About Me & Heritasian.com
Hi, my name is Cee Jay, and welcome to Heritasian.com – a travel blog dedicated to heritage travel in Southeast Asia.
My path to founding this site has been shaped by a lifelong fascination with history and exploration. And my interest in this specific region has been nurtured by my own mixed heritage, and in particular, one pivotal moment in my late teens.
My big move to Southeast Asia came in 2003 – I was a digital nomad long before the term ever became one. Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I found myself working in the burgeoning digital media industry, and slowly, very slowly, the seeds for Heritasian.com began to sprout.
It was during one particular stay in Penang that all my interests converged: a love for Southeast Asian heritage, an appreciation for its history, and the power of digital storytelling. From this mix, Heritasian.com was born – a blog dedicated to the stories woven into the region’s cultural heritage. For a fuller account of the origin of this website and my growing pains along the way, read here.
While many travel blogs feature the blogger prominently, mine is different: it’s all about the topic at hand. Forget the selfies, personal anecdotes and god forbid video shorts; my posts focus intensely on history, food, and travel. For me, the subject’s depth and fascination will always be more important than the person writing about it.
More About Heritasian.com
What is the core mission or philosophy behind Heritasian.com?
My mission is to be the premier resource for travellers seeking authentic, historical, and culturally rich experiences in Southeast Asia. My philosophy is simple: travel should enrich the traveller while also contributing to the preservation and celebration of local heritage.
How do you define “Heritage Travel” and why is it your primary focus?
Heritage Travel is a journey that deliberately seeks out experiences rooted in history, culture, and tradition. It’s about more than sightseeing; it’s about immersion. It means staying in historic hotels, tasting ancestral cuisine, and supporting communities that maintain their past. It’s our focus because it offers the most profound connection to a destination.
Why did you choose Southeast Asia, and specifically Malaysia and Thailand, as your initial focus areas?
These countries possess a unique, dynamic, and incredibly rich multicultural heritage—from the colonial architecture of Penang to the ancient kingdoms of Thailand—that is often overlooked by mainstream tourism. They offer a perfect, accessible blend of historic preservation and modern travel opportunities. Plus, I have a long history in both of these amazing countries.
What is the one thing you hope every visitor takes away after exploring your site?
I hope every visitor realises that travel can be a powerful act of preservation and connection. By staying in a historic heritage hotel, visiting a place of spiritual significance or seeking out traditional food that the locals themselves eat, you are directly contributing to the survival of that culture and its stories.
Beyond hotels, what other aspects of Southeast Asian heritage (e.g., food, temples, history) does your site cover?
I grew up in a foodie household. I’ve eaten Nonya cuisine for as long as I can remember, so delving deep into regional food heritage comes naturally. And my love of historic landmarks and temples means you’ll read about much of that here. From time to time, you’ll read broader narratives on travelling and the tourism industry in the region.
What are your favorite aspects of the food heritage and historic hotels you feature?
For hotels, it’s the sense of walking through a living museum—the preserved architectural details that tell a story of a bygone era. For food, it’s the untold family stories and the brilliant fusion of different cultures that gave rise to unique cuisines, such as the complexity of Jawi Peranakan dishes.
What is the long-term vision for Heritasian.com over the next few years?
My vision is to become the definitive authority on heritage travel in SE Asia, known not only for our comprehensive directories but also for promoting cultural conservation efforts through responsible tourism.
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Contact: jay@heritasian.com