Who hasn’t dreamt of becoming a travel writer? Not only do you get to travel the world, but you get to do it as your job! That isn’t to say that it’s always an easy one; it requires a lot of hard work, determination and motivation. “It’s a real labour of love,” says Anna Chittenden, who started her career in advertising, and moved from London to Singapore in 2014. Her sense of adventure meant that she arrived with only a suitcase and an incurable case of wanderlust.
After a few months of exploring Singapore and the many amazing destinations on its doorstep, she did some freelance writing for the likes of Conde Naste and Skyscanner, whilst also curating her own travel website on the side. At the end of 2015, Anna had her first book published – ‘Lost Guides Bali’ – which has proven to be a huge success and is an absolute must-buy for any of you travel buffs out there! We were keen to find out more about her life and book, which was also the perfect excuse for us to have a nosey snoop inside her stylish Tiong Bahru apartment…
Tell us a bit more about your background and how you got into travel writing?
I was working for an advertising firm in London, and then moved to Ben & Jerry’s where I worked in the marketing team. I was involved in the whole creative process – from market research, to events and PR, and even design and branding. I came over to Singapore two years ago, as my boyfriend had moved here for work. I wanted to try something new, and do something which made the most of my new geographical location. I felt that there was a gap for useful, curated travel information in the region, so in the summer of 2014, I launched my website, thelostguides.com, as a way to share unique and inspiring travel experiences in Asia.
Then in the summer of 2015, I launched a successful crowdfunding campaign for my new project, travel guide books, and released my first publication ‘Lost Guides – Bali’. I’m now working on ideas for up and coming books (Singapore is in the line-up!), as well as freelancing and managing the publishing side of my work.
Great! We can’t wait for Lost Guides Singapore! Can you tell us a bit more about what we can expect from your recommendations?
Lost Guides are created for today’s traveller – the stylish nomad with an interest in experience rather than expense, and an eye for quality, design and authenticity. It’s for those that aren’t looking for over-the-top luxury, nor have the budget of a backpacker – but are in search of those special places in-between.
My book on Bali focuses on five happening neighbourhoods – Bukit Peninsula, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud and Nusa Lembongan, and contains recommendations which have been gathered from extensive experience and a network of locals in the know.
It must take a lot of work to put a book together, what does a typical day involve for you?
Days are so varied, which I like. If I’m writing, then I’m quite anti-social and will hole up at home at my desk. I’ve tried working in cafes, as I like to have people around me, but I’ve learnt that I need complete silence to concentrate and be at my most productive. I take all my own photography too, so I’ll need to plan what needs to be shot, and time it to be there when the light is good.
If I’m at home, I try and split my day up with meetings and having coffees with people in the industry, to get inspiration and to stop me from feeling lonely! I’ll also try to attend networking events during the evening; places like The Hub are great for these, and a good place to meet like-minded people.
A slider with the ID of 616 doesn't exist.How would you describe your style? Has it been influenced a lot by your travel?
Yes, definitely. I’d say it’s very laid-back and casual. The same goes for my wardrobe and my home. You’ll rarely find me in formal attire! I have a pile of vintage Levi’s shorts that I practically live in, along with plain white tees or kaftans from India. For this tropical weather, I wear loose trousers and camisoles. I’ll stock up in Bali at shops like Uma & Leopold and Magali Pascal for the loveliest dresses and silky separates.
Your home is beautiful and has a real beach house vibe. Tell us a bit more about it and how it’s been decorated.
We live in an old 1930s pre-war flat in Tiong Bahru. It still has the original green and grey floor tiles running the whole way through, which is a lovely asset. Our kitchen is the main feature of the flat. This was really important to me as we cook a lot, especially my boyfriend, who will happily spend all weekend experimenting with new dishes – he even has a pizza oven in the courtyard!
When decorating the flat, I thought it would be fun to have a mixture of Asian influences. The framed vintage Bollywood pieces are from a man who has set up a website to sell original Hindi posters from the 1950s, from their shop in Mumbai.
Junkies Corner is heaven for affordable second-hand Asian furniture. One of my favourite pieces is the marble kopitiam table in the living room. Some other great finds were the bamboo ladder that we use to hang towels on in the bathroom, and the blue patterned Chinese vase that I picked up for only $50!!
What are your most treasured possessions?
We came to Singapore with one suitcase each, so we really have started from scratch and slowly picked up pieces for our home whenever we see something we like on our travels. I love the hand-carved bulls head in the living room. When I was researching for my book, Lost Guides – Bali, I wanted to find the artisans that made them. It was so cool to see the workshop, meet the artists and then buy directly from them. I’m also really fond of the two photographs that are in the kitchen. They are by an amazing photographer friend named Tommy Clarke, who spends a lot of time hanging out of helicopters taking fantastic aerial shots. The ones I have are taken above a beach in Cancun in Mexico.
Which neighbourhood in Singapore do you think you would you live in if not Tiong Bahru?
I really like the Kampong Glam neighbourhood. I would love to live in one of those quirky shophouse apartments on Arab Street or around there. It’s such a different atmosphere from the central areas of Singapore; the textile shops, little boutiques and old buildings are so charming. There are some brilliant coffee shops, and amazing meditation gurus hiding in backrooms of the neighbourhood too. There’s a cool creative vibe going on in the area.
Singapore Top Tips!
Favourite Bar in Singapore?
I love the drinks at Operation Dagger, and 28 Hong Kong street has the best bar snacks – the Mac ‘n’ Cheese balls are to die for!
Favourite Restaurant in Singapore?
Burnt Ends. We go there all the time and are good friends with Dave Pynt, the chef. Amazing food, a casual and intimate environment, and all the staff are super friendly too.
Favourite Shop in Singapore?
Books Actually. Not only have they been great supporters of Lost Guides, their shop is amazing and Kenny, the owner, actively promotes the local creative scene. They were behind the Singapore Art Book Fair this year.
Favourite thing to do in Singapore?
I love all the outdoorsy things that you can do. I like doing the MacRitchie Reservoir walk with friends, and every so often we’ll go wakeboarding, which is really fun and something that you wouldn’t be able to do often back in the UK.
Singapore’s best kept secret?
It has to be Junkies Corner – it’s my favourite place to find furniture and things for your house in Singapore. I love sifting through the piles of junk and finding those hidden gems that just need a little TLC and perhaps a lick of paint.
Favourite travel destination from Singapore?
Bali – it’s easy to get to and there’s so much to do (or not to do!). It’s great to get the opportunity to go surfing, or to do yoga in the rice fields. The restaurants there are incredible too (my favourite being Locavore in Ubud). Langkawi is another great place to go for a weekend – it’s also really easy to travel to and is so relaxed. The beach at The Datai is stunning.
Lost Guides is available to buy online at thelostguides.com and in selected stockists; Times Travel and Relay at Changi Airport, Books Actually, Naiise, Edit Lifestyle, Kapok and Basheer Graphics in Singapore.