Seeking Nirvana

A sense of calm and spaciousness. That was what I felt when I made a boat trip along the Madhu River in Sri Lanka. The massive river has about 62 islands, including a 150 year old temple where I took this picture.

Surrender to Serendib Part 2

Sri Lanka used to be called Ceylon and sometimes Serendib. Like its latter namesake, there is something bewitching about this teardrop shaped island. Behold these beautiful landscapes, seascapes, sunrise and sunset shot at Galle and Balapitiya. They are enough to make you want to pack your bags and surrender to Serendib, huh?

Surrender to Serendib Part 1

I’m back! The last 10 days in Sri Lanka was amazing. Even though I had a few misadventures – got a health scare (salivary gland infection which made my face swell up like a moon), cut my knee while getting off a boat and almost got ‘mugged’ by a drunken man, I had a wonderful time there. I took close to 1,000 photos. It’s exhausting, I’m practically with my camera 24/10, despite the hiccups, it was a very rewarding experience.

Over the next few days, I will be showcasing my favourite photos from my newest collection titled “Surrender to Serendib”, right here on my blog. To kick things off, here are some portrait shots taken in Galle and Balapitiya, South West of Sri Lanka. They say “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”, and that adage holds true in Sri Lanka! Be prepared to pay your models 250 rupees or more for every picture taken (don’t say I never warn you!). I was lucky I took these gems free of charge.

Chasing Ceylon

I am off to Sri Lanka for a photo assignment. In the meantime, while I am busy chasing Ceylon tea, colonial-style boutique hotels, palm fringed beaches, stilt fishermen, devil curries and dreamy sunsets, here is a collage of water lilies for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Red Alert

Melbourne is a city of vibrant colours as shown by this picture taken along the promenade of Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, aka Southbank.

A retail, dining and entertainment hub on the southern bank of the Yarra River, Southbank boasts many iconic buildings like Crown Casino and Eureka Tower. The riverside promenade is my favourite spot for an evening stroll.

Blue Black

What I like about Melbourne is that it is a city of character, contrasts and colours, in spite of its perpetual grey skies. This photo taken at Melbourne Museum is a different take on the Big Box, part of the Children’s Gallery which resembles a giant Rubik’s Cube.

Located in the Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum’s cutting edge architecture, comprising a mix of interesting backdrops with clean lines, varied textures, colours, curves and natural light, makes it a great location for filming and photography.

Style Council

Here is another picture from my collection Melbourne Seen. This was taken at Melbourne’s GPO, an upmarket shopping mall on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Bourke Street in the heart of Melbourne CBD.

Melbourne has my vote for the most livable (and stylish) city in Australia. It has a very happening arts scene, chic designer shops, world-class eateries and century old architecture – art deco, renaissance, gothic, modern et al., architecture lovers will have a field day. I did.

Walk the Talk

Lest readers mistakenly think that I only shoot photos in Asia, I thought I’d better showcase photos taken outside of Asia for a change. This one is from my collection Melbourne Seen, taken at Spring Street, Melbourne, Australia, in August 2007.

The statues seem almost real. Juxtaposed with two passers-by, one lady walking and talking on her mobile (that explains the title of this shot), it makes an interesting photo. The picture can be interpreted in many ways. One is life passing us by. Often times we are so busy, we forget to take the time to smell the flowers or stop in the streets to chat with an old friend (like the two gentlemen). Guess it’s easier in the old days when life was less hectic.

High Tech

As I’ve mentioned in my previous blog, the best things that happen are often unplanned. I just finished a photoshoot at NTU Research Techno Plaza this afternoon when I caught sight of this image. The sky was overcast outside, but for a few seconds, the sun shone through, illuminating the glass panels. I hurriedly whipped out my camera and took the photo. The result is brilliant! I like it so much that I’m giving the image to my client as a bonus shot.

Sew Good

Sometimes, things do not go according to plan (and most times, they turn out to be better). Just like my visit to the School of Souvenir Production and Training Centre in Punakha, Bhutan.

My guide and friend, Anan of Keys to Bhutan, happened to chance upon the centre one afternoon while I was relaxing in my hotel. The next day before we set off on our three hour drive to Phobjikha valley, Anan asked me if I mind dropping by somewhere first. I’m always game for new experiences, so I said, “Sure, why not?”

That “somewhere” is the School of Souvenir Production, supported by the Youth Development Fund (YDF), an initiative of The Bhutan Foundation. The centre provides an opportunity for teenage girls who are unable to complete school or qualify for advanced studies, to develop art and craft skills, and equip them with business know-how so that they can run their own businesses someday. There is a gallery where you can view their work and buy souvenirs. The artisanship is really good. I bought several bookmarks, a CD and tote bag.

Our little detour to the centre was truly a pleasant and inspiring experience.

“See you tomorrow!”

Here is another photo that I am considering entering for Asian Geographic’s “Asia Without Borders” photography competition.

This photo was taken early one morning in Phobjikha, Bhutan. I was enjoying a stroll and crisp morning air when I saw little children in red rubber boots walking to their primary school. Where I come from, the kids are driven to school or accompanied by their maids. But these Bhutanese boys and girls are an independent lot. I asked them if I could take their photo and they happily said “yes!”. They would also get very excited when I played back the photos on my LCD screen. Although I am more than three decades their senior, being with them made me feel young again. Their innocence and playfulness are infectious!

As the school bell rang, the kids ran to assemble in the school field, but not before waving to me and shouting in unison – “see you tomorrow!” I was moved. And to this day, I have not forgotten their warmth and friendliness.

Bhutan Without Borders

I am thinking of taking part in Asian Geographic’s “Asia Without Borders” photography competition. The deadline for entries is 30 Sep 08, and winners will be announced after 18 Oct 08.

I haven’t and can’t decide on which photo to submit for the competition. Maybe this one? It shows friends and families of different colors enjoying a leisurely afternoon in a park in Thimphu, Bhutan. The fence with wide gaps in the foreground is rather symbolic – Bhutan has opened its doors to the world, it is a place without barriers where everyone is warmly welcome.

Knai Bang Chatt – 10 Reasons Why You’d Love It

Knai Bang Chatt is undeniably the best place to stay in Kep, Cambodia. If winning a spot on the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Hot List 2007 is not enough to entice you, these 10 reasons would:

Reason # 1 – Uniquely Different

If you’re tired of cookie cutter chain hotels, then Knai Bang Chatt would be your cup of tea. So chic it hurts and so different it’s refreshing, the 11-room Knai Bang Chatt is more a home than a hotel. Even its name which means the rainbow aureole encircling the sun is unique and very apt (see my photo for the proof)!

Reason # 2 – Funky Architecture

Knai Bang Chatt has three original New Khmer Architecture style bungalows, designed and built in the 1960’s by a student of Vann Molyvann, Cambodia’s most celebrated architect and national icon. Mr Molyvann himself studied under another legendary architect, Le Corbusier.

Reason # 3 – Sexy Rooms

Minimalist with antique furniture and objets d'art from the owners’ private collection, each of the 11 rooms are different. The open plan bathrooms most with shutter windows can be opened to views of the garden/beach and in full view of fellow guests. Definitely not for the prudish.

Reason #4 – Garden Oasis

Its gorgeously manicured gardens with lily ponds, tropical fruit trees and towering palms make this a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. And it has ample breathing space to just laze around or meditate – perfect for yoga.

Reason #5 – Stunning Sunsets

A private beach outfitted with a pretty pavilion, oversized loungers and hammocks, you can savor the beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Thailand in both style and comfort.

Reason #6 – Fantastic Food

While Knai Bang Chatt is about 10 minutes walk from seafood restaurants, its home-style cuisine is so delicious that you’d want to eat in and not go anywhere else. And what makes the food here even more delectable is that it uses organically grown produce and no MSG. You can even make yourself at home in the kitchen where the gregarious head chef is happy to share with you her fish amok recipe.

Reason #7 – Water Sports Galore

From a fully equipped beach club to an infinity-edge salt water pool, water sports enthusiasts can rejoice! Late October to May is the best time to go for sun-kissed beaches and blue skies.

Reason #8 – Excellent Service

Some say the service is laid back or not as polished as 6-star establishments, but to a seasoned traveler (yours truly) who has stayed in some of the best hotels in Asia, Knai Bang Chatt’s service is just right. No pretentiousness and fawning over guests to the point of irritation, what you get instead is unassuming, and warm and friendly service. In fact, Stephane Arrii, the General Manager, is the most convivial Frenchman you’d ever meet.

Reason # 9 – Has a Heart

Knai Bang Chatt donates a part of its revenue to development programs for local villages. One of which, the Hand in Hand Cambodia program is the brainchild of owners, Jef Moons and Boris Vervoordt.

Reason #10 – Photogenic Property

Last but not least, mixed all the above together and you get a beauteous hotel right out of the pages of design or fashion magazines. It’s every hotel aficionado and photographer’s wet dream come true.

Haunted Hill Station

I don’t know which is scarier? Bokor Hill Station or the ride up there and back?

Established by the French as a hill-station with a casino and hotel in the 1920s, Bokor Hill Station was abandoned twice, during World War II and the Khmer Rouge period. And it was during the latter that the entire Bokor region saw fierce fighting between the Vietnamese and Khmer Rouge. The battle scars are still there – bullet holes that dot the walls of the Catholic church and casino. Walking along the cold and crumbling halls of these buildings (think The Shining) is guaranteed to give even the bravest among us the goose bumps.

Besides its grim past, Bokor Hill has one of the worst roads, accessible only by 4WDs and motorcycles, and virtually inaccessible during the wet season. Throwing caution to the wind, Mei and I decided to endure the bumpy three-hour drive to Bokor Hill from Kep. And bumpy is an understatement. Turned out that our vehicle, a five-passenger pickup truck had poor suspension. Whenever the vehicle hit a bump (which was like every two minutes), it would jolt Mei and I from our seats with a violent thump. We ended up with very sore bums and a bad back. “There goes my hours of yoga practice,” Mei moaned. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, we realized to our shock and horror that the vehicle’s speedometer was broken! We didn’t know whether to laugh, cry or scream. Thankfully God answered my prayers and we made it back to Kep in one piece.

Would we do it again? NO WAY! But to be fair, Bokor Hill Station is quite an interesting place to visit. And if I did not make the dangerous and uncomfortable journey up there, I would not have taken these photos.

N.B. Bokor Hill Station is now off limits to tourists. A conglomerate, Sokimex Group, is currently redeveloping the site – repairing the roads and the old buildings, and building new ones (hotels, restaurants, golf clubs etc). So it’s a good thing Mei and I got to see the original Bokor Hill Station before it’s turned into another soul-less integrated resort.

Best Kep Secret

When you mention Cambodia, the one thing most people will think of is Angkor Wat or Angelina Jolie and the Tomb Raider (part of the movie was shot at Ta Prohm). But Cambodia has so much more to offer – idyll beaches, the fascinating Tonle Sap Lake, fish amok, New Khmer Architecture and the list goes on. One notable and undiscovered gem is Kep.

A sleepy beachside town, Kep is three hours drive from Phnom Penh and 30 minutes from the Cambodia/Vietnam border at Prek Chak/Xa Xia. Kep used to be a favourite haunt of the French and Cambodian elite in its heydays from the early 1900’s until the 1960’s, but it has fallen on hard times in recent years, particularly during the Khmer Rouge reign.

Fortunately, Kep is experiencing a resurgence with several mid-range and hip boutique hotels recently open or being built. Ok, so the beach isn’t that great (you see rocks instead of white sand), but the town's seafood is fabulous and cheap – a haven for crab lovers.

I shot this picture just before dusk. The Gulf of Thailand shimmered like jewels, beckoning nightfall as the fishermen made their way home after a good day’s catch. For me, as I reclined on my hammock with a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange and watermelon juice, it was the perfect way to end a perfect day…

Angkor What?

Can you guess where this picture was taken? No, it’s not the zoo or Singapore Turf Club. The correct answer is Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Angkor Wat is one of the most photographed tourist-infested attractions in the world. And many photographers have taken countless pictures of it at every conceivable angle that Angkor Wat has somehow lost its magic and its images commonplace – “seen that, done that, shot that”. So I think this picture of a horse grazing in the temple grounds is a refreshing change.