AXN Asia, in a strategic partnership with Tourism Malaysia, presents Unfading Memoirs, an exploration of Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes via digital travel content.
This production, available on AXN across Asia, provides viewers with a fresh perspective on Malaysia's beauty through entertainment.
Through a series of user-generated content initiatives, viewers can share their travel experiences and stand to win exclusive trips.
IMMERSIVE
Hosted by Justin Bratton and Selina Lo, alongside food and travel enthusiast Erwan Heussaff, the mini-series promises an immersive exploration of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.
In a recent Zoom interview, Justin said the programme was a lot of fun as he loved travelling.
"AXN invited me to do this programme and I was very happy," said Justin.
"Travelling around Malaysia is fun and interesting because it is a diverse and colourful place with friendly people.
"This programme has made me learn so much about Malaysia, and it is my most extensive trip here."
BEST FRIENDS
Justin has visited Malaysia before and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for a while.
"I was in Malaysia for a year in 2011 and did a travelogue.
"What I love most about my latest show is that I get to hang out with my best friend Selina, and do something that we greatly enjoy — interacting with people from different parts of Malaysia and experiencing their work.
"People here are helpful, nice and sweet. They have good conversations with me."
PENANG
For Justin, what makes Malaysia special is its people, who are friendly, talented, multilingual and multicultural.
"They also make great food too. It is here that I learn new things every day."
On his favourite place in the country, Justin admitted that Penang was his first choice.
"I love Penang because of its lovely heritage and scenery. It has great food, too, it deserves the title food capital of Malaysia," he said, adding that he would love to go camping in the lush, tropical mountains.
"I love the festivals like Thaipusam, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, and the spicy Straits Chinese and Indian Muslim food, Malaysian food is definitely on my list of the top five in the region," said Justin.
HULU KLANG
When asked about his most memorable experiences in Malaysia, Justin said he enjoyed visiting Kemensah Restaurant in Hulu Klang, Selangor, where people literally dined on a shallow river.
"I've never seen this before, you actually sit on stools in a river to have your lunch or dinner."
Justin also enjoyed the Sarawak River cruise in Kuching.
"It was so much fun, with the ominous thunderstorm lurking in the distance," he said.
SAGO WORMS
In Sarawak, he also took up the challenge of eating sago worms.
"They taste like oysters or squid, a little creepy at first, but I loved it and would do it again for sure."
When asked about the interesting people he met, Justin said he greatly admired the people in charge of the Semenggoh Orang Utan Sanctuary in Kuching, and how they bonded with the primates.
"It's not easy to be an orang utan whisperer, but these guys really have the time, patience and passion to bond with the beautiful red apes of Borneo."
GENTING HIGHLANDS
As for Justin's future plans, he would love to return to Langkawi and visit Genting Highlands, Kota Kinabalu and Pulau Perhentian.
"I have not been to any concert or music festival, and I would love to next time," he said, adding that he would be back in Kuala Lumpur in September for a new programme.
ACTOR
Justin, 42, hails from Texas, the United States, and is of English and Myanmar ancestry.
Justin, who also writes film scripts and acts, admitted that he did not like to do too much research when hosting a travelogue.
"I prefer to experience things for myself, and go to the less explored places, where I get to meet rural people and learn about their lifestyles," he said.
"Travel shows make me express myself better since they have less scripted dialogue."
CONTEST
Unfading Memoirs comes with a contest for viewers to win a three-day and two-night visit to Malaysia worth about RM6,600.
They must post a photo or video of their most memorable experience in Malaysia on their social media account with a brief caption, tag @AXNasia and use the hashtags #AXNUnfadingMemoirs and #MalaysiaTrulyAsia.
The contest starts today (July 15) until Aug 25, and the winner will be announced on Sept 3.
Visit www.axn-asia.com/UnfadingMemoirs for details.