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Muhittin can also count that big wedge of money in his pocket without takeing his hand out!!!he knows what all the tables have had and he knows when a glass is getting near empty to shout up another....thats service!! anyone ever tried to stifle a smirk after seeing someone fall off the chair hurtle down the slope after a few bevvies ::)
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I was interested to read this thread, from all the people i know from the last 4 years in Kalkan they either love or hate the Moonlight.
I can't say I'm a fan, seats too squashed together, too noisy with all the moped traffic so close by,
but probably the main reason is the over the top welcomes, all that back slapping and 'my friend, my friend' stuff. We all love the hospitality in Turkey, but I can't help feeling that in the Moonlight it's more related to the big wad of notes in Mehtin's pocket than genuine pleasure to see you again.
I'll wait for the fireworks now, but it can't just be me who's not a fan.
Linda
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Hi Linda yes you're right everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however I've been going to Kalkan for a very long time, several times a year and I must confess I've never had my back slapped in the Moonlight. I have always found Muhittin and all his staff to be extremely courteous and respectful to us and not over the top at all. They are always professional and where they are always extremely pleasant they most certainly are not familiar. And yes I would consider myself as one of his regulars and I for one value his 'friendship'. Now the chairs and falling down the slope is another thing - but hey it's the Moonlight, if you don't like it luckily for all of us we have choices!
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Hi Charlie,
just speaking as I find, hope you didn't take that personal though, you seemed a little upset, I hope not.
Do you speak Turkish Charlie ?
And as you say, more space for those that do like it if those who don't keep out,
and all the space in the other bars when the Moonlight is packed !
Imagine if we all liked the same things, or all spoke the same language, wouldn't that be boring, if a little enlightening in the case of the language !
Regards
Linda
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Hi Linda, no I didn't take it personally, like you, just speaking as I find. And yes it would be a pretty boring place if we all like the same things. I do speak Turkish, initially self taught, though I have been attending language classes for quite a while now. As you know, not that you need to speak it in Kalkan however, I do think the locals really appreciate it. Mind you it's interesting to be able to pick up on their conversations!
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Merhaba Charlie - nasilsin?
Gorusuruz!!
Me too learning Turkish at language classes - boy is it a difficult language eh - but like you felt that I should give it a go - I think they appreciate it..!! Food and drink no problem - bir bira ve sise kirmizi sarap lutfen!! Serefe!!!
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I think Charlie and Felicity should start doing some learning Turkish tips for those of us that seem to have a total lack of ability learning the language!! - no matter how hard I try i never get my words right :(
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Blimey!
I thought the Moonlight was on level ground. I think I have a problem.
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Jon - when I get some time - I'll put up some more phrases - but the best thing is to go to a language class as it FORCES you to learn and go - the CD and book is still in its wrapper on the shelf....!!! LOL!
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The noisiest most dreadful place in Kalkan, IMHO. Should be moved to somewhere off the main road. All the cheery back-slapping is indeed related to the raking in of YTL.
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Phew, glad someone agrees with me Cosetta,
I was getting worried that it was just me that didn't like it !,
each to their own, and I have to say Charlie it is very interesting to pick up on Turkish conversations, especially when those who are talking have no idea you can understand what they're saying !
Linda
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i think Charlie meant in general..as somebody who has struggled to learn turkish i have full admiration for those who give it a go..mine is limited but i learn more each time.i can know get the gist of a conversation and indeed start one..must admit iv'e missed out on back slapping!i have known the moonlight brothers for many years and recieve a warm welcome of the more traditional double handshake and both cheeks touched ....i would much rather some one pleased to see me even showing exhuberance rather than trying to punch someones head in as in this country. but still look on the bright side not going there means more seats for those who do like too ;)
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See you there then blue lizard! Charlie
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Kudos to Charlie for speaking Turkish! I've spent literally hundreds of hours studying Turkish, have about 6 different courses, maybe a vocab of 400+ words, have studied grammar, have gone on vacation with Turkish neighbors who do not speak English, I speak 3 other languages fluently, but Turkish .... I confess that it is in my opinion the world's most difficult language (maybe it's my age! :-[) . I learned a dialect of Arabic more easily.
But I keep plugging away at learning it ...
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I have just posted a picture of the Moonlight Bar in the Kalkan gallery so that those who dont know it can see its location. I suppose it is in a good spot for people watching but with so many other places with fantastic sea views we never thought of stopping there.
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Like you Babadag I've never tried the Moonlight bar. Strange that in more than 10 years of visiting Kalkan I've yet to stop off and have a drink :o Really have no idea why not and maybe this time around I'll give it a try
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moonlight is the place to be in kalkan!
as much as i love the atmosphere of yacht point and sandals in august when kalkan is at it's busiest, you just can't beat a night in moonlight during the quieter part of the season!
i was there last week and as always received the warmest welcome from the boys; arif, orun, yalcin, spencer (the new english dj) and of course muhittin. we were there every night until the wee hours; moonlight i think really does cater for everyone, the music is varied and they will play anything you ask for; from the golden oldies to the current charts to turkish favourites.
the boys all make you feel so welcome, after visiting kalkan 5 times in the last 3 years, i can honestly say they are now my friends which is proven in that i speak to them regularly on msn throughout the year!
the atmosphere is always vibrant and you know you are guaranteed a good night there despite your age! last week there was a person of every age in there, from myself, a 20 year old to a lady who was 82, and we were all up dancing together having a good time.
also this year all bars in kalkan are facing a restriction on their openning times, the jan darma now come round at 3am and shut everything down and if you fail to shut you are given an instant fine (which i witnessed last sunday) although this is slightly disappointing, mainly for the younger ones who do want to stay out, it is fairer on the locals and for the people who like a peaceful nights sleep. also, 3am is quite late particularly when bars are busy from around 7pm.
you will find me there, in my usual spot in september when i return!!
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Im looking forward to sipping a few cool Efes in there in 21 days time!! :)
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I think 3am is way late enough and would think at least 3 hours too late if I could here all the noise coming from there, whilst I know we are all on holiday and want to have fun, think of the locals who have to be up at 5am to think about work, would we like this on our door step I think not.
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Are Moonlight and Utopia having a battle between themselves? The music was blaring out a full pelt from both bars last week. You'd think you were in Marmaris not laid back Kalkan. In previous years we've sat outside the Utopia, cooling ourselves with their large Efes and watching the world go by. Not this year, couldn't wait to get past them. Hope it doesn't continue or indeed spread to other bars.
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It depends on what you want from an evening out. The Moonlight is as good as Utopia or the other way round depending on your mood. Competition is not what the two bars are about it's about how you feel at the time. Give them both a try.
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We personally dislike the Moonlight Bar and any bar that plays loud music until 3am as we feel that it lets Kalkan down - isn't Kalkan meant to be quiet and up market?
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Moonlight bar is definitely lively, but if you are females on your own beware of being charged for drinks of those who sit down to chat to you! Have to admit, as I get older, I find Utopia much more pleasant to sit at.
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love it or hate it......me, i hate it, and i prromise you i'm not an old fogey.....if i want to sit in a noisy bar and drink overpriced bevvies i can do that any night of the week in rainy old london......i go to kalkan every year for the peace and the slower pace of life, and have honesty never understood why the place is always busy...would much rather sit under the trees near the harbour or on a roof terrace and watch the world.....blimey, maybe i AM an old fogey :-\
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I agree.
We've never been to the Moonlight in 3 years of holidays simply because it looks so busy, noisy and uncomfortable.
We spend the odd afternoon having a cold one outside Utopia...people watching and imprinting the fantastic views from there on the inside of our eyelids... but the evenings for us are for lovely rooftop terraces with a balmy breeze, a great meal and a lazy stroll home up the hill.
Its great that so many of you do enjoy it, but im afraid we won't be joining you any day soon! ;)
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And why is this Mrs B?
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Apart from what i mentioned?
Well, we like the peace and quiet of a night on our hols, we like to go home for a moonlight dip in the pool, and we wont be in Kalkan again now for a few months. ;D
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So do we, but now and again we have to venture out and see what we are supposedly missing. It is fun sometimes.
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Well...as someone said earlier, each to their own.
I think i'd rather leave that side of the nightlife in Kalkan to those who want it.
Mr B an me will continue to stroll on by happy in the knowledge we know what we like an we like what we know...and the people in the bar will be thinking the same thing about their decision to go in.
Happy days...and nights...for all!!!
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I have visited Kalkan many times and at first I thought Moonlight was great. However, on one evening when faced with a rather large bill for drinks (didnt realise until then that tourists are charged for the drinks for locals!) for which I didnt have enough money, Muhitten marched me up to the cash machine to withdraw money and pay the bill! Needless to say I am no longer a fan of the Moonlight. On the other hand, I love Utopia bar. The staff there are so friendly whilst not in your face. The place is clean and its a great place to watch the world go by - I call it my Turkish television. For those who have not tried Utopia, give it a chance. Its much better than being ripped off next door in Moonlight.
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Over the years I, along with my girlfriends, have spent more lira than I care to admit to in Moonlight. Until a couple of years ago it was the only bar we went to - apart from the occasional visit to Kleo, Yacht Point and Sandals. To us the USP was the great music, especially much later into the early hours. One year we listened to Dark Side of the Moon at about 3 am every night! Then a couple of years ago we really went off the music the DJ was playing and defected to Merkez for our pre dinner G&T's (definitely the best in Kalkan) and then increasingly to Yacht Point after dinner. However, with Spencer (who is a friend of ours) DJ'ing there this year we have great hopes of once again lining Muhittin's bulging wallet. Roll on 3 September. I quite miss the challenge on staying upright if you end up on the slope!
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we were there 2 weeks ago!! and Spence is still spinning his tunes...he was kind enough to do me a disc of a song i liked...(ISTE...By Mustapha sandal)we always get a loveley welcome from all the lads in the bar.....not just because we buy drinkies ..we have used this place for many years,and consider muhittin and gurol etc to be our friends ;)
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I have to say i love Moonlight bar, i may be slightly biased as the barman is my boyfriend!!! But i still think its the best place to chill out after a meal out, watching the moonlight on the sea!! Only 76 days and i'll be back (again!!) :D :D
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Me and my friend have been visiting Kalkan for the last 3 years and have fallen in love with the place to such an extent that I am now the proud owner of a lovely apartment.
We have spent many evenings at the moonlight bar and have become good friends with Yalcin and Arif, Haji and Onur. But we are sorry to say that the bar owner appears to delight in over charging those of us who enjoy a good drink or three - even though we class ourselves as regulars.
We have now ventured further and have discovered other bars such as Yali who do a great bogof deal, Utopia and more recently Yacht Point Bar at the harbour which is very lively with equally friendly bar staff, great music and where you only pay for the drinks you've had !!!
Cant wait until our next visit. :D
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the difference between the moonlight and the utopia is i have drank and spent a lot in both bars but fyke who is owner of utopia has offered me and my party quite a lot of free drinks over the years but never at the moonlight,and you dont get back ache or have to dodge the cars if you sit in the utopia because of the slope outside the moonlight
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Hi Helmo,
I am sorry that you had a bad experience in the Moonlight bar, I have to say this has never happened to us. Indeed on one occasion when we had far too much to drink and didn't have enough money Muhtin said we could pay him anytime! We saw him the following day, and we said we pop in that evening and he said there was no rush.
We have always found the staff at the Moonlight really friendly and helpful.
Glad to hear Spence is still there!
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Well, I''ll be at the Moonlight tomorrow night...and most of the next 16 nights that we are in Kalkan. I too am slightly biased as Spencer (the DJ) is my son. If you have been there this year and enjoyed his music I will say that he learnt his skills all from me as I too DJ''d for over 30 years...if you haven''t then he was self taught!!!!! He can also sing very well...and back home he is found doing tributes to Sinatra, Darin, Martin, Buble, Cullum etc....if you read this and are passing the Moonlight this season try to persuade him to sing...he really is good...well I would say that wouldn''t I?
I have been visiting Kalkan for many years and I think it makes a nice change from all those years ago when everyone had the same Louis Armstrong CD. I still think you can here it in some of the restaurants to this day!!!!
If you read this tonight Spence....get the Efes in for me tomorrow !!!!!!!!
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Hi terry,
how are you? I don''t know if you remember me but myself, graham, Gill and Alan had a few drinkies in the moonlight with you and your wife a couple of years ago. I do envy you being out there so soon. We go on the 24th Sept. Saw Spence when we were there in June.
And yes everyone the boy can sing!
Lorretta.
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Hey Terry - it Lynn here! How are you all? Can''t beleive I will miss you all out there again. I''m going 5 weeks today - of course I''m counting! Have fun and remember to save some Efes for the rest of us!! Please say hello to all from me.
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Hi terry collins, welcome to EnjoyKalkan, we are off to Kalkan on Sunday so will head for Moonlight during our fortnight''s stay and check out the DJ skills and see if we can get him to sing - if he needs a bassist, my son could do the honours for him. Though doubt 19 year old will be frequenting bar at same time as the oldies, unless we''re buying off course. Diane
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HELLO MY WORLD..Ä° AM STAYING IN KALKAN .. MY NAME Ä°S ARÄ°F
Ä° AM WORKÄ°NG AT THE MOONLÄ°GHT BAR .. ::) PLS GÄ°RLS DONT HASSLE ME
BECAUSE Ä° AM GAY ;D :D :o
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O0 arif...we know you are and promise not to hassle you ....hi Spence,hows it going?i''m still playing "iste" that you did for me ...looking forward to next year !! gayle is back in october(7th)..she wants her birthday in Kalkan!!..take care ...ta ta for now ;D
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hello enjoy kalkan
its me spence just wanted to say it has been a pleasure playing and working in the moonlight this year!!
for all those people who say it is too loud i dısagree as this bar is the best in kalkan and we (me and huseyin) have played some great music this year and not always pop but old classics of rock to motown we hope that u have enjoyed another great season at the bar and that all our loyal supporters will be back next year flying the moonlight flag!!
love the guys that work here as u couldnt find more genuine and honest people to help and work with and they really appreciate everybody who has come to the bar over the years!!
love to everyone at home and remember no nite is complete in kalkan without DANCÄ°NG Ä°N THE MOONLIGHT!!!
spence
xxxxxxx
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Happy new year to everyone!!its spencer from moonlight bar (DJ) hope that every one will be returning this year i unfortunately am not out till august but cant wait to see everyone again and may throw my hand in to a couple of nites djing for the fans hahaha love to all spence
xxxxxxx
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Hi Spence,
happy new year to you too. How long are you going to be out for? Chloe and her friend may be out in August.
Love to your Mum and Dad too!
Lorretta.
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hello lorretta
im fine started work at madame tussauds now and love it!!
i will be out on the 5th august for two weeks so if chloe wants to meet up that will be good havent seen her for ages!!!
any news on gill and alan?
be good to cu soon
love to all
spencer
xxxxxx
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Hi Spence,
I have sent you a pm.
L xxx
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hey guys and gals why has everyone left the moonlight page????man im excited only 7days until im back in sunny kalkan and this year not working!!i cant wait to see all of the guys out there and everyone who supported me and the boys last year!!!im coming out on the 5th august and again on the 19th september so if anyones around would be great to catch up with you all!!!WHO KNOWS I MITE RETURN FOR A ONE OF DJ SESSION!!???hahaha love to all Spencer xxxx
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Hi,
Looking forward to spending most of our nights in the moonlight bar, it''s a great bar, the boys are lovely and always welcome us every year we go!
We are in Kalkan from the 18th of August for 1 week (not long enough!)
We was in Kalkan last year when Spencer was the DJ, played great music and had some of the best nights we have ever had there!
Only 3 more weeks to go & we''ll be there, can''t wait!!
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Sorry tht i will miss u guys hope u enjoy ur holiday
spence
xxxxx