melody in movement

It may never occur to you to stop and appreciate it, but the jingle that precedes all announcements at Kuala Lumpur International Airport is wonderfully melodic. Sound is often underrated when we think of travel – yet it can transport us back to a certain place and time. Like the incessant ticking of a traffic light when crossing a road in Hong Kong. Or the urgent beat of street performer drums in Osaka.

Airlines Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon have taken that concept and run with it, creating something marvellous. Cataloguing the sights and, more importantly, sounds of a journey from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong then to Osaka and Kyoto, the song was composed from the thousands of ambient noises and constructed notes recorded over seven days. The crack of a bamboo pole as it is sliced in half. The rustle of prayer joss sticks. The click of a baggage handle. It melds together in a jaunty tune that syncs perfectly with the visual aspects of travel – because Cathay Pacific wants you to listen carefully.

To celebrate the launch of The Sounds of Travelling Well campaign, the airlines will be holding a weekly contest across four weeks. Simply visit the campaign website to submit the most memorable sounds of travel and sound experiences that you wish to discover on your next trip and share the submission on your Facebook page. Winners will received a pair of Cathay Pacific/Cathay Dragon tickets to a destination within Asia. The contest runs from July 25 to August 25 2017, and is open to citizens and residents of Malaysia residing in Malaysia only.