DATO’ LARRY GAN, CEO, Managing Director & Executive Director – OMESTI Berhad
What’s up next on your travel calendar?
2015 is as good as done for me. I started the year with an expedition to Antarctica, followed by a trip to Hampshire in England with the children in April. Then, it was Amanpulo in May and a foodie week in Tokyo in August. The rest of the year will be domestic trips.
What’s going along with you?
Not what, but who. We are planning another Japanese foodie marathon, this time for a fortnight, where the entire family and in-laws will form a ‘support team’ for my brother-in-law, Linus, as he will be running the Tokyo Marathon on 28 February. Our feasting trip starts earlier, on Valentine’s Day.
Favourite travel watch?
My vintage 1975 Seiko Pepsi Chronograph – my first watch!
Luggage of choice?
Bric’s Pininfarina.
Passport holder?
Dunhill.
Remedy for dry cabin air?
Drink lots of water several hours before flying.
Travel essentials?Â
Eyeglasses kit (screwdriver, magnifying glass, spare pair, dark shades); health kit (medication, documents – blood type/latest medical/SOS care); communications kit (spare basic Nokia phone with valid SIM – fully charged battery which lasts for months despite infrequent use).
2016 travel wish list?
The first half is centred around Japan, while an Arctic expedition is scheduled for the second half. In the end, it really doesn’t matter where, near or far, if it’s someplace to which I’ve never been. The state of the Ringgit doesn’t help either.
HRH TENGKU DATIN PADUKA ZATASHAH SULTAN IDRIS SHAH,Chairman – Light Cibles Malaysia
What’s up next on your travel calendar?
Paris next month to see my family and friends.
What’s going along with you?
Winter clothing, for sure! My Burberry coat, beanie hat, faux fur scarf, knee-high boots from Tory Burch and gloves – all everyday essentials for Paris.
Favourite travel watch?
My Rolex Submariner. It goes with everything, is waterproof and perfect for both day and night.
Luggage of choice?
Tumi. It’s elegant and durable, which is all-important.
Passport holder?
My father had commissioned a passport holder for me from Spinks and Son Ltd, a London brand founded in 1666. It has since developed into the world’s premier collectibles auction house. I also have one by Smythson.
Remedy for dry cabin air?
Molton Brown’s Skinboost 24 Hour Moisture Mist – a refreshing hydrating spritzer.
Travel essentials?
Beats by Dre headphones to listen to my Spotify playlists, my Burberry scarf and books or a Kindle. I’m currently reading Jojo Moyes’ The One Plus One. Next up is Terry Hayes’ I Am Pilgrim.
NILS-ARNE SCHROEDER, General Manager – Conrad Seoul
What’s up next on your travel calendar?
It’s a busy next three months with Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Cannes and Niseko all on the schedule!
What’s going along with you?
Just the essentials in a hand-carry to avoid the hassle of waiting at the baggage conveyor belt upon arrival. I usually travel light but, this time, the most important item for my upcoming trips would be my latest pair of Adidas sneakers, which are designed by Porsche.
Favourite travel watch?
Breitling.
Luggage of choice?
Rimowa.
Passport holder?
Montblanc.
Remedy for dry cabin air?
The easiest is water, water and water… plus some great skin cream from Kiehl’s for men.
Travel essentials?
My phone and iPad… I need both – for music as well as the camera functions as I take lots of wonderful travel images to show my two kids, Kyla and Kaden.
2016 travel wish list?
New York, London and South Africa.
COLIN NG,Chief Investment Officer – Goldis Berhad
What’s up next on your travel calendar?
Our company trip to Perth. I’m planning to see the dolphins at Monkey Mia, visit a few vineyards and I’m definitely trying some restaurants which TripAdvisor recommended highly. And, since investments are a big component of my work, I’ll also be looking out for some properties to acquire. Squeezing in an element of work has become a habit already.
Favourite travel watch?
I like Franck Muller’s Master Banker Triple Time Zone, which is amazingly convenient when travelling, as well as Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak. Sturdy pieces are best when on the road.
Luggage of choice?
For hand-carry, Prada as it’s functional and understated. For check-in, Samsonite.
Passport holder?
I have several, including by Aigner, Cartier and Louis Vuitton.
Remedy for dry cabin air?
I always drink lots of still or sparkling water, with at least three slices of lemon. Oh, and cut back on the alcohol.
Travel essentials?
Sunglasses, moisturiser, my stash of vitamins and supplements, and a cap, which is truly essential, as I don’t have hair on my head!
2016 travel wish list?
In Q1, Bangkok to catch Madonna in concert, hopefully Kyoto and, somewhere within the year, Peru and Bolivia. I’ve always wanted to see the Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu and the ancient city of Puma Punku, which was said to have been built by aliens thousands of years ago. I am fascinated by things and places modern science can’t explain.
CHARMAINE LOW, Managing Director – Luxury Concepts
What’s up next on your travel calendar?
I’ll be travelling to London soon for the opening of a new point of sales for Bedat & Co, set within a very high-end boutique.
What’s going along with you?
Leather jacket and windbreaker.
Favourite travel watch?
Bedat & Co’s Ref 832 two time zone watch.
Luggage of choice?
Rimowa.
Passport holder?
I never use one as I find it too troublesome to keep on having to remove it at immigration checkpoints.
Remedy for dry cabin air?
Don’t drink alcohol and stick to plenty of plain water instead. Orange juice is a good choice as well. If I feel like having a hot drink, I’ll ask for hot water with honey and lemon.
Travel essentials?
Hair curler and Dior makeup.
2016 travel wish list?
I definitely want to go to New Zealand again. It’s been 20 years since I left university there and the place still holds so much happy memories for me, and I definitely want to catch up with some old friends too. On another note and since it’s a wish list, a new pair of brown leather boots as well as a new brown scarf would also be nice for my next year’s travels.
ROZIE MASTOR,Founder & CEO – Asian Potions
What’s up next on your travel calendar?
Koh Samui next week, Bangkok in the next two weeks and, most likely, Bali the following month. There are also a few other trips that are not confirmed yet for the year-end.
What’s going along with you?
It depends on where I’m going – if it’s somewhere by the beach, it’ll be breezy dresses, swimwear and my beach hats. If it’s the city, more sophisticated classic dresses, jeans and structured tops with jackets. Also, my pashminas and cashmere throws are with me wherever I go.
Favourite travel watch?
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Diamond Ladies Watch as it’s feminine, elegant and sporty at the same time. Unfortunately, I’ve lost the watch so I’ve been switching from one watch to another depending on the destination and my mood.
Luggage of choice?
Rimowa’s Salsa Deluxe four-wheel hybrid cabin suitcase is my cabin bag. I always travel with my computer or at least my iPad with me, and I find the pockets in front very practical.
Passport holder?
A metallic silver leather passport holder by 34 Bespoke.
Remedy for dry cabin air?
I can’t live without Asian Potions’ lotions to rehydrate my skin and Potions by Asian Potions’ essential oils to manage the stress of flying. I also tend to force myself to drink loads of water, apply a heavier face moisturiser than my daily one, like Crème de La Mer or Swiss line skincare.
Travel essentials?Â
Asian Potions Lotions and Potions by Asian Potions essential oils, my pashminas and cashmere throws (they also work as a travel blanket), compression flight socks, earplugs, sanitising hand wipes, music, a good book and Asian Potions mini aromatherapy diffusers to help me settle in when I arrive at my destination.
2016 travel wish list?
Kyoto in Japan, Lake Como in Italy and Santorini in Greece!
IAN MORDEN, Estate Director – Cloudy Bay Vineyards
What’s up next on your travel calendar?
|2015, as you know, is an incredibly busy year for us at Cloudy Bay as we are celebrating our 30th anniversary. So, I’ve just come from Penang and will be off to Singapore, China, Hong Kong, New Orleans and New York in the next few weeks. I really loved Penang, though. I stayed at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, tried assam laksa, and enjoyed seeing such a great blend of people and cultures.
Favourite travel watch?
I love my Prometheus. It’s not the most well-known brand and I bought it from a small shop in Singapore, but I really like its retro design.
Luggage of choice?
Victorinox.
Passport holder?|
None but I do carry a man bag!
Remedy for dry cabin air?
I try not to drink alcohol on board unless they’re serving really nice champagne.
Travel essentials?
A good book (I’m reading William Dalrymple right now and it must be a real book, not a Kindle), my iPhone and my Japanese silk scarf, which really comes in handy if it gets cold while travelling.
2016 wish list?
Next year is going to be exciting as we have our Forage event coming up in February. We’ve been doing this for 12 years now and, next year, we have Ben Shewry of Attica in Melbourne coming over to join us. ‘Provenance’ is a very important word in Cloudy Bay’s DNA and it’s all about exploring the terroir through food and drink. Personally, I’d really like a surfing holiday. And I like surfing where the water’s warm and comfy, so New Zealand or even California is out of the equation. Right now, I’m considering Fiji or northern New South Wales, where there’s a good point break in Yamba.
WEI-HSIANG CHONG, Managing Director – MILK PR
What’s up next on your travel calendar?
I don’t travel much for work but I do make it a point to travel often, to places near and far, as travel not only inspires my work – it is also the perfect catalyst for happiness. Singapore is next for the limited run of Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange, followed by my annual pilgrimage to Adelaide for the 2016 installation of the Arts Festival, Fringe Festival and Writers Week. Every single journey is memorable. And experiences are measured in moments – with family, friends and encounters that take your breath away. It is these moments that make life big and meaningful.
What’s going along with you?
Mindfulness. And a natural and curious sense of wonder.
Favourite travel watch?
The two-time-zone Rolex GMT-Master II: a perfect trinity of functionality, durability and looks.
Luggage of choice?
The Rimowa Bossa Nova – a real looker with great attention to detail with its white stitching and cowhide trims. It is also lightweight and practical, yet luxurious on the inside with its parachute silk-like padded lining.
Passport holder?
I don’t use one! Especially not when you have to keep on removing your passport from its cover every time you reach immigration and at check-in.
Remedy for dry cabin air?
Rivotril 0.5mg.
Travel essentials?
Lightweight cotton PJs, eye mask and ear plugs.
2016 travel wish list?
The private island of Mustique in St Vincent and the Grenadines, a journey which I will make as a promise to a dear friend.
DATO’ SHAMSUL FALAK, CEO – FAL Group
What’s up next on your travel calendar?
I’m on the last leg of a lovely cruise holiday and just got into Barcelona, actually, where I’ll be spending the next five days. My next round of travels will take me to Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, as well as to Langkawi, Penang and an industry visit to Krabi in Thailand.
What’s going along with you?
Not what, but who: the wife.
Favourite travel watch?
Tag Heuer – hardy, sporty and reliable. And it’s not too much of a heartache if it’s lost or damaged.
Luggage of choice?
Tumi and Samsonite. Hardy (an important criteria, as you can tell) and lightweight.
Passport holder?
More like a leather holder with multiple pockets for various currencies, relevant documents and business cards.
Remedy for dry cabin air?
Body lotion and natural eye drops.
Travel essentials?
My version of a mini dispensary – I carry Panadol, Clarinase, carbon tablets, Zyrtec and Vitamin C, as well as my daily pills and supplements. I also have a travel kit, the kind hotels and airlines provide. A travel adaptor is a must and, for long vacations, foldable travel bags to be utilised in case the wife (who doubles up as the medical officer) shops excessively!
2016 travel wish list?
St Petersburg, Tashkent and Kazakhstan.
