NG KOK HONG - Studio Ayer: A Life Between

2015 The Construction Year

2016 The First Year

2017 The Joyful Year

2018 The Busy Year.

2019 The Vibrant Year.

2020-2021. The Covid Years: When Life Slowed Down for Family and Art

2022 Life Returns

2023-2024 - The Parting Years

"Each morning, I’m renewed by the tranquil beauty of the lush greenery that surrounds my home, Studio Ayer." Ng Kok Hong 2021

In early 2015, shortly after returning from Bali and preparing for my next flight to Bagan, Myanmar, I completed the first impression image of the retreat farmhouse I planned to build in Kamunting, Perak

16 Dec 2014. On my first venture into land searching, the agent initially recommended a bungalow lot in Aulong. However, the owner decided not to sell, preferring a buyer of his own race—well then, welcome! Instead, the agent took me to view a farmland plot, about a 20–25 minute drive away. We traveled down a tarred farm road flanked only by trees on both sides. It felt remote, but the vibrant greenery and the whisper of the wind through the trees spoke to something deep within me—it was close to what I had been searching for. Certainly a better fit than the roadside plot in Aulong.

The agent was visibly surprised when I confirmed the purchase—he hadn’t expected anyone to want to build a home way out here.

On Christmas Day 2014, two tigers escaped from the Taiping Zoo. Around that same time, I found myself reflecting on the idea of leaving Kuala Lumpur in search of a quieter life—one surrounded by trees, serenity, and the peace that only nature can offer. In a way, I shared the same longing as the tigers: a desire to break free from the noise and pollution of the city.

My first piece of painting much inspired by the escaped tigers.

The property was situated in the middle of farmland, mostly planted with durian, guava, and banana trees. It was formerly part of the Sin Wah Estate before being subdivided into one-acre plots and sold as farmland. The area was well-connected, with proper tarred roads and access to both water and electricity. The nearest town, Kamunting, was about 10 kilometers away.

Note: Some activity or travel images are not shared here due to privacy considerations, particularly those involving visitors to Studio Ayer. Project-related visuals are also omitted in accordance with non-disclosure agreements signed with clients. Over the past eight years, more than 1,000 images have been collected. What I’m sharing here is a brief pictorial—just enough to tell the story of life at Studio Ayer from 2016 to 2024.

2015 The Construction Year

1 Mar 2015. The land was cleared of all the shrubs except for a few trees.

2 Jul 2025. The fencing wall.

Starting in 2015, I decided to slow down, cutting my overseas trips by half. I planned an early retirement, driven by my hearing impairment and a longing to escape the city’s pollution and crowds. The following years were my winding-down phase—wrapping up major projects and preparing for a new chapter in life. The trip to Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad was my third trip abroad after my returned from Bangkok and Bali in early 2015. I love these three countries, my favorite places to be.

Jan 2015. Bangkok with late P Wanarat Nui Sritijaruwat

Feb 2015. Bali with Pak Made Suparwata

March 2015. Mahabalipuram, India

Mar 2015. I was in India riding on a Hindustan Ambassador.

Specialist hair cut at Hyderabad.

Breakfast was served.

Masala chai or tea was creatively prepared for me.

15 June 2015. Construction of the main room began after the land was surveyed and cleared—flat ground with only a few trees left standing. I stayed in local hotels while still traveling between Kuala Lumpur and Kamunting. Despite the movement, the foundation was set. A new chapter—rooted in vision and intention—was ready to begin.

27 Jul 2015. Pond excavation began after the completion of the perimeter walls.

By mid-August 2015, my main master room was ready, and I was prepared to move in. The original tree were kept as part of my landscape plan.

My master room was lightly furnished just for my comfortable stay, with open shower room.

5 Sep 2015. When the first room was completed in mid-August, I moved in and began living alone on the estate, choosing it over checking into hotels. The surroundings were completely dark, with no street lamps—only the light from my room. Most nights were chilly, but there was something truly special about the silence and darkness of the natural world, lit only by the sky above and the flicker of fireflies.

Oct 2025. The rooms under construction.

Nov 2015. The construction of the main hall and other rooms were completed.

Nov 2015. All beautifully lighted up.

Mr. Kannan was the man who managed the construction. He was a simple, yet deeply dedicated individual. He engaged local workers to assist with the building process. Most of the recycled timber was supplied by the late Mr. Muni, who sadly passed away from kidney failure not long after I met him. Mr. Muni was a true gentleman and remained very supportive of my construction work here.

18 Oct 2015.

My wife and I made a trip to Bagan, Myanmar by invitation. A memorable and comfortable stay at Aye Yar River View Resort at Old Bagan.

Mapusa market

Nov 2015. All the three rooms and the lobby hall were completed and furnished.

Walls were painted, and a few pieces of art were thoughtfully placed and installed, bringing warmth and character to the space.

24 Dec 2015. We moved in.

A year end trip to the Royal Kirana Spa, Ubud, Bali.

2016 The First Year

Jan 2016. Bengaluru, India

Sanjay Mohe — the architect most admirable in India for his soulful integration of light, form, space, and nature. https://mindspacearchitects.com/

We welcomed the rain, as it brought joy, coolness, and the perfect excuse to gather for a warm cup of coffee.

When the full moon rose, it was an awe-inspiring sight—a perfect night for us to gather, share drinks, and enjoy good conversation.

Each morning, we enjoyed the fresh air, gentle sunlight, and the lush green surroundings that brought a sense of calm and renewal.

All of us adapted to a simple and peaceful lifestyle at Studio Ayer, embracing the slow pace and beauty of everyday moments.

The entrance garden gate.

Art pieces crafted in the signature style of Bensley Design Studio.

These Asianised Olmec sculptures were cast in Thailand.

Mar 2016. Bali.

July 2016. Four Seasons, Langkawi

Aug 2016 Bangkok

Oct 2016. Ubud, Bali

They travelled on the own from KL to Taiping.

2017 The Joyful Year

It was a year full of visitors at Studio Ayer—friends from afar, relatives, and many others came to enjoy the space, share stories, and join us for chats over small bites and drinks. Weekends and holidays were especially lively, keeping us busy and warmly connected.

April 2017. Construction of the outdoor pavilion.

Karat - family outdoor pavilion.

Enjoying time and places.

Jul 2017 in Thailand. The front gate to the villa at Khaolak.

Their favourite meals padkraphao and kaopad kap saparot.

Oct 2017 in Bali

In Bali, the pisang goreng (fried banana) is often served with cili padi (bird's eye chili), offering a surprising yet addictive mix of sweet and spicy that locals enjoy.

Aston Tuban, Bali - One of my favoutire hotel near Kuta. I usually stayed near Kuta than the provided hotel due to the distance from town centre.

At Made's Warung, Seminyak, Bali

Oct 2017 at Four Season, Langkawi

2018 The Busy Year.

May 2018. Art exhibition, Taiping.

May 2018.I decided to build more guest rooms, but it turned out to be a mistake—we lost our privacy and were kept too busy over the weekends and during public holidays.

25 Jun 2018. UPM

30 June 2018. Dan Deighton sharing his knowledge.

4 July 2018. Four Seasons, Langkawi.

Aug 2018. Night was cold and peaceful.

Aug 2018. Just as refreshing as night in the day.

Aug 2018. First pond harvest

Barbonymus schwanenfeldii, Lampam Sungei

Aug 2018. Jakarta

Sep 2018. Kinokuniya at Siam Paragon, Bangkok

Sep 2018. Bangkok

Bangkok. Busy, busy

Oct 2018. With the closest of friends from Thailand

A treat at Langkawi

Thai food cooking lessons at Studio Ayer.

4 Dec 2018. Back in Thailand and enjoying the best of year-end joy.

Dec 2018. Guesthouses were completed.

25 Dec 2018. Party time.

2019 The Vibrant Year.

18 Jan 2019. Phuket

Jan 2019. Revisited my old project at Central Festival completed in Dec 2004, just before the tsunami hit Phuket.

5 Feb 2019. Happy Chinese New Year

A beautiful morning for an early breakfast, surrounded by cool air and bathed in gentle sunlight.

A cicada killed a lampam right in the pond!

Feb 2018. Back in Bangkok.

A hidden cafe somewhere in Bangkok

Feb 2018. Back home.

Danio sp.

Mar 2019. A costly side parking space.

The art at Studio Ayer

Cool washroom

19 Mar 2019. We welcomed Karl and his family to Studio Ayer.

We made a forest adventure trip to Lenggong and had a great time with Kuta, Amy and family.

29 Mar 2019. Another art exhibition

... and welcoming more visitors

....and goodbyes.

The guest house

Inside

Washroom

11 Apr 2019. Khaolak

Busy, busy

Khaolak

Home sweet home.

22 Apr 2019. Back to Bangkok. Dinner at Ratchada.

A very cool and nice place to hang out. It was closed permanently since Covid-19.

Apr 2019. Home aquaculture

Even the kids had fun feeding the fish while learning not to waste food.

From table to pond: Growing Lampam fish with leftovers.

A harmonious fusion of aquaculture and art.

3 Jul 2019. We were deeply honoured to host Prof. Dato' Dr. Shariff and his wife, Datin Sharifah, during their stay with us.

Good old friends sharing laughter over a hearty bowl of sup ekor.

Ananda from NZ.

Jul 2019. Exploring the durian groves—a short distance from Studio Ayer but nestled high up in the hills—offered a refreshing escape into the cool, leafy heights where the king of fruits reigns.

Jul 2019. The trees had matured, offering abundant greenery and shade, while birds filled the air with their songs, bringing the landscape to life each morning.

25 Aug 2019. Back to... (you guessed it right!) Bangkok— the bustling streets, the scent of street food in the air, and the vibrant energy that never seems to sleep.

Sep 2019. The happy chap.

Sep 2019. The entire place is now green with mature trees.

Oct 2019. A dedicated man who cared for my home until the day I left in August 2024. I painted his portrait and presented it to him as a token of my gratitude.

Oct 2019. Travelling again.

Oct 2019. Back to a touch of luxury—I've had enough charkoeyteow.

Oct 2019. Repainted the walls with bright golden yellow.

21 Oct 2019. End of the year is always a time with many calls and invitations. By the end of October I was back in Bangkok.

Featherstone at Ekamai. For a place that delights the eyes, satisfies the palate, and offers a blissful spot to unwind—try Featherstone

Nov 2019. A week later, I was back in Cafe Batu Jimbar at Sanur, Bali

3 Dec 2019. Home Sweet Home

6 Dec 2019. Art exhibition in KL

James Yuen, the lead organiser and an art steward devoted to supporting and caring both art and artists. Ms Elnaz Rostami, an Iranian artist based in K Lumpur.

Dec 2019. After the art exhibition, I took my kids on a year-end holiday to Bangkok—a city that inspires joy, fun, and endless discovery. For those who travel with intention, it’s not just about being there, but about immersing oneself in the lifestyle and understanding the kind of reality that can awaken new perspectives.

On the way....

A trip to an art gallery.

A facial expression of bliss and mystery—something that could only happen in Bangkok.

A conversation with a good friend, Steven Willoughby, a property and investment consultant who is based in Bangkok.

Portuguese artist Vhils carved a concrete wall into a stunning mural at 26 Bush Lane, Bang Rak, Bangkok.

25 Dec 2019. As the year came to a close, an artist came to visit us—bringing with her quiet reflection and creative energy.

2019 was a vibrant and active year. I was grateful to have artists, naturalists, friends and relatives visit Studio Ayer, sharing moments of inspiration and engaging conversations.

We welcomed the new year with a small, joyful gathering on the night of December 31st—an evening filled with warmth, laughter, and free spirit.

2020-2021. The Covid Years: When Life Slowed Down for Family and Art

The Covid-19 pandemic struck globally, and by March, the government enforced the Movement Control Order (MCO), halting nearly all movement and activities—life came to a standstill. Like many, we found ourselves confined at home, but we were grateful to be in a space large enough to offer a sense of freedom and freshness. Within those gates, we gathered for drinks and conversation, untouched by the chaos beyond. It was during this quiet period that I began to take painting seriously, embracing it as a retirement hobby. The MCO gradually eased by the end of 2021 and life returned to normalcy.

Jan 2020. I managed to make a trip to Bangkok just before Chinese New Year.

The Tuesday market at Batu Kurau is a place I visited regularly, seeking authentic kampong food and moments of reminiscence from my younger days growing up in this town.

Chinese New Year 2020

My ART-venture began during this peaceful period of the MCO—a quiet, reflective time that allowed creativity to flow and take root.

In the evening, it was all quiet—except for the gentle rhythm of nature that filled the air.

Art began to take shape—slowly, intuitively—guided by stillness, reflection, and the quiet inspiration of everyday surroundings.

The MCO allowed beautiful nature to emerge, reclaiming the stillness and flooding the surroundings with life—birds sang louder, plants grew wilder, and the air felt cleaner, as if the earth itself had taken a deep breath.

The art of life within the gates during MCO period.

2022 Life Returns

My first trip to Bangkok after Covid MCO eased. Where there were things to do, don't stop.

At an art exhibition.

In 2022, we made four trips to Bangkok and Phuket.

June 2022. The youngest left for his studies at MCKL. A new chapter unfolded for me and my wife, as the once lively farm home gradually settled into stillness. The stillness was both unfamiliar like a pause after years of family joy and movement.

27 Dec2022 The visits from the two young men brought warmth and joy—familiar faces who were once an integral part of the growing years at Studio Ayer.

2023-2024 - The Parting Years

From the beginning of 2023, my wife and I began traveling regularly to KL and Penang to visit our kids, marking a new rhythm in our lives—purposeful journeys filled with connection and care.

Our youngest had left home for studies in mid-2022. Without the kids around, the farm home became a vacuum beyond stillness. Though we still appreciated the comfort and privacy it offered, the vastness of the land gradually began to echo with a quiet emptiness.

In May 2023, while on a train to KL, I quietly decided it was time to return to the city. I was still living with an active mind and a spirit that sought more to do—and a small town simply couldn’t offer the resources and limited to what I needed to continue growing in the ways I hoped. Eight years on the land had taught me well, grounding me in a slower rhythm—but the meaning was now calling me elsewhere.

Studio Ayer, a wonderful home that served us well was sold a year later.