journey east singapore

Journey East

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315 Outram Rd

Tan Boon Liat Building

Singapore 169074

Tiong Bahru

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About the business.

A furniture store at the fringe of Tiong Bahru and Outram, Singapore, that specializes in reclaimed and recycled teak wood, restored vintage furniture, industrial-styled furnishing as well as designer furniture and decor accents. Established in 1995, Journey East has since become Singapore's premier destination for eco-friendly, eclectic and unique home furnishings, with an 8,600 square-foot showroom at Tan Boon Liat building. Journey East is open every day, and overseas orders can also be arranged. …

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One of my favourite furniture shops in the Tan Boon Liat Building! Journey East's furniture is a mix of eco-friendly, industrial, and vintage pieces with Asian accents. We recently bought a TV stand for our living area, and we love it so much that we thought we'd return to see if there are any other pieces that would interest us. We were in the market for a desk for my office, but this time around we didn't spot anything in our price range. However, we were thinking of getting a small side table and instead, found these awesome stackable crates by d-Bohdi (same brand as our TV stand.) They are made of recycled teak and come in various sizes. The sales associate was very helpful in finding the best looking ones and stacking them for us so we could choose what combinations we liked. He also gave us some good tips on how to use them, for example: the large crate is good for magazines while the small crate can be used to serve drinks to guests if we are entertaining. We ended up getting one each of the small, medium, and large crates. They look really lovely next to our couch! We appreciated how our sales associate and the rest of the staff were very welcoming, and I must admit I am quite smitten with their resident cat Ginger- if you see him wandering around, give him a pat on the head for me, will ya? :)

See all photos from Michelle M. for Journey East

Singapore is one of the Best Places in the world to buy furniture, especially if you have an eye for South East Asian pieces. Journey East best personifies this by taking reclaimed teak wood from Java (Indonesia) to create beautiful individually crafted furnishings. I, for one, had an eye on a TV Console hand-crafted from wood originating from old Javanese fishing boats framed with strong black iron. The fading paint (of varying colours) of the wood just made this piece and others like it, a conversational piece. The concept of taking wood that is destined to be scrapped or burned, but instead is used as raw material to create simply stunning furnishings is Awe-inspiring! What makes Journey East even more attractive for would-be furniture shoppers is that it is surprisingly affordable. Forget about the ridiculous furniture prices at the Park Mall or the fan-fare around the newly opened Crate And Barrel in Orchard Gateway. Journey East delivers equivalent furnishings at a fraction of the price. Not to mention, every dollar you spend goes to a local Singaporean business whose business model on Eco-friendly furniture. This is what Yelp is all about, after all, supporting local businesses! Putting aside the Eco-friendly aspect of Journey East, the d-Bodhi branded furniture pieces are simply STUNNING!

d-Bodhi Furniture showroom. See said TV console described in my review.

Interesting idea for a coffee table.

Such a cool furniture store with a very eclectic mix of things old and new. Tucked in an office building you have to know the address to find it or else you will not see it from the road. If your looking for a cool piece of furniture check them out.

Eco-friendly furniture pieces Starting off as a typical furniture store specialising in teak and Indonesian furniture, Journey East has "evolved" in their words to include sustainable practices. These include refurbishing vintage furniture as well as recycling wood from old buildings, fishing boats and railway sleepers into unique, desirable pieces of art that double as cupboards, benches and more. They also choose their furniture partners who demonstrate fair trade practices and encourage the reduction of carbon production. Their showroom would make an environmentalist proud. There is a lot of fine craftsmanship on display, each one-of-a-kind piece the result of its recycled use as well as the skill of the craftsman. My favourite is the d-Bodhi brand, which uses the aforementioned recycled teak, Javanese fishing boats and galvanized iron pipes for a really unique finish and energy. A friendly resident cat enlivens the surroundings, and does not mind a few pats and cuddles.

Love the d-Bodhi and District 8 range of recycled wood furniture. Beauty is imperfect!

3 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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MCI (P) 067/12/2023. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2024 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

Journey East Review: Furniture store with hidden bar at Tan Boon Liat Building

One of tan boon liat building’s stalwart and most beloved furniture stores gets a cool and refreshing makeover.

It’s tough times for brick and mortar shops . Like F&B joints, they must constantly reinvent themselves to attract a new generation of shoppers pampered by the ease of online shopping.

One of Singapore’s favourite furniture shops, Journey East has navigated the turbulent waters of the retail world with aplomb.

What is Journey East?

Founded in 1995 in Dempsey Hill as a vintage furniture story selling retro teak pieces from the bygone era, it moved to the Tan Boon Liat Building (which has since turned into Singapore’s unofficial furniture hub) in 2008.

Over the years, Journey East made a name for itself for quirky vintage pieces, curated brands and a store ambassador named Ginger, a resident orange cat that delighted shoppers until his peaceful passing at the extraordinary age of 29 human years old.

Read Also: Tan Boon Liat Furniture Guide: 14 Best Shops To Visit (Plus Cafes!)

The 8,600 sq ft store was refurbished late last year, offering shoppers a fresh look and unique retail experience.

“We have been evolving towards a more refined, sleeker, and design-centric offering for our customers,” shares Journey East’s general manager Terence Teh. This direction is apparent in the refurbished store.

Designed by interior designer Dennis Cheok and team from his studio UPSTRS_, the new showroom features splashes of Journey East’s signature orange colour, that adds freshness and contrast to the neutral colour palette of the furniture.

The most notable feature of this new showroom is a neon-lit long bar counter finished with subway mosaic tiles with orange grouting.

Read More: 10 Best Furniture Shops in Singapore

Journey East: Furniture store with a hidden bar

“The bar is open,” says the neon sign behind the counter, which were fashioned after Journey East’s founder and managing director Anita Sam’s handwriting.

Customers are welcome to hang out at the bar as they shop or wait for their loved ones to finish shopping. The bar also serves as the anchor point for special store programmes and soirees that often invite guest bartenders, DJs, designers, makers and other creatives.

Here and there light boxes with thought-provoking phrases and playful installation created with furniture brands sold in the showroom – which include Qeeboo, dBodhi, District Eight, Pappelina, Slowdown Studio, Gangzai, Journey’s East’s own Floorish rug collection, and many more – inspire shoppers to take home a little bit of the showroom’s cool factor and infuse it into their own spaces.

Safe to say that Journey East will stay a favourite for many for a long time still.

Journey East is at #03-02 Tan Boon Liat building.

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Journey East

Time out says.

Started in 1995, Journey East has become known as the go-to place for beautifully restored art deco and retro wood furniture sourced from Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. Dating between the ’20s and ’60s, the pieces on offer all bear European design flair, from art deco to mid-century modern to Dutch colonial.  For environmentally conscious folk, rest assured that every piece is either old or built from FSC-certified recycled wood. Besides its vintage offerings, the brand carries eco-friendly reclaimed teak, industrial-styled furnishings made from iron and wood, and modern furniture pieces. Journey East also stocks a range of new collections, including its very own PLAYplay, as well as international brands such as d-Bodhi, District Eight, Drugeot Labo and Qeeboo. International shipping services are available if you cannot bear to part with your beloved piece of furniture.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Journey East Singapore – Singapore’s Top Furniture Shops

315 Outram Road, #03-02, Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074

+65 6473 1693

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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Journey East Singapore Established in 1995, Journey East is often mentioned among Singapore’s top furniture destinations. Original retro furniture, vintage industrial, recycled wood, and designer home accessories.

Housing a curated collection of over 10 international brands, Journey East is known for its unique approach to interior and decor pieces, ranging from reclaimed teak furnishings, industrial-modern accents, refurbished Midcentury South East Asian vintage, and modern designer brands.

It currently operates out of an 8,600 sq.ft. showroom at the fringe of Singapore’s hip and historical Tiong Bahru district.

Products : Living Dining Workspace Lighting Bedroom Décor Accessories

Available Brands : Avenida Home d-Bodhi District Eight Edgar Helen B House Doctor Gangzai M Nuance Nasser Nishaburi Pappelina PLAYplay Qeeboo Tala United Strangers Vintage Furniture

Showroom Address : 315 Outram Road, #03-02, Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074 Telephone : +65 6473 1693 Opening hours : Daily 10am – 6pm journeyeast.com

Visited 1874 times, 1 Visit today

Posted in Furniture & Home Décor

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Journey East Journal

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We are excited to announce the Singapore debut of the Qeeboo Rabbit Chair (@qeeboo_official), designed by Stefano Giovannoni. . Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and available in 2 sizes for adults and kids, as well as a lamp, in various colours. . Available at @journeyeast - call us at 6473-1693 for details! . #stefanogiovannoni #italiandesigner #italiandesign #contemporary #lifestyle #musthave #rabbitchair #followtherabbit #italianbrand #designbrand #madeinitaly #designchair #designobject #designaddict #installation #chair #tanboonliat #tanboonliatbuilding #journeyeast #journeyeastsingapore #design #sginterior #sgfurniture #sgDecor (at Journey East)

• Posted 7 years ago
• Tagged with: stefanogiovannoni italiandesigner contemporary design chair designobject journeyeastsingapore rabbitchair followtherabbit designchair designbrand italiandesign sgdecor madeinitaly musthave journeyeast installation sgfurniture lifestyle italianbrand tanboonliatbuilding sginterior tanboonliat designaddict

Vintage style is timeless! . Upcycled biscuit tin clock by Shanghai-based Swiss designer Jonas’ Design, available at @journeyeast . #jonasdesign #jonasmerian #upcycled #vintage #biscuittin #clock #journeyeast #sgdecor #sginterior #homeaccessories #decor #reclaimed #reused #repurposed #design #tanboonliat #tanboonliatbuilding (at Journey East)

• Tagged with: jonasdesign jonasmerian repurposed upcycled clock vintage sgdecor reclaimed decor tanboonliatbuilding biscuittin reused journeyeast sginterior tanboonliat homeaccessories design

In 2008 when we moved in, we would have never expected #TanBoonLiat to turn into the furniture shopping treasure trove it is today. . If you are shopping for your home, what are you waiting for? . #tanboonliatbuilding #journeyeast #furnituresg #sgfurniture #furnitureshopping #outram #tiongbahru #retro #retrosg #retrobuilding #hiddenfind (at Tan Boon Liat Building)

• Tagged with: sgfurniture retrosg tanboonliatbuilding retrobuilding outram furnitureshopping retro hiddenfind journeyeast tiongbahru tanboonliat furnituresg

Quirky wall art to liven up your space? . Insect Studies prints by South African photographic artist Clinton Friedman, available at @journeyeast . #clintonfriedman #clintonfriedmancollections #journeyeast #tanboonliat #tanboonliatbuilding #wallart #homedecor #decor #accessories (at 315 Outram road Tan Boon Liat building..)

• Tagged with: clintonfriedman wallart homedecor decor tanboonliatbuilding accessories journeyeast tanboonliat clintonfriedmancollections

Perfect for narrow + long living rooms, the Theo Shelf system by District Eight Design (@districteight) offers various modular units that you can mix and match, including a desk, clothing rail, and bookshelf. . Available at @journeyeast . #district8design #journeyeastsingapore #JourneyEast #TanBoonLiat #TanBoonLiatBuilding #design #decor #furnitureshopping #sgfurniture #sginterior #SGDecor #sghomedecor #Interior #industrialchic #industriallook #IndustrialStyle #InteriorDecor #InteriorInspiration #wood #ecoliving #livingroom #storage #designer #districteight #district8 #shelving #bookshelf #districteightdesign (at Journey East)

• Tagged with: sghomedecor districteightdesign journeyeast designer design interior industrialstyle interiordecor decor journeyeastsingapore livingroom storage wood district8 furnitureshopping district8design sgdecor industrialchic bookshelf shelving tanboonliat districteight sgfurniture ecoliving tanboonliatbuilding industriallook interiorinspiration sginterior

If you believe in good coffee, then you’ll believe in a good coffee table . d-Bodhi (@dbodhi) coffee table crafted from reclaimed teak wood, available at @journeyeast . #Reclaimed #teak #recycled #dbodhi #shelving #industrial #industrialchic #sgdecor #sginterior #sgfurniture #homedecor #interior #interiorinspiration #JourneyEast #TanBoonLiat #TanBoonLiatBuilding #coffeetable #sidetable #table #industrialstyle #JourneyEastSingapore #ecoliving #interiorinspo #interior #sghomedecor #sgfurniture #livingroom (at Journey East)

• Tagged with: industrial sghomedecor recycled sginterior interiorinspo journeyeast table industrialstyle shelving sidetable sgdecor interior homedecor dbodhi industrialchic livingroom tanboonliat sgfurniture ecoliving reclaimed tanboonliatbuilding teak interiorinspiration coffeetable journeyeastsingapore

Happy find! . We spotted our recycled wood d-Bodhi (@dbodhi) TV console and storage boxes in this industrial-modern home, showcased in SquareRooms (@squareroomsmag). . (Original post: @squareroomsmag, 📷: Z L Construction) . #dBodhi #journeyeastsingapore #consoletable #sideboard #reclaimed #homeaccessories #decor #SGdecor #homedecor #SGHomeDecor #ecochic #upcycled #ecofriendly #reclaimedteakwood #recycled #homeaccessories #decor #interiorsg #interiordecor #furnituresg #journeyeast #tanboonliat #tanboonliatbuilding #rustic #industrial #industrialstyle #industrialchic #renovationsg #Sgreno

• Tagged with: sgreno industrial interiorsg reclaimed ecochic recycled journeyeastsingapore upcycled sideboard industrialstyle sgdecor decor rustic reclaimedteakwood homedecor renovationsg homeaccessories sghomedecor ecofriendly industrialchic journeyeast interiordecor consoletable tanboonliatbuilding dbodhi tanboonliat furnituresg

Class from the past! . An original Art Deco influenced armchair from the 1920s, with a metal frame and teak armrests. Fully reupholstered and restored. . #journeyeastvintage . #JourneyEast #artdeco #restored #tanboonliat #tanboonliatbuilding #vintage #vintagestyle #sgvintage #vintagelove #midcenturymodern #midcentury #artdeco #armchair #easychair #journeyeastsingapore #journeyeastsg (at Journey East)

• Tagged with: sgvintage vintage artdeco midcentury vintagelove tanboonliatbuilding journeyeastvintage easychair vintagestyle journeyeast journeyeastsg tanboonliat journeyeastsingapore armchair restored midcenturymodern

A smart chest of drawers with a flip-up vanity mirror. . Crafted from solid fumed oak from District Eight Design (@districteight), with retro industrial-styled brass legs. . The Theo Tallboy is available at @journeyeast . #district8design #journeyeastsingapore #JourneyEast #TanBoonLiat #TanBoonLiatBuilding #design #decor #furnitureshopping #sgfurniture #sginterior #SGDecor #sghomedecor #Interior #industrialchic #industriallook #IndustrialStyle #InteriorDecor #InteriorInspiration #wood #ecoliving #bedroom #tallboy #storage #designer #districteight #district8 #diningtable #districteightdesign (at Tan Boon Liat Building)

• Tagged with: sghomedecor tallboy journeyeast designer design bedroom interior industrialstyle interiordecor decor journeyeastsingapore storage wood district8 furnitureshopping district8design sgdecor districteightdesign industrialchic tanboonliat diningtable districteight sgfurniture ecoliving tanboonliatbuilding industriallook interiorinspiration sginterior

The perfect companion to your house party! . Drinks and dessert trolley by Denmark’s House Doctor (@housedoctordk), available at @journeyeast . #journeyeast #HomeAccessories #Interior #InteriorInspiration #JourneyEast #TanBoonLiatBuilding #TanBoonLiat #SGDecor #HomeDecor #interiorsg #sghomedecor #sginterior #sgfurniture #danishdesign #danskdesign #scandinavian #scandi #design #designinspiration #housedoctor #housedoctordk #furnitureshopping #journeyeastsingapore #trolley #barcart #bartrolley #drinkstrolley (at Journey East)

• Tagged with: interiorsg housedoctor sghomedecor journeyeast design interior journeyeastsingapore trolley barcart scandi housedoctordk homeaccessories furnitureshopping homedecor sgdecor drinkstrolley danishdesign tanboonliat sgfurniture bartrolley tanboonliatbuilding scandinavian interiorinspiration sginterior danskdesign designinspiration

Grateful to be in The Business Times’ (@btlifestyle) article on sustainable design and furniture, featuring @journeyeast brands: d-Bodhi (@dbodhi), PLAYplay by @lanzavecchiawai, Jonas’ Design, and District Eight Design (@districteight) . Thanks so much Suan Chiang for the lovely mentions! . #journeyeast #journeyeastsingapore #tanboonliat #tanboonliatbuilding #sayplayplay #dbodhi #districteight #jonasdesign #lanzavecchiawai #sghomedecor #sgfurniture #interior #furnituresg #ecoliving #sustainable #reclaimed #recycled (at Tan Boon Liat Building)

• Tagged with: jonasdesign districteight sgfurniture ecoliving reclaimed recycled sghomedecor tanboonliatbuilding interior dbodhi lanzavecchiawai journeyeast sustainable tanboonliat journeyeastsingapore sayplayplay furnituresg

Easy, modular shelving with 4 shapes and sizes that you can mix-and-match together to fit your wall space. . Crafted from reclaimed teak wood from d-Bodhi (@dbodhi), available at @journeyeast . #Reclaimed #teak #recycled #dbodhi #shelving #industrial #industrialchic #sgdecor #sginterior #sgfurniture #homedecor #interior #interiorinspiration #JourneyEast #TanBoonLiat #TanBoonLiatBuilding #shelving #wallshelf #JourneyEastSingapore #ecoliving #interiorinspo #interior #storage #sghomedecor #sgfurniture (at Journey East)

• Tagged with: industrial sghomedecor recycled sginterior interiorinspo journeyeast shelving teak sgdecor storage interior homedecor dbodhi industrialchic tanboonliat sgfurniture ecoliving reclaimed tanboonliatbuilding wallshelf interiorinspiration journeyeastsingapore

One of the most iconic trendsetters of the industrial furnishing movement in the world, available at @journeyeast . The Tubeline collection by d-Bodhi (@dbodhi) features a solid reclaimed teak wood top and a recycled galvanized pipe frame. . #dBodhi #journeyeastsingapore #consoletable #sideboard #reclaimed #homeaccessories #decor #SGdecor #homedecor #SGHomeDecor #ecochic #upcycled #ecofriendly #reclaimedteakwood #recycled #homeaccessories #decor #interiorsg #interiordecor #furnituresg #journeyeast #tanboonliat #tanboonliatbuilding #rustic #industrial #industrialstyle #industrialchic #diningtable #dining #stools (at Journey East)

• Tagged with: industrial interiorsg reclaimed ecochic recycled journeyeastsingapore upcycled sideboard industrialstyle sgdecor decor rustic dining reclaimedteakwood homedecor homeaccessories sghomedecor stools ecofriendly industrialchic journeyeast interiordecor diningtable consoletable tanboonliatbuilding dbodhi tanboonliat furnituresg

You can’t decide between the modern, industrial or scandinavian look? . You don’t have to any more. . Theo dining table and dining chairs, by District Eight Design (@districteight), available at @journeyeast . #district8design #journeyeastsingapore #JourneyEast #TanBoonLiat #TanBoonLiatBuilding #design #decor #furnitureshopping #sgfurniture #sginterior #SGDecor #sghomedecor #Interior #industrialchic #industriallook #IndustrialStyle #InteriorDecor #InteriorInspiration #districteight #district8 #diningtable #dining #chair (at Tan Boon Liat Building)

• Tagged with: sghomedecor journeyeast design interior chair industrialstyle interiordecor decor journeyeastsingapore dining district8 furnitureshopping district8design sgdecor industrialchic tanboonliat diningtable districteight sgfurniture tanboonliatbuilding industriallook interiorinspiration sginterior

Our global hunt for awesome furniture took the team to Shanghai, the city of jazz, colour, and gastronomic delights. . #journeyeast #JourneyEastJourneysEast #Shanghai #上海 #journeyeastsingapore #foodgloriousfood (at Shanghai, China)

• Tagged with: 上海 foodgloriousfood shanghai journeyeast journeyeastsingapore journeyeastjourneyseast
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The Singapore Police Force is conducting a public perception survey between 7 June 2024 and 6 September 2024. Click here for more information.

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Volunteers in Blue: Sgt (V) Chang Min Xuan

Sgt (v) chang min xuan’s journey from crime dramas to real-life policing is a reminder that our passions can lead us to meaningful ventures.

By: Alethea Lee

The Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) was established in 1946 to augment Police officers in maintaining law and order. Vested with the same powers as Police officers, VSC officers work with regular counterparts from the Singapore Police Force  (SPF) to safeguard the community. This Youth Day, Police Life learns how Sergeant (Sgt) (V) Chang Min Xuan’s passion for giving back to the community and policing led her to join the VSC, and how she has grown in her volunteer journey! What inspired you to volunteer as a VSC officer? Since young, I enjoyed tuning in to crime dramas such as Crimewatch and reading mystery books, both of which sparked my interest in policing work. As I grew older, I started to appreciate the work that the SPF has done, for example, the feeling of safety that we have when we walk home alone at night. During a recruitment fair at my university, a VSC officer introduced me to the VSC scheme. I signed up immediately as it allows me to contribute to the society while fulfilling my dream of becoming a Police officer. What’s your regular job when you’re not a VSC officer? I’m a cybersecurity consultant in the private sector. My work involves identifying vulnerabilities in applications to help developers strengthen our security.

What do you do as a VSC officer? I’ve been deployed at Woodlands East Neighbourhood Centre (NPC) since August 2023. As a Ground Response Force officer, I conduct patrols and attend to incidents within the NPC’s operational terrain. When attending to incidents, we’ll gather facts to understand the situation, ensure the safety of the people involved and enforce the law as necessary. I’m also grateful to have had the opportunities given to participate in major deployments such as the F1 Singapore Grand Prix and the May Day Rally. How has your experience as a VSC officer impacted your life and personal growth? Being a VSC officer has helped to broaden my perspective of policing work. I’ve also developed valuable skills like incident management, teamwork and communication. My batchmates, fellow VSC officers and regular officers that I’ve worked with have also become a valuable part of my life, imparting useful insights and supporting me through my VSC journey!

Can you share your most memorable experience as a VSC officer? My first shift at Woodlands East NPC was unforgettable! I responded to a case of drunkenness in a public place and arrested a man who’d caused a scene. Later that night, we spotted an unconscious driver in his car and went to check on him. He eventually came to and we made sure he was attended to, ensuring his safety and that of others through our vigilance. It was a busy night that put my training to a test, but what stood out to me was the sense of duty I felt during those instances and the impact of our work as VSC officers!

How do you balance your personal goals and work while volunteering? It’s all about setting priorities! As a young professional, I make it a point to strike a balance between my work and personal life. While advancing my career is crucial, I prioritise spending quality time with my family and friends. I also allocate time each month for volunteering, which allows me to make a difference to the community. It’s important to take care of ourselves and not take on more than we can handle. By learning to balance our commitments, we can always find time to volunteer. What advice would you give to youths interested in joining the VSC? Being a VSC officer has been such a unique and inspiring experience, and it has taught me so much! Besides helping me to hone my soft skills, it’s also given me the opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals who share my passion for making a positive impact. If you’re considering joining the VSC and are eager to contribute to the community, I encourage you to go for it! I’m sure you’ll find the experience as fulfilling as I have!

Volunteers in Blue

In this series, we spotlight our dedicated volunteers who serve with passion and commitment across various schemes within the SPF. Stay tuned for our next article! 

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'Bus adventurer' explores hidden gems in Malaysian small towns

Sunday, 23 Jun 2024

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‘I really hope that people will be inspired to get to know Malaysia a little better. You don’t need a lot of money. Just a healthy curiosity and you can just hop on a bus and start your journey right now,’ says Lam, (aka Fufu), who writes books about bus journeys in Malaysia. Photo: Ong Soon Hin/The Star

Lam Ching Fu and his bus journey stories are back! Four years after his first self-published travelogue My Journey By Bus, Fufu (as he is more affectionately called) has released the sequel, this time detailing trips to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, including to Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

The Chinese version of "Part II" was launched in October 2020, and the English version hit bookshelves recently. It features stories, photographs, maps and illustrations from 37 towns and villages including Mentakab, Sungai Lekok, Marang, Dungun, Kuala Lipis, Gua Musang and Kota Baru.

Fufu, 43, left his engineering job to live out his bus travel dream eight years ago. He had studied Civil and Environmental Engineering at Japan’s Hiroshima University and lived in Japan for five years and had also spent time in Singapore, Germany and Brazil.

Upon returning to Malaysia after his studies and travels, he worked in the Design and Planning department at Gamuda Berhad. From December 2015 to July in 2016, he began hopping on local buses, travelling across the peninsula, armed with only a cellphone camera!

“I just wanted to ‘Cuti-cuti Malaysia’ at that time, but later I decided I to write about it. I have a very good memory and so when I look through my photos and FB posts, it is easy for me to write about the things I saw and did then, even though a lot of time has passed in between. Of course, I also had to do a fair amount of research and update information along the way,” said Fufu, during a recent interview in Kuala Lumpur.

It’s taken longer than he initially envisioned to get the second book published because of the pandemic, some personal medical issues as well as family challenges.

Nonetheless, he has persevered and today is ready to share new stories with the world.

As with his previous publication, at the start of each quaint little story, Fufu details where he stayed, what mode of transportation he took to get to his destination, how much it cost him and how long each trip took. The end of each chapter is marked with a simple, flat road map of all the interesting landmarks in the town.

Thanks to his background in transportation and city planning, Fufu was able to put all this together himself.

“I used the layout and structure which I had used for my thesis in uni, and so I was able to do all of the work myself rather than have to spend on outsourcing that part of the book to someone,” he explained.

The new book encompasses many things including friendships, nature, travel, history, heritage, architecture, science and trivia.

Fufu admits to not having any concrete plans along the way, and just going with the flow – whether it took him squid jigging in the South China Sea off the coast of Marang, Terengganu, reliving his chemistry lessons at a match factory in Kampung Sungai Keladi in Kelantan or hunting for the elusive “Cendawan Susu Harimau” in Taman Negara in Pahang.

“I just took the first bus I could catch out of KL, and made my way to the next destination following suggestions from people I met along the way or from Facebook or Google recommendations,” he said.

“As for stories to expand on, I tried to choose tales that were a little out of the ordinary,” said the former SMK Methodist student from Tanjung Malim, Perak.

At his first stop in Mentakab, for example, Fufu said he was totally floored by the iron grilles that he noticed on the gates, doors and windows of the homes in the villages there.

“You always read about ceramic tiles from Penang and Melaka. I wonder why nobody has paid much attention to the iron grilles which are so beautiful. It’s such a fascinating element of heritage and architecture,” he said, adding that he was drawn to these charming features of the homes.

In the book he writes: “Functionally, the addition of iron grilles to doors and windows means an added layer of protection against intruders. Aesthetically, they enhance the beauty of a building. As the sun casts a shadow over these grilles, geometric patterns form against the walls and floor, creating living art, which changes its form with the movement of the sun throughout the day.”

In his writing, Fufu also recalls his travels through Europe and the many different styles of grilles he came across there.

Many of the stories in the book follow this route; where Fufu observes something and then compares and contrasts to his own memories. His observation skills, earnestness, enthusiasm and love for Malaysia all combine to make this book a worthwhile read.

“I guess it’s a guide book of sorts for the Pantai Timur, which is so different from the west coast. I really hope that people will be inspired to get to know Malaysia a little better. You don’t need a lot of money. Just a healthy curiosity and you can just hop on a bus and start your journey right now,” said Fufu.

For just RM7, for example, Fufu took a bus from Mentakab to Jerantut, where he was fascinated by the purple buildings. “I loved the fact that they didn’t want to just duplicate the street art from, say, George Town. Instead, they thought of an original idea and decided to paint all the buildings in their town purple, creating their own identity,” he said.

In Jerantut, Fufu befriended Melvin Ng, the owner of Hotel Seri Emas, where he put up for the night.

“Melvin told me about a new hiking attraction, Bukit Seladang, in Sungai Lekok, and he even drove me there bright and early the next morning!”

Fufu was pleasantly surprised that many people he met along the way, like Melvin, were very kind and hospitable and eager to show him “their” Malaysia.

Take for instance, the bread connoisseur couple who in their golden years continue to make roti paung in Teng Lang Po or Kampung Cina in Terengganu.

In his “Roti Paung” chapter, Fufu concluded that “humans are very much like bread.”

“Without constant kneading (trials in life), patiently awaiting fermentation (growth) and being baked (forged) over fire, one cannot have a sweet fragrance and soft texture rising in the oven,” he writes.

His simple philosophies, like this one, are strewn throughout the book in a charming manner.

In Penarik, Fufu found himself enchanted by the stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, he recalled, yet equally captivated by 77-year-old Pak Ali (Tengku Mohd Ali Tengku Mansor) and his “Rumah Botol”.

Pak Ali has dedicated nearly 20 years to collecting debris that drifts onto the shores, showcasing them in his colourful seaside museum. Over the years, he has tirelessly gathered thousands of bottles and assorted trash, turning his passion into a meaningful mission.

“We had a great chat, and I was so humbled and touched that this one man has been able to do so much for the environment and create such a huge impact,” said Fufu.

“It was also Pak Ali who encouraged me to visit Terrapuri nearby. He even lent me his grandson’s bicycle so I could get there without too much trouble!”

Terrapuri, in Kuala Baru, Terengganu, is a luxury beach resort Heritage Village which focuses on conserving and restoring classic Malay houses of Terengganu and features 29 antique houses, each around 100 years old. The resort’s layout was inspired by the 17th-century Terengganu Palace and its surroundings.

“Terrapuri offers the opportunity to discover and admire Terengganu’s world class wood carvings up close.”

He writes in his book that the carvings are used to adorn doors, windows, railings, eaves of roofs and walls.

The carvings frequently incorporate symbols that serve as metaphors and analogies, illustrating folklore, proverbs, beliefs and legends. These include iconic representations such as the bunga tanjung, kepala cicak, kuda laut, or ayam berlaga, each carrying its own rich cultural significance.

As Fufu’s bus journey stories unfold in the pages of his sequel, it becomes clear that his passion for exploration and his knack for storytelling have woven together a tapestry of Malaysia’s hidden treasures.

With his second book, Fufu has not only crafted a captivating travelogue but also ignited a spark of wanderlust within us all. With each turn of the page, we are reminded that the world is brimming with wonders waiting to be discovered, and that the greatest adventures often begin with a single step – or in Fufu’s case, a bus ride.

More info on Lam Ching Fu’s books here.

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Tags / Keywords: Lam Ching Fu , bus , travel , Malaysia , East Coast , new book , My Journey By Bus

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