PETALING JAYA: Apple Vacations founder Lee Ee Hoe, also known as Leesan, describes Chua Lam as the beacon in his life.

Both share many common views in life.

Lee was introduced to Chua Lam by a colleague at Chua’s 70th birthday in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 18, 2011.

Chua Lam arrived at Kuala Lumpur to promote a brand on his birthday where he had a grand dinner that night.

“ I was one of the guests at his birthday dinner, “ Lee said.

They later became friends and partners in six exclusive tours for close to 10 years.

Having Chua Lam as the beacon in his life meant he was cruising smoothly, said Lee.

Lee spoke to Sin Chew Daily that Chua Lam was invited to write a calligraphy at the launch of his first book in Hong Kong on July 17, 2015.

Chua Lam came as a special guest and shared funny discoveries in travelling, prompting the audience to laugh and clap non-stop.

The duo ended up joining hands in organising six tours together.

The first was taking Malaysian travellers to Hokkaido in Japan – savour typical local food and experience hot spring – reflective and thought- provoking tours to enjoy the slow pace in life.

“The tour members are surprised to have Chua Lam in the tour,” Lee said.

Some of them continued in subsequent tours and described the opportunity to travel with Chua Lam as a blessing.

During the fourth tour, Chua Lam arranged for a visit of an old restaurant in Japan that he used to frequent for tour members to experience Omotenashi, a philosophy of sincere care and attention to details practiced by the Japanese.

In Taiwan, Chua Lam took the group from Taipei to Taichung, Tainan, and even tasting snacks at roadside stalls.

The gourmet tour showcased the variety of Taiwan cuisines and hospitality of Taiwan, where he had lived in Taiwan when he was a film producer in the entertainment industry.

The Lee San and Chua Lam tour started on Dec 14, 2013 and ended on the sixth tour in Hong Kong on Dec 10, last year.

“Chua Lam is serious at work but he know how to enjoy life and he knows what is life.

“We used to explore how to have a better interpretation of tour. He also asked what constitutes comfort food and how to have a relaxed yet reflective tour.

“In fact, answers are not necessary. One discovers and feels for himself during the tour, “ said Lee.

Chua Lam, a food critic and a writer, passed away in Hong Kong on June 25 where his aide announced the death on social media two days later after he was cremated.