October 18, 2018
SINGAPORE, 18 October 2018: A strong sales team from the Sarawak Tourism Board, six travel agencies, travel content owners and hoteliers are attending ITB Asia this week.
Working out of booth C05, at ITB Asia, which is being held through to Friday 19 October at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, team members reported full appointment schedules during the opening day.
Read more from TTR Weekly here…
Updated on October 18, 2018.
August 14, 2018
The itinerary for the ‘Search for the Red Banded Langur’ in Maludam was pioneered by adventure tour company, Paradesa Borneo (One Wayang Tours Sdn. Bhd.)
The Maludam National Park is protected area, critical for the protection of the only viable population of the Red Banded Langur remaining in the world today. A visit to the national park offers glimpses at the rare monkey and some 61 other species of mammals recorded in the area.
To get to Maludam, visitors have to drive about 170 kilometers from Sri Aman, bypassing the small town of Pusa before crossing the Batang Saribas by ferry. Proceed then to Kampung Maludam till the end of the coastal road at Triso, a small village by the sea.
This three day and two night itinerary takes advantage of the stretch of the Borneo Coastal Road, stopping by the local kampungs to experience the culture and interact with the people.
For more information on the National Park, visit the Sarawak Forestry’s website here.
Day One, Getting to Maludam
The group departed from Kucking at 8.00am, heading for Maludan through the Semarahan Batang Sadong Bridge. They arrived at Kampung Hilir Maludam by 2.00pm, where they got to enjoy the kampong (village) activities.
They explored the grounds of the village, watched a traditional performance by some young villagers and even learned how to prepare kuih sepit.
Learning to make kuih sepit
Day Two, The Search is ON!
The group had a quick safety and itinerary briefing before heading for the Maludam National Park at 8.00am.
The only entrance to the national park is by boat to ‘Station 2’ jetty. The early morning boat ride gives the group a chance to admire the tranquility of the protected peat swamp area. On arrival, the travel guide prepares the group for the trails and animals they may see throughout the walks.
The Red Banded Langur ©sarawakforestry.com
The group learns a little about the behavior of the beautiful primate, and return to Kampung Hilir Maludam at 3.00pm.
At the Kampung, they experienced ocean fishing on a traditional fisherman boat and get to see how salted fish, jelly fish and prawns are dried and processed at the factory. For more information on the jellyfish processing factory, you can visit this blog.
Fishing at Kampung Hilir Maludam
Jellyfish and prawns being processed at the factory
After enjoying a day on the water catching fish and seeing how the local catch is processed, the group took a beautiful sunset cruise over the coast of Maludam.
On returning to the village, they enjoyed a traditional performance called “Bergendang” or ‘drumming’ by the Persatuan Nelayan Kampung Maludam at 7.00pm. They then retired to the Kampung Hilir Maludam Homestay for the night.
Persatuan Nelayan Kampung Maludam
Day 3, the Pasar Tani
It’s bright and early the next day, with the group departing from Maludam at 7.30am to head to the Pasar Tani Maludam. By noon, they head back through Triso, Pusa and Sri Aman, seeing the sights in the towns like Fort Alice.
By 8.00pm, the trip comes to an end in Kuching.
The Tour Package
The group found the trip to be a great experience, with friendly hosts and good facilities awaiting them at the homestay. As for the attractions surrounding the village and the National Park, they were excited to be a part of the fishing and cultural activities and found there were also proboscis monkey and crocodile watching tours available to the public, though there wasn’t enough time for them to enjoy it for themselves.
All in all, the Maludam National Park and its surrounding communities area great place to visit, to perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare Red Banded Langur, or at the very least see the rest of the wildlife that flourishes in the protected area and enjoy the good company of the people of Kampung Hilir Maludam.
It has been a thriving year for tourism in Malaysia with an array of accommodations making prominent marks as new hotels and resorts are built and officiated. Many new premises mean travellers have more options to choose from in terms of location, service delivery and price. Having said that, some are not looking for a low published rate, but they are looking for the luxury that money can buy…and Kuala Lumpur offers just that!
Coming in at the top of our latest list of luxury hotels is Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur located adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers, and within the Golden Triangle neighbourhood, the city’s exciting business, shopping and entertainment hub.
The location makes it an ultimate choice for travellers looking to indulge in ultimate comfort within walking distance of a high-end shopping experience in central Kuala Lumpur.
With 209 tastefully-designed rooms and suites, as well as serviced apartments for those guests looking for an extended stay, Four Seasons offers more than just a bed. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the cityscape; eight treatment spa rooms ease away the stresses with Malaysian healing traditions and the latest global therapies; an outdoor pool oasis with private cabanas and bar and grill facilities is the perfect place to relax; and signature cocktails made with locally-sourced ingredients are the perfect way to end the day while enjoying sunset views of the city.
Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur opened on 1 July 2018.
Address: 145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Website: www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur/
Phone: 03-2382 8888
The renowned Banyan Tree brand has finally stepped on Malaysian soil with the opening of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur adding to another major landmark in the city.
Touted by many as a luxury urban sanctuary, it pledges a 5-star service that will pamper you from head to toe. Styled as a resort in the city, it is conveniently located in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle district, the heartbeat of the city’s business, shopping and leisure activities.
The elegant 60-storey Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur features 55 well-appointed rooms and suites starting at a spacious 51 sqm, state-of-the-art fitness facility, 3 boardrooms to hold private executive meetings, as well as 4 stylish restaurants and bars with breath-taking views overlooking the city skyline.
And how about the Open Air pool on Level 53 for more serene time all by yourself? To completely indulge yourself, check out the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa. Some of the signature spa treatments include Master Therapist Experience, a specially tailored treatment using a repertoire of massage techniques and tools, drawn from the expertise of the Master Therapist; or try out the Nusantara treatment package, Malaysian Bliss, for an indulgent local experience.
Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur opened on 1 July 2018.
Address: 2 Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Website: www.banyantree.com/en/malaysia/kuala-lumpur
Phone: + 603 2113 1888
Just south of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, a new gem has taken shape in the form of Sheraton Petaling Jaya. This delightful hotel offers a 5 star service with rooms with a view.
Located just 20 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur – and 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport — Sheraton Petaling Jaya is accessible from Federal Highway, the main arterial road linking PJ and the city centre. The new hotel brings a new definition of pampered stay, with full amenities and facilities.
For a start, its 253 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, will certainly inspire leisure and business travellers alike. The selection of signature restaurants offers local and international flavours at six different eateries. Enjoy local favourites buffet-style dining at Feast; savour refined Japanese dishes at the contemporary Miyabi restaurant; try inventive Chinese specialties at Yue; relax at Link@Sheraton Café for quick bites; wind down with cigar and whiskey at Chime Lounge; or enjoy Latin-inspired fare at Sala Bar.
On top of that, those looking for a refreshing and serene encounter, please try the 33rd level outdoor pool that brings you close to the sky and the whole city.
Address: Lot 55, Lorong Utara C, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/szbsi-sheraton-petaling-jaya-hotel/
Phone: +603 7622 8888
If you’ve watched animation movie Rio (2011) or The Big Year (2011) played by Steve Martin and Owen Wilson, you might have changed your perception about the winged animals prominently featured in these films. Yes, birds are actually one interesting type of reptile, attracting the attention of ornithologists and the casual nature lover alike.
These creatures – some of them rare, nomadic, mysterious, and beautiful – occupy a variety of habitats. They nest in urban parks, while some others hide away in forests. There have been stories of people venturing deep into the jungles of continents for a single satisfying glimpse of these feathered friends.
We may observe them, but they remain “untouchable.” Perhaps that is what makes them such fascinating creatures to us all, and the reason why birdwatching is a passionate pursuit for many, especially among the hipster generation now.
Malaysia, blessed with its tropical nature and greenery, is certainly one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world, with many species easily observable.
Let’s see why Malaysia should be your next birdwatching destination!
Contacts:
Tour Agency: Natural History Tours (bird-malaysia.com or junglewalla.com)
Address: 1C, Lot 1392 Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi
Website: www.jungewalla.com
Email: info@bird-malaysia.com or jungewalla@gmail.com
Contact: + 6019 5902 300 or + 6012 4870 600
Tour Agency: Ecotourism Conservation Society (ECOMY)
Address: 28, Jalan Spektrum U16/21, Taman Bukit Subang, 40160 Shah Alam, Selangor
Website: www.ecomy.org
Email: ecotourismmalaysia@gmail.com
Contact: +6019 3745246
White water rafting is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Since I survived to tell the tale, let me share with you the excitement of rafting in the Kampar River surrounded by the greenery of the Gopeng rainforest.
White Water Rafting in Kampar River, Gopeng, Perak
Gopeng, a small town about 90 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, has many pre-war shop houses. This quiet and unassuming place is the gateway to some of the most adventurous outdoor activities in Peninsular Malaysia.
The most popular adrenaline pumping fun is white water rafting in the Kampar River. The scenic waterway is created by the merging of three rivers, Geruntum River, Geroh River and Pacat River in Perak. Rated as a Grade I to III river, it offers a great combination of water ranging from gentle flows to challenging and technical white water. It is also perfect for beginners.
From Gopeng town, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the starting point located at Kg. Ulu Geruntum. The journey itself is a memorable experience as visitors will pass by some of the most picturesque places in Gopeng with a whole spectrum of landscapes. During the fruit season, you will be looking with envy at the fruit orchards flanking both sides of the narrow, winding road. You can also enjoy the beauty and the tranquillity of the quaint traditional villages along the way. A 100-year-old water pipe stretches from the nearby mountains through the major settlements to the old mining area and the villagers are still using the water supply from it.
Upon reaching the white water rafting site, you will find many resorts there as well as several adventure specialists offering white water rafting and other outdoor activities. These are all a stone’s throw away from the starting point of the white water rafting. Whichever adventure company you go with, you will be given a liability form to sign before you can proceed further. Your river guide will brief you about paddling commands, safety measures and the do’s and don’t’s of white water rafting. Then, armed with a life jacket, helmet and paddle, you are all set to face the raging river.
The number of passengers per raft depends on river conditions and other factors but generally it ranges from two to six people.
It helps to have a skillful and friendly river guide as he will calm you down with his jokes and fascinate you with local anecdotes. Our guide, Max, who sat at the back of the raft, helped us to avoid rocks, kept us on the right path, cracked jokes and made sure we had a great time. Besides the guide, a safety kayaker cum photographer will follow rafters throughout the journey to ensure their safety and capture images of their ride.
Water Confidence Test
One of the most important things a rafter has to do before continuing his or her journey down the breathtaking twists, turns and drops of the white water course is the water confidence activity. Depending on the level of the water, there is a possibility of you being thrown out of the raft. The water confidence activity helps you prepare for the worst. It requires you to do body rafting along a short stretch. Your guide will steer you into the current and then he will let you go. If your water confidence is low, the three-minute body rafting will feel like ages and you will end up swallowing a lot of water. This is definitely not an activity for the self-conscious. However, the most important thing is to have faith in your guide and not panic.
After your water confidence has been tested, it is time for you to try your first rapid. White water rafting is an exhilarating activity that provides you with the ultimate adrenaline rush. Cascading down the rapids is only part of the fun. The whole journey is not one huge “liquid chaos” as it provides scenic and relaxing experiences. There are also flat sections in the river for you to take a breather after conquering tough rapids.
Up, Close and Personal with the Rapids of the Kampar River
Kampar River has been a popular spot for white water rafting since 2003. A trip on this river is a two-hour, adrenaline-fuelled journey along a seven or nine kilometres stretch depending on the water level. There are 10 prominent rapids along the stretch and every rapid has a tale to tell.
The first rapid was named Broken Ledge to reflect the concrete ruins of a dam at the river that was once built for the tin mining industry in the Gopeng area.
One of the toughest rapids in the river is called Easy Drop as rafters including the river guide have the tendency to be thrown overboard. Basically, the rapid has two drops of approximately three metres high. Upon reaching this rapid, the river guide will shout the word “Boom! Boom!” to indicate that everyone has to sit in the centre of the raft to avoid falling into the river. It is very exhilarating as your raft is thrown through the rapid and you are left to the mercy of the powerful water.
Rajah Corner is the longest rapid in Kampar River. It is aptly named after the big colony of Rajah Brooke butterflies swarming over the rocks along the area, especially in the morning.
Whenever a raft passes through the Hyside rapid, it has to be in a 30 degree angle so that it can get through the rapid without capsizing. Everyone must move to the “high” side of the raft so that the raft will be in a slightly tilted position.
Slide rapid is a little tricky and slightly technical as it requires the raft to go through most of the right side before sliding to the middle. A raft can easily get stuck in this rapid, especially when the water level is low. If it happens, rafters must shift to the front or the back of the raft depending on the situation and in the meantime, the guide will push the raft back into the main current. It requires skillful manoeuvering because of frequent obstructions.
One rapid called Paddle Breaker marks the site where a guide had his paddle broken in half while going down it. Snake rapid got its name simply because the curve of the river looks like a snake. Your raft will go through a zigzag pattern to clear out of this rapid.
Enders Rapid refers to a skillful trick river kayakers love to do at this rapid. The play manoeuver involves nosing the boat’s bow down and deep and the stern up resulting in the kayak popping vertically upward.
Seeing a flock of chickens running around the area during their first recce, the guides decided to name one rapid Chicken Run. Another is called Eddy Point, the white water terminology for an area where two currents from the opposite direction met to create a circular or spiral motion in the water.
All these rapids offer different kinds of thrills to rafters. You can never run a river the same way twice as the changes of the water flow make each trip unique.
During the journey, you will find yourself resting between rapids, relaxing and listening to your guide talking about the river. There are several rest stops at some areas of interest.
End of the Journey
The journey ends at Kampung Jahang where you will be transported back to your resort for a quick shower and a change of clothes. Your guide will then take you to a nearby restaurant for a hearty meal after all the hard work and excitement.
No one ever walks away from white water rafting experience in Kampar River untouched. You will either get addicted to this extreme activity or fall in love with the sheer beauty of the river area or both. Either way, you will want to return to this unique place again and again.
If white water rafting is not challenging enough for you, there are other extreme activities that you can try such as water abseiling from the top of a three-storey high waterfall, advanced-level kayaking, mountain biking, jungle trekking and caving.
Getting There
From Kuala Lumpur, get off the North-South Plus Expressway at the Gopeng interchange. It is advisable to join organised groups as they will guide you to the starting point and make all the arrangements necessary.
Who to Contact
DESTINATION PERAK SDN. BHD
(A subsidiary of Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak)
Level 11, Perak Techno-Trade Centre, Bandar Meru Raya, Off Jalan Jelapang, 30020 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Tel:1800 22 8772
Email: hello@destinationperak.travel