New tourism slogan for Negri Sembilan

Return to Nature will be the tourism slogan for Negri Sembilan this year in line with other tourism packages of the state which are mostly nature-related.
State executive councillor for Tourism Datuk Mohamad Razi Kail said the slogan was aimed at enhancing the tourism sector in the state.

"The new slogan will be used to promote Negri Sembilan as an eco-tourism destination. This is because about 90 per cent of the state's tourism products is nature-related.
"We have beautiful beaches, mountains and forests hundreds of years old to explore. "It would be a shame if these bounties of nature were not promoted as an increasing number of tourists love eco-tourism packages," he said at a recent briefing session at the Tourism Malaysia office here.
Among the popular nature-related tourism products in the state are the Edu Eco-tourism Centre at the Sungai Menyala Forest Reserve in Port Dickson, Sungai Linggi in Rembau, Taman Alam Liar and Gunung Besar Hantu in Jelebu, and Gunung Angsi and Bukit Putus in Kuala Pilah.

There is also the popular Raptor Watch in Port Dickson, Scientific Expedition and Kenaboi International River Challenge at the Kenaboi Forest Reserve in Jelebu, and the Port Dickson International Triathlon.

Razi said it was time for the state to upgrade its tourism sector based on the numerous tourist spots in the state. He said tourists who selected tourism packages will also be introduced to the state's culture through the penginapan desa programme, which allows them to appreciate nature while getting a feel of kampung life.

To further enhance the eco-tourism sector products, he said the Tourism Ministry had allocated RM16.2 million under the Tenth Malaysia Plan for various projects.

These are to extend the Teluk Kemang beach front in Port Dickson, as well as upgrade the Ulu Bendol Recreational Park in Kuala Pilah and the Seremban Orchid Park.

He said RM12.6 million has been spent on past eco-tourism products in the state.

A total of 2.2 million tourists visited the state last year. The tourism target for this year is 2.4 million visitors.

He said the old slogan, Unique Culture, Popular Destination, will continue to be used for all state tourism products as it reflected the uniqueness of the state's adat perpatih practises



Source : NST
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Growth In Negeri Sembilan's Tourism Industry

Negeri Sembilan recorded 2,103,837 in tourists arrivals last year, State Tourism, Unity, Culture, Arts, Heritage and Malay Customs committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Razi Kail said.

He said about RM546 million was spent by tourists in the state last year.

"Studies show that each foreign tourist spend an average of RM351.20 a day, while domestic tourists spend RM210.72," he added.

Source : Bernama

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Klana Resort Seremban Expands Ballroom

The Klana Resort, a leading hotel here, is expanding its ballroom and adding on another four seminar rooms at an estimated cost of RM6 million.

Its General Manager, Shamsul Kamar Ahmad said the ballroom is being expanded to cater to a crowd of 1,200 people from its present capacity of 900 people.

"Besides this, we are also adding on four seminar rooms with a capacity of 100 people per room. The project is being carried out in line with current development and needs.

"We are undertaking this project because many large events are held here and to cater to the large number of guests who turn up, we had to expand the ballroom," he told Bernama here Tuesday.

The ballroom will be refurbished with new and sophisticated facilities as well.

Work on the project started in April and it is expected to be completed by end of this August.

The four-star hotel is owned by the Negeri Sembilan state government under the Menteri Besar Inc (MBI).


Source : Bernama
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Negeri Sembilan To Attract Transit Passengers

The Negeri Sembilan state government will cooperate with the Tourism Ministry to attract more than six million transit passengers from the KL International Airport (KLIA) to the state.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the figure was massive and should be exploited by the local tourism sector.

"I consider the current figure to be massive because some passengers had to wait between 12 and 24 hours. However, it needs the coordination of the various departments to be successful," he told reporters after attending the launch of the Malaysia Holidays Fair by Tourism Minister Datuk seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, here on Sunday.

He said that in the past, the number of transit passengers who came to the state was very small and it was made on the initiative of the local hotels.

If it were well coordinated, the state, especially the resort areas which had many hotels such as Port Dickson, would see a big jump in tourist arrivals.

Meanwhile, Dr Ng said the study on the entry of transit passengers to Negeri Sembilan would be discussed by a special committee that would be set up.

She said it was a major move and the responsibility should not be placed on the ministry alone.

"For this purpose, we will choose Negeri Sembilan, especially the areas around Port Dickson, as the first state to implement the programme as it is located near KLIA," she added.


Source : Bernama
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Resort’s Ramadan buffet focuses on traditional home-cooked dishes

EVER heard of satay tulang? Well, this dish – a twist on the popular satay – is one of the many dishes one can indulge in this Ramadan at the Klana Resort in Seremban.

Executive chef Abdul Razak Abdul Ghani said the satay tulang, made famous by stalls in Jelebu, near Seremban, was bound to be a crowd-pleaser with hotel guests.

“The meat from the (chicken) bones makes for a more flavoursome satay and, served together with our spicy peanut sauce, it’s the perfect way to break fast.

“But, that’s not all. Diners will be spoilt for choice this Ramadan with more than 100 dishes, ranging from appetisers to desserts, to choose from daily,” he said.

Be our guest: Chef Abdul Razak inviting guests to sample the traditional Malay cuisine on offer this Ramadan.

Items on the menu for the buka puasa buffet will be rotated on a daily basis throughout Ramadan, giving diners a chance to sample everything on offer, but popular favourites like the whole-roasted lamb will be available every day.

“The lamb is still a crowd-puller and to keep up with the demand, we usually roast between eight and 10 whole lambs a day during the fasting month,” he said.

However, he said, the hotel’s focus this Ramadan was on traditional home-cooked food as many people were often reminded of mum’s cooking during the fasting month.

“We have many other dishes on the menu, including Chinese, Indian and Western dishes, but the highlight of our Ramadan food promotion is kampung-style food.

“This is the best time to sample traditional dishes from the different states as our menu items are not restricted to only traditional Negri Sembilan fare. Come and try our asam pedas ikan parang – a Johorean favourite – or our rendang tok from Perak. I’ve also included a family recipe – daging dendeng (braised beef with chillies) that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser,” said the chef, whose specialty is Malay cuisine.

Other interesting dishes on the menu include masak tempoyak ikan sungai (fish cooked with fermented durian paste), gulai ikan sembilang salai (smoked catfish curry) and masak lemak udang sungai dengan pucuk tangkis (prawn in coconut broth with local herbs).

If kampung food is not your cup of tea, fret not.

There is still plenty to choose from as the hotel has a wide array of dishes to please every one; these include pasta, Chinese favourites like dim sum and kuey teow, and even sushi and tempura for fans of Japanese food, in addition to the 11 “action” stalls that will be whipping up goodies from murtabak to refreshing cendol daily.

Finish your meal with sweet treats that include local kuih such as apam Johol, kuih sopang, and kuih penaram, and cakes and pastries, among others.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the hotel will be holding Malam Tujuh Likur during which traditional favourites such as rendang, dodol, kuih bahulu and kuih goyang ros would be served in a traditional kampung setting at the hotel’s nature park on the seven days leading up to Hari Raya.

The hotel’s Ramadan Buka Puasa buffet is priced at RM48++ for adults and RM26++ for children, and diners who purchase 10 tickets will get another free.

Hotel general manager Shamsul Kamar Ahmad said Muslim patrons would also be able to perform their maghrib, isyak and terawih prayers in specially provided prayer rooms during the period.

To avoid disappointment and enjoy a 15% discount, make your reservations early as the hotel expects an average of 500 guests a day.

> SELERA COFFEEHOUSE, Klana Resort Seremban, PT4388 Jalan Penghulu Cantik, Taman Tasik Seremban, Seremban (Tel: 06-766 7888). Business hours: 6am to 10.30pm daily. The buka puasa buffet is available from 7pm to 9pm.

Source : STAR
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Royale Adelphi to Royale Bintang in Seremban - Changes hands

THE award-winning Royale Bintang chain of hotels managed by Boustead Hotels and Resorts has added a new member to its expanding family: it has taken over the operations at the former Royal Adelphi hotel in Seremban.

Now renamed the Royale Bintang Seremban, the 345-room hotel, located in the Lake Gardens in the state capital, is set to follow in the footsteps of its sister hotels – the Royale Bintang KL and Royale Bintang Damansara – in carrying on the tradition of providing efficient, economical and comfortable service for both business and leisure.

Its general manager, Leo Kuscher, said the hotel’s proximity to the KLIA and Kuala Lumpur made it an ideal destination for business travellers as well as holidaymakers.

“The hotel has a lot of potential – we are looking into making the Royale Bintang Seremban a top destination for company team-building exercises as well.

“The Royale Bintang Seremban is also a great place for meetings and conferences as it's situated away from the noise and distractions of big cities,” he said, adding that response had been encouraging since the new team took over operations in November.

With its deluxe executive floors, large ballroom with capacity for 2,000 guests as well as flexibility and variety in terms of meeting spaces and services, the Royale Bintang Seremban was an ideal location for corporate events and staff functions, he said.

He said the official launch of the rebranded five-star hotel would be held on Feb 22.

Tasked with “revitalising” the hotel, Kuscher and his team have improved the food and beverage services and brought in new entertainment acts.

They have also set about reintroducing the hotel to the surrounding community.

“We have just embarked on a promotional blitz in and around Seremban to highlight the hotel’s facilities and services,” he said.

Kuscher said that Boustead Hotels and Resorts would be adding two more properties within the next two years, including the 396-room five-star Royale Chulan Hotel in Jalan Conlay.

Another 300-room establishment, the Royale Bintang Penang Hotel located at Weld Quay in George Town, will open in 2009.

Source : STAR
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MAS-Matta VMY And Independence Golf Challenge

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) are jointly organising a 14-circuit amateur golf tournament in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 and the country's 50th independence anniversary beginning Aug 23.

The tournament, which will be teed off at the Staffield Golf and Country Club in Negeri Sembilan, is open to all amateur golfers in Malaysia and abroad with a valid handicap of USGA 24 and below for men and handicap 36 for women.

The grand final of the tournament will be held at the IOI Palm Garden Golf Club course in Putrajaya on Dec 6.

"As the national flag carrier, MAS has always collaborated with related agencies to promote inbound tourism to Malaysia. This joint initiative is in line with Tourism Malaysia's efforts in promoting golf in the sports tourism agenda," MAS' commercial director Datuk Rashid Khan told a press conference at the MAS Academy in Kelana Jaya here today.

Also present was Matta's deputy president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun.

Rashid said the golf tournament was expected to foster and enhance networking, goodwill and fellowship among all in the travel trade and tourism industry.

"MAS is offering a number of Golden Holiday packages to encourage greater participation from local and foreign golfers," he added.

The tournament is expected to attract about 1,500 participants, with about 100 to 120 participants in each circuit.

In order to attract participation, MAS is working on a special website for the tournament, www.masmattagolf.com.my which will be launched this Saturday.

The MAS golf package offered for the tournament consists of a minimum three-day/two-night hotel accommodation and daily breakfast at selected four or five-star hotels in 13 local destinations with an option to extend the stay. It is valid from Aug 20 to Dec 31.

The package includes a return economy class flight from Kuala Lumpur to the respective states except Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

Bookings for the package have to be made at MAS offices worldwide, its appointed agents or by calling the MAS Call Centre at 1-300-88-3000, at least 20 days before departure.

Source : Bernama
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Negri takes full control of Allson Klana Resort

The Negri Sembilan Government has acquired full control of Allson Klana Resort, the most profitable hotel here, via an asset swap.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the state government had disposed of its interests in three companies – NS Townships Sdn Bhd, Arul Ikhlas Sdn Bhd and Advance Point Sdn Bhd – to Glen Glamour Sdn Bhd in exchange for the equity in Allson Klana Resort.

All three units are involved in the property sector, mainly in the Bandar Baru Nilai township.

“The state government had entered into several joint ventures with the private sector previously but made nothing out of it.

“We have given away plenty of land but do not even have control in any of these companies,” Mohamad said, adding that the state government was now in the midst of consolidating its assets via Mentri Besar Inc.

The RM70mil four-star Allson Klana Resort at the Lake Gardens has 228 rooms

The RM70mil four-star Allson Klana Resort at the Lake Gardens has 228 rooms.

Before the asset swap, the state government held 30% equity in the hotel.

“When you have 20% or 30% equity share, you are in no position to make decisions. It is pointless to invest heavily when you cannot call the shots,” Mohamad told reporters after opening the AGM of Rantau Ex-Servicemen’s Association.

Asked if there were plans to change the name of the hotel, he said the state government was happy with the present arrangement.

“Since Allson is an established name, we have agreed to continue paying RM14,000 in monthly royalty,” he said, adding that there were no plans to make changes to its management either.

However, a management board that included state government representatives would be created, he said.

Asked if there were plans to upgrade the hotel to five-star status, he said Seremban did not need such a hotel for the time being.

“We already offer five-star facilities. If we upgrade now, we would need to fulfil certain conditions and this would cost a lot of money,” he said.

He said there were plans to build a hall, which could accommodate 2,000 to 3,000 people, next to the hotel.

“The hotel area is 12ha. Since we have many tourism projects in the state, this would be an ideal place to hold events,” he said, adding that trade exhibitions could also be held there.

Source : STAR
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Fireflies drawing crowd to Negri Sembilan's riverine village

THE night was still young at the fishing village of Kampung Sungai Timun, Rembau in Negeri Sembilan, located some 80 km from here.

A group of six tourists were seen descending a stairway leading to the village’s jetty before going onto a boat. They were on the way to witness the nocturnal dance of the fireflies that live within the Berembang trees along Sungai Timun's banks.

It is believed that the fireflies colony at Sungai Timun is much bigger any other firefly habitat in the country.

Kampung Sungai Timun Fishermen’s Association chairman, Alias Busu, said outsiders only recently know of this attraction after efforts were made to promote this village as a tourist destination although the village was long known for its lobsters or udang galah.

However since the state’s tourism authorities became aware of the village’s tourism potential, steps are being taken to develop it as a tourist destination.
Alias said the association is in talks with a tourism agency keen to include a trip to Sungai Timun in its travel package. However there are several factors that needed looking into first, he said. Among them is to seek a formula to ensure that the firefly population grow.

Alias said the river should also be free from pollution, to ensure that its ecology is not disturbed.

For the lucky tourists, while going upstream the river, they could be able to witness crocodiles sunning along the banks.

According to the Datuk Penghulu of Rembau Dahalan Abdullah, there are some 3,000 reptiles believed to be in Sungai Linggi and Sungai Timun.

“Usually the crocodiles would rest on the muddy riverbank at low tide where Sungai Linggi meets Sungai Timun. But do not be frighten, there have been no nasty incidents caused by these reptiles. They are believed to be friendly and ‘good’ crocodiles.

“Further the river has enough food for the crocodiles, like fish and lobsters,” said Dahalan.

Sungai Timun is also mentioned in the annals of Negeri Sembilan history.

The river is the route taken by Raja Melewar of Pagar Ruyung, Minangkabau in Sumatra for him to be proclaimed the Yamtuan of Negeri Sembilan.

Raja Melewar became the first Yamtuan of Negeri Sembilan in 1773, ruling from Penajis, Rembau.



Source : NST
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