Where are you from?

I am from Hong Kong

When did you start your interest in exploration?

I’ve been lucky to live in different parts of the world since I was young, half my life in New Zealand and Australia. My dad inspired my love for travel. He was born in Cambodia and had to flee during the civil war. I think that sense of movement and seeing life from different angles has always been a part of me.

As a kid, I loved watching the Dakar Rally and wildlife documentaries. That shaped what I dreamed of doing, being out in the world, exploring.

In 2010, I rented a camper van and drove around Western Australia. That trip sparked something deep in me. I knew then that one day, I wanted to live on the road. And finally, in 2024, I made it happen.

What is a brief understanding of your background story up until you started seeking adventure?

Like many people, I was searching for meaning in everyday life. I followed what society told me to do, study, work, climb the ladder. I didn’t hate my job, and I liked the people I worked with, but something always felt missing.

I worked in the corporate world for over 20 years. But every year, the only thing I really looked forward to was using all my annual leave to escape. I felt like the artist in me was dying.

I wanted a life that felt more real, not just ticking boxes. I didn’t want to be a tourist escaping life. I wanted to be a traveler experiencing it.

In early 2024, I took a 6-month sabbatical. Four months in, I quit my job and decided to go all in. I’ve been on the road since July 2024.

What special skills do you have to help with your explorations?

I’m very go-with-the-flow. I used to try to control everything, but now I’ve learned to let go and adapt. Every day brings new challenges, but I like that. The difference now is, I make choices for myself, not for a company or anyone else.

I’m not great with directions (GPS is my best friend), and I can’t fix anything on my car. But I trust my gut. I’ve learned to pick up on when something feels off.

Where have you explored so far?

Since leaving Hong Kong, I’ve driven through:

China, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and now Morocco — over 16 countries and 40,000km so far.

By plane, I have visited a lot of South East Asian countries.

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

I don’t really plan much. I listen to my heart more than my head now. If something unexpected happens, I go with it. When I need quiet, I stay in the car. When I’m feeling social, I go out and talk to people.

Over 9 months on the road has changed how I see life. I still love gears and shopping, but now my luxuries are: a hot shower, clean clothes, and a proper toilet.

Traveling through remote areas, I’ve seen how different and yet similar people are. Everyone’s fighting their own battles. It’s taught me to be kinder to others, and to myself.

What are the top three destinations you hope to explore next, and why?

1. Safari in Africa – It’s been a dream since I was a kid.
2. South America – I’ve never been.
3. Iran, Pakistan, and Jordan – So much culture and history I want to experience.

Safari is still #1 on my list. Just figuring out the logistics.

Where would you recommend others visit?

Central Asia really surprised me — especially Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Armenia is special to me too — it’s where I decided to quit my job and live on the road full-time.

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

I drive a 2012 Land Rover Defender 110, 2.2 diesel (the Puma).

Top 3 mods:

1. Upgraded suspension
2. Switched from aluminum to steel roof rack after the first one broke off-roading in Mongolia
3. Full interior build for full-time living

Next: I’m planning a rooftop conversion and full interior rebuild based on what I’ve learned so far.

What are five pieces of equipment that you always travel with?

1. Cameras
2. Phone
3. Cap/hat
4. Tissue paper
5. Power bank

Recovery tools are important — but if you don’t know how to use them, they’re just dead weight.

What inspires you to explore more?

Seeing others stuck in cycles reminds me why I chose a different path. I want to feel alive. I want to really live, not just exist.

How do you engage with others?

When I’m feeling social, I usually say hello and ask about their rig, it’s a good icebreaker. I often find out we have more in common than we thought. This lifestyle attracts a certain kind of soul.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

I’ve met so many kind people who had so little, but gave so much.

Traveling helps me see beyond the news, to understand people for who they are, not how they’re shown to us. 

What are your goals when you explore?

To live with passion, let stories unfold, and hopefully make a difference, big or small while I’m here.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

• Keeping routine
• Saying goodbye to new friends
• Staying disciplined in a small space
• Dealing with self-doubt on my own

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

The most recent accident. When my car flipped on a dune in Morocco and I walked away with no injuries. That moment reminded me how fast everything can change.  Since then I often remind myself to go to bed each day knowing I have done all the things I want to do for the day and I genuinely look forward to the next day nowadays. I can’t say the same when I was in the rat race.

How has exploration changed you?

It showed me that I can be my true self. I finally feel like I’m doing what I was meant to do.

What is the number one lesson that you have learnt through your exploration?

Nothing lasts forever. Enjoy it while it’s here.

How do you explore locally?

My Defender is my home now. But when I lived in Hong Kong, I’d explore by car or on my bike or take a ferry/boat, you’d be surprised how much nature is around all the islands in Hong Kong.

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

Life starts when you leave your comfort zone. Just step out, stay open, and let life unfold.

What advice would you give to others who are seeking life changing adventure?

Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just take the first step, the rest will follow.