|
URBAN EXPLORING • JUN 2024 ABANDONED HOTEL PROJECT Not sure what's the story behind this seemingly abandoned hotel project in Ipoh oldtown, but I could not stop admiring its beautiful facade everytime I pass by.
HERITAGE • JUN 2024 This is most probably the coolest place that I have shot in Malaysia this year. Imagine buying a land to plant durians only to discover that the entire hill is covered by layers of rocks after clearing off the undergrowth. That's the story of this site. Now instead of just another durian plantation, it looks like the country is getting a new, surreal-looking natural wonder that reminds me of Mulu National Park.
SPACES • JUN 2024 THE LEGACY @ TAMAN OUG Finally a more refreshing residential property design this part of kl. This twin V-shaped block development is designed to impress, with its symmetry orientated to catch the most eyeballs from the busy traffic turning in from Old Klang Road. Loving the generous use of red bricks to elevate the style and lend a dash of striking tone to the facade.
SPACES • MAY 2024 MAX'S HOUSE Our second shoot for DCA brought us to this idyllic location within the greeneries that's Bukit Tunku. This charming bungalow features alternating cantilevered planes carved out on a slope is both an architectural feat and a welcoming abode.
SPACES • FEB 2024 99 RESIDENCES @ KL NORTH Taking up 7 acres of this 17-acre site is JL99 Group's first project in this part of town. I'm impressed by how well put together the entire development is, especially its set of rooftop facilities that afforded unobstructed view to both the city center and Batu Caves mountain range.
SPACES • FEB 2024 Third in its line of luxury theatre outlets, and the largest one in South-East Area yet, GSC's spanking new Aurum Theatre finally opens in TRX. We had a field day covering the various spaces spread across the four floors.
TRAVEL • DEC 2023 Time to catch up on the latest happening here in one of my favourite city in the orientals since after the pandemic, though I must admit that the city feels like it has lost some of its luster this time round.
TRAVEL • DEC 2023 It’s fun when a hike ends in a surreal photo spot. Located in the flight path of one of the runway used in the old Kai Tak Airport, this 98-m-tall hill had some of its slopes painted in the red-white pattern to guide pilots to fly and land their aircrafts according to the correct route, and thus its name was born. The place now has a renewed role as a recreation park with a large field on top, and of course as a cool instagram spot.
HERITAGE • OCT 2023 The state capital of Sarawak has been on my to-do list for the longest time, so it's only fitting that I finally document the stories of the city, especially the Borneo Cultures Musuem.
TRAVEL • OCT 2023 GUANGXI NEW MEDIA CENTER This has got to be one of the most interesting buildings that I have photographed. The design was apparently inspired by the topology of the terraced rice fields, but one may be forgiven for unwittingly conjuring up the image of some other objects. If only I caught it with some fireworks during the new year.
TRAVEL/SPACES • NOV 2023 ANTELOPE CANYON RESTAURANT Dinner with a view. When you go to a restaurant for a meal and end up in the Antelope Canyon. It may not be immediately obvious but this very convincing slot canyon attraction is actually an indoor installation built into a 5-storey restaurant complex here in Nanning.
TRAVEL • FEB 2023 Barely a year goes by without a visit to Japan's most charming metropolis. Here are some of the more interesting spots that I have managed to cover this time around.
SPACES • NOV 2023 HOTEL INDIGO Definitely one of the prettiest hotel to open its doors in 2023, this 180-room boutique hotel located at the based of the picturesque Bukit Nanas is the city's latest hip place to be. Embedded within the design of the space are elements of the multicultural influences of Malaysia, from the art installation adorning the various walls of the hotel, to the amenities used in the rooms.
HERITAGE • FEB 2024 SI THIAN GONG TEMPLE We are back in one of Malaysia's most elaborated Chinese temple for our Chinese New Year 2024 coverage. The temple has upped upped their game for the year of the Dragon with this mesmerising plum blossom garden.
TRAVEL • NOV 2023 Caught in between the scissor stairs and the scorching sun. Our urban exploring adventure in Nanning begins in this 36yo apartment complex. While the two 7-storey blocks themselves may not look like anything out of the ordinary, the interlocking scissor stairway system in between them connects the two blocks together, giving the resulting structure a curious, maze-like vibe with a satisfying symmetry. And the icing on this vintage archi cake? It’s definitely the city’s blessed tropical-like evening weather with the sun setting right behind the stairs.
URBAN EXPLORING • FEB 2024 THEAN HOU TEMPLE That customary destination to capture the best festive vibes of Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur, of course we have to drop by this place year after year.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • NOV 2023 GUANGXI CULTURE & ART CENTER Emerging top on the architecture site to explore in Nanning is this beautiful work by gmp Architects. Consisting of three concert halls arranged as separate volumes on a natural stone-clad plinth building, but unified by a shared, seemingly floating roof, this shining monumental structure stood is the city's premiere destination for a wide variety of musical and cultural programs.
SPACES • OCT 2023 MANDARIN ORIENTAL SINGAPORE Documenting this beautiful refurbishment project for DesignWilkes has got to be one of the most exciting projects that we have worked on this year. We had a field time capturing the richness of details and textures and the abundance of beautiful regional artwork that have been handpicked to adorn the various space around the hotel.
TRAVEL • FEB 2023 Nothing like a gorgeous evening to bring out the best in a random, but quaint neighbourhood of Osaka, its narrow alleys buzzing with locals on their way home after work or school.
HERITAGE • SEP 2023 KWAI CHAI HONG MIDAUTUMN 2023 INSTALLATION: Drama on the night of the dragon and the moon. My two midautumn lovebirds reunite for another themed shoot at Kwai Chai Hong, this time going all out for the martial arts set, against the backdrop of unrealitykai’s beautiful reimagination of the cultural themes surrounding the dragon and the full moon. Themed The Moonlit Dragon, this latest art installation starts 25 Aug and will go on until 8 Oct. Mark your calendars.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • AUG 2023 THAI ODYSSEY A recent refresh of Malaysia'a largest Thai massage brand saw a beautiful transformation in their spa interiors, starting with this outlet in Datum Jelatek Mall. I'm loving the modern minimalist design with hints of its rural roots.
SPACES/ HERITAGE • JUN 2023 THETA @ BALAI SENI NEGARA Lost in a cotton candy dream. Bono Stellar's psychedelic installation is one mesmerizing collection of shifting shapes and colors. Come witness the magic for yourself before it ends on 24 July 2023
TRAVEL • JUL 2023 PINUS PENGGER PINE FOREST Set in a lush pine forest at the edge of the city, this enchanting art park spots some gorgeous installations built against the backdrop of the sprawling cityscape below. The place is most beautiful as day turns into night. Glad to have found time to explore this place during our Yogyakarta trip.
SPACES • JUN 2023 ST GILES SOUTHKEY It was a fun trip over at Johor Bahru covering the various properties for IGB under the Southkey development, with St Giles Hotel being one of the key portfolio. Loving how vibrant the various spaces get especially on a good day. The rooftop bar and pool area were certainly my favourite.
HERITAGE • APR 2023 MALAYSIA HERITAGE STUDIOS The younger generations may not have heard of Mini Malaysia. This culture and heritage-centric themepark in Melaka used to bring in throngs of crowd. In an effort to stay relevant and to generate fresh interest, the place is now rebranded as Malaysia Heritage Studios, and this series of made-for-the-gram installations is just the beginning. Looking forward to seeing more cool stuff here.
SPACES/ AERIAL • APR 2023 CAPRI BY FRASER This is easily one of the prettiest buildings in the city center's cluster of high rises. The towering 43-storey Capri by Fraser may sit on a rather narrow strip of land, but it certainly reaches high, affording views of the surrounding especially from its rooftop pool.
SPACES • MAR 2023 JADE HILLS It's diffiult to believe that this development was launched 15 years ago. Gamuda Land's 338-acre freehold township still look well-maintained and relevant, with new developments being continuously introduced. This shoot was to cover 3 new bungalow and semi-detached terraces, plus a new garden in the vicinity.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • MAR 2023 LABYRINTH HOUSING ESTATE This labyrinth of a housing estate in a Tokyo suburb is quite the sight to behold. Designed by Kunihiko Hayakawa and completed in 1989, the place was already an instagram playground before the era of social media, it's white and pink blocks seemingly stacked randomly while being joined together by a series of staircases. I could spend the entire day here checking out the vantage point from each and every spot.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • MAR 2023 KYOYU LIVING SENIOR CARE Finally a retirement home done right. Taking a page from the simple living lifestyle concept, this charming space in a serene neighbourhood in Petaling Jaya was transformed from an crumpling bungalow in Seksyen 4. While it could definitely pass as a boutique homestay or cafe, the space was built to provide customers who are looking for a more refreshing experience when it comes to accommodation options for senior care.
SPACES • APR 2023 Taking over from the iconic building that's formerly Lee Rubber, KL Chinatown's latest hip hotel is transforming the streetscape of this cultural center of the city with a beautiful reimagination of a heritage facade.
TRAVEL • JUL 2022 WAT PAKNAM This is the temple of Bangkok's urban explorers' dream. Wat Paknam may have been established in 1610, but it was the completion of the 69-meter-tall Buddha statue that has put it closer to the hearts of photographers. The height of the statue meant that it could be seen from a distance away, framed by Bangkok's sprawling urbanscapes. The canal that runs nearby the temple has been beautiful vantage points as well.
STREET/ AERIAL/ SPACES • JUL 2022 RAZAK CITY RESIDENCES Finding Hong Kong in Kuala Lumpur. We really don't need to travel far anymore to find the high-density, neatly-packed urban dwelling aesthetics that are synonymous with Hong Kong. Razak City is a development that features a series of 48-storey towers packing a total of 5748 units within the 22-acre land it's sitting on. Perhaps an impressive sight for urban explorers, and not so much if you're waiting for the elevators.
SPACES • MAR 2023 CANOPY HILLS Sitting on a 5.8-acre freehold land in Kajang is Canopy Hills, consisting of two 27-storey towers.
HERITAGE • JAN 2023 CHINESE NEW YEAR 2023 The lantern-lined street along Jonker has been a regular feature during the Chinese New Year, but this year's deco seemed to have been elevated to greater heights, thanks to bigger lantern sizes and a tighter arrangement. I just had to see it with my own eyes.
SPACES • DEC 2022 MEGAH RISE In the spirit of urban rejuvenation, the site that many locals around Taman Megah would fondly remember as Ming Tien foodcourt is now a 39-storey mixed development consisting of a condo block and a four-level mall. We are loving how Megah Rise is elevating the landscape of this neighbourhood by complementing the charming shophouses surrounding the site with a more upscale f&b and retail experience.
TRAVEL • NOV 2022 PASAN Located at the confluence of the Ping and Nan River, this ultra cool symmetrical monster in Nakhon Sawan is really a beautiful tribute to the origins of the Chao Phraya River. The new landmark features a series of walkways snaking through its structure, allowing its architecture and surroundings to be admired up close and from various vantage points.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • DEC 2022 TAKE A BREATH CAFE Taking inspiration from the barn in the wood, this new cafe in the suburb of Bangkok is definitely a breath of fresh air in the local cafe scene. The cluster of 3 buildings is spread across a 4600-sq-meter ground, plenty of spots to hang out in and admire the architecture from.
SPACES • OCT 2022 PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS Kuala Lumpur is obssessed with its Petronas Twin Towers, this landmark that has been at the centerstage of the city's identity since 1996 continues to charm us till today. This is my compilation of all the images done of the towers this year.
SPACES • OCT 2022 BON KIARA SHOW GALLERY The very explosive combination of BON Estates and Karen Mok Design is back, after the well-received The Estates development, for the show gallery of the developer's second project in the Klang Valley.
URBAN EXPLORING • AUG 2022 MERDEKA 2022 FEATURE This year, we brought our light-painting Merdeka celebration adventures to greater heights, thanks to a very special collaboration with Petronas Twin Towers who allowed us access to the higher floors landing area to capture some rare vantage points.
TRAVEL • MAY 2022 Christmas comes early this year, or at least that’s what it feels like for us, being free and out and about again after more than two years of isolation. This is my first travel again after COVID-19, and I couldn’t have chosen a more magical place than the Faroe Islands to reboot our exploring, its 18 rocky, volcanic islands of pure outdoor adventure a dream come true.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • JUL 2022 TAMNI HOTEL @ BANGKOK Redeveloped from a plot of land housing 22 units of crumbling shophouses that were over 60 years old, PO-D created this beautiful set of structures that include Tamni, a 700-square-meter hostel, sharing the space with a spa and an office block.
URBAN EXPLORING • JUN 2022 LIGHTNING DURING THUNDERSTORM We arrived at Taman Bukit Utama to take some lightpainting shots against the evening vibes of the city center from this vantage point. But Mother Nature seemed to have a more dramatic lightshow prepared for us, in the form of an ultra crazy thunderstorm. I have never experienced this amount of lightning unravelled in such a short span of time before, and that got us jumping in delight as we caught bolts of these electric flashes one after another.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS/ URBAN EXPLORING • FEB 2022 This repurposed oldschool cinema in the city's charming Chinatown district has seen a number of interesting set up in the past, and BookXcess' charming reintepretation of the space is perhaps the most exciting that I have seen. Multi-storey-high bookcases extended the space vertically as giants steps retained from the cinema hall completed the 3D maze. This fortress of a playground is just begging to be explored.
URBAN EXPLORING • FEB 2022 THEAN HOU TEMPLE FESTIVE DECORATIONS It's becoming really quite a tradition to drop by Thean Hou Temple every Chinese New Year to admire their CNY decorations, even more so during this pandemic times when international borders are still pretty tight.
AERIAL/ URBAN EXPLORING • JAN 2022 SALOMA LINK LIGHT UP 65 landmarks, 23 nations, all uniting for a common cause, to raise awareness of NTDs (World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day). I'm honoured to once again be a part of this event.
SPACES • JAN 2022 THE LUMA HOTEL Joining the expanding list of upscale establishments at Kota Kinabalu's latest hip central of Sutera Avenue, The Luma is the first design hotel in the city, adopting its name from the local Bajau tribe's ethnic language for the word 'home'.
URBAN EXPLORING • JAN 2022 SETIA SPICE CONVENTION CENTER Completed in 2017, this beautiful modern archi landmark in Penang has attracted quite some attention in the social media space, and I'm happy to be finally able to explore it in the company of my friend Cheng Yih. Got our attention focused on the porte cochere, this flowing 113m-long curved structure roof that looks the most marvellous on a sunny evening. Hope to be back for the other spots in this sprawling site.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • DEC 2021 CFF (CROPS OF THE FUTURE) RESEARCH CENTER One may be forgiven for being reminded by our mum's favourite plasticwear - the colorful dish covers, but these curious-looking structures rising from an otherwise common-looking landscape do beg to be given a second look. We got to know later of their original intention but the state of things from what we saw somehow gave the indication that it's being under-utilised now.
URBAN EXPLORING • DEC 2021 VIVI AND WEI JIAN Before all the fuss with Squid Game finally fizzles away, we decided to take the series-inspired attire for a spin at this cool location. Completed in 2014, Encorp's Strand Garden office features 14 blocks of shop-offices that are connected by this hanging walkway structure that looks cool either observed from ground level or from the walkway itself.
URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2021 KAYU BAKAU PASIR PANJANG This apocalyptic scene of a vast expanse of dead mongrove trees on the beach against the setting sun was both mesmerizing and saddening. We wonder what happened here. While you're visiting, the Tua Pek Kong temple at the same spot makes for an interesting stopover as well.
URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2021 Completed in 1885, this classic site on the heritage town trail of Malaysia still captivates visitors, especially when it is lit up at night. Hoping to be back during the Chinese New Year to see a sea of lanterns handing in the square.
PRODUCTS/ MINIATURE • AUG 2021 MINIATURE LIFE: Other than mushrooms and broccolis, pea sprouts are perhaps the next cutest vegetable items that we can find in the supermarket. Added chickpeas as the ground this round.
PRODUCTS/ MINIATURE • JUL 2021 MINIATURE LIFE: Dusted the only CD sets left in my collection out of the storage box for some fresh air, cos the evening sun was just too nice. This set is inspired by the mesmerising public spaces in Japan and Korea cities. A latte in hand to warm myself, and I could just sit there on the stairs watching the world goes by.
PRODUCTS/ MINIATURE • JUL 2021 A BEAUTIFUL MESS The beautiful mess that is the clash of oil and water plays out beautifully for the camera, especially when some food dye is introduced to this concoction. This is perhaps page 1 of the macro photography playbook, though nevertheless still a very fun one.
SPACES • MAR 2021 FOUR SEASONS LANGKAWI Our team has lost count of the series of misfortune we traditionally have with the weather, but we could not have asked for a more glorious two-day slot in Langkawi during the shoot. The coverage of this newly completed 3-bedroom villa by the beach for Four Seasons Hotel Langkawi was filled with nothing but the best sunshine, all day long, with the magic holding on all the way till a dreamy sunset.
PRODUCTS/MINIATURE • JUN 2021 MINIATURE ASTRONAUT SERIES: For heaven’s sake, Scotty, I said oyster king, not king oyster". Today’s tiny astronauts adventure brought us, accidentally, to an enchanted world where fungi dominates and the soil is tainted blue thanks to their radioactive spores. Are you feeling the magic?
URBAN EXPLORING • JAN 2021 HOLES IN THE WALL Perhaps my favourite hidden architecture spot in Georgetown, Penang, this series of punctured walls on the ground floor of Penang's tallest tower may look dated, but the opportunities for quirky and fun shoots here are limitless. Come find your own interpretation of this space.
URBAN EXPLORING • APR 2021 APARTMENT PUTRA RIA Back in the embrace of one of the earliest apartment complexes that I explored when I started this urban exploring series. And I'm glad to report that it's charming as ever. Still as blown away by the tightly-packed lines that are so reminiscent of Hong Kong, a place that seems too far away in this strange time.
URBAN EXPLRING/ STREET • MAR 2021 IMBI PLAZA CARPARK VANTAGE POINT The old IT marketplace of the city may have lost its place in our hearts, but the very existence of this building right in the bustling center means we continue to get an excellent vantage point to observe the city from. The carpark on the upper levels gives some wonderful views, especially of the monorail and Berjaya Times Square, before opening up towards Tun Razak Exchange.
AERIAL/ URBAN EXPLORING • JAN 2021 KL TOWER The other contender for everyone's favourite architecture in KL, KL Tower makes frequent appearances in the urban explorers' work. Here's and compilation of some aerial shots done of this beauty.
URBAN EXPLORING • JAN 2021 PETALING STREET/ Finally graduating to a new set of photos for KL's most interesting heritage neighbourhood. Gentrification pushes on as new hipster joints replace sleepy stores, and instagrammers on the lookout for photo inspirations replace seedy characters searching for cheap thrills.
URBAN EXPLORING • DEC 2020 Bukit Seri Bintang feels worlds away from the urban chaos of the city but yet close enough for you to gasp at the sprawling city skyline confronting you as you complete the upward hike to Peak 1. This piece of green haven is a favourite exercise spot among the locals and hides a few cool photoworthy locations including the really cool 'desert'.
GUIDES • UPDATED JAN 2021 37 KUALA LUMPUR Kuala Lumpur may not have the most glitzy modern architecture, but the interplay of old versus new is very much alive here as urban decay gives way to towering skyscrapers. If you look hard enough, lying just slightly off the radar of most urban explorers are plenty of gorgeous spots that will make your venturing off the beaten track worth the time and effort.
OTHERS • MAR-JUN 2020 #CREATIVELOCKDOWN: Our daily routine as we know it may have been disrupted during the covid19 lockdown, but this is finally our golden opportunity to spend more quality time at home, doing the things that we could only wish to do during busier periods. There's no better time for me than these few months of lockdown to finally put all the miniatures that I have been collecting the past year or so to good use. What a fun opportunity too to recreate the great outdoors while staying indoor, using everyday materials and food items found at home.
TRAVEL • NOV 2019 There's nothing quite like the experience of autumn in Mount Fuji. That 3-night stay here was one of the most productive trips that I have ever had. I definitely could not get enough of Fujiyoshida town, the surreal sights of this sleepy town against a snow-capped giant sitting at such an unbelievably close distant are beyond words. Something tells me that I will be back again, soon.
|
SPACES • AUG 2024 BREW AND BREAD This could very well be my favourite hang out in Taman Desa now. Brew and Bread’s latest outlet takes up almost half of the entire ground floor lobby of Wisma JAG, and has plenty of cosy corners to choose from.
SPACES • JUN 2024 MOSSAZ @ EMPIRE DAMANSARA Our first shoot at the sprawling Empire Damansara enclave brought us to Exsim's first project here, realised by Urban Catalyst Architecture. After years of setback, I'm looking forward to documenting more exciting developements here.
SPACES • AUG 2024 ELMINA LAKESIDE MALL The City of Elmina’s first retail space is finally here! We have been obsessed with the township’s iconic bridges and parks since the year 2020, and now this charming enclave is adding a string of new experiences under its belt. In addition to the cool mix of 80 brands spread across the open concept mall, we’re excited to find a collection of cool architecture and activity spots in the adjoining parkland too. Elmina Lakeside Mall opens its doors from 22 Aug onwards.
TRAVEL • MAR 2024 CHIBA URBAN MONORAIL It's time to catch the flying train again. After having tasted the joyride that’s the Shonan Monorail in Kanagawa, I’m back in Japan for their second suspended train system in the country - the Chiba Urban Monorail. Against the backdrop of the sakura blooms during spring, the scenes of these floating trains snaking their way between buildings feel right out of a retro scifi movie. It's strange why the city is not flooded with visitors to admire this engineering marvel.
SPACES • MAR 2024 PV22 SHOW UNIT Our first assignment for Luna Plus brought us to this cosy show unit at the PV22 Show Village, where we created a dreamy, late afternoon set up using harsh direct light fired from the balcony and window areas.
SPACES • MAY 2024 OLIVE GROVE @ BERCHAM After its Phase 1's runaway success, Bercham's first gated and guarded neighbourhood is coming together nicely. Our two-day shoot was a fun documentation of their corner show unit, the clubhouse and the lush surrounding sceneries.
SPACES • FEB 2024 Tokyo urban meets Damansara's vibes in this twin-form bungalow that features off-form concrete and fibre-cement panels. The play on material between rough and smooth runs throughout the property as it breaks the conformity to its surrounding neighbourhood while enhancing its style with the suggestion of Japanese aesthetics.
HERITAGE • SEP 2023 The town that was forgotten by time. The ex-mining town of Papan may have been left behind by the currents of urbanisation, but its legacy certainly has not been forgotten. Every now and then, the town continues to attract visitors who are here to soak up the nostalgia of yesteryears. We are all waiting for the revival of this charming place.
HERITAGE • DEC 2023 TULLYNAW GLAMPING Waking up to Akinabalu. There must be quite a handful of cool accommodation options affording views of the majestic Mount Kinabalu around the Nabalu/ Kundasang region but I’m glad we chose this one. This is definitely the most memorable glamping spots that I have stayed in. That direct, unobstructed view of the highest peak of Borneo, it is definitely worth cold showers (yes no water heaters) and the inconvenience of having the electricity supply cut off at 10pm.
TRAVEL • DEC 2022 Arguably one of Bangkok's most colorful and vibrant neighborhoods, there is never a dull moment amid the cacophony of traffic, lively locals, awestruck visitors and street vendors. Every turn unveils a new facet of Yaowarat's dynamic culture, making it an exhilarating experience for everyone.
HERITAGE • OCT 2023 And our adventures in the Malaysian fishing villages continue. This bite-sized town of Perak is just full of stories to document. Loving how warm the locals are, and the abundance of good food round-the-clock.
HERITAGE/AERIAL • OCT 2023 As with all our recent trips, no documentation of a charming fishing town is complete without the viewpoint from above. Shot on the DJI Mavic Air 2s.
HERITAGE/SPACES • OCT 2023 IKAN KURAU HOMESTAY Watching the start of a beautiful day while hanging out at the riverside deck of Ikan Kurau Homestay, that’s currently in my top three travel experiences of 2023. Located right at the heart of Kuala Kurau, we probably can't find another place better to observe the buzz of the activities in this fishing town.
HERITAGE • SEP 2023 MINI AMAZON KAMPUNG BENG Definitely one of my top local travel experiences of the year, this boat cruise from Kampung Beng is worth every minute of that three-hour drive from KL. Abang Lan who runs the Mini Amazon tour gave us a great insight into the lake ecosystem of the Sungai Perak dam, the lotus lake being the highlight of the trip.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • JUL 2023 AL JABBAR GRAND MOSQUE An evening of devotion. Finally witnessed the beauty of this floating mosque with my own eyes. Masjid Raya Al-Jabbar was officially inaugurated on 30 Dec 2022 after 5 years of construction and has since become a popular destination for devotees and visitors from within and outside the country.
STREET/ PRODUCT • SEP 2023 Who would have thought 1478 pieces of LEGO bricks in different colours and shapes can be combined into something so beautiful and so convincingly realistic. I certainly didn’t also know I had it in me to dedicate an entire weekend into assembling this. But the results made it all worth it. My street shoot has always been about introducing different types of props into the scene, and this LEGO iconic sport bike is one of the coolest ones that I have used so far.
HERITAGE • AUG 2023 LUNA LIGHTS WONDERLAND Lost in a trippy cosmic dreamscape. The Luna Lights Wonderland is now in Seremban, all five themes and all 850,000 blinking leds of it. Spread across the sprawling Taman Malaysia park are five themes of installation waiting to be explored. We are glad to have caught this on the first few days of opening.
SPACES • JUL 2023 CATALYSTE BOOTH Co-created by both Catalyste and Youngblood, this beautiful booth at the Archidex 2023 exhibition landed a gold award in the best booth design category, and we are happy to have been involved in documenting it.
URBAN EXPLORING • JUL 2023 TAMAN TASIK TITIWANGSA Opened in Dec 2019 after more than a year of upgrading work, the refurbished Titiwangsa Park now features a few interesting spots that are begging to be the playground of your next exploration out in town. My top picks include the black torii gate, which is really a series of square metalwork frames lining a walkway, a cocoon-like bird nest structure nearby, and an activity area drawn with a series of curvy lines on the floor, also not far away. Come on a weekday morning to avoid the crowd, and do pray for a sunny day.
AERIAL/ URBAN EXPLORING • MAY 2023 KEMENSAH - KLANG GATES DAM HIKING The view of KL from the Klang Gates Dam must be one of my top spots for the prettiest vantage point of the city. And I finally got a chance to to see this view with my own eyes, or technically through the aerial eyes. Definitely worth the 1.5-hour hike in from the trailhead.
AERIAL/ URBAN EXPLORING • APR 2023 This curious-looking structure in the morning mist is the perfect excuse for me to conquer my acrophobia. It was almost three years ago when the FRIM Forest Skywalk opened during the pandemic, I’m glad I finally made the trip to see this beauty up close.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2023 We are not sure exactly how Batu Pahat ended up with such a cool collection of cafes all packed in the town center, but this particular one is especially deserving of a special mention. The founder's idea behind the cafe's name is that 9% of our day should be filled with moments of drinking coffee. It's definitely a good number to start with, though I suspect it will quickly increase especially when there are so many other cool cafes to check out here.
SPACES • MAY 2023 THE TAMARIND SENTUL EAST Finally a proper documentation of the place that I have called home for 7 years of my life before we finally let it go. Earlier attempt at documenting this place was before I had abit more experience in shooting interiors, so this shoot is well-deserved. Hoping the unobstructed view of the city center's skyline will continue to stay.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2023 MRT PUTRAJAYA LINE After much anticipation, and rounds of delays, the MRT Putrajaya Line finally opened on the March 16th, adding a string of new stations and a quicker mode of transportation to the country's administrative capital Putrajaya. We spent an afternoon scouting each of the new stations for potentially cool instagram angles, and here is what we got. Personally I love Chan Sow Lin and Conlay stations the most.
TRAVEL • MAR 2023 KADOKAWA MUSASHINO MUSEUM Just about an hour's train ride away from Tokyo and we are on another Kengo Kuma heritage trail. This majestic-looking rock in Tokorozawa was completed in 2020, and is equally breathtaking on the inside. If you’re both a bookworm and an archi fan, this museum is for you.
SPACES • APR 2023 PUCHONG LAGENDA Spreading over 170 acres of land is Puchong's latest development, backed by a developer that hailed from humble beginnings as a tin-mining company back in the 60s. I'm especially loving NWKA Architect's aluminium louvres design on the facade to break uniformity and create a more interesting streetscape.
HERITAGE/ STREET • JAN 2023 CHINESE NEW YEAR 2023 The charming village of Machap has been making headlines in the past few years for their beautiful new year decorations, so this time around, we made sure to travel down to capture the festive vibe. And it was definitely worth the journey.
AERIAL/ HERITAGE • JAN 2023 MALAYSIAN HAN STUDIES Officially opened in Feb 2016, this majestic, spaceship-like building draws inspiration from the Hakka tulou, and is home to the Malaysian Han Studies, a non-profit, private educational institution in Malaysia. I'd look forward to the opportunity of exploring the interiors one day.
TRAVEL • SEP 2022 WAT PHRA THAT PHA SON KAEW I haven't seen a Buddha statue as breath-taking as the one at Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaew. Located at the hilltop of Thang Daeng Village, this statue is really made up of five statues stacked tightly together, resulting in this majestic formation that I could not take my eyes off. Despite having arrived during the rainy season, the famed sea of clouds remained elusive to us. Perhaps we will be more lucky the next round.
SPACES • NOV 2022 PARKROYAL LANGKAWI RESORT Spotting an architecture inspired by the shapes of the eagle's wings taking flight, Langkawi's hot new hotel opening is quite the head-turner. Here is a first look at this sexy space that's slated to welcome its first guest in early 2023.
HERITAGE/ URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2022 PANTAI MEK MAS This beautiful expanse of sand dunes at Pantai Mek Mas is giving us Ghibli vibes. It's been on my to-do list for awhile and am happy to arrive in the company of a sweet couple on a beautiful sunny and windy evening. The dunes may be what people come here for, but I thought the overgrown vegetation added a new level of surrealism to the place.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2022 BANDAR SERENIA Tucked away in Sepang is a new township founded upon the inspiration from tea leaves. I had a fun time documenting the mesmerising kinetic sculpture, together with a few other interesting installations around the 105-acre neighbourhood.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • SEP 2022 Located right in the heart of Chinatown is the heritage zone's latest opening. The modern, minimalistic design of Asai helps calm the senses after an day out at Bangkok's chaotic district.
TRAVEL • MAY 2022 While Faroe was all about nature, our side trip to the capital city of Denmark was all about my core travel interest - architecture, and Copenhagen certainly is not short of breathtaking ones. Among the few that we managed to cover are Ørestad Plejecenter, VM Houses, Copenhill and Aktivitetstaget Bella.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • MAY 2022 CACTUS TOWERS This aptly-named set of towers definitely begs a second look. Measuring 60 and 80-meters tall respectively, the Cactus Towers, or Kaktus Towers as the locals called them, is a high-rise residential building with a stunning, spiky facade. I can't wait to be back to explore them in detail after completion.
URBAN EXPLORING • AUG 2022 Chinatown is currently enjoying this seemingly unstoppable wave of urban rejuvenation, Pudu remains its humble, unassuming neighbour, though still buzzing with the heritage hum that has been going on for decades. This busy, vintage time capsule of a neighbourhood is a cacophony of wet market, charming eateries and street side food vendors, temples, oldschool bakeries and more. Come on a sunny morning and feel the authentic buzz.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • JUL 2022 SAMSEN STREET HOTEL Nestled among a charming neighbourhood of local housing, street food vendors and wet markets is Samsen Street Hotel, transformed from a 47-year-old curtained love motel in Bangkok’s old Samsen Red Light District. Now this hip hotel is about cool design, airy interiors, and hanging your legs from the balcony for an outdoor movie night.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • JUL 2022 Bonsai, which means on top of the ficus tree in Thai, pays tribute the large Ficus tree sitting on the plot of land where the hotel is built, and thus the design concept of this charming boutique hotel is born. We were first attracted to the brightly-colored staircase area, but quickly discovered that the same cheerful design language extends to the other areas too.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • JUN 2022 OHO MOOKATA & BAR It’s always a plus point when a restaurant gives you not just good food but also some great photo opportunities. We all agreed that their food sent us up to cloud nine, or in this case a strange new blue planet.
HERITAGE • APR 2022 CHERANDONG DAM WATERFALL It’s hard to believe that such a sight exists right at the doorsteps of Klang Valley. Yet here it is in its full glory, bathed in the warm morning sun. The Cherandong Dam is an old structure left behind from the British era, and while it may have now fallen out of use, the sight of it is as captivating as ever.
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • UPDATED APR 2022 ICONIC BRIDGE & The City of Elmina has done it again. Right after blessing the Klang Valley with the rainbow bridge instagram spot, a new sight has now been completed, called the Iconic Bridge, located right next to Elmina Central Park. Do remember to check out the similarly striking red lookout point within the park as well.
URBAN EXPLORING • FEB 2022 TRAPPED IN A VIDEO GAME Mall got creative with the temporary hoarding of a vacant lot, and we had a fun half an hour or so reinterpreting the colorful space into a dizzying game of 3D tetris. Give us more of that please.
URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2022 SUNGAI LIMA There may be no other place as near to the city yet as detached from city life than Sungai Lima. Sharing the same island as its more popular neighbour, Pulau Ketam, this fishing village is famous for its production of dried shrimps. While the volume of this industry has been shrinking due to the migration of the village population to the city, we still managed to catch glimpses of the whole process, and had a pleasant time observing and documenting the daily life of the locals.
URBAN EXPLORING • JAN 2022 KAMPUNG AGONG SharingIf you can't decide between spending time in a coconut grove or the paddy fields, Kampung Agong is your answer. Situated in Penaga, Pulau Pinang, this countryside “Agro Themed Park” has been hot on the instragrammer to-do list for awhile now, and I'm so glad to have dropped by on a beautiful, sunny morning. Will definitely time my second visit to coincide with the golden harvest season next.
SPACES • MAR 2022 SOFITEL KUALA LUMPUR Wrapping up this assignment for Sofitel Kuala Lumpur who commissioned the shoot to refresh the visuals of their offerings, from hotel rooms, event spaces, to their f&b outlets and facilities.
URBAN EXPLORING • DEC 2021 STAR/KL LIGHT INSTALLATION Still recovering from the regrets of having missed his epic 2015 work in Butterworth, I knew i just have to rush over and check out Jun Ong's next chapter in his STAR series, happening right now at the Godown.
URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2021 Mirrors make for some cool visual effects, and this dizzyingly gorgeous installation at The Parc has all the mirrors we will ever need for our insta games. If you’re planning to do a little sprint in this maze, please watch your steps carefully, and don’t trust ur eyes entirely.
URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2021 TAIPING LAKE GARDENS Finally got another key sight checked off my Malaysian heritage sites list. Staying true to being the wettest place in the country, it was absolutely wet throughout most of our shoot in this 140yo ex-mining ground wonder, but that just added to the magical, misty, dreamy mood of the shots. And given Taiping folk's love of their rainbow umbrella, there's no other more appropriate prop that we should showcase.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2021 ENLIGHTENED HEART BUDDHIST TEMPLE Hidden deep within the limestone hills of Tambun is a Tibetan temple with a pagoda boasting an interior architecture so mind-blowing I had to stop every other step just to take the whole scene in. The 13 levels of hanging balconies and curved stairways may be unsettling for acrophobics but this enlightening experience to the Buddha statue on top will be remembered for a long time to come.
SPACES • SEP 2021 AKASA CHERAS SOUTH Hap Seng Land's entry into the property market this part of town is setting a new standard for high-rise living. Beyond the beautiful details of the urban resort inspired reception lobby, the man-made beach, Olympic-length lap pool and gourmet kitchen with unobstructed views of the neighbourhood and beyond are definitely upping the competition.
URBAN EXPLORING • AUG 2021 PANGGUNG BANDARAYA DBKL Located at the junction of Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Raja, this historical theatre is definitely one of KL's most underrated building, perhaps its close proximity to the Sultan Abdul Samad building means the latter may have taken most of the attention away. For the longest time, the back portion of the building was off-limit due to ongoing restoration work, but the recent removal of barricades at the entrance revealed a charmingly restored walkway that gave access to a beautiful back facade. Looking forward to seeing what other magic is coming this way.
PRODUCTS/ MINIATURE • MAY-AUG 2021 As I packed my box of miniatures and props by the end of year 2020, I thought it will be a long while before I dust it off again for more shoots. But fate would have it that covid will continue to disrupt our life with new waves of infection, and so this compilation is in tribute to those countless weeks spent locked up at home again in year 2021.
PRODUCTS/ MINIATURE • JUL 2021 MINIATURE LIFE: Dedicating this next miniature series to my favourite game of all time. Monument Valley may have been released years ago but its aesthetics and gameplay continue to impress me till today, even after repeated plays. I hope ustwogames will make a third edition soon!
PRODUCTS/MINIATURE • JUL 2021 MINIATURE LIFE: "Honey, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore." It was a fun afternoon building a city out of loose screws left over from our renovation days. A little blu tack goes a long way into making sure that the city is able to withstand some tremors, and a recycled piece of packaging plastic helps to complete the trip on a choppy sea.
PRODUCTS/MINIATURE • JUN 2021 MINIATURE ASTRONAUTS SERIES: Had my imagination teased today as I brought the tiny astronauts on another out-of-this-world adventure, to a series of mostly colorful planets, brought to us by the magical swirls on the soap film bubbles. It's hard to appreciate the beauty of everyday life sometimes, until you decide to zoom in on the details. Seriously falling in love with macro photography.
URBAN EXPLORING • MAY 2021 KAPUR TREES MASTING The Kapur trees, or Dryobalanops aromatica as they are scientifically called, is a species of critically endangered plant in the family Dipterocarpaceae. Sometimes affectionately referred to as the broccoli forest, the large collection of these trees along the Rawang Bypass is why the highway was built to shape like such, to snake its way around the trees and therefore minimizing the impact of construction. Once every few years, the phenomenon of mast seeding, also called masting, occurs. It refers to the synchronous production of large numbers of seeds or fruit by a population of plants. The resulting sea of yellow was quite a sight to behold, and I was lucky enough to have caught this beautiful sight with my drone before a fresh wave of COVID restrictions came into play.
URBAN EXPLORING/ AERIAL • APR 2021 ABANDONED VEHICLE DEPOT What was supposed to be a quick brunch stopover during a work trip down south turned out to be our coolest urban decay find in the recent months. This sprawling visual feast got me jumping in delight at its sheer vastness and potential. Wish we had the whole day here.
URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2021 KL IN SYMMETRY: Twice a year, at the popular lookout point of Changkat Tunku, a visual feast awaits those willing to sacrifice their morning slumber. I have been guilty of missing these opportunities year after year, but am grateful that I finally found the determination to catch it once and for all this round. The sight of the sun rising right in between the Petronas Twin Towers was pure magic. I believe I am now hocked on bearing witness to this feast for years to come.
URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2020 Putrajaya's Alamanda Mall has a secret, and it's this impossibly colorful installation on a series of steps going down from the mall to the lake. This sprawling series of interlocked tri-color patterns is a cool backdrop that can be admired from multiple vantage points and perspectives. I'll be back for some aerials.
URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2020 CHIN SWEE CAVES TEMPLE On the way up to Resorts World Genting is a photo stop that many miss. While the top promises round-the-clock entertainment, the serenity that is Chin Swee Caves Temple is worlds away. I had a fun time working on a few night shots that have been in my mind for awhile. Armed with a speedlite on a tripod, and a drone with lumecube lights, they finally came to fruition.
URBAN EXPLORING • JUL 2020 Over two decades since their completion, the Petronas Twin Towers continue to be the most recognisable landmark of the city. While we are never short of a cool vantage point of the gleaming structures, the adjoining park offers one of the best spots in town to admire the towers, given its close promixity and varied installations.
OTHERS • MAR-JUN 2020 #CREATIVELOCKDOWN: Other than miniature photography, the luxury of time at home gave me plenty of opportunities to try my hand on a string of creative shoots that I have always wanted to work on. Special thanks to Heart Mum as my most trusted (and only) assistant.
URBAN EXPLORING/ AERIAL • JAN 2020 PENANG BRIDGE To soar above Penang's iconic bridge and document its beauty upclose, that was perhaps one of the earliest motivation of the purchase of my drone. I just didn't know that this dream will only come true two years after finally owning one, but it was better late than never. And what a visual feast it was.
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • DEC 2019 PPR PERKASA Not all low-cost flats are built the same. In the case of PPR Perkasa, the town-planning folks seemed to have spent a little more time here on creating a color scheme that will turn heads. I'm loving how the seemingly rigid, repetitive design come alives as the color blocks interplay to create new patterns at different angles and perspectives. We should have more PPRs like these!
URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2019 SPIRAL STAIRCASE And so my obsession with the beautiful geometric formations that are spiral staircases continues with the addition of this vintage set from a rather forgotten building somewhere off Jalan Ampang. Loving the contrast of the striking blue railings against the faded mosaic tiles. It's a space that is begging to be given a fresh spin on the perspective game. One day I will find time to be back for more.
URBAN EXPLORING/ STREET • FEB 2019 #HEARTANDTHECITY: Is Kuala Lumpur getting more pretty by the day, or am I just trying harder now to uncover its beauty? The urban explorer in me continue to build momentum as I spend more time being out and about and digging deeper into what my beloved city has to offer.
SPACES/ STREET • APR 2019 RAINBOW WALKWAY This is perhaps Pusat Sain Negara's most impressive exhibit, and it's free. The rainbow walkway is the result of the sunlight filtering in from the rainbow cladding enveloping the circular building, and the good thing is, this breathtaking effect is visible all day long, as long as we have the sun. To get to this service lane, drive around the building until you see an external staircase leading up from the ground floor to the upper floors. Take that and you're there. Remember to greet the friendly guards who are sometimes seen around the walkway entrance.
URBAN EXPLORING • SEP 2020 MERDEKA 2020: I may have lost count of the number of years spent combing the streets of KL searching for my next photo story, but I do know as a fact that I have never really given much thought to documenting the Merdeka mood around the city come August and September every year. 2020 is definitely not the best year for that, as we continue to practise social distancing and avoid large-scale celebrations. But the pandemic gave me the opportunity and determination to still try. Special thanks to Fotorgear for making the wonderful Magilight lightpainting stick, for without it, I would not have been as effective in injecting some patriotic themes to some of the locations that I covered.
GUIDES • UPDATED SEP 2019 15 KUALA LUMPUR Kuala Lumpur may not be have the most glitzy modern architecture, but the interplay of old versus new is very much alive here as urban decay gives way to towering skyscrapers. If you look hard enough, lying just slightly off the radar of most urban explorers are plenty of gorgeous spots that will make your venturing off the beaten track worth the time and effort.
|
HERITAGE • SEP 2024 GUNUNG LARI TEMBAKAU MOSSY FOREST Finally a mossy forest that doesn’t take a few hours of driving to get to from KL. Located in Genting Highlands, on a hill just behind the skypark, this 30min trail is too good to be true.
URBAN EXPLORING • JUL 2024 EMPIRE CITY MALL This long overdue mall may look like it's still under construction, but our exploration already found many interesting angles that are giving strong liminal space vibes, perfect for night shoots when all is quiet, but the lights are still on.
HERITAGE • MAY 2024 SUNGAI PINANG VILLAGE There's something about the Malaysian fishing villages that I could never get enough of. Our adventure this time round brought us to Sungai Pinang in Pangkor Island, where residents are currently facing an uncertain future due to a series of development plans that may threaten to displace the villagers.
HERITAGE • JUN 2024 Finally set foot in the longest cave in Peninsula Malaysia, after all the years of procrastination. This 400-million-year-old wonder exceeded all my expectations, and I haven’t even done the wet tour yet. Need to return with waterproof gears for our next adventure.
SPACES • APR 2024 PASAR BESAR @ CENTRAL MARKET Let's make Central Market hip again! Originally constructed in the 1888 to serve as a wet market during the British colonial period, this iconic place was turned into one of the city’s cultural destinations in the 80s and now, its latest rejuvenation project is complete with the introduction of Pasar Besar.
TRAVEL • MAR 2024 This is one of the first few spots that I hit in Tokyo for Sakura season 2024, first on the early-blooming variety along 3-chome-9 in end March, and then back again for the really famous Sakuragaoka street in early April admist a turnout that swelled to record high this year. It was nevertheless a really memorable experience for the urban explorer in me to be a part of something so fun.
SPACES/TRAVEL • MAR 2024 ONE@TOKYO @ ASAKUSA Definitely that one accommodation in Tokyo that I could not stop reminiscing about. Staying in this beautiful hotel by Kengo Kuma, and those rainy evenings spent chilling by the window seat in the room while looking at Skytree shifting in and out of the low hanging clouds were second only to exploring neighbourhood Sakura parks.
HERITAGE • MAY 2024 This is Chui Chak, Perak. While Sekinchan may be the first place that comes to mind when we talk about the Chinese rice farming community in Malaysia, there's an equally charming town in Perak that may be worth a trip up north for.Second only to Sekinchan in terms of size, Chui Chak is only just now emerging from its strictly agricultural roots as they open their doors to welcoming tourists with the setting up of the town's first cafe and homestay Haako Haako. I can't wait to see how the story of Chui Chak unfolds. See you there.
SPACES/URBAN EXPLORING • APR 2024 VOYAGE RETREAT Perhaps the most charming place to stay in Pangkor. This bright, airy retreat, nestled in between the rainforest on one side and the fishing town on the other, is high enough to have the sweeping seaview outside the room window yet close enough for a short walk to town for our kopitiam favourites and my street shoot adventures.
SPACES • JAN 2024 Nestled in the vibrant heart of Setapak, this vivid and colorful set of cubes perfectly embodies the energetic spirit of the college town that this electrifying neighborhood has become renowned for.
SPACES • MAY 2024 BINTANG COLLECTIONZ HOTEL Finally a beautiful facade to grace the otherwise grimy stretch of Jalan Bukit Bintang after the Sultan Ismail cross junction. But the city center's latest hospitality project is more than just a beautiful exterior. Having taken over from Hotel Bintang Warisan, the team actually recycled materials salvaged from this old hotel and turned them into interesting interior and deco details that pay homage of the heritage of this site.
SPACES • JUN 2024 LOUDSPEAKER @ SUBANG This psychedelic blend of colors and forms is perhaps the perfect backdrop for all your singing-your-lungs-out sessions where shifting hues blend seamlessly with striking tones. This playful reimagination of the traditional karaoke space is as loud and colorful as we would want our jam sessions.
URBAN EXPLORING/ AERIAL • JAN 2024 This is the reason to miss the wet season in KL. You'll never know what pleasant surprise awaits your drone on a misty morning when the city is shrouded in low-hanging clouds.
SPACES • MAR 2024 HERMÉS KUALA LUMPUR After months of anticipation, Hermès unveils an enchanting new chapter in Kuala Lumpur with the grand reopening of its renovated and expanded store in the Gardens Mall. This is definitely one of the most fancy spaces that we have covered.
SPACES • MAR 2024 SETIA SKY SEPUTEH Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Seputeh, a radiant addition to the exclusive high-rise property market now graces the horizon. Positioned between lush hillsides on one side and the vibrant Midvalley City on the other, SP Setia unveils a 290-unit, two-block property. Its distinctive undulating balcony design captivates the eye, while atop each tower, a resplendent crown imparts an air of sophistication to the surrounding skyline, elevating the essence of the neighborhood.
HERITAGE • DEC 2023 Finally found time to check out the New Zealand of Malaysia. Sitting at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, this beautiful town has been on the travel hitlist of locals and foreingers alike for its charming setting. This set also features our train ride to Beaufort.
TRAVEL • NOV 2023 BEIBUWAN NO. 1 The new Great Wall of China. This mammoth of a building in Beihai city is a 5000-unit-strong condo designed with an undulating outline that is apparently inspired by the Guilin landscapes. All units come with an unobstructed view of the sea. Now, imagine you’re staying behind this development.
TRAVEL • NOV 2023 We are back to telling the urban stories of China post-pandemic, starting with this subtropical, green city that is the capital of Guangxi. We managed to time our visit to the blooming season of bougainvillea, so that added quite some colors to the collection.
URBAN EXPLORING • AUG 2023 MERDEKA 2023 FIREWORKS Yes we can't get enough of the glorious views of fireworks agains the city's iconic landmark, and one of the best time to witness this would be during the country's merdeka celebration. This series was shot from our condo at the Tamarind using the 70-300mm telephoto lens.
TRAVEL • NOV 2023 OLD WAREHOUSE Too many screens, too little time. This impossibly vast TV wall at the vintage warehouse in Nanning is quite a sight to take in. But don’t let that overshadow the tens of thousands of other cool items that are fighting to jog the memories of our carefree childhood days.
TRAVEL • SEP 2022 A grand compilation of our year 2022 adventures in Bangkok, and other locations within Thailand, such as Khancanaburi and Sukhothai.
SPACES • JAN 2024 This 16-acre site that is the city's latest dining destination is UOA's first foray into the northern neighbourhood of Segambut/Sentul. Its lush environment of greeneries around a lake is such a welcomed change amidst the landscape of highways and highrises.
TRAVEL • JUL 2023 NEPAL VAN JAVA Been dreaming about this place ever since I discovered it on social media while being locked up at home in 2020. The real thing is even more captivating. Nestled in the dramatic folds of the slopes of Gunung Sumbing, about a three-hour drive from Yogyakarta, is a vegetable village that is now one of my top travel experiences of the last decade. I’m already dreaming of returning before I left.
SPACES • OCT 2023 MANDARIN ORIENTAL SINGAPORE This second album of the Mandarin Oriental refurbishment project covers the rooms, suites, club lounge and the pool.
SPACES • NOV 2023 SOUTHPOINT RESIDENCES The final piece of real-estate in the success story that is Midvalley City is finally ready to be unveiled. This beautiful 172-unit strong luxury living apartment tucked within the Southpoint Tower also hide an interesting architecture element that is this mesmerising atrium.
HERITAGE • SEP 2023 While the Mini Amazon adventure was really the reason why we went to Lenggong, I must admit that the town definitely has its own charms as well. It's even the site of one of the few UNESCO heritage sites in Malaysia. Need to head back for more.
SPACES • AUG 2023 STELLAR GOLDEN HILL Barely a year since our first shoot here, we are back in this glamping resort to document the latest additions to the expanding offerings of Stellar Golden Hills, namely the transparent domes and the beautiful Stellar Cafe.
SPACES • OCT 2023 Gastronomy meets arts at Bamboo Hills’ most anticipated opening, featuring reimagined French cuisine, an intimate dining space, and an architecture with a bird’s eye view that’s perhaps reminiscent of .. an escargot?
SPACES • AUG 2023 It's been a two-year break since Arte Corp's last project in Arte Mont Kiara, so imagine my excitemenet when Arte Cheras is finally ready. Though not as vast as the previous project, we had fun nevertheless documenting all the cool spaces spread around the property.
SPACES • AUG 2023 BALENCIAGA Concrete dreams are made of these. Loving Balenciaga's take on the raw architecture concept. It was a very fulfilling shoot as staff cleared the entire store of merchandise to allow the documentation of this bold space in its uninterrupted entirety.
HERITAGE/ PORTRAITS • AUG 2023 After a rather memorable show in Georgetown, Penang, our favourite childhood comic character is back, this time in the company of his oldtime beau Miss Chan. And there is no better place in Kuala Lumpur with such strong heritage atmosphere as Pudu.
SPACES/AERIAL/STREET • AUG 2023 MAIWP BUILDING @ CHOW KIT Conjuring images of a particular common electrical household appliance, this new multi-tiered beauty in Chow Kit is best documented against a dreamy sunset. Can't wait for the interior lights to be on.
SPACES • MAY 2023 BUNGALOW @ LEISURE FARM This curious-looking block of a bungalow featuring an entire wall of neatly-arranged louvred swing doors is this month's minimalism at its most satisfying form. The interior of the place opens up to a large courtyard within, keeping things airy and bright.
SPACES • JUL 2023 LAVILE KUALA LUMPUR @ MALURI, CHERAS Our coverage for Maluri's latest serviced residence project, consisting of an L-shaped, 49-storey tower offering 1200 units.
HERITAGE • MAY 2023 The harvest season is almost here in Sekinchan again. Twice a year, the rice bowl of Selangor turns into this breathtaking expanse of golden fields. It's been seven years since my last visit. This time around, there's a new vantage point to the entire unfolding drama, in the form of a swallow birdhouse-turned-homestay called Sekinchan Padi Sentral. And my drone of course added some perspective that I could never have obtained without it.
TRAVEL • MAR 2023 SHONAN MONORAIL I cannot imagine public transportation can be this much of a joyride. The Shonan Monorail began operations in the year 1970, and is till now only one of two Japan's suspended train systems. Snaking along a 6.6km scenic route from Ofuna to Enoshima, with plenty of up and downhill stretches for added drama, and two tunnels along the way, this ride feels like it came straight out of a themepark. If you're around the region, please say hi to this beautiful 50yo engineering marvel.
URBAN EXPLORING/ PORTRAITS • APR 2023 AFIQ IN SULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ MOSQUE Our Ramadhan/Raya themed shoot this year brought us to the famous Blue Mosque of Shah Alam. Completed in 1988, this beautiful piece of architecture has held the title of one of the prettiest mosque in the country, and I can clearly see why. The mosque is opened to public according to the visiting hours.
HERITAGE/STREET/PORTRAITS • JAN 2023 OLD MASTER Q We are reliving some seriously vivid childhood memories here, those long afternoons spent while accompanying our moms to the hair saloons. This comic was popular from the 1960s through 1980s, and there is no better backdrop to bring the character back to life than our favourite heritage city, Georgetown. Special thanks to my model Wei Jian, for braving the constant attention the entire morning to complete this shoot.
HERITAGE • JAN 2023 Our Chinese New Year content trip brought us to this charming town in Negeri Sembilan, and I fell in love with its laid-back vibe and close proximity to nature. That beautiful misty morning helped as well of course.
HERITAGE/ STREET • JAN 2022 We now have our local version of the famous uncle from Akihabara. The shopfront of this kitchenware shop, choked to the brim with your mum's favourite cooking tools, should be a tourist attraction of its own. Come say hi to the friendly owner the next time you're in town. Google for Soon Woh Kitchenware Enterprise.
HERITAGE • JAN 2023 SI THIAN GONG TEMPLE This relatively new temple in Kuala Pilah has now become one of the country's most majestic looking one. In conjunction with Chinese New Year 2023, we made a trip over to Kuala Pilah to check out the place for ourselves.
SPACES • OCT 2022 STELLAR GOLDENHILL Touted as the first ever caravan camping in Cameron Highlands, Stellar couldn't have chosen a more apt location. Perched on a gentle slope at GoldenHill overlooking the valley below, the caravans afford some nice views of the surroundings, and coupled with the highlands' cooling weather, this brings glamping to a whole new level of fun.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • OCT 2022 This could very well be the prettiest ibis that I have stayed in. Groovy tunes, vibrant colors, and artwork inspired by Thai folklore set the tone for this new swanky hotel in the heart of Bangkok.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2022 It's hard to put a finger on what Bear & Bad is, this series of surreal spaces that are reminiscent of teamlab's breathtaking experience are usually only found in glitzy, modern cities, yet here we are, in a small town in Johor, staring at almost the same thing. The entrance fee may be a little steep, but it was certainly worth it. I had the time of my life here, shooting to our hearts' content on a quiet weekday afternoon with the whole place to ourselves.
URBAN EXPLORING • AUG 2022 BEYOND THE MOONLIT DOOR: It’s the time of the year for lanterns, mooncakes and celebrations. And admiring Kwai Chai Hong’s art installations is fast becoming the tradition too. They’re back with a colorful visual feast titled “Beyond the Moonlit Door”, featuring “Endless Frames” by Poh Sin Studio, a giant moon and sets of oriental doorway to complete the look. See you there.
TRAVEL • MAY 2022 SUPERKILEN PARK Offically opened in 2012, this kilometer-long park has been known to house quite a few interesting architectural elements, among which the wavy topology lines of the black market seems to have gotten the most attention. I wish I had more time to also document the red square and green park too. Perhaps in future visit.
URBAN EXPLORING • FEB 2022 My collection of visual stories from my favourite heritage state of Malaysia has finally entered a double-digit running number, and will be going strong still while I continue to check off existing pins and discover new ones along the way. So the love story continues.
URBAN EXPLORING • JUL 2022 JOMIS OLD JETTY Our exploration of hidden gems in Johor brought us to this abandoned jetty at Sungai Rengit, a town in Kota Tinggi, Johor. The curious sight of the long stretch of concrete pillars extending towards the sea is strangely reminiscent of some ancient relics. We decided to go for a night shoot to enhance the mysterious mood of this space, using the landing lights from my drone to light up the structures at various spots.
SPACES • JUN 2022 This two-storey bungalow, tucked at a serene corner of TTDI, is a beautiful celebration of old and new. The warm hues of exposed brickwork and terraccotta ventilation blocks compliment the modern touches of steelwork around the facade. There are plenty of spaces that can be opened up to welcome the cooling forest air from nearby Bukit Kiara, and furniture and deco pieces with a strong heritage root lends a sense of character to the space.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • JUN 2022 CIRCULAR HOUSES These surreal circle gardens on the outskirts of Copenhagen are such a feast for the eyes. Built in the year 1964 by landscape architect Erik Mygind, the circular design of Brøndby Haveby, or Brøndby Garden City, was proposed as a way to promote a sense of community, while allowing each unit their space for gardening and urban farming.
URBAN EXPLORING • MAY 2022 BANDAR AINSDALE Within the mature enclave of Bandar Ainsdale comes a fresh new outdoor space with the kind of focus on aesthetics that you can expect from Sime Darby. This Lake Park features a beautiful pavilion in striking shades of red, a two-storey-high slide, pavements with colorful shapes and a host of other fun installations guaranteed to make every minute of your hour-long drive from KL worth it.
STREET/ HERITAGE/ URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2022 Among the many charming places that are a convenient hour-long drive away from the city, Bentong comes up pretty high on my list of heritage towns that are just buzzing with local activities. One may be tempted to detour to some other more touristy spots in the vicinity, but this day trip was all about grounded, honest, small-town vibes around kopitiams and wet markets and small talks with locals.
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • JAN 2022 MITSUI LALAPORT BBCC It's quite a few years in the making, but Mitsui's transformation of this plot of land that was once Pudu Jail made it all worth the wait. Touted as the first Lalaport Mall in Southeast Asia, this place is definitely not short of cool architecture angles, both inside and out. We may have only brushed the surface of its total potential but that just mean that we will continue to have interesting things to look forward to as occupancy increases.
SPACES • JAN 2022 JOJO GASTROBAR & HINODE Sharing the same commercial block with The Luma are two f&b establishments that are worthy of their own followings.
URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2021 Did a quick passthrough this part of Perak, mainly to drop by the Sunflower Garden, and fell in love with the idyllic villages nestled among coconut plantations. Hope to be back for more exploration.
SPACES • NOV 2021 BUNGALOW Probably one of the most charming space that we have worked with, this idyllic bungalow felt worlds away from the bustle of the city. The decades of experience in styling boutique hotels around the world helped Designwilkes carve a space that blends cosmopolitan influences with tradition, as pieces of furnitures and art pieces rich in heritage and historical value fill walls and shelves, while a rich selection of plants enveloping the site delivers a tropical paradise many would love to be lost in.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2021 ECO GRANDEUR Nestled in Puncak Alam is Ecoworld's signature township, Eco Grandeur. This 1400-acre development may have been launched way back in 2016, but it was only recently that I had the opportunity to explore this part of Selangor, unveiling some pretty insta-worthy features here that are begging to be documented more properly. This includes the signature roundabout that doubles as a perfectly symmetrical park, the dragonfly-shaped lake and a very charming playground.
URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2021 ABANDONED LRT TRAIN CARS Excited to have spotted this dystopian scene after an hour’s drive around vegetable farms and serene ponds. We are happy to report that there were no zombies in sight. But let’s still try to keep all the doors shut. On a serious note, as the various news coverage may have mentioned, the ownership of these trains have been transferred from Prasarana to another company years ago. This location is meant to be a temporary storage while the new owners work on plans to repurpose the train cars.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • SEP 2021 TSLAW TOWER Dubbed as Malaysia's first ever 360 LED building facade display, the magic that has transformed many of China's city skylines has finally arrived here in Malaysia. TSLaw Tower may be dwarfed by Exchange 106, but it certainly has enough tricks up its sleeve to catch your attention. Can't wait to see what else is coming.
PRODUCTS/ MINIATURE • AUG 2021 MINIALIFE LIFE: I have never quite been a morning person, and neither have I been lucky enough to witness our Petronas Twin Towers piercing through this amount of low-lying clouds. So I guess till the streets are a safer place to roam, this will do for now.
PRODUCTS/ MINIATURE • JUL 2021 MINIALIFE LIFE: This piece is inspired by the helpelss feeling of explorers tragically stuck behind the safety of their homes. It's now been more than a year since our conquest to document our round-the-world adventures got interrupted by the pandemic. I’m beginning to forget the life I had before covid, those freedom we used to enjoy of being able to go anywhere we want and at anytime we wish seemed too good to be true. How could I have taken things for granted so much. If only I knew what’s coming.
URBAN EXPLORING/AERIAL • 2019 ONWARDS KUALA LUMPUR: One of the most important aspect of urban life is public transportation, and no documentation of the city will be complete without this angle. I hope to be able to continue building on the collection here.
PRODUCTS/ MINIATURE • JUL 2021 MINIATURE LIFE: Mushrooms are such fun food items to reinterpret. Just placing them differently gets us into yet another strange new world. This afternoon, we admire this group of families as they enjoy the liberating freedom of frolicking in a special type of onsen. Perhaps one day I will be able to dip in one of those fun pods too!
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • APR 2021 AICB CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Nestled among the hilly enclave of Jalan Dato Onn is GDP Architects' spanking new structure that looks poised to be the city's next cool archi playground. My favourite spot of the development is the five-storey podium, its interlinked bridges and hanging meeting rooms offers a space that can be experienced and observed from different vantage points.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • APR 2021 BOOKXCESS The bookstore that is as much for the bookworm as it is for the instagrammer in us has done it again. BookXcess Big Box's massive outlet is the largest in the Southern region. If their million-strong titles does not impress you, the floor-to-ceiling shelves will prove to be quite the visual feast to take in.
SPACES • APR 2021 ARTE MONT KIARA Mont Kiara's shiny new landmark has finally been unveiled, complete with its color-shifting led fins on the facade that give this part of town quite a visual feast when night falls. This album features the development's facade as well as the ground level lobby area. Be sure to check out the other accompanying albums for photos of the rest of the spaces within.
URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2021 PARA PARA TECOMA: Spring is here, and we may still be trapped with no international travel. While we may miss the sights of sakura overseas, our local malaysian sakura trees, or tecoma, has put up a beautiful surprise for us city folk this year, launching into a simultaneous display of full blooms, in colors of white and pink. The extreme hot weather earlier has triggered the trees to produce more flowers during this flowering season, the resulting sights are this surreal, glorious views that are not unlike the hanami experience from Japan. Locations covered include Taman Batu Muda, and Flat Danau Kota.
SPACES • MAR 2021 Tucked away in Titiwangsa is this restaurant that has already won my heart before I got to the interiors. Its series of arched and slightly winding entrance walkway seem like a space I could be lost in with my camera for hours. And when I'm ready to settle in, the airy, lush setting packs plenty of cosy corners to while an afternoon away in. Can't wait to be back again.
URBAN EXPLORING • DEC 2020 MACALLUM APARTMENT tidy, repeating lines of Macallum Apartment intrigue me. There are so many ways to admire them by, especially while observing the interplay of light and shadow as the sun shifts from morning to evening.
URBAN EXPLORING • JAN 2021 CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY: For the longest time I was reluctant to go into lightpainting, the chore of having to lug a tripod and extra gears around was more than enough to hold me back. But the last year or so of me finally taking up the challenge was the single reason I could now elevate my work to the next level, and it was definitely worth every bit of trouble I took to research and prepare for the shoot. Special thanks to Fotorgear for the key gear used and my tireless assistant Wei Jian for all your help.
SPACES/PORTRAITS • JAN 2021 A DAY IN SEREMBAN 2:
URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2020 Here's an album dedicated to the urban landmark of it all, the twin towers that have been so quintessentially Kuala Lumpur that despite decades since their completion, they continue to outshine every other buildings that come even after it. Words can't fully describe our love for these two architectural marvel, and so we pointed our cameras and, more recently, drones at them.
URBAN EXPLORING • JUN 2020 Yet another fulfilling week-long trip to Penang, with fresh places and spots to explore, despite me having lost count of the number of times I have visited this heritage city. Georgetown continues to stay vibrant and interesting, and we'll definitely be back again when the hawkerfare starts calling our names.
TRAVEL/ URBAN EXPLORING • JUL 2020 PANTAI MANGKUK I must admit that I have quite given the East Coast a cold shoulder until now. And it took a virus the scale of COVID19 for me to get my first taste of Terengganu. And gosh it was one of the most idyllic places that I have been! Narrow roads lined with coconut tree, in a tight, almost deserted peninsula sandwiched between a river and the sea, and three glorious days of sunny weather. We were spoilt.
|
||||
