From the charming Italian city of Torino to the idyllic Maxwell Hill in Perak, get inspired by the travel plans of some of Malaysia’s biggest names
While it’s unfortunate that the pandemic has put a pause on our currently-forsaken travel plans, it’s only fuelled our hunger for future trips. To inspire your #traveltomorrow vacations, we caught up with some Malaysia’s biggest and brightest names who reveal where they’re eyeing to travel to both domestically – now that interstate travel is (finally!) possible – and abroad.
Interestingly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, island vacations appear to be a popular choice, whether that’s a beach getaway on Terengganu’s incredible islands or a family trip to Langkawi. From frolicking in the Andaman Sea to exploring the quaint Italian town of Torino, get inspired to add some of these destinations in your own post-pandemic travel bucket list too.
1. Jasmine Chong, fashion designer
“I love [Malaysia’s] islands and beaches. I miss Langkawi and the Andaman and how serene it is when the tide is out and you can walk out to the tidal pools. My family and I love snorkelling – I would absolutely love to swim amongst vibrant underwater life in Pulau Redang in Terengganu. I’d also love to take a class on traditional Terengganu batik.
New Zealand is also on my bucket list, I’ve heard the scenic views are otherworldly. I hope to be able to tackle some travel spots in 2021!”
2. Red Hongyi, artist
“I’ve always wanted to travel to India and China. Though I’ve visited and even lived in China before, I find the country endlessly fascinating. There’s so much left to discover. Within Malaysia? Maybe Kuching because I hear the art scene there has been pretty impressive lately!
3. Tan Hwan Eng, author
“I’d love to do a long, slow journey in autumn and winter from the top of the United Kingdom all the way to its southernmost coastline, just driving through the country lanes and avoiding all the cities.”
4. Bernice Chauly, author
“Maxwell Hill in Taiping, Perak is one of my favourite places in Malaysia. It’s a hill station that my parents frequented from the time I was a baby. It’s hauntingly beautiful with unspoilt virgin forests, and one of my favourite spots in the world. I’d love to also visit Ipoh and Maliau Basin in Sabah.
[Outside of Malaysia], I’d love to travel to South America – Mexico, Peru, Chile, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, as well as Torino in Italy.”
Also read: Author Pico Iyer on how we can keep a sense of wonder in our day-to-day
5. Joanne Chew, founder of Fictionist
“I don’t have any immediate travel plans at the moment but as soon as the international borders open, I’ll hop right to Singapore as it’s my second home. I was initially planning to go to London towards the end of the year to visit my cousins too.”
6. Kenny Loh, photographer
“I love traveling within Malaysia and also abroad. I am currently shooting a book titled, Born in Merdeka – The Orang Asli Story. This project has brought me to visit every single Orang Asli tribe in Peninsular Malaysia. I don’t dream of any particular place in Peninsular Malaysia to visit for now, but more trips to Sabah and Sarawak are certainly in my plans. I would also like to visit Tibet, Cuba and Kyoto in the future.”
7. Shazana Sukiman, founder of Whimsigirl
“Running [a business] takes so much out of us entrepreneurs that we hardly have the time to travel. Over the last couple of years, we’ve been blessed to be able to head to Langkawi once a year and spend the best quality time with our kids. The quiet, gorgeous, safe beaches and the beautiful resorts! The kids only ask for holiday trips to Langkawi now – it’s become our favourite place.”
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