Husband and wife aim to put Lahad Datu on world's diving map

KOTA KINABALU: Its logo depicts a mean looking pirate wearing goggles but dive centre, Pirate Divers, is working towards dispelling perceptions that Lahad Datu is a danger zone.  

Located between Sandakan and Semporna, Lahad Datu has often been known mostly as the gateway to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the Danum Valley.  

For the past decade, the centre's diving instructor Glen Hapirulla and his wife, Kristy Chan, have been hard at work trying to put Lahad Datu on the world's diving map.  

To many outsiders, Lahad Datu is a dangerous place to visit due to its proximity to areas that have seen a spate of cross-border crimes over the years.  

In fact, Glen said he was even advised to relocate to Tioman Island in Pahang, where he worked for seven years in view of his ailing business and the perceived security risks in Lahad Datu following the incidents.  

However, he and Chan decided to persist with their dive outfit, Pirate Divers.  

"Even locals from Kota Kinabalu were afraid to come here. But we never gave up. We continued our efforts to restore confidence among people that Lahad Datu is safe to visit.  

"Now, we are starting to see the fruits of our labour," said Glen, who has almost 20 years experience in the diving industry.  

Together with his wife, they have been working towards gaining recognition for Pirate Divers as the go-to outfit for diving excursions in Silam Bay, Lahad Datu.  

Glen, 56, led his team to map 60 sites such as the "Blue Ring" reefs. Many of these sites have been named after his clients and fellow divers as a show of appreciation.  

Having worked on Tioman, Redang and Tenggol islands in Peninsular Malaysia before returning to Sabah, Glen believes that Lahad Datu is home to the most beautiful dive sites and reefs he had ever seen.  

"In my opinion, Lahad Datu has the best dive sites. But the funny part is, local divers don't know how beautiful the seabed is. They would rather go to other places," he chuckled.  

"Even so, I still think that there needs to be a system in place to prevent overcrowding here so that it doesn't become like Semporna," he added.  

Recently, Sabah Parks credited Glen with his discovery of the "Blue Ring" reefs, also known as the only "blue holes” (large marine caverns or sinkholes) in Malaysia.

-thestar online.

LTdL proudly announce Petronas as title sponsor for the next three years

Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (second from left) is all smiles during the sponsorship ceremony held in Kuah, Langkawi earlier today (Thursday) announcing national oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) as the title sponsor of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) for the next three years from this year until 2021. Representing Petronas was Brand Management Head Noor Afiza Mohd Yusof (right), while LTdL’s organisers Human Voyage Sdn Bhd were represented by their chief executive officer, Datuk Ahmad Mustafa (left). Also present was Sports Ministry’s chief secretary Dr. Wachalla RRV Suppiah. (PIC BY BERNAMA)

LANGKAWI: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has officially joined the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) as the title sponsor for the next three years, beginning with this year’s edition which gets underway next week.

The national oil and gas company was unveiled as the title sponsor in a sponsorship ceremony officiated by Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman in Langkawi earlier today (Thursday).

Petronas’ involvement as the exclusive title sponsor of LTdL will be over three years from this year until 2021. The sponsorship will be in the form of cash and kind.

The 8-stage race, which covers a total distance of 1,234.4km over

nine states in the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia, will start off in the heart of Kuala Lumpur with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers as the stunning backdrop on April 6 (Saturday).

The Tour will come to an end with a penultimate round-island challenge and the finale on April 12 (Friday) and 13 (Saturday).

Petronas has been LTdL’s long-time partner since 1997, and has contributed immensely to the successful organisation of past editions of the race.

Petronas’ long-term involvement in LTdL ensures vehicles and cars used

to transport teams, riders, officials, media, cavalcade, police escorts and race

staff, will be adequately fueled throughout the 8-day duration of the race.

Sports Minister Syed Saddiq expressed his gratitude over Petronas’ major commitment towards LTdL, saying that the national oil and gas company’s involvement in the Tour has helped the Tour evolve into what it has become today.

LTdL is currently among the leading 2.0HC races under the UCI Asia Tour calendar which offers UCI ranking points, apart from the lucrative prize money offered by the organisers.

“I wish to record my gratitude to Petronas who are coming in, in a big way to

support and ensure the smooth organisation of this year’s Tour. LTdL is much

more than just a cycling race. It has become a national agenda which helps in

the promotion of sports tourism and spurs the local economy as well,” said

Syed Saddiq.

Petronas believes that LTdL is a good platform for the company to build and project its brand both locally and internationally. “We believe that LTdL is a good branding platform beyond race tracks in Motorsports, for both Petronas and the country. As a title sponsor for the next three years, we are continuing our brand building effort, both domestically and Internationally,” said Noor Afiza Mohd Yusof, Petronas’ head of brand management.

This year’s edition will start off with a challenging 176.9 km hilly route from the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) in the heart of the city to Dataran Tampin in Negri Sembilan.

The much awaited Genting climb takes place on the fourth day from Shah

Alam.

In line with the Tour’s “Sports Unites, Cycling Contributes” theme, the

organisers are hoping that this year’s edition receives even greater response and support from spectators, masses and fans across Malaysia.

A total of 22 teams comprising outfits from the World Tour, Pro-Continental,

Continental and National Teams tiers are down for action in the Tour

organised by Human Voyage Sdn Bhd.
-nst online.

Ning LIVE @ Zoo Negara ( 20 April 2019 )

Malaysia's Queen of Soul and multi award-winning pop singer and actress Ning Baizura, will be performing in this intimate concert at Zoo Negara. 

Ning LIVE! is a friendship project in aid of MYCAT (Malaysian Conservation Alliance For Tigers), joining Malaysia in the race against time to save the last remaining Malayan Tigers from extinction. This very special concert features an exclusive collaboration with the zoo's very colorful animal show!

 Ning is well-loved and famous for her live stage performances so don't miss this rare public performance. As a treat for her fans, there will be an autograph and photography session with Ning at the Elephant and Tiger sections after the concert. Jom, bermesra dengan Ning!

-AirAsia RedTix.

https://airasiaredtix.com/ningliveatzoonegara

Travel players swoop in on new markets arriving in Melaka for World Cup Kabaddi 2019

The governor of Melaka (centre) at the launch event for World Cup Kabaddi (source: https://worldcupkabaddi.org/)

Inbound travel agencies in Malaysia are looking to capitalise on the World Cup Kabaddi 2019, a sporting event that is expected to bring close to 1,000 participants and foreign supporters from 55 countries to Melaka.

Among the 34 countries competing in Melaka next month, six are from Africa, nine from Europe, three from South America and the remaining from across Asia, Oceania, North and Central America.

Organised by Malaysia Kabaddi Federation and sanctioned by World Kabaddi Federation, the event will run from April 7 to 14 at Temasek Hotel, Melaka, within the heritage Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir.

Leong Sang Khin, owner of the 472-room Temasek Hotel, Melaka, said the hotel will run at full occupancy during the World Cup Kabaddi.

For the duration of World Cup Kabaddi 2019, the hotel will host a cultural food festival with participation from local hawker stalls as well as the banqueting team from the hotel. There will also be a local bazaar within the hotel to showcase locally produced items.

Raaj Navaratnaa, general manager, New Asia Holiday Tours & Travel, shared that he will be organising 3D2N pre- and post-event tours covering Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

He shared: “To date, more than 500 people have confirmed, from countries such as South America, Africa, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Egypt, Kenya Tanzania and Nigeria. Many are first timers to Malaysia. Tours will include UNESCO and historical sites in Melaka and Penang, as well as diverse cultural and heritage attractions and food.”

Another inbound agent, Arokia Das Anthony, director at Luxury Tours Malaysia, is working with partners in India to sell packages to the event as well as entrance tickets. Post tours include 3D2N packages to Penang, Langkawi and Resorts World Genting, inclusive of half-day orientation tours and shopping shuttles.

-TTG Asia.

Imbak Canyon Learning Centre to be centre of excellence for tropical rainforests

From left: Jamalul Kiram, PETRONAS Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, Mohd Shafie and Chairman of PETRONAS and Yayasan PETRONAS Datuk Ahmad Nizam Salleh enjoying the scenic Imbak Waterfall.

KOTA KINABALU: The Imbak Canyon Learning Centre (ICSC) is poised to be a centre of excellence in tropical rainforest research, education and capacity building with an emphasis on Malaysian participation and contribution.

ICSC was initiated from the collaboration between Yayasan Sabah Group (YSG) and Petronas, which began in 2010 to develop the area as a basic learning centre in biodiversity conservation for local communities.

In 2014, Petronas contributed RM77mil to YSG to realise the ICSC construction project covering an area of 27ha.

“With the facilities available at ICSC, it will be able to accommodate more visitors and researchers at any one time,” said Sabah Foundation director Datuk Jamalul Kiram Mohd Zakaria.

“This is in view of the strategic location of the Imbak Canyon near Tongod, Telupid and Pinangah and it is the gateway to the vast Ulu Kinabatangan area.

“The construction of ICSC will open more jobs and business opportunities for communities living within the vicinity of the Imbak Canyon area, especially in the field of hospitality, research, tourism and rangering,” he said at the opening ceremony of ICSC in the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA) here Tuesday (March 26).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal was also present at the event.

Jamalul Kiram added that the venture has indirectly proven the close cooperation between YSG and Petronas on conservation efforts as well as the social development of Tongod and its residents, and Sabah in general.

He said that among the key achievements of this collaboration was the establishment of the Imbak Canyon Porters and Guides Association, whose membership comprise village youths living within Imbak Canyon and Tongod.

“The association was established with the aim of developing the capacity of youth by providing porter and guide services for visitors to Imbak Canyon,” he said.

-thestar online.

http://imbakcanyon-borneo.com.my

Half of tourism tax revenue to be distributed to state governments by month's end

PUTRAJAYA: Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng today confirmed that 50 per cent of the revenue from last year’s tourism tax would be distributed to state governments as promised.

“Fifty per cent of the tax revenue collected from each state will be distributed, which is estimated at RM67.74 million,” he said in a statement today.

He said previously Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had asked whether the Finance Ministry would distribute the money to the state governments before the first quarter of this year.

“The Federal Government will keep to its promise and will not react like Datuk Abdul Karim who previously made false statements that the government had distributed the tax revenue to Sabah, but not Sarawak,” Lim said.

The amount to be distributed to Sabah is RM12.67 million, Penang (RM10.98 million), Selangor (RM10.3 million), Johor (RM7.99 million), Pahang (RM7.86 million), Melaka (RM5.35 million), Kedah (RM5.08 million), Sarawak (RM2.58 million) and Negri Sembilan (RM2.47 million).

-nst online.

Melaka Craft Festival 2019 @ Dataran Menara Taming Sari ( 27 ~ 31 March 2019 )

-Kraftangan Malaysia.

MITA Tourism Carnival 2019 @ MAEPS Serdang ( 29 ~ 31 March 2019 )

MITA TOURISM CARNIVAL 2019 is happening from the 29-31 March 2019 at MAEPS Serdang. Come visit us and bring your family along as there will be lots of activities and deals for everyone. 

Activities include MITA Travel Fair, Malaysia Food Festival, Malaysia Arts & Craft Showcase, MITA Fun Run, Hot FM Jam featuring top Malaysia artistes & Malaysia Riders 2019.

Domestic & International Tour Packages will be on sale with discounts up to 70%. Enjoy local delicacy/ food from all over Malaysia including Nasi Dagang, Mee Kolok, Laksa Johor, Rojak and others at the Malaysia Food Festival. Keep up a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the sights of greenery surrounding the MAEPS grounds when you take part in the MITA Tourism Fun Run. Be entertained by top Malaysian artiste including Siti Sarah, Hail Husaini, Dayang Nurfaizah, Faizal Tahir, Aida Jebat and many more during the Hot FM Jam concert. Discounts on Bikes and accessories including special stunt performance at the Malaysia Riders 2019. 

RM200,000 of prizes will also be given a day during the 3-day Carnival including Motorbikes, Air Tickets, Holiday Packages and many more so block your dates and hope to see you at the biggest and most happening Travel Carnival in Malaysia (29-31 March 2019 @ MAEPS).

-MITA Tourism Carnival 2019 Facebook.

Le Tour de Langkawi 2019 - Race Route ( 6 ~ 13 April 2019 )

OFFICIAL Le Tour de Langkawi 2019 route.
6 - 13 APRIL 2019.

Stage 1: Kuala Lumpur - Tampin (176.9km)
Stage 2: Senawang - Melaka (200.6km)
Stage 3: Muar - Putrajaya (192.9km)
Stage 4: Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (114.2km)
Stage 5: Tanjung Malim - Taiping (200.1km)
Stage 6: Bagan - Alor Setar (130.8km)
Stage 7: P. Cenang - P. Cenang, Langkawi (106.8km)
Stage 8: Dataran Lang - Kuah, Langkawi Loop (103.8km)

REMINDER:
Cycling is an open 'stadium'. Some roads will be affected from 12pm - 4pm. Do let your friends and family know.
Also don't forget to come down and support your favourite teams and riders as they pass through your area for free!
No tickets needed.

See you guys at Le Tour de Langkawi 2019!

-Le Tour de Langkawi facebook.

Sarawak on track to hitting target of 5mil tourists this year

SIBU: The Visit Sarawak Campaign (VSC) is expected to hits its target of five millions tourist arrivals by the end of the year.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor said that in January alone, it registered 361,334 visitors.

“A total of 145,447 tourist arrivals were from Peninsular Malaysia, a 68.7% jump compared with the same period last year,” she said.

Hitting the five-million target would not only benefit the state but also yield higher incomes for tourism players, she said at the launch of VSC car stickers for taxis initiative on Wednesday (March 27).

It also recently engaged airlines to display VSC advertising panels in their aircraft cabins, overhead lockers and meal trays, as well as LED billboards throughout Peninsular Malaysia.

Last month at the International Tourismus Börse (ITB) in Berlin – touted as the world’s largest gathering of travel and hospitality industry professionals – STB launched an integrated marketing campaign to introduce Sibu and Central Sarawak to the world through a two-minute promotional video.

“We positioned Sibu and Central Sarawak as new, unexplored and must-visit destinations, with our campaign tagline ‘More to Discover’,” said Sharzede, adding that promotions were also done in Helsinki and Amsterdam in January.

-thestar online.

https://sarawaktourism.com

VISIT MALAYSIA 2020 Campaign Logo Design Competition: 586 Entries Received

image by Pelancongan Kini

PUTRAJAYA, 26 MARCH 2019: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture through Tourism Malaysia received a total of 586 submissions for the Visit Malaysia 2020 logo design competition after the last day of submission.

The competition which ended on 24 March, was open to Malaysians aged 18 years and above.

Now, the task to select a suitable winner has begun with a panel of judges reviewing all submissions. A winner is expected to be announced by end of April.

The winner of the competition will walk away with a cash prize of RM3,000 along with a certificate while the first runner-up will receive RM2,000 in cash and a certificate, second runner-up will receive RM1,000 and a certificate and five consolation prize winners will each receive RM250 and a certificate.

The competition is part of the Ministry’s efforts to encourage Malaysian citizens to participate in the VM2020 campaign by contributing their creative ideas to the logo creation. The chosen logo design will then be used in the local and international promotion of VM2020.

The Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign is founded on Vision 2020 and focuses on promoting the sustainability of tourism, arts and culture.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Competition to draw tourists... Visit Johor 2020

Zihan (fourth from right) showing the poster with details on the logo-making,

mascot-making and photography competition for Visit Johor 2020.

JOHOR BARU: The state government, through Tourism Johor, is organising logo-making, mascot-making and photography competition in conjunction with Visit Johor 2020.

Tourism Johor director Zihan Ismail said the aim of the competition was to involve all in the state and create public awareness on its tourism plans.

“The competition is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above and we hope it will unearth local talents, especially from the graphic design and photography fields.

“All three competitions must have elements of Johor to attract tourists, in line with our Visit Johor 2020 campaign,” she said in a statement. Zihan said all creations must be original.

“The closing date for the competition is April 15 and entries must reach us by noon,” she said, adding that Tourism Johor is providing cash prize for the winner.

Consolation prizes and participation certificates will also be given out as a token of appreciation to all the participants.

The terms and conditions, and contest participation forms can be downloaded from Tourism Johor Facebook.

-thestar online.

(Pertandingan Mereka Cipta Logo)
https://drive.google.com/open…

(Pertandingan Mereka Cipta Maskot)
https://drive.google.com/open…

(Pertandingan Fotografi)
https://drive.google.com/open…

Lower demand, higher supply challenge KL hotel sector in 2019

Early 2019 performance levels and profitability fundamentals are foreshadowing an unfavourable short- to mid-term for Kuala Lumpur’s hotel industry, according to data and analysis from STR.

During the first two months of 2019, Kuala Lumpur reported noticeable year-over-year declines across the three key performance metrics: occupancy (-7.4% to 63.4%), ADR (-3.9% to MYR330.85) and RevPAR (-11.1% to MYR209.63). Performance was down in 2018 as well (RevPAR: -6.6% to 232.37).

“The market got off to a rough start to the year with a 2.2% decline in demand and an absolute ADR level that was 5% points below the recent five-year average,” said Jesper Palmqvist, STR’s area director for Asia-Pacific.

“Overall 1Q performance should be a strong indicator of whether this current slump lasts or not, because March is historically a strong performance month in Kuala Lumpur.”

Another indicator of the overall health of the market is the Lunar New Year, which typically lifts occupancy during the extended holiday in the market. The holiday week this year, however, produced an occupancy level (66.9%) that was 20.7% lower than the holiday week in 2018, STR said.

Additionally, supply was up 5.6% through February, and Kuala Lumpur’s current development pipeline shows 25 hotels and 6,900 rooms. New inventory will likely add performance pressure in certain areas of the market, especially high-end hotels, as half of the rooms in the pipeline will be in the upper upscale and luxury segments. The impact from these news rooms is not urgent, however, as only 20% are projected to come online in 2019.

“The direction that performance moves will be partially dictated by whether or not the market can continue to increase international arrivals and diversify the mix of arrivals and length of stay,” Palmqvist said. “Ultimately, something needs to change if Kuala Lumpur is going to produce better performance for brands and owners.”

-TTG Asia.

http://www.visitkl.gov.my/visitklv2/

Tourism Malaysia ebrochures QR Code

Please try Tourism Malaysia ebrochures QR Code

or weblink http://ebrochures.malaysia.travel

-Tourism Malaysia.

Hend it to Scott

Oldies but goodies: The 45-year-old Scott Hend (right) said he and his caddie Tony Carolan (left) have the same mental attitude and that’s why they work well together to win the Maybank Golf Championship at Saujana Golf and Country Club in Shah Alam yesterday. — AFP

WHAT an epic finale it was in the Maybank Championship as Australia’s Scott Hend showed nerves of steel to emerge as the champion.

It was a dramatic battle until the end at the Saujana Golf and Country club but Hend stayed cool to end his three-year title drought by edging Nacho Elvira of Spain in the playoff after both were tied at 273 yesterday.

The 45-year-old calmly rolled a close-range birdie putt on the first extra hole at the par-five 18th for his first triumph since winning the Asian Tour’s Queen’s Cup in Thailand in 2016.

The win was his third European Tour title and 10th on the Asian Tour, becoming only the fourth golfer to reach the milestone.

Hend was holding a one-shot advantage at that point but when the play resumed at 4.30pm, Elvira drained a sensational 30-foot birdie putt to match Hend’s 15-under 273 total in the regulation play to force a decider.

In the end, it was Hend who had the last laugh.

“Obviously I had a bit of luck on the playoff hole. If you don’t have any luck you won’t win,” said Hend, who collected a whopping US$500,000 (RM2.03mil) for his brilliant effort.

“I had the luck today, unfortunately it was not so for Nacho. His time will come, he’s going to win. He’s a great player.”

Earlier in the day, Hend fought his way back from a three-shot deficit to overtake overnight leader Elvira and even led by two strokes in the closing stages.

But the spirited Spaniard bounced back with two birdies in his last three holes to keep his hopes alive.

Said Hend: “I’m a grinder and a fighter. So is my caddie Tony (Carolan). We both have the same mental attitude. It doesn’t matter how old we are, we work hard at what we do.”

Elvira was not disheartened despite missing out on his first win in his 140th start on the European Tour.

It was also his second runner-up finish in as many starts after coming in joint second at the Qatar Masters two weeks ago.

“I tried to give it all on the playoff hole. I just missed my driver a little bit and gave myself a little chance to make birdie, but I’m happy,” he said.

“Lifting trophies is the point, that’s what we try to do every week. Hopefully it works out soon.”

-thestar online.

LIMA 2019 @ Langkawi, Malaysia ( 26 ~ 30 March 2019 )

-www.limaexhibition.com

Diethelm, Sabah Tourism Board join hands to further penetrate European markets

Diethelm’s Kurz (left) and Christina Liew, the deputy chief minister and tourism minister of Sabah (photo credit: Diethelm Travel)

Diethelm Travel Group’s Malaysia office has entered into an MoU with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to increase joint marketing and promotion of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo to European markets.

Through the MoU, Diethelm Travel Kota Kinabalu will support STB in showcasing Sabah as a preferred destination to its European partners to encourage new and repeat visitors. New Sabah tours and excursions are also in development and will be available soon.

According to Diethelm, Sabah – while rich in natural wonders, tribal culture, islands and wildlife – is still relatively new to European travellers.

“Malaysia is an ethnically, culturally and geographically diverse country, and nowhere is this more true than Sabah,” said Manfred Kurz, managing director of Diethelm Travel Malaysia. “We see incredible potential for further introducing Sabah to the European market. Between STB’s wealth of unique experiences and our vast network and direct marketing capabilities, we’re looking forward to inspiring a new wave of travellers to discover this magical destination.”

-TTG Asia.

Flocking to Johor for premium goods

Royal walkabout: Sultan Ibrahim doing a spot of ‘window shopping’ after the official opening of the Johor Premium Outlets. Accompanying His Majesty on a tour of the outlets are Lim (centre) and Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian. — ART CHEN/The Star

KULAI: Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) has become one of the “must visit” places for both foreign and local tourists since its opening in December 2011.

Genting Group chairman and chief executive Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said it received over 4.5 million visitors annually, putting Johor on the regional retail tourism map.

“It has transformed the state tourism sector by creating a new market segment as well as contributing to the rapid development in Iskandar Malaysia,’’ he said during the official opening of the JPO’s third phase of development. 

“It has become a popular shopping destination with Malaysians from other states and tourists from countries in the region,’’ said Lim. 

During the event, there was also a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate Sultan Ibrahim’s birthday tomorrow. 

JPO is a 50:50 joint-venture project between Genting Bhd’s subsidiary Genting Plantations Bhd and the US-based Simon Property Group. The outlets, said Lim, had created a multiplier effect in revenue generation and job opportunities, helping Johor to build and preserve human resources, develop talent and enhance its overall human capital value.

He cited JPO as an example of the many ways in which the Genting Group had integrated its various business operations to create value while affirming its commitment to Johor and Malaysia.

Simon Property Group Inc (Development) chief operating officer Mark Silvestri said it would continue to offer the best brand names and amenities to shoppers under one roof.

“It now has 150 designer and brand name outlet stores, offering savings of up to 65% daily,’’ he said.

JPO’s current designer and brand names include Aigner, Armani Outlet, Bally, Bath & Body Works, BlackBarrett, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, CK Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Ermenegildo Zegna Outlet Store and Furla.

Others are Gucci, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade New York, Lacoste Outlet, Lululemon, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo Company Store, Swarovski, Swiss Watch Gallery, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Tumi, Versace and Victoria’s Secret. Opening soon are Godiva and Prada.

-thestar online.

https://www.premiumoutlets.com.my/johor-premium-outlets/

Tickets for Hop-On Hop-Off bus on sale at discounted prices

TICKETS for Perak’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus are now on sale.

They are available at the Perak Tourism office in Jalan Teh Hawa, Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Ipoh Railway Station, Perak World of Wonder Merchandise shop in Jalan Sultan Yussuf and the Ipoh Tourist Information Centre (weekends only) in Jalan Tun Sambanthan.

In conjunction with its inaugural operations on March 23, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said the tickets would be sold at a promotional rate for MyKad holders at RM12 and RM10 for children.

For foreigners, it is RM35 for adults and RM20 for children.

Once the promotional period ends, the ticket price will revert to RM20 for Malaysian adults and RM55 for foreigners, while prices for children’s tickets will remain the same.

Ahmad Faizal said the service would start with one partially-covered bus and two open-top buses. 

“Each bus will operate on a designated route that covers 12 tourist spots in Ipoh. 

“It will take each bus at least one and a half hours per trip and there will be at least five trips daily.

“Each bus will also have a tourist guide,” he added.

The bus service will cover areas such as Panglima Kinta Mosque, Ipoh Old Town, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, Movie Animation Park Studios, Weil Hotel and Amanjaya Bus Terminal. Operations will be from 8.30am until 9pm daily.

-thestar online.