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Tourism Malaysia

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

Malaysia may not have a city of love like France but this country isn’t short of romantic places to go or romantic things to do especially in the month of love. Let us share with you some ideas on how to spend a special day with your loved ones. Follow the Cupid’s arrow to see these top five activities:-

1. Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra, Kuala Lumpur
Spend a romantic evening by watching Conductor Karen Durgaryan and the Ballet of Armenia entertain their audience with memorable performances of scenes from Tchaikovsky’s greatest ballet scores, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Swan Lake, one of the most popular ballets in the world, tells the story of evil sorcerer Von Rothbart who turned Princess Odette into a swan. The ever-popular Christmas Eve tale of Clara and The Nutcracker never fails to delight audiences of all ages.

The Petronas Philharmonic Hall is a premier concert hall providing a world-class musical experience. It is the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), an internationally acclaimed home-grown orchestra. The annual schedule here includes chamber music, contemporary music and commissioned works

Getting There:
By Train
Take a train from any station within Klang Valley area and make your way to KLCC Station (KJ10).

By Taxi
Numerous and convenient, taxis are a popular way of traveling. Always request the driver to switch on the fare meter before your journey. The taxis can easily drop you off around Suria KLCC’s main entrance.

By Car
Access KLCC through Jalan Ampang, Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Kia Peng.
Tunnels at Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Tun Razak, and the Ampang – Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH) are also directly connected to the KLCC Parking Bays.

Date: 2-4 February 2018
Venue: Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
Level Two, Tower Two, PETRONAS Twin Tower
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel : +603 2331 7008 (General Line)
+603 2331 7007 (Ticket Booking)
Website: http://mpo.com.my

The Petronas Philharmonic Hall is a premier concert hall providing a world-class musical experience. It is the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), an internationally acclaimed home-grown orchestra. The annual schedule here includes chamber music, contemporary music, and commissioned works.

2. Kampung Kuantan Fireflies, Kuala Selangor

The fireflies of Kampung Kuantan gained prominence in the early 1970s when a local businessman saw the commercial potential of this miracle. Now, the tourism experience has been entrusted to and developed by the Kuala Selangor District Council. It has expanded rapidly with the addition of 27 small boats that are provided for the visitors. Today, Kampung Kuantan is known for the magical fireflies not only to the local visitors but also around the world.

Operational Hour             : Daily: 7.00pm – 10.30pm
Fare/Rate                           : RM53.00 per boat (4pax)

Getting There
Transportation System to Kampung Kuantan

The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kampung Kuantan takes about 45 minutes. Taxi service is available from Kuala Selangor to Kampung Kuantan at RM40.00 for a ride (4 people). However, there are few places of accommodation that provides transportation facilities to Kampung Kuantan.

Public Facilities

The administrator of the firefly’s area provides free parking space, food stalls and souvenir stalls. There is also a playground specifically for those who bring their children. Cruising the river using the traditional way will provide satisfaction for the visitors to watch the beauty of the magnificent fireflies. The usage of the small boats will also avoid sound and smoke pollution that can disrupt the firefly’s habitat.

Who to Contact                : Kuala Selangor District Council
E-mail                                                   : ydp@mdks.gov.my / sumd@mdks.gov.my / msaad@mdks.gov.my

Tel                                          : 03-32891439 / 1549

Website: http://www.mdks.gov.my/en

DAZZLING LIGHTS OF THE FIREFLIES AT KAMPUNG KUANTAN

3. Love Boat, Putrajaya

Show your loved ones how special they are by treating them to a romantic evening on the lake of Putrajaya. Take a ride on a traditional wooden boat called the “Dondang Sayang”. Let the Love Boat set the stage for a nostalgic or romantic evening, with uninterrupted views of Putrajaya’s most breathtaking sights.

The boat is manned by a single boatman. It is best to enjoy the ride in the evening from 5pm or any time before sunset as you will get to witness an astonishing view of Putrajaya from the lake. The Love Boat package is inclusive of an hour ride, as well as food and beverages.

This is one of the main bridges in Putrajaya, connecting Precinct 2 to the residential area of Precinct 8. The design of this cable-stayed bridge resembles a futuristic ship. Spanning 2.4km, this bridge can accommodate motorized traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians. Highly visible even from afar, it has become one of the beautiful icons of Putrajaya.

Getting There  :

By rail:

  • 25 minutes on KLIA Transit from KL Sentral to Putrajaya ERL station
  • 15 minutes on KLIA Transit from KLIA to Putrajaya ERL station

By bus:

  • 30 minutes by Rapid KL bus or Metrobus from Kota Raya bus stop (KL)

 By taxi or car

  • 30 minutes from KL City

 Contact Information

Should you wish to charter a boat for a private function or merely visit the scenic spots of Putrajaya, you may contact for more details:

CRUISE TASIK PUTRAJAYA
Jeti Putra, Jambatan Putra, Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Tel: (603) 8888 5539
Fax: (603) 8888 3769
E-mail: sales@cruisetasikputrajaya.com

Website: http://www.cruisetasikputrajaya.com

4. Couples’ Healthy Getaway @ The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Perak

Treat yourself and your other half to a truly romantic and healthy getaway at the award-winning, luxurious 5-star retreat, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, located in Ipoh, Perak. It is perfect for all love birds out there who are in need of a rejuvenating experience. Here in this lovely retreat, you can choose to do as much or as little as you want on your couples healthy holiday.

From a couple’s spa treatment massage to dipping at the geothermal hot springs dipping pools, to soaking in the natural sauna formed in the dark interiors of the thermal steam cave, it is guaranteed that all these sessions are sure to leave you and your partner feeling brand new.

As an adults-only resort, your romantic holiday here will not be interrupted by the presence of screaming babies or running toddlers. It’s also serious in helping guests achieve their goals for optimum health with holistic tailor-made programmes and pre-planned packages for as short as 2 nights or as long as three weeks. Besides the geothermal hot springs treatments, guests can request for weight-loss management and detox programmes, colon hydrotherapy, and antioxidant restoration therapy, among others.
After all, couples who sweat together, stay together.

THE BANJARAN – PERAK

Getting There

Travel by Car/Taxi

The Banjaran is just 15 minutes away from the city of Ipoh, 1.5 hours from Penang and 2 hours from the capital of Kuala Lumpur by road. Ipoh is located on the North-South Highway, to the north of Kuala Lumpur. Take the Ipoh South Toll Plaza Exit No. 138 if you come from Kuala Lumpur, and the Ipoh North Toll Plaza (Jelapang) Exit No. 141 if you come from Penang. Do look out for road signs that lead you to The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat along the road from either one of the exits.

GPS Coordinates to The Banjaran:

4° 37′ 51″ N 101° 9′ 20″ E

Travel by Train

Enjoy scenic views during the 2.5-hour journey to Ipoh on the ETS Train. There are daily services from KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur to the Ipoh train station. Ipoh is on the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur-Penang-Bangkok route, so there are also trains to and from Penang and all the way to and from Bangkok. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat can arrange for transfers from the train station.

Travel by Air – Chartered Helicopter

The Banjaran has its own on-site helipad facility for helicopter travel. Please call in advance as landing is strictly by appointment only. For more details on chartered helicopter services and helipad facilities please contact the Sales and Marketing Department at +603 7495 1791 or email them at tbhr.info@sunwayhotels.com.

Who to Contact

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Tel          : +60 5 210 7777

Email     : tbhr.info@sunwayhotels.com

Website: https://www.thebanjaran.com

  1.  Watch the Sunset @ Kuching Waterfront, Sarawak

“ sunset is the sun’s fiery kiss to the night.”

― Crystal Woods

WATER FRONT – SARAWAK

Some things are inherently romantic and a gorgeous sunset is one of them, so cuddle close to the one you love and watch the magnificent sunset change colors right before your eyes at the Kuching Waterfront in Sarawak. Also known as Kuching Esplanade, the sunset here is very dramatic and with the wooden sampan and wooden houses on stilts in the background, it is not just romantic but will also conjure up scenes of yesteryear. What could be more romantic than that?

You can sit with your other half at one of the many wooden benches provided along the Kuching Waterfront that run parallel with the Sarawak River, or you can opt for a sunset cruise and enjoy the environment and the scenery of this city of contrast.

For more information on Kuching Waterfront, please visit https://kuchingwaterfront.com, or contact:

Sarawak Tourism Board

Tel          : +6082 423600

Email     : stb@sarawaktourism.com

Website: https://sarawaktourism.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

GEORGE TOWN FOR FREE!

George Town, Penang’s state capital, has been known as a historically and culturally rich destination in Malaysia. And the good news is that visitors to the island state can have access to this wealth of experience for free! You just have to know where to look, and we’ve got just the tips for you.

Rainforest walk

The Taman Rimba Nature Walk is a great way to explore the variety of flora and fauna and trails leading deep into the jungle to experience the wonders of nature. Penang’s Taman Rimba is part of the greater Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve, bordering the lowland dipterocarp virgin forest reserve. This breezy Sunday morning walk takes place on the last Sunday of the month, and it’s totally free!

Time: 9.00 am-10.00 am
Date: Last Sunday of each month
Venue: Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang
Contact: +6012-4276251 or lfsspenang@gmail.com

 

Walking among the dead

Learn about Penang’s colourful past with a tour of the serene Protestant Cemetery grounds near Upper Penang Road where some of the island’s key leaders have been laid to rest. The 45-minute afternoon tour takes participants to see the tombstones of Francis Light, his best friend and business partner, James Scott, and other notable figures who shaped the course of Penang’s history. Be sure to dress in covered clothes and use mosquito repellant.

Last Sunday of the month, 2 pm – 2:45 pm at the Protestant Cemetery
Tel: 604 264 2631

 

Car-free Sundays

Every Sunday, a section of George Town’s World Heritage Core Zone goes car-free from 7 am to 1 pm. The “Occupy Beach Street” event takes over during these hours to provide family-friendly cultural, arts and heritage activities and entertainment such as historic building tours, street soccer, live music and food samplings. Cycle (bikes are available for rent), scoot or walk along Beach, Church and Bishop streets where many of Penang’s beautiful mansions, buildings and shop houses remain along the waterfront, perfect for admiring the island’s best architectural works – an eclectic mix of Southern Chinese, Early Straits, Art Deco and Early Modern styles.

Every Sunday, 7 am – 1 pm
Beach, Bishop and Church Streets
Tel: 017-420 7942
Email: jackheritage@outlook.com
Facebook: Occupy Beach Street

 

George Town by Night

The guided Night Walking Tours introduce the town’s architectural and cultural wonders during the quieter moments of the evening. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is just as photogenic at night as it is in the daytime. The walking tours consist of different themes to suit your interest and will offer visitors a unique experience of Penang’s capital city by foot.

Date: Last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Meeting Point: Main entrance of The Whiteaways Arcade
Free – prior registration required, for more information or register, please contact 012-4276251 or lfsspenang@gmail.com


Water village tour

Stroll down the Clan Jetties situated along Weld Quay to see the old Chinese settlements along the waterfront. Over the years, the Chinese immigrants who made their living as fishermen had built their village seawards from Weld Quay and now their homes, literally on stilts, juxtapose neatly against modern-day Penang. This quiet Chinese water village gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the old generation, and how they have come to adapt to a new Penang. Small cafes, food stalls and souvenir shops operate along the narrow village boardwalk.

Note: Though there are several clan jetties, the most popular and well-organised one for tourists to visit is the Chew Jetty.

Address:      59A, Chew Jetty, Weld Quay, 10300, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Email: info@mychewjetty.com
Mobile contacts:
Chew Siew Pheng +6013-4381217
Chew Lay Pheng +6016-4020411
Chew Yong  Seng +6016-4561884
Website: mychewjetty.com

 

George Town Festival

Don’t miss the electric George Town Festival (GTF), a yearly celebration of Penang’s rich culture and heritage held some time in the third quarter of the year. This month-long celebration turns entire streets of Penang and iconic landmarks on the island into one huge outdoor stage. Expect art shows, theatre, music performances, talks and more. While some shows are ticketed, there are plenty made free to the public.

Annually in July, August or September
Various venues
Website: georgetownfestival.com

Note: The state’s tourism board, Penang Global Tourism (Tel: 604 264 3456), runs many free programmes – as well as others with nominal ticket fees — for the public on the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month. It’s best to call ahead and reserve a place for any of the tours you intend to take. Contact the Penang Global Tourism Information Centre at 604 263 1166 for more details.

Useful websites:
mypenang.gov.my
visitpenang.gov.my
tourismpenang.net.my

Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

CABOCUBA JAZZ Coming To Borneo Jazz

CABOCUBA JAZZ Coming To Borneo Jazz

KUCHING, Thursday – CaboCuba Jazz is coming to the Borneo Jazz Festival this May 12 to 13, at ParkCity Everly, Miri.

Based in the Netherlands, these eight musicians originate from Venezuela, Cape Verde, Colombia, Spain, Puerto Rica and Cuba, led by powerhouse Dina Medina, who won the “Best Female Singer of Cape Verde” in 2012.

Their CD “Rikeza y Valor” was nominated in four categories for the Latin Grammy Awards and was nominated four times at the Cabo Verde Music Awards in 2012, while the band itself has been touring the world and performing in the Havana Jazz Festival in 2014 and an Israel tour in 2016.

Their name describes it all – a fast-paced mash of Cuban and Cape Verde melodies and dance rhythms, seasoned with plenty of on-stage improvisations.

CaboCuba Jazz will be joined by bands from Japan, South Africa, Italy, USA, Taiwan and countries from around the world will be performing at the Festival.

The Festival will be expanding its musical outreach programme, where aspiring musicians can learn the basics of Jazz Keyboard from professional musicians, by introducing additional classes for percussions.

The Festival includes night performances with sitting and dancing areas and a wide lawn for night picnics surrounded by arts, crafts and food stalls.

Further information on tickets, outreach programmes and performers can be found at www.jazzborneo.com.

Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak and partnering with Malaysia Airlines as the presenting sponsor.

Photo credit to Eric Van Nieuwland

Photo by Eric Van Nieuwland

Photo credit to Eric Van Nieuwland

Photo by Eric Van Nieuwland

Issued by:

Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Sarawak’s Star Violinist Nisa Addina At Borneo Jazz

Sarawak’s Star Violinist Nisa Addina At Borneo Jazz

KUCHING, Wednesday –Sarawak-born award winning violinist Nisa Addina and her band Fluoroscent Collective will share the Borneo Jazz stage with renowned international artistes including Japan’s Osaka Monaurail and Canada’s Laila Biali, this May 12 to 13 at ParkCity Everly, Miri.

Making headlines at the young age of 14, Nisa won three gold awards at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood in 2011 and the Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) 29 in 2015. She has since gone on to study at Berklee College in the United States, where she joined Fluoroscent Collective in 2015, a band of Berklee students founded by Boston-based Malaysian pianist and recording artist, JennHwan Wong, known as Jenn-the-Redman.

Nisa has been busy performing since 2011, taking stage at events like the Johor International Music Festival in 2012, the launching of the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards and the Launch of Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2013, as well as the Global Summit of Women in Kuala Lumpur in 2013 and again in France in 2014, as well as the Opening Closing of SUKMA 2016 in Kuching.

Nisa has even played for a president, having performed for the Official visit of President of China to Malaysia at Seri Perdana in 2013 and launched her first album “Yakina” in 2014, at 17 years old, and her second album “Tan Sri P. Ramlee” in 2015.

While Nisa’s journey hasn’t been easy, it has certainly been rewarding, and she has taken inspiration from different mentors who have taught her along the way, including her piano teacher who inspired her to take up violin at the age of 7, her parents and her peers who are like-minded in their passion for music.

“Since entering college and meeting many more people around my age doing the same thing as me, I find myself discovering different worlds of music that I didn’t delve into in my school days. It’s so beautiful. I wish to share that,” she said during an interview with Sarawak Tourism, explaining her passion for music, a passion she wishes to share. “It’s not just a form of entertainment, for me, it shares peace and love.”

Considering Nisa’s accomplishments before she has even graduated from Berklee, her life story has become an inspiration to local musicians in Sarawak and the rest of Malaysia.

As Nisa inspires them, she also continues to encourage them, urging them that “Sarawak needs you”. Nisa has urged people to support local artistes and musicians, “They are better than you think. My message is to tell everyone that art is not useless.”

Fluoroscent Collective will be performing a mix of genres from Rock to RB, pop to Blues, taking nice melodies and melding them with catchy, odd-time grooves to make their own unique repertoire. Every member contributes to their original compositions, whether individually written or drawn up as a group effort.

They’ve recently released a Live HD Cover Video of Miles Okazaki’s composition “Spiral,” and their originals include Point 7, Orange Line in Jackson and Sunny will be performed at Borneo Jazz.

Bands from Netherlands, Guadeloupe, Japan, South Africa, Italy, USA, Taiwan and countries from around the world will be performing at the Festival.

The Festival will be expanding its musical outreach programme, where aspiring musicians can learn the basics of Jazz Keyboard from professional musicians, by introducing additional classes for percussions and more.

The Festival includes night performances with sitting and dancing areas and a wide lawn for night picnics surrounded by arts, crafts and food stalls.

Festival tickets are available now and more information can be found at www.jazzborneo.com.

Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak and partnering with Malaysia Airlines as the presenting sponsor.

BJ2017 Flourescent Collective

Image shows band members of Fluoroscent Collective, with Nisa at second from left and Jenn-the-Redman fourth from left.

BJ2017 Nisa Addina

Image shows Nisa Addina’s Album Art for the album Tan Sri P. Ramlee (2015).

Issued by:

Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Freedom To Be Blue: DELGRES In Borneo Jazz

Freedom To Be Blue: DELGRES In Borneo Jazz

KUCHING, Saturday – The three-man band Delgres from Guadeloupe and France will be performing their Blues at Borneo Jazz on May 12 to 13 at ParkCity Everly, Miri.

A child of Caribbean heritage born and raised in France, Pascal Danae discovered his love of Blues in his ancestral home of Guadeloupe, and in the painful but meaningful history behind the conception of the Blues genre.

Originating in Louisiana, United States during a turbulent time of post-slavery racism, the creation of Blues was a response from the descendants of African slaves and Afro-Caribbean exiles to their daily hardships, as well as their protest against discrimination.

The namesake of the band ‘Delgres’ is Louis Delgres, a Guadeloupian hero who fought against the re-establishment of slavery in 1802.

By mixing Guadeloupian beats and tunes with old Louisiana Blues, a connection has been made over oceans, creating a singular Blues experience of two lands sharing a common denominator, which is using music to lament injustice while rejoicing and advocating freedom.

Through his music, Pascal Danae seeks to fight oppression in the way that founders of Blues did, channelling the voices of his ancestors through a melancholic Dobro guitar accompanied by sousaphone and percussions, painting a picture in a time when hopelessness and hope came together.

Pascal performs the Dobro guitar, while Raphaël Gouthiere plays the New Orleans sousaphone and Baptiste Brondy mans the drums.

This year marks the 12th edition of the festival and will feature international acts like Delgres from Guadeloupe/France, Laila Biali from Canada and Osaka Monaurail from Japan, along with local legends such as Fluoroscent Collective featuring local violinist Nisa Addina and Michael Simon’s Asian Connection, featuring legendary pianist Michael Veerapen.

The Festival will be expanding its musical outreach programme, where aspiring musicians can learn the basics of Jazz Keyboard from professional musicians, by introducing additional classes for percussions.

The Festival includes night performances with sitting and dancing areas and a wide lawn for night picnics surrounded by arts, crafts and food stalls.
Additional information on the festival and festival tickets, visit www.jazzborneo.com.

Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak and partnering with Malaysia Airlines as the presenting sponsor.

BJ2017 Delgres

BJ2017 © Remy Solomon

BJ2017 ©Pierre Danae

Photo by ©Pierre Danae

BJ2017 delgres

Issued by:
Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

About Sarawak Tourism

Introduction
Sarawak Tourism Board was incorporated under the Sarawak Tourism Board (Incorporation) Ordinance, dated 12 November 1994.

Objectives

  • To achieve its objectives of increasing tourist arrivals into the state.
  • To create awareness among the trade, media and public of the diversity of Sarawak in terms of tourism products, both on a regional and international basis.
  • To position Sarawak as a prime destination for culture, nature and adventure tourism in the above areas.
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