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Tue, May 06, 2008
The New Straits Times
Sarawak is best for adventure

"My ambition is to be either a millionaire or a CNN anchor by the time I'm 40, "he declared. Not impossible, especially if one is willing to put in hard work. And Terrence has been working hard with co-host Angelene Chong in the last three years to make Hello on Two one of the best morning shows.

Away from the set, Terrence and Angelene are keen adventurers. Both joined the recent Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) Go Green Sarawak eco challenge held in the Kuching Division which involved visits to Bidayuh villages, wall climbing and even camping out at the mouth of the Fairy Cave.

"Angelene is into diving and I'm into wall climbing and white water rafting. The VMY Go Green Sarawak eco challenge enabled us to indulge in many interesting, challenging and educational adventures," said Terrence.

He reckoned there is a comedian in him trying to get out. He said: "I would also love to produce my own comedy show. Something along the lines of Whose Line Is It Anyway? by Drew Carrey."

Tell us about your most interesting travel experience.

Getting lost on my first ever hiking trip around the Bukit Jambul area in Penang when I was 15. The hill was so beautiful that I was lost in the view, so much so that I didn't even realise that I strayed from my group. Fortunately, I was able to find my way back by listening to the sounds made by the other hikers.

Have you ever had a really bad experience?

Nothing that I could not handle so far. However, I'm no McGyver. But that might be why I have not encountered any really big problem.

How best do you unwind on your holiday?

By taking in nature. Just stop and stare, no cameras, no recording just a lot of 'being' if that makes any sense.

What type of holiday do you prefer?

The ones that bring me close to nature. I'm not interested in dances or buildings. So you'll find me on a beach, on a mountain or even in a cave.

Who do you usually go holiday with?

I prefer to backpack and travel alone. Helps with the unwinding and it's good for the soul. They say you'll never get lost so long as you speak the language of the land.

What can't you leave home without when you travel?

Spare underwear you gotta have. A survival knife and yes my credit card, no I'm kidding. It's actually my handphone. Hey with GPRS, the Internet, a camera, a camcorder and a phone all rolled into one, my N95 is the perfect travel companion.

Which is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia? Does it also give you the best holiday memory?

Sarawak. We went for the VMY Go Green Sarawak eco challenge in March, and had a great time visiting longhouses, learning about the Bidayuh culture and also went caving and wall climbing. We even played football in the middle of a Bidayuh kampung early in the morning and got mud all over ourselves.

What's the best hotel you've stayed in so far? Why?

Traders Hotel Penang. Great beds.

What or who do you miss most when you go away on vacation?

Family, friends and the Internet.

What do you hate most while travelling?

During the first few days, it can be a rude awakening to find yourself without the convenience of a regular shower.

Where next would you like to go?

Sabah, the only state in Malaysia I have not been to yet.

Where would you recommend your friends to go?

For food, still Penang. For bargains, Ipoh. Seriously, they have lots of pasar malam and pasar pagi where you can find some of the best bargains. For a good dose of history, Malacca is it. Getting your hands dirty and loving it, Sarawak. It's my favourite adventure destination.

What was the best thing you bought on your travel and where?

Sarawak pepper from Sarawak, of course. Great taste and truly spicy.

What was the best food you ever tasted during your travel and where?

Top on the list are the great tastes of Penang. I also love the mee rebus Ramli in Ipoh. Great taste at a good price. Go check it out. It's located in the city centre.

Are you a compulsive traveller or do you follow your budget and itinerary carefully?

I would definitely set a budget for a trip. However, there is no point going to a place and have to worry about money all the time. That might take away the pleasure of having a holiday. My advice is to set aside your money and don't feel bad even if you come back with an empty wallet.

Any advice or tips for travellers?

Find out as much as you can about the place. And when you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. Always remember that Kuala Lumpur is not the centre of the universe and neither are you.

Any comment on Malaysian tourism; places of interest, services, etc?

The toilets here have improved, bravo! But I do believe that our hoteliers can go a notch higher in their service.

 

 
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