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Malaysia Travel Guide

First Cruise Ship Of The Year Arrives In Kuching

First Cruise Ship Of The Year Arrives In Kuching

KUCHING, Friday: The Cruise Ship ‘Star Legend’ of Windstar Cruise docked at Sim Kheng Hong Port on January 8 at 8.45am, making it the first cruise ship to berth in Kuching this year.

194 passengers, mostly from Europe and the United States, were greeted with a traditional garlanding as they disembarked to visit Bako National Park, Sarawak Cultural Village and experience a tour around the Cat City.

This was the maiden voyage by Windstar Cruises and is the first of nine cruises scheduled to berth at Sarawak’s harbours.

Kuching is expected to receive three additional ships this year as compared to the six cruise ships from last year.

Last year 1,964 passengers arrived in Sarawak, with the Silver Shadow, Insignia, L’Austral and Silver Shadow docking in Kuching and the Silver Shadow docking twice in Bintulu.

In 2016, nine ships carrying 3,782 passengers with the Nautica, Astor, Hamburg, Silver Shadow, Seven Seas Voyager, Seabourn Sojourn and Insignia docking in Kuching and Silver Shadow docking twice in Bintulu.

Ten ships with 3,646 passengers arrived in 2015 with the Seabourne docking in Kuching once, Insignia twice and Nat Geo Orion thrice in Kuching while the Silver Wind, Statendam, Silver Shadow and Europa 2 docked in Bintulu.

Arriving cruise ships positively affect local industries such as attraction caretakers, food, and beverage and service providers, receiving an injection of a few hundred additional customers in one day.

“The gradual increase in cruise ships arriving to Sarawak is encouraging, as passengers from these cruise ships are a boon to the Sarawak economy in the port cities, creating a spinoff in the service industry from their patronage,” stated Director of Events and Corporate Relations, Angelina Bateman.

Cruise Ship Garlanding

Passengers disembarking and being garlanded by cultural troupe.

Cruise Ship memento

STB Director of Events and Corporate Relations, Angelina Bateman presenting memento to Captain Neil Broomhall, with General Manager of Kuching Port Authority Robert Lau on the left.

 

Issued by:

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

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Taiwan Charter Flights To Reconnect Business Friendship

Taiwan Charter Flights To Reconnect Business Friendship

Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday: –  The charter flight initiatives  between Taiwan and Sarawak  was hoped to open up more opportunities for tourists and businessmen to be reconnected  giving them mutual benefits, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg said last night.

Speaking at an appreciation dinner for Taiwanese partners at a hotel here, he said the charter flight will be a bridge to facilitate more business, tourists’ arrivals and bonding among the people that have been separated for a long period of time.

“The people of Taiwan and Borneo shared their ancient ancestry but the large-scale Austronesian expansion that began around 5000–2500 BC where they migrated out from Taiwan and headed southeast to the rest of the Philippines and into the islands of the Celebes Sea, Borneo and Indonesia had separated us,” he added.

“It is time now to rekindle this ancestral lineage and I am pleased that our direction in the charter flight initiative  is in the right direction  to bring back and foster better relationship between Taiwanese and Sarawakians.” he enthused.

Expressing the hope for better connectivity between Taiwan and Sarawak, he assured that the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) will continue its strategic direction and focus on building accessibility to facilitate exchange of the flow of tourists, visitors and the business community.

“I am pleased  that with this  direction and I hope  that the charter initiatives will continue to  move a step further  to be upgraded into schedule charter and eventually schedule flight in the near future,” he hoped.

“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage our partners in Taiwan to explore these potentials and to be mutually benefit from the initiatives,” he pointed out.

He thanked particularly the office of the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre under the leadership of Datuk Adeline Leong, who was also present and Tourism Malaysia office in Taipei for their continuous support in assisting the STB in the promotion of Sarawak in Taiwan.

He said that his Ministry and STB were committed in further expanding its tourism promotion in the region and particularly in Taiwan and he equally hoped that the local industry partners will be able to share the enthusiasm and to profit from the business ventures.

Datuk Amar Abang Johari later presented mementoes of appreciation to partners including to the General Manager of See Mark Travel Services, Mark Chen and the Managing Director of China Dragon Travel Services, Hsiao Kuo Kang.

Also present at the dinner were Datuk Amar Abang Johari’s wife, Datuk Amar Hajah Juma’ani Tuanku Haji Bujang, the Assistant Minister for Tourism, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, STB Chairman, Datuk Haji Abdul Wahab Aziz, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and also the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Tourism Board, Mary Wan Mering.

The Minister and his entourage left Taiwan for home later this afternoon after a successful four-day official visit.

taiwan-dinner-2016

Picture shows Datuk Amar Abang Johari (right) presenting an appreciation memento to Hsiao of China Dragon Travel Services. Also seen are Datuk Abdul Wahab (centre) and Datuk Lee.

Issued by:

Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700 M: +6 019 858 9084
Email: [email protected]

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Tourism Malaysia

The First Asia Legoland Water Park at Nusajaya, Johor.

The Legoland Water Park (N1.42755 E103.63188) is officially open for public on 21st October 2013, we were invited for the media preview 2 days before the date.

The Water Park contains over 3 million litres of water and has more than 20 unique water based rides. There are also over 70 specially built LEGO models. It is the largest LEGOLAND Water Park in the world and the only one which can be enjoyed either on its own as a stand-alone attraction or in combination with the Theme Park.

The entrance to the Water Park is located at the left from the main entrance to the Theme Park, the direction signage is clearly display if you stand in front of the Legoland Theme Park.

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The day ticket is having promotion for RM95 (adult), RM75 (child 3-11 years) and both having a RM10 food voucher each for the moment. For more information, please visit the Legoland official website : www.legoland.com.my.

The invited International media were from everywhere around the regions, everyone stand-by for the welcome speech (once the preview started) from the General Manager – Mr Siegfried Boerst and Managing Director – Mr John Jakobsen beside one of the Water Park’s highlights – Build-A-Raft River.

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After the speeches, once Mr Siegfried Boerst and Mr John Jakobsen threw the Lego bricks to the ‘river’, the party began at Build-A-Raft River!

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Then the group walked over to the next Water Park’s highlights – Joker Soaker.

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The two gentlemen company with a group of junior life saver and waiting to the water pour down…once everyone and all the cameras ready, here come the Big Splash!

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A giant bucket pours 350 gallons of water into the wade pool below that surprised everyone with the strong cooling breeze who stand beside and they were all wet! Again, we heard the happy shouting from the children who waited in the Joker Soaker and began their fun!

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After a short rest, we were having the questions and answers session next to the rides…

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The Tengku of Johor, Mr Siegfried Boerst and Mr John Jakobsen were professionally answer all the questions from the media. The session took about 30 minutes and the fun time began!

Let me show some of the attractive Water Park’s rides one-by-one…

Build-A-Raft River
This is one of the popular ride where everyone relax sitting on the rubber tube (dinghy) and float through the lazy river. Along the way, you can collect many soft bricks on the water and built your own raft…

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We met the media filming from Hong Kong…

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Just look at the face of children, they were so relax and enjoyed the ride…

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Joker Soaker
The Joker Soaker is a fun interactive play structure where children can aim water cannons at one another. A fun, interactive playground with various lengths, heights and types of slides that offer something different for every member of the family. Guests can wade in the surrounding pool and be surprised with a torrential spill from a 300-gallon bucket.

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I believe my daughter will stay in this fun area for at least 2 hours…

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LEGO Wave Pool
Families can catch a gentle wave or simply cool off in this perfectly sized wave pool where the waves are just big enough for all ages to enjoy.

This big pool is interesting and many peoples like to soak themselves into it.

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I saw many kids happy and enjoyed themselves in the pool with full of laughter! That was a great moment!
The Beach ‘N’ Brick Grill is just located next to the Wave Pool, convenience for those who want to fill up the stomach and jump back to the pool…

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Red Rush
A family tube slide where up to four people can ride together down a
312-foot-long curving track on an 11-foot in diameter half pipe.
This was fun and with a long queue…

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Some actions captured on the ride…

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I was impressed by the motorized automation which bring up the rubber tube from the bottom to the top…

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Next to the Red Rush is the – Splash Out.
The thrill seekers of the family can ascend to the tallest point of the
water park attraction and choose from one of three unique slides, then
speed down a 60-foot drop and “splash out” into the water below.
“The following swimwear is not permitted: cotton t-shirts, exposed
zippers, wet suits, water shoes, or any lose articles that may get
damaged during the ride, such as hats or sunglasses.”

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Next – Splash ‘N’ Swirl

The others ride of Brick Blaster, Wave Rider and Tidal Tube are also available from the same queue and same platform.

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The end part of the other two rides Wave Rider and Tidal Tube are located at the same area…

LEGO Slide Racer
Race down the slides with 5 others on a mat and see who reached the fastest. A thrilling ride for the whole family.
“The following swimwear is not permitted: cotton t-shirts, exposed zippers, wet suits, water shoes, or any lose articles that may get damaged during the ride, such as hats or sunglasses.”

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And…Yee-Haa!

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The LEGOLAND Water Park view from the highest ground, the LEGOLAND Hotel is at the back of the park which just soft opening on the 29th November 2013.

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Some of my friends asked me how was fun the Water Park… well, I replied…it was a Great Family Theme Park and we shouldn’t judge how fun it it, let the children do the talking and you will realize the joyful moment they have and I say that is “Priceless!”

Please bring your family and children to the LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park during this school holiday to enjoy your priceless family moment!

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Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Frist in the World LEGO STAR WARS Miniland DEATH STAR model display at LEGOLAND MALAYSIA

Miniland at LEGOLAND® Malaysia today geared up for its new role as gateway to a parallel universe today. The family theme park unveiled the LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Death Star model display that will open to public on Friday 26th July 2013. 

Star Wars Costumers and members from the Force Action Stunt Team (FAST ) were also present. They performed a Light Saber display. They are the only Star Wars Light Saber display performers in Malaysia.

Master Model Builders from LEGOLAND built the LEGO model display using more than 750,000 LEGO bricks and ten thousand special glow-in-the dark tiles. It is the first time that a LEGO Death Star model of this scale has been constructed, making it the largest in the world.

We were invited for the Media Preview on the 26th July 2013 to witness the Largest LEGO Death Star model in Miniland LEGOLAND Malaysia today. Before we proceed to the Miniland, the short speech by Obiwan-Kenobi the Jedi MasterMr Siegfried Boerst, General Manager of LEGOLAND Malaysia, follow by the video presentation by Mr Nikolaus Ehm, Model Builder for design concepts and execution of LEGO Star Wars Miniland Death Star model display. And the performance by Force Action Stunt Team (FAST).

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After performance, we proceeded to Miniland…

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Once we reached the Miniland, Mr Siegfried Boerst, General Manager pressed the button for the Star Wars™ Miniland Death Star model display immediatelly, officially open for the Star Wars display model in Miniland.

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The photography session started …

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This was my First time I stand so close to The Darth Wader and Storm Tropper!
I heard him said : The force is with you, young Skywalker, but you are not a Jedi yet.

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And the fight started…

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Then we proceeded into the Death Star area…all the LEGO models are motorized and once you press the ‘button’, they will speak, move and with some action between…

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When you look up there…The DEATH STAR!

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Where the X-Wing Fighter being chase by 2 TIE Fighters

The ‘white dots’ on the Death Star will glow when the night fall, you can see the whole Death Star will light up during the evening, Mr Siegfried had showed us the small tiny piece of LEGO that will ‘Glow in the dark’. So don’t just visit the Star Wars LEGO area on day time, the night time will be very much different!

After the short tour in the Star Wars display area, the media started thier interview about the Largest LEGO Death Star in LEGOLAND Malaysia…

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Among all the Star Wars charactors, I like the Obiwan-Kenobi – The Jedi Master the most!

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And the guests in the park were grab the oppotunity to photograph with their idols…are you a Star Wars fan too?! ….I am…

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The ‘Death Star’ will not be permanently station in LEGOLAND Malaysia, it will go for the World Tour in another 6-9 months, so no wait! Please visit the Miniland tomorrow to catch the Death Star! And if you are lucky, you might meet my Idol – The Yoda Master.

May The Force Be With You.

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Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

TOURISTS TO ENJOY FREE GUIDED TOURS IN MELAKA

18 June 2013| last updated at 11:55PM

Tourists to enjoy free guided tours in Malacca

By HANIS MAKETAB | news@nst.com.my

BOOSTING TOURISM: Money from Heritage Tax Fund will finance programme

MALACCA: THANKS to the state’s Heritage Tax Fund, which now has RM2.9 million since it was introduced in April last year, tourists will enjoy free guided tours of Malacca’s heritage trail.

Malacca Museum Corporation general manager Datuk Khamis Abas said the corporation would be organising the tours, which would be funded by the money collected from the heritage tax.

“The tours will take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

“Forty thousand ringgit has been allocated for them, which is for a one-year period from this month.
“It pays the allowances of our tour guides.”

The tours would cover the state’s famous and popular attractions within the World Heritage site, such as the Malacca River, Stadhuys, Porta de Santiago, the Malacca Sultanate Palace and the Proclamation of Independence Memorial.

He said the heritage tax was collected by local city and municipal councils, and went towards initiatives related to tourism and heritage, such as publishing a directory of places to stay in Malacca, organising courses under the Malacca Tourism Academy and contributing to the state’s hotel and homestay operators associations.

“Last year, RM2.3 million was collected, while this year about RM657,000 has been collected up to May 15,” Khamis said after giving state Heritage and Youth Committee deputy chairman Datuk Norpipah Abdol a tour of the Malacca Conservation Centre in Jalan Bunga Raya yesterday.

He said the centre, which began operating last Monday, was open to the public.
It focused on the conservation of historical buildings and artefact.

Khamis also said the centre would be used as a venue for lectures, talks and workshops.

The centre is managed by the corporation with the cooperation of the state World Heritage Office, Malacca Historical City Council, Merlimau Polytechnic and Malacca Islamic University College.

– See more at: http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/tourists-to-enjoy-free-guided-tours-in-malacca-1.302305?cache=%253Fpage%253D0%252F7.197525%3Fkey%3DKuala+Lumpur%3Fkey%3DKuala+Lumpur%3Fpage%3D0#sthash.KFq9q6DZ.dpuf