Weekend getaway at Sunset Valley in Langkawi island

Paddy House, where the writer stayed.

By AIDA AHMAD

This no-frills getaway offers a hard-to-beat sense of serenity. The peace is tangible. You can almost touch the quiet.

I wouldn’t call it a deafening silence but the serenity is almost too good to be true. My weekend sojourn at Sunset Valley Holiday Houses on Pulau Langkawi is exactly what I need to destress from the insane, traffic-infested concrete jungle that is Kuala Lumpur.

The green backdrop of padi fields and sprawling lawns is a clear indication of just how pretty and peaceful this place is. Local movie fans might recognise the surrounds, as Ombak Rindu, the hit 2011 movie starring Aaron Aziz and Maya Karin, was filmed here.

Before you pack your bags, though, you need to know that Sunset Valley is not your typical five-star resort. I would call it a boutique holiday getaway – sans room service. But before you frown at that idea, consider the fact that you won’t have to pay for things you don’t need. Another thing to consider before you go: Are you a nature lover who enjoys waking up to the sound of birds chirping and doesn’t mind the occasional bug or two flying about? If the answer is yes, then this is one place you should visit.

On TripAdvisor.com, you will come across a “complaint” from a guest who ranted about dogs barking and pesky insects. “Yes, we have three dogs and they bark occasionally,” laughs Gudrun Nienaber, the nice German woman who owns Sunset Valley with her Australian husband, David Bradley.

They recently adopted two mongrels named Boris and Sunny as well as another dog called Boikey. They also have a cat named Cinta. “We keep them in our house at night so they don’t disturb the guests,” adds Nienaber.

The couple, who live on Langkawi under the Malaysia My Second Home programme, recently bought over Sunset Valley from the previous Dutch owners. “This opportunity came at the right time, and we love taking care of people and engaging with them,” says Bradley.

But they want to make it very clear that Sunset Valley is not a full-service resort. “There is no changing of towels and sheets nor daily cleaning. Those services are available upon request and for a fee,” Nienaber explains.

The rooms in the all-timber houses are naturally cool.

This is because the couple believe in operating an environmentally-friendly resort and also in letting guests have the freedom of enjoying their holiday without paying for services they might not want.

For long stay guests, the cleaning takes place once a week. “Cleaning services is RM50 for three hours. Guests can let us know in advance so we can arrange for the cleaning lady. We can also do laundry for a fee,” says Nienaber.

You’ll know how serious they are about going green when you use the toilets: they have notices telling guests not to flush away toilet paper in the toilet bowl (don’t worry, the bathrooms are equipped with spray hoses). This is because the resort is not connected to a commercial sewage system; instead, it uses a septic tank. “We don’t encourage flushing anything down the toilet other than human waste. The water in the septic tank has natural organisms to dispose of human waste but not things like bleached toilet paper, which will clog up the system,” explains Bradley.

There are five individually appointed chalets, namely Forest (a two-bedroom house), Farmer’s, Paddy, Field and Gate, which are each self-contained with kitchenettes and ensuite showers and toilets. All the timber houses are equipped with mosquito nets, ceiling fans, a stove, kettle, microwave and refrigerator each.

I stayed at Paddy House (RM320 per night) and it was indeed a cute and cosy cottage (perfect for honeymooning couples!). It comes with two single beds that can be pushed together and it can also fit two extra beds for a fee of RM40 per additional bed.

I liked the fact that every house has a veranda to cast some shade and capture the breeze during the day. If you want air-conditioning, it is chargeable at RM25 per night (though I found the rooms cool enough at night to do without).

There is also a pool pavilion with an area for guests to barbecue and relax under the stars. There is a stove and microwave too for those who want to cook. I am told that the pool contains ionised water instead of the full-on chlorinated variety that is deadly to the environment. “It’s better for the environment and has extra free radicals in the water that kills all the bugs,” explains Bradley, who you will see painstakingly skimming the pool at 8.30am every day.

Sunset Valley Holiday Houses are set in green surrounds that are a balm to city-stressed senses.

If you hanker after activities outside the resort, Bradley recommends the mangrove tour and kayaking activities as well as snorkelling in the waters off Pulau Paya; pickup services to and from the resort to these activities can be arranged. Of course, Langkawi’s main strip, Pantai Cenang, also has an array of choices for outdoor activities.

I find out that there is no restaurant on the premises. “We prefer that the guests feel free to cook for themselves or eat outside. They are welcome to join us for breakfast at 9.30am, which we prepare for a fee, and that gives you a good meal of fruits, eggs, toast, cold cuts, juice and coffee,” Bradley says.

They have a pantry stocked with items such as bread, pasta, mineral water, snacks, beer, instant noodles and canned food, all of which guests can purchase. You will notice the “Sunset Valley Honesty List” on the counter that requires you to list down what you take, according to your conscience.

Free wi-fi is available throughout the resort if you can’t fathom the idea of going offline. And yes, there is no TV! The essential things you need to take with you to Sunset Valley are clothes, toiletries and a good book or two.

From the Langkawi Airport, Sunset Valley is a 15-minute drive heading towards Jalan Makam Mahsuri. From the Kuah jetty, at which you will arrive if you take a boat from Penang or the mainland, it takes about 20 to 25 minutes. If you’d rather not rent a car or motorbike to get to the homes, the couple offers pick-up and drop-off services from both arrival locations – RM25 each way from the airport, and RM35 each way from the jetty.

According to Bradley, they work with two reputable car companies that offer safe and insured cars for rent, available through a counter at the airport or pre-arranged to be delivered at the homes if you want to drive around the island during your stay.

SUNSET VALLEY HOLIDAY HOUSES
Lot 2220 Jalan Makam Mahsuri
Kampung Teluk
07000 Langkawi
Malaysia
Phone: 04-955 1055 / 017-284 4550 / 017-284 4590
E-mail: sunsetvalleyholidayhouses@gmail.com
Website: sunsetvalleyholidayhouses.com

-thestar online.

Purrr-fect getaway

Hello Kitty and friends saying hi to everyone during the daily performance.

By KARINA FOO

Obsessed with a certain feline character but finding it hard to travel to Japan to get your fix? Why not head down to Johor? Yes, Johor!

There’s a little cat in town that’s seducing people with its doe-like eyes and that dainty red ribbon perched on its head. This feline is, of course, Hello Kitty, and she has won the hearts of many around the world since 1976.

Now the cartoon character (created by Japanese company, Sanrio) has made her way to our shores, to the Sanrio Hello Kitty Town. It’s an attraction that’s part of the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, a place of fun activities for the whole family.

Hello Kitty Town is definitely a dream come true for Hello Kitty fans. Here, you feel her presence everywhere – even when you’re answering nature’s call as the restroom cubicle doors are adorned in pink and, yes, that ever familiar ribbon.

Personally, I find it hard to understand why people are so infatuated with this animated character with the monotonous facial expression, who never has much to say in the first place. It brings me back to the late 90s when I was living in Singapore.

For a brief mad period during McDonald’s Hello Kitty meal promotion, there were large numbers of eager beavers who lined up and even camped overnight outside every outlet in the island in order to get their hands on the dolls. As soon as the doors opened, they would rush to the counter, order and grab their Hello Kitty gifts – with most disregarding the meal itself!

“How ridiculous!” a teenage me thought. I vowed never to be part of this “Kiasu Kitty Klan”!

In the years that followed, I slowly did come to like the cat myself, though I’m certainly not a fanatic who’d camp outside anywhere to get a free Hello Kitty toy. However, I’ve gone as far as having my lap-top Hello Kitty-fied.

Kawaii, Hello Kitty!

It was barely 10am on a Friday morning, and the indoor Hello Kitty Town literally resembled a ghost town as things were just getting started for the day.

That gave us, a group of sleepy journalists and photographers, the freedom to explore the place without having to jostle with the crowd.

The town, measuring 20,000 sq ft (1,858sqm), is spacious enough for children to run around in while everyone else takes pictures and performs other touristy routines. The teapot merry-go-round would be the first thing you see on the left upon entering, and the tea, saucers and kettle of the ride are, of course, adorned with Hello Kitty images.

At around 10.30am, a seven-foot (2.1m) tall Hello Kitty made an appearance with her equally large companion, Dear Daniel. I’ve never felt comfortable with mascots, and so felt it was safer to just observe them from the side as they greeted enthusiastic visitors.

The adults and children, who were slowly trickling in, were delighted to see the pair and immediately started snapping away with their cameras and phones for the best “I was here” pictures. There’s also a photo counter where visitors can have their pictures taken with the characters to be kept as a memento.

The activity level increased in tandem with the number of visitors pouring in.

The Wishful Studio is ideal for the ladies (mums, friends and children) as it features a manicure station, a Hello Kitty Baking class where kids can bake their own Hello Kitty-shaped cookies, and a class that teaches one how to make a Hello Kitty doll.

Another interesting crowd-puller is the interactive game where visitors have to find Hello Kitty and Daniel through a maze. This isn’t that difficult, considering it’s designed with children in mind. But it’s all good fun.

What I particularly like is Hello Kitty’s House, where every piece of furniture, household item and ornament has the Hello Kitty touch. Of course, it all seems a little narcissistic – imagine someone who had all their belongings (even the piano) etched with their own face and portrait at every possible angle.

But her house is where the brand comes alive, and Sanrio is determined to show off the best of their Hello Kitty merchandise.

Not everything is for sale, but if you just can’t get enough of the charming feline, then there’s a shop on the ground level that sells merchandise from Hello Kitty, Kerokeropi (the cute little green frog with huge eyes) and the Little Twin Stars, an adorable pair of angels. But mind you, all the products are original, so don’t expect any pasar malam deals.

More than just a cat

The Cat aside, the town isn’t just dedicated to Hello Kitty. The Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park is a four-storey building that also houses The Little Big Club, another themed attraction featuring favourite cartoon characters like Barney the purple dinosaur, Thomas the Train and Bob the Builder.

The club is just above Hello Kitty Town, and offers more fun rides and games for the whole family. Every now and then, a Barney or Bob mascot will come up to you and give you a friendly greeting, but honestly, that just made me jump out of my skin.

Be that as it may, meeting and greeting the characters, as well as other interactive activities, are big features of Hello Kitty Town and The Little Big Club, and this goes on from 10am to 5pm every day. More activities and performances are offered during the weekends and public holidays.

The Hello Kitty Café on the ground floor, as well as McBunn Café at The Little Big Club, serve simple grub. If you want to be entertained while dining and have the full kampung experience, then Lat’s Place is where you’d want to be.

As you enjoy your meal, which is infused with Malay, Indian and Chinese styles of cooking inspired by the lovable Lat characters, you’ll also be entertained by the “LAToons” and the singing wait staff. These “LAToon” friends are presented as cartoons on big screens, and they actually mimic the movement of real people behind the screen who can see you through a camera.

So, don’t be surprised if you suddenly hear your name being suddenly called out to dance with Rani, sing with Mrs Hew or talk about everything under the sun with the wise Pak Ali.

Visitors can also bring home souvenirs from the little shop that sells Lat merchandise, including T-shirts, note books and other collectibles.

> Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park is opened Monday, Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. It is open everyday during school holidays. Ticket prices for Hello Kitty Town and The Little Big Club are RM65 per person (adult or child) and RM50 per person with MyKad (adult or child). The two park pass (access to both the town and club) are RM110 per person (adult and child) and RM85 per person with MyKad (adult or child).

Lat’s Place is opened for lunch and dinner at RM120 (adult) and RM75 (child) with special prices for MyKad holders at RM88 (adult) and RM60 (child). For more information, call 03- 2203 9668 or e-mail ph.enquiries@tar.com.my.

-thestar online.

Healthcare Package @ Seri Pacific Kuala Lumpur

-www.seripacifichotel.com

VMY 2014 Takes Centre Stage At Arabian Travel Market In Dubai

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 May 2013 – Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to publicise the country’s fourth Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) in 2014 and its comprehensive promotional activities continues in the Middle East. Its Deputy Director General (Planning) Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin will be leading a Malaysian delegation to participate in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai from 5 to 9 May, followed by a post-ATM sales mission to Oman and Kuwait.

The four-day ATM, the biggest travel and tourism event in the Middle East, is scheduled to begin on 6 May at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). It offers Malaysia an excellent platform to market and create awareness of Visit Malaysia Year 2014 to the travel and tourism industry players in the Middle East.

ATM 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of Malaysia’s participation in this prestigious event, which is a strong testimony to the country’s support to the event and its commitment in attracting more Middle Eastern tourists to Malaysia. “With the celebration of VMY next year, Tourism Malaysia will strive to attract more tourists from the Middle East to Malaysia. I’m confident that we will be able to achieve our target as Malaysia is the top destination for Muslim travellers.

“In a survey released in January this year by Crescentrating, a Singapore-based Muslim travel consultancy, Malaysia secured the first spot as the world’s top Muslim-friendly holiday destination. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 as the best score, Malaysia obtained 8.3, among 50 nations surveyed,” explained Dato’ Haji Azizan.

   

In fact, Tourism Malaysia has just added another feather in its cap by garnering the “Best Global Tourism Advertising Campaign” award at the 4th Middle East Business Leaders Awards 2013 held on 28 April in Abu Dhabi. The event was jointly organised by the Federation of GCC Chambers and The Leaders International.

  

As in previous years, the 2013 ATM sees the participation of a strong Malaysian delegation comprising 120 sellers from 77 organisations comprising hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism products owners, representatives from various state governments, including Legoland Malaysia, Putrajaya Corporation, Tourism Selangor, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), and Visit KL (the Tourism Unit of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall).

    

Also joining the Malaysian delegation to ATM this year are officials from the VMY 2014 Secretariat and two very prominent figures in Malaysia’s tourism industry – the President of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Datuk Haji Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin and the President of Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Dato’ Mohd Khalid Harun, who are also Board members of Tourism Malaysia.

The Malaysia Pavilion at Hall 1, Sheikh Saeed Arena (Booth No. AS6420 & AS6620) is expected to attract a significant number of international buyers throughout the event. It will be launched on 6 May by Dato’ Hj. Azizan. To attract visitors to the Malaysia Pavilion, a batik demonstrator, a group of Malaysian traditional musicians and dancers will be present at the Pavilion. He is also scheduled to pay courtesy calls on both Chairmen of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Department, as well as the Chairmen/CEOs of top airlines in the Middle East including Oman Air, Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways. Besides that, meetings with top travel agencies in the Middle East and media interviews are also expected to take place.

Several important programmes have been scheduled for 7 May, which include a media briefing and the launch of “Destination Malaysia” brochure.

Tourism Malaysia will be launching online tour packages and the “Tourism Malaysia Dubai – App” during the media briefing. The informative and interactive app allows travellers and businessmen to find information on tourist destinations in Malaysia, book flights and hotels, and get the best travel deals and packages from Dubai to Malaysia. In addition, LADA will also be launching its online tourism campaign at the briefing.

In the evening, Tourism Malaysia will be hosting a special dinner at the Al Ameera Ballroom in Grand Hyatt Dubai to promote VMY 2014. The ‘Malaysia Gala Night Dinner’ will give the guests a glimpse of what awaits them in Malaysia, especially during the celebration of VMY 2014. It is also to show Tourism Malaysia’s appreciation to buyers, media and invited guests for their support in stimulating travel to Malaysia. Dancers from Istana Budaya, under the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture, will be performing specially choreographed Malaysian traditional dances to entertain the guests.

After ATM, Tourism Malaysia’s promotional efforts in the Middle East will continue with a sales mission to Oman (10 – 12 May) and Kuwait (12 – 14 May), which will be participated by 28 and 27 Malaysian sellers respectively.

Programmes for both destinations include travel mart, press conference, gala dinner, and meetings with selected travel agents.  

“Through ATM and the post-ATM sales mission, Tourism Malaysia aims to boost tourist arrivals from the Middle East. These events offer Malaysian delegates excellent platforms to network, meet and discuss business opportunities with their foreign counterparts, as well as sharing with them Malaysia’s latest tourism developments. These will definitely help generate more publicity for Malaysia,” said Dato’ Haji Azizan.

In 2012, tourist arrivals from West Asia to Malaysia were 370,535, which was an increase of 3.2% compared to 358,994 in 2011. For the same period, tourist arrivals from Oman registered a hike of 13.2% while tourist arrivals from UAE and Kuwait recorded a drop of 24.7% and 0.3% respectively. In terms of tourist receipts, Oman and Kuwait registered a growth of 14% and 0.9% respectively.

In terms of flight accessibility, Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways ply between UAE and Malaysia, offering 32 flights and 11,169 seats per week. Flights from Oman and Kuwait are serviced by Oman Air (7 flights, 1,540 seats per week) and Kuwait Airways (3 flights, 816 seats per week) respectively.

     

COUNTRY	TOURIST	ARRIVALS	TOURIST	RECEIPTS (RM )
	2011	2012	2011	2012
UAE	24,212	18,233	169.6 million	132.2 million
OMAN	22,062	24,977	154.3 million	175.4 million
KUWAIT	22,833	22,759	172.3 million	173.8 million

-Tourism Malaysia.

Autobacs SUPER GT Round 3 Malaysia 2013

SUPER GT International Series Round 3 Malaysia (“SUPER GT Round 3”) is one of the largest Motorsport event in Malaysia and SUPER GT Round 3 have been in the country for 13 years and counting. SUPER GT Round 3 will be held on June 15 and 16 in Sepang International Circuit. In creating a more fun and friendly event  for families and race fans, SUPER GT Round 3 offers a 5 star entertainment:

• The Race - Watch as modified road cars and exotic cars compete for the highest honor of  the track

• SUPER GT International Series Round 3

• Support Races

• Affin Bank Motorshow – Over 7000 sqm of Shaded Area with more than 20 brands of exotic, super and sports cars to be candies for your eyes along with Auto Saloon where After-Market Automobile Products and Car related items are exhibited. You may even get a great car deal!

• The Gadget Town – Located between the Grandstands, this town provides an experience you will never forget with essence of Akihabara, Japan, where there are heaps of gadgets, figurines and many more to be shop.

• The Musical Festival – Embrace the culture of diverse ethnic groups as the Malaysian and Japanese Performances sway the audience at the Main Stage.

• The Record Breaker – The Biggest Performance/Super Car Gathering was broken twice. See what record will be broken this year.

For only RM100, you get to enjoy all the above for 2 days with free seating at the Main Grandstand or K Stand and kids under 12 enters for free with adult supervision.

Follow us at www.facebook.com.my/supergt.my or visit www.supergt.com.my for more info.

-www.ticketcharge.com.my

MAHB sticks to June 28 target for KLIA2

SEPANG (May 3, 2013): Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is sticking to its June 28, 2013 target opening date of the new low-cost carrier terminal in Sepang (KLIA2), amid several analysts predicting a six-month delay with possible cost overruns of up to RM4.5 billion from RM4 billion.

Its senior general manager of operations Datuk Azmi Murad said the airport operator "will issue a statement if necessary" should there be a possible delay.

"We will come back to you when we're ready to issue a statement on KLIA2. Just be patient…We'll come back with a statement if there is any. As far as we're concerned, we're making preparations for end of June," he told reporters after the welcoming reception of Philippine Airlines' (PAL) inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

CIMB Research and Alliance Research, in their reports, believe that the commissioning of KLIA2 will be delayed by six months to January 2014 given that MAHB will still need to run tests on the terminal and the airlines will also require sufficient preparation time to move into the new terminal, and that a delay will likely result in cost overruns.

Azmi however declined to comment on a possible increase in KLIA2's construction costs.

Earlier, PAL assistant vice-president of external affairs, Jose E.L. Perez de Tagle said the Philippines flag carrier, which made a comeback to Kuala Lumpur yesterday after ceasing operations in 2006, is planning to jointly increase frequency of its Kuala Lumpur-Manila route with low-cost regional arm Philippine Airlines Express (PAL Express) to up to 12 times a week from daily now by the end of this year. "Together with PAL Express, we are currently flying daily to Kuala Lumpur but we would like to increase this (frequency) to perhaps 10-12 times a week later this year," he said.

PAL is operating four weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manila using the Airbus 319, while PAL Express currently flies the same route three times a week. PAL Express had on Wednesday relocated its operations from LCCT to the KL International Airport (KLIA) to better aligned with PAL.

De Tagle said the daily flights offered by PAL and PAL Express will provide them with a platform to achieve "good sales targets". "It might be slow going at the start, but all the ingredients are there for more tourism, more growth and healthy passenger and cargo traffic between the Philippines and Malaysia."

This is the second time PAL is resuming flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manila. It first suspended its flights back in September 1998 after the Philippines carrier collapsed under the weight of financial woes and labour-management disputes.

PAL resumed operations between Manila and Kuala Lumpur in October 2003 after an absence of five years and then pulled out of Kuala Lumpur again in 2006 due to financial losses on the route.

"Now, after these (seven) years of building up our sales and promotions and given the promising figures of tourist arrivals, we believe it's time for us to really upgrade the service which is why PAL Express started flying last year and now we have a combined product of daily flights to KLIA and while still sustaining our partnership with Malaysia Airlines," said de Tagle.

PAL is targeting a passenger load factor of 80% to 90% on the new route. Its inaugural flight yesterday saw a 70% load factor. "That is a pretty good start for the first flight. Of course we hope to build this up in the coming months, especially as we go into international summer and winter seasons then we would be able to offer more promotions," he added.

Last year, a total of 508,774 tourists from the Philippines visited Malaysia, reflecting a 40.5% growth from the previous year. Tourism Malaysia director of international promotion division for Southeast Asia, Syed Yahya Syed Othman said it aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from the Philippines to 600,000 this year.

-thesundaily.

Philippine Airlines resumes KL flights after 7 years, sees strong demand

SEPANG: Philippine Airlines, which sees strong flight demand between Malaysia and The Philippines, has resumed its flights to Kuala Lumpur after a seven-year absence.

It will fly the Manila-Kuala Lumpur route four times weekly (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday), using the Airbus 319 which has a seating capacity of 134 passengers. The inaugural flight from Manila touched down at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday at noon.

“We hope that this renewed air service will result not only in increased exchanges in not only passenger traffic between our countries but also in economic and cultural terms, “ Philippine Airlines' external affairs assistant vice president Josen Perez de Tangle said.

“We have a big clientele in the leisure market especially tourists visiting the Philippines and vice versa. “There are overseas Filipino workers who work in Asia and budget travellers,” he added.

Josen Perez, who further added that he hopes there will be further growth and healthy passenger traffic load moving forward, is expecting a 30% increase in flight load before the end of 2013.

Tourism Malaysia Promotion Board's director of international promotion division Syed Yahya Syed Othman said at the joint press conference that tourist arrivals from Philippines was expected to see close to a 20% jump this year. “Last year we managed to get about 508,000 arrivals from Philippines and this year we believe we can get close to 600,000,” Syed Yahya said.

A Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad statement said options for the KL-Philippines flight route was now significantly increased and that passengersw now had access with Cebu Pacific or AirAsia Philippines from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal or Malaysia Airlines, Phlilippine Airlines or Philippine Airlines Express from the KLIA.

MAHB's senior general manager of operations Datuk Azmi Murad said the company may issue a statement on latest developments on the entire KLIA2 project as they happen. “We are planning for a launch at the end of June, but if there are any changes we will issue a statement. “The total completion to date is at around 80% (average),” he said.

-thestar online.

Malaysian association builds on hospitality training programme

The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) will conduct a six-month training programme targeted at school leavers and hospitality workers to ease the manpower shortage and reskill service staff.

Known as the National Dual Training System, the training programme will be conducted from June in the four cities of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Sabah.

This will be the second year that MAH is conducting these courses for the Ministry of Human Resources. The programme’s inaugural launch last year saw an intake of 200 apprentices. 

Said MAH CEO, Reginald T Pereira: “We expect to train about 500 apprentices. The programme comprises 20 to 30 per cent theory while the rest is practical, with courses on housekeeping, food and beverage, kitchen and front office (operations). Upon completion, participants will be awarded the Malaysia Skills Certificate issued by the Ministry of Human Resources under the Skills Development Department.”

Apple Vacations & Conventions group managing director, Desmond Lee, said: “This is a good move that will not only address the manpower shortage but also create interest among trainees as they learn more about the hospitality industry. The staying power to be part of the industry will be stronger for those who have interest.”
-TTG Asia.
www.hotels.org.my

Malaysia Airlines’ Superjumbo Takes-Off To Hong Kong on 1 May 2013

Sepang, 1 May 2013: Today marks another significant milestone as Malaysia Airlines commences its Airbus A380 service from Kuala Lumpur to the capital of Hong Kong.

Currently Malaysia Airlines flies twice daily to Hong Kong on the A330-300 and B737-800. The superjumbo will be replacing the A330-300 service from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong and will operate on MH72/MH73.

In a simple yet meaningful inaugural flight event at the KL International Airport graced by Malaysia Airlines’ Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya and Malaysia Airlines' senior management staff, the superjumbo operating flight MH72 was given a ceremonious send-off at 9:15am this morning.

The full capacity A380 flight took off for Hong Kong, 41 years after its maiden flight operations on the B737 between the two cities on 1 October 1972.

Speaking at the send-off event, Malaysia Airlines' Group CEO, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said "The decision to fly the A380 to Hong Kong is to showcase our newest premium offering in products and services – improved comfort, luxury and convenience to our guests.”

"Hong Kong has great potential due to its good mix of Business and Leisure travellers—the city has a promising market and I also believe that our membership in the oneworld alliance from 1 February 2013 will also contribute to our load factor".

In conjunction with the introductory, the airline offered its customers attractive Economy Class fares from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong for only RM760 all-in return on a promotion from 17 April until 20 May 2013. MASholidays, the travel arm of Malaysia Airlines also offered vacation packages for 4D/3N in Hong Kong with a choice of City Tour, visit to Disneyland or Ocean Park from RM1416 onwards.

"We decided to reward our passengers with these irresistible promotions as our customers were very excited when they heard we were flying the A380 to Hong Kong." "We generated more than 2,000 passenger sales between 13 April to date under this campaign and the numbers are still growing. This promotion has helped us kick-start the momentum to drive more sales on the A380 to Hong Kong route.”

With the A380 replacing the A330-300, Malaysia Airlines is also introducing First Class travel on this route. The super jumbo has eight First Class seats on the main deck, which converts into a full flat bed of 87 inches in length and a width of 40 inches, making it the widest seats amongst other airlines. Each seat boasts an individual 23-inch in-flight entertainment screen with personal closet and stowage for coat, luggage, laptop and personal belongings.

The airlines’ A380 also has 66 Business Class seats on the upper deck and each comes with individual 17 inches in-flight entertainment screen, the largest amongst Malaysia Airlines’ Business Class. Personal items stowage is available on each seat along with 115VAC PED power supply and USB port. Hong Kong is the national carrier's third A380 destination after London and Paris.
-Malaysia Airlines.

Super Deal For Mom @ Impiana

-www.impiana.com

Umpama berada di alam fantasi

Sebuah bilik tidur berdindingkan kayu dihias indah dengan siling berukir dan lampu gantung.

Sebaik memasuki jalan berbatu menuju ke kawasan berbukit di Sungai Ara dekat Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, wartawan S2 tertanya-tanya sama ada laluan tersebut benar-benar menuju ke Fig Tree Hill Resort. Hal ini kerana keadaan di kiri kanannya hanyalah dusun durian serta kawasan hutan yang mustahil menempatkan sebuah resort yang sering dikunjungi pelancong dari dalam dan luar negara.

Namun sebaik tiba di penghujung jalan sejauh 2.5 kilometer, semua perasaan gementar hilang tatkala melihat binaan vila yang amat cantik berdindingkan kayu tersembunyi di atas bukit itu. Perasaan kagum mula menjelma apabila pandangan mata disajikan dengan hamparan kayu galas landasan keretapi menuju ke pintu masuk.

Sebaik tiba kami dibawa pengurus resort berkenaan, Soon Aik Seng ke sebuah wakaf terapung yang dijadikan ruang rehat dan tempat makan. Menurut Aik Seng, resort itu baru dibuka awal tahun lalu selepas mengambil masa hampir dua tahun untuk dibina berkonsepkan Bali dan tradisional Melayu. Jelasnya, resort itu yang diilhamkan oleh bapanya, Soon Seong Moh menempatkan lima vila yang mempunyai dekorasi berbeza setiap satu iaitu Jasmine, Melor, Kemboja, Cempaka dan Lili.

"Resort ini menawarkan suasana percutian yang berbeza bagi pelancong kerana Pulau Pinang terkenal dengan percutian pantai serta hotel-hotel mewah di tengah bandar Georgetown. "Memang ramai yang tidak percaya di dalam hutan yang dikelilingi dusun durian ini terdapat sebuah resort yang menampilkan ciri-ciri Bali dan tradisional Melayu yang sukar ditemui di tempat lain di negeri ini," katanya. Tambahnya, nama-nama vila itu dipilih berdasarkan bunga tempatan bagi menjadikan ia berbeza di antara satu sama lain kerana setiap satu memiliki dekorasi serta kemudahan tersendiri.

Setiap vila mempunyai keistimewaan tersendiri, misalnya vila Lili menempatkan kolam renang terbuka yang dikelilingi hutan yang menghijau.

Ujarnya, di vila Lili misalnya disediakan kolam renang dan gimnasium manakala di vila Cempaka terdapat kemudahan karaoke dan jakuzi serta di vila Melor terdapat bilik mesyuarat yang boleh disewa pengunjung.

Selain itu, keunikan resort berkenaan adalah ia dibina menggunakan kayu sepenuhnya, manakala pokok-pokok yang ada di sekeliling dikekalkan bagi menyediakan landskap asli. Hiasan dalam bilik-bilik di setiap vila juga menampilkan ciri-ciri Melayu dan Bali seperti ukiran kayu pada siling bilik di vila Lili dan susunan sempoa dalam bilik di vila Melor.

Ditanya mengenai sambutan pelancong, Aik Seng berkata, sehingga September ini, vila berkenaan telah habis ditempah untuk cuti hujung minggu. "Kira-kira 60 peratus pengunjung di resort ini adalah rakyat tempatan manakala selebihnya warga asing terutama mereka yang mengikuti program Malaysia Rumah Keduaku. "Antara pelancong asing yang pernah menginap di resort ini terdiri daripada warga Eropah, Amerika Syarikat, Jepun, Korea serta Asia Barat," ujarnya.

Resort tersebut juga sering menjadi pilihan untuk percutian keluarga, sambutan hari jadi, majlis perkahwinan dan mesyuarat korporat. Fig Tree Hill juga adalah sebuah resort yang amat sesuai untuk pakej berbulan madu kerana suasananya yang sunyi serta berbeza daripada hotel-hotel biasa. Antara aktiviti yang disediakan di situ adalah berbasikal bukit dan menjelajah hutan sehingga ke air terjun yang terdapat berhampiran resort.

Pengunjung yang menginap di situ pada musim buah-buahan juga pastinya teruja untuk menikmati durian, cempedak, nanas dan manggis. Ternyata pengalaman berada di Fig Tree Hill Resort menjadikan wartawan S2 seolah-olah berada di dunia fantasi di sebalik hutan yang memisahkan antara keindahan alam dan suasana penuh kesibukan di pekan Sungai Ara.
-utusan online.
www.figtreehillresort.com

Kaamatan cheer amidst election heat

Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (left) with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman launcing the state-level Kaamatan Festival celebrations.

KOTA BELUD: Sabah's month-long Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) got underway in this northern district in the thick of election fever with just five days to go before polling day on May 5.

When launching the celebrations, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Amansaid Kaamatan was an opportunity for Sabah's ethnic communities such as the Kadazandusun and Rungus to showcase their unique cultures during the festivities being held at various districts and villages throughout the month of May.

"This is another opportunity for different communities to come together to celebrate our diversity," he said, adding that Kaamatan was a notable event on the Sabah tourism calendar. He said cultural events such as Kaamatan was possible due to Sabah's peace, security and stability that had been the cornerstone of Barisan Nasional's struggle.

Musa said Sabahans appreciated the ruling coalition's efforts and this was reflected in their support for Barisan candidates in the state. "I have travelled to all corners of Sabah and the response to our candidates has been overwhelming. I am sure it is the same in Kota Belud," he added.

Also present at the launch was Huguan Siou or Kadazandusun paramount leader Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, who said Kaamatan was not only a time for festivities among the ethnic communities but also period to be thankful for whatever they have.

Pairin said the state was fortunate as the nation's leadership had made it a priority to resolve key concerns of Sabahans, and had established the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants as well as an Eastern Sabah Safety Zone to boost security along the east coast to that effect.

"Before, all we heard were excuses about why security was lagging along the 1,400km long coastline in the east coast. Now something is actually being done about it," Pairin added.

Musa launched the Kaamatan celebrations statewide by beating a gong seven times. Musa and Pairin earlier harvested padi stalks to mark the launching of Kaamatan fesvities. He also launched the proposed the Usukan Bay oil and gas support centre to be undertaken by the state owned Yayasan Sabah.

Some participants of the Harvest Queen pageant.

This was followed by the magavau (appeasing the padi spirit) ceremony by Kadazandusun priestesses headed by community elder Aman Sirom Simbuna. Apart from various cultural performances, a popular attraction was the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen) pageant involving some 25 contestants from around the Kota Belud district.

-thestar online.