MERDEKA EXCLUSIVE: Malaysian Moments by Ferhat Nazri-Aziz

At exactly 09:30 on 31 August 1957, the declaration was read by the first Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman at the Merdeka Stadium. 59 years later, our nation is a step closer to a developed status. BAZAAR is honouring Malaysia’s Independence with a special series #Merdeka2016xBAZAAR where we seek fellow Malaysians near and far on five moments, items, tokens, anecdotes that have shaped their identity as a proud Malaysian.

 

Ferhat Nazri-Aziz

 

 A cultural citizen of the world and a nomadic tastemaker with an eye for the finest in life… yet, quintessentially Malaysian at heart.

 

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Instagram @wanderhat

1. | The Hibiscus

I love our national flower – the hibiscus. Believe it or not but it was my trip to the Seychelles that stirred my interest. I saw a variety of hibiscus that is common to Malaysia being showcased at Praslin Vallee de Mai and it was simply stunning. I’ve been a fan ever since and I love them red and peach. The hibiscus park in Lake Gardens is pretty good but closer to where I live, I buy them for my garden at the Sungai Buloh flower shop

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Image Courtesy of Ferhat Nazri-Aziz

2. | Brickfields

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Brickfields is our version of Brick Lane or potentially – love everything about this part of KL. I park my car at Aloft on weekends and take a stroll through this neighbourhood. Love the ashram, the colonial homes and pretty churches and of course amazing banana leaf after. And I love picking up materials at the shops surrounding the little square and make them into shirts and loungewear. I feel proud of our culture just walking these streets.

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Image Courtesy of Ferhat Nazri-Aziz

3. | Jalan Alor

Jalan Alor is my go to place for Malaysian comfort food. This place is a gem. I start of with my chicken wings at Wong Ah Wah followed by yummy home cooked dishes from Restoran Muar on Tengkat Tongshin for some yummy butter kailan and crispy fried egg. I love bringing my friends from abroad here. So much to eat and to see. Not forgetting some sangkaya coconut ice cream after.

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4. | Langkawi

Langkawi is love. I love the paddy fields and the gorgeous beaches of Tanjung Rhu and Teluk Datai. Tasik Dayang Bunting is amazing and I love chilling on a boat and visit the many beaches off the beaten track. Pantai Cenang is where I head to for lazy days in the sun and for the amazing food offering they have here (including some seriously cool food truck).

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Image Courtesy of Ferhat Nazri-Aziz

5. | Lake Gardens

I have a thing for Lake Gardens and the Lake Club. I practically grew up here eating Roast Beef on Sundays with Bomb Alaska and Spotted Dick and go swimming after in the pool. My grandparents would take me for long walks around Lake Gardens visiting my favourite spot – The Deer Park! Today I still visit the park to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. And lastly, my favourite museum – the Islamic Art museum.

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