Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

IMPRESSION MELAKA

Impression Melaka’ Launched Next Year As Iconic Tourism Product

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) — The ‘Impression Melaka’ project, to be launched in October next year, is set to become one of the iconic tourist attractions for Visit Malaysia 2014.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said ‘Impression Melaka’ was the latest entry point project within the Tourism National Key Economic Area (NKEA).

“In line with NKEA, this RM213.2 million project is estimated to attract 1.2 million tourists per annum, generating RM179 million GNI (Gross National Income) into the economy,” he told a press conference here Tuesday.

Mohamed Nazri said the project would also create approximately 500 direct, and thousands of indirect job opportunities to locals, apart from attracting foreign investments, and boost local livelihood.

He noted that the project was the first and only Mega Outdoor ‘Impression’ Series outside China, and exclusive in Malaysia, as the first location in the Southeast Asia region.

“This project will add a key highlight to Malaysia and contribute to making Malaysia a preferred destination,” said the minister.

‘Impression Melaka’, he said, would showcase a perfect combination of natural environment as the background, whilst utilising the latest light and sound technology, modern art concepts and huge number of cultural performers.

He said ‘Impression Melaka’ would host two or three shows every night, with each show lasting between 70 and 90 minutes, with rotating audience seating which could accommodate up to 2,000 visitors per performance.

“This unique tourism product will feature a mega outdoor performance directed by world-acclaimed Zhang Yimou, Wang Chaoge and Fanyue, the directors of the 2008 Beijing Olympic opening and closing ceremony,” said Mohamed Nazri.

— BERNAMA

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

The Eastern & Oriental (E & O) Hotel at Penang, Malaysia (Part 1)

The Eastern Oriental Hotel (popularly known as the E. O) (N5.42314 E100.33597) is located at 10, Farquhar Street, Georgetown, Penang. We spent our family vacation here for 3 days 2 nights on May 2013.
I will separate into 2 blog posts because the page might load very slow due to many photos.

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About the Eastern Oriental Hotel :-
Established by the famed Sarkies Brothers in 1885, whose architectural landmarks also include the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the Eastern Oriental (EO) Hotel in Penang island is the only hotel in the heart of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site that possesses prime sea frontage. Over its century-and-a-quarter history, the EO Hotel has played host to some of the world’s most celebrated artists, writers and heads of state.

Today, the luxurious 100 all-suite hotel stands as the grand dame of heritage hotels, its distinctive classic elegance and grace of service enhanced with time. Majority of the suites look out onto the ornamental garden and swimming pool with views across the Andaman Sea.

The Hotel’s restaurants and bar—Sarkies, 1885 and Farquhar Bar—have a celebrated reputation for serving an extensive menu ranging from Penang’s local delicacies to European fine dining.

EO’s stately grand ballroom is perfect for hosting formal banquets, replete with viewing balconies and polished timber floors to honour the era and romance of debutante’s balls and black tie dinner and dancing.

The adjacent annexe block is currently being fitted out and scheduled for completion in late 2012. The 15-storey building will be named the Victory Annexe, its namesake being an old block of the hotel, so named after the British victory in World War I. The Annexe will add a further 139 suites, all sea-fronting, to the present 100, complemented by new restaurants, meeting rooms, pool, spa, and niche retail outlets. To distinguish between the two hotel sections, the existing hotel building will be known as the Heritage Wing.

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The hotel staffs were really nice and helpful. The feeling started from the reception. At first we went into the Heritage Wing and found out that our room was at the Vicotry Annexe Wing (the new wing), therfore they guide us all the way to the other reception area politely without any hesitation.

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Then we walked through the Nice passageway from the old building to the new building. Honestly, I never feel tired walking through this heritage passageway…especially during the night time where all the lights up…I’ll share the photos with you later…

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The check-in was nice and fast! I like the polite lady who attended to us and we were impressed when she request us to wait at the sofa sitting area then she brought all the keys to us.

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The young lady (from the reception) was patiently explain every facility that we can utilize within the hotel, I like the way she presented to us.
I will show the room photos in my next post, and now…let me show you around the hotel…

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The Gallery is situated behind the lift lobby (on the right), the place tell everything about The Eastern Oriental Hotel of Penang. It was just like a mini museum…

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The above photo showed the outlook of E O Hotel on year 1885, it was the fisrt look…

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The above poster explain the journey of the four Sarkies brothers and the year they built the hotel…
There was a nice lady who well known the history and patiently explain to us of the beautiful stories of Eastern Oriental Hotel of Penang. Appreciated.

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The History :-
In its early days as an outpost of the East India Company, Penang drew travellers of every shade and description – merchants, missionaries, mercenaries, sailors and adventurers. From London to Singapore, one was required to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, an arduous journey which took four months on the average. In the 1840s, an overland rail route was established which made it possible for travellers to by-pass the Cape of Good Hope altogether.

But it was not until the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the arrival of the steamship, that travel to Asia assumed unprecedented style and luxury. Writers, actors, playwrights, the rich and the titled, bored with Europe and America, looked to the exotic East to satisfy their wanderlust. Suddenly, there was a new breed of travellers – the globetrotters.

It was to meet the demands of these new affluent travellers that the Eastern Oriental was born.

Already renowned in Southeast Asia for their enterprise and business acumen, the Armenian Sarkies brothers, Martin and Tigran, settled down in Penang and established the Eastern Hotel in 1884. Encouraged by its success, they opened another hotel, the Oriental in 1885, on an adjacent piece of land facing the sea. Combined, these two hotels became the largest hotel in Penang, offering 80 comfortable and tastefully appointed rooms.

The above history is Only part of it, if you interested to know about the hotel, please visit their ‘Gallery’ in the Victory Annexe Wing. Thanks.

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As I said, I like to walk pass the passageway between the old and new wings countlessly because of the heritage deco. The pathway was different during the day time and the night time…

During day time…

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Then we reached the Lobby of the Heritage Wing…the Dome design is marvelous! It’s echoing every single words below, that’s mean…there will be no secret under the Dome area…:)

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The Antique Lift which is still function well, according to the Manager of E O Hotel.

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Follow by the restaurants in the hotel….

The hotel has 2 Sakies Corner, they are located at the Heritage Wing and the Victory Annexe Wing…both are having a different setting and decorations…

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This restaurant looked so quaint and I like the ambience very much! The warm lightings during the evening make the restaurant feel more comfort and cozy…
Operating hours are from 10.00 am – 11.00 pm (Daily)

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Next to the Sarkies Corner, it is the 1885 Fine Dining Restaurat.
Named for the year that the EO Hotel was established, 1885 offers classical yet contemporary cuisine in an elegant environment in the finest traditions of colonial fine dining.

The selection of inventive fusion dishes from thier accomplished chefs, accompanied by a superb selection of wines, marks 1885 as the perfect choice for an enjoyable dining experience.

The environment of the 1885 Restaurant

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The atmosphere was Perfect! I can’t really describe in words but you have to try it yourself…

Traditional English Afternoon Tea is also served in this elegant setting.
Candlelit tables, starched linens, silver service, and attentive staff create a magical experience.

Operating hours are from 2.00 pm – 11.00 pm (Daily)

Not to forget, the Farquhar’s Bar is situated beside the lobby of the Heritage Wing. You can have some beers or others alcohol to relax yourself after your sumptuous dinner…

Operating hours are from 11.00 am – 12.00 am

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There is a live band performance during the evening and I like the wooden armchair design very much!

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I did mentioned that I like to walk along the passageway countless time…and when the night fall and all the lights up, it presented the other beauty of it…

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Beside the passageway, the garden also painted with all the beautiful warm lightings accompany by the sea breeze from Penang Strait…it’s kind of romantic garden area in the evening…

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It was another enjoyment strolling in the garden during night, the Penang Strait was on the left and the background lights was from Butterwoth town of mainland.

We had 2 restaurants to choose for our daily complimentary breakfast, The Sarkies Corner or The Planters Lounge on the 6th Floor. Both are located in Victory Annexe Wing and also called the ‘New Wing’. The Sarkies Corner had much more varieties compare with the Planters Lounge, but the lounge has more privacy for the hotel guests.

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Full of varieties in the breakfast, they serve local foods, western foods, raw foods, breads and many more…you can easily spend 2 hours by enjoying the breakfast here…

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And my breakfast is always ‘simple’…

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The Planters Lounge is the private lounge exclusively for all the guests who stay in Victory Annexe Wing. It dining area connected from the lounge to the 6th Floor Infinity swimming pool. The lounge is open from the afternoon unitl 10pm, but we visited during 5pm – 7pm where they served all the finger foods and alcohols.

The interior and dining area of Planters Lounge (6th Floor of Victory Annexe Wing)

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And you can also choose the outdoor session area where with the excellent scenery of the Penang Strait. It connected to the Infiity Pool area…

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The foods and drinks by the Planters Lounge

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And they do serve soft drinks, Red Wine from Chile, white wine and Anchor Beer. All on the house!

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We like to enjoy our foods and drinks at the pool area, we did it for 2 days! 🙂

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After the foods and drinks, we jumped into the pool…we did that for continuous 2 days during our stay…:)
I like to swim to the edge, admiring the view of the Strait…

The hotel has a nice jetty located in between the 2 wings, maybe you can get down from the Cruise directly and walk to the hotel in the near future…

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The Eastern Oriental Hotel is one of the Best place to relax yourself and it is also the Only 5 starts Heritage Hotel in Penang. I felt the different within their services compare with other 5 starts hotel.
We were really comfort interacted with the hotel staffs, and not to forget the most friendly person in the E O Gallery. I apologies that I cannot recall her name, she generously explained the histories of E O Hotel to us was really appreciated and I like her attitude! Great!

Definitely it’s worth for the second visit and it was one of the Best Hotel we ever stay before!

Ms Eileen Chong and Ms Melvis, thanks for your warmest hospitality and we really appreciated.

*  The virtual tour for the few types of rooms will be continue in my next blog post.

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Related post :-
The Suite Rooms in Eastern Oriental Hotel in Penang (Part 2)

Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

IMPRESSION MELAKA TO BE READY BY END 2014

Impression Melaka Launched as Part of the Overseas Expansion Plan of the “Impression” Series

BEIJING, May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Impression Melaka was launched at the Beijing Hotel on the afternoon of May 15. Present at the press conference were the Ambassador of Malaysia to China Datuk Iskandar Sarudin, Ambassador of China to Malaysia Datuk Chai Xi, Chief Director of the “Impression” Series Ms. Wang Chaoge , and PTS Impression SDN BHD CEO Mr. Boo Kuang Loon. The event marked the official launch of Impression Melaka, the first foreign leg of the large-scale live-action show of the “Impression” Series, which is a new cultural and creative brand of China.

The signing ceremony was held in a typical Chinese way. PTS CEO Mr. Boo Kuang Loon and Chief Director Ms. Wang Chaoge stamped the scroll of Impression Melaka with a Chinese seal together, which marked the launch of the program.

The Ambassador of Malaysia to China Datuk Iskandar Sarudin observed that Melaka had a long history with China. Over 600 years ago, the Chinese navigator Zheng He visited Melaka several times during his voyages, and built a bridge between the two nations. He pointed out that Malaysia needed a unique, world-class cultural program like the Impression Series to help with the development of its local tourism, and increase the international reputation of the city. The federal, state, and municipal government will provide full support for Impression Melaka. The Ambassador of China to Malaysia Datuk Chai Xi said that the year 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and Impression Melaka is sure to be an important part of the celebration.

Chief Director Ms. Wang Chaoge said that Impression Melaka, as her 10th “Impression” event, will make new breakthroughs while continuing the tradition of the Impression Series to introduce to the world a real Melaka. Mr. Boo Kuang Loon explained that he grew up in the ancient city of Melaka, and had always dreamed of introducing the beautiful and magnificent city to the world. After years of investigation and research, he decided that the Impression Series was the one that could help him realize his dream. That was why he invited the team of the Impression Series to Melaka. He stressed that Impression Melaka would become a beautiful pearl of Melaka, and a new mark of the city’s culture and tourism.

Malaysian investment development authority director Datuk Ng Peng Hay described the situation of Melaka, Malaysia as having the best economic record in Asia, becoming the third largest economy in Southeast Asia and playing an important role in Malaysia’s economic development. Besides, Melaka is also a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. The Impression Melaka will show Melaka’s rich unique history and cultural heritage through artistic creation, and become the new cultural tourism project of Melaka, which will play an important role for Melaka’s sustainable economic development and inheritance of history and culture.

The Impression Series launched its first live-action show, Impression Liu Sanjie, in 1998, which turned out to be one of the greatest initiatives of the performance market of the world as well as China, with artistic and technical breakthroughs, real landscape as the scene, modern artistic designs, and splendid visual effects. The Impression Series has now grown into the No. 1 live-action show brand of China after the following eight events, including Impression Lijiang and Impression West Lake.

The “Impression” team chose Melaka as the first stop of its overseas expansion because it’s one of the few historic cities in Southeast Asia, and one of earliest ports of the world that bridges the western and the eastern part of the world. It embraces immigrants from both the West and the East, and generates a unique culture demonstrating characteristics of different countries, including languages, religions, and customs. Still preserving the ancient look, the city was included in the UNESCO “World Heritage List.”

Impression Melaka, as the 10th event of the Impression Series, will open in Melaka at the end of 2014.

Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

MELAKA PLANS YACHTING HUB

YACHTING HUB: State plans to build marinas to attract 20pc of seafarers who pass by straits every year

MALACCA: THE Malacca government is hoping to attract 20 per cent of more than 3,000 yachts passing through the Straits of Malacca each year with the construction of marinas along the coasts of Klebang and Tanjung Kling.

The building of the marinas would be a private sector initiative with the support of the state government in terms of land, basic infrastructure and policies.

Chief Minister Datuk Idris Haron said the state, once a famed port of call for sailors from all corners of the world, had the potential to see its glorious past resurrected.

“I was told that at least 3,000 yachts pass through the Straits of Malacca annually and if we can get 500 of them to stop here, it would not only boost tourism but also create an economic spin off for the local economy.

“The sailors travelling in their own yachts are in a league of their own and they will definitely contribute to our economy.

“With the marinas, we would also provide services such as maintenance for their vessels, medical attention, food and beverages and also other facilities to attract them,” he said after launching two new Catamarans, a 50-footer and a 33-footer, built by local boat manufacturer, Boat Explorer Sdn Bhd, at the Seafarer Restaurant in Klebang here yesterday.

Idris said Klebang and Tanjung Kling could be the next “Gold Coast” in southeast Asia.

“In Malacca, there are many areas which could be turned into marinas but we have to be selective and make it happen. Just look at Sungai Melaka, once an eyesore, it is now the most visited tourist attraction in the state.

“However, before implementing the marina projects, we have to conduct a proper study.”

Asked if the new state administration had any plans to salvage sunken treasures believed to lie off the coast of Malacca, Idris said no proper and credible research had been done on the possible locations.

“If there are pictures of these treasures and proper research done on the vessels, then we do not mind embarking on an exploration to look for them.”

Idris also thanked Boat Explorer, a branded recreational boat builder, for helping to promote the state among its customers.

Read more: CM: Malacca can be the next Gold Coast – General – New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/cm-malacca-can-be-the-next-gold-coast-1.298497#ixzz2W1RBkIvC

Categories
All Malaysia Info

Perlis – More than just a stopover

Perlis may be the smallest state in Malaysia, but holds its own when it comes to a rich historic past and charming attractions.

Perlis is located at the northern part of west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, south of Thailand and north of Kedah. With a population of close to 230,000 people in an area measuring close to 800 square kilometres, Perlis is known as the smallest state in Malaysia.

The capital of Perlis is Kangar and about 10km away is the state’s royal capital Arau. For most travellers, Perlis is a stopover on the way to other towns or tourist attractions. For example, Perlis’ Padang Besar is a border town that is part of a common route travellers take from Malaysia to Thailand. Perlis’ main port and ferry terminal at a small village of Kuala Perlis is also used to get to Langkawi Island, popular with foreign and local tourists.

Kangar

An aerial view of Kangar town today.

Even though Perlis is seen as a transportation link to other popular destinations, it is ironic that there is no airport in the state. Rail or road are the only options for people to get into Perlis. The nearest airports are located in Alor Setar, Kedah, which is about 40 kilometres away from Kuala Perlis, and on Langkawi island, about 45 kilometres away from Perlis’ main port.

Historical go-between

Originally, Perlis was part of Kedah and was ruled by the Siamese, which conquered Kedah in 1821. During Siamese rule, Perlis was called Palit. At that time the Siamese had signed an agreement with the British, where the latter acknowledged the Siamese claim over four northern states – Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. This treaty, known as the Burney Treaty 1826, assured the British its claim on Penang and rights to trade in Terengganu and Kelantan without interference from the Siamese.

The exiled Kedah Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and his followers fought for over 12 years to restore the Malaya Sultan to his throne, but finally the Malay ruler accepted the conditions set by the Siamese and resumed his Sultanate in Kedah. The Siamese then separated Perlis as a vassal state, where Sayyid Hussain Jamalulail became the first Raja Perlis or Perlis ruler.

In 1909, the Anglo-Siamese Treaty dissected the ownership of states again, leaving the Siamese’ southern Malay states to the British. While the British had installed a Resident in the state, Perlis was returned to the Siamese (or Thailand) during World War II for its alliance with Japan. But this was only done briefly as the annexation ended after the Japanese surrendered. Perlis became part of the Malayan Union, then the Federation of Malaya in 1957 and joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.

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Bukit Jernih in Chuping is one of the most colourful limestone hills in Perlis.

Perlis today

Kangar is the state capital of Perlis, with a population of about 50,000.  The 3000 ha sized town is located by the Perlis river. In the centre of the town lies the Sena district or popularly called “Uptown Sena” by locals.

Most of Perlis’ residents are civil servants or farmers who work on the paddy fields in the outskirt areas. The town centre is made up of crisscrossing streets lined by shophouses, typically housing banks, sundry shops and fast food restaurants.

Some believe that the name Kangar came from a hawk species called Kangkok while a different version of its origin is cited in the Perlis state government’s website. The website states that under the rule of Sultan Muhyiddin Mansor Shah from 1652, Tok Peduka opened Kangar in 1653. A Kangar tree was found at the river and subsequently he renamed the area, Pelabuhan Pohon Kangar or Port of Kangar tree.

Perlis’ main economic activity is rice farming and visitors are able to admire the expansive views of paddy fields, wooden huts and farmers tending to their crop when they travel beyond Kangar. Similarly like Perak, magnificent limestone mountains rise from these flat paddy fields, which add to the charm of Perlis. These mountains or outcroppings as they are known, are part of a long limestone range in Southeast Asia called the Nakawan, which lies on the border of Perlis and Thailand.

This 500 million year old limestone is home to over 600 species of flora and fauna, including 68 mammal species, according to the state tourism department. Visitors can explore the wonders of this limestone environment by visiting the 370-metre long limestone cave called Gua Kelam at Kaki Bukit, all at the Perlis State Park. The only way into the cave is by walking on an eight-foot wide wooden suspension bridge, which links Kaki Bukit to the Wan Tangga Valley.

A sea of green: The breathtaking view of the paddy field in Perlis.

History buffs can enjoy the state museum, Kota Kayang Museum or visit the Syed Alwi State Mosque, the former state mosque which was built in 1910. Other popular sights are the quaint fishing town of Kuala Perlis, popular as a transit hub and also for its local cuisine. A snake and reptile farm is located near Sungai Batu Pahat and surrounded by the Bukit Bintang Forest Reserve,  an attraction for nature lovers. At this farm, research is conducted to develop anti-venom medicine for snake bites. It houses over 20 species of snakes and reptiles, including crocodiles and monitor lizards.


Map: Perlis


Perlis State Park, Wang Kelian

North to Perlis we go!

Tasik Melati, Perlis

Kangar’s little gems

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