''I just wanted to walk through the dunes and feel the sand between my toes. That's the way I wanted to experience it. Other people were taking panoramic photos and saying; ''Yeah, that's my next Facebook cover shot''.
Cheng, a 35-year-old journalist who works for the APNZ news agency, is a seasoned traveller who has spent about four of the past six years on the road, including a year in Asia. He took a course in vipassana meditation in Nepal, which involved living for 10 days in total silence like a Buddhist monk, and loves to disappear into the mountains for up to a week at a time. Not surprisingly he did not take a smartphone travelling with him.
His father bought him an iPhone before his last trip, as his parents worried about him mountain-climbing alone, but he does not like using it.
''Personally I don't think you need them ... You know, not having that itch in your pocket where you're thinking; 'I wonder if someone's emailed me?' It makes you more present, I think.''
He feels the demands of social media have taken over in other areas too, like live music.
''Everyone is recording videos instead of watching the concert''.
Cheng concedes travelling with a smartphone can be useful. He remembers a friend using an instant Mandarin translation app to ask a flabbergasted old man in Taiwan for directions to the nearest guest house. But Cheng still feels uncomfortable about the socially competitive aspect of posting the best, fastest photos online to rack up Facebook likes or gain Instagram followers.
Cheng recalls heading up Kala Patthar, a popular trekkers' spot with a stunning view of Mt Everest. His group got there early before sunrise and poured cups of tea from a large Thermos for other travellers as they reached the top.
''We just sat up there for four hours, just watching and being there. It's just so beautiful. Most people just get to the top, take their photo and go back down.''
