12 Travel Sites Temporarily Closed To Tourists

Nine marine park islands and three islands off Langkawi, Terengganu and Pahang are closed to tourists from July 2 to Oct 31 due to coral bleaching.

Marine Parks Department director-general Abdul Jamal Mydin said the coral degradation, which was caused by global warming, was worse than in 1998.

He said in Langkawi, the authorities decided to close Teluk Wangi, Pantai Damai, and Coral Garden in Pulau Payar while in Terengganu - Pulau Redang, Teluk Bakau, Pulau Tenggol, Teluk Air Tawar, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Teluk Dalam.

There other islands are in Pahang, namely Pulau Rengis, Pulau Tumok and Pulau Soyak, he told a news conference after attending a meeting on the quagmire on Wednesday.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab was present.

He said the department had set up a committee comprising the Tourism Malaysia, the Public Works Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to look into the problem.

Abdul Jamal said more than 500,000 local and foreign tourists visited the marine parks every year.

On Pulau Payar, he said visitors to island would be reduced by 50 per cent to 200 as a controlled measure and to reduce stress on the coral reef.

Only three locations on Pulau Payar are closed to visitors, he said, adding that restriction on other islands had yet to be decided.



Source : bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Pahang offers 10 icons to lure 10 million tourists

Pahang has set a target of 10 million tourist arrivals this year by offering 10 packages that feature its 10 best tourism icons.

The icons are Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, Kuala Lipis (historical and heritage town), Taman Negara (national park), Tioman island, Rompin (billfish sports fishing), Pekan (royal city) and Cherating (surfing paradise).

Pahang Tourism, Arts, Heritage, Family Development and Women Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif said the new target was the same as the number of tourist arrivals last year.

“The state has requested an allocation of RM166.5mil under the 10th Malaysia Plan to implement 28 tourism-related projects,” he said.

He said 70% or seven million tourists to Pahang visited Genting Highlands last year.
The Genting Highlands management had agreed to promote other tourist destinations in Pahang in their advertisements and brochures, he added.


Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Impiana to invest RM200m in new Malaysian, Thai hotels

HOTELIER Impiana Hotels & Resorts will invest some RM200 million over the next three years for new hotels in Malaysia and Thailand.

The hotels will be within the Klang Valley, in Tioman, Pahang, and in Phuket, Thailand.

Chairman Datuk Seri Farouk Abdullah, in a recent interview with Business Times, said it is now building 12 luxury private villas with individual pools, in Kata Noi, Phuket at a cost of RM40 million.

To be ready by end-2009, the Kata Noi hotel is expected to garner between RM3,700 per night for a 1,200 sq ft villa to RM5,500 per night for a 2,500 sq ft suite.
In Malaysia, Impiana group is keen to run a four-star or five-star hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor or in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur and it has budgeted RM100 million for this.

"We are in talks with a few people, but it is still preliminary," he said.

And if it cannot find a suitable property, it will look at building a hotel at one of the two locations it has identified.

He expects to fund the purchase of building with internal funds and borrowings.

"We are working towards raising the funds," he said.

Meanwhile, Farouk said Impiana may also develop up-market villas in Tioman island.

"We are looking at Tioman. We have 10 ha of land there. We are looking at 30 to 40 units of luxury villas," Farouk said, adding that this could cost between RM50 million and RM60 million, excluding land.

Hotels under the group with the Impiana brand are Impiana Resort Cherating, Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa, Impiana Koh Samui and Impiana Phuket Cabana Resort.

Impiana is also buying the Impiana Casuarina Ipoh, which it has been managing for two years, for RM44 million from Perak Corp Bhd.

The hotel, now rated as a three-star, will undergo a RM5 million makeover to be upgraded to a four-star property and help garner a higher room rate of RM230 and occupancy of 75 per cent.

Meanwhile, Farouk said that is still in talks to buy between 20 per cent and 25 per cent stake in Impiana KLCC from its owners Heritage Lane Sdn Bhd.



Source : MalaysiaPropertyNews
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

New facilities to make Rompin resort a truly hidden paradise

Summerset Resort here is set to regain its shine under a new management which will focus on two areas – product enhancement and human development.

Its general manager M. Gopal said he aimed to ensure the resort lived up to its tagline of A Hidden Paradise before the year was out.

Rest area: A place to enjoy a view of the South China Sea.

Since taking over the helm in March, he initiated many changes to make the resort “more happening and attractive” to potential guests.

“We will give the buildings, including the main lobby and 194 hotel rooms, a fresh coat of paint.

“Right now, we are refurbishing the 54 colonial-style villas in stages and improving on general cleanliness and the landscape,” he said.

New attraction: Children playing in the Red Indian and Wild Wild West area.

The resort had attracted scores of holidaymakers when it opened in November 2000 but slowly lost its appeal.

Gopal said, in terms of product enhancement, he was satisfied that almost 90% had been completed.

He said his next target was to retrain his staff to be more friendly and informative.

Garden setting: The revamped landscape at Summerset Resort in Rompin.

“We need to improve on our general services to make our guests feel warmly welcomed and appreciated.

“Only a satisfied guest will make a return visit and recommend us to friends and acquaintances,” he said, adding that the resort was also targeting families under a “home away from home” concept.

Among the new facilities are a water sports centre, horse-riding activities, paintball site, Red Indian camp, video games and a fun pub featuring a Filipino band.

Gopal said the new facilities would complement the existing ones which were centred on eco-tourism and services such as guided nature walk, night trail for four-wheel-drive vehicles, jungle trekking, night safari, wetlands trail, and courses on overcoming obstacles and wilderness survival.

Appealing architecture: A block of hotel rooms at the resort.

For those who love adventure and fishing, the resort can make arrangements for tours to watch fireflies, go fishing and visit the Endau Rompin Forest Reserve for a day.

Gopal said the resort had hired a botanist to label the trees and plants, including the tongkat ali, found along the 2km nature trail.

“I have plans to open a Chinese restaurant and a fine-dining outlet for our European guests. Other attractions in the pipeline for the next few months are a mini zoo, an inflatable playground, island-hopping packages and BBQ beach parties,” he said.

He added that the hotel was thankful that the Government had approved an allocation to build breakwaters that would protect the shoreline from erosion.

Making changes: Gopal riding a horse to check on the property.

Gopal, who has 33 years of experience in the hospitality industry, said he was confident of rejuvenating the resort and turning it into one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Pahang.

“I do not sit in my office and wait for things to take shape. I like to be hands-on in ensuring my plans go accordingly,” he said before galloping away on his horse for his daily rounds on all four corners of the 337.2ha resort.

For reservations, call 09-4141 888 or the resort’s Kuala Lumpur sales office at 03-7876 5588. Alternatively, go to www.summerset.com.my.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Theme park a good sign for Pahang

The opening of a water theme park in Pahang shows that economic activities are flourishing in the state, said Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.

In welcoming another theme park to Pahang, the Mentri Besar said he was happy to note that such a big project could still proceed as planned despite the current global economic crisis.

“This shows that with the right approach and good management, any business venture can succeed,” he said after opening the Bukit Gambang Water Park in Gambang near here.

“In this regard, I urge all businessmen particularly bumiputras, to emulate our Chinese counterparts in ensuring the success of their projects,” he said.

Adnan said he was confident that the park would attract more visitors both Malaysians and foreigners to the state, echoing the success of Genting Highlands.

He said visitors could enjoy a smoother and faster journey via the East Coast Expressway.

The theme park is the first in the east coast offering an 8.1ha man-made lake, largest wave pool with eight modes of waves, longest family raft ride and six-lane racer slide complete with timing scoreboard.

It is part of the development of Bukit Gambang Resort City, an integrated resort city, built based on the concept of nature preservation and family-oriented attractions.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Swiss-Belhotel opening Hotels in Malaysia

THE name Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) may not ring a bell with most Malaysians, but it soon will.

This Hong Kong-based hotel management company, which is yet to open its first Malaysian hotel, will by end-2010 operate some 1,800 rooms in Malaysia and create between 2,000 and 2,500 jobs in the market.

It is also in talks with other developers that will lock another 1,000 rooms under its management by end-2011.

Given the anticipated openings, it is not surprising that SBI's director of projects and developments for Malaysia Carlos Velho expects that Malaysia will be the largest profit contributor to the group in two years.

"We are confident that Malaysia in the next two years will be the biggest net profit churner for the group," he said, adding that now the group's major contribution comes from Indonesia.

SBI manages 26 hotels in 13 countries. Another 26 are under development.

"We are negotiating for openings in Johor, Sarawak, Penang and Langkawi," Velho said, adding that it was close to signing on the dotted lines for all these deals.

The new projects are either four-star or five-star properties with 300 rooms on average and are slated for opening in 2011 and 2012.

Founded in 1987, Swiss-Belhotel today comprises Swiss-Grand (for five-star and boutique brands) and Swiss-Belhotel (for four- and five-star brands).

In more recent years, it created Swiss-Inn and Swiss-Express brands for three- and two-star operations.

The confirmed openings in Malaysia are Golden Palm Tree Sea Villas and Spa, Swiss-Belhotel Mont Kiara Suites and Residences, Swiss-Belhotel Zenith Kuantan and Grand Swiss-Belhotel Kota Kinabalu.

Source : HotelsMag
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Google Maps to feature Pahang destinations

Pahang is set to become the first state to use Google Maps to post tourist destinations and packages.

State Tourism, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafiq Fauzan Sharif said a Kuala Lumpur-based company had signed a deal with Google and its website was expected to be ready in a month.

‘’At least 50 tourist destinations in Pahang will be posted on the website in four languages – Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Japanese.

‘’Apart from local tourists, our target group includes those from Japan and China. There is a new trend of travelling on their own among the younger Japanese,’’ he said after officially opening Tourism Malaysia’s Zoom Malaysia campaign here recently.

Shafiq Fauzan represented Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob. Also present was Tourism Ministry secretary general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng.

Shafiq Fauzan said the domain’s contents would be divided into highlands, eco-tourism, beach and island, and cultural and heritage.

‘’Tourism is not just about beautiful buildings and infrastructure.

‘’Some tourists prefer nature and local cultures, and we have a lot to offer in these sections,’’ he said.

Earlier, Shafiq Fauzan said that Taman Negara was picked by a Swedish production house for the shooting of a reality television programme involving celebrities from Scandinavia.

“The programme is called I am a celebrity. Get me out of here,” he said.

He urged the ministry to help make the programme a success as it would spur interest in the national park.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Kuantan set to be AirAsia’s eastern hub

Low-cost carrier AirAsia plans to have direct flights from here to international destinations like Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok.

This follows the airline's introduction of flights from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at KLIA to the state capital from June 1.

Present at the official launch here yesterday were Tengku Puan Pahang Tengku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

Speaking to reporters later, Fernandes said there was potential for Kuantan to become the airline’s east coast hub.

“We have been looking for an east coast hub as we think the east coast has enormous potential. If there is good infrastructure, there is no reason we cannot sell the whole of east coast from Kuantan,” he added.

There was a huge demand from Singaporeans for direct flights from Kuantan, he noted.

Fernandes said the airline had already submitted its application to the Transport Ministry and was awaiting a reply.

On the fuel price rise and the company’s efforts to remain cost- effective while introducing new routes and more flights, Fernandes said the way to deal with the increase was for the airline to market its way out of the problem.

“We have developed many ways of keeping our fares low despite the rising oil price,” he added.

“We also sell more things now, including hot food instead of boxed food. We have to find ways to deal with it. We have a brand new fleet, and fuel burn is much lower. “

Tengku Abdullah, in his speech earlier, said he hoped AirAsia would continue to operate in Kuantan despite the oil price rise.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2008]

Malaysian Signforce Hospitality thinks global

LOCAL management company, Signforce Hospitality, plans to manage eight five-star hotels internationally by 2011.

It recently secured a management contract for a five-star resort in Cherating, Pahang, and three other properties in Doha. All are scheduled to be opened in 2010.

Signforce Hospitality's involvement will include providing technical services, financial structuring and management of the property, its chief operating officer, Mr Melvin IZ, said.

Locally, Signforce Hospitality is managing one property, Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi, since 1999, under a 30-year contract.


Source : TTG
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

World Lion Dance Championship at Genting

WHAT better way to celebrate the country's 50 years of nationhood than with a whole lot of fanfare?

Genting – City of Entertainment, the Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon & Lion Dance Association and the Tourism Ministry are jointly organising a special 50 Years of Nationhood – World Lion Dance Invitation Championship in conjunction with Malaysia's 50th year of independence at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands Resort come August.

It is also held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

“The event this year will be more exciting and interesting,” Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon & Lion Dance Association chairman Leong Lik Thong told a press conference last Thursday.

During the press conference, lots were drawn to determine when the teams would be competing during the preliminary rounds, which will be held on Aug 3 and 4.

Drawing lots: Leong (second from left) and Resorts World Bhd promotions and entertainment assistant manager Steve Wong (third from left) drawing lots to determine when the teams would compete during the preliminary rounds on Aug 3 and 4. Also present is competition chief judge H.P. Siow (right).

Leong said the expenditure for the event this year exceeded RM800,000 and that much care had been put into planning the event.

“There are more teams this time. While we used to allow only two teams per country, we are now allowing three teams. We have 27 teams participating, from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singa-pore, Indonesia, Australia, the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and the Philippines.”

The first championship took place in 1994. The international competition is held on a biennial basis, and is interspersed with a national championship.

“This event has become established over the years, and I am told that the teams have been working very hard on their repertoire,” Leong said, adding that they were expecting a full house attendance this year.

The champions will be awarded a cash prize of US$10,000 together with a trophy, while the first and second runners-up will receive trophies and US$5,000 and US$3,000 respectively.

The remaining seven teams that qualify for the finals will receive US$1,000 each.

The 50 Years of Nationhood – World Lion Dance Invitation Championship will take place from Aug 3 to 5 at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands. Preliminary rounds will take place on the Aug 3 and 4, while the finals will be held on Aug 5.

Tickets are by way of redemption at Genting WorldCard Centres. For more details, call 03-6105 2028.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

RM7mil Facelift for Cherating Beachfront

A total of RM7mil has been allocated for various development projects to give Cherating, a popular beachfront, a facelift in a bid to boost tourist arrivals.

Kuantan Municipal Council (MPK) has been tasked with the job that includes completing projects worth RM5mil by the end of the year.

According to MPK president Datuk Azizan Ahmad, the figure was a special allocation set aside by the Finance Ministry.

The projects are mainly to upgrade the roads, sewerage system and landscaping which would cost RM3.8mil, he added.

“Another important feature in the project is the construction of a tourism information centre (TIC) that cost RM500,000,” he said.

He added that a TIC in Cherating was essential as there were always crowds in the area because holiday-makers loved the rustic setting and sandy, white beaches.

A TIC would be a place where visitors could obtain information on the many attractions of Cherating and interesting spots and activities in Pahang, he said.

“By having better infrastructure and landscaping for Cherating, it will give the area a fresh look to attract more people to holiday there,” he added.

Azizan said the facilities were being built near the Cherating Cultural Complex, which would be getting a facelift as well.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

RM20mil complex for Tasik Bera

A RM20mil tourist and recreational complex will be set up at Tasik Bera, Pahang's renowned freshwater lake.

A 400ha piece of land has been earmarked for the complex, which is scheduled to be completed next year.

Bera MP Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the project would help attract more tourists, both locals and foreigners, to the popular site.

“The state government has given the green light for the project. I am confident that it will boost development in the area and benefit the locals,” he said.

Ismail Sabri said that the lake, covering some 40,000ha, was even bigger than Singapore.

He said it had its own attractions in addition to being classified as a Ramsar wetlands site.

The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

“Among others, the complex will be equipped with facilities such as an information centre, offices and conference halls,” Ismail Sabri said.

He said there would also be a public park, jetty, zoo, chalets, camping sites and scenic landscape to cater for recreational activities.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

New and improved Holiday Villa Beach Resort Cherating

The Holiday Villa Beach Resort in Cherating is a pleasant weekend getaway for the weary city dweller.

CHERATING beach has always been a haven for backpackers and surfers, especially during the monsoon months of November and December. It has the perfect combination of great waves, a wide stretch of white 0sandy beach, a plethora of dining choices and a happening nightlife.

Since Club Med opened its first Asian venture here back in the 70s, other hotels have quickly followed suit and visitors have a wealth of accommodation to choose from, catering for all budgets. One such lodging is the recently refurbished Holiday Villa Beach Resort, a Malaysian hotel chain founded in 1987.

Facilities: Catch the sea breeze as you dine outside.

Resident manager Jan Khan revealed that the beddings were changed, carpets removed and tiles incorporated all at a cost of RM2mil. Their pride is the pillarless ballroom, which can seat 600 guests – the only one of its kind in the east coast.

“Our last renovation was done about eight years ago so it was time for a change. We couldn’t close the hotel so we did it in stages. We want to promote the free and easy ambience. Our edge is our service,” she said, during a familiarisation trip for media and travel agents recently.

The 122-room resort offers three types of accommodation. One may sample modern accommodation in the capital wing, relive the glamour of Malay royalty at the palace wing or indulge in complete privacy in the eastern pavilion. We stayed in the palace wing where the rooms are compact yet cosy. There isn’t much space to walk about and although it’s meant for two, the room appears a little cramped.

The eastern pavilion is a bestseller among families and honeymooners. Each boutique villa (some bigger than an average condominium in the city) is named after a different state in Malaysia and comes attached with a living room, one or two bedrooms and a verandah, which extends out to a private swimming pool and Jacuzzi. For additional pampering, there is also a spa offering all kinds of massages and beauty treatment to soothe frayed nerves.

To cater exclusively for guests in the eastern pavilion, butler service is provided from 8am to 9pm daily. Holiday Villa not only promotes Malaysian cuisines in its overseas hotels but also promotes locally manufactured furniture and television sets. All rooms come equipped with some sort of local flavour.

Malaysians are blessed to have good food all year round. If you opt to eat in the resort, there are three restaurants to feast at. However, when we dined at the beach restaurant during lunch, the pesky flies proved to be a menace. After a while, I lost my appetite.

The pillarless ballroom. — HOLIDAY VILLA BEACH RESORT

Dinner under the stars was a pleasant change though. Tables and speakers were set up outdoors and thankfully, the night was breezy and beautiful. The flies miraculously disappeared and we had the likes of Lionel Richie crooning his best numbers to provide the entertainment.

The first night saw us having a barbecue – fresh fish, squid and prawns never tasted better! The next day, a heavenly meal of steamboat awaited diners. Then it was time for some karaoke at the Fun Pub.

With all those pounds you might have put on from the chow, it’s advisable to work off the calories. For recreation, you can always jump into the two swimming pools or the open air Jacuzzi. Or enjoy a game of tennis, basketball or volleyball.

While the hotel does offer water sports like water scooters, sailing and kayaking, sadly during our visit, the recreation centre was closed. Since the guest count was minimal, the water sports operator decided to take the day off. It was a pity as the weather was sunny so we chose to sit on the sundeck and bask in the serenity of the South China Sea before dozing off.

Room rates begin from RM280. School holiday packages are available until June 10. Call for details.

Holiday Villa Beach Resort
Lot 1303, Mukim Sg Karang
Cherating, Pahang
Tel: (09) 581 9500
E-mail: chv@tm.net.my
http://www.holidayvilla.com.my

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Pahang tourism boost

The Firefly airline launched last month will help boost the tourism sector in Pahang.

State Arts, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan said Pahang stood to gain from its service to fly in visitors from the north, east and parts of Thailand.

Maznah said there were about 500,000 expatriates living in Thailand and they could visit Malaysia during their holidays.

She said that Pahang would be the best alternative state for them to visit via Firefly, which has services to Kuantan from Penang twice daily.

“We plan to have a smart partnership programme with Penang’s tourism sector as we can take advantage of Firefly's services to boost our tourism industry.

“Pahang has so much to offer visitors, and with the Firefly services, it is hoped they will discover the state as travel will take a shorter time,” Maznah said.

She said that, currently, visitors from states in the north and east had to travel to Pahang via Kuala Lumpur.

Maznah said that with Firefly''s services, visitors would find their journeys more comfortable and be able to visit the coastal areas of Pahang.

She said that, among others, Kuantan provided visitors a unique opportunity to witness the beautiful sunrise at Teluk Chempedak beach, an interesting trip to the mini zoo in Taman Teruntum, exciting water sports in Club Med, Cherating, and a trip through history in the tin mining museum and shaft in Sungai Lembing.

On another matter, Maznah said the state would promote the art of kite-making, particularly to students.

She said the state Culture, Arts and Heritage Department and Persatuan Layang-Layang Pahang had recently organised a two-day workshop on kite-making with more than 20 secondary school students attending.

“I believed kite-making will boost the state tourism industry because of the uniqueness and design of the kites.

“Some wau are made for commercial purposes. However there are wau made for flying,” she said, adding that Pahang would host a wau festival soon to promote traditional Malay culture.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

18 - 31 May : Genting First World Hotel 2D/1N - RM38.88

18 to 31 May 2007

Genting First World Hotel

2D/1N - RM38.88

Hotel Packages

First World Hotel - RM38.88

Theme Park Hotel - RM78.88

Resort Hotel - RM98.88

Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort - RM88.88

Awana Porto Malai Langkawi - RM98.88

Awana Kijal Golf, Beach & Spa Resort - RM 188.88

Terms

Period of Stay until 31 December 2007

Booking period Now until 31 May 2007

Available Online Only

http://www.genting.com.my/en/special/888deals/index.htm

Source : ShoppingNSales

[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Many Leave the Kampung for the City, How about now taking a Holiday in a kampung Resort?

Traditional delight: Modern methods are being used to make dodol.

Kampung Kuala Medang, a typical traditional Malay village is a perfect hideaway for tourists.

The village is 51km from Lipis town, a former capital of Pahang. It is located in the hinterland amidst fast-flowing rivers, rapids and pristine jungles.

It can also be reached via Raub town from Kuala Lumpur or directly through Lipis town from Jerantut.

Ever since the village started its homestay programme five years ago, it has received more than 5,000 foreign visitors, mainly from Sweden, South Korea and Singapore.

According to village headman Mohd Razaki Abdul Razak, last year, there were 2,040 visitors who joined the programme, staying with the villagers as their foster parents and taking part in the daily activities.

Razaki said the number was actually increasing as more villagers take part in the programme. Currently, 71 have signed up.

“There are terms for the villagers to follow to ensure visitors have a pleasant stay. Cleanliness and a hospitable spirit are requirements,” Razaki said.

The homestay programme in Kampung Kuala Medang is one of the events offered in the package by KTM Bhd with the co-operation of the state.

Recently, pressmen visited the village to experience what is being offered.

The visitors included State Arts, Culture, Tourism, Women and Family Development Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan, KTM inter-city strategic businesses and services unit general manager Sarbini Tijan, KTM inter-city services division marketing manager Mohd Noordin Kimi, former Pahang Tourism Malaysia director Jefri Munir and Jelai assemblyman Datuk Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Golden sight: The paddy fields are an added bonus to a stay in Kampung Kuala Medang.

Razaki said visitors at present go to Kuala Medang by road.

With the efforts undertaken by the state and KTM, they could now also take a ride on the train from Kuala Lumpur to Lipis town or Gua Musang in Kelantan and then travel by road to the village.

He said Kampung Kuala Medang was known for its dodol, kuih bahulu, serbuk kunyit and noodles, made by members of the Kuala Medang Women Development Group.

“Their products are not only marketed to the locals but also to places outside the village. It is an additional source of income for them and, with the homestay programme, they could have customers from overseas too,” Razaki said.

He said other attractions in the village including jus salak (juice extracted from salak fruits), halwa, emping, bubur gula kabung and the mat-making using mengkuang leaves.

“The fast flowing river is another attraction here, and visitors could tackle the rapids on boat in Sungai Jelai,” he said.

Razaki said visitors normally spend three days and two nights under the package but there were some who would return on their own later to spend more time with the villagers.

Tranquil pastime: Fishing is a popular activity in the village.

“Basically, the package would include taking part in activities with the villagers, a visit to the waterfall in Jeram Tema, experiencing tapping rubber trees, oil farm harvesting, demonstrations of raft making, traditional performances of dances, silat, cooking and traditional games.

“The visitors would find themselves immersed in the activities and that is partly why some of them would return for more.”

Razaki said those wishing to sign up for homestay could call him at 012-9005828 or 09-3403046. Alternatively, they could find more details online at www.pahangtourism.com.my/homestay/kmedang.html.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

KTM promoting tourism by train in Pahang

Ancient: A stalactite and stalagmite in the caves.

DURING the British administration, the Kenong Rimba Park in Lipis was known to be an escape route and a place of refuge for Pahang’s famous warriors, Tok Bahaman and Mat Kilau.

These days, the park has been upgraded and it is now being promoted as a recreational forest.

Covering an area of 16.644ha, the park has been managed by the state forestry department since 1988. It is also not far from Taman Negara and is rich in flora and fauna. The park is in a hilly area, located between 60m to 373m above sea level.

Recently, a group of 20 journalists and photographers visited the park on the promotional programme Moh Melawat Pahang (Come and Visit Pahang).

Moh means mari (come) in the Malay dialect spoken in Pahang.

The programme jointly organised by the state government and KTM Berhad hopes to promote tourism in Pahang using the train service as a mode of transport.

The trip began at Kuala Lumpur where the group hopped on the 8pm train and arrived in the quaint town of Lipis at 6am the next day.

During the journey, the media were taken on a tour of the train that comprised VIP rooms, a canteen and first class, second class and economy rooms.

Unique: Azam briefing the press people on Kenong Rimba Park.

State Culture, Arts and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan took time off to join the trip accompanied by KTMB international services and strategic business services unit general manager Sarbini Tijan and international services division marketing manager Mohd Noordin Kimi.

Also present were Tioman Development Authority general manager Datuk Hashim Mat Tahir and Bukit Fraser Development Corporation deputy general manager Ishak Mokhtar.

In formation: Fourwheeldrive vehicles leaving the park.

According to Lipis district forestry department director Hasbullah Mat, the Kenong Rimba Park area was also where orang asli of the Batek tribe live.

“However, they lead a nomadic life, moving from one place to another.

“The rain forest in the park is 130 million years old and there are more than 1,200 species of flora and fauna that have been recorded,” he added.

Studies showed that 130 species from a total of 261 endemic species in the peninsular were living on the limestone formation of Kenong Rimba Park, he said.

Among them are enggang badak (rhinoceros hornbill), enggang tebang mentua (helmeted hornbill), tiong mas (hill myna), cecawi anting-anting (greater racquet-tailed drongo or king crow), porcupine, mouse deer, tapir and even the poisonous tarantula.

Hasbullah said the British Tarantula Society would always come to the place to study the spider.

Park operator and nature tourist guide Azam Abdul Rahman said the limestone caves in the park had beautiful formations.

He said that studies had revealed that the limestone caves were hundreds of millions of years old and could have existed since the Stone Age.

He added that if one stood at the bottom of Gua Kesong and looked up to its rocky wall, one could read the word Allah in Arabic. This unique formation was the result of natural changes that the limestone had undergone.

Natural: Visitors walking on a titior strong branch of a tree to cross over low ground to visit the caves.

Gua Batu Tangga is another limestone cave with rock formations that could be likened to a Greek-style staircase, a mouse deer, elephant and also crocodile.

“Equally unique rock formations can be found in Gua Batu Telungkup, Gua Hijau, Gua Batu and Gua Harimau,” said Azam.

“The night life surrounding the caves is a fascinating sight,” he added.

Life-like: A limestone formation that resembles a crocodile.

Azam also said the park could be reached via road from Kuala Lumpur passing through Felda Kechau 9 in Lipis.

However, the route was only accessible using four-wheel-drive vehicles as it was a Felda Plantation track and partly used by lorries to transport timber, he added.

On the facilities available, Azam said there were rooms, chalets and dormitories, and those who were more adventurous could pitch their tents at the campsites in the park.

“The water in the streams and rivers here is cool and there are no mosquitoes.

“However, leeches are everywhere, waiting to suck the blood of victims,” he warned.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Facelift for three Swiss Garden Hotels - RM35mil set aside

PJ Development Holdings Bhd (PJD) has set aside RM35mil to renovate three hotels under its Swiss-Garden and Swiss-Inn brands.

Work on two hotels – Swiss-Garden Resort and Spa, Kuantan, and Swiss-Garden Hotel, Kuala Lumpur – has started and is expected to be completed by year-end. The cost is RM15mil and RM12 respectively.

Renovation work on its third hotel, Damai Laut Golf and Country Club in Lumut, costing RM8mil, should be completed by end-2008.

Managing director Wong Ah Chiew said the refurbishment exercise was to create a new look with a comfortable feel.

He cited the modern and contemporary look of Swiss-Garden Kuantan as an example, which has a cascading waterfall at the coffee house.

“It has a much better ambiance with a relaxing setting for guests to have casual or business conversations,” he told reporters after the launching by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob on Wednesday night of Swiss-Garden Kuantan’s new look and celebration of its 9th anniversary.

Also present were State Culture, Arts and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan, PJ Holdings chairman Mohamed Zain Mohamed Yusoff and Swiss-Garden Kuantan general manager Anu Kumar.

Datuk Sri Adnan Yaakob signing a plaque at Swiss Garden Resort and Spa’s 9th anniversary celebration. With him are (from left) Anu Kumar, Datuk Maznah Mansor, Swiss Garden Resort and Spa chairman Mohammad Zain (partly hidden), and Wong Ah Chiew

Wong said he noticed that the hotel industry had picked up in the last four years following several international scares, including terrorism, bombings and the bird flu.

In view of the positive trend, he expected a good return from the investment as the group’s hotel division contributed about 20% to total earnings.

Anu said the first phase of renovation work on the Kuantan hotel, which started on Nov 22 last year, was completed on Feb 15, just in time for the Chinese New Year celebration.

He expected the occupancy rate to pick up from 60%-70% before the renovation to 65%-80%.

“We expect revenue to rise from RM190mil annually efore previously to RM220mil. We are confident of achieving this as our marketing team will focus on locals as well as tourists from Europe, the US and Middle East countries,” he added.

PJ Holdings’ core business is property development. It is also involved in construction, manufacturing and trading of power cables, concrete wall panels and roofing tiles, and leisure operations.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Butterfly Lovers surface in Genting

IF you’re in Genting Highlands next month then you have the chance of catching an all-time favourite classical love story, Butterfly Lovers, presented by the well-known Dama Orchestra.

The musical will be staged in the Genting International Showroom at Genting Hotel from April 13-15 and April 20-22.

Performed in Mandarin and narrated in English, it is a popular Chinese legend of two star-crossed lovers, comparable to William Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet.

The story is set in third Century China, and revolves around intelligent and independent Yingtai, who goes against male chauvinist tradition.

Yingtai, who loves to read, disguises herself as a boy in order to study in college. There, she meets Sanbo, who thinks she is a boy, and becomes her best friend. As their friendship blossoms, she slowly falls in love with him.

Sanbo eventually knows the truth about Yingtai, but sadly, her father forces her to marry another man from her village.

The tragic love story was made into a Shaw Brothers film in 1962 starring Ivy Ling Po. It even became a popular Bangsawan play titled Sam Pek Eng Tai, and the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee performed a hit song of the same name, based on the play.

The orchestra is led by musical director Khor Seng Chew. It has performed not only traditional and classical Chinese music, but also Malaysian and Western tunes.

Its musicians have performed in international music festivals such as WOMAD, Rainforest World Music Festival and Silk And Bamboo Music Festival. The orchestra has also performed alongside Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Among the venues which have seen the orchestra perform are Putra World Trade Centre and Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur, Majestic Theatre of Shanghai in China and Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore.

Dama has three recordings to its credit. Its first album Spring Kisses Lovers’ Tears was touted as “Malaysia’s first audiophile CD” while the second album Scent Of Autumn Rain was released to critical acclaim.

The orchestra has also produced a third CD album Fragrance Of The Night and a DVD recording, Memories.

Tickets: RM120, RM150 and RM180. Genting World Card members are entitled to a 20 per cent discount. Time: 8pm (April 13, 14, 20 and 21) and 3pm (April 15 and 22). There will be no admission for infants and children below three.

Children aged three and above must buy tickets for admission. Call 03-2718-1118.


Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Light Dims for Fireflies along Sungai Kuantan

KUANTAN: Unlike their better known cousins in Kuala Selangor, the fireflies in the mangrove swamps along Sungai Kuantan, and its tributary Sungai Belat, receive little attention. But like their cousins their numbers are rapidly falling.

"There used to be thousands of them, but in the past two years the numbers have gone down," said Loo Jen Yeh whose company, LBC Sdn Bhd, has been organising boat trips to watch the fireflies along the two rivers since 2002.

The most popular site is a one-kilometre stretch of Sungai Belat just before it meets Sungai Kuantan. Thousands of fireflies used to illuminate the swamp, but now there are only a few.

Assistant tourist guide Kamaruddin Abdullah blames pollution and encroachment in the mangrove areas.

"There are illegal settlements along the riverbank," said the 52-year-old. "The people there, and the fishermen, often throw used engine oil and rubbish into the river."

Both Kamaruddin and Loo also said the number of tourists visiting the area had more than halved because of the dwindling firefly population. As well as pollution, Loo blamed uncontrolled viewing trips. He said he did not allow visitors to use flash cameras, make noise or smoke.

"But now other operators are organising trips without such restrictions. This can scare the insects off," he said.

Inderapura state assemblyman Shafik Fauzan Sharif, who organised a trip to view the fireflies for newsmen on Thursday night, said he would bring the issue to the attention of the authorities.

He suggested that the Kuantan Municipal Council and Forest Research Institute Malaysia conduct a study on the fireflies here.



Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]