Tag: Myanmar

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Tourism Malaysia

WHAT LIES “BEHIND THE ISLAND”?

On the southwest of Penang, there is a sleepy town called Balik Pulau, literally meaning “behind the island,” that offers a glimpse of yesteryear. I salute the person who gave this town its name; there’s no need to give the town a fancy name, just a simple Balik Pulau would do.

But there’s nothing simple about Balik Pulau. What lies “behind the island” are beautiful sceneries, fresh air, quaint villages, street art, hospitable people, delicious food, empty beaches and peace and quiet. Let me show you what lies “behind the island”.

Balik Pulau Street Art

George Town has long been known as one of the street art capitals of the world. A prominent Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevi was commissioned to paint eight murals depicting the cultural and heritage of the island, which sparked the street art craze in not just Penang but the whole of Malaysia.

But street art in Balik Pulau depicts real people. Julia Volchkova who hails from Russia, paints the people she has met around the villages. Her murals on the pre-war buildings around Balik Pulau portray a rubber tapper, a fisherman, an Indian lady, a Hakka lady, as well as a martial artist in a pose.

Image via Julia Volchkova

Half the fun of the street art is hunting for the paintings, so what are you waiting for? Just head southwest of Penang and start your search for Volchkova’s murals and other drawings from various unknown artists.

Pasir Panjang Beach

I have a secret to share – did you know that Balik Pulau has a beach that is empty of tourists? That’s right, the beach at Pasir Panjang Beach is your own private playground. Here, you won’t have to fight for a space to set up your picnic spread. Just enjoy the empty beach to yourself, collecting beautiful seashells, chasing little crabs, angling, or simply enjoying the beautiful sunset. I must tell you, though, that swimming is not advisable here – the 2004 tsunami had eroded the beach and there may be steep parts and strong undercurrents in the sea not immediately visible to the eye.

Saanen Dairy Goat Farm

Did you know that the Royal Society recently reported that goats are much more attracted to people with big smiles plastered across their faces? Well, if you want to test it out, go visit Saanen Dairy Goat Farm in Permatang Pasir, Balik Pulau and find out for yourself.

Oh, for your information, Saanen goats are a white or cream colored breed of goats, named after the Saanen valley in Switzerland. So, please smile widely while you are feeding them the Rose and Napiar grasses. Entrance to the farm and feeding activities are free of charge. At the farm, you will get to learn the daily operations of a dairy goat farm from milking until the distribution process. Don’t forget to check out their ice cream, yogurt, feta, goat’s cheese and pudding made from fresh milk.

Address:

298 Mukim 1 Sungai Pinang, 11010 Balik Pulau, Penang
Tel: 019-5163017
Messenger: m.me/SaanenDairyGoatFarm

Countryside Stables Penang

Nestled in the midst of the Sungai Burung agriculture area in Balik Pulau is the privately-owned Countryside Stables that offers its visitor all kind of riding activities.

To date, it is home to 35 horses of various breed including miniatures horses, Shetlands ponies, pure bred Arabian horses, Polo pony, Thai, Myanmar and Malaysian ponies, Percheron, and other animals such as donkeys and deer.


Upon entering Countryside Stables, an entry free of RM10 (adults) RM5 (children) will be charged. Some of the activities include joy rides and guided rides for children and adults, animal petting and feeding, as well as horse carriage rides.

Address:
Lot 10050 Jalan Sungai Burung, Kampong Jalan Baru, Balik Pulau
Tel: 012-408 0678
Messenger: m.me/countrysidestablespenang

Kuala Sungai Pinang

Kuala Sungai Pinang is a traditional fishing village that looks like it is frozen in time. It is worth a visit if you have never been to a fishing village and curious about the daily life of a fisherman. At the village, you get to see fishermen tending their nets while their old-school boats sway gently at the dock, or just enjoy the view of the villagers hustling for the catch of the day. It is simply nostalgic. Besides that, some of the friendly fishermen offer boat rides until the mangrove area and the nearby surroundings. Kuala Sungai Pinang may just be the place for poetic inspiration.

 

Titi Kerawang Waterfall

A cascading waterfall and natural pool await visitors at a scenic road between Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang, on the western side of the island. Since there are few waterfalls in Penang, a visit to this waterfall, which the locals call Titi Kerawang, is a must. The cool environment and dense greenery make the waterfall an ideal picnic spot. Local people normally come here in droves during the weekends and public holidays for recreation.

Stepping Stone Centre

The centre showcases a variety of high quality crafts which can be purchased. These include hand woven scarves, tie and dye bags in vibrant colours, home-made soaps, candles, etc. All products are made by members with special needs who have channeled their skills and abilities into a viable career. Stepping Stone is a support centre for community living run by an NGO, the Asia Community Service.

Address

53, Jalan Bharu, Bukit Satu, MK 1 Pulau Betong, Balik Pulau

Contact Number
+604 866 5349

Bao Sheng Durian Farm

Your visit to Balik Pulau is not complete if you did not go to a durian farm. In fact, every year between May and August, durian is the only fruit that draws visitors from near and far to Balik Pulau. There is this farm in Balik Pulau called Bao Sheng, which offers its visitors a compelling durian tasting experience. Savor the distinctive taste of Malaysia’s king of fruits in their tasting sessions as you learn about various types of durians and how to pick the best ones.

Address:
150 Mukim 2, Sungai Pinang, 11010 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +6012-411 0600 / +6012-401 0800
E-mail: bsfarm@durian.com.my
Website: http://www.durian.com.my

Matahari Cycle Tours, Balik Pulau

One of the best ways to explore Balik Pulau is on two wheels as you can easily meander through the villages and go off-the-beaten path to really get to know the locals. Matahari Cycle Tours is one of the prominent tour agencies that promotes the area. Cycling through Balik Pulau will allow you plenty of opportunities to get a perfect photo of the traditional villages, plantations, paddy fields and the farms.

Matahari Cycle Tours Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Contact No: +6019-4480440 (Mr Syed and Ms Princillia)
E-mail: mataharicycle@gmail.com
Website: http://www.cyclematahari.com

Article source: http://blog.tourism.gov.my/feed/

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

WHAT LIES “BEHIND THE ISLAND”?

On the southwest of Penang, there is a sleepy town called Balik Pulau, literally meaning “behind the island,” that offers a glimpse of yesteryear. I salute the person who gave this town its name; there’s no need to give the town a fancy name, just a simple Balik Pulau would do.

But there’s nothing simple about Balik Pulau. What lies “behind the island” are beautiful sceneries, fresh air, quaint villages, street art, hospitable people, delicious food, empty beaches and peace and quiet. Let me show you what lies “behind the island”.

Balik Pulau Street Art

George Town has long been known as one of the street art capitals of the world. A prominent Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevi was commissioned to paint eight murals depicting the cultural and heritage of the island, which sparked the street art craze in not just Penang but the whole of Malaysia.

But street art in Balik Pulau depicts real people. Julia Volchkova who hails from Russia, paints the people she has met around the villages. Her murals on the pre-war buildings around Balik Pulau portray a rubber tapper, a fisherman, an Indian lady, a Hakka lady, as well as a martial artist in a pose.

Image via Julia Volchkova

Half the fun of the street art is hunting for the paintings, so what are you waiting for? Just head southwest of Penang and start your search for Volchkova’s murals and other drawings from various unknown artists.

Pasir Panjang Beach

I have a secret to share – did you know that Balik Pulau has a beach that is empty of tourists? That’s right, the beach at Pasir Panjang Beach is your own private playground. Here, you won’t have to fight for a space to set up your picnic spread. Just enjoy the empty beach to yourself, collecting beautiful seashells, chasing little crabs, angling, or simply enjoying the beautiful sunset. I must tell you, though, that swimming is not advisable here – the 2004 tsunami had eroded the beach and there may be steep parts and strong undercurrents in the sea not immediately visible to the eye.

Saanen Dairy Goat Farm

Did you know that the Royal Society recently reported that goats are much more attracted to people with big smiles plastered across their faces? Well, if you want to test it out, go visit Saanen Dairy Goat Farm in Permatang Pasir, Balik Pulau and find out for yourself.

Oh, for your information, Saanen goats are a white or cream colored breed of goats, named after the Saanen valley in Switzerland. So, please smile widely while you are feeding them the Rose and Napiar grasses. Entrance to the farm and feeding activities are free of charge. At the farm, you will get to learn the daily operations of a dairy goat farm from milking until the distribution process. Don’t forget to check out their ice cream, yogurt, feta, goat’s cheese and pudding made from fresh milk.

Address:

298 Mukim 1 Sungai Pinang, 11010 Balik Pulau, Penang
Tel: 019-5163017
Messenger: m.me/SaanenDairyGoatFarm

Countryside Stables Penang

Nestled in the midst of the Sungai Burung agriculture area in Balik Pulau is the privately-owned Countryside Stables that offers its visitor all kind of riding activities.

To date, it is home to 35 horses of various breed including miniatures horses, Shetlands ponies, pure bred Arabian horses, Polo pony, Thai, Myanmar and Malaysian ponies, Percheron, and other animals such as donkeys and deer.


Upon entering Countryside Stables, an entry free of RM10 (adults) RM5 (children) will be charged. Some of the activities include joy rides and guided rides for children and adults, animal petting and feeding, as well as horse carriage rides.

Address:
Lot 10050 Jalan Sungai Burung, Kampong Jalan Baru, Balik Pulau
Tel: 012-408 0678
Messenger: m.me/countrysidestablespenang

Kuala Sungai Pinang

Kuala Sungai Pinang is a traditional fishing village that looks like it is frozen in time. It is worth a visit if you have never been to a fishing village and curious about the daily life of a fisherman. At the village, you get to see fishermen tending their nets while their old-school boats sway gently at the dock, or just enjoy the view of the villagers hustling for the catch of the day. It is simply nostalgic. Besides that, some of the friendly fishermen offer boat rides until the mangrove area and the nearby surroundings. Kuala Sungai Pinang may just be the place for poetic inspiration.

 

Titi Kerawang Waterfall

A cascading waterfall and natural pool await visitors at a scenic road between Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang, on the western side of the island. Since there are few waterfalls in Penang, a visit to this waterfall, which the locals call Titi Kerawang, is a must. The cool environment and dense greenery make the waterfall an ideal picnic spot. Local people normally come here in droves during the weekends and public holidays for recreation.

Stepping Stone Centre

The centre showcases a variety of high quality crafts which can be purchased. These include hand woven scarves, tie and dye bags in vibrant colours, home-made soaps, candles, etc. All products are made by members with special needs who have channeled their skills and abilities into a viable career. Stepping Stone is a support centre for community living run by an NGO, the Asia Community Service.

Address

53, Jalan Bharu, Bukit Satu, MK 1 Pulau Betong, Balik Pulau

Contact Number
+604 866 5349

Bao Sheng Durian Farm

Your visit to Balik Pulau is not complete if you did not go to a durian farm. In fact, every year between May and August, durian is the only fruit that draws visitors from near and far to Balik Pulau. There is this farm in Balik Pulau called Bao Sheng, which offers its visitors a compelling durian tasting experience. Savor the distinctive taste of Malaysia’s king of fruits in their tasting sessions as you learn about various types of durians and how to pick the best ones.

Address:
150 Mukim 2, Sungai Pinang, 11010 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +6012-411 0600 / +6012-401 0800
E-mail: bsfarm@durian.com.my
Website: http://www.durian.com.my

Matahari Cycle Tours, Balik Pulau

One of the best ways to explore Balik Pulau is on two wheels as you can easily meander through the villages and go off-the-beaten path to really get to know the locals. Matahari Cycle Tours is one of the prominent tour agencies that promotes the area. Cycling through Balik Pulau will allow you plenty of opportunities to get a perfect photo of the traditional villages, plantations, paddy fields and the farms.

Matahari Cycle Tours Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Contact No: +6019-4480440 (Mr Syed and Ms Princillia)
E-mail: mataharicycle@gmail.com
Website: http://www.cyclematahari.com

Article source: http://blog.tourism.gov.my/feed/

Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

MELAKA WANTS MORE SINGAPOREAN TOURISTS

02 November 2012 | last updated at 01:20PM

Melaka to draw more Singaporean tourists

SINGAPORE: The Melaka government is set to attract more tourists from Singapore to the Unesco World Heritage City of Melaka through collaboration with the main industry players in the city state, said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

“We are really looking forward to establishing networking and cooperation with the main industry players here in order to attract more tourists from Singapore,” he said at a Melaka tourism product update event here on Thursday.

Mohd Ali said that to sustain Melaka City’s position as a must-visit destination, the state government was promoting it based on 12 sub-sector tourism products, namely history, culture, recreation, sports, shopping,convention, health, education, agro-tourism, food, Melaka My 2nd Home and youth tourism.

Also present at the event were Tourism Malaysia Director for Singapore Zalizam Zakaria; Melaka State Secretary Datuk Wira Omar Kaseh; Melaka Tourism, Culture and Heritage Committee Chairman Datuk Wira Latiff Tamby Chik; General Manager of the Tourism Promotion Division in the Melaka Chief Minister’s Department, Abd Kadir Md Idris, and local tourism industry players.

Mohd Ali said: “Last year, we received a total of 12.2 million tourist arrivals compared to 10.3 million in 2010, an increase of 17.5 per cent, with the length of stay at 2.15 nights. Tourist expenditure increased to about RM7.5 billion compared to RM5 billion previously.”

In terms of foreign markets, he said, China continued to be the market leader, with a share of 21 per cent, followed by Singapore (18.9 per cent),Indonesia (11.3 per cent), Taiwan (six per cent) and Myanmar (5.5 per cent).
“Singapore continues to be the second major market for foreign touristarrivals in Melaka,” he said.

The chief minister said various efforts and strategies had been developed toattract 12.5 million tourist arrivals to Melaka this year, and added that this mission was supported by the theme of “Visit Historic Melaka Means Visit Malaysia”.

He also said that Melaka was being introduced to tourists as a state that was clean, beautiful, colourful and bright, as well as a shopping paradise which also had delicious and tasty food.

“I hope this visit will mark the beginning of a steady flow of tourists from Singapore to Melaka. In conjunction with the ‘Melaka 750 Years’ celebration,should you visit Malaysia, and specially Melaka, this year, you would be able to experience more than 120 events, including 20 mega events and festivities, that have been planned throughout the year,” he said.

— BERNAMA

Article source: http://tourism-melaka.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Categories
Wonderful Malaysia

Overall expansion of traveller arrivals Malaysia

Malaysia accessible an altogether expansion of +1.2% traveller arrivals with 9,438,592 tourists for a initial 5 months of 2012 as compared to 9,323,827 for a same duration final year, according to a Tourism Minister, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen. ASEAN shred still contributed a largest series of tourists to Malaysia with 73.4% of a sum arrivals. The certain expansion come from Indonesia (+19.3%), Philippines (+41.7%), Vietnam (+35.2%), Myanmar (+6.9%) and Laos (+19.9%). Other critical on-going middle and prolonged transport markets embody Saudi Arabia (+50.7%), China (+34.1%), Japan (30.6%), Russia (25.8%), Kazakhstan (25.2%), Denmark (14.4%) and India (+7.8%).

Total profits by tourists from Jan to May 2012 rose by +1.9%, generating RM21.8 billion to a country’s income as compared to RM21.4 billion in 2011. The tourists’ per capita output for that duration is estimated during RM 2,309 an boost of 0.7% as compared to RM 2,294 in 2011.

The apportion combined that in line with a Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 towards achieving 36 million traveller and 168billion in profits by 2020, it is critical for Malaysia to change a concentration on flourishing produce per traveller rather than to rest heavily on expansion in traveller arrivals. “To attract a aloft produce segment, we will need to raise connectivity to pivotal priority markets.” For a start, Tourism Malaysia works to boost moody frequencies to 6 priority countries namely China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan besides building an air-rights allocation horizon to promote fit expansion of these pivotal routes and others.

One of a many successful programs that have been identified by a Ministry to rise farming formed tourism is a Homestay Program. The tourism module accessible a poignant boost with 38.4% of occupancy rate compared to 24.9% for a same duration final year. A sum of 133,689 tourists visited a homestay from Jan to May 2012 of that 110,322 were domestic tourists and a rest 23,367 were foreigners. This is a 70.7% boost compared to a same duration final year where we usually perceived 78,333 tourists. Tourist profits from homestay module for a initial 5 months of 2012 also proliferated to RM 7,376,446.50 (+53.1%) compared to RM4, 817,158.30 in Jan to May 2011. Increased spending by these tourists has wild a farming economy. The homestay tourism module has speedy internal communities to be a partial of farming formed tourism while progressing their traditions and identities.

Recognized as one of a National Key Economic Areas, a tourism attention stays as one of a vital writer to Gross National Income, unfamiliar sell gain and employment. In 2011, tourism ranked seventh (7th) largest writer with a GNI sum of USD12.3billion and a third (3rd) largest unfamiliar sell earner after production and palm oil. The Malaysian tourism attention in 2010 supposing 1.8 million jobs (15.9%, share of practice in tourism to sum employment). Amongst a 12 Entry Point Projects are avocation giveaway shopping, oppulance tourism, installation KLCC–Bukit Bintang area as a colourful selling precinct, improving business tourism and augmenting a supply of 4 5 star hotel rooms, etc.

The commission on traveller selling accessible from Jan to May 2012 shows 32.3% (RM7.04 billion) of a sum traveller receipts. This is an boost compared to 30% final year. The covered walkway joining Bukit Bintang and KLCC finished early this year to promote selling has shown a certain impact.

To attract high produce tourists, we need peculiarity 4 5 star hotel rooms. Currently there are 59,804 4 5 star hotel bedrooms accessible in Malaysia. By 2020, 37,000 additional 4 5 star hotel bedrooms are required. The Ministry of Tourism targets to boost 3000 4 5 star hotel bedrooms in Malaysia as during finish 2012. Currently 71% of a aim is achieved with 2,123 bedrooms completed. The government’s liberalization policies and remunerative taxation incentives have resulted in domestic and unfamiliar investments on liberality resources opposite Malaysia.

Malaysia has premised itself as a universe category end for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). The Malaysia Convention Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) successfully cumulative 33 vital events via Jan to May 2012, attracting sum representatives of 50,770 and generating an estimated mercantile impact of RM499.9 mil. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Rankings 2011 ranked Kuala Lumpur series 21 in a universe and series 5 in Asia Pacific. Malaysia ranked series 29 in a universe and series 7 in Asia Pacific.

Domestic tourism is also another critical partial of Malaysia’s tourism industry. The series of domestic tourists in 2011 increasing 15.7% (45,731,000 as compared with 39,539,000 in 2010). In 2011, a spending by domestic tourists was RM27.0 billion, induction a 13.9% boost as opposite RM23.7 billion spent in 2010. This is a success of a “Cuti Cuti 1Malaysia” Campaign.

In sequence to grow a tourism industry, efforts have been strong towards enhancing existent tourism products and building new, artistic and innovative tourism products. This enclosed a “1Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2012?, “1Malaysia International Tourism Exchange 2012?, “1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism 2012? and a recently resolved “1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade 2012?.

The Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Malaysia: Truly Asia’ branding is famous worldwide and a United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has ranked Malaysia a ninth many trafficked to end in a world.

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Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Life Sdn Bhd 7: Refugees

October 23, 2011 during 2:00 pm

How does it feel like to not be means to see your family or friends ever again? To be evicted from your possess nation even yet no crime was committed? This is what it means to be a refugee. As tangible by a United Nations Convention Relating to a Status of Refugees (UNCHR) of 1951, a interloper is tangible as a chairman who ‘owing to a probable fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a sold amicable group, or domestic opinion, is outward a nation of his nationality, and is incompetent to or, overdue to such fear, is reluctant to relief himself of a insurance of that country‘. Some refugees live a normal and gentle life in their new homes, others do not transport so well. One common thing that all refugees share is their adore for their possess country.

Life Sdn Bhd 7: Refugees

In partnership with UNCHR, The Actors Studio presents Life Sdn Bhd 7: REFUGEES, a seventh Life Sdn Bhd array that has been receiving good response from a public. This array will underline 7 bold group and women from Myanmar, Somalia and Sri Lanka, who will share their honest and constrained stories of their lives as refugees in Malaysia. Though they might have mislaid everything, these refugees, like a other many refugees seeking preserve in Malaysia, uncover an implausible bravery and stability to sojourn indifferent and certain in their will to survive.

Joining a refugees on theatre is Deborah Henry, who is a interloper rights advocate, and Susheela Balasundaram of UNCHR, together with singer-songwriters Ariff Akhir and Ian Chow. The Life Sdn Bhd 7: REFUGEES array will be hold from 26th compartment 29th Oct during 8.30 pm AND 30th Oct during 3.00 pm. Tickets are labelled during RM 33 for adults and RM 23 for students and TAS label holders. Viewers attending a preview night on 26th Oct will be charged a prosaic rate of RM 23 per entry. For some-more information, call The Actors Studio during 03 2142 2009 / 2143 2009 or record on to a website here.

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