Our photo shoot with cover girl Katrina Taib spanned two days against the majestic backdrop of Belum Rainforest Resort in Gerik, Perak. She took every instruction given to her in her stride, be it teetering on the edge of a wall in heels or achieving a sexy pose against the wall.

Midway through the photo shoot, when we told her that we will be placing her on a bamboo raft and setting her adrift on a lake, Katrina hardly blinked an eye. “Let’s do it!” she enthused. In fact, when we told her she will have to go on the raft barefooted, she responded with wry comedic timing, “Where’s the challenge in that? You should strap some heels on!”

We then headed to the orang asli settlement in Desa Damai, where she posed with the kids enrolled at the Emkay Foundation’s Toy Library, an education centre set up for orang asli children. As we packed up to leave, a villager approached Katrina and presented her with a handwoven rattan bracelet.

To read the full story of Katrina Taib, get a copy of Malaysia Tatler July 2013 issue, available on newsstands now  or click here to purchase the digital version.

Photography and Art Direction: Allan Casal, Styling: Azza Arif; Hair: KK Wong from Hair Corner by Raymond Choon; Makeup: Irena Adam using Clé De Peau Beauté; Behind the scenes photography: Calvin Chong