YTL

Issue Twent y S even

T h e

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n e

T h e
Y T L
L u x u r y
M a g a z i n e

White Is Right
Niseko’s WinterSeason Is Now!

Green
Movement
Hiking the
Mossy Forest

Cultural Pearl
Penang’s Thriving
Soul
PP 15585/10/2012(031264)

YTL Lives

Daniel Brühl
Rosemary Palmer
Mariah Carey

Canticle Singers • Nutmeg & Rice Therapy • Straits to Luxury

Contents
66

18Life Events

Life Features

Life Bites

26 Explore the hauntingly-beautiful
Mossy Forest with
S Madi, Cameron Highland
Resort’s intrepid andknowledgeable naturalist.

Life on the Cover

32 Step back in time by gallivanting
around Penang’s UNESCO World
Heritage Site of George Town.

10 A round up of parties andevents in world of YTL.

16 Hot happenings at YTL Hotels.

18 From December till May eachyear, the mountain resort of
Niseko Village in Hokkaido,
Japan, transforms into a
dreamy winter paradise withmetres of powder snow to playwith, onsen to warm up in anda bounty of seasonal produce
to be content with.

38 Borneo’s Gaya Island Resort
is more than just a holiday
destination. It’s also the ultimate
place in which to bond with
Mother Nature.
44 For HK Chong and Chin San
Sooi, the talents helming The
Canticle Singers, a leading
Malaysian chorale, music is ameasure of their lives.

48 Hollywood star Daniel Brühl ofQuentin Tarantino’s Inglourious
Basterds fame talks aboutfame, fortune and footballwhile on holiday at the MUSE
Pangkor Laut Estates.
52 Rosemary Palmer revisits The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, ahotel she stayed in for a while
as a child, and reminisces
about life in post-WorldWar II Malaya.
66 Lisa S and Kevin Ou, celebrity
judges for the reality TV show
SupermodelMe, give thelowdown on what it takes tomake it in the glamorous worldof modelling.

98

64
80

84

56

64

Cruise the high seas ininimitable style when you set
sail with Straits to Luxury,
a special charter that sails
from Pangkor Laut to Phuket,
calling in at some of the mostbeautiful little islands in theregion along the way.

78

74

Nikka Whisky’s origins aresteeped in a true-life tale of
Scottish-Japanese romance.

Beautiful Life

Bright and beautiful pieces towear this season.
Colourful George Town in
Penang demands a wardrobe
with hues to match!

86

Light up your life with themost beautiful candle
offerings around.

Spa Life

90 The simple pleasures of theStraits Kitchen is brought todelicious life by The Majestic
Malacca’s Chef Poh.

Coolness and warmth, fire
and ice, the eternal artof balancing one’s life
force is mastered by thegracious team at
Spa Village Malacca.

94 Feasts fit for an emperor
by Executive Chef Wong
Wing Yeuk of Shanghai
restaurant at the JW Marriott
Kuala Lumpur.

Life Cuisine

98 Geraldine Dreiser, Directorof Customer Loyalty at YTL
Hotels, explores the sights,
sounds and colours ofbeautiful Marbella in Spain.

Celebrated cook, food writerand BBC Lifestyle star
Rachel Khoo of The Little
Paris Kitchen Fame talks foodand travel with YTL Lifeduring her recent appearance
at Starhill Gallery
Kuala Lumpur’s Starhill
Culinary Studio.

Life Guide

104 Portfolio of Life
Explore the world of
YTL Hotels.

Editorial Team
Editorial Director
Tracy Khee
Editor-in-Chief
Diana KhooSub Editors
Christy Yoong
George Wong      Art
Creative Director
Eireen Ooi
T h e

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n e

Published By
YTL Hotels
11th Floor, Yeoh Tiong Lay Plaza, 55,
Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Art Director
Sheila Cheah
Graphic Designer
April Young
Photographers
Yong Keen Keong, Edmund Lee

Produced By
Blu Inc Media Sdn Bhd(Company No. 7408-K)
Lot 7, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, Section 13,46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +603 7952 7000
Fax: +603 7960 0151
E-mail: kitchoong@bluinc.com.my

Colour Separation By
Pioneer Graphic Scanning

38, Jalan SS26/11, Taman Mayang Jaya,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Printed By
Percetakan Zanders Sdn Bhd
No.16, Jalan BK 1/11, Bandar Kinrara,
47180 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

Chief Executive Officer

Datin Azliza Ahmad Tajuddin

Sales
General Manager
Loo Kit Choong

Publishing Services
Production Manager
Satvinder Kaur
Assistant Production Manager
Kong Ah Kuan
Traffic Executive
Noor Aini Zainal Masri

Contributors
Ong Chin Huat, Vivian Chong,
Fong Peng Khuan, Kenneth Foo,
Maya Michael, Eric Ian Chan

A Note fromTan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh

Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh
Managing Director,
YTL Corporation

The white season has begun in earnest in Hokkaido, Japan. And
gracing our cover this issue is Niseko Village, one of the world’s
snowiest resorts, in all its glory. The resort was recently voted
Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards 2014 for thesecond consecutive year. With the launch of our new Kasara
Niseko Village Townhouse by YTL Hotels, complemented by the
new fully-integrated Niseko Village with more choices for uniqueretail and dining experiences and après ski, I can assure you
there’s no better time to rediscover the famous powder snow andcharm of Niseko Village. The development will offer winter sports
enthusiasts seamless ski-in, ski-out convenience as well as all
the comfort of a world class alpine destination, with the added
allure of fine Japanese cuisine and the therapeutic onsen Japanis so famous for.
It’s also not often that an individual’s shopping spree hits theheadlines but when singing sensation Mariah Carey visited
Kuala Lumpur, it’s safe to say she caused a sensation as
hordes of fans trailed the glamorous chanteuse as she madeher retail rounds of Starhill Gallery. On a more gustatory note,more good news came our way as YTL’s Shook! Shanghai
clinched the second spot in the Best Restaurant category
during Shanghai’s Restaurant Week, which was organised
by DiningCity, the leading international restaurant guide, ina tally that saw over 260 dining establishment vie for the
top spots. If you have yet to try out Shook! Shanghai’s
cuisine, I strongly urge you to visit it, strategically- andbeautifully-located on the penthouse floor of The Swatch
Art Peace Hotel, a historical landmark along the Bund.
God bless and enjoy the issue.

1

9

2
1. Shirley Dow and Chris Dow. 2. Michael Choice, Misty Choice, Shelly Alt and David Alt.
3. Songbird Jaclyn Victor. 4. Replica of Lauren Baker’s Swarovski sculpture.
5. Lucy Archer and Rikki Mace. 6. Yasmin Stoffer and Bianca Chan. 7. None Abdul Aziz and
Ahmad Rizal Samad. 8. Amee Halim-Illiya and Ning Baizura.

A Roar of Hope
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur truly
was the perfect place to highlight theplight of the majestic wild tigers.

3

4

5

10

The tiger is the largest of the cat species and can reach a total bodylength of up 3.4m and weigh up to 300kg. Despite their formidablesize, the impressive mammals remain highly endangered. Only 3,000
tigers are estimated to be roaming in the wild, and are predicted
to go extinct within the next decade unless serious action is taken.
Fortunately, efforts are already underway to save these majestic
beasts and this was especially evident following the tremendous
success of the recent Majestic Tiger Ball, which took place within
the resplendent halls of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Held in
aid of the Save Wild Tigers charity initiative, the event was graced by
the presence of several prestigious guests, including HRH Sultanah
Hajjah Kalsom of Pahang. Guests were invited to take part in ahigh-profile auction showcasing several tiger-inspired items, which
included a one-of-a-kind Crystal Tigress sculpture created by London
artist Lauren Baker, which featured over 50,000 Swarovski crystals.
The evening’s entertainment included graceful performances byrenowned ballerina Maria Sascha Khan; ballads sung by chanteuses
Ning Baizura, Amanda Imani, Jaclyn Victor and Natasha Sass.

9. The grand ballroom at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur proved to be the perfectvenue for the Majestic Tiger Ball. 10. Datin Mina Cheah-Foong, Dato’ Simon Foong
and Datin Nariza Hashim Petra. 11. HRH Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom of Pahang andDatuk Yasmin Yusuff.

1

6

7

8

11

setting for the weekend’s “Murder
Mystery in the Misty Mountains”.
The thrilling whodunit was inspired by
the disappearance of Jim Thompson,
the American businessman andThai Silk King who went missing
in Cameron Highlands in 1967.
Till today, no one knows what
happened to him. Each participant
in the whodunit will receive a kit that
includes a character card explaining
in detail the characters they aresupposed to portray. Unbeknownst
to those in attendance, one of thepartygoers is about to be accused ofmurder, and it will be up to everyone
else to determine who among themis the guilty suspect.

1

A Nightof Intrigue

2

3

With the holiday season around thecorner, many folks are gearing up
for their next big vacation. For thoseseeking a truly memorable weekend
filled with fun and mystery, head up
to Cameron Highlands Resort topartake in the annual A Curious Twist
in Christmas Tradition weekend.
Upon arrival at this award-winningresort of Pahang, one will immediately
be greeted by the various Christmas
décor strewn throughout its
charming colonial-style interior, which

After hunting for clues that havebeen strategically hidden throughout
the resort, guests will then proceed
to indulge in a lavish dinner, whichis also where the true fun begins.
Throughout the dinner, murders will

1. Cameron Highlands Resort sparkles to life during the annual
Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. 2. Refreshing Holiday Punch
gifted by Cocktail Solutions. 3. Christmas carollers spreading holiday
cheer. 4. Jeremiah Tan and Mr and Mrs Jagjeet Singh.
5. Festive decorations on display at The Dining Room. 6. Christmas
wouldn’t be complete without Uncle Steven, the resort’s resident
pianist. 7. Sheena Liam, Aja Ng and Reiko Ong. 8. Lennard Gui
and Leigh Philips 9. Tracy Khee, Jeoffry Nasir and Mala Punjabi.
10. Yee Chai Lih and Zoe Liew. 11. Emma Chong Johnston,
Jeoffry Nasir, Ian Johnston, Geraldine Dreiser and Jeremiah Tan.

be committed, blackmail money andgossip will be traded, and guests will
have to use their wits to solve themystery. Beyond the vibrant charactersand hilarious twists, there will also
be opportunities to experience theresort’s various signature activities. This
includes the Jim Thompson Mystery
Trail, which involves a refreshing stroll
in the misty forests located just minutes
away from the resort; pampering
tea-inspired treatments at the awardwinning Spa Village; the time-honoured
ritual of English Afternoon Tea at the Jim
Thompson Tea Room, complete withfreshly-baked scones, clotted creamand strawberry jam; and last, but notleast, the Christmas Tree Lighting
ceremony featuring thousands of fairy
lights strung on the pine trees lining theresort driveway.
Overall, experiencing the chills andthrills that this resort has to offer would
certainly be worth the journey to
Cameron Highlands.

6

includes lovely poinsettias lining
up the marble staircase entrance,
decorated gingerbread houses,
beautiful Christmas trees and roaring
fireplaces.
It would take much effort to pry
yourself away from the cosy
ambience of the resort, which has
56 rooms and suites with panoramic
views of rolling hills. A magnificent
18-hole golf course fronts thisimpressive property. It’s the perfect

4

5

7

10

8

9

11

life events //life events //1. Mariah Carey poses with the exclusive
and limited edition Louis Vuitton handbag
designed in collaboration with global
star-chitect, Frank Gehry, much to
Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh’s visible delight.
2. YTL Corporation’s Tan Sri (Dr) Francis
Yeoh accompanies chanteuse Mariah
Carey on her shopping spree around Kuala
Lumpur’s Starhill Gallery.
3. Dior does it for the world-renowned diva.

1

The Not-So
Elusive
Chanteuse

Bravo,
Bravissimo!
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur proved to be theperfect venue for a recent concert, titled Bravissimo,
by The Canticle Singers. With a twist from thegroup’s previous productions, guests were treatedto a combination of both classical and non-classicalmusical elements while part of the proceeds were forthe benefit of the SUKA Society – Putting Children
First, an upcoming and worthy non-governmentalorganisation. This production of Bravissimo was also
used as a platform to kick off a fund-raising project
involving a centre for delinquent teens.
1. The Canticle Singers perform at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
2. Guest soloists with The Canticle Singers for the production ofBravissimo in August 2014: Yap Jin Hin, Jane Soong Shin Yi,
Stefano Chen, Ang Mei Foong, Cipriano De Guzman
and Kay Balajadia-LIggayu.

2

14

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

7

Shoppers at Kuala Lumpur’s exclusive Starhill Gallery got acelebrity sighting to beat them all when international superstar
Mariah Carey caused a sensation as she went on a shopping
spree prior to her concert in Malaysia, accompanied by
Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh, Managing Director of YTLCorporation. The famous songbird jetted into town as partof her The Elusive Chanteuse 2014 Asian Tour. According
to sources, the world-renowned diva reportedly indulged ina retail therapy session that hit the six-figure mark at someof Starhill’s luxury boutiques. For fans of the songbird, The
Elusive Chanteuse tour in Malaysia was organised by IME
Production and supported by Malaysia Major Events, anagency under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia.

7

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

15

life bites //

04

01

02

01

02

There are few better places in which you
may immerse yourself completely in theBalinese spa experience than at the Spa
Village Resort Tembok, Bali. Fronted
by the Bali Sea and black volcanic
sand beaches and set amidst groves ofcoconut trees, guests come here to heal
and rejuvenate themselves on all levels– mental, physical, spiritual and evenemotional. On the physical front, though,a new service is in store – the two-hourlong Coconut Care Treatment is not to be
missed, offering guests a full-on pampering
session which includes a coconut oil
massage, coconut and tamarind bodypolish, coconut hair masque and a dreamy
Balinese face massage.

The award-winning Spa Village Pangkor
Laut Resort now offers guests a uniquemedley of Guest Artist Programmes
to immerse themselves in. Currently inresidence are Sarah, a renowned yogi
and massage therapist, and Martin, awatercolour artist and tutor. Both will be
on-site to conduct either group or privatesessions, depending on the program.
Choose from private Hatha or Ashtanga
Vinyasa Yoga sessions as well as various
massage therapies, including Indian headmassage and reflexology. For guests
with an artistic streak, look to Martin who
will be conducting regular water colour
demonstrations as well as hold private
classes. The Guest Artist Programmes areavailable daily, except Wednesdays.

Nuts Over Coconuts

Guest, Please!

03

03

04

If you’re on a romantic break at the awardwinning Pangkor Laut Resort, gracefully
perched along the Straits of Malacca, makeit a point to dine á deux at The Straits, its
elegantly-appointed dining room. Offering
guests a choice of two degustation menus,
choose from Experience or Embark, where
you may feast on dishes as diverse and as
exciting as tiger prawns with masala sauce,
tom yam sorbet, beef consommé pairedwith wagyu carpaccio, glass noodles
and Vietnamese herbs and caramelised
pineapple cake. Select a bottle of bubbly
to go with your meal before calling it anight and retreating, by moonlight, to theserenity of your over-water villa. Sounds
like paradise, doesn’t it?

It’s always lovely to escape from thetropical heat for a few days. Those in
the know would tell you the best place
to retreat to would be to the Cameron
Highlands Resort. Here, ensconced inluxury, make time for the pleasures of life,
like indulging in spa treatments, hiking andcommuning with nature or simply eating
and drinking well. In light of the season, a
special New Year’s Eve gala dinner menu
is now available. Priced at just RM350++
per person, enjoy creations like duckconsommé, Angus beef and ale stew with
Yorkshire pudding and chocolate mousse
mille-feuille with caramelised banana andtoffee Anglaise before you start singing
Auld Lang Syne. Always end and start theyear right, we say!

Feeling Island Fine

06

05

Welcome, 2015!

05

06

Revive flagging spirits and restore bodies at
the ultimate Malay-style sanctuary at Spa
Village Tanjong Jara. Set in Dungun on theeastern seaboard of the Malay Peninsula,Tanjong Jara’s philosophy of Sucimurni, aconcept that embrace tranquillity and purity
through wholesome living, is designed
to nourish, nurture and rejuvenate worldweary souls. From traditional flower baths
to the art of Malay massage known as
urut, know that all treatments at this awardwinning spa centres around a menu of
traditional Malay restorative treatments
as well as royal court rituals that havehealed and soothed countless people
for centuries.

Keep your gin up at The Majestic Malacca.
Being one of the few places in the worldthat serves Tanqueray’s rare Malacca Gin,sample it over a signature cocktail or three– prepared to perfection by the expert
team helming the old world style bar.
From the best-selling Spiced Straits withhazelnut syrup, ginger and green apple
juice to the Tanquetini , which features
Cointreau, orange bitters and orange
zest, there’s also the Ginberry, which uses
lychee liquor, sweet lychees and crème decassis. All perfect sundowners after a hard
day’s exploring and hunting for antiquesin nearby Jonker Street. All are priced at
RM80++ each.

East Coast Tranquility

Gin, Chin!

For more information on YTL Hotels’ events and promotions, go to www.ytlhotels.com

16

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

17

life on the cover //LET IT SNOW
From December till May, the mountain resort of Niseko Village
in Japan transforms into a dreamy winter paradise with plenty ofchampagne powder to play with, onsen to warm up in and freshseasonal produce to be content with.
Text Vivian Chong

All is calm and quiet except for the soundof the day’s first ski lifts slowly rolling out
from the station at Niseko Village Snow
School. Ardent skiers are already out
and about in their thickly padded gear,
ready to glide into action on the groomed
runs or off-piste terrains blanketed bysome of the driest and lightest snow inthe world. The effect of Siberian winds
mingling with moisture from the Sea ofJapan, up to 18m of the powdery flurry
descends upon Niseko Village in winter,making it one of the world’s most covetedskiing destinations and a perfectly dreamy
getaway to experience the charms of aJapanese winter.
About 700,000 visitors find their way
here in Japan’s northernmost island of
Hokkaido every December to May, to ski
or snowboard – or learn how to at theschool, where other winter sports areavailable. Plough through the all-whiteterrain in an ATV-style snowmobile or be
towed around by one while you sit tightin a snow raft, an exhilarating experiencethat’s not unlike riding a banana boat;
strap on a pair of snow shoes and go on a
guided walk, or explore the cross-country
ski courses in the area. How aboutdashing through the snow in a reindeerdrawn sled?
Early birds can sign up for the First Tracks
Cat Skiing, which lets you ride to theslopes in a snowcat before the runs open
and the truck-sized vehicle gets to work
grooming the ski trails. On New Year’s Day,
book a spot on the gondola to catch theyear’s first sunrise, a Japanese tradition
that portends good blessings. Most of theactivities are suitable for various ages but
young travellers aged three to six have themost fun at the Niseko Kids Snow School

18

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

and Day Care programme, tailored to instil
a love for winter sports through private orgroup lessons.
There are certainly many ways to savour
nature’s bounty at this integrated mountain
resort 100km south of Sapporo. Most
visitors fly in to the New Chitose Airport
followed by two hours – three, on ablustery day – by road to Niseko. The
village lies at the southern base of the
1,308m Mount Annupuri, the highest
peak in the Niseko mountain range, with
Mount Yotei as its closest neighbour.
Capped in snow up to seven months ayear, both make for a majestic backdrop
to the goings-on of the village wherevisitors have a choice of three YTL Hotels
properties, each with its own distinctive
personality and appeal.

Lofty Living

The World Ski Awards 2014 named it theBest Ski Hotel in Japan for the second
consecutive year, an accolade that guestsof Hilton Niseko Village would find plentyof reasons to agree with. Adjacent to the
gondola station and with ski-in ski-out
access, the semi-circular tower houses
500 rooms and suites, including new
Deluxe Family rooms that were unveiled
earlier this year. Up to four guests can relax
comfortably within the 38 sq m spaces
3
without having to fight for uninterrupted
views of Mount Annupuri’s ski runs throughthe panoramic windows that frame therooms and lend to their name.
To feast your eyes on Mount Yotei instead,get a window table at the restaurant named
after it, where guests begin their day
breakfasting on a choice spread of Westernand Japanese favourites. Do like the locals
and make rice your first meal of the day,Left: Feast your senses onbreathtaking views of Mount Yotei;
This page, above: Learn how to
ski with friendly English-speaking
instructors; The Green Leaf Niseko
Village is one of three YTL Hotels
properties at Niseko Village.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

19

life on the cover //with a variety of dishes and condiments
scooped over: pickles, smoked fish,
seaweed and everyone’s favourite onsen
tamago, eggs that are slow-cooked in low
temperature water. Traditionally, they were
simply dipped in a natural onsen or hot
spring, and you can do the same for yourski-weary muscles at Hilton’s onsen andspa, where hot spring waters feed boththe uchi buro (indoor bath) and roten buro
(outdoor bath). The latter lets you enjoy
the best of two climes: the sub-zero chillof winter, offset by the natural heat of thenutrient-rich healing waters.

“Hilton’s onsen
and spa, where
hot spring waters
feed both theuchi buro androten buro.”

Do yourself another favour and book amassage at the award-winning Wakka
Spa. ‘Wakka’ means water in thelanguage of the Ainu, the indigenous
people of Hokkaido, whose culture andtraditional remedies are embraced at thespa. Delivered by highly trained therapists
through intuitive and gentle touches, zen
is just a massage away.
Like the Hilton, The Green Leaf Niseko
Village offers easy ski-in ski-out accessas well as an onsen and a spa. The twoare located just minutes apart, and arelinked by a free regular shuttle. Where
the former is a picture of contemporary
minimalism, the latter fuses a neoteric eyewith Japanese sensibilities where art playsa central role. Black and white paintingsof forested winter landscapes bring thenatural surrounds into the boutique hotel’s
200 rooms, while Sapporo native Emi
Shiratori’s signature hand-drawn art canbe seen in the public spaces. The walls
and even the lockers in the hotel’s ski-in
ski-out facility are the canvases for her
nature-inspired murals.
Altogether, The Green Leaf is intimate andartistic, with an alpine rusticity that feels
luxuriant and comforting all at once. Its allday dining restaurant, Goshiki, illustrates
that perfectly with its cosy cabin ambienceand wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows
through which the white-washed terrain

20

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

7
is laid out like a blank easel, marked by
the browns of bare birch trees and thecolourful wardrobe of the skiers.
It’s certainly not an easy choice between
the Hilton and The Green Leaf, so many
guests split their nights between the two.
Come December, a third YTL Hotels
property will open adjacent to The Green
Leaf and present you with yet anotheroption to live it up at Niseko Village.

Home Among Heritage

They’re known as machiya , townhousethat developed during the end of the Edo
period and are part of Japan’s traditionalvernacular architecture. Favoured by wellheeled merchants and craftsmen of thetime, the boxy buildings with lattice beams
and sliding shoji doors were utilised asboth residential and work spaces.

At Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse,each machiya is designed purely forliving and enjoying your time at this alpine
escapade. The Kasara brand, the latest
in YTL Hotels’ collection, is committed
to creating memorable experiences byintegrating authentic elements that reflect
its locale. In this debut project – the next
two are slated for Koh Samui, Thailand,and Pulau Tiga, Borneo – it delivers on thatpromise through a fusion of tradition andcurrent styles.
The exterior and structure are a nod tothe past, but encase modern comforts
that exude an understated glamour within.
A neutral palette of greys, taupes andbrowns create warm accents among the
spacious interiors, from the soft furnishingsin the bedrooms to the sleek fittings in thelounge area. The use of natural building

Left: Treat yourself to arelaxing rubdown after a
day out on the slopes; Emi
Shiratori's nature-inspired
designs can be seen
throughout The Green Leaf;
Above: The roten buro at
The Green Leaf is fed bynatural hot springs.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

21

life on the cover //Left: Warm up with an aprés
ski tipple at Tomioko Lounge;
below & right: The new Kasara
Niseko Village Townhouse aremodelled after the traditional
machiya and dressed inmodern luxuries.

“The first phaseof Kasara Niseko
Village Townhousefeatures eight units
that all look out toMount Yotei, witheach 240sqm houseaccommodating up
to six guests inthree bedrooms.”

8materials add an organic touch, in linewith the underlying principle of Kasara’s
outlook and approach – shibumi , aJapanese concept that speaks of simple,
subtle and unassuming beauty.
The first phase of this new property
features eight units with each 240sqm
house accommodating up to six guests
in three bedrooms. The tatami-style dining
area can be converted into an additionalroom with futon bedding, suitable for twochildren under 12 years of age. Designed
to be self-sufficient abodes, eachtownhouse comes complete with a fullyequipped kitchen, laundry room, and ski-in
ski-out access. To manage the winter chill,

22

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Kasara has included thoughtful features likea heated ski gear storage, insulated glazed
windows and individual climate control.
Your other needs will be seen to by aconcierge, backed by a dedicated team,
who will deliver personalised services
such as securing reservations for dining,
activities and ski facilities. Also at yourdisposal are a host of complimentary
privileges, including a guided mountainorientation trek, in-residence ski or
snowboard boot fitting, an on-call driverto ferry you around Niseko Village, andthe use of both Hilton’s and The Green
Leaf’s onsen and spa as well as theformer’s gym.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

23

life on the cover //At your request and for a fee, the teamcan also stock the kitchen with a selectionof groceries or get you a chef-on-call
if you prefer not to cook; arrange for inresidence child (aged one and above)
minding services and sports massages;
provide overnight ski or snowboard waxing
services; Indeed, you will be ensconced
in luxury hospitality from the minute you
arrive to the moment you leave – no doubt
reluctantly but with enduring memories toreflect on. As the Japanese are fond ofsaying, ‘Ichi-go ichi-e’, which means thatevery moment is singular and unique, andKasara is proof of that.

Sublime Seasonal Specials

Across all seasons, Hokkaido lives up
to its reputation as a seafood heaven
but the coldest days are the best times
to indulge in the island’s famous snow
crabs. The seasonal shellfish, along withpopular catches such as sea urchins,
scallops, salmon and squid, are preparedin a multitude of ways that bring out theirnatural sweetness and succulence: ina donburi (rice bowl), nigiri sushi , assashimi, thrown on the grill or a teppanyaki
hot plate, swimming in a shabu shabu ,or layered over springy ramen that is a
specialty of Sapporo.
You can indulge in the myriad sea produce
and cooking styles at seven different
dining outlets at Hilton and The Green
Leaf, where other Japanese specialties,
like beautifully marbled A4-grade wagyu,
are given equally refined treatment.
After all the seafood and meat rejoicing,end on a sweet note with yet anotherof Hokkaido’s famous produce – dairy
delight, made from the milk of cowsthat graze on Niseko’s natural pastureand feed on spring water. In a red
farmhouse shop just outside of the Hilton,
Milk Kobo whips the milk into luscious
cream to fill chewy choux puffs and24

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEéclairs, and churns out ice-cream, fresh
yogurt and creamy cheese cakes. Moredelectable creations await at Niseko
Fromagerie just a short stroll away fromThe Green Leaf, loved for its havarti,
award-winning gouda and flavoured
cheese crisps.
Niseko has everything that makes it a
top winter destination and it’s set to geteven better with a new food-beverage
and retail hub at the village. Designed
after a traditional Japanese hamlet andbuilt in the same architectural style as
Kasara, it’s perfect for après ski winding
down over international cuisines at worldclass restaurants and shopping for luxury
designer brands, Japanese art andHokkaido specialties.

One of the highlights is Two Stickts,
an Asiatic tapas pub that pairs global
influences with local flavours, conceived
to be the place to eat, drink and be merry– besides the Lookout Cafe, that is,which sits at the top of Mount Annupuri.
Seasoned skiers who manage to maketheir way there can recharge with a tippleof their choice from a full bar and drink
to magnificent views of the snow-cladsurrounds. What better place to clink
and toast to Niseko and its spectacular
wintry wonders?

Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse opens
1 December, with rates starting from
USD2,000 per night. Check-ins are on
Wednesdays and Saturdays with minimum
stays of three and four nights, respectively,
throughout the ski season.

Clockwise from top left:
Dairy dreams come alive at
Niseko Fromagerie; indulge
in a variety of world-classgourmet fare at Niseko Village;
enjoy a glass of sake with thecrustaceans at Crab Shack;head to Milk Kobo early if you
don't want to miss out on theirlegendary cream puffs.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

25

life feature //life feature //A Mossy
Adventure
Explore the green trail in the Malaysian highlands
and be rewarded by Nature’s beauty.

1 1

Text Eric Ian Chan Photography Edmund Lee

Behind me, a frenzied network of roots,barks and low branches. Before me, anintertwining series of the same. We aregoing down a particularly steep slope.
My hands and feet are on autopilot – I
am relying solely on my hiking instincts.
1. The Mossy Forest isfamous for its soft green
coat that covers the trunks
and branches of trees. The
deeper one ventures into theforest, the more stunning thesight. 2. Rolling hills of tea
plantations on a narrow roadleading to the Mossy Forest.
3. Looking up and not
focusing on the black peatthat sticks to your shoes,
delicate and beautiful flora
can be observed.

26

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

direction of his finger. “That’s the peak,”he says.

Starting out    My heart is pumping, my body is heatingup, something I didn’t think would
happen in the cool temperate weather.
My foot makes contact with a protruding
root – hard. My toes are aching fromthe constant bumping. “Vary your steps,
vary your steps,” I remind myself.
We finally reach a clearing and S Madi,
Cameron Highlands Resort’s resident
naturalist who often acts as a guide on
trekking expeditions, points. I follow the2

The drive to the foggy pinnacle ofGunung Brinchang was on a narrowwinding road where cars have to honk towarn other vehicles and avoid collision.
Surprisingly, even on a weekday, thetraffic was quite consistent. Much of
the road was wide enough for one car
to pass, making the travel time longer
than it actually was. Thankfully, we were
not going to the touristy peak. We haddone that the day before. On this crisp
morning, we had our sights set on
Gunung Irau, the highest mountain in
Cameron Highlands.

Madi, my guide, had done this trail
sometime ago and was eager to doit again. We had met the day before
and, as it usually happens when hikers
meet, our enthusiasm kindled ourmutual passion for adventure. Within3
the first few minutes of talking, we knewthat what we wanted was more thanthe confines of our itinerary. Madi later
told me that he knew we were goingto go on an adventure the moment hesaw my “Adidas kampong” (locallymade rubber hiking shoes that have noaffiliation whatsoever with the brand andliterally translated as “village Adidas”)
and my gear.
We went over the itinerary and maderevisions. I didn’t want tourist spots; I

3

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

27

life feature //wanted something that showed off thenatural wonders the highlands had tooffer. Also, Edmund, the photographer,
had not really hiked before and he would
be a good gauge as to the difficulty ofthe trails and their suitability for novices.
The Mossy Forest, a famous spotin these parts, draw in visitors whowant to see moss-covered trees. Cab
drivers are willing to take tourists in fora fee and according to Madi, not asmall one either. The trees do offer acertain charm, even enchantment. The
moss drape down from branches likesomething from the pages of a fairy tale.
We w a l k e d t h r o u g h t h e w o o d e n
scaffolding and steps, and came to thetrailhead that led to Irau. The slopes grew
steeper and the trail gradually became
more challenging. Not challenging
enough, though, for Madi and I to stop
swapping stories of our previous hiking
adventures. Going along a path, Madi
told me that the trails go past Irau and,from there, was a way that would lead
6

4

The trail was quite clear, although at times
the plethora of trees and rocks required
some bearing adjustments. “Sometimes,
we would find people stranded here,”
said Madi.

4. Jjust a few metres fromthe entrance to the Mossy
Forest, the breathtaking
vista of the highlands will lift
spirits. 5. Insect chirps are
faint compared to lowland
forests. We observed thiscicada as we were leaving
the Mossy Forest, one of
the few bugs we saw.
6. The Begonia Rex, with
its soft petals and slighthues, is indigenous to
Cameron Highlands and isan endangered plant.
7. In the mostly dark andbrown hues of the Mossy
Forest, colourful pitcher
plants stand out.

Sucking on mints to avoid thinking
about my toes, we came to the bottomof a slope with a small clearing. Madi
stopped and peered into scrubs.
“Look at this, isn’t it beautiful?” he said,
pointing at the delicate white flowers
amidst the leaves that almost covered
them. “Begonia rex,” he said. “These areendangered.”

7

down to Simpang Pulai, a small town
that’s but a hop and skip away from Ipoh. I
quietly wished we had the time to do that.
The vegetation grew thicker the deeper
we went. W ith stone markers thatassured us that we were on the right
path, we soldiered on. The green net ofmoss that covered the barks grew morevibrant and I greedily took in the cool
air and admired my surroundings. The
scenery is wonderful and the serenity
this forest exudes is wonderfully calming.
This hike is different from my usual inanother way. Usually, an hour or so intoa trek, I would be swarmed by either
mosquitoes or bees, or having to scrape
leeches off my legs. Not here. Aside frombirds and chirping insects that knew tokeep their distance, there were no bug
or slug attacks.
We continued our ascent. The roots
and low branches of the trees were28

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

steps when going downhill is a way to
avoid the dreaded jamming of toes. This
happens when your feet keeps jabbing
the front of your shoes. After a while,
this can hurt - a lot. The uneven terrain
made varying difficult and our pace wasconsistent with virtually no breaks. Aftera few hours, even with my best efforts,
the toe jams started and, while they
were bearable, I found myself grimacing.

5

helpful as handholds. They were sturdy,
and I could pull myself up using themas leverage and support. At times, mytrust did falter whenever there was alittle give, but no roots broke and all the
branches held.
I looked back at Edmund and he seemed
to have gotten the hang of hoisting
himself up to higher ground and lowering
himself down trenches. With the load ofcamera equipment strapped on him, he
was doing an amazing job. That is thebest thing about hiking – the body adapts
and the mind goes into a problemsolving mode, telling even the new hiker
which are the best ways to manoeuvre
and navigate around obstacles.
Uphill climbs are never a problem forme. Rather, it is descents that give me
pause. The elevation of the route to Irau
contains a few of these. Varying one’s

7

These blooms, indigenous to Cameron
Highlands, were suffering the sameplight as any vegetation that comeshead-to-head with development. And
Madi would know, as he has helped
catalogue the fauna of the highlands
and at last count, there are more thana hundred that are native to these parts.
We went around another bend, breathedin more of the highland’s cool air andproceeded up another elevation. We
were at Mini Irau, the last stop before
the peak. A yellow and green sign said
that we were at 6,666 feet, just 256 shyof the summit.
The campsite of Mini Irau splinteredinto multiple trails. There is no signage
showing the correct route. Madi said
that this is where people get stranded,by going the wrong way. The path
immediately to the left of the clearing
would take us to the summit and Madi

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

29

life feature //8

Plan your own
adventure
The hike to Gunung Irau is moderate
and may be attempted by new hikers.
However, it is necessary to havea guide at all times. At Cameron
Highlands Resort, hikes and othernature tours can be arranged andtailored to suit your needs. Talk to theresort’s resident naturalist and guide,
S Madi. Allow him time to plan yourhikes and tell him what you want toachieve out of it; this way, you can see
the highlands at its best.

What to bring8

For moderate hikes in Cameron
Highlands, be sure you have thefollowing items with you.

9

9

10
• A good pair of hiking shoes – torn or
repaired sneakers are not advisable.
Be ready to get them dirty, so perhaps
no white ones.
• A backpack – All your gear should
fit into the pack, leaving your hands
completely free. Cameras need to
be secured to your body using either
another bag or pouch.
• Three litres of water – Crucial for a
day hike. Nothing is more dangerous
than not having enough water.
• Headlamps – You may not needit on a day hike but having one for
emergencies can never be a bad thing.
• A compass – Not a crucial thing tobring but it would be interesting to getyour bearings as you hike.
• A good attitude – Hiking is a sportthat gets more enjoyable the more
open you are to experiencing natureand the terrain. Also, never ask, “Are
we there yet?”30

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“The Mossy Forest, a famous spotin these parts, draw in visitors whowant to see moss-covered trees.”
8. Cameron Highlands ishome to different species offerns, some small and othershuge. Madi, our guide, told
us that he has worked tocatalogue the ferns native to
Cameron Highlands.
9. Though the sun wasshining down on us, theforest interiors proved
invitingly cool. 10. With nomosquitoes or leeches toworry about, we had time toenjoy the sight of interestingflora we chanced upon.

said it would be just half an hour or soto reach the top. I was pumped up.

thought you wanted to turn back and so
we did,” I said, pulling myself up a trench.

Reason to return“I thought you wanted to turn backalso,” said Madi. We laughed. The truth
was we needed to get ready for anotherhike, a night hike Madi was taking us on
after dinner. We would have been too
tired if we had summited Irau.

On our way back, the route that we
slogged through before was in reverse,making some of the stretches easierand others more challenging. We weretired but there was a certain elation thatcomes when a hike is done.
“Hey,” Madi said two hours into our
return. “We should have finished the trail,
we should have gone to the peak.” “IWhile I thought that the half hour wouldn’t
have made much difference, there issomething to be said about not finishinga trail. There is now a reason to return.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

31

life feature //If you are in George Town, the first thing you’ll notice is how the city is decidedly
more relaxed compared to the other major cities on the west coast. Renowned
as a paradise for foodies, what also makes the city such a tourist hotspot canbe attributed to its fusion of eastern and western influences. Named a World
Heritage Site by Unesco in 2008, here are some suggestions that mightpique the interest of travellers with a curiosity for all things historical.

Clash Of The Clans

Built by the forefathers of the Khoo family whoemigrated from southern China, this kongsi(clan house) is one of five that were built by
the big clans that formed the backbone of the
Hokkien community during the olden-daysof Penang. Clan houses served as a havenfor Chinese families of the same surname togather in solidarity and worship their ancestors.

Blast From
The Past

The entrance to the clan house can be tricky
to spot seeing as it almost blends in with the
nearby shoplots. As for the actual clan house,
it is located in the centre of a compound
called Cannon Square surrounded by a mazeof alleys and pre-war houses. In 1894, theoriginal structure was almost razed to the
Text Maya Michael Photography Colby Choi & Getty Images
ground after being struck by lightning, which
many claimed had to do with the gods being
provoked by its resemblance to the Emperor’spalace. A scaled-down version that was built in 1906 stands in its place.

Step back in time by gallivanting
around Penang’s George Town.

Many who have explored the structure regard it as one of the most lavishly
designed in South-East Asia. Expect to finish your visit here with a sore neckfrom gazing at all the richly ornamented carvings found on the roofs, walls andpillars, which serve to reflect the art and architecture of ancient China.

Khoo Kongsi opens from 9am to 5pm (weekdays) and 9am to
1pm (Saturday).

A Fort To Be Reckoned WithThe largest fort in Malaysia, Fort Cornwallis was built on the very site where
the founder of Penang, Sir Captain Francis Light, first stepped foot on theisland. Named after Charles Cornwallis – an 18th century Governor-Generalof Bengal, India – it was originally built in 1793 in the design of a fourpointed star.

1

32

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

1. A glimpse of the intricate carvings,
woodwork and porcelain decor found at
the Khoo Kongsi. 2. A statue of thelegendary Sir Captain Francis Light greets
visitors at Fort Cornwallis.

2

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

33

life feature //

6

5

7

Avid fans of war history would definitely have a field day exploring
the grassy grounds housed within the formidable outer walls,
which include actual cannons. The largest cannon found hereis the Seri Rambai Cannon, which was cast back in 1603 andgifted by the Dutch to the Sultan of Johor in 1606. Fortunately, thefort has never once engaged in battle, which probably explains
why most of its structure still remains relatively intact till today.
It would be hard to miss the giant skeletal steel lighthouse foundin the northeast corner of the fort. Built in 1882, it is the only
one in Malaysia that features a framework constructed using
white steel. As for the view, this 21-metre structure possesses avisual distance of 16 nautical miles, making it the perfect place
for taking amazing pictures of the nearby shoreline.

3

Fort Cornwallis opens daily from 9am to 6.30pm.

4

Antiques And Artefacts

Tucked away in Church Street of the George Town Heritage
Zone is the famous Pinang Peranakan Mansion, considered bymany to be one of greatest jewels and tourist attractions foundon the island. It was first built in the late 19th century by Chung
Keng Kwee, a legendary philanthropist and leader of the local
Chinese community. The mansion was eventually abandoned
and has since gone through many hands. At one point, it waseven occupied by Japanese invaders during WWII.
3. Exploring the streets of George Townbrings back fond memories. 4. Pinang
Peranakan Mansion beautifully captures
what life was like for a wealthy Straits
Chinese family in the 19th century.
5. Worshippers at the temples light andburn sticks of incense.
6. One of the many antiques andcollectibles found in Pinang Peranakan
Mansion. 7. Cannons of different ages andcalibres line Fort Cornwallis' walls. 8. The
second oldest lighthouse in Malaysia can befound at Fort Cornwallis.

34

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Today, the mansion provides curious visitors a glimpse of theopulent lifestyle of the Peranakan community back then. Inside,
you will find countless items of interest, including antiques andvarious forms of memorabilia. These complement the eclectic
architecture, which was built using only the finest materials of thetime – Scottish ironworks, English floor tiles and intricate, handcarved Chinese wooden panels.

Pinang Peranakan Museum opens daily (including public
holidays) from 9.30am to 5pm.

8

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

35

life feature //129

9. Colourful, hand-painted signs found at
Chew Jetty. 10. The House of Yeap Chor Ee isa social history gallery that tells the story of one
of Penang's richest traders. 11. A local trader
displays his exotic wares. 12. A mural foundin Chew Jetty that was done by Lithuanianartist, Ernest Zacharevic. 13. Intricately carved
Chinese wooden panels painted in gold are
displayed at the main entrance of the Pinang
Peranakan Mansion.

11“A mere 12 minutes’ walkfrom the Pinang Peranakan
Mansion, yet anotherintriguing story is waiting
to be told at the Houseof Yeap Chor Ee.”
Rags To Riches

A mere 12 minutes’ walk from the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, yetanother intriguing story is waiting to be told at the House of Yeap
Chor Ee, considered one of Penang’s most savvy businessmen.
As a teenager, Chor Ee arrived on the island virtually penniless,and worked his way up to become its richest man.

1036

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

13Housed within a late 19th century shophouse, the space wasrenovated and reopened as a social gallery in 2008 by Yeap’s
grandson, Dato' Sri Stephen Yeap Leong Huat. Expect to spend
countless hours putting together the pieces of what life as an
immigrant was like back then.

The House of Yeap Chor Ee opens every Tuesday to Saturday
from 10am to 6pm.

Life On The sea

Billed as one of the last bastions of old Chinese settlements on
the island, the Clan Jetties might initially appear to be simple
dwellings on stilts, but closer inspection will provide a glimpse
into a community that has been around for over a century.
The jetties were built in 1882 following the construction ofWeld Quay. Huts were later added to provide shelter for thosewaiting for the arrival of the cargo boats. It didn’t take long for theopportunistic settlers to move in and transform these huts into
makeshift residences. Over time, the jetties would be dominatedby various clans, and many of their descendants still reside there
to this very day.
A good place to experience this would be Chew Jetty, which also
happens to be the most tourist-friendly jetty. Located close to
the Penang ferry terminal, the entrance features a quaint temple
surrounded by food stalls serving simple yet delicious morsels of
local street food, a perfect place to drop by for a quick bite after
a long day exploring George Town’s hidden gems. To venture
inside, simply follow the path made of planks. If you’re up for it,
stick around until sunset for those perfect Kodak moments.

Settling In
When you’re finally done exploring all the sights, smells andsounds that this intriguing city has to offer, one of the best
ways to recover would be to check in to Vistana Penang Bukit
Jambul. A mere 10 minutes away from Penang International
Airport and 5 minutes to the First Penang Bridge exit point,
this premier business hotel strives to be the shining jewel inthis “Pearl of the Orient”.
Catering for working professionals and pleasure-seekers,
the hotel offers a wide range of amenities. Guests arriving at
the hotel will certainly appreciate its strategic address as it islocated near to major commercial, financial and government
offices, key historical and cultural sites, popular eating areasand shopping complexes.
To make a booking, visit vistanahotels.com

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

37

life feature //IslandCharmsGaya Island Resort is more than justa holiday destination. It’s a place toget close to nature, too.
Text Maya Michael Photography Edmund Lee

You can’t beat word of mouth. A cursory
glance at the TripAdvisor travel website willshow up Gaya Island Resort as a luxury
destination that is worthy of high praise.
Those who have spent a few nights at
the Sabah resort have described it as a“fantastic and relaxing stay”, a “great Borneo
experience” and a “first class resort”.
Gaya Island Resort, located in the Tunku
Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coastof Kota Kinabalu (KK), is accessible, justa 15-minute speedboat ride from Sutera
Harbour Marina. The marina itself is alsoa mere 15 minutes by road from Kota
Kinabalu International Airport.
The resort is a natural sanctuary nestledin the hillside along Malohom Bay with ahinterland replete with ancient rainforest
and a magnificent view of Mount Kinabalu
on the horizon.

With its coral reefs, sandy
beaches and rainforest,
Gaya Island Resort is truly aparadise for nature lovers.

38

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEPart of YTL Hotels' chain of luxury properties
around the world, the resort's architecture
harmonises with Sabahan elements. It
comprises 121 villas including a two-

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

39

life feature //life feature //1

3

bedroom suite that use local materials
and blend with the natural environment
while villa interiors are designed with acontemporary elegance.
Guests can snorkel or dive amidst coralrich reefs, while day cruises and bird
watching trips can also be arranged.

2
1. One of the many species ofmushrooms found on the nature trail.
2. Resident naturalist Justin Juhun
believes that nature is meant to beobserved. 3. High-end luxury meets
nature at Gaya Island Resort.

40

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

The pool-side Feast Village serves thebest of local and international cuisinesfrom three large kitchens and offers winefrom its private cellars. What’s more, theFisherman's Cove on the rooftop serves
freshly caught seafood. For cocktails,
head to the Pool Bar & Lounge. In addition,
the resort features an outdoor pool, yoga
classes and a pampering Spa Village set
amidst lush mangroves.
As the five-star non-smoking hotel is awalking resort, designed to minimise
pollution, only minimal motorised vehicles

are used for operational purposes.
Yet this is more than just a beautiful
beachfront resort in stunning surroundings;
this is a place for the curious to engage orabsorb all Borneo has to offer. So it waswith much anticipation that we set out
to soak in the resort lifestyle off KK and
explore the nature trail as well as do a spotof turtle-watching.
The first activity of the day after a restful
sleep and a hearty breakfast was to set
out on a discovery of what Gaya Island
has to offer. At the entrance to the nature
trail, one can see flights of steps leading
upwards framed by the branches of dense
foliage. These steps, according to theresort’s resident naturalist Justin Juhun,
took eight months just to complete.
My photographer, Edmund Lee, and I
decided to take on the 700m trail. During

the journey, Juhun was quick to point out
all the various fauna and flora scatteredalong the path. From the dainty dragonfly
to the mighty amber tree, almost nothing
escapes his sight, and everything has astory to tell.
It truly is amazing to watch as Juhun
spouts all kinds of scientific names and thedescriptions of each individual creaturethat we came across. He truly seems likea walking encyclopaedia on all things to
do with wildlife. But what a real treat it
was when he started to mimic the various
sounds of creatures, which resulted
in an instant reaction from the animals
somewhere in the jungle.
At one point, he even decided to teach thiswriter how to mimic a bird-call using one of
the leaves folded in half. Unfortunately, theexperiment with the makeshift harmonica
was a flop, but it certainly was memorable.

“The thing about nature is that everythingis here for a reason. What might look like adead tree actually serves as a habitat (fora creature).”Asked what was the most satisfying partabout his job, Juhun replied: “The biggest
reward for me is changing the mindset of
the guests who participate in the nature
trail. I was born in the jungle, and lived
there until I was 12.”“My parents used to work for a timbercompany, and they would bring back allthese young critters, and it would be my
job to look after them. The jungle is myuniversity.”
After wrapping up the short trek, we madeour way down to Tavajun Bay shortly after
noon. Not only is this private beach perfectfor guests looking for more seclusion,
it is also perhaps the best place to get

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

41

life feature //5

4

up close and personal with corals andthe elusive sea turtles at the Gaya Island
Resort Marine Centre, Malaysia’s first turtle
rescue organisation. Manning the centre ismarine biologist Scott Mayback.
Mayback, a New Yorker, said: “The turtles
that arrive at our centre are usually afflictedwith what we call ‘floating disease.’ Thisoccurs when they eat bits of plastic, which
get lodged in their intestines, causing themto develop gas. This in turn affects theirability to dive back into the ocean, making
them vulnerable to starvation, dehydrationor getting hit by a boat.”“There was this one turtle we named Ninja.
When she arrived at our centre, her torso
was covered in barnacles and had sunken
in because she was so emaciated. It took
several months of tender loving care, but
it was all worth it once Ninja was declared
fit enough to be released back into
the ocean.”42

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

7

4. Resident marine
biologist Scott
Mayback observes ababy sea turtle. 5. Oneof the many fascinating
highlights found at theresort's Marine Centre.
6. Nobody reallyknows what happens
once these hatchlings
head out to sea.
7. The surrounding
seas are perfect for
diving and snorkelling.
8. Catch the sunset
while cruising on theresort's luxurious
Lumba-Lumba yacht.

2

The centre is also an educational
showcase, displaying various types of softand hard corals that can only be found on
the island, the largest in the marine park at
1,465ha. In September 2014, the centre
launched a special conservation projectto plant corals on artificial reef structures
to see if they would thrive. The project isongoing.
So the next time you are looking for a
restful and relaxing holiday, why not try
Gaya Island Resort? Its stunning location,
beauty and proximity to Mother Nature will
surely entrance.

6“Snorkel or dive amidst
coral-rich reefs, while
day cruises and bird
watching trips can also
be arranged.”

8

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

43

life feature //life feature //Singing for Joy
With the festive season in full swing, it’s time to look at how songs bringjoy to the world. The Canticle Singers share their ups and downs with YTLLife after a successful performance at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Text Fong Peng Khuan Photography Yong Keen Keong

Confucius once said music produces akind of pleasure, which human naturecannot do without. How true. The
irrepressible charm and joy of song andmusic have always moved Malaysians.
In the late 1980s HK Chong staged
a fund-raising concert featuring His
Sounds , a 30-voice choir from thePhilippines. “I wept when I first heard
them as they blew me away,” he recalls.
When the opportunity arose to organise
another charity event in 1992, he formeda chorale comprising a dozen of hismusic-loving friends.
Today, the Canticle Singers (TCS) is aleading Malaysian chorale with a recordof 23 musical productions of different
musical genres. Their successfulshows have contributed significantly
to the local performing arts scene andbenefited deserving causes in Malaysia,
China, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka,
Pakistan and the Philippines. Among
their achievements are the Best Group
Performance (Vocal) at the 9th BohCameronian Arts Awards 2012 for Odds
& Ends in 2011 and nominations for

Chin San Sooi and HK Chong are
the talents and main driving force
behind The Canticle Singers.

44

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEBest Group Performance (Voice) for Do
You Hear the People Sing? and Ovationin 2004 and 2012 respectively.
Drawn from diverse professional
backgrounds, all TCS members
share a passion for music and singfor fun and pleasure without monetarycompensation. They even venture on
their own as far as Manila and Singapore
for voice workshops and clinics in orderto gain exposure and improve theirsinging skills from masters in the field.
Their aim is to reach a musically sensitive
audience appreciative of songs ranging
from acapella to opera. This voluntarycommunity choir’s repertoire embraces
traditional classics, negro spirituals, folk,
pop, jazz, rock, lounge, film, stage andBroadway music.
Despite challenges and hard work topromote music as entertainment for
the Malaysian public, Chong admits his
motivation is tantamount to foolishness.
“Oftentimes, I refuse perhaps to see thereality of things as they are. There is stilla long, long way to go, judging by thestandards of many college-level choirs in
the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.
What can be achieved depends on thequality, passion and commitment of the

The Canticle Singers is a leading
Malaysian chorale, comprisedof people drawn from diverse
professional backgrounds.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

45

life feature //life feature //in 1995 and Kuala Lumpur Sentral
we get. But commitment in this“Without music, singers(musical) in 2001. Chin is best identified
era is a bad word,” says the TCS founderwith Stella Kon’s Emily of Emerald Hill,
and music director.
life would B-flat.”
winner of the Singapore Drama Writing
1984. In Kon’s words, he
All TCS singers are volunteers with
- Itzhak Perlman- d a y j o b s a n d s o m e a r e c o l l e g e Competitionis the godfather of the play.

46

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

students. Because of family and othercommitments, the membership keeps
changing. “I dare not think more thaneven a year ahead as it is always aproblem to assemble and retain a teamof good singers and have them (stay)
focused,” says Chong. “It’s also difficult
to get skilled singers without an attitude
even though the max for any production
varies from 20 to 22 only.” TCS artistic
director Chin San Sooi is a theatre
educationist who created the music anddrama society at Ipoh’s Anglo-Chinese
School (ACS) where he taught during
1964-73. Fondly known by its acronym,
MAD Society, presented musicals andShakespearean plays yearly. ACS wasthen the leading school in performing
arts in Malaysia. After the British Council
sponsored his advanced studies inspeech and drama in London, Chinreturned to his hometown, Kuala Lumpur,in 1974. While at Taylor’s College, he did
Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk
Circle with two musicians and a small
cast playing multiple roles, a groundbreaking production then as local theatre
always used the traditional proscenium
stage. In 1984, he co-founded the Five
Arts Centre with the late Krishen Jit andMarion De Cruz to promote theatre anddrama in Malaysia in an “organised/unorganised” manner.

In early 2002, Chin received a call from
Chong, a former ACS student, asking
him to direct the musical, Two From
Galilee , to raise funds for MalaysianCare Society. He agreed straight away.
According to him, TCS productions
involve directing a choral group and stage
acting. “When movement is required, I
choreograph them and try to keep it
simple and effective for singers aren’t
trained dancers and have to concentrateon the music. I also enhance the music
conductor’s concern for proper diction
and articulation and remind them of theemotional content of the lyrics.”

He has also written and directed Lady
White, a re-telling of the Madam White
Snake story (1976), Refugee Images(musical), which was initially banned in1980 and finally staged in 2005, Yap Ah
Loy the play (1985), Reunion (musical)

As the only non-singer of TCS, working
hard on the songs with the conductor
guiding the singers to perfect thenuances of the music is delightful toChin. “In KL, they travel distances forrehearsals from as far as Klang, come“No director or theatre group then took
up the challenge to stage it as it was
too long a monodrama,” Chin recalls.
“It would not have worked but history
has shown otherwise. Now, the playis studied in schools, colleges anduniversities in Singapore and Malaysia
and anyone worthy to be called anactress would be hard pressed not to
do the role of Emily Gan.” As he wanted
the world to see it, Chin held successful
productions in Vancouver, Canada andWollongong and Sydney, Australia. His
foray into other areas of theatre also
led him to direct Yudi, the Chinesechanteuse, in some of her shows.

moonshine, rain or traffic jam. I envy
them and am humbled. Ordinary people
they are you may say, but extraordinary
in their commitment. I am enriched forbeing part of TCS.”
To wannabe singers, Chin has thisadvice: “Get a sound knowledge ofmusic, enjoy making music of diverse
genres, thankfully share it with otherpeople, stay humble with the talent given
to you. Finally, get lost and find yourself.”
As the TCS continues to evolve underChong and Chin, they have hosted theacclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers(MADZ) after their appearance at the2012 George Town Festival in Penang
to inspire and entertain Malaysians. The
50-year-old MADZ is the first choral
group to have won the world choral
Olympics twice and serves as a national
icon for the Philippines. This year, TCS
has featured two classical guest singers
from Manila as part of the cast in the2014 production of Bravissimo.
Eventually, Chong and Chin would
like TCS to spread its wings toother cities in the country. Though
the work logistics of the individual

singers make it difficult for this to berealised, still the possibility remains in
the future, especially with corporate
sponsorship and public support.
Contemporary American music virtuoso
Itzhak Perlman once said, “Withoutmusic, life would B-flat.” On a similar note,
the French novelist Victor Hugo wrote,“Music expresses that which cannot be
said and on which it is impossible tobe silent.”

For more information on TCS, go to
www.thecanticlesingers.com.

For members of The
Canticle Singers, music is agreat passion and joy.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

47

life profile //life profile //The Bookof Daniel
Art Direction Yvonne Low Photography Law Soo Phye

Hollywood star Daniel Brühl tells YTL Life all aboutfame, fortune and football while on holiday at the
MUSE Pangkor Laut Estates, Malaysia.

48

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

If you’ve ever watched and enjoyed Quentin
Tarantino’s WWII flick Inglourious Basterds,
you wouldn’t have missed out on the looks
and talent of scene-stealing Daniel Brühl,
who played German war hero Frederik
Zoller in what critics say was his “breakout”
role. No stranger to the world of fame,
Brühl was already a young star in his native
Germany, working in a popular soap opera
called Verbotene Liebe (Forbidden Love)
since his teens.

YTL Life caught up with the rising staramidst the paradise-like surroundings of
MUSE Pangkor Laut Estates on Malaysia’s
west coast.

of murdering Meredith Kercher someyears back.
I play Thomas Lang, a young film director
who wants to make a film based on thebook, The Face of An Angel, but struggles
as he finds out the murder case is somuch more complicated than what heinitially thought. There are so many angles,
making it impossible to uncover the truth. I
always thought of this part as being Michael
Winterbottom’s alter ego, in fact.

Born in Barcelona to a German father anda Spanish mother, Brühl moved back to
Cologne, Germany, as a baby. Brought up
in a multilingual home, Brühl put his linguistic

Tell us about your recent role in Michael
Winterbottom’s The Face of An Angel,
which is based on the real-life storyof Amanda Knox who was accused

You also played Niki Lauda in Rush.
Still very much a European icon, whattips did he give you on playing him andwhat was the overall experience like?

talents to good use, working in several
languages for a variety of productions, aswell as perfecting an Austrian accent toplay former F1 world champion and aviation
entrepreneur, Niki Lauda, in the acclaimed
movie, Rush.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

49

life profile //“Being a Germanin Hollywoodmeans it’s
impossible tonot play a soldier
sooner or later!”Daniel Brühl relaxing at the
MUSE Pangkor Laut Estates.

Niki was great! He supported me all
the way and we developed a close
relationship. He would answer all myquestions and give me advice like not tobe afraid and not to listen to what otherpeople might say behind your back. It wasa relief, in the end, that this tough, iconic
man, who’s known for being blunt, loved
the film and my performance; otherwise, I
probably could never go back to Vienna!

career option for you?
I enjoy it! Even as a child, I had made upvery boring and long theatre plays for myfamily and performed for them at home.
Very often, they would end up falling asleep.

Did you find it hard perfecting Lauda’sAustrian accent?
We both speak German but our accentand mentality couldn’t be more different.

What are the most important lessons
you’ve learnt working as an actor?
That it is very hard to make a good film.
All the pieces have to match. That’s why I
have the highest respect for the directors.
They are the 'captains' who celebratewith their crew if all is good but who takethe most responsibility if the ship sinks!

You’ve always wanted to act since
your teens. What were the factorsthat made it seem like an appealing

Was that your original childhood
ambition, though?
No. I wanted to be a soccer player andworld champion!

And what are the most importantqualities every actor should possess?
Curiosity, sensitivity, patience and open
ears and eyes.
You’ve been honoured with heaps ofawards, from the Golden Globe forBest Supporting Actor to the Critic’s
Choice Award and many more. How
important are these accolades toyou?
I won’t lie. It feels good if your work is
recognised and appreciated in every
possible way.

50

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

How easy was it for you to make thetransition from European films to
the US mainstream?
I consider myself European but, havinggrown up with two cultures, I’ve always
been very keen on being on the moveand discovering the unknown. Also, towork in foreign languages is a fascinatingprocess. So, it is wonderful to have theprivilege of working with magnificent
American filmmakers. But, no matter
where they are from, I always try to staygrounded, knowing where I belong,choosing the right place and people
and working in a good environment. I
would ideally love to continue working
in many different places.
What are the prospects like foryoung German actors in Hollywood?
Being German, it’s almost impossible
to not play a soldier sooner or later. My
advice? Be patient and persistent. It’s
always good to keep asking yourself
the question: 'What drives you? Is thisreally what I want to do and for what
reasons?'
Are there any personalities you
would particularly like to work with?
Oh, so many! There are so many great
actors around and my list is very long.
I do admire one European actor inparticular, though – Javier Bardem.

Brühl and Niki Lauda at theGerman première of the movie,
Rush, in Cologne, Germany.

What would your dream role be?
I would love to do a film noir and one set
in outer space!
You also own a tapas bar in Berlin. Tell
us about it.
It’s called Bar Raval and it’s in Kreuzberg– a vibrant neighbourhood. I named itafter Barcelona’s Raval neighbourhood,which has a similar energy. I designed itwith a friend who also happens to be mybusiness partner. I’m very proud of it. It’s
authentic and the tapas tastes just likethey do in Spain.
Any plans to expand your F&B
business?
We’ll open a Spanish-style deli in Berlin
Mitte soon. We are collaborating with the
Spanish Culture Institute as we want tomake the Germans more curious about
Spain’s rich Iberic culture. We are also
looking to open a place in a market hall in
Berlin. Markthalle 9, a popular place here,

reminds me very much of Barcelona’s
lively old market halls.
So, would you entertain the idea ofswitching industries permanently?
Personally, I love new challenges, including
the necessary risks involved. So, if I like acertain idea and the concept makes sense,
I usually go for it. If it works, the pleasureis huge. If not, you just go on searching.
However, I’m not about to give up what I do
now. I love this work too much.
What are your impressions of Malaysia?
It’s a wonderful country with wonderfulpeople. The hospitality here is amazing.
And how has your stay at the MUSE
Pangkor Laut Estates been?
It is paradise and one of the nicest places
I’ve been to so far. It is incredibly peacefuland picturesque, and, yet, you can always
feel the energy coming out of the jungle thatsurrounds you. Magic!

Have you had a chance to try the Spa
Village?
That is a must-do! I had a fantastic
experience where I felt like a king and awarrior as well as a newborn afterwards.
One word: wow!
What’s your idea of a dream vacation,
though?
If not Pangkor Laut, I always love going backto Spain and southern France, where I spent
many vacations as a kid. I know the wholearea quite well already, so I can just chill as I
don’t have the usual hunger to discover andexplore everything around me.
You are a big Barcelona fan. Whatabout the German football clubs?
FC Barcelona will always be my club. But
having grown up in Cologne, I also support
its local club. As for the national teams, I
absolutely couldn’t be happier. Spain won
the 2010 World Cup, and look who werethe most recent winners!
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

51

life feature //1. For Rosemary and herhusband David Palmer,
The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur holds the key
to unravelling forgotten
memories of the past.
2. Rosemary was only two
when her family came tostay at The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur.

life feature //1

2Childhood Revisited

Memories are fleeting, especially when it comes to childhood memories. But
for one former guest of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, returning to where
it all started could be the first step to finally piecing the puzzle together.
Text Maya Michael

In 1947, the Bernacchi family found themselves travellingthousands of miles from Britain to what was then Malaya, a country
that was still recovering from the aftermath of World War II. The
patriarch of the family, then a member of the Royal Navy named
Michael Louis Bernacchi, had been posted there to serve in the
British government’s overseas service. He was accompanied by
his wife, Elaine, and their two children: Alan, three, and Rosemary,52

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

two. So how does one start piecing together those hazy memories
of growing up in post-WWII Malaya? For Rosemary, now 69, thefirst thing to do was to reach out to the very hotel where her family
had stayed during those early days.

also been planted during the occupation, resulting in someviolence, and it was now left to the British to help stabilise
the country.

Her efforts paid off. By August 2014, Rosemary and herhusband, David Palmer, found themselves back at The Majestic
Hotel Kuala Lumpur, experiencing the familiar tea lounge,
where they were more than happy to share their stories about
what life was like back then. “The first thought I had when
I stepped inside was how absolutely beautiful everything
is. We actually stayed in this hotel for the first three months
because there was a shortage of housing after the war.”

Given these daunting obstacles, the Bernacchis saw The Majestic
Hotel Kuala Lumpur as the starting point for the next chapter of
their lives. Even back then, the hotel served as a haven for both
expatriates and members of Malaya’s elite looking to get away fromthe chaos of the outside world. Rosemary admits she was too
young to remember much but, fortunately, had managed to holdon to several vintage photos that were taken during the family’s
stay in Malaya, one of which included a photo of her brother riding
around in a toy car on the hotel rooftop.

The Bernacchis could not have arrived at a more challenging
time, as the country was in dire straits following the war, which
had ended in September 1945. During the Japanese occupation,
many of the local tin mines and plantations had been destroyed,
resulting in an unstable economy. Seeds of future unrest had

Even more revealing were the notes written by Rosemary’s latemother, which chronicled the family’s life prior to their departurein 1952. Neatly typed out, the notes offer a candid portrayal ofwhat it was truly like to raise a family during the tumultuous
period prior to Malaya’s independence. In one entry, Elaine

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

53

life feature //3. In this candid snapshot,
Rosemary’s brother Alantakes his toy car for ajoyride on the rooftop of thehotel. 4. A vintage photofrom 1947 offers a glimpse
into Kuala Lumpur’s past.
5. A photo of the siblings
which was taken at the front
lawn of the hotel.

“The first thought I had
when I stepped inside
was how absolutely
beautiful everything is.
We actually stayed inthis hotel for the first
three months because
there was a shortage of
housing after the war.”
3

4

mentioned how rice was rationed, and that the locals foundit hard to afford enough food for their families: “At first, we did
not know about the shortages because we had all our meals
in the hotel, but soap, for instance, was very hard to get.”In reference to their brief stay at The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur, Elaine wrote: “The children and I were amongst thefirst families to return to Malaya partly because of an acutehousing shortage. We lived for three months in a hotel, which
I found very difficult with two small children. I had an amah tolook after them, partly because their bedroom and ours were on
different floors.”
The notes revealed how the children’s caretaker was eventuallyreplaced with “a Malay ayah”, who was going through a difficult
time following the tragic loss of her husband during the war:
“One of the things that I remember was that the only clothes she
had were made of khaki material, although they were still the
traditional sarong-kebaya… I remember coming home at night
to find ayah lying on the wooden floor between the children’s
beds all sound asleep, she holding their hands under themosquito nets.”
According to Rosemary, her mother would often talk about
how dull life was during those early years. “But I don’t know;
there must have been other government wives around andthey would have gotten together to have coffee, I suppose. I
was only two then, so I really had no idea what went on.”Being so young then, it is understandable why Rosemary54

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

5

would have no recollection of those early days nor would
she even be capable of truly comprehending the severity ofthe problems during the Malayan Emergency. It was a time
when the British colonial government sought to check the
insurgency of the Communist Party of Malaya, led by Chin Peng.
According to Rosemary, the family later relocated to a housenear the Lake Gardens, which they shared with a British senioradministration officer. This was followed by a stint in Kuala
Kangsar before they finally settled down in a district officer’s
residence in Batu Gajah, Perak – which still exists as part of Batu
Gajah’s heritage trail. As Elaine’s notes showed: “By this time, theEmergency had started and we had to travel by train with all ourbelongings, including the car, as the roads were not safe.”
It was also during this time that Rosemary’s father was roped
in to take part in a village resettlement project under the Briggs
Plan – which was devised by the first Director of Emergency
Operations, General Sir Harold Briggs. The plan’s objective
was to defeat the communists operating in rural areas
by cutting them off from their sources of support among thecivilian population.
In one incident, Rosemary recalls: “When we were living in Batu
Gajah, my brother and I would watch the British planes dropping
incendiaries in the jungle behind our house. These were used
to light up the jungle so that they would know where to bomb
the communist camps. We called them ‘honey bombs’, as theylooked like big droplets of honey dripping into the jungle.”

The British offensive also meant that Rosemary’s father was
now a prime target of the communists. “Michael had a price on
his head, and we had to have a guard on the grounds, which
was a bit unnerving,” Elaine wrote in her notes. The situation
worsened to the point that Rosemary’s father decided he would
inform only his wife of his whereabouts, and had even told her
to carry a gun, just in case.
Despite all their troubles, Rosemary insists that her parents did
their best to ensure that their childhood was not affected in any
way. “Our parents tried to make it as much of a normal life as
possible. How many children had a chance to live overseas atthat time? We were lucky to have had that experience and, in away, it was an idyllic childhood.”
These sentiments are also shared in the notes written by her
brother, Alan, who seems to have inherited their late mother’s
love for writing. But unlike Elaine’s jottings, Alan’s highlighted
what childhood life was like during those troubling times. The
one that stood out most was the day that he and his sisterfound out they would no longer be calling Malaya their home.
“I remember lying in my parents’ bed one morning, as they
discussed all the pros and cons of staying or taking up the
Resident Commissioner role in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands(now Kiribati and Tuvalu). I can’t exactly remember my feelings,
but it was a sad moment when they decided to leave. I still wish
that we could have stayed longer.”

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

55

beautiful life //Bold Beauties
Inspired by brightness and beauty, and an edgy touch, step out in stylewith these effortlessly chic and cheerful pieces.

Mondo McQueen

Brit style once again is re-interpreted to perfection by McQ Alexander McQueenfor Spring/Summer 2015. Whether you are a King’s Road Sloane Ranger or Notting
Hill trustafarian, these looks will see you through, regardless of occasion or location.
Fusing youthful playfulness with technological rigour and precision, all the exuberanceof British street culture is captured in arresting pieces, from oversized shearling-lined
biker jackets to Mod-inspired 60s-style parkas and dresses accented with edgy zip
fastenings. Iconic streetwear chic is also bandied about throughout the collection,referenced in pieces as playful as varsity jackets to oversized skater shorts, tees andsequinned sweaters. For the bold, beautiful and brave.

High And Low

For its 2015 Cruise Collection, twowords ring out for Sergio Rossi: attitude
and style. Helmed by its Collections andDesign Director Angelo Ruggeri, the
new collection reveals clean silhouettes,
architectonic cuts and sophisticatedfemininity. From high heels to flats, it’s
all about skilful contrasts and timelesselegance, as ably demonstrated by thiswonderful expression of black and whitepaired with sharp, geometric lines.

Colour Me Beautiful

The art and life of Frida Kahlo is the fount for the House of Valentino, which goes brightand beautiful for Spring 2015. Led by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, the lookis strong, intense, courageous and oh-so wearable. The palette and complementing
accessories are positively kaleidoscopic and the overall look is vivid, varied and wonderful,
all visually-disruptive blocks and energetic lines. Complete the look with heels, precious
minaudières and anything with studs.

56

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

French Kiss

Inspired by the ubiquitous chic Frenchwomen seem to exude, Kenzo once again looks
to the feminine French wardrobe for his Resort 2015 collection. From staples like Breton
stripes, enamelled cuffs, the white-hot Bike bag and legionnaire sandals, there are many
items to covet, each one reinforcing the effortless chic of mode á la Francaise.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

57

life profile //When Lisa S arrives for this interview inthe plush surrounds of the Library Lounge
located in the lobby of The Residencesat The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, she
struts in wearing ankle high boots, dark
indigo skinny jeans, a black top matchedwith a fitted unstructured black jacket,
a gold necklace with a robot pendant
dangling around her swan-like neck andgold jewellery adorning her wrists andfingers. Tall and model-esque, Lisa towers
over everyone in the room and definitelycommands attention from the other guests
in the room.
As the judge and host for the reality TV
show, SupermodelMe, this is the third
outing for Lisa on the hit series, now in
its fifth season. “This season, we are
hosting it in KL and the contestants thistime round make the series very different
from the previous ones,” she says. "Theyare very beautiful, smart and competitive,
but they are all very, very nice people.”
A surprising pronouncement, as mostviewers who follow any model competition
know that, apart from the modelling skills
required, clashes and catfights are all partand parcel of the programme. “In pastseasons, we had a couple of contestants
who caused friction and were more edgy,
and were playing the reality game as
opposed to wanting to do the fashion part,but, this season, the girls definitely want tobe models.”

YTL Hotels plays host to the judges and contestants for the reality TV show,
SupermodelMe. Two of its celebrity judges, model Lisa S and Los Angelesbased photographer Kevin Ou, explain what makes a supermodel.
Text Ong Chin Huat Photography Sam T Location The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

58

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Themed Sirens, this season premièred on
24 November on Diva Universal Channel
and will run for 12 episodes, with the finale
airing on 9 February. With 12 contestants
who come from all over Asia, the showpromises an exhilarating journey, withadrenaline-charged tasks and cuttingedge photo shoots, all designed to test
the mettle and fortitude of the contestants
to the limit. But with fewer squabbles
among contestants, what drama can theviewers look forward to? “I feel that thisseason, most of the fighting and drama
is coming from the judges instead,” Lisa
says with a cheeky grin. “This adds a“You have to know what yourlimitations are and use it to youradvantage and create a different
business model for yourself.”
different dynamics to the show… the girls
are concentrating on the competition itself
and being good fashion models and, thenthere’s us, the judges, fighting among
ourselves as to who we want to eliminate
or keep.”
Lisa says that this new aspect has
broadened the show so that it now not justfocuses on the contestants but also thepersonalities on the panel. “This makes forvery interesting viewing as all the judges
on the panel come from different partsof the entertainment business, so we all
have our own views on what we believe
is beautiful.” Among the other permanentjudges who sit with Lisa are TV host
Dominic Lau and model/actress Ase
Wang, as well as a group of guest judges
such as fashion blogger Bryanboy andphotographer Kevin Ou. Lisa believes it’s
important to have different points of viewand definitions of beauty when choosing
a supermodel.
Standing at almost six feet tall in her heels,
Lisa is the epitome of what most people
would think a model should look like. Her
jet black hair is luscious and shiny, andshe has cheekbones pronounced enoughto probably slice the carrot sticks she isnibbling on during the interview. But she’s
the first to say that although height is agood start to a modelling career, being tall
isn’t mandatory. “You can be successful inthis business even though you aren’t theexact package of what the world thinks amodel should be,” Lisa says emphatically.
“You have to know what your limitations areand use it to your advantage, and create a
different business model for yourself.”

Among the celebrity judges
for the fifth season ofSupermodelMe, which was shotin various YTL Hotels in Malaysia,
were host Lisa S and celebrity
photographer Kevin Ou.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

59

life profile //Lisa cites the example of Ase Wang, who
isn’t as tall as other models but has carved
her own niche. “You also don’t have to
be stick thin to be successful … and it’s
important for the girls to see that there
are many different facets of the modellingindustry. To be a supermodel, you don’t
have to be just a fashion girl; you need to
be able to endorse products, act and host,and do fashions shows, commercials
and editorials.”“My job is tomake a young
model realise
the good things
about herself.
Okay, so you
might not be six
feet tall but you
may have anamazing bodyand your face
may be beautiful
enough tostop traffic.”

60

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Lisa’s straight-talking and unpretentious
attitude makes her a breath of fresh air inthe chi-chi and air kissing world of fashion.
In real life, Lisa who started modelling atage 14, is grounded and realistic; shewears her maturity as comfortably as theclothes on her back. Her modelling career
has taken a back seat, having retired
about four years ago before she gavebirth. “This is knowing what my limitations
are and, at some point, you are too old
to be a model,” she says matter-of-factly.
“When you reach a certain age, it’s time tostart branching out into different avenues.”
She has since turned to TV and became
a VJ for Channel [V], which, in turn, led toother TV gigs, SupermodelMe being thelatest. It’s not a stretch to see why, apartfrom being host and judge, she’s also
mentor to the contestants. “I’m like mamabear and I try to be a positive force forthe girls. I always want to present to them
the positive aspect of their performance.
I think building confidence in girls is so
important in this industry.”
She says the modelling industry is harsh
in that young models are often told they
are not good enough and face rejection
at every turn. “It’s not my job to pushthem down or over-criticise them. My
job is to make a young model realise
the good things about herself. Okay,so you might not be six feet tall but
you may have an amazing body andyour face may be beautiful enough tostop traffic.”

So what does Lisa and the other judges lookfor in the winner? “We are looking for a wellrounded personality. We need someone
with versatility and who is well spoken.
Someone who understands the businessand understands how to be professional.”
She stresses that the winner must beable to carry the brand of SupermodelMeand represent it to the fullest. “It’s noeasy feat to find someone who has all
those qualities and, as you know, there
are very few supermodels in the world.”
Recalling the two months she spent filmingin Kuala Lumpur and around Malaysia, Lisa
says she was delighted with the service
and the “amazing staff” at all the YTLproperties she had stayed in. “I’ve stayed
in a lot of hotels around the world because
my parents are in the casino industry
and the service I’ve experienced in The
Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur and Pangkor
Laut Resort was outstanding,” Lisa says.
“I’ve grown up in the hotel system and I
feel most comfortable in one. This hotel
we are staying in (The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur), I think, has the best staff
I have encountered in my life!” She cites
instances where the staff had helped herbabysit and entertain her daughter, while
she and her husband were having theirmeals. “The butlers have been so helpful;
I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing
the staff here is.”Married to Hong Kong actor Daniel Wu,
Lisa said Pangkor Laut Resort is her
favourite place to holiday because sheloves the sea and the sun, and it was therethat her 17-month-old daughter took to thesea for the first time. “We had personalised
service at Pangkor Laut Resort, where we
had our own butler and private chef. They
were just so nice and helpful at all timesof the day and night.” With a hectic daily
filming schedule that sometimes lasts up
to 18 hours, Lisa knows that when she
retires for the day, she is surrounded byluxury and comfort.

Having spent two months
filming SupermodelMe
in Malaysia, Lisa S saysthat she was delighted
with the service andamazing staff at all the
YTL Hotels she stayed in.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

61

life profile //life profile //The first thing he did in Los Angeles wasenrol at the Art Centre College of Design,
which he says is like the “Harvard of design
schools”. “It’s really hard to get into, and lotsof famous designers and photographers
have graduated from there,” he says. Knownfor its transportation design department, Ou
says he made valuable contacts with car
design students who have since gone towork for car makers like Mercedes-Benz
and Maserati, to name a few. Although Ou
graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree,
he admitted that education wasn’t his
priority at the time. College “bought methree years of time to get to know theindustry and market.”
While doing his photography course,
Ou interned with several photographers,
including celebrity photographers Jill
Greenberg and David LaChapelle. He
said he learnt as much as he could. “Ilearnt how to re-touch photographs with
Jill Greenberg as well as run the office. All
that gave me insight into the business andtaught me things school couldn’t.”Ou says he took up photography out ofa rebellious streak. He got hooked onto
photography when he was 16 years old
but never thought of making it a career. But
while working as an intern at an advertising
agency, he met several photographers andwas intrigued with what they did and thelives they led. “I saw how much fun they
were having and their lifestyle appealed tome, so I decided there and then I wanted
to be a photographer.”Celebrity photographer Kevin Ou
loves the grandeur and luxury of
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur,
especially the freshness of thehotel's Orchid Conservatory.

62

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Being rejected for a photography course
was probably the best thing to have
happened to celebrity photographer Kevin
Ou. “I’m one of those who will go all out
to prove you wrong if you tell me I can’t
do something,” he says. Having obtained
a Mass Communication diploma, he wasturned down for a photography course,
while all his friends were accepted. The
rejection drove him to learn as much as
possible about photography from books
and magazines. “In school, you only learn

as fast as the teacher teaches you. Forme, as I was self-learning, I absorbed theknowledge at a much faster pace.”
When Ou turned 20, he packed his bags
and left Singapore for Los Angeles with
an ambition to make it big. “I went therewith a dream… I just jumped in and did it.”Just as well because, today, Ou is a hotshot celebrity photographer who has been
named as one of the 10 most influential
photographers in the United States.

Ou hasn’t looked back since. His work
has been published in magazines such as
Rolling Stone, Nylon, Elle, W Magazine, DUB,
People, Surface, Vogue and Entertainment
Weekly. Although he specialises inphotographing Hollywood’s A-listers today,
he says he started out focusing on cars
and advertising. “Advertising was the pathof least resistance,” Ou says with a laugh,recalling his salad days spent honing hiscraft. “I was so hungry then I would say yes
to everything.” Taking on whatever jobs that

“The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur,
I think, has thebest staff I haveencounteredin my life! The
butlers havebeen so helpful; I
can’t even begin
to tell you how
amazing the staff
here is.”came his way paid for his education in the
United States. But, today, celebrities andmusicians such as Johnny Depp, Andrew
Garfield, Emma Stone, Lewis Hamilton, Nick
Cannon, Ludacris, Mariah Carey, P Diddy,
Elijah Wood and 50 Cent come a-callingwhen they want him to photograph them fortheir album covers or movie posters.
As a guest judge of SupermodelMe, Ou also
directed the opening titles and fashion filmof the show. “I do quite a lot in this series,”
Ou says after his photoshoot. “I shot all
the promotional materials for the TV show,
which included all the girls and the otherjudges, and I was also the photographer forseveral episodes.”To Ou, a supermodel is more than a regularmodel. “A supermodel has more demands
placed on her. She not only has to model
but act, host and make stage appearances… she must be articulate and personable.
A supermodel needs to be well-rounded
and multi-faceted.”

Apart from his skills behind the lens, Ou
is also an entrepreneur. He and a college
mate have started a photography rep
agency where they represent up-andcoming photographers. “There was a big
gap in the market as everybody wanted
to use big name photographers. If you are
just starting out, no one wants to touch
you, so we filled this niche in the market byrepresenting younger photographers.” His
other entrepreneurial pursuits included cofounding celebrity and lifestyle magazine,
Modern Home + Living. His latest venture
is a celebrity and entertainment marketingand media agency called The Lumenere
Group, which connects brands in Asia withinternational celebrities and influencers.
Staying at several YTL Hotels around
Malaysia while filming SupermodelMe,
Ow says his favourite was The Majestic
Hotel Kuala Lumpur. “I love The Majestic.
It is grand and every bit as luxurious. We
shot in multiple locations within the hotel,
so I got to experience the ambience andthe staff as well… the experience there
was impeccable. I especially loved the
freshness of The Orchid Conservatory,
where you can have meals served there.
I’ve travelled a lot, and seldom see a hotel
taking such great care of their guests
that way.”
Staying at YTL Hotels more than made up
for the fact he is away from home. “My
most memorable experience was when
I was staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala
Lumpur. As I had to deal with multiple sets
and models, schedules were constantly
back to back. After a 12-hour shoot, I
returned to my suite to find my favourite
pair of brown shoes already polished,with a note saying it was complimentary.
I had neither left the shoes out nor given
instructions to polish them. That little bit (ofattention) certainly made my day.”SupermodelMe Sirens airs on NBC Diva
Universal every Monday night beginningfrom 24 November.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

63

beautiful life //Gorgeous
George Town
Get ready to be inspired by the unique cityof George Town’s colourful past.
Photography Gerald Goh/Image ROM Photography Assistant Colby Choi Styling Calvin Cheong Hair Ckay Liow
Makeup Kenny Yee Models Alena V/BASE Models & Mikaela/Icon Models

On Alena:
Princess cut dress
with belt, Kenzo.
On Mikaela:
Vest dress, Kenzo.

beautiful life //beautiful life //On Alena:
Princess cut dress
with belt, Kenzo.
On Mikaela:
Vest dress, Kenzo.

On Mikaela:
Embellished silk boxy
shirt, silk peplum belt andpencil skirt, Khoon Hooi.
On Alena:
Peplum corset top
and pencil skirt,
Khoon Hooi.

beautiful life //beautiful life //On Mikaela & Alena:
Knitted mini dress,
Kenzo

On Mikaela:
Leopard print silkmini dress, McQ
Alexander McQueen.
On Alena:
Chiffon shirt andleather-patched jeans,
McQ Alexander
McQueen.

On Alena:
Princess cut dress
with belt, Kenzo.
On Mikaela:
Vest dress, Kenzo.

On Mikaela:
Cotton shirt and flared
skirt, Kenzo.
On Alena:
Sweater and umbrella
skirt, Kenzo.

On Mikaela & Alena:
Knitted dresses, Kenzo

On Alena:
Princess cut dress
and ostrich feather,
Khoon Hooi.
On Mikaela:
Jacket dress withembellishment
details, Khoon Hooi.

On Alena:
Silk dress, M Missoni.
On Mikaela:
Silk top, McQ
Alexander McQueen.
Printed pencil skirt,
Kenzo.

spa life //spa life //Still the only spa in the world to base its therapies on the healing
heritage of the Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan culture, the Spa
Village Malacca at The Majestic Malacca offers guests a glimpse
and experience of Malaysia’s unique hybrid of two cultures andinfluences, namely Chinese and Malay. Spreading itself out over
two levels in this charming historical hotel that was once the homeof Chinese tycoon Leong Long Man in the 1920s, Spa Village
Malacca overlooks the property’s cobalt blue lap pool and is aspretty as they come – a composition of colourful and intricate floor
tiles (a Nyonya signature), wood carvings, traditional pintu pagar(saloon doors) and teal-hued shutters.
Due to its strong Chinese influence, treatments are all designed
to restore balance and vigour of one’s qi or ‘life force’. Fusing of
its therapies with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophies
as well as Straits Chinese sensibilities, expect a wealth of naturalingredients to be used as well as therapies designed according
to your body’s energy. Guests are expected to fill out a detailed
questionnaire before commencing any treatment in order toascertain whether they are more yin (cool) or yang (warm). Your
therapist will then recommend the best possible treatment tocleanse, restore and reinvigorate you on both the physical andmental levels.

Of Yin & Yang
Coolness and warmth, ice and fire, the eternal art of balancing
one’s life force is mastered by Spa Village Malacca’s gracious
team of expert therapists.
Text Diana Khoo Photography Yong Keen Keong74

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Above: Spa Village Malacca's
gracious interiors.
Facing page: A lucky basket
filled with scented water thatthe therapist will use to
symbolically purify and cleanse
you prior to the commencementof the spa treatment

As much of Peranakan life revolves around the Nyonyas (a term
used to denote Peranakan ladies) and, hence, the kitchen,
expect culinary ingredients to play the starring role in your journey
to wellness and relaxation. As Malacca was experiencing all thedrama of a tropical thunderstorm, nothing seemed better at thatmoment than a nutmeg and rice ‘rolling’-style massage. As you
enter the beautiful treatment room, you would notice a small
cooker where, atop it, stands a traditional clay pot keeping warm
a generous portion of rice studded with small dark nutmegs. This
treatment is a godsend for those who suffer from joint and backaches as it is specifically designed to soothe and loosen tight,
constricted muscles. Those who spend long hours slouchedover a desktop computer would immediately notice the relief thatcomes as your therapist smoothes and kneads your entire body,
focusing on traditional pressure points, before using a cloth pouch
filled with the warm nutmeg and rice grains to firmly press andmassage all kinks and knots away. As I hear the loud claps ofthunder outside and the rain lashing against the windowpanes, I
can’t begin to describe the pleasure of being massaged with warm
oil and pressed with a soothingly-warm poultice, almost as if I was
cocooned in bliss. The sensation was amazingly relaxing yet I could
feel my body unwind with tangible relief. I had asked for extremely

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

75

spa life //firm pressure, which was expertly delivered via deft palm andfingerwork. It was impossible to fight drifting out of consciousness
and it was with a pang of regret that the spa does not work in an
extra hour for a post-treatment nap. I was loathe to pull myself off
the treatment bed but, once back downstairs in the spa lounge,
my therapist soothed me further with a pot of hot Malacca fruit
tea and a small platter of tangy achar pickles. Although the 100–minute treatment ended all too soon, I was intrigued enough tostart planning a return visit in order to next experience the Malaccan
palm sugar and honey body wrap as well as the Nyonya-inspired
pandanus and coconut hair mask. In Peranakan households, thekitchen is often referred to as perut rumah (the ‘stomach of thehouse’), around which family life revolves. It seems fitting thenthat Peranakan wellness therapies should also look to the kitchen(and, indeed to the Nyonyas themselves) to administer health and,likewise, happiness.

“In Peranakan
households, thekitchen is often referred
to as perut rumah(the 'stomach of thehouse'), around whichfamily life revolves.”

A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS
Spa Village Malacca’s unique pre-spa hair ritual is inspiredby the spirit of an era where long tresses were valued as asymbol of Peranakan femininity, grace and beauty.
Inspired by the elaborate detail, colour and pomp of a
traditional 12-day Peranakan wedding ceremony, every
guest is treated to a pre-treatment hair care ritual. Your
therapist will first welcome you, clutching a ‘lucky basket’
filled with Nyonya wedding accoutrements. She will thenuse a fresh blossom to sprinkle you with scented Florida
water – a symbolic gesture of cleansing and purification– following which she will lead you through the pintu
pagar to begin the experience. Once you are comfortably
reclined, she will proceed to wash your hair with Malacca
fruit shampoo before treating you to a virgin olive oil
scalp massage. As she goes about her business, besoothed by a warm pillow placed on your tummy as
old P Ramlee movies play on special ceiling-embedded
television screens. It is tempting to watch but you mightfind the rhythmic head massage putting you in a drowsy
haze. The ritual ends with a rinse of lime juice and floral
water – designed to gently close pores while ensuring
a healthy scalp – and a gentle combing-through of hair,after which she will present to you the said comb in a
lucky red packet as a parting gift and unique keepsakeof your Spa Village Malacca experience. The best part?
This is only just the beginning as the treatment proper
now begins. Now, if this isn’t a prelude to happiness, I
wouldn’t know what is.

Treatments at the Peranakaninspired Spa Village Malacca
are totally unique and apleasure to experience.

76

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

77

beautiful life //Let There Be Light!

beautiful life //L’air Du Paris

We can’t get enough of Diptyque’s gorgeous scents but what we really want for
Christmas is this elegant Photophore Feu du Bois set, which contains a 190g Feu de Bois
candle and a large candle holder that is highly sensual in its aesthetics.

Charles Dickens might have penned the words
that remembrance, like a candle, burns brightest at
Christmastime. In the spirit of the season, here aresome of the most beautifully illuminating votives thatshould adorn your living space.
Noël, NoëlLet the notes of bitter orange and Siberian pine waft through your home this season as you
illuminate your living spaces with Annick Goutal’s limited edition Nöel candles. Available
in a generous 300g size, the glass votive has been further embellished with fine gold
moucharabieh work set against a deep red background, paving the way for languorous
evenings accompanied by mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

78

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINELand Of Milk And Honey

Let Laura Mercier infuse your evenings
with a honeyed touch. Inspired by theartisanal honey of France’s Provençal
merchants, check out the Golden
Honey Musk candle, the latest addition
to the brand’s Gourmande Collection.
Based on the essence of beeswax, thisdecadent honey scent is contained ina voluptuously round candle tumbler
with a delicious chocolate brown tinted
glass finish.

Scents Of The Season

Beautifully set in frosted glass, to evoke the beauty of winter frost, Maison Francis
Kurkdjian’s box set of three scented candles will perfume your home with the fragrant
blend of gingerbread and cedar. Even if you’re not celebrating, these votives will makeany moment festive.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

79

life feature //life feature //Luxury On
The High Seas
The Straits to Luxury is an extravagant cruise that sails along the Straits ofMalacca and the Andaman Sea. Embark on inspiring land excursions andexplore alluring islands, while you indulge in the finest gourmet cuisine.
Text Vivian Chong Photography Law Soo Phye

Pangkor Laut Resort is fading into a speck of rainforest, the warm
lights that illuminate the resort nothing more than tiny yellow dots
while its Spa Villas, which stand on stilts over water, are simply acluster of shadowed blocks. The view is increasingly swallowed upby the darkness of the evening as the YTL Lady II picks up speed
along the Straits of Malacca.
Agile and powerful, the elegant 85-foot Princess Motor Yacht was
built for long-range cruises and YTL Hotels has crafted the perfect
experience to showcase her prowess: The Straits to Luxury 5D/4N
charter that sails from Pangkor Laut Resort to Langkawi and several
islands in Thailand, before ending in Phuket. Available exclusively
between the months of December and May, the one-way cruise
calls at a different port each day and guests can disembark to
explore each destination through carefully selected land excursions,bask on powdery sand beaches or soak in emerald waters.
It’s a continuation of the YTL Hotels brand of discreet hospitalitythat you would have experienced the night prior, should you opt
to, with a stay at the Muse Pangkor Laut Estates, after arriving at
the island by helicopter or chartered yacht from the mainland. Eachof the eight intimate estates were individually crafted according to
the natural terrain, and designed to reflect South-East Asia’s built
heritage. Serviced by a butler and chef, guests enjoy the utmost
privacy as they submerge in landscaped or infinity pools surroundedby living and dining pavilions that were constructed around theexisting tropical greens. In the evenings, hornbills make themselves
heard and seen among the tree tops.
On board the Lady II, where four well-appointed en suite rooms
accommodate up to six very comfortably, a professional crewsees to your every need and there’s also a private chef to whip up
decadent dishes at every meal. You can expect nothing less than80

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Straits to Luxury experience begins at the dreamy Pangkor Laut Resort
before ending in Phuket, Thailand, over a 5D/4N sea journey.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

81

life feature //the privacy you want as you swim, snorkel or sunbathe. Beneathits sun-dappled surface, the seabed is carpeted by vibrant coralgardens that support a variety of microorganisms and tropical
species. Strap on your J-mask and lose all sense of time as you
observe the marine life and colours of the Andaman Sea aroundand below you. It’s a fine way to work up an appetite and, comelunch, the crew will lay out a picnic on the beach so that you don’t
have to miss a beat of your repose under the sun. You’ll wrap up
the day with a barbecue dinner, also on the beach, and tuck into
more fresh catches and grilled meats.
Can it get any better than that? Apparently, yes. From Ko Rok Nok,
the Lady makes her way to yet another paradisiacal island – Ko
Kai. As the yacht docks into place between the islets, the first thing
you should see is a giant chicken head, a funny rock formationright at the tip of Chicken Island. Flanked by dramatic steep cliffs
on one end and unspoilt beaches on the other, Ko Kai’s translucent
waters are an invitation to dive right in and meet more of the sea’s
inhabitants swimming among the thriving reefs.

to be completely cocooned in the lap of luxury while relishing thetranquil ambience of your seafaring hotel.
With draft-reducing propeller tunnels and a deep V hull, the Lady II
boasts of superior seakeeping and allows for smooth handling.
So much so, you will hardly feel the waves or turbulence as thesleek vessel glides towards the Andaman Sea while you relax into
the evenings with a drink in hand. Make the most of the secluded
foredeck seating area and let the wind lull you into winding down.
The next morning, Langkawi’s mythical islands greet you in between
mangroves that teem with wildlife and millennial limestone formations
that have earned it the Global Geopark status. Disembark from theyacht and explore Langkawi’s many attractions, from mangrove boat
cruises – where you may spot an eagle or two – to cycling tours
around bucolic villages and a peek inside a bat cave. Lunch on the
freshest seafood while learning about Langkawi’s many legends.
Indeed, there are so many ways to fill your time at this archipelago
of more than 100 islands that, before you know it, the day is gone
and it’s time to head back to your luxurious floating home. Savour
another fantastic spread of fine cooking at dinner while the yacht
continues on to Thailand.
YTL Hotels' Straits to Luxury experience promises to be an unforgettable anddecidedly-luxurious maritime adventure.

82

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

A new day begins among the sparkling blue waters and pristine
white beaches of Ko Rok Nok, an uninhabited island that affords all

The Straits to Luxury is priced at USD45,000 per way; transfer
to Pangkor Laut, accommodation at Muse Pangkor Laut
Estates or The Surin can be arranged at additional cost.
From Phuket, you can also sail back to Pangkor Laut on YTLHotels’ Princess Yacht.
For reservations and enquiries, contact YTL Travel Centre:(Malaysia) Tel +6 03 2783 1000 or
Email travelcentre.my@ytlhotels.com(Singapore) Tel +65 6836 2455
Email travelcentre.sg@ytlhotels.com

Surface for lunch on board as you head out among six of southern
Thailand’s best known islands in the Krabi Province that’s known
collectively as Ko Phi Phi. It was here that Leonardo di Caprio
famously frolicked in The Beach, which was filmed on the longwhite beaches framed by picturesque limestone cliffs and lush
jungles. That they are considered among the most naturally
beautiful islands in the world is really no surprise and you’d wantsome time to take in the breathtaking vistas.
More visual spectacle lie in its waters: part of the Hat Noppharat
Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, this area is noted for its marine
diversity and abundance of corals. Never mind that you’d spent
the last day and a half snorkelling, you won’t get enough of what
Phi Phi has in store. As the day ends, drink in the spectacularsunset over what will be your last dinner on board the Lady. One
more sleep later, the yacht will pull up at the Ao Po Grand Marina
in Phuket, the 11th island and the final stop on an exquisite voyagethat’s all about living the high life on the high seas. All good things,
however, don’t need to come to an end just yet. You can choose
to stay on in Phuket and continue to bask in YTL Hotels' intimate
luxury and personable hospitality at The Surin or your preferredchoice of accommodation. The Surin Phuket welcomes you withfinely appointed cottages, lined with handcrafted teakwood floors
and fitted with a secluded sun deck each, set among coconut
groves along picture-perfect Pansea Beach.
Whatever your choice may be, one thing’s for sure – the Straits
to Luxury is an experience you will not forget for a long time
to come.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

83

life feature //Spirit Of
Romance
Increasingly, Japanese whisky
is rivalling the popularity of thatfrom Scotland. Discover morefrom the wide range of Nikka
Whisky at The Smoke House in
The Majestic Kuala Lumpur.
Photography Kenneth Foo

There is a love story behind the history of the Nikka Whisky Distilling
Co Ltd. Back in 1918, Masataka Taketsuru, who came from asake brewing family, was sent by the Settsu Shuzo Company to
Scotland to learn how to make whisky. There, he met Rita Cowan
from Campbeltown – one of five areas in Scotland identified as a
distinct malt whisky producing region. Against her family’s wishes,
they marry and, soon after he learned all he could, Taketsuru andhis bride returned to Japan.
Settsu Shuzo, however, goes bankrupt and Taketsuru joined
Kotobukiya (which later became Suntory) and built Japan’s first
distillery in 1924. Inspired by Rita, he decided to build his own
distillery, settling on Yoichi, a small coastal city on the northern
island of Hokkaido that he felt had the most similar conditions with
Scotland. Here, Taketsuru set up his first distillery in 1934, utilising
the local peat bogs and the sea breeze to give his whiskies a uniquecharacter. He was successful enough to build a second distillery in
1969, in Miyagi on Japan’s main island of Honshu. Its contrasting
environment of rolling hills and peaceful forests produced whiskies
noted for their softness, elegance and purity.
Widely regarded as the founding father of Japanese whisky,Taketsuru died in 1979, having set Nikka on the path to becominginternationally famous. As for Rita Cowan, she never saw Scotland
again and died 40 years later. Today, there is in Yoichi a Rita Road, areminder of the muse that launched one of world’s best whiskies.

84

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEDISTILLED GOODNESS
Some of the Nikka expressions you
can enjoy at The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur’s The Smoke House.
Black Nikka Spirit - A perfect blend of
Nikka's proprietary Coffey grains, smoothand subtle, with a warm afterglow.
Nikka Pure Malt - A skilful combinationof single malts that is available in three
expressions – Black, Red and White,with flavours ranging from pure fruit topure peat.
Nikka Miyagiko Single Malt - Available in
10, 12 and 15 Year Old expressions, thisis beautifully a balanced, floral and fruity
whisky, coming more complex as you
move up the range.

Ashkan Malekpour of
Truefitt & Hill preparesto give Bruno Vanin a
Traditional Hot Towel
Wet Shave.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

85

life cuisine //LittleMiss Khool

Culinary sensation Rachel Khoo of The Little Paris Kitchen fame andthen some was in Kuala Lumpur recently to promote her new televisionseries, Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook: Cosmopolitan Cook,
specially-commissioned by BBC Worldwide. YTL Life caught up withher for a quick chat at the Starhill Culinary Studio in Starhill Gallery.
Photography Edmund Lee

London’s Croydon seems to have a particular talent for
producing elfin beauties. Aside from its biggest star, Kate
Moss, the South London borough is also where celebrated
cook and food writer Rachel Khoo hails from. Born in 1980
to an Austrian mum and Malaysian dad (he hails from Ipoh,
by the way), Khoo rose to international fame when her third
food book, The Little Paris Kitchen , was released in 2012
to critical acclaim. It was her first English book; her first two
books were published in French. “I just happened to get myfirst book deal from a French publisher. It’s as simple as that,”she says modestly.

Celebrated cook and food writer Rachel Khoo is also one of BBC
Lifestyle's brightest food and travel stars.

86

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Having graduated from the renowned Central Saint Martins
College of Art and Design, Khoo dabbled for a while in luxury
fashion PR and e-marketing before a love for patisserie lured
her to Paris, where she obtained a pastry degree from Le
Cordon Bleu. “I’ve always loved baking. In fact, I remember
the first dish I ever made was gingerbread, with my mother.
Actually, no, that’s not true. I opened my first ‘bakery’ at theage of six – in my sand pit,” she laughs. “I’d make sandcakes and stick flowers on top and then charge my mum 10pence each for them. See? I was a businesswoman already!”

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

87

life cuisine //An ensuing stint at La Cocotte, the Parisian culinary bookstore
and tea salon, proved to be the launch pad for her culinary
career; starting first with providing catering for book launches
and moving on to hosting her own cookery classes on site. Her
first food program aired in 2013 on the BBC’s global Lifestylechannel and a weekly food column for The Evening Standard’s
ES magazine duly followed. And the rest, as they say, is delicious
history.
“My art background shows up in my playfulness with food,” shegrins. “Some people have even commented my salads are ‘girly’.”
While Khoo assuredly brings a touch of feminine glamour to thescreen (she is particularly well-known for her quote: “Nothing
like a bit of lippy to make cooking more glam”), the filming wasanything but. “We did everything over two months, with two daysin every city and another two in the surrounding countryside.
Basically, you land, quickly put your face on, the microphone andoff you go! It’s not as glamorous as some people think.”
Relating her experiences while shooting Kitchen Notebook, Khoosmiles and says: “It’s hard to pick a favourite place because
they each were all so different. I did so much, from going fishingin the Swedish Archipelago, where nature is at its purest andmost pristine, to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, I couldn’t say
which I enjoyed more as I believe it is through the contrasts ofexperiences that you really learn! But one street food particularly
stood out, though – Istanbul’s famous grilled mackerel sandwich,balik ekmek, which comes served in a baguette with chopped
onions and greens. I really liked that.”

Coconut Chocolate Truffles
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes“I’ve always loved baking.
In fact, I remember the
first dish I ever made was
gingerbread... I opened
my first ‘bakery’ at the ageof six – in my sand pit.”

It is against this backdrop that Khoo finds inspiration and content
for her show. Viewers following the programme will be taken on averitable moving feast that eats its way through much of Europe.
From family-style meals on the Amalfi Coast to cooking withlingonberries in Stockholm, learning how to make a traditional
pizza in Naples and savouring Spain’s celebrated hot chocolate
breakfasts and churros, Khoo then re-interprets these traditional
dishes and ingredient in her inimitable style for the camera onceback home in London.

example, were actually quite rocky,” she says. “It’s not likethe Alps and totally unsuitable for cows. However, there
were lots of goats and the cutest dog ever! What I foundinteresting was how the goats, which ate all the wild herbs
in season, produced naturally flavoured cheese in turn. The
thyme in the baked cheese cigars recipe here is inspired by
all the flavours of that region, including the lavender honeyof Provence. Ultimately, my aim is to always try and bring allthese experiences, tastes and memories into my kitchen.”“The experiences were all so unique and diverse and there’s
so much to learn and discover. The mountains near Nice, for

Watch Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook: Cosmopolitan
Cook on BBC Lifestyle (HyppTV Channel 620).

88

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Ingredients
300g Desiccated coconut
85g Icing sugar
85g Sugar
1 nos Egg
200g Dark chocolate
70g Coconut flakes, roughly chopped
Generous pinch of sea salt

Clockwise, from top: Rachel Khoo guiding participants during her Masterclassheld at Starhill Culinary Studio, Kuala Lumpur, recently; baked cheese cigars
with green papaya, cucumber and radish slaw; coconut chocolate truffles.

Method:1. Grind the desiccated coconut in a blender until you havea fine, sticky mixture.
2. Set up a bain-marie with a pan of simmering water.
3. Measure out the sugar in a bowl. Whisk in the egg and let
it set over the pan of water.
4. Whisk continuously until the mixture turns very pale andcreamy. Remove from the heat at this point and let coola little.
5. Stir in the coconut and sea salt. Mix well.
6. While the mixture is still warm, form the dough into little
balls in the palm of your hand, about the size of truffles.
7. Heat the bain-marie again and place the chocolate ina clean, heat-proof bowl. Melt.
8. Dip the coconut balls in the chocolate and scatter withflaked coconut. Use a truffle fork or simply dunk them into
the chocolate and fish out with a fork or palette knife andscatter with coconut flakes.
9. Leave to dry on a wire rack or baking tray and place inthe fridge to set.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

89

life feature //The Simple Pleasuresof The Straits Kitchen
Few things comfort the soul quite like the simple, nourishing flavours ofhome-style cooking. At The Majestic Malacca, Chef Poh’s new menu for
The Mansion, is a treat both heart and soul can savour.
Text Diana Khoo Photography Yong Keen Keong90

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

life feature //Those familiar with Malacca’s history would know the legend ofits founding. Parameswara, a fugitive prince from Sumatra, hadmade his way to the Malay Peninsula and had been resting along
the banks of what is today the Malacca River, before witnessing
a tiny mouse deer, native to the land, startle one of his hunting
dogs to the point it fell into the water. Taking this as a divine signthat the weak would, one day, be a force to be reckoned with, hedecided to build his new kingdom on the site. As it happened, he
was under the shade of a Melaka (Indian gooseberry) tree anddecided, at once, the capital should be named for it. Historians
have long chronicled Malacca’s meteoric rise as one of the great
kingdoms of the region, in part, due to its strategic location as
a port and centre of maritime trade between China, India andthe Middle East. As a bustling trade capital, Malacca became amelting-pot of cultures, attracting traders, merchants, sailors andtravellers from all over the world, each of whom brought new andexciting cuisines, ingredients and cooking styles.
Aside from rich silks and porcelain from China, spices, inparticular, established Malacca’s importance as a vital entrepôt.

Feast on traditional Nyonya favourites like (from top) sayur lodeh, rojak buah
and kuih pie tee at The Mansion.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

91

life feature //The Moluccas Islands yielded great shipments of precious
nutmeg, mace and cloves, while Sumatran pepper was highly
sought-after, each ingredient slowly but surely leaving its influence
on Malaccan, and indeed, modern Malaysian cuisine. During
your stay at The Majestic Malacca, it would be inconceivableto leave without sampling its resident chef, CK Pow’s (better
known as Chef Poh) cooking. A recent revamp of its menu seesa fresher, more localised approach to traditional favourites. You
may, for example, start your meal with a platter of light-as-air kuih
pie tee. Also known as ‘top hats’, these are little pastry cups filledwith shredded turnip and topped with shrimp – best eaten in one
flavour-filled mouthful. Alternatively, try the rojak buah, a piquanttake on a fruit and vegetable salad, starring sliced jambu air (roseapples), jicama, sprouts, kangkong (water spinach), cucumber
and tofu puffs, before being tossed á la minute with chili shrimp
paste and dusted with ground peanuts – truly a taste of Malaysia.
Once your palate is warmed up, dive straight into the heady,fragrant pleasures of what is possibly one of the most delicious
expressions of sayur lodeh I’ve ever tasted. Essentially a dish ofstewed vegetables cooked in coconut milk, Chef Poh’s version
has a distinctively Nyonya flavour to it, heady with aromatics andpacked with taste. Laden with chunks of tempeh, long batons ofcarrots and turnip, sweet long beans and cabbage, this dish isserved with ketupat (compressed rice cubes) but don’t be shy toask, instead, for a heaped serving of steamed white rice or even abowl of glass or rice noodles, which we think is perfect with which
to soak up all that exquisite coconutty gravy. But if you wish to go
the whole nine yards, opt instead for the Majestic Laksa, a grandtake on one of Malaysia’s most beloved noodle dishes.
One of Chef Poh’s most popular signature dishes, however, isthe Hainanese chicken rice. A certain crowd-pleaser, it’s hard
to fault juicy slices of steamed chicken, lightly anointed with soy
and sesame, paired with rich, fragrant rice cooked in pandanusscented chicken stock. “We tweaked the menu slightly as we
wanted to offer our guests a traditionally delicious Malaysiandining experience,” says Ben Quah, Hotel Manager of The
Majestic Malacca. “This new menu offers a wide variety of tastes
and textures to suit every palate. And, in keeping with the spiritof The Majestic Malacca, which used to be a Straits Chinese
tycoon’s mansion, we also chose the hearty, good things you’d
get to eat when visiting someone’s home – albeit a grand one.”
And although it’s delightful dining amidst the old world grandeur of
The Mansion, with its wooden floorboards, collection of antiquesand smart white wainscoting, you should also visit the hotel’sarrestingly beautiful bar. There’s no better chaser for the meal
than with something expertly mixed by the hotel’s trio of crack
bartenders. Our recommendation? The Spiced Straits cocktail, ahouse signature using Tanqueray’s rare, limited edition Malacca
gin as a most delicious anchor.

“We tweaked themenu slightly as we
wanted to offer ourguests a traditionallydelicious Malaysiandining experience.”

The Menu

What to order on your next visit to
The Majestic Malacca.
• ROJAK
Local mixed fruit and vegetable salad
tossed in spicy shrimp paste sauce.

Chef Poh's revamped menu offers hearty good eats like Hainanese chicken
rice and the Majestic Laksa, all of which you can chase down with the housesignature cocktail, Spiced Straits.

92

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE• The Majestic Trio
A tasting platter of ngoh hiang (steamed anddeep-fried bean curd skin rolls filled withseasoned, five-spiced minced chicken),otak-otak (steamed spiced fish paste) andpie tee (crispy golden pastry cups filled withjulienned vegetables and shrimp)• Chicken rice
Chef Poh’s specialty of juicy chicken witharomatic rice and condiments.

• Nasi Goreng
Wok-fried rice topped with a sunny side up
egg and golden fried chicken.

• Majestic Laksa
Yellow and rice noodles in rich spicy
coconut gravy with chicken, cockles andbean sprouts.

• Satay
Charcoal grilled chicken, mutton or beefskewers served with peanut sauce, ricecakes and cucumber and onion slices.

93

life cuisine //Fit forAn Emperor
With the Year of the Horse trotting off and the Year of the Ram marching in,anytime is a good time to indulge in a traditional Chinese banquet. Here, theaward-winning Executive Chef of Shanghai at the JW Marriott shares with us
some of the dishes that won him and his team the Excellence Dining Award
recently by international gastronomic association, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
Photography Kenneth Foo

It’s not often that a traditional Chinese
cuisine restaurant picks up an award
from the internationally-respected LaChaîne des Rôtisseurs association ofgastronomy. So, when the JW Marriott’s
critically-acclaimed Shanghai restaurant
was presented with the Excellence
Dining Award by La Chaîne, it proved
to be an honour indeed. In line with thisaccolade, a special menu has been
tailored to celebrate the award, enabling
guests the opportunity to try some of
the great dishes crafted by Executive
Chef Wong Wing Yeuk and team aswell as to taste for themselves traditional
Shanghainese cuisine expertly-executedand reimagined by a modern masterof gastronomy. This menu is currently
available at Shanghai restaurant and,should you fancy recreating some ofthe dishes at home, this might be justthe thing to read, given the season offamily feasts and banquets is just aroundthe corner.

Shanghai at the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur isfamous for its delicious Chinese cuisine.

94

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

95

life cuisine //End every meal on asweet note with sinfullydelicious deep-friedsesame dumplings.

Deep-Fried Sesame
Dumplings

Pan-Fried Cod With
Touch Of Brandy

Ingredients
100g Glutinous rice flour
50g Flour
20g Sugar
20g White cream
10g Lotus paste
10g Sesame

Ingredients
150g Cod
2g Fried ginger slices
1.5g Parsley and onion
60g Homemade brandy sauce
3g Cornstarch
Method
1. Deep-fry the cod over a big flame
until golden yellow.
2. Place onto a plate.
3. Separately, thicken brandy with 		cornstarch over a low flame and top
the cod with it.
4. Before serving, sprinkle with fried 		
ginger slices, parsley and onion.

Method
1. Mix the glutinous rice flour, flour, 		sugar and cream evenly together toform dumplings.
2. Fill with lotus paste before stirring
the dumplings with water.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds anddeep-fry until cooked through.

“Here, Shanghainese cuisine
is expertly-executed andreimagined by a modern
master of gastronomy.”
A look at La Chaîne
through history.
1248: Louis IX of France orders theestablishment of several professional guilds,
including that of the ‘Ayeurs’ or ‘gooseroasters’ to improve the technical knowledgeof its members, who included apprentices,tradesmen and masters.
1509: During the reign of Louis XII, theguild’s knowledge was extended to include
the preparation of other meats and poultry,
thus taking on the name ‘Rôtisseurs’.
1610: The coat of arms of La Chaîne desRôtisseurs is created, featuring two crossed
spits and four larding utensils in the centre,
surrounded by the flames of the hearth.

96

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

In today’s version, this historic blazon isencircled by fleurs-de-lys and two chainswith the new name of the association in
between. The inner chain represents theprofessional members, while the outer chain
symbolises the non-professional members.
1793: The guild system established by LouisIX is dissolved during the turbulence of theFrench Revolution.

Dégustateurs (OMGD) is a specific sectionof the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, specialising inand concentrating on wines, spirits, liqueurs
and crafted beverages. It was founded in
Paris on 2 September 1963 and is an integral
part of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Its goal isto promote the enjoyment, appreciation andknowledge of fine wines, quality spirits, beers
and mineral waters from around the world.

1950: After being forgotten for so long, Jean
Valby, together with fellow gastronomes
and professionals – Curnonsky, Dr Auguste
Bécart, Louis Giraudon and Marcel Dorin– revived the association, founding theConfrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

2008: The Chaîne officially registers a charity– the Association Caritative de la Chaîne desRôtisseurs – to expand its role and activity
in the world of food by way of launching
programmes in the field of social development
aimed at nourishing and improving the living
conditions of the needy, particularly children.

1963: The Ordre Mondial des Gourmets

Source: www.chainedesrotisseurs.com

Two Variety Prawns
Ingredients
600g Shrimp
600g Prawn balls
1g Longjing tea leaves(soaked till soft)
8g Salted egg yolk
15g Salt
22g Cornstarch
5 nos Egg whites
1g Wine
Method for Longjing Prawn:
1. Place the washed and dried
shrimp and prawn ball into a pot
with some salt and egg white.
2. Beat the egg white until oxidised.

3. Put in cornstarch and stir evenly.
Place inside a refrigerator forlater use.
4. When serving, drench the shrimp
with boiling oil before stir-frying
with wine.
5. Add in the tea leaves and thicken
slightly with cornstarch.
Method for Salted Egg Yolk Prawn:
1. Repeat method as above until
Step 3.
2. Once removed from refrigerator, coat
prawn ball with cornstarch anddeep-fry.
3. Add salted egg yolk and fry
until golden yellow.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

97

Spanish Escapade
The heart of the Costa del Sol in sunny Marbella, Spain,is the perfect Mediterranean beach getaway for yournext summer holiday. The Sierra mountains offer abreathtaking backdrop to soak up the sun andculture of this beautiful seaside resort town.
Geraldine Dreiser, Director of Customer Loyalty
at YTL Hotels, shares more about thisAndalusian gem.

The old town of Mijas
in Costa del Sol,
Andalusia, Spain.

History & Culture

Marbella offers the perfect landing
point to explore the neighbouringhistoric towns of Mijas and Ronda,
both easily accessible by car. In
Mijas, you can discover the Plaza deToros, an old bull ring built in 1900.

life moments //Old is GoldNot just a seaside resort town, Marbella retains
its historic charm in the Casco Antigua or Old
Town. Stroll along the cobbled stone lanes to
the Orange Square where you’ll find the Chapelof Santiago, dating back to the 15th century.
The orange square is also a perfect spot to takea break from sightseeing, and indulge in somechurros, a fried dough pastry-based snack
accompanied with hot chocolate dip.

Bijou Heaven

When in Marbella, stay at the
MUSE Casa Marbella One andTwo, 9 and 6 bedroom luxury villas
set in the El Madronal area. Each
Mediterranean-style residence
exudes a rustic charm and comes
resplendent with a private pool andsprawling lush grounds overlooking
the gorgeous landscape of thesurrounding mountains andAndalusian sea in the distance.

The Tapeo Trawl

Synonymous with Spanish cuisine, you can’t
visit Marbella without trying tapas. It’s thedelightful dish to enjoy in the heat of the
day or the relaxing coolness of the summernights. A favourite of mine is gambas pipil,
which comprises sizzling prawns in garlicsauce, best taken with rustic bread. Savour
from a wide variety of cold and hot tapas
often featuring fresh seafood ingredients,
paired with a glass of Tinto de Verano, theperfect summer drink.

Rice is Always Nice

Another Spanish favourite,
paella is a rice dish featuring
a medley of beautiful spices
like saffron and the freshest
local seafood. Fact – bomba
rice is often used in themaking of paella, its uniquequality is its ability to absorb
more broth than other rice
varietals, lending more
flavour in each bite.

When in Spain. it would
be a sin not to indulge incopious amount of paellaand tapas – all to be
washed down with Tinto
de Verano, the perfectsummer drink.

Typical Andalusian houses
over the 'Tajo' (gorge),
Ronda, Spain. Lorem ipsum
doloat adipiscing nw veamornor. sint, porttitor laoreet,enim eniiquaew veam ornor.

Seaside Splendour

Puertos Banús is a marina in the southwest of Marbella, harbouring some of thebiggest yachts in the area. Enjoy a spotof shopping amongst the multitude ofinternational luxury boutiques or take inthe sights at one of the many cafes – you
may even spot a celebrity or two.

Geraldine Dreiser,
Director of
Customer Loyalty
at YTL Hotels.
From bars, beach clubs
and restaurants, Puerto
Banús' offerings make it
a top summer spot.