About me:Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia with a Sri Lankan background, the decision to leave home and work with Contiki was sparked with nothing more than being completely fed up of having no idea what to do with my life. This was also coupled with the fact that I had just finished an amazing 36 day European trip with Contiki. Little did I know that I would find my life calling through giving people the trip of a lifetime. On my Contiki tour in 2006, I had created the most amazing memories with the most amazing people and it was this experience that I was determined to replicated for each and every person that came onto my trips. Years down the track and it is this same passion that drives me to give my all for my groups.
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P
Matt was my Contiki tour guide on the Asian Adventure trip in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia in 2014.
He works incredibly hard but seems to take it all in his stride. He is pleasant at all times and alw…Matt was my Contiki tour guide on the Asian Adventure trip in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia in 2014.
He works incredibly hard but seems to take it all in his stride. He is pleasant at all times and always seems to enjoy himself no matter how much organising he has to do. His knowledge was thorough, practical and interesting at all times.
There were no major difficulties for him to fix on the trip but this was in no small part due to the fact that Matt managed to prepare everyone for all potential problems without having to speak for any great length.
His good humour and enthusiasm set the tone for a brilliant trip where a group of otherwise very different characters mixed very well and all felt comfortable. He entertained everyone with great stories on the long boat trip. He planned nights out very well and the whole group enjoyed themselves.
My only regret was that I couldn't stay on with him to continue the tour into Vietnam
L
The trip of a lifetime! Adventuring through Greece for 2 weeks -- watching 'Matty Minaj' absolutely killing it on our late night karaoke jams on the way back from Paradise Beach. All the while maintai…The trip of a lifetime! Adventuring through Greece for 2 weeks -- watching 'Matty Minaj' absolutely killing it on our late night karaoke jams on the way back from Paradise Beach. All the while maintaining a professional and caring presence the entire time! I'll never forget those days - no regrets.
D
Visited some really majestic places in China on my Contiki tour with many unforgettable memories, great hotel accommodation and seamless transport transfers.
S
Matt completely made our tour in Japan. He seemed to have a supernatural knowledge of where the toilets where and where we were going at every point on the trip, and would completely go out of his way…Matt completely made our tour in Japan. He seemed to have a supernatural knowledge of where the toilets where and where we were going at every point on the trip, and would completely go out of his way to make sure everyone on the tour was happy. His enthusiasm and sense of humour is infectious. He was somehow able to go out with us seemingly every night and we always had a good time.
E
Two years ago, i, 24 years old and french canadian flew alone to China. It was the first trip on my bucket list, the dream of my life. I was sooo scared! On may 11, 2014, i met Matty Minaj, the most p…Two years ago, i, 24 years old and french canadian flew alone to China. It was the first trip on my bucket list, the dream of my life. I was sooo scared! On may 11, 2014, i met Matty Minaj, the most passionate person in the world. I instantly felt secure. He made me want to travel again and again, he made the group of 21 persons from all over the world connected to each other. Btw, were still in contact and visiting each others countries! Matt is a generous, passionnate, entertaining and sensitive person. He instantly becomes your friend and you feel important even if he has 1 billion friends!;)
S
I had the pleasure and privilege to get Matt on not one, but TWO tours! The first for Greek Island Hopping in 2010, and the second for the Vietnam Experience in 2014. Each time, Matt was extremely i…I had the pleasure and privilege to get Matt on not one, but TWO tours! The first for Greek Island Hopping in 2010, and the second for the Vietnam Experience in 2014. Each time, Matt was extremely insightful, delightfully entertaining, and always helpful in accommodating for what we needed--be it fixing oversights during our booking that disallowed my boyfriend and I the ability to room together, making sure that meals in Vietnam catered to my dietary needs, or even finding clever ways to get around town. He always did this with a natural sense of charm and excitement, and was always able to maintain his energy level well into the evening (or even early morning in some cases)! I will always associate the AMAZING time in Greece and the AMAZING time in Vietnam with this AMAZING guide!
F
I did the China Adventure tour with the one and only, Matty Minaj! Absolutely loved the entire trip. I've done quite a few tours in my time and have to say Matt was by the far the most fun, organised,…I did the China Adventure tour with the one and only, Matty Minaj! Absolutely loved the entire trip. I've done quite a few tours in my time and have to say Matt was by the far the most fun, organised, professional and amazing guide ever! He made everything so easy and could always be relied upon for some laughs. So many good memories from that trip!!
L
Going through Japan with Matt was incredible, his knowledge and spirit are completely unmatched. Matt made every effort to bring the group together with extreme success. His personal touches of having…Going through Japan with Matt was incredible, his knowledge and spirit are completely unmatched. Matt made every effort to bring the group together with extreme success. His personal touches of having night time plans and a theme party at the end of tour were amazing and will not be forgotten! Matt has found the perfect blend of professional and fun for a tour guide!
J
Matthew made our trip to Greece absolutely unforgettable! My husband and I had the best time, made some great friends, and watched Matt handle unpredictable situations (and people) with compassion, hu…Matthew made our trip to Greece absolutely unforgettable! My husband and I had the best time, made some great friends, and watched Matt handle unpredictable situations (and people) with compassion, humor and grace. I would say that he has a way of bringing out the best in everyone and everything, so that no bump in the road gets in the way of a good time. His inclusive friendliness made everyone feel like they were family right away, and by the end of the trip--we were all taking pictures together like old friends. I look back on those days spent together as some of the most life-affirming times ever, and I'm lucky to have crossed paths with this guy:)
N
Matt was an amazing tour manager. I had a little trouble adjusting the first ew days and he was beyond understanding and extremely accommodating. He made everything absolutely effortless. I knew what …Matt was an amazing tour manager. I had a little trouble adjusting the first ew days and he was beyond understanding and extremely accommodating. He made everything absolutely effortless. I knew what time to wake up, what to wear, where to eat, where to explore and every detail in between. He almost literally gave me the shirt off his back when I wasn't paying attention and packed a limited amount of things in my overnight bag. He was knowledgeable, kind and more fun than I ever imagined. I'd follow him on any tour around the world if it was in my schedule and budget. Loved, loved, loved him.
L
Matt was our tour guide on the Greek Island Hopper in what feels like 10 years ago. I'll never forget how kind, funny and helpful he was throughout the whole experience and after that. He was consider…Matt was our tour guide on the Greek Island Hopper in what feels like 10 years ago. I'll never forget how kind, funny and helpful he was throughout the whole experience and after that. He was considerate to all travellers no matter their age, gender or personality. It was such a pleasure to have fun with him and he gave us memories that will last a lifetime! Thanks Matt!
T
Matt is truly a great tour guide. He is having just as much fun as the party goers and he knows all the locals. Very friendly. This guy knows how to have a good time!
N
Matt was my guide for my Contiki Japan trip. It was my first time travelling alone so I was really nervous about getting lost, making friends etc. Ended up being the most amazing trip and I feel that …Matt was my guide for my Contiki Japan trip. It was my first time travelling alone so I was really nervous about getting lost, making friends etc. Ended up being the most amazing trip and I feel that was mainly due to Matt. Not once did I feel stressed or uncomfortable and I came home with nothing but good memories. Matt was very professional and organised with any queries or requests we made. he was very knowledgable and some of the highlights of the trip were places he'd suggested. Definitely a more confident traveller thanks to Matt!
C
I have traveled with tour groups multiple times now throughout the world, and Matt is the absolute best guide that I have had. He gives his all to each person on the trip, makes learning about the wor…I have traveled with tour groups multiple times now throughout the world, and Matt is the absolute best guide that I have had. He gives his all to each person on the trip, makes learning about the world an absolute blast, and helps his tour groups to create a positive sense of community. He is a gifted man filled with emotional intelligence and kindness. I wish I could go on another tour with Matt.
D
Greek island hopping tour. Matt was amazing, he made sure everyone was happy and was always coming out with us all and staying out til the last person was back safe at the hotel!!! His attitude & grea…Greek island hopping tour. Matt was amazing, he made sure everyone was happy and was always coming out with us all and staying out til the last person was back safe at the hotel!!! His attitude & great vibes made the tour something il never forgot! I've done 5 contiki tours & he is by far the best trip manager I've EVER had!!'
B
At the end of contiki I was asked to complete a survey on how well I felt our tour guide had treated us on the tour and I could not find a single complaint with Matt. He was a good friend and extremel…At the end of contiki I was asked to complete a survey on how well I felt our tour guide had treated us on the tour and I could not find a single complaint with Matt. He was a good friend and extremely fun for the whole two weeks. Could not have asked for a better your guide
C
Matt was one of my tour managers back in 2013 and I cannot rate him enough ! His enthusiasm and postative personality really created an amazing atmosphere on our tour group !
When I book another cont…Matt was one of my tour managers back in 2013 and I cannot rate him enough ! His enthusiasm and postative personality really created an amazing atmosphere on our tour group !
When I book another contiki I would love to have him as my tour manager again!!
Five stars for me :)
A
Matt was my first tour guid on my first continue. I was so impressed with the service and level of commitment I have since gone on other continue trips. I did my trip in my off time in the middle of a…Matt was my first tour guid on my first continue. I was so impressed with the service and level of commitment I have since gone on other continue trips. I did my trip in my off time in the middle of a military deployment Matt allowed me to get the most out of my holiday and return to work completely refreshed.
Y
Thai Island Hopper West
My best friend and i went on a contiki last year in Thailand with Matt as our tour guide. it was THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE EVER!!! Matt was the coolest guy and made the trip unforgettable! I have be…My best friend and i went on a contiki last year in Thailand with Matt as our tour guide. it was THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE EVER!!! Matt was the coolest guy and made the trip unforgettable! I have been on a few other tours since and I'm quite positive no one will ever live up too matt! he partied harder then all of us but was still professional. BEST TOUR GUIDE EVER!
K
I went on the Island Hopper Tour in Thailand with Matt. The whole tour was incredible with brilliant locations, accommodation and activities. The best part however was our guide Mat, he was soo enthus…I went on the Island Hopper Tour in Thailand with Matt. The whole tour was incredible with brilliant locations, accommodation and activities. The best part however was our guide Mat, he was soo enthusiastic and made such an effort with every person on the tour! He was also incredibly organised with a lot of knowledge about interesting things to do in each area in our free time. Very Impressed and would definitly recommend Contiki and Mat for anyone!
D
Incredible tour. Matt was an amazing tour guide. Even by Contiki standards, he stands out. He has great local knowledge and is just such a nice and fun guy. Couldn't have asked for better! He also fou…Incredible tour. Matt was an amazing tour guide. Even by Contiki standards, he stands out. He has great local knowledge and is just such a nice and fun guy. Couldn't have asked for better! He also found me an Asian eye hospital to visit every two days. What a bloke.
I
Crazy adventure through Japan, Matt really bought the group together so no one was left out despite the massive variety of characters. We all had maybe too much fun!!!!
A
Thai Island Hopper West
The trip was amazing and matt made it soo much better. He went above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable and have a great time. Everywhere we stayed was beautiful
M
The tour was amazing - Saw amazing sights of Thailand that many of my friends missed out on simply because they did not know about them. The boat tours were by far my favourite. Great amount of down t…The tour was amazing - Saw amazing sights of Thailand that many of my friends missed out on simply because they did not know about them. The boat tours were by far my favourite. Great amount of down time and our time
L
Matt was the most amazing tour guide, mixing professionalism with good humor and lots of laughs. He made my tour truly unforgettable and it was a privilege to have him as a guide. Hoping to get to do …Matt was the most amazing tour guide, mixing professionalism with good humor and lots of laughs. He made my tour truly unforgettable and it was a privilege to have him as a guide. Hoping to get to do a tour with again in the future.
D
Had an amazing time. Planning on another this year before I get too old
R
Matt is amazing! He is a mix of good vibes, professionalism, fun and many other amazing things... he makes the difference in the tour. Tours industry must clone him for future generations of traveler…Matt is amazing! He is a mix of good vibes, professionalism, fun and many other amazing things... he makes the difference in the tour. Tours industry must clone him for future generations of travelers... :)
L
Matt is the most amazing person, ever! He is the reason that my Big Indochina Contiki was the best trip of my life. If there was any issue (and there hardly was), Matt sorted it out in a second. Large…Matt is the most amazing person, ever! He is the reason that my Big Indochina Contiki was the best trip of my life. If there was any issue (and there hardly was), Matt sorted it out in a second. Larger than life personality, fantastic sense of humour and just a lovely human being. (Love you Matty!)
J
Matt is the most incredible tour guide. He is makes his tours so much fun while always being professional. He honestly goes out of his way to make sure you have an amazing and unique experience on his…Matt is the most incredible tour guide. He is makes his tours so much fun while always being professional. He honestly goes out of his way to make sure you have an amazing and unique experience on his tours.
J
I had an absolutely amazing time on my Contiki tour. Everything was really well organised, we were well informed and everything was made to be as enjoyable as possible. I would highly recommend travel…I had an absolutely amazing time on my Contiki tour. Everything was really well organised, we were well informed and everything was made to be as enjoyable as possible. I would highly recommend travelling with Contiki to all my friends and anyone looking to travel overseas. I would especially like to thank my tour guide Matt who was incredible! He was so much fun and always had so much energy no matter what hour of the day it was. He was often the life of the party. His bubbly and happy personality was infectious and really made the trip that extra bit special for myself and my travel companions. Not only did he make the parties extremely memorable, he made the trip run extremely smoothly and was very well organised. He was very approachable with any questions! Best experience ever!
O
Matt is a great tour guide. He is friendly, outgoing and very professional. He will go out of his way to make sure everybody has an amazing experience. He gives helpful information and relevant cultu…Matt is a great tour guide. He is friendly, outgoing and very professional. He will go out of his way to make sure everybody has an amazing experience. He gives helpful information and relevant cultural tips so everybody can get the maximum cultural awareness and enjoy the country to the fullest.
H
Matt was my first.....Contiki tourguid.
That was over 2 years ago and I can still honestly say it was the best holiday I've ever had.
Matt is one of those lucky people who has found what they're tru…Matt was my first.....Contiki tourguid.
That was over 2 years ago and I can still honestly say it was the best holiday I've ever had.
Matt is one of those lucky people who has found what they're trully talented at. His humour, kindness and knowledge makes him an outstanding tourguid.
He had the ability to make us solo travelers feel welcome and not alone in an unknown country. Also worst mentioning is Matts ability to drop it on the 'd floor and give suitable levels of tough love to people suffering from category 5 hangovers.
S
Vietnam is a stunningly beautiful country with a haunting history. The people are kind, the food is fantastic, and the contiki version whisks you all over the country so you are always enchanted with …Vietnam is a stunningly beautiful country with a haunting history. The people are kind, the food is fantastic, and the contiki version whisks you all over the country so you are always enchanted with a new place to explore. My tour guide Matt was a pro at somehow coordinating everything behind the scenes without it ever looking hard, and setting up fun ways for us to get to know everyone on the trip, so that even the early morning bus rides were enjoyable. I loved how he kept us connected on Facebook as well, always updating photos and funny stories. Our group was full of inside jokes and we all felt like we got to know Matt as a person outside of being "just" a guide.
My personal experience on how Matt went the extra mile will stand out to me forever. I got my wedding dress custom made in Vietnam, and he attended my first appointment and told me I looked beautiful. He then coordinated with the company and hotel to deliver my gown even after we had left that city. Talk about over the top service! He made my trip a wonderful memory I'll treasure forever.
B
Matt showed patience while demonstrating his knowledge at every turn. Absolute legend!
E
Thai Island Hopper West
I did the Thai hopper west with Matt, the accomodation & transport was great.
Matt made sure everyone's trip was a trip of a trip of a lifetime an memorial one.
W
The trip was made by my tour guide. Matthew was always the last one leaving the party and the first one getting up. His fun loving and knowledgable personality shone the entire trip. Thank you Matt
A
Matt completely made my trip to Vietnam! Not only is he very knowledgeable about the history and community he was tons of fun too! It was great knowing you had someone to count on and have a good time…Matt completely made my trip to Vietnam! Not only is he very knowledgeable about the history and community he was tons of fun too! It was great knowing you had someone to count on and have a good time with.
