Jul 30, 2011

Avillion Port Dickson Chalets

Avillion Port Dickson has very interesting and peaceful surrounding for quick tourism Malaysia getaway holiday. With their recent refurbishing of chalets, give it a go and try!

'Rejuvenated' chalets
By Chitra S. Nathan
Saturday July 30, 2011


I WAS immediately enveloped with a sense of calm the moment I stepped into a recently "rejuvenated" water chalet at the Avillion Port Dickson.

The spacious room was a sight to behold with a large four poster bed, a comfortable pangkin (daybed) to lounge on and a big bathroom which had a tub as well as an open air shower.

The sliding glass doors of the chalet opened out to a private balcony which affords guests gorgeous and uninterrupted views of the sea

Nostalgic: At Avillion Port Dickson, guest can get a gorgeous uninterrupted view of the seas.
Nostalgic: At Avillion Port Dickson, guest can get a gorgeous uninterrupted view of the seas.

Jul 29, 2011

Central Market Pasar Seni KL

Central Market or Pasar Seni is one of the popular tourist destination in Kuala Lumpur. It can be reached via the Pasar Seni LRT station. I still remember the time when it was converted from a wet market to its current art and craft market when I was a school boy studying nearby. It is still a draw for tourist now and with many activities and busking giving this place a very lively attraction.

Central Market or Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur
Central Market / Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur

Central Market: Keeping heritage relevant
By Anansa Jacob
29 July 2011


THE Central Market has been a Malaysian cultural focal point for many tourists visiting Kuala Lumpur, but these days, few city folk actually visit the 123-year-old landmark themselves.

In 2004, Central Market was taken over by Kha Seng Group, which also runs other key building projects like Viva Home and the upcoming Kenanga Wholesale City.

Since then, this tourist hub has been revamped, with new facilities and additions to emphasise its status as a showcase for Malaysian arts and handicraft.

The efforts to improve Central Market have paid off with the place earning an Excellence award at the Kuala Lumpur Mayor's Tourism Awards in June.

At a recently organised media tour, Kha Seng Group public relations executive Julia Emmanuel gave a group of journalists and bloggers a firsthand look at the new Central Market.

"One of the most obvious additions is the Kasturi Walk, located next to Central Market," she said. "We built a covered roof over the various kiosks that sell food and souvenirs over the sidewalk, and gave it a local touch with giant wau bulan structures located at both ends."

Kasturi Walk is also a venue for nightly cultural performances, as well as a Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia dance performance every Saturday night.

Within Central Market itself, where tourists can purchase unique souvenirs and traditional handicrafts, it looks as though not much has changed. But upon exploration, the layout of the shops are better organised, with handicrafts from specific cultures organised into 'streets' such as Malay Street, Straits Chinese, Little India, Jonker Street and Blue Mansion.

There are also several new eateries there, most of them selling popular versions of local cuisine. These include Oldtown White Coffee, Ginger Restaurant, Annexe Nasi Kandar and Rainforest Bistro & Restaurant. There is also a food court located on the upper floor for those looking for a more varied F&B experience.

The Central Market Annexe, located behind the main building, has also been revived as a space for the local art scene, with galleries and an area for performances or events.

There is also a daily free Heritage Walk tour, organised by Be Tourist. The tour guides are all volunteers, and they take interested visitors on a leisurely walk through areas in the city that showcase local Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures.

Our tour guide that morning was Connie, who was chirpy despite the wet weather we were having that day. She explained the history of Central Market, telling how it had evolved from its humble origins as a wet market in 1888 to its current incarnation.

After that, she took us on a roundabout trip through parts of old Kuala Lumpur and Masjid Lebuh Ampang. Our first stop was the century-old Masjid Jamek, which overlooked the confluence of the Gombak and Klang rivers. The historic mosque usually opens its doors to visitors, who are allowed to walk in and take photographs.

Later, we arrived at Little India to visit a chettiar building, one of the last few traditional moneylenders in the city. After that, we were taken through a narrow alley which housed three stalls manned by owners from the three main races in Malaysia. According to Connie, because of this, the place was known as the 1Malaysia Food Street.

We also visited the Sin Sze Ya temple, a Taoist temple that was built by the city founder Kapitan Yap Ah Loy in 1864, and is still visited by those wanting blessings and guidance for themselves or their families.

Throughout the journey, Connie also pointed out several old buildings that had historical value, including the city's oldest pawnshop, as well as a building with a balcony where she said maidens used to choose their husbands by throwing handkerchiefs for prospective suitors to catch.

Sadly, she added, most of these buildings were run down and not well cared for, and like many other historical sites, had been overlooked or sacrificed for the sake of rapid development.

Later, over lunch in Precious Old China, a restaurant serving fusion nyonya cuisine on Central Market's first floor, Julia said that there were more events planned at Central Market to reintroduce it to Malaysians.

"Everyone knows that it is a tourist destination, but we also want Malaysians to come and visit it," she said.

Among the activities planned are a photo contest to capture the essence of Central Market, a postcard-making workshop and a Chinese Opera performance in August. Not to mention the various cultural performances every day.

"We want people to come and visit Central Market and just see how much things have changed over the years," Julia added. "We want them to come and maybe even learn something new about the different cultures in their own country, and by teaching the public, we hope to be able to keep our heritage alive for many generations to come."

Source: thesundaily.my/news/94300
Find out more Info: centralmarket.com.my

It's been a long while since my last visit to Central Market Pasar Seni. Good for revisit for us locals too!

Sandakan, Sabah Borneo

Sandakan, Sabah Borneo is located on the north-eastern coast of Borneo facing the Sulu Sea. This little town is home to the famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Kinabatangan River and Sandakan War Memorial Park. Do give this tourism Malaysia a visit if you happen to be in Sabah and find out its many charms!

Sandakan's many charms
By Aida Ahmad
Friday July 29, 2011


THE one question most people asked me when I returned from my familiarisation trip to Sandakan was, "How many orang utans did you see?"

Granted, that was one of the highlights during the tour of Sabah's second largest town. However, Sandakan has more to offer than just primates.

Located on the north-eastern coast of Borneo facing the Sulu Sea, Sandakan is home to the famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Kinabatangan River and Sandakan War Memorial Park.

A few media members were taken on this trip organised by Firefly. From the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), it takes two hours and 40 minutes to reach Sandakan.

Popular cruise: The lower Kinabatangan area is a hotspot to bird-watch.
Popular cruise: The lower Kinabatangan area is a hotspot to bird-watch.

Jul 25, 2011

Teluk Intan's Leaning Clock Tower

Teluk Intan's Leaning Clock Tower is a crowd puller for this small town in Perak. You definitely want to view this famous icon if you drop by this place. Make a detour to this small town when you are making your way to Pulau Pangkor and explore the charms of this little town in Perak!

Lighting up Teluk Intan’s leaning pride
By Anthony Law
Tuesday July 19, 2011


A crowd-puller: The leaning clock tower of Teluk Intan.
A crowd-puller: The leaning clock tower of Teluk Intan.

THE iconic leaning tower of Teluk Intan, which is popular among visitors by day to this coastal town, has found a new niche by night – thanks to the local municipal council thatlighted up the clock tower.

This 25.5 m pagoda structure is decorated with red, blue, yellow, orange, purple and green lights that gradually change colours at intervals, making it a majestic sight in the middle of the town at dusk.

Jul 21, 2011

Nepenthes Pitcher Plant in Sarawak

Nepenthes Pitcher Plant in Sarawak

A rajah among pitcher plants
By Joshua Hendry
Thursday July 21, 2011


Borneo is home to some curious-looking plants such as the foul-smelling Rafflesia and several species of pitcher plants.

Not only does the world's third largest island boasts the biggest flower in the world (the Rafflesia), Borneo is also home to the magnificent Nepenthes rajah, a species of pitcher plant which produces beautiful large pitchers.

Unless you have a keen interest in odd-looking plants, perhaps you may not be familiar with the carnivorous pitcher plants of Borneo.

Whopper: Herman with the giant 'Nepenthes rajah' pitcher which has a volume of about 1.75 litres of water and measures 41 cm long.
Whopper: Herman with the giant 'Nepenthes rajah' pitcher
which has a volume of about 1.75 litres
of water and measures 41 cm long.

There are over 100 known species of pitcher plants of the family Nepenthaceae found in the world. About 30 species are found in Borneo of which some are endemic to the island and found nowhere else in the world.

Nepenthes rajah is one such species and found only in Sabah, its giant pitchers are a subject of fascination. Together with Nepenthes attenboroughii from the Philippines, Nepenthes rajah produces some of the largest pitchers found in the genus. Pitchers exceeding 30cm tall and holding well over one litre in volume are commonly found on large, healthy plants.

Recently, a group of nine consisting members of the Sabah Society conducted a field exploration up on the slopes of the Mesilau Mountain Garden at Kinabalu National Park, Sabah.

The group included renowned botanists Anthony Lamb and Anthea Phillipps, a husband-and-wife team who authored the book Pitcher Plants of Borneo (2008) with Ch'ien Lee as co-author.

It was a very fruitful morning as the group came upon many healthy Nepenthes rajah pitcher plants. Some of the plants produced huge pitchers that measured between 35cm and 40cm long.

Cool water: A beautiful mountain creek.
Cool water: A beautiful mountain creek.

The longest pitcher found that day was stumbled upon after some searching among the bushes.

Nearly hidden from sight was a giant pitcher measuring a whopping 41cm long. The longest Nepenthes rajah pitcher ever recorded in published literature is 35cm.

This means the newly discovered 41cm giant is the new record holder for tallest pitcher ever measured for this particular species. Measurement is taken from the base of the pitcher right to the base of the lid at the top of the pitcher.

Although the pitcher was already dead, it was still an important discovery and preservation of the pitcher was warranted.

The pitcher was collected for further study after obtaining permission from park representative Herman Kunsian, who was with the group the entire time. Down at the Mesilau Nature Centre, the pitcher was found to hold about 1.75 litres of water.

According to Phillipps: “What we collected was the tallest or longest Nepenthes rajah pitcher so far recorded (in published literature), not the largest in terms of volume. The most established record for volume is two litres, but there is an unverified report of 3.5 litres. It could exist, but would be absolutely huge.”

It was not just the discovery of the giant pitcher that caused a flurry of camera clicks and loud excited chatter that morning, many rare slipper orchids were also found to be blooming.

Beautiful: Yellow Rhododendron is grown just outside the Mesilau Nature Centre. Kinabalu Park is home to many Rhododendron species, some found nowhere else in the world.
Beautiful: Yellow Rhododendron is grown just outside
the Mesilau Nature Centre. Kinabalu Park is home to many
Rhododendron species, some found nowhere else in the world.

In just one small area, about 10 flowering Paphiopedilum hookerae (slipper orchids) were discovered and photographed. This exotic species with its green mottled leaves is well camouflaged among the thick undergrowth.

Both Nepenthes rajah and Paphiopedilum hookerae are endangered species rapidly disappearing from the wild due to habitat loss and illegal collection.

Unfortunately, a landslide recently occurred in the mountain garden, burying and killing many plants that grew on the slope.

While natural disasters such as landslides are often unpredictable and difficult to prevent, human actions on the other hand can be controlled.

As such, everyone should reduce activities that contribute to the decline of our environment and assume more active roles in preserving our surroundings. This is to ensure that all may enjoy the beauty of nature preserved in perpetuity.

The Sabah Society is a non-profit organisation founded in 1960 with the main aim of promoting conservation of Sabah's natural heritage. For further information, visit thesabahsociety.com. -- The Star News

Jul 11, 2011

Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival 2011

The Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival 2011 is the place to go if you want to see all kinds of flowers on display including floats and parade. If you got the enthusiasm and energy you can stay till late night to view the fireworks display.

My aunt had a great time there despite being a senior. Her son was kind enough to drop her at Putrajaya for the day and later pick her up again for dinner. The distance from Puchong to Putrajaya takes about an hour's drive. She had great time admiring the flowers on display. If she had stay later she might get to see the fireworks too!

Air Asia Float Parade



Show of lights come to an end
By Zuhrin Azam Ahmad
Tuesday July 19, 2011


The nine-day 1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade and Floria Putrajaya 2011 which ended on Sunday recorded more than one million visitors.

Tourism Malaysia has vowed to bring in more participants to next year’s event from June 30 to July 8.

The night parade of colourful and creatively decorated boats at the Putrajaya Lake was the main draw and the public can expect more floats next year.

Colourful: Various interesting elements are at play on the Putrajaya Corporation’s float.
Colourful: Various interesting elements are at play on the Putrajaya Corporation’s float.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said efforts to get more boats would start immediately.

“We hope boats from other countries will join this event next year,” she said at the parade’s closing and prize-giving ceremony.

The parade, themed “Magic of the Night” featuring 13 floats from Brunei, Malacca, Perlis, Terengganu, Perak, Johor, Pahang, Putrajaya, i-City, Tourism Malaysia, Resort World Genting, AirAsia and YTL Hotel.

Terengganu bagged the first place for the Overall Best Boat while Tourism Malaysia and Putrajaya were second and third respectively.

The boat by I-Berhad, the developer of i-City in Shah Alam in collaboration with MasterCard Worldwide won the “Best Lighted” category in the Floral Parade.

Themed “Fire & Ice”, the boat is a representation of the unique showcase of LED lights and snow attraction in i-City.

The array of LED lights is the “fire” that turns night into day, and “ice” is the attraction at Snowalk that turns summer into winter.

Fiery flamingos are displayed in the front part of the boat in synchronised moving motion and the icy arctic with penguins has snowfall at the other end.

The presentation showcased the latest of i-City’s LED lights made of crystal giving it the dazzling luminous and 3D effect.

The entry is on behalf of Selangor and will be displayed in i-City.

List of winners:
·Overall Best Boat - Terengganu, Tourism Malaysia, Putrajaya and i-City;
·Most Creative - YTL Hotel, Resort World Genting and AirAsia;
·Best Lighted - i-City, Resort World Genting and YTL Hotel;
·Most Popular (Public Sector) - Tourism Ministry, Johor and Terengganu; and
·Most Popular (Private Sector) - AirAsia, i-City and YTL Hotel.

-- The Star Metro



Terengganu floats away with top prize
By Zuhrin Azam Ahmad
Monday July 18, 2011


PUTRAJAYA: Terengganu's flotilla bags the first place for the Overall Best Boat at the 1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade which draws its curtain last night.

The float beat 12 other participants including from Perlis, Perak, Malacca, Johor, Resort World Genting, AirAsia, YTL Hotel, i-City, Putrajaya, Tourism Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

Star of the show: The Terengganu flotilla shining bright at the 1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade 2011 in Putrajaya Sunday. — Darran Tan / The Star
Star of the show: The Terengganu flotilla shining bright at the 1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade 2011 in Putrajaya Sunday. — Darran Tan / The Star

Four other categories were won by YTL Hotel (Most Creative), i-City (Best Lighted), Tourism Malaysia (Most Popular-Public Sector) and AirAsia (Most Popular-Private Sector).

Prizes were presented by Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said feedback showed that the nine-day parade had been very successful and was well-received by the public.

Dr Ng added that the event had attracted an estimated one million visitors and some said it was even better than the boat display at the Suzhou River in Shanghai. -- The Star News



Floral arrangements from 13 countries take centre stage
By Oh Ing Yeen and Tho Xin Yi
Monday July 11, 2011


THE Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival (Floria 2011) kicked off on Friday at the Precinct 2, Putrajaya. It presents more than 60 species of roses at the outdoor gardens and the Floral Pavilion.

Themed “Roses are Forever”, visitors can look forward to floral arrangements from 13 countries — New Zealand, Britain, the United States, Hong Kong, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan, Japan, Kenya, Indonesia, Macao and Thailand.

New Zealand’s Franca Logan said her design was based on the concept of clouds and landsape because New Zealand is Aoteaora in Maori, which means “Land of the Long White Cloud”.

“European settlers to New Zealand brought roses with them and which grow along the seashores of New Zealand. It’s a fusion of different cultures,” she said of her designs.

In full bloom: Trader Rohani Bujang (left) talking to Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman and Landscape and Parks director Mohamad A. Shukor.
In full bloom: Trader Rohani Bujang (left) talking to Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman and Landscape and Parks director Mohamad A. Shukor.

Jul 10, 2011

Rainforest World Music Festival 2011

Rainforest World Music Festival 2011 will be held from July 8-10 at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching bringing together some of the world’s most electic performers in the world music scene. A sneak preview of the bands will be held at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus today. For details, call 03-2080 8305 (Angel Ng).

Jul 9, 2011

Ipoh Heritage Walk

Walking down history lane
Saturday July 9, 2011
By Anthony Law


THE Ipoh Heritage Walk has proven to be so successful in creating awareness of the city’s tourism potential that groups from other states have flocked to Perak to learn its ways.

Majestic: The grand exterior of the Ipoh Railway Station.

Tourism Malaysia and Penang Heritage Trust were among the groups impressed by the success of Ipoh Heritage Walk project since it was introduced last May. The two groups made a special trip to Ipoh recently.

Tourism Malaysia had earlier participated in a food trail to taste the best of Ipoh food, before taking part in the heritage trail proper.

Most of the walkabout takes place in Ipoh Old Town, to showcase its rich heritage and architecturally beautiful buildings.

Jul 7, 2011

Putrajaya Flowers and Parks Festival 2011

Putrajaya Flowers and Parks Festival
For those who loves flowers come join the Putrajaya Flowers and Parks Festival. In fact there are two events going on at the same time in Putrajaya Flowers and Parks Festival! They are:

Putrajaya Floria 2011
July 9 to 17. Admission is free.

1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade 2011
From July 9 to July 17
From 8.30pm to 10.30pm


For nature shutterbug bring along your DSLR camera and of course macro lens for those close up shots! And not to forget tripod for the night time fireworks display.

See you there!
Cheerio!



Flower power comes to Putrajaya
Thursday July 7, 2011

PUTRAJAYA: The combination of artificial limbs decorated with roses is Eric Wong's symbolism of compassion and love towards the less fortunate.

The Rotary Club of Bandar Sunway member decided to come up with the concept for the indoor flower show competition in conjunction with the fourth Putrajaya Flowers and Parks Festival (Putrajaya Floria 2011) which starts on Saturday.

“The design concept is a birth of new hope, giving hope that we provide for those who were unfortunate,” said Wong.

Wong said the design was to symbolise the club's iconic humanitarian projects, “Leg for Legless”.

In full bloom: Liyana Ferdaus 26, admiring the flowers which will be displayed during the Putrajaya Floria 2011 from this Saturday.
In full bloom: Liyana Ferdaus 26, admiring the flowers which will be displayed during the Putrajaya Floria 2011 from this Saturday.