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Tourism Malaysia

CRAZY RICH ASIANS: 5 SET LOCATIONS YOU CAN VISIT IN MALAYSIA

Crazy Rich Asians is the current big hit in movie theatres right now. If you don’t already know, it is a rom-com movie about a guy, Nick Young, who brings home his Asian-American girlfriend to be introduced to his family in Singapore. Only then does the girlfriend, Rachel, realise that her boyfriend is a “crazy rich Asian” and has to keep up with all the glitz and glamour, contend with weird relatives and gossip among envious socialites while trying to win over the heart of his domineering mother.

The movie, adapted from Kevin Kwan’s book by the same title, is directed by Jon M. Chu, and has an all-Asian cast, including Malaysian darlings Henry Golding as Nick Young and Michelle Yeoh as his mother, Eleanor Young.

We’re super proud of the fame and glory shining on Golding and Yeoh, but we’re equally excited that Malaysia was prominently featured in many of the movie scenes. That’s right, most of the movie was shot right here in Malaysia, and if you want to live it up like a crazy rich Asian, here’s where to go!

Carcosa Seri Negara

In the movie, Carcosa Seri Negara is the ancestral estate of Eleanor Young at Tyersall Park, but in reality, the twin buildings have an iconic role in Malaysia’s journey to independence. Historically, it was home to Malaya’s first British resident, Frank Swettenham, and later was made into a luxury hotel where Queen Elizabeth II once stayed, and socialites gathered for their popular afternoon high teas.

The Kuala Lumpur mansion, located on a hill near the Perdana Botanical Gardens, is currently being transformed into the Asian Heritage Museum. The museum will see a staggering collection of artefacts from China, the Malay Archipelago, and the larger region, including salvaged treasure from sunken ships, drums, keris and swords, etc.

It currently has an on-going exhibition called “Jalan Merdeka” which is open free to the public, chronicling Malaysia’s road to independence.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

In the movie, there is a courtyard mahjong scene between Eleanor and Rachel. This was filmed at the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion in Penang, affectionately called the Blue Mansion.

This building was once owned by a notable Chinese merchant who lavished his wealth on its construction. He envisioned his home to have exacting feng shui elements and it soon became a showcase for his wealth through imported finishings such as Scottish cast iron columns, English art-nouveau stained glass windows, and Stoke-on-Trent floor tiles.

Abandoned for years thereafter, the building was then restored and earned the prestigious UNESCO Heritage 2000 Award and the ASEANTA Conservation Award 2004.

Today, the mansion has become a living museum cum boutique hotel located within the George Town UNESCO Heritage site. Many cultural and heritage attractions, as well as some of the best Malaysian street food, are located within the area. Penang is only an hour away by flight from Kuala Lumpur.

Langkawi Island

Apparently, shots of Colin Khoo’s bachelor party in the movie were filmed on Langkawi Island, referred to as “Rawa Island” in the movie. Langkawi is actually a cluster of 99 glorious islands with beautiful emerald waters, stretches of white sandy beaches and geological formations that are said to be more than half a billion years old.

It has been endorsed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the first in Southeast Asia, thanks to the island’s stunning landscapes, karsts, caves, sea arches, stacks, and other geological formations.

This beautiful island is a natural paradise that will charm all those looking for an idyllic island holiday, surrounded by thick rainforests, the sun and the sea!

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

If you’re planning a bachelorette party ala Araminta Lee in Crazy Rich Asians, there’s no need to dream anymore. The scene was filmed at the super luxurious Four Seasons Resort Langkawi and you could easily have yours there as well!

Parties aside, the classy resort also caters to those looking for peace and quiet amid natural landscapes and mile-long white sandy beaches. Tucked away within the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, the resort is a cluster of Malay-style pavilions and villas that offer quiet, romantic havens for guests.

A Geo Spa pampers adults with wellness treatments based on local traditions, while children are made to feel special with the Kids For All Seasons programme. With Langkawi’s rich natural environment conveniently at its doorstep, be prepared to explore the outdoors with a resident naturalist, or on your own at the Geopark Discovery Centre where Langkawi’s diverse ecosystems and natural attributes are showcased. Or, simply pull up a deck chair and lounge lazily on the 1.5 km stretch of white, sandy beach.

With daily flights to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur on a variety of local airlines, paradise is only one hour’s flight away!

Astor Bar, St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

Not many recognize The Astor Bar at St Regis Kuala Lumpur in the movie due to its transformation into a jewellery boutique, but apparently, it made the scene where we are first introduced to Astrid Teo aka The Goddess.

The bar, with its old-world charm and modern elegance of rich leather, black-and-gold marble and brass accents, is located within the recently-opened St. Regis Kuala Lumpur.

Those wanting to re-live the Crazy Rich Asian moment may visit the bar and enjoy an extensive offering of champagne, spirits and fine vintage wines while smoking on choice cigars and sampling their signature dishes such as the royal king crab served the highly-prized Oscietra caviar and truffle cream…all this under a breathtaking domed ceiling clad in handmade Italian gold tiles.

And, for a limited time only, Astor Bar has concocted a special cocktail, “The Astrid,” to celebrate its appearance in the film. The drink, a mixture of Jose Cuervo silver tequila, pomegranate juice, lemon bitters and elderflower foam, taken in the gilded setting of The Astor, is the perfect way to fantasise about being a crazy rich Asian!

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Sibu and the Rumah Nyuka Homestay Product Experience

Sibu and the Rumah Nyuka Homestay Product Experience

Sibu is the gateway to central Sarawak, a town rich with culture and tradition, embraced on all sides by nature. It offers many charms, both on the outskirts of the town and within. Spanning just 129.5km², the town is located at the meeting of the Rajang and Igan rivers. The majority of the population are Chinese, mainly Fuzhou, with other ethnic groups like Melanau, Malay and Iban as well. Together, they live in harmony carrying out their cultural traditions and appreciating the traditions of one another.

During this product experience trip, the group was able to visit some traditional and organic food producers only found in Sibu, enjoy a night of breathtaking cultural dance performance at the Sibu International Dance Festival, see the historical and scenic landmarks as well as spend some time in an authentic Iban longhouse at the Rumah Nyuka homestay.

 

Day 1: Food, How It’s Made and a Dance Show

 

 TYC Goat Livestock Sdn. Bhd.

Owned by the Tang family, the TYC Goat and Livestock Farm is located 45km off the Oya Road (on the Sibu-Bintulu highway).

They first began livestock farming in 2003 on 35 hectares of land, and today they are home to goats, cows, turkeys and other livestock. Their aim is to promote awareness on loving, caring for and protecting the environment through environmentally friendly methods of rearing animals and planting crops.

Family touring the goat pen

Turkeys at the farm

Visiting families touring the farm, with a goat accompanying them
Cows at the farm

 

The farm provides opportunities for visitors to take a tour of the farms, including school trips and tourists.

The farm produces an assortment of dairy based products, especially goat milk. 70% of their sales are in fresh milk while 30% gets produced into other byproducts like soap and ice cream. They also produce coconut pudding, which is handmade and contains no preservatives, additives or coloring.

 

Goat milk ice cream

Fresh goat milk samples

Coconut pudding served inside a coconut.

Soaps derived from goat milk and other organic ingredients like sago, rosehip and charcoal

 

A display of the different soaps produced by the TYC farm

 

The Sua Longevity Noodles (Foochow mee)

Sibu is famous for its foochow dishes, and one of the most famous is the Mee Sua Longevity Noodles.

The noodles are made of wheat flour, powdered lime, salt and water, and while many of the noodles you can buy in the stores are now factory produced, there is one man who keeps the mee sua noodle traditions alive.

Located at located at 6 ½ miles, Jalan Oya, 96000 Sibu, Mr. Ting Cheng Sieng and his wife produce 25 to 30 kg of raw noodles daily, with optimum weather conditions.




Fine noodles being hung out under the sun to dry.

The preparation of the mee sua noodles.

 

These handmade noodles are in high demand throughout Sarawak, prepared in the traditional way. Demonstrations on his technique can be organized, contact Ting Cheng Sieng (012 8531701) for more details.

 

Permai Lake Garden

The lake garden was opened in 2002 with scenic lake (developed by National Landscape department) that spans 11 acres. It is located at 5th mile Oya road in housing estate of Permai.


Every year, this lake holds a remote control boat race that brings remote control boat enthusiasts together, but every other day of the week it is a serene location with good photo opportunities and scenic views.

 

Empawah fruit and vegetable Farm

The Empawah Fruit and Vegetable Farm is on the outskirts of Sibu and Greatown Travel have proposed 6-8km tours via two ferries crossing the Igan river from Sibu town to the farm.



  

Sg Merah LED Night Market

The Sungai Merah LED Night Market is a sight to behold, offering a nice location to go shopping for cheap souvenirs as well as beautiful backdrops for photos.

 





 

Sibu International Dance Festival

The Sibu International Dance Festival takes place at the Sibu Civic Centre and the Ku Tien Memorial Park in Sibu every year. Dedicated to presenting a world-class celebration of the dance arts by creating timeless and adventurous productions that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite dancer and audiences.

The festival was privately debuted in 2012 at Sibu, Malaysia. Four international dance groups has participated in the 2013 edition of the festival, attracting groups from Lithuania, Southern Thailand, Singapore and local groups. Indoor and outdoor performances will be held throughout the festival.

 




While filming and photography were not allowed in the Dance Festival, the entire event proved to be a  breathtaking experience for all in the team. It was certainly a highlight for those who appreciate performing arts.

 

Day 2: Paradom and the Rumah Nyuka Homestay

 

Jetty Paradom

Jetty Paradom is a historical landmark in Sibu, bustling with people who travel to and from Sibu by boat and ferry since 20 years ago. The shops lining the jetty was built in 1954.

You can drink coffee at the kopitiams (coffee shops) next to the river, go prawn fishing or view fireflies at night.

 




 

Homestay Rumah Nyuka

Rumah Nyuka Homestay, Lubuk Lemba in Sarikei District is located 85 KM from Sibu (17KM from Sibu – Kuching junction) and was built in 1955. It first opened its doors as a Homestay  in March 2011. Now, 19 “Bileks” of families are registered as Trained Homestay Operators.

Also known as one of the oldest longhouses in Sarikei District with about 300 people from 45 families living under one roof, the Nyuka longhouse is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience their hospitality and nature.

Among popular activities for visitors to this longhouse are trekking to the nearby waterfalls, and of course, learning the ways of life for the local Iban people.

The waterfalls are relatively easy to reach, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, and are a great reprieve from the day heat, especially after a trek through the jungle.

  

As for experiencing the Iban lifestyle, you can join in on the fun in the ruai (the main hall of the longhouse) or see how the Iban cultivate pepper on the nearby hills and other farm products, as well as how they process it.

 

The longhouse has its own exhibit, boasting everything from the smoked heads from the bygone era of when Headhunting was still frequent, old gongs collected over the years in the longhouse, earthenware pots and household appliances, intricately woven mats and traditional costumes.

  

 

 

 

 

The longhouse people also sell an assortment of handicrafts including jungle products made from bamboo and ratan, woven products, jewelry and accessories and recycled products.

 

 

 

All in all, the journey was a memorable 2 days, spanning across Sibu and Sarikei, and offered a glimpse into the traditional ways of the people, the environmental closeness of the different races to the land, and the rich culture of the different people that can be found in central Sarawak.

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Travel to Melaka

MYHSR ROUTE FROM KL TO SINGAPORE

Here is a map showing the route from KL to Singapore.

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Business Networking In Singapore Generates New Opportunities

Business Networking In Singapore Generates New Opportunities

Singapore, Wednesday –  11  Sarawak  travel partners took part in the business networking session  in Singapore yesterday  opening opportunities for more Singaporeans to travel to visit the State.

40 Singapore tour operators turned up for the session sharing business opportunities and to update Sarawak product experiences to be marketed to Singaporeans and also its expats communities.

‘Singapore has been one of our focus markets and favourite destination for students and family travel with a penchant of our diverse culture, nature and adventure,’ said the Sarawak Tourism Board’s Marketing Manager, Gustino Basuan.

Meanwhile the Managing Director of Sibu-based Greatown Travel, Ling How Kang, has expressed his satisfaction on the outcome of the business networking.

‘We discovered good business prospects with the interest showed by the Singapore agents on Sibu and Central Sarawak and we look forward to much better arrivals next year arising from the aggressive promotion that we had over the years in Singapore,’ he added.

However, we faced challenges post by non-availability of direct flights from Singapore and Sibu, he lamented.

The Sarawak industry partners today continued their promotion in the City State making their presence felt at the three-day ITB Asia held at the Marina Bay Sands.

Singapore’s visitors’ arrival to date stood at 25,922, an increase of 1.53% compared to the same period last year.

Singapore

Picture shows the networking session.

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Malaysia Travel Guide

ITB ASIA, Another Successful Outing For Sarawak Partners

ITB ASIA, Another Successful Outing For Sarawak Partners

Singapore, Thursday – Sarawak tourism team presently in Singapore for a destination promotion scored another business success today, the second day of the ITB Asia outing held at the Marina Bay Sands Exhibition centre here.

Business appointments set earlier by the fair organiser has made Sarawak travel partners on their feet for the past two days with back-to-back meetings with  their international partners who showed interest in emerging destinations like Sarawak.

Yvonne Saman of the Marian Boutique Lodging House, a first timer for the business outing was excited and expressed satisfaction with the buyers’ quality she met during the business meetings.

‘We received positive feedback from buyers from India, China, Sri Lanka and Indonesia about the destination and our latest property in Kuching has been a hit for these buyers, she said.

Ahsweein Narayanan of Amogha Tours Travel Sdn Bhd, Kuching, also a new kid on the block, is pushing religious packages featuring Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist temples tours in Kuching besides promoting medical and corporate tours for Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Hannah Choo, Director of Sales of CPH Travel has kind words for the fair which she has attended over the years and adding that that they will return to participate next year.

Sarawak Tourism Board’s booth was a hive of business activity today and hoping that the final day tomorrow will see good return for the 11 industry partners attending the fair.

The Sarawak travel industry were represented by seven travel agents and two hotels, a venue provider – Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and Sarawak Convention Bureau.

From January to August this year, the Singapore arrivals has increased by 1.53% with arrivals totalling 25,922 visitors.

ITB Asia Singapore

Picture shows the happy faces of the Sarawak team led by Benedict Jimbau, Director of Marketing (eighth from left).

Issued by:

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

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