Random Discoveries in Kuching – A Batik Hotel
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Sometime earlier this year, I headed to Kuching, south west of Sarawak for some work. A recommendation to stay at this unique hotel came about, and I thought I’ll give it a try. I checked-in and thought it was an awesome concept featuring the elements of Batik. The hotel just turned one recently in March 2011. I thought I’d talk to the lady who founded and conceptualized this vibrant space. Her name, Jacqueline Fong (Jackie.)

1) What inspires the theme of your hotel? What type of batik is featured in the overall look of the hotel?
Whilst living in Jakarta, I had a mild obsession with batik fabric. The batik-inspired theme echoes my affinity for the art of printing, wearing and shopping for batik. The batik theme and name was ideal for our setup because firstly, batik is indigenous to Malaysia and hence, people will be able to associate the name to a brand that is homegrown and ethnic. Secondly, batik prints and patterns are versatile and easily manipulated to deliver the right effect – here, we want to be contemporary yet classy yet playful. The batik pattern (I must humbly admit) is a computer designed image…the idea is to represent the tree of life. Did you get it?

2) I’m sure getting to where you are now wasn’t easy. Who or what was your inspiration in striving towards achieving the goal of opening a hotel?
I stayed at a hotel once in Istanbul and was amazed at how the owner of the hotel could accummulate so much knowledge, speak so many languages, have so many friends and yet does not often leave the premises. I was inspired by Mike – the fact that he meets all sorts of people from all over the world, and they all come to him. This is the truth

3) What made you decide on opening a hotel?
The hotel idea was idling for a while after my Istanbul trip. I entertained it only sporadically when yet another potential location was brought up. After all, my idea of a hotel means that the hotel would have to fit in with its surroundings. My friend and I were sitting drinking herbal tea in the middle of the night one night…there was a ‘for rent’ banner in front of a dark and decrepit property across the road. Batik Boutique Hotel was conceived that night. A little more than a year later, the Batik opened its doors.

4) Would you say your dream has been achieved by opening this hotel?
I would say that this project is gratifying beyond my dreams! I enjoy this business more and more each day.

5) What are your plans for Batik Boutique in the next 3 years?
Batik Boutique Hotel, Kuching shall continue to provide classy chic cozy stays to its guests. My plan is for Kuching, really. Kuching currently has a vibe that no other city in Malaysia has – it’s refreshing and friendly and doesn’t overwhelm. In 3 years’ time, we hope to see more interesting establishments in this city to identify Kuching as naturally the best place to be!

For the Batik brand, the nuts and bolts are in play to set up another classy chic cozy accommodation offering. Watch this space! For more information about Batik Boutique Hotel, visit www.batikboutiquehotel.com

ABOUT THE COLUMNIST

Introspective to begin with. So discovery, is pretty much the way he lives it. He strives to live beyond the dualities of life, & find oneness in every experience within. In that space he expands continuously in love, unconditionally. In 2008, Tim Fernandez arrived at an awakening that when life is lived from the discovery of one’s centre, the point of reference for living shifts within. Therein, all resources to create one’s reality manifest itself and serves as an inspiration. He founded Live & Inspire with a simple intent of facilitating that shift of awareness. The global work today expands with the team at Live & Inspire, with an unconditional zest for life.

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