Red Planet and Tune Hotel team up to tap budget markets

MALAYSIA'S Tune Hotel Group has partnered Red Planet Hotels in a franchise to grow its presence in budget travel markets. Red Planet Hotels cited the unique hotel concept of Tune Hotels as a key factor in its decision for the partnership. The no-frills Tune Hotel Group, which is owned by AirAsia, adopts a limited-service model used by low-cost airlines.

“The concept has been successful. Brokering on this success, we are expanding the market to include China, Thailand, India, Philippines and Bangladesh,” said Red Planet Hotels chief executive officer Tim Hansing. He added: “The concept is for Red Planet Hotels to operate Tune Hotels under the franchise model. Recently, 1,023 rooms were signed, covering six hotels in three countries – including cities like Jakarta, Bangkok, Pattaya, Angeles City and two in Manila, while more deals are in the works.”

Red Planet Hotels would operate Tune Hotels under the franchise model. The expanded Tune Hotel model would be similar to the original concept, where guests are charged for the services they use. Plans are in store to tackle the lucrative China market, but Hansing declined to disclose the location of Red Planet Hotels' debut in China.
-TTG Asia.

Sun and sand at Langkawi

LANGKAWI is more than just cheap alcohol and stretches of duty-free shops. Somehow, I have never been to this famous island and was not planning to until this media trip came along. It was an hour from Subang to Langkawi and another 15-minute ride in a van to the Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort.

Cultural activity: You can design and paint your own pieces in Batik Hut.

We were given a warm welcome at the lobby and a quick lunch before being whisked to our quaint cabanas. The 150 cabanas are facing the beach and some are on the hills around the resort. Each had a balcony with chairs and a table where one can take in the seaview. The standard cabana is smaller than a regular hotel room but it was adequate since I was not going to sit in there the whole day.

After unpacking, I eagerly took a short walk to the beach where a row of padded lounge chairs with umbrellas greeted me. The private beach was quiet with only a handful of holiday-makers and no one was in the water. After lazing on the beach, I was looking forward to the barbeque dinner the chefs lined up for us at the Seashell Beach Cafe.

Private rest: The beach is perfect for those seeking to relax.

The open-air cafe sported a wooden fence and flooring. One could catch the sunset, unfortunately I missed it. We had grilled seafood and an array of Malay dishes while entertained by a three-piece band. Breakfast on the following day was a monkey affair. Primates from the nearby forest would sneak up and pocket food from the table, especially those placed outdoors. However, the guests took it in their stride and happily snapped photos of the monkeys. Came noon and we were put into teams to compete in a mini treasure hunt around the island. At one point, we had to paint our own batik and obviously we did not know what to do.

Eating outdoors: Guests can opt to have their meals by the pool.

Lucky for us, the Batik Hut administrators patiently gave us a crash course. Our little adventure continued with a run through the neighbouring Oriental Village where one can find handicraft, international restaurants and luxury shops. It sounded like a great place to shop but our challenge was to put an albino python on our shoulders for a minute each. I screamed through the task and that was the only thing I did not miss from my trip.

Our last stop was the Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells Waterfall) which sits on a slope of Mount Cincang. A team member misread the clue and we ended up taking a 20-minute scenic walk instead of jumping into the car waiting for us. Upon reaching the waterfalls we had to conquer a flight of steep stairs. At the end of the gruelling adventure, we were contented that we were second and could not wait for a dip in the waterfalls. After a picnic lunch, we headed back to the resort for a refreshing shower. In the evening, we went to Kuah Town to do some shopping.

Friendly reminder: The resort finds creative ideas to remind their guests on keeping the area clean at all times, even cigarette butts are not tolerated.

Alcohol, chocolates, cigarettes and even pots, pans and cutlery sets seemed to be a hot favourite among the shoppers. It was back to the resort for dinner and we prepared to head home the next day. The trip may be rather short for me especially not having more time for outdoor activities. For those who plan to stay longer, the resort has a range of activities which you can look up at the recreation desk. Among the activities available are a four-hour trek through the reserve forest at Mat Raya Mountain (RM120) , snorkeling and diving tour at the Payar Island Marine Park (RM19 to RM300) as well as a Mangrove River tour where you can spend six hours exploring mangroves and caves on boat (RM160).

For some nightlife, the hotel is about 20 minutes from Pantai Cenang. Movie buffs can take a one kilometre-walk to see where Chow Yuen Fatt and Jodie Foster filmed their summer palace segment from the movie, Anna and the King. The resort is located at Teluk Burau, Langkawi.

For enquiries, call 04-959 1061 / 03-2782 2283 or visitwww.mutiarahotels.com

Story and photos by CHRISTINA LOW

-thestar online.

KTMB trains to operate from JB Sentral from Thursday

JOHOR BARU: All Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) inter-city trains will start operating from JB Sentral from Thursday. A statement from KTMB said Tuesday the existing train station here, which was opened in 1932, would be closed on the same day and would be converted into a mini museum for KTMB, southern region. "The move to JB Sentral will provide more comfort to train users as it has a wider space and modern facilities. "The new station can accommodate up to 2,500 passengers daily compared to only 500 at the former station," the statement said.

- Bernama

58 pelancong Singapura sertai inap desa Kampung Seterpa

KOTA BHARU 18 Okt. - Seramai 58 pelancong dari Singapura menghayati kehidupan masyarakat Kelantan dengan menyertai program inap desa di Kampung Seterpa, Peringat di sini yang berakhir semalam. Kesemua mereka tinggal bersama keluarga angkat dan mengikuti cara hidup masyarakat tradisional di kampung tersebut selama tiga hari bermula Jumaat lalu. Seorang peserta, Nancy Ee, 65, yang kali pertama menyertai program tersebut berkata, dia berasa teruja kerana dapat tinggal bersama keluarga angkat dan menikmati suasana kampung yang tidak terdapat di negaranya. "Kami dilayan seperti saudara sendiri. Keluarga angkat menyediakan pelbagai kemudahan malah mereka memberikan kesempatan kepada saya dan rakan-rakan lain untuk merasai sendiri suasana kehidupan kampung.

"Selain itu, saya juga dapat menikmati nasi berlauk yang tidak terdapat di negeri-negeri lain di negara ini. Kami juga menyertai persembahan kebudayaan termasuk bersama-sama berdikir barat dengan penduduk tempatan," katanya ketika ditemui di sini semalam. Dia bersama 57 lagi rakannya merupakan sebahagian daripada 160 pelancong Singapura yang mengikuti program berkenaan yang ditempatkan di tiga buah kampung di negeri ini. Sementara itu Hoe Lai Hue, 40, berkata, suasana di kampung itu jauh berbeza dengan negaranya yang penuh dengan pembangunan sehingga kampung tradisi hilang ditelan zaman. "Di Singapura suasana kampung tidak lagi dapat dinikmati sehingga kanak-kanak terpaksa pergi ke zoo untuk melihat ayam dan itik. Di Kampung Seterpa kebanyakan haiwan boleh dilihat sebaik sahaja tingkap rumah dibuka.
"Masyarakat di sini begitu mesra, mereka membantu kami supaya pengalaman berada di kampung benar-benar dirasai oleh para peserta," katanya.

Seorang arkitek, Tham Chan Wah, 80, berkata, penyertaannya dalam program lawatan itu lebih merupakan perjalanan kenangan ke tempat kerjanya di Kota Bharu kira-kira 50 tahun lalu.
"Saya terlibat dalam pembinaan sebuah hotel di bandar ini, saya datang kembali untuk melihat keadaannya, masih ada tetapi berubah. Tidak apa, ini perkara biasa. "Kota Bharu juga berubah tetapi cara hidup tradisi masih ada, ia disesuaikan dengan keadaan semasa. Ini merupakan pengalaman yang berharga sambil bercuti dapat mengembalikan nostalgia lama," katanya.

Sementara itu seorang ahli jawatan kuasa program inap desa Kampung Seterpa, Solahuddin Hamzah, 57, berkata, program tersebut mendapat sambutan yang menggalakkan daripada pelancong. Katanya, ia disebabkan promosi secara tidak langsung yang dilakukan oleh peserta apabila mereka kembali ke tempat asal masing-masing. "Disebabkan mereka berpuas hati dengan layanan yang diberikan, kami mendapat promosi secara percuma. Pengalamannya di sini mereka sampaikan kepada rakan-rakan membuatkan ramai yang datang ke sini. "Kami akan memastikan kualiti inap desa di sini dijaga supaya ia akan diingati oleh para pelancong dan membuatkan mereka kembali semula selepas ini," katanya.
-Utusan Online.

Apology from ADOI

The publishers of ADOI magazine, Sledgehammer Communications (M) Sdn Bhd,wish to convey their deepest apologies and sincere regrets to YBhg. Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism Malaysia, her son, and YBhg. Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab for publishing a misleading news brief.

In our magazine's September issue on page 10, with the heading "Tourism Pitch dragged into Deepening Saga", we had quoted a news excerpt from online news portal Free Malaysia Today. ADOI had erred in not double-checking the facts of the excerpt before publication and it has resulted in this careless mistake. We truly regret publishing this piece and new editing guidelines have been put in place to ensure it does not happen again. Words cannot fully express how truly sorry we are for the anxiety, frustration and inconvenience caused. Respectfully, Harmandar Singh aka Ham - PublisherSledgehammer Communications (M) Sdn Bhd.

Bridging the orang utan gap

KOTA KINABALU: A new orang utan rope bridge has been created in the Lower Kinabatangan wildlife sanctuary to allow the primates living within the fragmented forests to reconnect with each other. The 40m-long rope bridge, made of fire hoses, was set up across Sungai Takala, a tributary of Sungai Kinabatangan in another effort by local and international conservationists to ensure that orang utans in trapped fragmented forests do not become extinct. The teams involved took three days to complete the project. The project, which was undertaken by the Sabah Wildlife Department, the HUTAN non-governmental organisation and Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC), was funded by Borneo Conservation Trust Japan and expertise was provide by Ropeskills Rigging Sdn Bhd.

“Genetic studies, which were carried out in the Lower Kinabatangan forest fragments, showed that orang utans are estimated to go extinct within our lifetime if they are not reconnected through schemes like the rope bridges,” Sabah Wildlife department director Dr Laurentius Ambu said. DGFC director Dr Benoit Goosens said the rope bridges were important in efforts to stop in-breeding among orang utans within the fragmented forests. The project was initiated by the Kinabatangan Orang Utan Conservation Project seven years ago. “If we do not set up a corridor, substantial levels of inbreeding will occur, and this will lead to their extinction in the most isolated fragments of the wildlife sanctuary,” he added.

Goosens said similar bridges will be set up at tributaries in the vicinity of DGFC following a survey carried out by HUTAN last year which identified sites suitable for bridge construction to alleviate the issues of orang utan population fragmentation. Ropeskills Rigging Sdn Bhd operations director Simon Amos supervised the construction of the rope bridge. He added rigging and tree climbing were essential skills needed to establish the bridge and the camera trap, which will eventually capture evidence that orang utans are actually using the bridge.

-thestar online.

Malaysian food getting popular in Britain

PETALING JAYA: More than 150,000 British food enthusiasts are fast becoming Malaysian “food fanatics” in the Malaysia Kitchen Programme. The programme was launched in 2006 by the Government as a branding mission to expand Malaysian restaurants overseas.

Mee goreng sedap: Chen attending to a customer at one of his restaurants which serves Malaysian food in Chinatown, London.

Delicacies close to the hearts of Malaysians such as mee goreng, roti canai, laksa, satay, cendol, ais kacang, and the ever popular beef rendang have captured the tastebuds of the British people. Following a hugely successful pasar malam night that was held in Trafalgar Square on Sept 24, the Malaysian Restaurant Association UK is confident that Malaysian food is quickly building a strong reputation among the British. “The response has been fantastic among 150,000 British consumers, food writers and enthusiasts,” association chairman Teddy Chen toldThe Star recently. “Information that spread through word of mouth and social media has become a key part of the campaign.

“We found that consumers who tried Malaysian food for the first time have been amazed and they have passed the word around,” he added. Chen said Malaysian food, especially halal products, was also set to become a key Malaysian export to Britain. “Malaysian halal products are a key export strength and Malaysia can capitalise on Britain’s growing demand for halal products,” he added.

Processed food from Malaysia has already been widely accepted by the British market. Malaysia’s processed food exports to Britain last year amounted to £47.7mil (RM234.14mil) and during the first six months of 2010, exports totalled £21.2mil (RM104.06mil). However, Chen said one of the challenges for Malaysian food companies was compliance with the standards set by the British Retailers’ Consortium. Their standards were so high that the planned showcase of the Penangchar kuey teow at Trafalgar Square had to be cancelled because safety regulations prohibited actual cooking on site.

The association is continuing its promotional drive with 21 Malaysian restaurants participating in this year’s London Restaurant Festival, which ends today. Six restaurants and three Malaysian food distributors also showcased Malaysian food at the London restaurant Festival Suppliers Market at Old Spitalfields Market from Oct 11 to 13 and Oct 15 to yesterday. Next month, three Malaysian restaurants will be selling dishes at the iconic Masterchef Live food event, one of the key events in the British food enthusiasts’ calendar.

There are now a total of 465 Malaysian restaurants worldwide participating in the Malaysia Kitchen Programme. Chen, who has been in Britain since 1964 and has established five restaurants in London so far, says he will not stop promoting Malaysia until “every British person has tasted how great Malaysian food is”.

-thestar online.

‘Focus more on autism’

KUALA LUMPUR: More efforts should be carried out to address issues affecting children with autism, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. Ng, who is patron of the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), said there was still little data about the ailment and at least RM35mil was needed over the next five years to learn more about the causes of autism. “The corporate sector should play a role in helping children with autism. They should be given the opportunity to lead a dignified life and interact normally with the world,” she said at the presentation of a certificate of recognition to Nasom by the Malaysia Book of Records for creating the first autistic choir in the country.

Country dance: Dr Ng performing the ‘Uniquely Malaysia’ dance with Nasom Maestros children during the presentation of the certificate of recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records yesterday. With them are Nasom president Datuk Danny Tan (left) and the Malaysia Book of Records director Irene Leong (right).

Dr Ng expressed her appreciation of the on-going collaboration between Nasom and Universiti Malaya, International Islamic Univer sity and University of Nottingham in their research into autism. The autistic choir, called Nasom Maestros, consisted of 27 autistic children, aged between seven and 15. The group has performed at the KL Convention Centre together with famous artistes like Lionel Richie, Il Divo and Sarah Brightman.

At a separate function in Petaling Jaya, Dr Ng said more tourists from China were expected to visit the country because many products would be duty-free goods from next year. “When they go shopping, they do not look at the price tags and they can afford to buy a lot,” she said at the Eighth Worldwide Zhongshan Association Convention dinner last night. Dr Ng said that last year, the country’s weekly tourism income was RM1bil and the ministry aimed to increase the amount to RM3bil by 2020.

-thestar online.

Tourism D-G Mirza's trial fixed for May 16

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court here Monday fixed May 16 next year for the trial of suspended Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab Beg and former chief operations officer of Pelancongan Malaysia Berhad (Pempena) Mohammad Rosly Md Selamat on a charge of criminal breach of trust involving RM888,000 in 2007. Judge Azizah Mahamud set aside 23 days days, until May 26, for the trial.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Yusaini Amer had told her that all relevent documents had been handed to the defence led by Saseedharan Menon. On Aug 16, Mirza, 53, and Mohammad Rosly, 56, pleaded not guilty to the charge of approving the amount from the company made out to LCL Interior Dubai on Feb 27 2007 to build Restoran Malaysia Dubai without adhering to the laid down procedures. They are alleged to have committed the offence at the Pempena office on the third floor of Menara Dato' Onn at the Putra World Trade Centre.

- Bernama

‘War of the Tonys’ erupts

PETALING JAYA: A war of words has erupted between two budget airlines in the region, with Singapore-based Tiger Airways accusing the AirAsia boss of making a racial slur with his “white guys” remark. AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes’ comments to Bangkok Post on Tiger Airways’ plan to partner Thai Airways to set up a budget carrier in Thailand, has left its management fuming. Fernandes, however, is sticking to his guns and not budging. Tiger Airways is headed by Tony Davis, a British, who is both president and chief executive officer of the airline. He was also the founding managing director of bmibaby, a British low-fare carrier which took off in 2002.

In the Bangkok Post article, Fernandes was quoted as saying he was sceptical over Westerners running any successful Asia-based businesses, pointing out that Thai AirAsia is run by a Thai management that is well versed with the local and Asian markets. “We’re Asians, not a bunch of white guys running the airlines,” Fernandes was quoted as saying. The report irked Tiger Airways which issued a statement, saying they were “disappointed and surprised” by Fernandes’ “racial remarks against Tiger Airways”. “While we understand that we are intensifying the level of competition with our expansion across Asia, resorting to racial slurs is unbecoming and unnecessary,” the statement issued on Friday said.

Reports by Singapore’s The Straits Times and TODAY said Fernandes stood by his comments, and that his remarks were neither racial nor a general statement of all Westerners running Asia-based businesses. “I gave my honest opinion. I was just talking about the Westerners in Tiger Airways’ management who do not know Asia very well,” Fernandes told The Straits Times. He also told the daily that there were many Westerners in AirAsia and AirAsia X management.

In the Bangkok Post interview, Fernandes joined other industry figures in questioning the move to create Thai Tiger Airways (TTA), claiming that Tiger Airways was an “odd” choice for a business ally given its problems, especially with pilot shortage and flight cancellations. “They have not yet been able to solve their problems, so what are they going to teach the Thai (Airways),” Fernandes told the Bangkok Post.

-thestar online.

Manmohan Singh to launch Little India on Oct 27

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh will launch the first phase of the project to upgrade and beautify Brickfields into “Little India” on Oct 27. Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Deputy Minister Datuk M. Saravanan said about 85% of the work in phase one had been done. “Manmohan Singh’s visit to Malaysia will be a proud moment for us and I’m sure he will be delighted to see this ‘Little India” in Brickfields,” he told reporters after launching the Gotong-Royong Perdana 1Malaysia Little India-Brickfields, here Sunday.

Little India covers the area from Jalan Travers up to Jalan Tun Sambanthan, with the first phase expected to be ready in December. Work on first phase, costing RM17mil started in May. It comprises the development of an area from Jalan Travers to Jalan Tun Sambanthan by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB). The two-phase “Little India” project, worth RM35mil, involves the construction of new business premises and a parking complex, and road expansion.

- Bernama

One more feather in MAS’ cap

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines has won the “Asia’s Leading Airline” and “Asia’s Leading Business Class Airline” awards given out by the World Travel Awards. The airline was selected by industry professionals from 160 countries in a global poll.

“These awards are testament to the performance of our employees in providing Malaysian hospitality to our guests,” Azahar Hamid, MAS regional vice-president (South Asia) said in a statement. The statement noted that the latest win was among a string of awards this year for the national carrier. MAS had won awards from Skytrax, Global Traveller Magazine and Smart Travel Asia.

-thestar online.

Promoting country as Asia’s premier shopping hub

IMPORT duty on approximately 300 items will be abolished to promote Malaysia as Asia’s shopping haven. The goods are apparel, handbags, shoes, shampoo, suits, children’s apparel, wallets, hair colourants, golf balls, imitation jewellery, talcum powder, curtains, table cloth, blankets, bed sheets, shirts, undergarments, lingerie, nightwear, perfumes and mosquito netting. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said tourism, which generated RM53bil in revenue last year, had the potential to provide more business and employment opportunities as well as increase the nation’s income. He added that to further energise the industry, more effort would be put in to attract foreign tourists by offering innovative tour packages and products.

“Malaysia was ranked ninth in the world in terms of tourist arrivals in last year’s United Nations World Tourism Organisation Report.” To achieve this, Najib said the Government would set aside RM50mil to build shaded walkways in the KLCC-Bukit Bintang vicinity and RM85mil to facilitate construction of hotels and resorts in remote areas, and restructure the Civil Aviation Department into the Civil Aviation Authority.

Najib said Nexus Karambunai, a renowned resort in Sabah, had committed to developing an integrated RM3bil eco-nature resort, the first in the world, by leveraging on its natural beauty and uniqueness.“The project will commence next year,” he said, adding that the Government would give RM100mil.

Najib said sales tax on all types of mobile phones would also be exempted. He said the investment allowance period for last mile broadband service providers would be extended as well as the exemption of import duty and sales tax on broadband equipment. Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said he hoped the abolition of import duty on branded goods could be passed on to consumers. However, he said any reduction in the actual price of branded goods would depend on retailers. “While the decision may attract tourists, it will not help the man in the street. Branded products mainly cater to the high-income group.”

-thestar online.

Bid to promote temple as tourist attraction

KUALA LUMPUR: Plans are underway to promote Sui Yue Gong, the 600-year-old temple in Gua Musang, as a tourist destination. Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung (pic) said the ministry would landscape the surroundings of the temple. “The temple is very rich in history. “I was told the Chinese settlers arrived there in small boats using Sungei Kelantan before they settled in Kota Baru,” he said here yesterday.

Chor who visited the three new villages in Galas – Kampung Batu Papan, Kampung Pulai and Kampung Gua Musang – and Kampung Bertam Ulu on Tuesday asked the villagers to provide feedback to the ministry on how to further improve their living conditions. The ministry had since January allocated RM560,000 to improve conditions in the four villages, he said.

-thestar online.

New KL budget hotel plugs supply gap

Apple Hotel on Jalan Alor soft opened yesterday with 39 rooms, launching at a time when Kuala Lumpur is seeing strong demand for budget properties. The latest budget hotel in the Malaysian capital charges from RM88 (US$29) nett to RM138 nett. Another 61 rooms are scheduled to open by the end of next year. The property has four room categories - single, double, twin and family - that come with free Wi-Fi. 

Grace Holidays general manager Godwin Miranda said the opening was timely as there was a demand-supply gap for budget hotels in the city. "The LCCs (low-cost carriers) have made it more affordable for young people to travel. They save on accommodation but spend more on sightseeing. Even business travellers are looking for budget hotels with basic facilities." Miranda added that the hotel's location, close to the commercial and business areas, was a plus point. 

-TTG Asia.

Ministry planning to sell Malaysia to Korean tourists

PETALING JAYA: The Tourism Ministry is expected to market Malaysia as a preferred destination among Koreans. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who has been in Buyeo, Korea since Monday to attend the three-day T20 Tourism Ministers’ conference, shared Malaysia’s success in the tourism industry through her paper presentation at the meeting. In a statement issued by the ministry on Monday, it said Dr Ng had met members of the media and local trade players to discuss new tourism products and themes that would be of interest to the Koreans.

“This includes the Malaysia My Second Home long-stay programme, and to host a networking launch,” said the statement, adding the minister would also launch the winter charters between Incheon and Johor and golf tourism packages. It said Dr Ng had been invited to talk about the development of the tourism industry in Malaysia and the policies and measures taken by the ministry. It also said the three-day meeting was an avenue for tourism ministers from the Group of Twenty (G20) countries to discuss ways to promote tourism to make valuable contributions to the global economy. Delegates from 18 countries and six international organisations, including the World Tourism Organisation, European Commission and International Labour Organisation attended the meeting.
-thestar online.

Borneo Bird Festival

http://www.borneobirdfestival.com/

Tourism Malaysia to reveal high-yield game plan

Tourism Malaysia, the marketing arm of the Ministry of Tourism, will reveal how it intends to gain a bigger market share of high-yield tourists and unveil its five-year plan for international promotions next month. Following that, it will conduct seminars to educate industry players. 

Malaysia aims to shift from targeting mass, middle-income tourists to high-yield visitors, with the goal of doubling receipts to RM103.5 billion (US$33.4 billion) by 2020. "We must all move forward with one voice and with the same objective," said Tourism Malaysia's deputy director general of marketing, Amirrudin Abu. 

Tourism Malaysia has also embarked on capacity building, succession planning, and instilling innovation and creativity in the workplace.

-TTG Asia.