Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside School Holiday Escape
From RM199 ++ per room per night
Complimentary breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children below 12 years
2 children stay free when sharing a bed with parents in the same room
Enjoy leisure facilities - kids club, games room, swimming pool, fitness centre
Valid on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Call Tel 603 8890 0000
Visit http://www.pullmanputrajaya.com/ now
The Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel is part of the Accor Group and is located 20 minutes from the city centre, KL International Airport and Sepang F1 International Circuit.
The hotel boasts 283 rooms, suites and apartments and the hotel is separated into four wings with Malay, Chinese, Indian and Borneo influenced decor.
The rooms furnished with the executive traveller in mind and is equipped with LCD TVs, interactive TV entertainment system, high speed Internet access and 24 hour in-room dining.
The Pullman also features five F&B outlet within the hotel which includes a lakeside restaurant.
The hotel also has 21 fully equipped meeting and board rooms that can hold up to 1,000 guests and an lakefront open air amphitheatre that can accommodate 250 guests.
The Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel is expected to open in November 2008 and is expected to be fully operational in early 2009
Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel’s Patrick Sibourg began his career in the hotel industry at the age of 22 as a general manager. He tells us about his meteoric rise to the top.
AS we sat down in the mock room in the Borneo wing for the partly finished Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel for the interview, Patrick Sibourg the hotel general manager, looked warm in his jacket. But when asked if he was used to the heat of Malaysia (he has only been here in Malaysia for the past nine months) he grins and nods.
“I’ve worked in Indonesia for 13 years,” says the French hotelier whose wife is an Indonesian citizen. When he had to make a decision to move either to China or Malaysia, it was easier for his wife to be in Malaysia.
Not that he minded making the move to Malaysia. With the almost similar lifestyle and culture, Malaysia wasn’t that big a change for him.
Getting Lucky
Sibourg got his lucky break right from the start.
He studied in a famous hotel management school in Switzerland and after he graduated in 1979 he started looking for a job in a hotel in France.
And when Sibourg landed an interview with a hotel owner, he was given the job which he immediately said yes to.
“I signed the contract with the owner and went to the hotel. The general manager was shocked to see me as he wasn’t informed that I was joining the hotel,” Sibourg laughs and added that the manager had to give him a room anyway.
“Two days later, the owner of the hotel gave me a call and asked if I had a pen and some paper and he needed me to write a letter. Wait, this gets better! He wanted me to write a letter of dismissal to the general manager. There was nothing much that I can do but to hand the general manager the letter the next morning. I can imagine that he wasn’t too happy about it,” says Sibourg before bursting into laughter.
Two days later, the guy left and Sibourg became general manager of the hotel at the age of 22.
“So when people ask me if it was hard for me to work through the ranks to reach my current position or what sort of background I was from, I have to honestly tell them that it wasn’t too hard at all. I was general manager from the time I started working in a hotel!” he says.
Once in a hotel kitchen where he worked for a few months, the chef who had been giving Sibourg a tough time asked him what he wanted to do in life.
“I told him I wanted to be GM and he asked me when, to which I answered ‘As soon as possible’. Six months from then I hired the same person as my executive chef,” he says while adding that the chef was so happy for him.
Sibourg also admitted that he was grateful for the people working around him as they had given him lots of invaluable advice as he hasn’t got much experience when he first started working. Sibourg stayed on in the hotel for another six years and went on to work for another nine years in France before he moved to Asia in 1994.
He also did a short stint in Cuba before coming back to Asia again.
Asian Connection
Sibourg loves Kuala Lumpur because it’s a cross between Jakarta and Singapore. It’s a balance, he says, that combines the freedom of Indonesia and the cleanliness of Singapore.
When asked if he prefers Malaysia (compared to Indonesia), he jokingly says, ‘I’ll never say that because my wife is Indonesian. If I do, there will be war at home tonight!”
It took Sibourg a lot of time before he got used to his new lifestyle in Asia.
I love Kuala Lumpur says Sibourg at the balcony of the Borneo block “When I first arrived in Surabaya, Indonesia, from France there was someone who was supposed to pick me up from the airport. Turns out that they forgot about me.
“I was stuck in the airport for three hours while I waited my pick up. Throughout that time, all I thought of was if I should take the next flight back because I really wasn’t used to the environment,” he says.
Now Sibourg calls Indonesia home and he even owns a house in Bali.
“I love the peaceful environment and I consider Bali as my second hometown, it’s my favourite holiday destination. But now with the Malaysia My Second Home program, I am considering getting a place here as well. A friend of mine has been telling me all sorts of nice things about Penang,” he smiles.
Sibourg’s 22 year old daughter is doing her training in Jakarta. He also has two young girls, age 7 and 5.
When asked if his eldest daughter aspired to follow Sibourg’s footstep, he says that she wanted to do ‘something like what daddy is doing’.
His daughter has now finished her studies and is looking forward to a job in either Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia. Sibourg also thinks it’s easier for a French national to get a job in Southeast Asia.
Tree for a child
When asked about the challenges he face while at work, Sibourg says while he face many challenges at work there is nothing harder than having to get through two divorces.
“It’s a tough decision and the two times I got the divorce, I ask myself what can I do with my life? It’s always a question of what to do, where to go and with whom?” he says while adding that he is now happily married for the third time.
He also spoke passionately about A Tree For A Child, a programme supported by Accor Group that is developed specifically in protecting children in need.
“This program allows us to help the orphans and at the moment, we are taking care of 17 children from Kompleks Kebajikan Rukaiyah Amal in Bangi that we hope to eventually employ to work in the hotel,” says Sibourg.
Instead of giving them a sum of money, Sibourg explained that they want to create job opportunities for them and when this program takes off, all hotels in Kuala Lumpur will also be able to participate in this program.
The hotel is also in the midst of developing more environmental friendly measures to ensure that they do their part. Apart from a few electricity saving features in the room, Sibourg also plans to use rainwater collected from the roof of the hotel to water its lush gardens.
Sibourg is getting used to the local food and he found his favourite in Nasi Padang. He has also recently discovered mamak food. When asked if he would rather go back and work in Europe, Sibourg says, “I don’t think so!”
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said at least 15 floats would be participating in the parade on July 26. The floats, which must use at least 70% of fresh flowers, would then be displayed in Putrajaya until July 28.
Flora Fest 2008, which started on March 1, is divided into seven segments including photography competition and exhibition, flora workshop, Florathon, design arrangement and decoration competitions, floral parade and float showcase and bazaar.
“Malaysia has almost 8,000 species of flowers and its flora and fauna should be given as much publicity as possible.
Flower power: Azalina Othman checking out the floral display at her meeting room. Looking on is the Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Dr Victor Wee. “Many of our indigenous flowers have yet to gain international recognition because they have not been given enough publicity and not because they are inferior in terms of beauty and colour,” she said at a press conference on Flora Fest here yesterday.
Bigger plans are also in store for next year, said Azalina who intends to make it a Flora and Forest Fest in 2009 to get locals and tourists to further appreciate nature.
“The Fest goes beyond parades. We are looking at incorporating nature walks and other eco-tourism activities for next year.
We also want it to be promoted in more destinations in the country,” she added.
The administrative capital has recorded over 1.3 million tourist arrivals since 2000, but authorities believe the amount could be five times higher.
Putrajaya Corporation (PJC) President Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said tourist arrivals to Putrajaya had been increasing steadily.
He attributed the increase in tourist arrivals to the host of attractions found in the area and also to many events that had been and were being organised in Putrajaya.
For instance, he said, the Putrajaya Floria 2007 (a nine-day flower and garden festival that would take off on Aug 25) and the Arts Festival would attract thousands of visitors to Putrajaya.
He said on average of 200,000 people visited Putrajaya annually, and in 2003 the figure was 312,696 people.
He told this to reporters at the annual Putrajaya Treasure Hunt here on Sunday.
An official from the corporation said the actual number of visitors to Putrajaya could be five times more than the annual average as not all tourists registered their visits.
"We don't have a comprehensive system yet to gauge the exact number of people visiting Putrajaya."
"The figure we have comes from those visiting Dataran Putrajaya and the Putra Mosque," said the official.
He added that in future PJC, through its soon-to-be launched Putrajaya Tourism Action Council, would carry out a detailed survey to determine the tourist arrivals.
"Easily about 40 tour buses make stops at Putrajaya on a daily basis, while there are also people driving in private cars and those who visit our parks and take the lake cruise.
"Based on all these we believe that the figure recorded is not reflective of the actual number of visitors to Putrajaya," he said.
The official also said the lake cruise was a popular tourist attraction, apart from the many parks and the magnificent architecture of the Buildings.
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Diverse: A variety of Indonesian dishes at Palm Hill Café. |
The dancers from the Indonesian School in Kuala Lumpur treated guests with their youthful charm while the adult dance troupe from the Indonesian Embassy presented a well-rehearsed, refined version of a traditional dance number during lunch.
The embassy's Kumpulan Gamelan, a band of musicians played the traditional gamelan instruments at a far corner while guests indulged in the offerings of the day presented by guest chef Karsono Rsum from the Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta.
The food promotion was launched by the embassy's education and cultural attaché M Imran Hanafi.
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Introduction: The promotion was launched by Imran (left) and here he is seen serving Healy some of the Indonesian food. |
The outlet's buffet features a mix of Indonesian and local delights spread out from the appetisers, main courses and desserts.
Some of the Indonesian dishes on the line-up are Cumi Cumi Assam Kuning, Kangkung Rebus, Deep Fried Coconut Cucur and Tempeyek, Sup Bunjut, Opor Ayam Puteh, Pesmol Udang, Lopis Kelapa, Pulut Aging and Indonesian Layer Cake.
The Indonesian dishes are prepared with ingredients native to the country including herbs and spices, are identifiable from the nametags placed beside each dish.
To give it an Indonesian appeal, the café has included in its décor a feel of Indonesia with the ambience en-hanced with Indone- sian batik and familiar decorative items.
The promotion until April 29 is priced at RM70++ per person.
SECRETARIES’ week, the once-a-year period that allows secretaries to indulge in events tailor-made for them, is back again at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.
This time, two strong names in the entertainment industry are set to bring the house down with their presence.
The well-poised Camelia and the multitalented Adibah Noor will take centrestage, with the petite Camelia singing her heart out while Adibah keeps guests entertained with her joviality as she emcees.
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Special treat: Adibah (left) and Camelia are planning a surprise for the secretaries’ week event at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel on April 11. |
“I am a big fan of Adibah as she is a superb singer, an incredible actress and a witty host, and I am very honoured to share the stage with her,” Camelia told a press conference on Wednesday to announce the hotel’s secretaries’ week line-up.
Camelia will sing a few songs from her latest album, Mysticam, as well as songs from her older albums.
She will be backed up by musical director Mac Chew, Andy Peterson (bassist) and Adriane Palikat (drums).
“We are planning a surprise for secretaries’ week that both of us have not done before,” said Adibah.
“If you want to know, please come to the event.”
Asked if guests could expect a song from her, Adibah said: “It depends on the audience’s response – anything can happen.”
“It is our responsibility to those who have bought the tables to entertain them and make sure the secretaries have fun,” said the artiste, whose song Terlalu Istimewa was named song of the year at TV3’s annual Anugerah Juara Lagu song competition.
The song also won in the ballad category and Adibah, who penned the lyrics, was also recognised with an award for best vocal performance.
Putrajaya Marriott Hotel general manager Yeow Hock Siew said that besides the stars, diners would be entertained by the vibrant and energetic Bantus Capoeira group, which will showcase Brazilian dance art; and also Dua Space Dance Troupe, a colourful fusion group which will feature dances in a blend of tradition and contemporary styles.
“As in previous years, we will showcase quality in performance while our chefs showcase a spread of delights,” said Yeow. “We aim to please and the show is guaranteed to please.”
The hotel, which is known for its enticing dishes, is presenting The Marriott Chef’s Buffet Showcase this year, with many offerings from Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Western and Asian kitchens as well as a mouth-watering dessert selection.
The afternoon affair, to be held on April 11 from noon to 2pm, is priced at RM288++, RM248++ and RM198++ respectively for platinum, gold and classic seating categories.
Guests stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes and a grand prize of a travel ticket for two worth RM3,000, along with other attractive prizes.
For details, call 03-8949 8888.
THE newly established Putrajaya Tourism Action Council will focus its efforts on drawing more tourists to the garden city.
Set up recently under the Tourism Ministry, the council will seek to increase local and foreign tourist arrivals in Putrajaya through various means, especially in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
A total of 1.1million tourists visited Putrajaya between 2000 and 2005. Statistics up till October last year showed that 122,472 visitors were recorded at the Putra Mosque, a popular destination for local and foreign tourists alike.
Elaborating on the means to boost tourist arrivals in Putrajaya, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique said the month-long Federal Territory Day celebrations in the federal administrative capital was an example.
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All ears: Zulhasnan (second from left) listening intently as a vendor (right) explains the benefits of honey jam at the Agro Bazaar at Taman Warisan Pertanian. |
With him were Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman and their respective spouses Datin Nooriah Ana Razak and Datin Seri Suslita Abdul Majid.
Zulhasnan and his wife spent an hour visiting the various stalls offering flowers, plants, herbs and garden necessities and chatting with the operators. They also toured a small section of the agricultural park.
“Many attractions of the park and Putrajaya must be promoted often and one of the ways to do this is for the local authority and park operators to work with private companies,'' he said.
Meanwhile, Samsudin said the Putrajaya Tourism Action Council secretariat would be based at the Putrajaya Corporation Complex in Precinct 3.
He also said a letter was sent to the Economic Planning Unit recently asking for a review of the decision regarding the monorail project that was shelved due to lack of funds.
Samsudin said a better public transport system in Putrajaya would draw more visitors to the capital. Several park-and-ride venues are already in place.
