Ablaze

This dramatic sunset was taken at Mai Khao beach in Phuket. The sky looks like it’s on fire. Its fury is intense yet beautiful.

Lonely Planet Bali

The Australian government has issued a travel advisory for Bali. The island is on high alert with the impending execution of the three JI terrorists responsible for the senseless bombings in October 2002 which killed 202 people. These “holy warriors” have promised revenge if they are executed. And I think these guys really mean business.

This picture was taken at Jimbaran beach where the second Bali bombing took place in 2005. With its golden sunsets, great surf, verdant rice terraces and hospitable people, it makes one wonder how a place so idyllic can also be so dangerous.

A Little Church on the River

For a predominantly Buddhist country, it is a pleasant surprise to find a church in Sri Lanka, especially one which is on the tiniest island I’ve ever seen. As you can see, Madhu River has tons of treasures to be discovered!

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?

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…

The Dawn of a New Day

While 08.08.08 is an important day for many – the Beijing Olympics opening and The Straits Times’ new look, today is especially significant for me. It not only marks the birth of my new website limchih.com, it is also the start of a new chapter in my life.

My website has been more than three years in the making. What started as a hobby became a calling while I was on a trip to Bhutan. I discovered that photography gives me a whole new perspective (and purpose) in life. Not only does it connect me to the world, teaching me to better understand and appreciate each country’s unique culture and beliefs, it also ignites my imagination, giving me the freedom to express myself creatively.

Selecting the pictures for my website turned out to be a longer than expected process. I have in my collection more than 200 editorial-worthy images. But I can only fit 88 of these pictures into my website. So it took me many rounds of editing (and a heavy heart) before I finally decided which made the final cut. It’s so hard to say “no” to your babies…

I would like to take this opportunity to thank IdealWorks Design for creating a super slick and sexy website. My designers, David and Gevin, have been working overtime the past week to put the finishing touches (I made their job harder by making many last minute changes… sorry guys). This website would not be possible without their ingenuity and drive.

My sincere thanks also go to Joan of IYC for her generosity and kindness, Mei aka Imelda for her “big sisterly” advice and encouragement, Teow Li for her prayers, Anan of Keys to Bhutan for showing me the true Bhutan, Jasmine of Semco for our longtime collaboration and last but not least, my wonderful family for their love and support. This website is dedicated to my late mother, Adriana Foo Mier Joon.