My Travel CV: I’ve lived all over, this Aussie spot is my No.1

This Melbourne-based West Papuan entertainer has travelled the world performing, but it is Bowen, in Queensland, that always reminds her of home.

The Whitsundays and Vanuatu hold a special place in the memories of  Lele. This is her Travel CV:

I got my first passport...

When I was two, as a Dutch citizen. I was born in The Hague in the Netherlands. My family is from West Papua, but we migrated due to unrest in the country which still goes on today. We moved to Papua New Guinea, the Netherlands, Vanuatu and finally Canberra. We were the first West Papuan family to emigrate to Australia, in 1988.

I’ve been to...

At least 17 countries. I’d love to also visit Mexico, Bora Bora and Colombia.

My first holiday memory is...

Sydney, aged 10. My parents saved money so we could travel from Canberra to Sydney for a weekend. It was our first time experiencing “the big smoke”. We took buses, trains and, back then, monorails. Our trip to the now-closed amusement park Australia’s Wonderland was an eye-opening experience for a young island girl who’d only ever seen theme parks in movies and TV. We visited the Opera House, saw the Harbour Bridge for the first time and visited Taronga Zoo.

My favourite place in Australia is...

Bowen, Queensland. I love it there as it reminds me of home. It’s right at the top of the Whitsundays and has eight stunning beaches. I filmed some video clips there not long ago – for my single Jow Manfun, also for my solo single and duet with my husband Mitch Tambo, My Island Home.

My first holiday memory is Sydney, aged 10. We visited the Opera House, saw the Harbour Bridge for the first time.

The place I’d rather be right now is...

Port Vila, Vanuatu. From the age of two to seven I lived there, and it was the closest I’ve felt to being home in West Papua. The people looked like me and the culture felt familiar. I picked up the language quickly and Vanuatuan life became second nature. We lived humbly but richly. I’d follow Dad into the bush to dig up sweet potatoes, yams and taro for dinner or fish in the ocean. Across from our home was a sugar cane plantation, a childhood playground where we’d enjoy sweet rewards straight from the earth. We swam a lot in the clear, turquoise waters of Port Vila’s ocean. Those waters hold a special place in my memories.

The place I’ve visited most often is...

Cairns and Townsville. I have four daughters, aged three to 19, and we’ve had lovely times there escaping Melbourne’s weather.

What I’ve noticed has changed in travel...

The importance of paying for travel insurance and focusing a lot on “what ifs” in case something goes wrong.

The place I’ve visited most often is Cairns.

The place that most surprised me was...

Canada. I was there for a gig and never realised how beautiful the scenery is. Everywhere you look literally seems like a postcard.

The place that didn’t live up to expectations...

New Caledonia. It’s still got the tropical feel but there’s a lot of French restaurants, shops and influence. I know it’s a French colony, but I would’ve loved to see more of the Melanesian culture celebrated.

My holidays are mostly devoted to...

Soaking up the ambience on the streets. I had a pinch-me moment walking around New York while eating a huge slice of pizza. I also loved wandering around Brooklyn exploring the cafés.

I had a pinch-me moment walking around New York while eating a huge slice of pizza.

The souvenir I always buy...

It’s so clichéd but a fridge magnet.

The most interesting person I’ve met on a plane is...

A beautiful older lady on a flight from Melbourne to Perth. She’d just lost her husband suddenly to a heart attack while they were on a cruise; it was such a sad trip. I listened to her speak of the man that her husband was and was happy that I was seated next to her so she could share her feelings.

My best/weirdest things I’ve eaten while travelling was...

In Canada I connected with some indigenous mob who welcomed us on country and gave us smoked bear as part of ceremony, and yes, I ate it! The sushi in Japan was also next level.

The sushi in Japan is next level.

Travel has taught me...

This world is so diverse and full of beautiful cultures. Always travel with an open mind and tread carefully no matter where. The land you’re walking on is sacred to the people of the area. Be super respectful of their rich culture and heritage.

How many flights have you missed?

None so far! I travel a lot for work, often with my sisters, who are singers as well. A work trip makes you more aware of turning up on time!

Passports/visas/wallets/luggage lost?

En route to Bowen for our video shoots we had a whole suitcase go missing. It had all the clothes in it for the shoot. Turns out it was still sitting at Melbourne Airport. After some panicking, we were able to arrange it to be sent up on the next flight. Phew.

Always travel with an open mind and tread carefully no matter where. The land you’re walking on is sacred to the people of the area. Picture: Supplied.

Who is your favourite travel companion?

Mitch. We generally have the same travel interests and if we don’t feel like talking, that’s okay too. Although I’d like to convince him to see a few more art galleries.

Flight, cruise, car or train?

I’ve never been on a cruise, but I’d love to take my children on a Disney ship.

Multiple versions of My Island Home by Mitch Tambo and Voice of Lele, including a West Papua Mix, are available to stream now.

Originally published as My Travel CV: I’ve lived all over, this Aussie spot is my No.1