Singapore may be small, but some of its travellers think big. In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I sit down with two passionate explorers from Singapore: Wee Cheng Tan and Redzuan “Red” Rahmat.
This conversation was recorded during the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok. This conference features inspiring stories from some of the world’s most remarkable travellers.
Both Red and Wee Cheng have spent years traveling to places most people wouldn’t even think of visiting. In this episode, they share their experiences, insights, and motivations for seeing the world.
A Passion for Travel That Started Early
For Wee Cheng, travel was always on his mind. When asked about how he started, he shares:
“I wanted to see the world, I wanted to see what’s outside.”
Red had a similar experience. His journey started with simple backpacking trips, but he soon found himself drawn to less-explored destinations.
“I just started with Malaysia and Indonesia, like most Singaporeans, and then slowly expanded outward.”
Their love for travel grew with experience, leading them to far-flung destinations that most tourists never consider.
Choosing the Road Less Travelled
While many travellers dream of visiting popular destinations, Wee Cheng and Red take a different approach – choosing places often overlooked. Wee Cheng says:
“I don’t particularly look for the most remote or the most difficult, but sometimes, when I see a place on the map, I just want to go.”
For Red, the motivation comes from curiosity and a desire to challenge himself.
“The first few trips, I was just going to cheap places, and then slowly I realized that I wanted to see different things.”
Their travels have taken them to destinations that many have never heard of, all in search of unique experiences and deeper cultural understanding.
Travelling as a Singaporean:
Passport Power and Unexpected Challenges
Being a Singaporean traveller comes with both advantages and challenges. One major advantage is the powerful Singaporean passport, which grants visa-free access to many countries.
“It does make travel easier in most cases,” says Wee Cheng. But despite this, they’ve both faced challenges along the way.
“People still ask me why I’m traveling alone, why I want to go to this place, or why I’m spending money to come here.”
Many assume that Singaporeans only visit luxurious destinations, but Wee Cheng and Red prove otherwise – choosing adventure and cultural exploration over five-star resorts.
What’s the Motivation Behind Their Travels?
For Wee Cheng, travel is not just about checking off countries but about experiencing different cultures.
“I don’t particularly look for the most remote or the most difficult, but sometimes when I see a place on the map, I just want to go.”
He describes how his travel style evolved over time, from quick trips to a slower, more immersive approach.
Red, on the other hand, sees travel as a way to challenge himself:
“The first few trips, I was just going to cheap places, then slowly, I realized that I wanted to see different things.”
Both have found that their journeys have given them a deeper appreciation for different cultures and a better understanding of the world beyond Singapore.
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Experiencing the Unexpected
One of the best things about travel is the surprises along the way.
One of Red’s most memorable experiences was traveling to a place where the locals rarely saw tourists.
“They look at you, and they’re like, ‘Why are you here?’.”
For Wee Cheng, the appeal of travel is the sense of discovery.
“Sometimes you go somewhere, and it’s not what you expected at all. That’s the fun part.”
Both travelers agree that the most interesting moments often happen when things don’t go as planned.
Overcoming Challenges on the Road
Even with experience, travelling isn’t always easy.
Red mentions how people sometimes question his travel choices.
“People still ask me why I’m traveling alone, why I want to go to this place, or why I’m spending money to come here.”
Despite these challenges, he remains committed to exploring.
For Wee Cheng, one of the difficulties is finding time to travel while balancing life at home.
“It’s not always easy to take time off, but I make it a priority.”
What’s Next?
More Adventures Ahead
Even after years of travel, both Red and Wee Cheng have plenty of adventures ahead.
“There’s always something new to see,” says Wee Cheng.
Red echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that his travels are far from over.
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop. There’s always another place to go.”
Their passion for exploration continues to drive them forward, always seeking new experiences and untold stories.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up the conversation, one thing is clear – Red and Wee Cheng are travelers at heart. Their journeys are not just about visiting places, but about understanding cultures, meeting people, and embracing the unexpected.
“Travel changes the way you see the world.”
For these two Singaporean adventurers, the journey is never over – only the next destination awaits.
My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.
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