STATE Assemblyman for Ba'Kelalan in the interior of Sarawak, Nelson Balang Rining is a banker turned politican. He was the special assistant to the Assemblyman and Sarawak Junior Minister Dr Judson Sakai Tagal who was killed together with six others in a tragic helicopter accident in July 2004.

Nelson believed that God saved his life to serve his people by succeeding his boss. At first he was already on board the ill-fated helicopter but was told by Dr Judson to go on another aircraft at the last minute.

Nelson and his wife Evelyn are avid travellers to many parts of the country.

Tell us about your most interesting travel experience.

It was to a very remote place, a dam in Lubok Antu, Sarawak with my two boys. We camped on a small island and caught fish and barbecued them straight away. It was a very meaningful outing as that gave us the chance to be together without any distraction. That was also a perfect opportunity for me to give pep talks to my boys.

Have you ever had a really bad experience?

It was during a cross country trip in a group to the East Coast, starting from Kelantan followed by Terengganu onwards, a few years ago. My trouble began when I had a gastric attack that became worse when I had hot and spicy food in Kota Baru. By the time we checked into a hotel, my stomach was aching really bad. I stayed in my room while my wife went out shopping with her friends.

I was also disturbed by the sound of the shower turning on and off by itself and the sound of women giggling loudly from either the next room or downstairs. I thought the noise was coming from a nightclub downstairs, which I found out the next day, that there wasn't any. My wife returned at midnight and found me sleeping near the door!

How best do you unwind on your holiday?

I unwind by going sightseeing as well as listening to country music and reading a good book.

What type of holidays do you prefer?

I like nature...beaches, cool mountains.

Who do you usually go holiday with?

My wife usually keeps me company otherwise I go holiday with my golfing buddies. My kids have grown up and are now studying overseas.

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

My cell phone, which has become a necessary evil today that keeps us connected no matter where we are.

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

It was trips to Kota Kinabalu for golfing and the best place is Nexus Karambunai.

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

It is Hilton KL-Sentral. It is centrally located and has easy connection to other parts of the city.

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

My wife and my two boys.

What do you hate most while traveling?

I hate having to be a 'slave' to my luggage and try my best to travel light.

Where next would you like to go?

Pulau Tioman. I haven't been there yet. Cameron Highlands is also on my list as I like to see flowers growing there.

Genting Highlands and Langkawi are good destinations for the whole family.

Where would you recommend your friend to go?

I like to recommend Kota Kinabalu to my golfing buddies as there are plenty of good golf courses there.

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

It was in Kuala Lumpur where my wife likes to shop for perfume, clothes and bed linen. They are very cheap and of good quality.

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

I love the wide choice of food available in Penang. I can't name them but I think that's a good place to go on a gastronomic adventure.

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

I'm a compulsive traveller and I follow my heart but I do adhere to some guidelines.

Any advice or tips for travellers?

Travel light and plan your budget and don't over-stress yourself.

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

Continuous campaign and education are necessary to rid the littering habit and dirty public toilets from Malaysia's public places.

All must inculcate the 'Think Tourism' concept into our psyche in order to tap the maximum potential of the tourism industry.