Hitam Manis

Design by: Gerald Koh Tze Ming
Location: Malaysia
Project Type: Student Project
School: Dasein Academy of Art
Course: Diploma in Graphic Design
Tutor: Ms. Low Poh Li
Packaging Contents: Tualang Honey
Packaging Substrate / Materials: Plywood & Premium Glass
Printing Process: Laser Print & Digital Print

Tualang honey is made by giant bees that build their honeycombs at the top of Tualang trees, found in the lowland tropical forests of Sarawak, Malaysia. The bees collect nectar from various plants in the forest, making the honey a multi-floral blossom honey. The name “Hitam Manis” came from a mystical guardian of the Tualang trees in the forests of Sarawak, Malaysia. She is part woman, part spirit, with dark skin like the Tualang tree and glowing eyes like honey. She communicates with the giant bees that make Tualang honey and protects the forest’s natural balance. In the story, a man seeks the honey to heal his sick child but also for profit. Hitam Manis warns him not to take more than necessary, and when he ignores her, she uses the bees to stop him. However, she still ensures the honey reaches the child, showing her protective yet compassionate nature. The “Hitam Manis” packaging is made from plywood to be reusable. On the front, a laser-engraved poem tells the story of Hitam Manis, with bees engraved on the sides to show their connection to her. Inside, a Tualang tree is featured in the center, surrounded by bees as protectors of the forest.