Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2022 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG In an exclusive interview, former Gurkha-turned-mountaineer Nimsdai “Nims” Purja, star of the hit documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible gives updates on his latest project, the Big Mountain Clean-Up, which saw him and his team removing rubbish from Mount Everest’s “death zone” this spring. TATLER INDONESIA Rosa Vivien Ratnawati is the minister of environment and forestry from the department of solid waste, hazardous waste and hazardous substances management. In this issue, she talks about how to manage waste in Indonesia and how to be an impactful leader, especially in male-dominated fields such as politics. TATLER MALAYSIA September’s cover star is Datin Sri Linda Chen, fashion retailer Bonia’s stylish marketing and communications director, who talks about her career journey, how her evolution as a person informs her current…

A prominent member of the Tatler community, Valerie Ong is the CEO of KIP Group, taking over the role from her father Dato’ Eric Ong in 2018. The multi-hyphenate is also a devoted daughter, style enthusiast, wine connoisseur, and world traveller. This year, she takes on another exciting role: wife. Tatler gets an exclusive inside look at her marriage solemnisation ceremony and wedding with Travis Loh. For the intimate ceremony to register their marriage on May 25, the happy couple worked with planner Hanngevent and decorator Wishing Tree to transform their garden into a luxurious space for the event, complete with a chic and modern backdrop and elaborate floral arrangements, including a display of their initials ‘V’ and ‘T’ decked out in pastel-coloured roses. Ong was a vision in white…

Set within Malaysia’s international financial district—the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX)—The Exchange TRX will be a vibrant experience-led lifestyle destination. With a strong global track record in urban regeneration, international real estate group Lendlease brings together its strengths in place-making and sustainability through the development of The Exchange TRX, envisioned to be the new social heart of Kuala Lumpur. Leveraging its relationships with retailers from all around the world through city-defining developments like Barangaroo South in Sydney and Elephant Park in London, Lendlease brings its signature approach to retail to The Exchange TRX—working together with a global network of retail partners to create a progressive multi-experience centre. The Exchange TRX will introduce a number of amazing new flagship stores, new to market brands, leisure and entertainment concepts spanning more than 400…

Palate and palette are often times confused, the former referring to the roof of the mouth and ability to distinguish and appreciate taste, and the latter the tool of an artist to mix colours before painting. Kian Liew however, manages to beautifully link both art and flavour, through the conception of bōl KL, a new modern Asian restaurant located along Jalan Sin Chew Kee. As you approach the restaurant, you will notice the unassuming, white, colonial-style architecture, with a small signage on the wall. And as you walk through the glass-door entrance, you’re transported into a labyrinth of a dining scene. A sage theme runs throughout the space, and the floral, Cole and Son wallpaper marks the beginning of your epicurean journey. The interiors are made to reflect the dining…

Face paint, known in Chinese opera as hualian, is an integral part of a character and their costume. From the colour of the paint to the patterns drawn on their face, these are the visual cues for audiences to know what these characters represent and who they are. These are primarily for Jing and Chou roles. RED Bravery, Fidelity, Loyalty, Integrity BLACK Stern, Serious, Strength, Roughness, Righteousness, Neutrality WHITE Suspicious, Crafty, Malevolent, Treacherous, Sinister BLUE Stubborn, Ferocious, Astute, Neutrality YELLOW Cunning, Calculative, Devious, Cowardly, Ambitious PURPLE Justice, Sophistication, Wisdom, Resourcefulness GREEN Violent, Impulsive, Lacking Restraint or Self-control; sometimes, this colour also symbolises a chivalrous nature GOLD AND SILVER Supernatural, Mysterious, Aloof…

KHOON HOOI Since launching his eponymous label in 1999, Khoon Hooi has become synonymous with luxury and red carpet glamour. “I’ve always known that occasion wear is an extremely niche market, especially in Malaysia,” admits the homegrown fashion designer and couturier. “But I see this as a great opportunity to make luxury couture more accessible here while catering to the huge demand abroad.” In the last decade, he has become a big hit in the Middle East where social calendars are packed with glamorous private parties, each requiring a unique gown with enough flair and drama to match its extravagant locations in Dubai, Doha and more. His latest frontier is Hollywood. But the road has not been without its challenges. In 2019, his signature pieces began appearing on the world’s…

POWER PINK Pierpaolo Piccioli at Valentino might have reminded us that pink is a colour for every gender, 365 days a year, but he is not the only one who is loving the saturated colour. On the fall-winter 2022 runways, red carpets and the ’gram, everyone who’s anyone is all about that hot pink. Be it a blazer, dress, handbag or a top-to-toe ensemble, dare to step away from monochrome; this dopamine dressing trend is here to stay. MAXIMUM DRAMA Fashion is often a celebration of polar opposites, and after a summer of micro minis, hemlines have dropped to the floor. Maxidresses are a wardrobe essential that work for elegant soirées, casual lunches and everything in between. Coming in colours, cuts and fabrics to suit every taste, this is the…

TIME FOR T The graphic T motif of the Tiffany & Co’s T Collection derives from the brand’s instantly recognisable logo, and each piece in the modern, bold collection celebrates the house’s name. The range continues to evolve with new pieces including oversized circle pendants and hoop earrings, with or without diamonds, perfect for stacking and layering. A standout piece launching this month is this striking ear cuff in 18-karat rose gold and pavé diamonds. BIG CAT ON TOP The latest Panthère de Cartier collection evokes the heritage of legendary director of fine jewellery Jeanne Toussaint—Louis Cartier is said to have dedicated the house’s iconic panther motif to her. Necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets in white or yellow gold feature the pompom detail beloved by the maison. The eight new…

GOING FOR GOLD Now sized at just 26mm, the new De Ville Mini Trésor timepieces from Omega are perfect for those who like to go bold without going big. It combines well-loved elements of the original watch such as its logical design and slender case, with fresh new features like the Toile de Jouy straps that derive inspiration from the prints that originated from 18th-century Versailles. The new collection also includes two sparkling editions in 18-karat Moonshine Gold—one with the case, bracelet, hands, hour markers and the silk-like pattern dial in Omega’s unique alloy, and the other with a contrasting dial in off-white ‘Grand Feu’ enamel with blackened Roman numerals. RUGGED GLAM The latest avatar of Corum’s distinguished Bubble 47 Skull X-Ray is here. In the watch’s second edition, the…

As the creative director of Bonia and Braun Buffel, Datin Sri Linda Chen always cuts a striking, stylish figure, often wearing edgy streetwear looks that best reflect her personality: while some describe her as enigmatic, she begs to differ, saying she is an open book. She says that fashion makes her feel confident, in control and puts her in a good mood when she does dress up. Chen has had an understanding of the importance and impact of style from a young age. “You know how kids would normally carry their backpack to school?” she asks. “I carried a striking red patent leather shoulder bag from a luxury brand instead. I was kind of particular about the bag and wallet I used; I loved fashion and styling myself, so I…

JACQUELINE FONG, CO-FOUNDER OF TANOTI A guide in both the literal and metaphorical sense, Jacqueline Fong is the co-founder and director of social entreprise Tanoti. Wanting to not only preserve but encourage the continuation of Sarawakian handwoven textiles, Fong is a woman on a mission. After leaving her investment banking career, she’s travelled throughout East Malaysia, visting the local communities and taking young aspiring artisans under her wing to continue the craft of songket weaving. PENAN WEAVING In Miri, Looi met rattan weavers of the Penan tribe, one of the indigenous communities of Sarawak. Their pieces can be found on the Penan Women Project’s website, a project established by the Miri Women Weaving Association. CURIOUS CRITTERS Translating Maya’s artworks into her designs using artisanal craft, including beadwork, embroidery, songket weaving…

GUNUNG MULU NATIONAL PARK Known for its dramatic peaks and high biodiversity, Gunung Mulu National Park deserves to top every nature enthusiast’s bucket list. This adventure of a lifetime starts on your flight into the Mulu World Heritage Area, where a bird’s eye view of the Melinau Formation—which contains a remarkable concentration of caves—reveals a geological history of over more than 1.5 million years. Relish in the serenity that this jungle paradise offers, starting with the best of its showcaves, the Deer Cave, the largest underground river passage in the world and home to more than three million wrinkle-lipped bats. These bats gather at the mouth of the cave in large ring-shaped formations every evening, circling higher and higher up the cliff face before moving out across the rainforest in…

You know it when you see it, but can you deconstruct it: what is style? There are many quotes out there by history’s most enigmatic (from Shakespeare to Coco Chanel) on the subtlety of what style is, and mostly, the F-word (fashion, that is) gets referenced into rivalry. The general consensus is: fashion is trendy, style is classic; or that fashion is the future while style is forever. I think style can be all of the adjectives: big, small, black, pink, et al and at Tatler, we want to celebrate the bigger picture in this month’s Style issue. With On The Map (p.76) by digital writer Zue Wei Leong, we speak to Malaysian fashion designers who are scaling style peaks all over the world. Fashion brand motoguo continues to break…

In Joshua Fitton’s menswear collections over the years, there has always been a constant: a man trying to find his place in the world—or a place where he can belong. No matter the theme, the story was always about a man who goes through different phases in his life; a voyager at sea, both in his inner and outer worlds. For his latest collection, ‘Moon Safari’, Fitton forgoes his usual repertoire of tailored suits, putting emphasis on the textures and moods of different textiles instead, including many intricately hand-carved leather patches. “It’s not about an actual location that you can go to,” explains Fitton. “I wanted the collection to be a journey from within, rather than a physical one where you have to go somewhere. While I have featured safari-themed…

When asked if he was born with the nose or acquired the skill over the course of his career, Brendan McCarron, master distiller at Distell, assures us that while there is a certain base level of innate skill involved, it can be picked up as well. “I generally have a pretty good sense of smell, and I enjoy different flavours, but I think the way I honed my skills, throughout my 16 years in the industry was by constantly doing different things—from moving countries to gaining experiences from different brands and locales. It finally boils down to practice,” McCarron reveals. “I nose and taste most days of the week. Anywhere you see me, I’ll always have little samples, and I’m checking out new spirits. There needs to be a certain…

As food can appeal to all your senses, how it presents itself is an important factor in the overall development of a dish. And now, one’s visual perception of it is crucial more than ever thanks to the power of social media. From hokkien mee to flaky croissants, all food can be aesthetically pleasing, no matter how ugly delicious it may be—it’s up to you to make it look good on camera. We speak to renowned food stylist Trisha Toh, who we often call on to style the beautiful cover spreads for Tatler Dining Guide, and photographer Noah Zain of Allcaps Creative, who has shot for Li Restaurant and Nespresso, to share eight useful tips on how you can make any food look fit for the ’gram. 1. LESS IS…

Running one of the biggest media conglomerates in Malaysia is not easy, but Rafiq Razali takes it in his stride. Always looking for a challenge, the 38-year-old group managing director of Media Prima has experience working in the corporate world (with Maxis) and the startup industry (Groupon and later KFit). In 2016, he joined Media Prima Digital and played an instrumental role in transforming the media conglomerate’s digital strategy, leading it to greater heights and turned the underperforming, loss-making company into a profitable, high-growth organisation. Rafiq shares with us how true leadership starts with being humble and not proclaiming to be the most intelligent guy in the room. I’ve always felt the need to contribute back to my country. Part of why I joined Media Prima was because I believe…

It has been six years since Chriselle Lim last visited Kuala Lumpur. To say much has changed about both the city and the person would be an understatement. When we last met her, the LA-based fashion and beauty influencer was in her early thirties and expecting her first daughter, Chloe. It was the beginning of her journey in reclaiming the self and drawing boundaries between her private and public life. Now 37, divorced and a mother of two, Lim has come out on the other side of the pandemic more confident than she’s ever been. “It took me a while for me to get here,” she muses. “I know that a lot of my followers have been following me for well over a decade. They grew up seeing every part…

In just two decades, Louis Vuitton has made a name for itself in the watchmaking scene, incorporating the Tambour’s timeless stylistic signature into a range of uniquely individual iterations. Depending on the wearer’s wish, it has been masculine, feminine, GMT, diver-friendly, and even equipped itself with a flying tourbillon—serving as a true testament to the masterful watchmaking expertise of Louis Vuitton’s artisans. To celebrate the iconic Tambour that marked the start of Louis Vuitton’s 20 flourishing years as a watchmaking maison, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton has created an exclusive anniversary model: the Tambour Twenty. “Watch enthusiasts will recognise all the features that made the Tambour’s design so unique. While this limited edition is a true concentrate of everything that made this watch stand out, it also boasts brand…

I HEART YOU Chopard presents My Happy Hearts, a constellation of dainty hearts and dancing diamonds designed in new proportions. More than stylish accessories, the collection symbolises happiness, tenderness, generosity, mischievousness and playfulness—an iconic manifesto of the love and respect you have for yourself. Available as necklaces, chain bracelets, rings and earrings in ethical 18-karat rose or white gold, the hearts come in carnelian, mother-of-pearl or diamond-set versions. The rings and earrings are also available with a dancing diamond. COUNT IN FIVES Coco Chanel’s favourite number denoted her astrological symbol, Leo—the fifth sign in the zodiac—and was her favourite day to present her couture collections. Chanel’s Eternal N°5 fine jewellery line has been expanded this year, including these 18-karat beige gold and diamond earrings, which are designed to be transformable.…

You’ve come across so many stories and anecdotes throughout your career, from Queen Marie Amélie’s missing emeralds to the theft of the Duchess of Windsor’s Jewels. Which is your favourite and why? The ones I like best are the ones still clouded in mystery. For example, the Prince Edward of York diamond has not been seen for 100 years, since Van Cleef & Arpels exhibited it in New York. I would love to see that stone. But I think my biggest question ever is: where is Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia’s enormous emerald? US billionaire Barbara Hutton owned a spectacular emerald and diamond necklace. The stones used to belong to the Grand Duchess, the aunt of the last emperor of Russia. Barbara Hutton sold that necklace to Van Cleef &…

An up-close-and-personal chat with Serena Williams, as she opens up about mental health and how she found her match in Audemars Piguet. Could you share with us your take on mental well-being for today’s athletes? Do you have any pointers for aspiring athletes entering the competitive sporting world? Sport is not easy—nothing is easy, if you want to be the best. But it’s important to know that working hard, not giving up, speaking up and taking care of yourself are super important. We are living in a world where we must love ourselves more than anyone else. And we must understand that no one will [fully understand us]. So, it’s important that experienced and upcoming athletes really take care of their physical and, more importantly, their mental well-being. What words…

DATO’ SRI BERNARD CHANDRAN Can a fashion designer be a style icon? When he is Bernard Chandran, the answer is a resounding yes. For over three decades, Chandran has not only achieved this feat with his eclectic, quirky style choices but has also maintained his reign as Malaysia’s undefeated King of Fashion whose clientele includes royals in Brunei and Malaysia as well as A-list celebrities such as Rihanna, Estelle and Lady Gaga. Known for playing by his own rules, Chandran’s fashion philosophy stems from the principle that style is more than just one’s wardrobe. “I don’t dress to fit in, I push boundaries and test the waters,” he says, describing his personal style as “scrappy glam”. But to truly understand Chandran’s impact and relevance on fashion is to appreciate his…

There’s very little we love more in Malaysia than talking about how fast things change. How quickly time has passed—it seems like mere days ago that we were walking to school under the burning sun, or trailing after our siblings for a favourite afternoon treat. Something icy and sweet, sipped at in the cool dark of a familiar coffee shop; or something piping hot and flaky, leaving our fingers greasy and tongues tingling. That reach for nostalgia is ever-present for Malaysians—and no wonder, just look at the rate that our cities are being developed, with towers reaching up and highways snaking out. But luckily, the longing is one that is easily satisfied. Jump in the car or hop on a plane and within hours you can be in a different…

ARIANNA PIANCA Swiss-Italian stylist Arianna Pianca started her career in Milan, before refining her skills in London and New York. Since 2018, Pianca has lived in Zürich, where she works with many different clients, consults for smaller local brands and collaborates with large international houses. For Tatler this month, she styled the main fashion feature, which was shot in Switzerland (p.82). NOÉMI OTTILIA SZABO Noémi Ottilia Szabo is a photographer from Switzerland, where she shot this month’s main fashion feature (p.82). Her career started ‘accidentally’ after a fashion stylist discovered her work on Instagram. Since then, she has grown her portfolio while building a career working for international brands and publications. “My main sources of inspiration are my model, the light and the location I’m shooting in. It’s different on…

Thirty minutes into his first day at art school, eight-year-old Delwin Cheah was asked to be sent back home because the teacher “couldn’t handle him”. They told his parents that not only was Delwin the “worst artist” under their brief tutelage but had “no potential” for a career in art as a young boy diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Fast forward 11 years later, and Delwin now has under his belt a slew of achievements. His latest solo exhibition in June 2022 at the Pinkguy fine art gallery in Kuala Lumpur titled ‘Freedom—Oxygen of the Soul’ comprised 12 colourful paintings, some of which are three-dimensional horses sculpted using Faber-Castell’s adhesive tack-its. Delwin’s newest series is an outward expression of his worldview: one where the world is still beautiful, and humans can…

Nostalgic for these local snacks and tidbits, some of them still happily available today, the Tatler editorial team share on their most treasured tidbits from their adolescence. APOLLO CHOCOLATE STICK WAFER “A common recess-time snack in my primary school days, these meager chocolate wafer biscuits were brittle, dry and uninteresting, filled with a needle-thin layer of chocolate cream that you could barely taste. Yet here I am, two decades later, describing these wafers with a mixture of fondness and disdain. If I had to eat them today, they’d go nicely with a teaspoon of peanut butter or Lotus Biscoff spread.” –Tania Jayatilaka, senior digital writer SUPER RING “For those who remember, Super Ring used to come in a much deeper, almost radioactive, orange shade. I was hardcore about my love…

When I was younger, I’ve only ever seen one Chinese opera performance in Guangzhou, China. I don’t recall much, seeing as I was possibly four or five at the time, but what I remember the most was the bright, melodic warbling that rang throughout the hall. The singer’s lilting, almost nasally tone rose and fell as she sang in tandem to the Chinese orchestra’s rhythmic tune. The loud hum of the erhu accompanied her singing, and the clashing of cymbals picked up in speed, conveying a sense of tension and urgency. A glittering whirlwind of blue, white and silver, she was a tall, imposing figure onstage with her platform boots, made more intimidating with the four patterned flags that stemmed from her back (indicating that the character was in full…

TALE OF THE DREAMER’S SON In this novel, set in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Preeta Samarasan delves into the complex relationship between people and their religion—which many can relate to locally. The story is told through the eyes of an idealist’s son (thus the title) and explores historical events like Operation Lalang. Get it online or in bookstores from November 2. WE ARE MARCHING NOW: THE INSIDE STORY OF BERSIH 1.0 You don’t bring the nation’s capital to a standstill—five times from 2007 to 2016—without leaving an enduring impact. Dozens of people involved in the very first Bersih speak candidly to journalist Danny Lim about the motivations, strategies, surprising partnerships and inevitable compromises that resulted in the movement. Published by Matahari Books, it’s available online and in major bookstores. A STRANGE…

UnitedWood’s highly-coveted womenswear puts a modern, edgy twist on classic feminine silhouettes. Their elegant designs have been featured in international publications and seen on the most stylish icons, including Cindy Crawford, Lady Kitty Spencer, Lana Condor and Carrie Underwood. Hong Kong actress Priscilla Wong even wore a custom UnitedWood wedding dress at her Balinese nuptials to Edwin Siu. But little is known about its two Malaysian founders, Voon Lai and Jonathan Cheng—until now. In this exclusive interview with Tatler, the two open up about their journey together, from how they met to their decision to relaunch their brand in Malaysia. A CREATIVE CONNECTION It all began when Lai and Cheng struck up a friendship at the latter’s womenswear show at KL Fashion Week in 2004. At the time, Lai had…

2002 FIRST TAMBOUR AUTOMATIC GMT This first iteration of the Tambour automatic GMT watch was created in conjunction with the opening of its watch workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds and signalled the birth of a legend in the watchmaking world. 2004 TAMBOUR TOURBILLON MONOGRAM Reflecting the special orders designed by the maison since the 19th century, this first high-end timepiece with a diameter of 41.5mm can be customised to create a unique model. 2009 TAMBOUR SPINTIME By replacing the indexes with rotating cubes, this patented 44mm timepiece by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton reinvented the concept of jumping hour watches. 2017 TAMBOUR HORIZON Combining the technical capacities of a ‘smartwatch’ and the elegance of the Tambour symbolises Louis Vuitton’s strong ties with travel, making it the most ideal and customisable…

You studied science at university in Hong Kong: how did your transition to jewellery design come about, and are there any similarities between your artistic profession and your studies? I grew up in an artistic family in Shanghai and have always been passionate about the arts. While I was studying environmental and civil engineering, I developed an interest in geology and was determined to start my career focusing on gemstones, sediments of the Earth grown over millions of years. These studies were crucial to my later jewellery designs. My aim is to create unique and iconic pieces that obey the rules of nature and are always in balance. I am also a big fan of geometric lines and symmetry. I think you can see both these characteristics in my jewellery…

The Cartier brothers—Louis, Pierre and Jacques—have always been avid travellers and their curiosity and exploration of distant lands and cultures inspire every nuance of their designs. Continuing this tradition, the Beautés du Monde High Jewellery collection celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the diversity of cultural traditions. Drawing on this very spirit of travel and discovery, Cartier brought the collection to our part of the world following its unveiling in Madrid. There in the tranquil setting of Capella Singapore, its grand ballroom was completely transformed into a maze-like exhibition, with mystical arches inviting the curious to explore the thematic salons that house an amazing display of 200 creations, which Tatler was privileged to see up close. The scenography has a whimsical, otherworldly vibe similar to that of the…

BOLD TYPE Following nearly two centuries of watchmaking tradition, H Moser & Cie has launched a bold and surprising collaboration with global street culture and sportswear brand Undefeated. Produced as a limited edition of 76 pieces, the Streamliner Chronograph Undefeated is a sport-inspired model with fluid lines and minimalist design. The timepiece comes in dark grey DLC-treated steel with a Black Tiger Camo fumé dial and dark grey DLC-treated steel integrated bracelet. PRETTY IN PINK Vacheron Constantin has a long history of designing watches for women and is adding to its legacy with the new Patrimony model. With a case and hour markers in 18 karat pink gold and hands on a blush pink gradient effect dial, the timepiece is as pretty as it is technical. The rose-beige alligator leather…

Melinda Looi’s four-day trip to Sarawak was hectic, ambitious, and in her words, “exhilarating”. But evidently, it wasn’t enough for the fashion designer—in fact, it only seemed to fuel her desire to go back for more. “There was just so much to do and film that we didn’t have the time to spare for anything else,” laments Looi. “I would have loved to stay there longer to learn more from the local community, especially the weavers.” With her children, her team and the production crew of Think Tank in tow, the group had hit the ground running as soon as they arrived in Kuching. From there, Looi filmed a key component of her latest couture collection’s journey from start to finish; it comprised waking up before the sunrise for six-hour…

As soon as visitors land in Malaysia, the first thing most locals will tell them to do is to go eat. And what’s interesting is that each state will have its own variation of rice and noodles. Let this quick starter guide give you the lay of the land. KEDAH Mee Rebus Literally translated as ‘boiled noodles’, mee rebus is made with yellow noodles, sweet and spicy shrimp or fermented soybean gravy, and garnishes like fried shallots, bean sprouts, hard-boiled egg, and fried tofu. Mee rebus in Kedah is especially unique as it is occasionally served with a heap of cucur udang (shrimp fritters). NEGERI SEMBILAN Hakka Mee A deceptively simple noodle dish that’s rich in flavours, Hakka mee is enjoyed at any time of the day. It is prepared…

FERHAT NAZRI-AZIZ Branding consultant Your favourite holiday destination?I love being close to the sea and both the south of France and the coastal towns in Italy have always been my favourite holiday destinations. Provence is perfect to visit in the early spring and late summer when the crowd is almost gone and you have the whole place to yourself. I love the villages of Gordes, Lourmarin, Ramatuelle and Roussillon. Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages in France and located in the Luberon Natural Regional Park—perfect location for a wonderful afternoon stroll. In the months of July and August, you can witness the beautiful lavender fields. The charming town of Lourmarin is surrounded by beautiful olive groves and almond trees. I love the many cafés there and their Friday…

THE RESTHOUSE, MALAYSIA Perched atop the scenic island of Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu, The Resthouse is a beautifully restored colonial-era house operating entirely on solar power. This secluded retreat by the sea is one of the best eco-friendly accommodation providers in Malaysia, affirmed by its Gold Green Stays Award. A large portion of proceeds from The Resthouse helps fund conservation and research work for the non-profit Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, which guests are invited to for more discovery about at their Lang Tengah campsite. BIG IDAHO POTATO HOTEL, THE UNITED STATES This six-ton potato from the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour travelled on the back of a semi-trailer truck to 48 states for seven years before eventually coming to rest on 400 acres of Idaho farmland. Don’t be…