Singapore — You would probably have seen the video clip of popular TV host Chua Enlai hamming it up on board an Air New Zealand Dreamliner plane on social media platforms such as Facebook. Yes, the funny man had a lot of fun portraying four different characters — a mum, a businessman, a teenager and himself — in the video, especially the teenager.

“I was very touched that someone asked me to play a teenager. It was like the auntie at 7-Eleven asking me for my ID when I bought beer!” he laughed.

The avid traveller — currently on his way to Iceland — also has a soft spot for New Zealand, having grown up there and taking its natural beauty for granted. “When I was growing up in NZ, I’d always wanted to go to Switzerland. You know, (because of) The Sound of Music?” he said. “When I did go, I was like, ‘NZ’s nicer’. Hah!”

Q: How did you come up with the four characters for the Air NZ video? And why a woman among them?

A: Why not? That’s why I love planes and airports. There’s such a “rojak” (mix) of people on the way to somewhere new or (when) returning home. There are so many emotions connected to travel. On a single plane, there is a great mix of people, and depending on your budget, several styles of services offered. On an Air NZ plane, there’s Business Premier, Premium Economy, the Economy Skycouch and standard Economy. So, we decided to populate these cabins with different people.

Q: It can be stressful coping with so many people in a confined space. So how do you relax on board a plane when flying economy?

A: I always take a change of clothes — pajamas and my own slippers. Take your shoes off only after take-off, please. I like to indulge in a drink. Of course, the inflight entertainment is very important. And flying is half the fun as I’m a bit of a geek and appreciate air planes.

Q: Since you’re so familiar with NZ, what are some places or activities you’d recommend travellers try in New Zealand?

A: For the itchy backsides, go skiing, rafting, or bungee-jumping. Many of these crazy sports originated in NZ. You can visit the original AJ Hackett in Queenstown. It’s right over the Kawarau river, which has great vineyards and makes excellent cheese. New Zealand also has lots of vineyards and cheeses, and the cuisine is sophisticated and fresh. Also try food cooked from a hangi. It is a traditional Maori way of cooking with many layers involved, like a lasagna. Culturally, you can go to Rotorua (North Island) to explore more of the Maori culture and also the geysers n mud pools. But the stunning scenery is in the south. In Auckland, I’d recommend Ponsonby, Parnell and K Road. There’s great coffee there, too. Just off Queen St, there’s Vulcan Lane where you can get NZ fashion labels like Zambesi.

Q: So what’s the worst holiday you have had?

A: A family holiday in China in the 1990s to learn more about my roots. It was terrible. Worst. Trip. Ever. The toilets. Enough said. China has changed a lot. That’s good.

Q: You’re also known to be quite the smart bargain hunter when it comes to travel deals. Could you tell us the most amazing deal you have scored and what are some easy ways to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your holiday?

A: I’ve used my miles to upgrade to (Singapore Airlines) Suites! And also to the new First Apartment (from Etihad Airways)! I think that is good value for miles to buy your way into these outrageously priced products. Sign up for newsletters — you may get lots of extraneous stuff but sometimes you’ll hit the jackpot. And good deals are all about timing.