Surfing challenge at Desaru beach

EXTREME SPORTS: The 7th Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge 2013 at Desaru starts tomorrow

JOHOR BARU: EXTREME sport lovers is in for a thrilling start this year with the  7th Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge 2013 at Desaru public beach starts tomorrow.

The two-star, three-day annual challenge, which is sanctioned by Asian Surfing Championships (ASC), is organised by Bigfoot Industries Enterprise. The star rating represents the value of the prizes. The official event partners include the state Tourism Ministry, Johor Tourism Promotion Board, Johor Tourism Department, South East Johor Development Authority (Kejora) and Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa.

The challenge is expected to see 150 local and foreign surfers, including 12 women from Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and the United States, competing in four categories.

Bigfoot Industries sales director Ahmad Shahir Mohd Zainuddin said surfers will compete in the Men's Open, Women's Open Masters (35 years and above), Bodyboard and Slide Jam Longboarding.

"Surfers will compete for cash prizes totalling RM14,000 and trophies in local and international categories." He said the competition will also see professional surfers, including Jessie Hong from Taiwan, and Diah Dewi Rahayu from Bali, Indonesia, riding the waves.

"The weather in January is perfect for surfers," he said. "There will also be a free surfing clinic for 50 primary and secondary schoolchildren on Sunday at 10am." He said there is a plan to organise a by-invitation-only challenge to have more professional surfers competing in Desaru in the near future.

Tourism Ministry Johor office director Mohamad Isa Abdul Halim said this year, the event will have a carnival-like atmosphere, featuring open air bazaar and side events.

On Sunday, there will be a 10km bike ride with the Royal Malaysian Police starting from the official accommodation venue, Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa, to Tanjung Balau. The event starts at 8.30am.

There will also be a beach clean-up to keep the beach spick and span. Isa added that there will be booths selling various products, including food and beverages, clothing and second-hand items.

"The surfing event is a platform for multi-interest groups to get together at this beautiful recreational area. "Extreme sports enthusiasts here should not miss the chance to see the surfers in action. "We hope that this will be an annual event and a highlight for Visit Malaysia Year 2014."

He said People's Volunteer Corp (Rela) and Malaysian Red Crescent Society members will be on hand to handle emergencies during the surfing challenge For details, visit www.facebook.com/bigfoot.industries

-nst online.

New Year Cheer with Domestic Dazzle on Malaysia Airlines

Subang, 03 January 2013 : Malaysia Airlines is welcoming the new year 2013 by offering attractive fares to 15 destinations across the airline’s domestic network starting from today.

The special fares, open for booking and payment from today till January 17, are valid for travel from January 5 till March 31, except during embargo periods.

According to Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President for Malaysia & ASEAN, Muzammil Mohamad, “To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia, and we encourage Malaysians to cherish our multi-culturalism that has made Malaysia a unique country and home to hundreds of colourful festivals. With Malaysia Airlines' New Year deals, you can experience more of this cultural diversity and richness."

“Choose our offers to enjoy excellent inflight products and services, and other full service compliments to participate in the many events and festivals in Malaysia. Plan quickly for journeys at the best prices,” he added.

Among the attractive Economy class all-inclusive round trip air fares offered are deals between Kuala Lumpur and destinations in Peninsular Malaysia from RM276, and from RM458 for selected direct flights between Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah or Sarawak. Return travel between Kuala Lumpur and Sandakan starts from an amazing low of RM372 while the direct connection between the Malaysian capital and Tawau starts from RM558. Likewise Business class travel within Peninsular Malaysia starts from an affordable fare of RM770, or a special RM1570 to Kuching, RM1770 to Miri, RM1970 to Kota Kinabalu and RM2070 to Labuan and Bintulu.

Also up for grabs are affordable return fares for travel within Sarawak. Economy class travel between state capital Kuching and the cities of Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, as well as Kota Kinabalu in Sabah starts from RM276. Business class travel starts from RM770.  

Similar attractive fares are also offered for point-to-point intra-Sabah travel covering Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Sandakan, starting from RM276 and RM770 for Business class.

One of Malaysia's first carnival attractions this month is the 11^th Royal Langkawi International Regatta from 7-12 January 2013 at the duty free island. Here visitors get to see thrilling live action as yachts from various countries contend on the high seas. This prestigious event draws participation of yachtsmen and sailors from across the region.

Customers can also plan to patronise the 18^th Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival that will be held from 20-24 February 2013 in Johor. This colourful festival will see international contests, demonstrations, spectacular ground displays, and some of the most amazing kites from around the world.  

The 18^th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi from 21 February to 2 March 2013 that will take competitors through more challenging routes around Penincular Malaysia. This year, cyclists will climb up both Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, will have a prelude in Langkawi on 20 February before the final race at Kuala Terengganu. Malaysians can take advantage of Malaysia Airlines’ competitive airfares to see the action in Langkawi and Kuala Terengganu.

Come March, Kuala Lumpur is the place to be at. With the F1 Grand Prix at Sepang comes the Malaysia GP Sale at shopping malls across Kuala Lumpur. For a spot of nature, why not visit the internationally-reknown Putrajaya Water Festival from 1-31 March 2013 held in the administrative capital city of Malaysia. 

For travelers who wish to experience the unique culture and traditions of East Malaysia's many ethnic tribes, there is the Magavau ritual ceremony performed by the Bobohizans (high priestess) whose task is to search and salvage the lost Bambaazon (rice spirit) who are hurt or separated from the main mystical body. The actual ceremonies will be held on 20 January at the Monsopiad Cultural Village in Kota Kinabalu. In Sarawak, the Rajang River Regatta takes place for three days in mid-March with lots of watery contests and events - yet another delight for both locals and foreign tourists.

All fares during this Malaysia New Year's promotion are inclusive of taxes and surcharges. However these offers are not available on selected promotional classes during the weekends of Thaipusam, Chinese New Year and school holidays in the last week of March 2013.

Customers can book and pay for these offers through all Malaysia Airlines’ distribution channels like www.malaysiaairlines.com, Malaysia Airlines' 24-hour toll free number 1 300 88 3000, MHmobile, Malaysia Airlines ticket offices and appointed travel agents throughout Malaysia.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Langkawi casts wider net

The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) will strengthen its marketing efforts in new markets this year, which include China, India, South Korea, the Middle East and Australia.

The tourism body aims to do this through digital channels, travel tradeshows and fam trips for travel consultants, while sustaining efforts in its traditional UK and European markets.

Khalid Ramli, CEO of LADA, said: “This year we will also intensify our efforts to get more charter flights from Finland, Russia and Kazakhstan. We hope to attract at least 51 charter flights in 2013.”

Between January 2012 and end-March 2013, Langkawi will see 36 charter services to Langkawi from South Korea, Sweden, Finland, Kazakhstan and Vladivostok.

Khalid also revealed that Langkawi had recently picked up the slogan Naturally Langkawi to capture the essence of the destination, which lies in its natural attractions such as forests and 500 million-year-old rock formations.

The branding exercise will spearhead LADA’s plan to meet the targeted RM3.8 million (US$1.3 million) in tourism revenue and three million arrivals in 2015. The goal is for 2.6 million tourists this year.

Said Khalid: “By 2015, we want Langkawi to be among the top 10 island destinations in the world.”

-TTG Asia.

Prinzpark Terengganu

Prinzpark Terengganu, a 207 rooms resort offers a luxurious and an unforgettable experience. Strategically located within close proximity to commercial and tourist destinations in Kuala Terengganu, it lies next to a polo club with a well-turfed equestrian field.

Completing the ensemble is a stunning lake as a backdrop, and it is within walking distance to the beach.

Its location makes Prinzpark Terengganu the ideal rendezvous for socialising, that dinner date or simply for a cuppa. The ambience oozes a warm resort welcome that makes it a great destination for leisure, business, meetings, events and functions.

For the well-travelled discerning individuals, be it business or that well-earned vacation, our rooms are designed to meet the expected comfort level. Our guests will feel right at home upon check-in. With little extras such as a free luggage storage room upon checkout for some last minute shopping in our hotel retail outlets at an affordable rate, it will be a memorable and a delightful stay for all guests.

Make your reservation online now, and see why Prinzpark Terengganu is the preferred experience in Kuala Terengganu.

-www.prinzpark.com

PelanconganKini supported Visit Terengganu 2013.

Potential tourist site needs funds for road upgrading

Magnificent view: A nearby Tibetan Buddhist temple, known as Jingang Jing She to the locals, as seen from the top of the 13-storey Medicine Buddha pagoda at the Enlightened Heart Buddhist Centre in Ampang, Ipoh.

The 13-storey Medicine Buddha pagoda at the Enlightened Heart Buddhist Centre in Ampang is supposed to have put Perak on the world map of famous Buddhist sites.

Completed in 2007 after more than 10 years of construction, the RM6mil structure is said to be the largest of its kind in the world.

Measuring at 72.5m tall, the pagoda offers a panoramic view of Tambun with its limestone hills and pomelo farms and even the Perak Trade & Technology Centre building, located about 15km away.

It also houses an 11.5m-tall statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, which is placed on the ninth floor and strikes an imposing figure even from afar, besides the many rolling Tibetan Buddhist sutra bells and delicately painted artwork detailing the rich mythology of Buddhism.

Despite its many attractions, the 33-year-old Tibetan Buddhist centre itself, touted as one of the largest Tibetan-tradition Buddhist temples in the country, is still unknown to many, including for the locals.

The centre’s abbot, Ge Li Rinpoche, said many people had no idea about the place due to the very few signboards leading to it. The only access road to the 2.5ha site, he said, was also obscure and in poor condition. “We had wanted to upgrade the road but are unable to do so due to lack of funds.

Ornate ceiling: A interior view of the 13-storey Medicine Buddha pagoda as seen from the ground floor.

“We are hoping that the state government will help us out, as the pagoda has potential to be a major tourist attraction and not just as a religious centre,” said Ge Li, 72. A visit to the centre by The Star found that the place was quiet and peaceful, with very few visitors.

Chan Pooi Yoong, a volunteer at the centre, said the busiest time of the year was on Wesak Day and the annual Medicine Buddha Puja in November.

“That is the only time when devotees and visitors to the place actually number in the hundreds, perhaps a thousand. “On normal days, the centre is visited by only a trickle of devotees. “Occasionally, shutterbugs would come for the pagoda’s colourful religious architecture and nice surrounding view,” said Chan, a farmer in Tambun.

Cheong Kuen Leion, a 32-year-old IT engineer from Kuala Lumpur, was spotted at the centre with his family but even then, their visit was by chance. “We were looking for pomelo stalls but the global positioning system (GPS) led us to the centre instead.

“I never knew of such a place and certainly did not expect to find such a tall pagoda here. “It is actually bigger and taller than the famous pagoda at Penang’s Kek Lok Si Temple,” said Cheong, adding that it was a shame that not many knew of the place.

-thestar online.

Berjaya Air to start five-times daily Penang flights

PETALING JAYA (Jan 2, 2013): Berjaya Air, which started thrice weekly flights to Hua Hin, Thailand on Nov 18 last year, will begin five times daily flights between Subang Skypark and Penang from Jan 23.


It will fly the ATR 72-500 on the new route.

"Berjaya Air sees Penang as a market with great potential, rich with heritage and has been seeking for a partner with strong Penang markets influence to further expand its scope," Berjaya Air general manager Adelie Lee said in a statement today.

She added that the turboprop operator plans to fly to other getaways to help meet demand from leisure inbound and outbound travellers seeking more business opportunities in the region.

Apart from Hua Hin, Berjaya Air, a subsidiary of Berjaya Land Bhd, currently flies out of Subang Skypark to Redang, Tioman, Pangkor and Langkawi. It also offers direct flights from Singapore to Tioman and Redang.

Berjaya Air said in conjunction with the inaugural flight to Penang, it is offering promotional fares from RM84 one-way for travel period between Jan 23 and Oct 27 this year. This promotion is available online at www.berjaya-air.com.

"Berjaya Air's objective is to assist and cater more options for travellers in providing more flights to Penang, especially during this coming Chinese New Year," said Lee.

"We think that this is what we should contribute by providing more services in the airline industry for the people. Still holding to our motto "Your Getaway Airline", we aim to generate new demand to various island and shore destinations in making affordable and quality getaway travel available to all."

Berjaya Air will also be offering free connecting flight tickets from Penang to Tioman, Redang, Pangkor and Hua Hin for a limited period during its roadshow at Plaza Gurney and Queensbay Mall, Penang from Jan 3 to 6 from 10am to 10pm. The connecting flight includes transit from Subang Skypark to the islands.
-thesundaily.

Mine tunnel a hit among tourists

NEW ATTRACTION: They come as early as 8am to buy tickets to tour the old Sungai Lembing mine site

KUANTAN: Hundreds of visitors thronged the former Sungai Lembing mining site here on New Year's Day after its underground tunnel was opened to the public for the first time since 1888.

Local and foreign tourists gathered at the ticketing counter as early as 8am before the first batch of 15 people were taken into the tunnel, using a special tram at 10am.

Among the early birds yesterday was factory worker Eng Tick Hang, who came with a friend from Penang. He said they had been looking forward to visit the tunnel and took the opportunity to drop by during their holiday here.

"All this while, we only read in the newspapers and books about the mining site. "But now, we have the opportunity to enter it. "To preserve its original condition, the tunnel had only undergone minimum repairs."

The 48-year-old said the tour guide, who accompanied them during the visit, was knowledgeable as he explained to them about the history of the tunnel and answered all their questions.

Nafisa Muminova, from Tashkent in Uzbekistan, described the experienc of going into the tunnels as enlightening. She learned how the mining process was carried out in the old days.

"It is my first trip inside a mine, which happens to be the deepest tin mine in the world. "After having gone through the tunnel, I have some idea of the kind of life led by the miners who once worked there.

"The authorities should consider opening more tunnels inside the mine as they will provide visitors with more adventure and thrill," said the 22-year-old.

Her friend, Khairunnisa Wahiddudin, 37, found the tunnel tour educational and it provided visitors with good information on the history of the mining activities.

"This is a rewarding trip. It's seldom one can get such an experience in this part of the region. "The light and audio systems inside the tunnel also provide visitors with a real-time adventure.

"As many foreign visitors are expected to visit the tunnel, I hope the authorities could provide tour guides who can speak English and Bahasa Malaysia."

As of 10am yesterday, more than 300 people had purchased tickets to ride a modified tram, which could carry 15 people into the tunnel. The tram stopped after 80m and visitors disembarked for a guided tour inside the 1.5km tunnel.

The tour guide showed them interesting sites like the Million Dollar Chamber, which was where a group of ex-miners illegally mined in 1987 despite the tunnel's closure.
-nst online.

Filipino nurse bags Miss Tourism International crown

BY STEVEN PATRICK

Miss Philippines Rizzini Gomez 22, put her country on the map at the recent Miss Tourism International (MTI) 2012 pageant, held on New Year’s eve. Prior to her win, Poland and India were the only countries to date to have won the title twice in the pageant’s 16 year history. Now, Gomez’s 2012 win has placed the Philippines, up there with those two countries.

(Poland first won the MTI for two consecutive years in 1998, when Roksana Jonek won and in 1999, when Agnieszka Zakreta was crowned. Then, Candice Pinto bagged the title for India in the year 2001 while Manasvi Mamgai did it in 2008.)

The first time that the Philippines won the MTI was back in 2000, when Maria Esperanza was crowned and now Rizzini has done it again for her country. After enduring more than two-weeks of non-stop promotional appearances and having just a few hours of sleep daily, Rizzini, managed to beat 55 other beauties to win the crown.

She was an obvious choice for the crown with her warm persona and her model-like looks. "I feel very blessed to have won but it hasn’t sunk it yet," she said, fresh after returning from the New Year Countdown in Dataran Merdeka, after she was crowned at the Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa, Petaling Jaya.

The Cebu native is a nurse with a Government clinic back in her country. She decided to become a nurse to serve people and was influenced by her role model. "My role model is my mother and she’s a nurse. So I followed in her footsteps when I saw how she affected people’s lives," she said.

Gomez believes that there are similarities between being a nurse and beauty queen. "For both roles, you need to be of service to other people and also set a very good example," she said.

Miss Malaysia Jun Yong , 20, also did us proud by getting a Top 5 placing in the pageant, by winning Dreamgirl of The Year 2012. She is currently studying broadcast journalism and also teaches Mandarin and English to kindergarten students.

"I feel incredibly happy to have actually made the Top 5. The best thing about the experience was getting to know 55 other nations and am also very happy for the other winners," she said. Besides broadcast journalism and teaching, Yong is also interested in singing. She also bagged the Best of Talent category for her commendable rendition of the 60s Frankie Valli classic, Can’t Take My Eyes of You. Yong was not surprised that she aced the talent competition because she had been performing in the National Youth Choir from to age of 10 to 12.

Other winners include Australia s Monika Radulovic, 22, for Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2012, Venezuela's Marielis Perez, 25, for Miss Tourism Global 2012 and Paraguay 's Lourdes Rolon,20, for Miss Cosmopolitan International 2012.

Judges included the flamboyant 'Lady Ga Ga of journalism' Kee Hua Chee , legendary 70s singer Datuk DJ Dave (who also performed), actor and TV host Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan. The MTI 2012 World Final was held on Dec 31 at.

The supersmooth, debonair and multilingual Datuk Mahadzir Lokman , who has emceed the event almost every year, also entertained the crowd by doing a Gangnam style sequence and also singing the late Indonesian singer Utha Likumahua’s Logika.

The MTI pageant was initiated by "dreammaker turned queenmaker" Datuk Danny Ooi. Guests included Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Maglin Dennis D’ Cruz and Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah.

The world final was broadcast live on television and the Internet via RTM and 1Malaysia IPTV. MTI 2012 also offered the highest pool of prizes in its 16-year run, which amounted to RM500,000 in full fee scholarships to the top five winners to study at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

-the daily chili.

Yee Sang @ Seri Pacific Kuala Lumpur

-www.seripacifichotel.com

Terengganu Launches 'Visit Terengganu 2013'

After the success of Visit Terengganu Year 2008, Terengganu State is taking further steps in rebranding its tourism campaigns with ‘Visit Terengganu Year 2013’. 

The rebranding of Terengganu through its Visit Terengganu Year 2013 logo with a more vibrant look, will further stir awareness through better association with the tourism products and destinations.

Visit Terengganu Year 2013 Logo Rational:

The new logo with the distinctive turtle and the beach are synonymous which implies the 244 km stretch of beaches that forms the coastal front overlooking the bluish South China Sea. 

The natural colours of terracotta representing the State’s rich history while the yellow colour indicates the prominent Malay Sultanate heritage. 

Lush treasures of greeneries and million year old rainforest are depicted with green colour representing the rich, diverse and exotic flora & fauna forming geographical terrains of the State. 

The red colour of the sun implies the vibrant and sunny season almost all year round, suitable for a great holiday with all the beach and island activities. 

The generations of creative innovation produces the intricate designs of Terengganu’s exquisite wood carvings as well as the unique brassware making, songket weaving and batik designs. The passionate skills and flair are still prominently displayed by local craftsmen. 

The yacht represents the people’s passion towards sailing. Historically, Terengganu’s traditional boats used to ply within destinations in the South East Asia establishing commercial relationship. The yacht is also symbolically represents the prestigious Monsoon Cup Terengganu held annually within the vicinity of Pulau Duyung, famous for its traditional boat building. 

The bluish waters, other than representing the coastal South China Sea and the archipelago of islands, it also represents Kuala Terengganu as the Waterfront Heritage City. 

Terengganu is a destination so complete that will satisfy all the visitors’ senses and desires for a holiday getaway. A holiday sampling the best the state has to offer, all in one destination with unique elements of tourism products and destinations being categorized into 8 clusters of attraction as follows: 

1. Kuala Terengganu, the Waterfront Heritage City 
2. Islands and Beaches 
3. Lake Kenyir 
4. History and Heritage 
5. Arts and Culture 
6. Wetland 
7. Waterfalls 
8. Turtle

Especially for Lake Kenyir, the biggest man-made lake in Souith East Asia, the State government is taking initiatives to further enhance its image as a prominent eco tourism destination. With new upcoming developments such as a duty free island and its ‘Kenyir Island Hopping’ attractions that consists of Birds Park, Orchid Park, Tropical Park, Butterflies Park and Kenyir Eco Park, Lake Kenyir will one of the ‘must visit’ destination in Terengganu. 

Lake Kenyir is fast becoming a destination for bird watching activity with species of local and migratory birds found abundant. Other existing attraction such as Kelah Freshwater Fish Sanctuary, Elephant Sanctuary, Herbal Island, various waterfalls and caves has been the choice of nature lovers looking for serenity and adventure. 

Terengganu is a cool and a perfect place to retreat and unwind. Explore Terengganu for a natural high of taste sensations, scenic beauty, adventure activities and the excitement of reliving a colourful tradition and heritage kept alive. 

Terengganu is the living museum of awesome million years old tropical rainforests with its exotic flora and fauna which are a snapshot of an ancient era where ancient evergreen forests are carved with waterfalls tumbling into clear pools while rugged landscapes of greens sweep down to golden beaches and azure seas. 

Terengganu’s archipelagoes of emerald islands offer such a profusion of sandy beaches, sheltered bays, quiet covers and idyllic such as Perhentian, Lang Tengah, Redang, Bidong, Kapas and Tenggol, each with their own unique nature, beach and underwater attractions, with sapphire blue waters, white sandy beaches, jungle trekking, diving, and an all time favourite—sun bathing—These are just a few things to be found and experienced at any of the islands. 

With the Visit Terengganu Year 2013 campaign and its slogan; “Beautiful State, Beautiful Culture”, all destination-based events and programs will create a ripple of an impact in the international scene. Events like The Kenyir Lake International Triathlon, World Gamelan Music Festival, Terengganu International Squid Jigging, Sultan Mizan Cup (Horse Riding Endurance), Terengganu International Rainforest Challenge, Terengganu International Surfing and of course the prestigious Monsoon Cup Terengganu which will grace the coverage of local and international media. 
-malaysiatourismpromotionuk.blogspot.com.

PelanconganKini supported Visit Terengganu 2013.

Welcome to the Sama-Sama experience

Enjoy convenience and comfort at the Sama-Sama Hotel, KL International Airport.

A short 5 minute walk or 2 minute complimentary buggy-ride from the Arrival Hall via the skybridge, the Sama-Sama Hotel, KLIA offers busy travelers peace of mind and relaxation in a luxurious setting.

28 minutes from the city center via the KLIA Express train, just 10 minutes to Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, and within easy reach of Cyberjaya, the technological hub of the nation, guests can rest assured they are ideally located.

Providing an award-winning guest experience with 442 newly renovated guestrooms across 9 floors, Sama-Sama Hotel, KLIA is equipped with every convenience to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible. With a choice of three restaurants serving fusion delights, you can dine at any time of the day. If you need to beat jetlag, drop by our 24-hour health club for a workout or relax with a rejuvenating massage or soothing sauna.

If it’s staying in touch or doing business that is your priority, we provide complimentary WiFi Internet and 24-hour secretarial services.

Experience the ultimate in airport hotels at Sama-Sama KLIA!

-www.samasamahotels.com

Note: Formerly known as Pan Pacific Hotel KLIA.