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-Pelancongan Kini.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
KLIA offers direct connection to Russia as Transaero debuts at KLIA
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 31, 2011): Malaysia Airports's relentless marketing effort and Tourism Malaysia's aggressive promotion continued to bore fruit to ensure the aviation industry ended 2011 on a positive note. And, to end the year on a positive note, Transaero Airlines, Russia's second largest airline, made its maiden landing at KL International Airport (KLIA) today.
Transaero, the sole airline from Russia to operate into Kuala Lumpur, operates one weekly flight every Saturday from Moscow and Kuala Lumpur and vice versa, using a Boeing 767 aircraft with 255 seat configuration, said Malaysia Airports in a statement. The inaugural flight UN551 touched down at KLIA today and was given a warm Malaysian style reception by Malaysia Airports and Tourism Malaysia. It said Transaero has been operating charter flights to KLIA for the last few years and has created sufficient market demand on this route for the airline to start scheduled operations.
Managing Director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad was quoted as saying:"Malaysia Airports is very pleased with Transaero's decision to include Kuala Lumpur in their network and establish a direct connection between Malaysia and Russia. "Transaero's service opens a new market for us and we wish them all the best for their operations in Kuala Lumpur. We look forward for the airline to stabilise and strengthen its operation into Kuala Lumpur and hopefully, increase their frequency to KLIA soon".
He said it was Malaysia Airports' close cooperation and relations with Tourism Malaysia plus the Ministry of Transport's pro-business policies that brought this airline from Russia to Malaysia.
Transaero, the 57th airline serving Kuala Lumpur, will provide convenient access between Kuala Lumpur and Moscow and expand two-way trade, investment and tourism for both countries. In 2011, apart from Transaero, KLIA also welcomed Air Koryo and Lion Air, while Egypt Air made a comeback to KLIA.
Transaero, which flies to China, Japan, Thailand and India, also plys to major Russian cities and is also the leading carrier to Kazakhstan. Its network covers many European destinations such as Austria, Cyprus, England, Germany, Greece, Israel and Spain.
-Bernama.
http://www.transaero.com/
"Sky Scenic Tour" experience in Kelantan
KOTA BAHARU (Dec 31, 2011): For only RM80 per person, locals and tourists to Kelantan can enjoy its scenic beauty from Gunung Stong to Dabong, Kuala Krai from the air.
The 'Sky Scenic Tour' package organised by the Kota Baharu Flying Club (KBFC) will see visitors flown on light aircraft to see the beauty of the state from another perspective. KBFC advisor Najib Badruddin said the package was a new attraction in conjunction with Visit Kelantan Year 2012.
"The package is the first held in the East Coast which promises a unique experience when visiting Kelantan. "We will help tourists explore the entire town of Kota Baharu, see the mountains at Gunung Stong and the natural beauty of Bachok and Tumpat beaches," he said after visiting the club here today with Kelantan Tourism director Zurina Abd Samad and Asia Pacific Flight Training principal, Captain Dawek Sabeli.
Najib said the club has 40 three-seater light aircraft, comprising Piper Warrior II and Diamond 40, with skilled and experienced pilots. Tourists can use the service from 10am to 5pm daily, he said.
Meanwhile, Zurina said with the latest tourist product, the target of six million tourist for the Visit Kelantan Year in 2012 could be achieved. Tourists who wished to know more about the latest tourism product could visit the Kelantan Tourism office here or the club which is located at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Pengkalan Chepa.
-Bernama.
http://kbfc.com.my/index.php
LEGOLAND® MALAYSIA Annual Passes Go On Sale!
JOHOR BAHRU – In the spirit of the holiday season, LEGOLAND® Malaysia announced the launch of its pre-opening annual pass sales on AirAsia RedTix. The pre-opening annual passes will be sold at a special discounted price, with a validity that will take pass holders right into the entire year of 2013. These special prices are offered for a very limited period only, providing a great opportunity to give that perfect holiday or Chinese New Year gift.
www.legoland.com.my
Beach resort expects uptrend in its MICE market
Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Penang expects its meeting, incentives, convention, and exhibition (MICE) market to grow next year.
Its general manager Elaine Yue said Penang was experiencing growth in investments from overseas in the property and manufacturing sectors over the past two years. This would likely lead to more MICE events in the future, Yue said. “The vibes are good, an indication that more investments will pour into Penang. This should translate very well for the MICE segment.”
As the only five-star beachfront resort in Batu Ferringhi equipped with integrated resort facilities, the resort would be in a strong position to tap into the MICE market, she said in an interview. “For example, all of our public areas are now equipped with free Internet broadband access, a facility that supports the needs of our MICE guests. We also have four MICE specialists in our resort. They are part of our main operations unit, capable of servicing the needs of our MICE guests and convention planners,” she said.
It was reported that Penang registered until August, this year, RM4.8bil in investments and it is on track to achieve the targeted RM6.1bil investments for 2011. Last year, Penang achieved the highest investment in Malaysia with RM12bil recorded. “This is why we can expect the MICE market to boost our occupancy rate in 2012, as the MICE segment is a substantial contributor to our revenue,” she added.
Yue said the Rasa Sayang’s average occupancy rate was expected to be around 65% this year, a slight percentage increase from last year. “For the Christmas and Chinese New Year holiday period, the bookings show that our occupancy rate for the period will be over 90%,” she said.
Yue said there was a slight decrease in arrivals from Europe due to the weakening economy there. “Regional tourism from neighbouring countries and the Middle East has increased this year, comprising about two thirds of our tourist arrivals. The remainder comes from Europe, United States and others,” she said.
Yue said Rasa Sayang Resort was competing with the five-star resorts in Langkawi by offering room rates starting from RM600 onwards. Yue has 20 years of experience in Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and had served in various senior executive positions in the Group.
She was based in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Chiang Mai before taking up her present general manager position. She is the 18th general manager and also the first female holding the position for the property in Penang. Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 72 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands with a room inventory of over 30,000.
Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe property featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Its hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Canada, mainland China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Britain.
-thestar online.
List of venues for New Year celebration
i-CITY
Love Selangor Carnival
6.30 pm
Presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin. Countdown against the giant ferries wheel and pyro-fountain. Free admission.
DATARAN MERDEKA
8pm
The AMBANG 2012 KUALA LUMPUR concert will feature Mizz Nina, Jamal Abdillah, Awie, Faizal Tahir and Hujan. Also present will be One Nation Emcees, Razali, Hillary Ng, Malique, Najwa Latiff, Desiree Tan and Sabhi Saddi and Datuk M. Nasir. Free admission.
DATARAN KEMERDEKAAN SHAH ALAM
7pm
Maghrib prayers followed by Q and A by Ustaz Azhar Idrus on the Islamic religion. Free admission.
PUBLIKA
6.30pm
Enquiries: 03-6207 9426
Look forward to illusionists, fire eaters, levitating magicians, live band performances: Anthem Band, Sky High, display of Harley Davidson motorcycles, bikes from Naza World, and Lotus cars. Elaborate fireworks. Free admission.
DESA PARK CITY
3.30pm
Xbox & PS3 Games Challenge, Games Booths & Countdown Street Bazaar, fireworks, dance performances by Astro Battleground 2011 Champion – Soul Krazy and IDC Dancers and fireworks. Free admission.
MUTIARA DAMANSARA COMMERCIAL CENTRE (THE CURVE, IPC, eCURVE)
8pm
Enquiries: 03-7710 6868
Appearances by Joey G, Fay Hokulani. Jaclyn Victor, Reshmonu and other dance crews and entertainers, fireworks. Free admission.
KLCC
Esplanade
8.30pm
Stage performances of percussion and ethnic sounds by local acts and talents, synchronised to the Lake Symphony Fountains and fireworks display.
SUNGEI WANG PLAZA
9pm
Chinese Street Concert; 10 local and international artistes comprising Wong Cho Lam and Jason Chan, Olivia Ong, Sigma, ManHanD, Amy Wang, Melvin Sia, Alvin Chong, Athena Beh and Peace Teo. Free admission.
JAYA ONE
Palm Square Centre Court
9pm
Top 40 tunes spun by the house DJ and music by a live band. Free admission.
GENTING
Merdeka Stage
7pm
Stage activities, followed by New Year’s Fireworks.
Outdoor Theme Park
10pm
Free entry into Genting Theme Park.
Times Square Stage, First World Plaza
10pm: Astro All Stars Party Music Countdown Show and the Classic Golden Melody New Year Countdown Show. Free admission.
JALAN ISTANA, CHENNAI SILK PALACE, KLANG
Carpark
7pm
Concert featuring local Indian artistes like Vaanavil Super Star 2011 winners Logeshwaran and Shan, Chakrasonic, and comedians Nandu Ramesh and Suruli Nadarajan. Stage games. Free admission.
PAVILLION
Bukit Bintang Entrance
9pm
World-class DJs, dancers, laser shows, percussionists and street buskers. Win prizes, party packs and more. Confetti bursts for the countdown. Free admission.
SUNWAY PYRAMID
Oasis Boulevard
9pm
Carnival-style street buskers, fireworks at Sunway Lagoon. Free admission.
SohoKL, SOLARIS
8pm
Enquiries: www.sohokl.com and facebook.com/sohokl.
Dress Code: Your favourite fashion era. Giveaways such as smartphones and over RM20,000 worth of dining and cash vouchers to be won, lucky draws, voting for the best dressed of the evening, musical performances and fireworks and pyrotechnics displays. Free admission.
SERI KEMBANGAN Garden Explore, My Fiesta
7pm to 11pm, New Year’s Day Enquiries: www.pigeonfly.com
RED 1.1.2012 New Year Celebration Concert featuring Namewee, Amber Chia, a Keith Kee couture show, New Year Carnival, stage games and fireworks. Free admission.
CENTRAL MARKET
DoPPel Kafe, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi
3pm
Featuring Peter Hassan Brown & Markisa, Daymien Nathan and more. Open mic from 6pm onwards (SMS Jaz 017-623 0288) Fireworks included. Free entry for Facebook friends of Doppelganger/ RM40nett food and drinks. RSVP required.
SOULED OUT HARTAMAS
7pm
Tickets: RM150nett | 03-2300 1955 / 012- 200 1955.
Copacabana themed. Featuring a complimentary first drink of Tiger / wine / house pour, a musical fireworks display and DJ Augie.
SOULED OUT AMPANG
7pm
Tickets: RM130nett | 03-2181 1626 / 012 655 7622.
Arabian Nights themed. Complimentary first drink of Tiger / wine / house pour, fire eaters, exotic belly dancers, snake charmer, DJ Danny D.
7ATENINE
7pm
Tickets: RM197nett | 03-21617 789 / 012- 210 3055.
Geisha themed. Featuring saketini shots with Japanese tapas platters, LED geisha and harajuku fringe dancers, dance floor with DJ p.i.c.
W.I.P
7pm
Tickets: RM150nett | 03 2094 1789 / 012 650 5722
Featuring complimentary first drink of Heineken / wine / house pour, DJ AB and William. Dress code: smart casual poolside party wear — white & purple.
SUNWAY LAGOON
Surf Beach
7pm
Tickets: Starting RM80 per pax | www.airasiaredtix.com | www.ticketcharge.com.my
Enquiries: 03-9222 8811 | www.facebook.com/sunwaylagoonMsia.
Acts: Rania, Korean Pop Girl Band, Ella from S.H.E, Dragon Red, Da.Mon.Ster, Juanophobia and midnight fireworks.
-thestar online.
Fifty-four beauties vie for Miss Tourism International title tonight
The day has finally arrived. Today, at the Miss Tourism International (MTI) 2011 World Final, a new queen will be crowned.
Fifty-four participants representing their respective countries, will strut their stuff at 8pm in the Grand Ballroom of Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. Deputy Information, Commu-nications and Culture Minister Senator Datuk Maglin Dennis D’Cruz will be the guest of honour for the occasion.
Reigning Miss Tourism International, Nathalie Den Dekker from the Netherlands will be handing over the crown to the new queen. Among the highlights of the event will be a gathering of more than 1,000 guests for the New Year countdown gala dinner.
RTM will also have a live crossover from Dataran Merdeka to Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa during the crowning and sashing ceremony of the new queen. For ticket reservation, call the pageant secretariat at 014-324 2216 or Sara at 017-300 1017.
Today, StarMetro features the final four beauties from Serbia, Taiwan, Turkey and Zimbabwe.
MISS SERBIA: Student Katarina Krzanovic hopes to be a good journalist one day.MISS SERBIA: Katarina Krzanovic, 24, is a student who loves dancing. Standing5’ 7”, she hopes to become a good journalist.
MISS TAIWAN: Lu Jen-Ling plays the guitar during her free time.MISS TAIWAN: The 22-year-old Lu Jen-Ling loves swimming and strumming the guitar during her free time. The 5’ 7” tall student’s ambition is to be come a successful singer.
MISS TURKEY: Noran Mostafa says dancing has always been her passion.MISS TURKEY: This stunning young woman aged 18 is a student back home. Standing at 5’ 10” is Noran Mostafa. Dancing has always been her passion. Her aim is to win the MTI 2011 title.
MISS ZIMBABWE: Nadia Gori loves jungle trekking, dancing and reading.MISS ZIMBABWE: Nadia Gori is a student who has a passion for jungle trekking, dancing and reading. With a height of 5’ 5”, the 21-year-old’s future plan is to be an attorney.
-thestar online.
Australian loves simple Malaysian lifestyle and the quirks
While some expatriates love the excitement offered by Kuala Lumpur’s city life, for David Beasley it was the simple things that made him choose Malaysia as a place to call home.
Beasly, who works as a project management specialist in Cyberjaya, loves pasar malam, eating at mamak shops and the lush greenery around him.
Taking a shot: Beasley enjoys playing pool at his house during his free time.Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Beasley moved some 10 years ago right after turning 29.
He lives in Puchong, where convenient facilities are nearby.
However, when he first moved to Malaysia, it was not easy to settle in.
But, Beasley was optimistic and confident about the people and decided not to give up.
“The first year, it was difficult to make friends because as friendly as the locals are, they are cautious about letting anyone get closer to them.
“I did not want to be part of the expat community, it defeats the purpose of living in a foreign land. I wanted be to be part of the local culture and learn to adapt to the Malaysian lifestyle. That’s why I chose to live in Puchong.
“The quality of life here is good and food is cheap,” he said.
Beasley admits that traffic can be ghastly at times but it is something he has gotten accustomed to. “In Melbourne we have trams, so it would be nice if Malaysia had a better public transportation system. “What I do miss about Melbourne, which I think Kuala Lumpur can have more of, is the art scene. The art and live music scene here is not bad, but it’s got a long way to go,” he added.
Asked what the one thing is he needs to learn more of , Beasley said it is the Malay language. “I can speak sikit-sikit to get by with ordering food at the mamak shop. But since everyone speaks in English here, I have not put in much effort to improve my Malay,” he said.
“I have learnt to differentiate the cultural practices of every race in the country, down to weddings, funerals and celebrations. “I met my fiance here, through Facebook, and that is surely one of the best things that has happened to me here,” he said.
-thestar online.
AirAsia extends F1 sponsorship
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd has extended its sponsorship agreement with 1Malaysia Racing Team Sdn Bhd for a period of one year effective Jan 1, 2012.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, AirAsia said it had entered into an extension to the sponsorship agreement dated May 26, 2011 with 1Malaysia Racing Team to be an official team partner of Caterham F1, the F1 racing team formerly known as Team Lotus and title sponsor of the Caterham F1 Driver Development Programme.
In a separate statement, AirAsia said that it had signed an agreement with QPR Holdings Ltd, the parent company of Queens Park Rangers Football Club, for the sponsorship of the QPR away shirt in the Barclays Premier League. In consideration of the rights to be made available to the company, Airasia will pay QPR 350,000 for a term of one year as sponsorship fees.
-Bernama.
Muhyiddin and artistes to celebrate countdown at i-City
PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will join revellers at the i-City new year countdown celebrations in Shah Alam today, which will feature performances by leading artistes as well as a grand fireworks display.
Selangor Barisan Nasional, the organisers, said the event would mark the finale of the four-day Sayangi Selangor Carnival. They expected a crowd of more than 200,000 people.
Bernama quoted organising committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed as saying that the Deputy Prime Minister was scheduled to arrive at 10.45pm and visit the booths at the carnival before representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for the countdown event.
Full circle: A worker cleaning the grounds of i-City yesterday in preparation for the countdown celebrations tonight.Slated for performances during the event are reality show champions Suki (from One in a Million) and Daniel Lee (Malaysian Idol), as well as this year’s big winner of the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) award, Najwa Mahiaddin.
i-City is among the major venues in the Klang Valley where the public can join the celebrations to usher in the new year. Dataran Merdeka, the popular annual new year’s eve celebration site, will also see a list of favourite names in the local music industry, including Datuk M. Nasir, Jamal Abdillah, Faizal Tahir, Mizz Nina and rock band Hujan. The concert, organised by the Ambank Group and KL City Hall, is expected to start at 9pm and will also feature a fireworks display.
Popular areas in the city such as KLCC and the Bukit Bintang entertainment hub will also have their own countdown celebrations. Revellers can also look forward to street concerts by local artistes and performances by buskers.
Meanwhile, KTM Bhd announced that it would provide extra trains and extended hours for its KTM Komuter service. From Mid Valley/KL Sentral, the final train to Rawang will depart at 2.06am while the last train heading to Batu Caves will leave at 2.10am on Jan 1. For the Putra station, the last train heading to Seremban will depart at 1.50am while the final train for the Port Klang station will leave at 1.55am.
-thestar online.
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