Heritage Travels: Discovering Asia
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.
"Travelling – it leaves you speechless. Then it turns you into a storyteller."
Even though the authenticity of this quote is debatable (it is often attributed to Ibn Battuta, a 14th century Moroccan who is considered one of world’s greatest travellers), it doesn’t make it any less true. The essence of travelling is captured aptly in that two lines that it’s hard not to agree because as any traveller would attest, that’s exactly what travelling does.
Eve Writes | 20 June 2019
Asian Artisans: Highlights
UPDATED: 03 NOV 2019
The serendipity of discovering new places and exploring a new world from a different vista often leaves one breathless, renewed, and always, always ready for more. Whether you’re a traveller who loves to surround herself with nature or someone who loves to dive deep into history and culture, travelling opens up your soul and eyes to a world that we often associate with dreams and fantasy.
In Asia, there is no limit to dreams and fantasies.
Discovering Asia is always like a box of chocolate because you never really know what you’re going to get. Even if you know exactly what you’re looking for, Asia would still surprise you. Pick one thing you want to know about Asia and you’ll find yourself getting deeper into her story that when you finally look up, you feel quite speechless.
If you’re looking to tell your own story of Asia, there’s no better place to start than to explore her heritage and culture.
Rich in traditions, folklores, and mystics, Asian heritage and culture is a wonderful way to understand what is it exactly that makes this modest yet affluent continent unique. From heritage hotels to intimate traditional resorts, travelling Asia is almost a promise of wonders and one is often not disappointed. When it comes to travelling in Asia, we love our little “secret hideouts” that lull us into feeling like there is no one else in the world but us, the sun, the sky, and the gentle caressing wind (except perhaps for a good book or a cocktail for company).
We may like our little secret hideouts, but these five amazing retreats are simply too wondrous not to be shared. Their exquisite architecture is unmistakably Asian where you can hear the stories of old everywhere you look from the gentle sloping roofs to the delicately embroidered tapestry to the ornate wall panelling.
So why not hop on the next plane and discover a world that will leave you speechless. But don’t forget to tell us your tale once you’re back. We always love a good story.
Gaya Island Resort, Sabah, Malaysia
Sabah is one of the states in Malaysia and sitting atop the Northern portion of Borneo, this place is a sanctuary to nature and wildlife. Sabah fiercely protects the orangutan, or literally man of the forest, a critically endangered species of great apes found nowhere else in the world except in the dense rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Its waters and forests are also protected for they are homes to many marine wildlife and other exotic animals such as the proboscis monkeys, sun bears, and Sumatran rhinoceros.
Perched on an island protected by Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and overlooking the calm, blue waters of Sabah, Gaya Island Resort welcomes you to a promise of wonderful retreat in nature. Mangroves and sheltered coral reefs surround the area where nature is respected, admired, and protected. Gaya Island Resort is committed to ecologically-sustainable practices and this reflects in everything here so they make sure they leave as little carbon footprint as they possible could.
This resort boasts traditional Malaysian architecture and living. While the villas showcase modern feel and living, there is no mistake about the resort’s nod to heritage design. You will find yourself in in a world of perfect harmony. As a tribute to Malaysian nature and textile, the resort strikes a balance of wooden finishing accents and traditional fabric décor. From delicately weaved throws in the suites to contemporary batik adorning several corners of the resort, and woodworks tastefully placed, Gaya Island Resort is truly where you discover the harmony of contemporary and heritage.
Bon Ton, Langkawi, Malaysia
Up in the North-western corner of Malaysia, nestled an archipelago of 99 islands so rich with history and legends that the name of Langkawi rings of mythical wonder even until today. Legends once speak of a great snake inhibiting the island as her guardian and every new king of Kedah must sacrifice a virgin daughter to appease it before he ascends to the throne for the first time. Another tells a story of a giant eagle protecting the island from invaders and giving the island its namesake for lang is the short for helang, the Malay word for eagle and kawi is a type of stone often used as chalk to mark goods during 15th century. Guardian snake and eagle are just some of the legends Langkawi is known for and her stories are told from generation to generation of Malaysians.
Staying at the Bon Ton Langkawi will transport you through time for the eight individually styled villas are more than 80 years old, giving you an authentic Malay-style living. Built on stilts high off the ground in the true design of old Malay homes, these villas offer you an intimate and private stay, away from the bustling din of the city. Each villa bears different aspect of traditional Malaysian architecture from ornate wood carvings to old plantation-style shutters to thatched roof.
The inside of the villas is designed to give its guests a true sense of aristocratic Malay house. We love how the four-poster beds are draped in delicate fabric, classic settees around the villas for us to put our feet up, and even enjoy the open-air bathroom and sun decks. The entire interior is naturally ventilated with minimal partitioning and through lattice and grill so no matter what time of day or night it is, there’s always a cool breeze around you. Bon Ton truly offers a unique experience for those seeking to travel back in time and discover the wonders of yesteryears.
Terrapuri, Terengganu, Malaysia
Another state in Malaysia that is rich in history and heritage is Terengganu. It was an active economic hub of the trade routes during ancient times thanks to its strategic location in the eastern Peninsular Malaysia where it faces the South China Sea. Being one of the earliest states in Malaysia to receive Islam, the Terengganu Inscription Stone was found here in 1887 CE. This granite stele bearing classical Malay inscription in the jawi script is believed to have dated as far back as 1303 CE. Terengganu is also known for its rich heritage craft and culture. Being the people of the sea who revere both the oceans and land, there are many traditional dances performed to appease the spirits of the tides and soil. Dances such as the ulek mayang is a graceful dance of worship to call upon the assistance of the sea spirits to release a possessed fisherman or the ulek serkap, which is an appreciation dance to please the spirits of the paddy crops so the people are blessed with a bountiful harvest.
These stories and heritage are captured in the captivating Terrapuri Resort in Terengganu. Even though it’s mainly a resort that’s perfect as a secret hideout, it is a state-sanctioned conservation and restoration project of Terengganu Malay Classic houses. It features 29 antique houses between 100 – 250 years old where 20 of the houses are exclusively restored villas open to guests. It also has a gallery showcasing the history and heritage of Terengganu.
For us, staying in Terrapuri truly means journeying through the passage of time. With high stilts, full-length windows, and gabled roofs, the villas of Terapuri are breath-taking and captivating. While the villas are refurbished with every modern facility, the architecture and designs are wonderfully preserved, giving you a glimpse of the historical Malay grandeur. If the heritage architecture is not enough to wow you, Terrapuri has its own private strip of pristine beach where you can laze in the warm sun while being lulled by the sound of South China Sea waves and forget all your worries away. Here at Terrapuri, the Land of Palaces, you can truly live like a king.
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