Don’t miss Sukau wildlife sanctuary John Tiong MARY Ann C. Degullacion is one of Sabah’s veteran guides and has been guiding tourists for more than 20 years. There are now about 600 guides in the state, she said.

The state is now undoubtedly one of the hottest destinations in the country.

Mary had started out as a receptionist in a hotel in Sandakan, her home town, many years back. Her contacts with tourists inspired her to take up a tourism course. From then on, there was no turning back for her.

Even when she is on holidays, she prefers to keep herself updated on tourism by meeting with people in the industry.

Tell us about your most interesting travel experience in Malaysia.

It was a cruise to the wildlife sanctuary in Sukau and lower Kinabatangan River in Sabah several years back. We saw every exciting animal we set out to see — proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, silver-leafed monkeys, pygmy Bornean elephants, bearded wild pigs, orang utans, hornbills, kingfishers and eagles. The region teems with wildlife.

Have you ever had a bad experience while travelling?
Not really. I am not much of a complainer except when it comes to protecting the interests of my guests.

How best do you unwind on your holiday?
It has to be without my children around. I make it a point to send them to my in-laws when I go travelling with my husband, who is also a tourist guide.

What type of holidays do you prefer?

I actually like a holiday where I can update on my knowledge of tourism. I have plenty of friends in the business. My favourite holiday is when I can meet up with them as well as get to know their favourite places.

Who do you usually go holiday with?
My friends and husband.

What can’t you leave home without when you travel?
It is okay for me if I have my handphone and enough money.

Which is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia? Does it also give you the best holiday memory?
The wildlife sanctuary in Sukau along the Kinabatangan River. It always evokes the best memories, especially the wildlife safari there.

What is the best hotel you’ve stayed in so far? Why?
It has to be the luxurious and breathtaking Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu, which is by the sea.

What or who do you miss most when you go away on vacation?
My son and two daughters.

What do you hate most while travelling?
Flying.

Where next would you like to go?
I wish to climb the pinnacles of the Mulu in Sarawak. The aeriel view is stunning. My colleague slipped when up there but fortunately held on to something. The narrow escape inspired me to go there.

Where would you recommend your friends to go?
Sukau and the lower Kinabatangan River and also Mount Kinabalu.

What was the best thing you bought on your travels and where?
I love and collect tribal crafts of Borneo. I have Kayan hats from the Baram River in Marudi, Sarawak, the Kadazan Dusun conical hat of Papar as well as crafts of the Bidayuh, Iban and the Iranun Bajau. I am still eyeing the mengkuang tikar of the Bidayuh of Sarawak because they are so expensive. The labu sayong of Kuala Kangsar is also one of my favourite collections.

What was the best food you ever tasted during your travels and where?
It has to be Penang char koay teow and Sarawak laksa.

Are you a compulsive traveller or do you follow your budget and itinerary carefully?
I keep to my purse strings.

Any advice or tips for travellers?
Tourists must know what they are paying for. They should ask what is included in their tours. They must also find out the basic information regarding emergencies.

Any comment on Malaysian tourism, places of interest, etc?
Places of interest have always to be well maintained since they are the modal (capital) of the tourism industry.