Category Archives: Travel

Kayu’s City Guide: HK

I lived in Hong Kong for eight years and have fond memories of the place. Someone once said that Hong Kong is like Manhattan on steroids and I couldn’t agree more – the energy here is palpable and it’s one of the most dynamic cities I’ve been to. Hong Kong is a small island but it’s jam packed with fabulous restaurants, shops and culture. I recently spent a few days in the city and thought I’d share some of my favorite finds.

SLEEP

Four Seasons

Four Seasons Hong Kong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Four Seasons brand is synonymous with service and quality and their outpost in Hong Kong is no exception. Boasting a convenient location connected to the luxurious IFC mall, the hotel hosts a Chinese Michelin-star restaurant (Lung King Heen) and an infinity pool with a killer view. The rooms are decked out in either luxurious Chinoiserie or minimalistic modern and both have massive bathrooms with sunken tubs.

I stayed here for almost a month and was blown away by their incredible service including delicious gifted fruit baskets and chocolates and service by name.

Don’t forget to check out their world class spa.

JW Marriott

The JW Marriott has been around for many years but still continues to impress with it’s fabulous views and attention to detail. The hotel is attached to the Pacific Place Mall which makes access to food and the MTR easy.

I stayed on their club floor and looked forward to the complimentary breakfast each day which featured fresh honeycomb, flakey croissants and a large spread of dim sum.

Their weekend champagne brunch is a must.

EAT

Hutong/1 Peking Rd.

View from Hutong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To get the best views of Hong Kong one must travel to Kowloon and one can’t beat the views from Hutong restaurant. The restaurants serves northern Chinese specialties like deboned lamb ribs and beggar’s chicken, but the real star is the unparalleled island skyline. Time it right and you’ll catch the nightly laser show too.

Tip: Catch the Aqua Luna boat from Hong Kong to Kowloon. This luxe version of a traditional Chinese junk features dazzling red sails, snazzy cocktails and upclose views of the Hong Kong harbor.

Wang Fu Beijing Dumpling/ 98 Wellington St.

Wang Fu Dumplings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me and my DH stumbled upon this humble dumpling house while shopping in Central. The interior might be nothing to shout about but their food is delicious. Per their namesake, the dumplings are the star of the show here and are available in a set of 10, or set of 5 with noodles. There are lots of options for vegetarians too. The service is warm and they also serve delicious fresh soy milk.

Yat Tung Heen/ 2F Great Eagle Center, Wan Chai

This restaurant recently received one Michelin star and deservingly so. They are famous for their dim sum which is refined, delicate and ridiculously yummy. I’ve eaten a lot of dim sum and this is probably one of the best I’ve ever had. My favorites are the “char-leong” – fried dough wrapped in white noodles, and crispy spring rolls.

SHOPPING

Moustache/31 Aberdeen Street

Moustache is a tiny menswear shop nestled in Sheung Wan. It is known for their bespoke wear but also have some ready-to-wear shirts, ties and pyjamas. It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts for your man. They also sell fun illustrated guides to Hong Kong which make wonderful keepsakes.

Lab Concept/Queensway Plaza

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lab Concept is the newest retail outpost from the creative team behind Lane Crawford and Joyce. Featuring clothes, accessories and beauty – it’s a haven for brands like Sandro, Maje, Henry Holland and Theory. I discovered a Chinese brand with a French sensibility Mo & Co. and picked up one of their delicate silk dresses.

Hysan Place/ Causewaybay

Hysan Place is a recently opened mall in Causewaybay and is a great place to poke around if you’re looking for Korean and Japanese brands that you wouldn’t be able to find in US. There’s also a whole floor dedicated to cosmetics and a huge bookstore called Eslite which sells a large variety of Chinese books.

My favorite part of Hysan? The Sky Garden on the 4/F – its waterfalls and gardens makes a nice respite from the crowd.

 

Kayu’s City Guide: Bali

In April I traveled to Bali to work on Kayu’s upcoming ready-to-wear collection. I’d been dreaming of going to Bali for several years now and had such a wonderful time exploring the island. Bali is large and I only covered a very small part of the island but I thought I’d share some of my favorites from my time there -

SLEEP

WOLAS VILLAS
Jl. Yudistira 18 Seminyak, Kuta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Located in the heart of Seminyak, the Wolas consists of 16 villas each with its own private pool. A personal butler serves you breakfast every morning and ensures that your every need is attended to. The cool pool was a welcome respite from the Bali heat as was the outdoor shower. Don’t forget to check out the onsite spa.

EAT

MADE WARUNG
Raya Legian, Seminyak

Made Warung is an institution in Bali and no wonder as it serves fabulous Balinese food in a rustic and inviting setting. Leave time to explore the various boutiques surrounding the restaurant to pick up delicate pottery and hand-dyed scarves.

SARDINE  
Jalan Petitenget, Kuta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sardine must be one of the most picturesque spots to have dinner on Bali. We dined al fresco facing a rice field decorated with over-sized parasols. Their cocktails are a must!

WARUNG KOLEGA     
Seminyak

For some great local food look no further than Warung Kolega which serves Javanese dishes in a casual atmosphere. A dazzling array of vegetables and meats are arranged buffet style and includes spicy tempeh, sambal fish and long eggplants. They don’t serve alcohol but if you’re craving a beer the owner will get one for you from the adjacent convenience store.

BARS

KuDeTa
Jalan Kayu Aya, Seminyak 

How can one come to Bali and not go to famed spot Kudeta? My hubby and I spent a perfect afternoon there sipping on cocktails and watching all the beautiful people go by. The surf is so close you can hear the waves crashing and smell the salt all around you.

POTATO HEAD BEACH CLUB  
Jalan Seminyik, Seminyak 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potato Head is Kudeta’s younger, hipper sister. Comprising of several restaurants, bars and an infinity pool that leads right to the ocean one could spend the whole day there and not get bored.

SHOPPING

Deus
Canggu and Seminyak

This airy store in Seminyak (they also have locations in Canggu, Sydney and Los Angeles) sells custom motorbikes, relaxed surf threads and also boasts a coffee shop. I don’t know much about bikes but I definitely enjoyed the cool art and strong espresso.

ULUWATU LACE
Jalan Laksmana, Seminyak (and throughout Bali)                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The art of handmade lace is a dying trade which makes the intricate blouses and dresses at this store all the more special. From lace tops to tap shorts you’ll find something for everybody. They even ship internationally.

DO

JARI MENARI
Jalan Raya Basangkasa 47, Seminyak                                                                                                                                                  

If you go for one massage while on Bali make it at Jari Menari. It’s name means “dancing fingers” and you’ll see why after indulging in a 4-hand massage by it’s all male staff. It’s pebbled walkway and trickling fountains make for a particularly zen experience. You can thank-me later.

KAYU’s City Guide: Singapore

I travel to Asia every year not only for work but also to visit family and friends. I often have to transit in Singapore and usually just breeze through unimpressed by the mega-malls and glitzy casinos. This trip however was different and I was surprised to find myself charmed by the island.

My newest discovery is a neighborhood called Tiong Bahru. Far away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road Tiong Bahru is Singapore’s first housing estate that was built in the 1930s. It’s a neighborhood in transition and one where traditional “hawker” stalls stand side-by-side chic cafes.
These spiral staircases are characteristic of Singapore’s first housing estate.


STAY

Wangz Hotel
231 Outram Rd

The Wangz is a 41-room boutique hotel located opposite the famous Tiong Bahru bao place (see EAT section below). The rooms are spacious and feature flat-screen TVs, an i-Pod dock and Molton Brown amenities. Daily shuttles are provided to Orchard Road (if you must) and the financial district. The best part about the Wangz? The attentive staff.
EAT

Forty Hands
78 Yong Siak Street
#01-12
For the best cup of coffee look no further than Forty Hands. This unassuming cafe serves only sustainably-sourced coffee that is brewed at a precise 94 degrees celsius. A selection of sandwiches and desserts are also available but the coffee is the star here.
The Orange Thimble
56 Eng Hoon St
Adorable cafe with a leafy rear courtyard. Don’t forget to try their hazelnut dacquoise and earl grey ice-cream served in vintage porcelain. In case you’re wondering the name is a tribute to the sewing shop which previously occupied the shop space.

Tiong Bahru Bao
Opposite the Wangz Hotel
This place is famous for their baos and siew mai.  It’s been around for forever and is well known among locals and tourists. There might be a line but it’s worth it!
SHOP
Books Actually
9 Yong Siak St
I could spend hours in this bookstore cum vintage shop. The front of the store is filled with new books as well as some rare editions. The rear of the store is chock-full of vintage memorabilia like hard-to-find Pez, 70s soda bottles and dead stock stationary. Don’t forget to look out for the vast collection of Singaporean authors published by their in-house press.

Flea & Trees
68 Seng Poh Lane
I had not planned to visit Flea & Trees but stumbled in there to get out of a sudden downpour. I was happily surprised to step into a place filled with unexpected treasures like decades old Vogue magazines, unique ceramics and hanger after hanger of flirty dresses. The shop girl there is adorable and helped me pick out a vintage orange necklace and peekaboo back top.
Strangelets
7 Yong Siak St
Photo from TimeOut Singapore

Strangelets is located next to Books Actually and per it’s name stocks a variety of strange and whimsical products. I fell in love with a wooden pig there but unfortunately it was too heavy for me to carry all the way back to San Francisco. They have a vast array of delicate pottery, heavenly smelling soaps and intricate jewelry.
Spotted in Tiong Bahru!

KAYU’s City Guide: New York Part II

Every couple of months, Kayu heads to NYC where we show our newest collection to buyers and press. Our last show in January was a big success and we added a lot of new accounts in places as far-flung as Milan and Santa Domingo!

No matter how many times I go to NYC I always find some new (and old) places to (re)discover. Here are some favorites from my recent trip -

EAT

Babbo
110 Waverly Place  

 

Mario Batali  restaurants are institutions and Babbo is considered one of his very best. Reservations open up one month in advance and it is imperative to call immediately to ensure a table. The restaurant also has a limited amount of bar space so if you don’t have reservations you can try walking in and grabbing a seat bar-side.

All I have to say is….PASTA PASTA PASTA!

Socarrat Paella Bar
259 W. 19th St

Per the name, the paella is the star of the show here. We chose the squid-ink paella and washed it down with pitchers of sangria. They also have a wide variety of small plates which are perfect for a large group.

Balaboosta
214 Mulberry St

This place makes the most incredible fried olives. It sounds strange but they are deliciously addictive. Other favorites include the ceviche and the weird yet yummy Knafeh dessert.

SHOP

Sandro
415 Bleecker Street

I first discovered Sandro in Paris and was immediately taken by their stylish, well-made clothes. I’ve been waiting for them to open an outpost here in the US so was thrilled to learn of their newly opened store in Soho.  I spent too long than I care to admit poring over their delectable silk jackets and adorable knit dresses. They have a great selection of mens clothes too. Don’t forget to pop next door into sister-store Maje which sells equally irresistible clothes.

The Strand
828 Broadway

It’s getting harder and harder to find independent bookstores nowadays and I’m as guilty as the next person of purchasing most of my books online. There is however something extremely pleasurable about wandering around a bookstore and running your fingers along weathered binds. The Strand has a wonderful collection of secondhand and new books, and I was happily surprised to find their prices comparable to online retailers. While I was there I managed to snag a copy of Ishiguro’s “Pale View of Hills” for my friend Jeremy as well as some Moleskine notebooks for 2012.

KAYU’s City Guide: Vancouver

Most people don’t know that in addition to running Kayu I’ve also been pursuing my Masters of Fine Arts with The University of British Columbia. I’ve been doing the degree part time and finally, after years of work, I graduated!

I hadn’t been to Vancouver for over ten years and it was just as lovely as I remembered. Here are some of my favourites -

SLEEP

MODA HOTEL

900 Seymour St
We stayed in a charming hotel in the heart of downtown Vancouver called Moda. The hotel is housed in a heritage building conceived in 1899 and blends the original building structure with modern elements. Check out those fabulous 100 year old mosaic floors! The rooms are small but chic and the service incredibly attentive. It’s also attached to a great wine bar (see below).
EAT
Uva Wine Bar
900 Seymour St
Uva was attached to the Moda Hotel and we found ourselves coming here each morning for breakfast. They have the most amazing coffee and croissants. It’s also a great place for pre-dinner drinks.
JAPADOG
899 Burrad St

We first heard about Japadog through Anthony Bourdain’s TV show “No Reservations”, and we knew we had to try this strange phenomenon. Part-Japanese/part-American, Japadog fuses their hot-dogs with elements like seaweed, bonito flakes and soba noodles. The result is one of the most delicious hot-dogs I have ever tasted! Don’t forget to try their incredible fries.

GUU GARDEN
888 Nelson St

Guu Izakaya is an institution in Vancouver and they have several locations throughout the city. We decided to go to Guu Garden which is on the rooftop of a building surrounded by a garden. This location is famous for their oden, a dish where ingredients are slowly simmered in a soy-sauce soup. I highly recommend the black cod and salty ice-cream.

ITALIAN KITCHEN
1037 Alberni St


My DH and I came here to celebrate my graduation and had a great time. It’s a bustling place, with a sexy interior and lots of beautiful people. Excellent kobe meatballs and Italian donuts.They have an extensive wine list and were happy to change our bottle after opening it when my DH said he didn’t like the taste. The epitome of great customer service.

SHOP

HOLT RENFREW
737 Dunsmir St

They have the most beautiful things in this store which is oft compared to Barney’s here in the US. Keep your eyes peeled for luxurious Canadian brands like WANT Les Essential de la Vie, Wings + Horns, Smythe and Jeremy Laing.

SEE

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

I have to give props to my alma mater whose campus is located 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver and features a spectacular campus where snow capped mountains meet the ocean. A visit to the iconic Museum of Anthropology is a must.

GRANVILLE ISLAND

This island directly across from downtown Vancouver’s peninsula is a great place to spend the day. There’s a large public market, the Emily Carr University of Art and Design and lots of craft studios and boutiques. On a nice day I recommend taking a water taxi and stopping off at Yaletown or the West End.

KAYU’s City Guide: Manila

SLEEP

SOFITEL
CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite place to stay in Manila is the Sofitel. I like it because it’s located far enough from the hustle and bustle so you feel relaxed, yet only a twenty minute cab ride away from Makati City. It has a fantastic buffet and unparalleled views of the Manila Bay. My fav thing is to watch the sunset over drinks by the pool. Don’t forget to request a room on the Club Lounge.


EAT
Sentro 1771
2/L Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center. Makati City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Filipino friends took us to this wonderful restaurant located in the Greenbelt shopping mall. They serve Filipino cuisine but with a twist. I highly recommend their sizzling tofu and fried bananas!

SEASIDE MART
Along Roxas Boulevard in Parañaque
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you love fresh seafood and open markets you have to check out this place. A local cabbie tipped us off and it was definitely worth the trip. You’re just four easy steps away from a great meal -

1) Navigate your way through rows and rows of fresh seafood. Select what you want to eat. Get your seafood weighed and priced.
2) Pick a restaurant from the many available.
3) Hand your fish/crabs/shrimp over to the chef who will suggest various ways to cook it.
4) EAT!

SHOP

If you’ve ever been to Manila you’ll know that the whole city is made up of a bunch of mega malls filled with shops, restaurants, movie theatres, spas and anything you could possibly need or want. Here are some of the bigger and better ones –

GREENBELT
Ayala Center, Makati City

My favorite place in this whole mall is in Greenbelt 5 which features local designers like Arnel Papa, Lulu Tan Gan and Ricky Toldeo. Their artistry and vision will blow you away. The mall is centered around an outdoor courtyard which gets buzzing at night with restaurants and bars.

MALL OF ASIA
Roxas Boulevard, Pasay

This mall is the 3rd largest in Asia and can hold up to 8000 cars! An ice-skating rink, movie theaters, a supermarket and tons of restaurants and shops.

SEE

INTRAMUROS

 

My DH and I spent a day walking around Intramuros, the oldest district in Manila. Also known as “the walled city” Intramuros is surrounded on all sides by thick walls which were built during the Spanish Colonial period. Points of interest include Fort Santiago located at the mouth of the river, San Agustin Church, Rizal Museum and Park, and Plaza de Roma.

Kayu in Asia

I just got back from Asia and had a fantastic time visiting the artisans that handcraft our bags. Here are some snapshots from my trip.

Visting a bamboo farm 

With the artisans in our workshop.

Each Kayu handbag is intricately handcrafted using traditional techniques.

The view from our workshop. Paradise.

 Enjoying a day off :)

 Goodbye Asia. I miss you already.

KAYU’s City Guide: New York City

Last month I traveled to NYC to show my 2012 Resort Collection at one of the biggest accessory shows in the world. I used to live in the city and had such a great time going back. NYC never ceases to inspire and excite me, and I thought I’d share some of my favorite places -

EAT

NYONYA
199 Grand St
 
Coming from Malaysia, it’s not easy to impress me with Malaysian food but this restaurant has some of the most authentic food I’ve eaten out of the country. Don’t forget to order the Char Kway Teow.

BARBOSSA
232 Elizabeth St.

I stumbled upon this teeny Brazilian cafe while shopping in Nolita and fell in love with it’s unpretentious vibe and delicious caipirinhas. The cold tomato soup was perfect for a hot summer day and my DH loved his pressed sandwich.



BILLY’S BAKERY
268 Elizabeth St.

You know a place is good when you get there and almost everything has sold out. Luckily I managed to snag a vanilla cupcake with chocolate icing. The calories were definitely worth it!

LE BATEAU IVRE
230 E. 51st St., New York, NY 10022

It was raining and ten at night when my DH and I found this lovely french bistro. Extensive wine list, beautiful people, and delicious fries. It’s open until 4am so is perfect if you have a midnight craving :)

SHOP

I’ve been so busy preparing for Kayu’s Resort 2012 Collection that all the stores I find myself  gravitating towards feature floaty caftans, ikat scarves and cotton sarongs.

ERICA TANOV
204 Elizabeth St

This breezy store sells adorable children’s clothes, bed linens and floaty peasant tops perfect for a day at the beach.

CALYPSO ST-BARTH
280 Mott Street

I could meander through this shop all day and never tire of the colorful tunics, embellished handbags and one-of-a-kind jewelry.

RAG & BONE
119 Mercer Street

Hands-down this store wins the award for best customer service. The sales assistant was incredibly attentive and patient as my hubby picked out some items for Fall. Great denim, sharp shirts and cozy knits.

SEE

METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Alexander McQueen Exhibit. Enough said.

KAYU’s City Guide: Phnom Penh

SLEEP

BLUE LIME
www.bluelime.asia
#42 Street 19
Phnom Penh
012 322 2260

Tucked on a side street behind the Royal Palace this four-storey bungalow boasts a lush garden and bar, concrete walls and private pools.

EAT 

FRIENDS THE RESTAURANT
www.mithsamlanh.org
#215 Street 13
Phnom Penh
012 802 072

This delightful restaurant is run by street kids with all profits going towards housing, education and vocational training. An interesting mix of Khmer and Western tapas.

THE BEST ICED COFFEE IN PHNOM PENH
Somewhere in the Russian Market food court

Mr. Bounnarith has been making coffee in the Russian Market for the last thirty years. And yes, he makes the best iced coffee in Phnom Penh.

FCC
www.fcccambodia.com
363 Sisowath Quay
Phnom Penh
855 23 724 013

It might be cliched but there’s something haplessly romantic about happy hour at the FCC bar with spectacular views of the Mekong.

SEE
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Street 13 Preah Ang Eng
Sangkat Chey
Phnom Penh
This museum houses one of the largest collections of Khmer art including the legendary statue of the Leper King. Beautiful lush gardens and ponds offer respite from the heat.
TUOL SLENG GENOCIDE MUSEUM
An awful uncomfortable place that everyone should visit.

SHOP

RUSSIAN MARKET
South of Mao Tse Tuong Boulevard
Phnom Penh

Popular among locals and tourists alike, this market sells everything from Cambodian silk to candles, baskets and jewelry.

KAYU in Cambodia – Part 2

I thought I’d share some photos of the time we had in Cambodia and the people we met there. On the day we traveled to the village to distribute the backpacks, Cambodia experienced some of the worst flooding in its history. The thing that amazed me was the level of patience the drivers on the road exercised. If this happened in America there would be record levels of road rage!
The province we traveled to, Kompong Speu, is one of the poorest provinces in the country. It is also a place of spectacular beauty.
The school we visited was deep in the village surrounded by rice fields. Recently toilets were installed on the premises which helped greatly with the retention of female students.

We gave out backpacks filled with school supplies like pencils, pens, rulers and erasers. The students had never used glue before so there was also a little session explaining what it was.


Despite not having much the children were like children all over the world – riding their bicycles, jostling to look at photos on our cameras, laughing and playing.





We gave out sixty backpacks that day but there are more than a thousand students. Our mission? To one day return with backpacks for every child.