As part of my work, I am required to travel to selected destinations around Southeast Asia to verify s document called the Responsible Tourism Checklist. These destinations we cover have demonstrated outstanding practices in responsible travel, hence earning the title “finalists” of Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism Awards.  The trips have been a huge eye opener for me since traveling is my passion and this was my golden opportunity to go behind the scenes to witness what resorts, hotels and home-stays do to make a positive difference by minimizing impact on the environment, contributing back to local communities and protecting the culture and heritage of the place. Noble indeed!

This year there were 8 finalists on the list – and I personally visited 4 of them.  Watch a slideshow and read more on these destinations below… My personal favourite (as a traveler) would be Soneva Fushi at the Maldives. It was pure luxury mixed with Maldivian charm and hospitality.

• (Hospitable & noble) Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Sabah, Malaysia
• (Ooh la la & awe inspiring) Soneva Fushi, Maldives… More photos!
• (Quaint stay in the middle of no-where) Lamai Homestay, Thailand… More photos!
• (Adventurous & truly Thai) Andaman Discoveries, Thailand

It’s not over yet… the Awards will finally be given to the deserving winners at the Award cocktail happening in the last week of October. Since August, I’m a reformed traveler on personal lookout for responsible tourism operators. Where’s the next stop?? Stay tuned…

It’s astounding how much of the Malaysian culture is hidden from the public eye. Although I’m not entirely new to the kampong lifestyle or even interactions with the indigenous people (orang asli) – this particular visit to Pulau Carey last week shed new light to the Malaysian indigenous culture.

Having grown up in the city, kampong life is far from reach. My exposure to kampong life rides mainly on the many mission trips I’ve been to in the past. However my knowledge or experience on the festivals they celebrate is quite limited. Hence my excitement when the opportunity was offered to witness the colourful Hari Moyang celebration observed by the Mah Meri people at Pulau Carey.

We were greeted by naturally decorated archway of pandanus leaves ushering us into an open space with several shelters in place. The Mah Meri people are incredibly friendly and this particular celebration usually brings bus loads of tourist. In cases like this individuals have taken the responsibility to monitor the flow of outsiders to protect the privacy and culture of indigenous groups.

I was there to learn about the culture and not merely join in the celebration. This small group of people is incredibly skillful with craft work, their weaving skills are seen showcased in the neatly woven skirts, headbands and sashes worn during the celebration.  Mah Meri people are also great craftsmen with an inherent skill of carving intricate wood pieces.

The celebration started with an upbeat mask dance featuring a man donned with a big artificial belly hidden under a shifting skirt. He held an intense looking mask and thumped to the beat with hit feet as he moved in circles. Then a group of women joined the dance with synchronized dance moves around a woven center piece. Tourist stood still watching the dance unfold as the whole scene was quite mesmerizing, reminding me of the New Zealand Hakka dance.

After several rounds of dancing, we were invited to join in – and we did! It was so much fun as we moved in circles, waving hands in the air, stepping to the beat of the drums. The dancing soon adjourned to feasting as villagers swamped the buffet table filled with snacks and local delights.

Slightly to the right of the buffet table was a shelter hut where I believe the spiritual leader of the indigenous group sat. Behind him displayed an array of offerings. He sat cross legged as people journeyed up the steps to seek blessings from him. Tourist beamed at the idea of cultural blessings. The spiritual leader would pronounce a blessing and then he would smear white paste on the arms and forehead. We watched but did not participate – was quite a sight.

A patchwork of experiences – that’s what my career path has been since I graduated from Murdoch Uni in 2005. Whilst others may have a vision of climbing the corporate ladder, the thought of that didn’t appeal to me. Instead I set out to look for a job that fulfilled my passions, capitalized on my skills and strengths at the same time allowed me time and space needed to fulfill my involvement in ministry. Along the way I’ve come to realize the realities of working life – things that university lecturers fail to teach us. Things like striving to reach and ideal work life balance, keeping corporate diplomacy and juggling the complexities of internal politics.

In my continuous journey as a woman with a career, I’ve delved into corporate training, writing writing writing (from web content to copy writing), strategic management and branding and even teaching speech and drama. Little did I know that my patchwork of experiences would culminate to this very season in my career.

I’ve taken up a new position at Wild Asia. It was the Generation Y streak in me that stubbornly decided there is more to work than just 8 hours at the desk and getting a paycheck at the end of the month. I’ve always been a person that demands a purpose to every decision made in life. Thus… Jan 19th began my adventure as part of a team of zealous people committed to make a positive impact on this planet. (Hmmmm,… I do sound quite idealistic! But yeah that’s the crux of what we do) Read on for more exciting stories!

Disappointments are hard to swallow, no one looks forward to it much less expects it to lurk around the corner. But that is life – it’s filled with ups and downs and we’re tested at all pitstops before we make it to the next milestone.

Recently I was dropped with two bombshells by two different people that left me stumped. One of which was a decision to call off a project that I’ve been working on for the last 5 months. It was my “baby” and I was all pumped up to see it through. Needless to say, my work and hours put in has just gone down the drain. I’m disappointed at the level of commitment shown by my team players. I’m also let down by the promises made that wasn’t fulfilled and the inability to persist to the end despite hurdles and barriers. Decision has been made, it’s time to move on.

While I’m still surfacing from sudden dip, all is not lost. I’ve garnered quite a level of respect for my team, but a chunk of it has just been chipped away. What a great reminder to me that man will disappoint but God will never disappoint. And I’m reminded that though the tables may turn and seasons may change – one thing that doesn’t is the certainty of God and His promises. That’s what keeps me optimistic and hopeful.

It’s time to plot a new milestone…

On my one hour journey, I also realized that Malaysians have adopted a new rule at the LRT stations. The masses were seen neatly lined up in behind the yellow line. These lines were systematic, coordinated and structured. I looked at it bewildered at how orderly Malaysians can be (if they want to). No one barging into the LRT, instead people was seen allowing passengers to alight first before they got on the train. I was pleased, proud in fact to see this happening. These seasoned patrons seem to know the rules of the station while I observe and follow obediently just like any new visitor on the block. So despite the tedious two hours back and forth, it was an experiential trip all in a day’s work.

*Don’t be mistaken, I do take public transport. Just that it’s been a LONG time since my last ride.