Industrial Designer Adam Goodrum’s Top Travel Tips for Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sydney-based industrial designer Adam Goodrum shares why Colombo stole his heart from the get-go.

What made you fall for Sri Lanka’s capital?

The juxtaposition. Geoffrey Bawa’s Modernist architectural designs sit alongside bustling city streets. One moment you’re sipping tea at a café and the next, you’re exploring a market. It’s unpolished but deeply soulful.

Do you pack for “just in case” or keep it to the bare essentials?

Bare essentials all the way. A well-packed bag means more room for treasures.

How essential are we talking?

If you could only bring one pair of shoes… they’d be my trusty Muki shoes from Portugal. They’re sustainably made, super-comfortable and roll up for easy storage.

The one thing you always pick up at the airport?

A design magazine. I don’t buy them often but airport downtime is my guilty pleasure.

What are you taking on board?

Bang & Olufsen headphones – a splurge but they make flights so much better. And a notepad, to do a bit of sketching. Flights are surprisingly inspiring for brainstorming ideas.

What’s your flight take-off ritual?

Once upon a time, it was a celebratory drink or two but now it’s water and a deep breath.

Do you have a luggage hack to share?

Pack wrinkle-resistant pieces and hang things as soon as you arrive.

Let’s talk food. Where should we eat in Colombo?

The night market along Galle Face Green is unbeatable for authentic Sri Lankan bites.

Best place for a drink?

The Red Bar at Paradise Road Tintagel hotel

The Red Bar at the swish Paradise Road Tintagel hotel. It’s bliss after a day exploring the city.

And to stay?

Geoffrey Bawa’s residence, Number 11. It’s a slice of “tropical modernism” that combines architectural restraint and curatorial curiosity – Bawa was an avid collector of cultural artefacts. After taking a tour of the residence, we realised you could stay in the upstairs suite – we were lucky to secure a night at the end!