Our Girl : Found this on the Net

Norliza's Annual Break

SHE'S had many jobs, including that of an IT consultant and hotel PR manager. She's also very well travelled - both in Malaysia and around the world. All these make Norliza Kamaruddin very well equipped to handle challenges. After all, says the general manager for corporate communications for Malaysia Airports Berhad, the company manages 39 airports in the country, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Her team will have its hands full later this year when MAB manages the 14th World Route Development Forum to be hosted by Malaysia. It will also be the first time the prestigious event is being held in Asia. The forum is also being held in conjunction with KLIA's 10th anniversary. But busy as she is, Norliza still makes it a point to go on holidays with her family once a year. Tell us about your most interesting travel experience. Cherating, with my family. There were 16 of us. We stayed at the cosy Impiana Resort, which has a lovely beach and a nice lounge where we all went dancing every night. Have you ever had a really bad experience? All my holidays in Malaysia have been pleasant. How best do you unwind on your holiday? Lepak-ing at the beach and by the pool. Enjoying sunny skies. Reading a good book. That's total relaxation. What type of holidays do you prefer? Relaxing holidays and shopping. Who do you usually go holiday with? Mostly with my kids and parents. What can't you leave home without when you travel? Sunblock lotion, a book, Johnson wipes. I am like a moving pharmacy as I bring all the medications for those travelling with me. Which is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia? Does it also give you the best holiday memory? Penang. My kids love it there. It is Malaysia and yet, not too 'Malaysian'. What's the best hotel you've stayed in so far? Why? Mutiara Hotel, Penang. They are closed now. It used to be dubbed 'the world's most romantic hotel'. I have to agree. The private beach, the people, the ambience and the food just added up to make a holiday there worthwhile. What or who do you miss most when you go away on vacation? My house and my bed. What do you hate most while travelling? Getting there. Where next would you like to go? Pulau Redang, for the white, sandy beach, clear water and beautiful corals. Where would you recommend your friend to go? Penang, Langkawi or Cherating - it's all in one, for shopping, beach, sun, blue skies and five-star resorts. What was the best thing you bought on your travel and where? A sundress in Penang. What was the best food you ever tasted during your travel and where? Penang char kuey teow - anywhere in Penang. Are you a compulsive traveller or do you follow your budget and itinerary carefully? I am not as compulsive as I would like to be. I have to plan my trip as my job is very demanding. Any advice or tips for travellers? Always plan trips based on your needs. It can be a shopping holiday, a beach holiday or historical holiday. Work from thereon. Any comment on Malaysian tourism: places of interest, services, etc? Everything Malaysia is great!