Tuesday, February 22, 2011

TM : MALAYSIA’S TOURISM PERFORMANCE IN 2010

Malaysia registered 24,577,196 tourist arrivals in 2010 , an increase of 3.9% compared to 2009.

The top ten tourist generating markets were: Singapore (13,042,004), Indonesia (2,506,509), Thailand (1,458,678), China (1,130,261), Brunei (1,124,406), India (690,849), Australia (580,695), the Philippines (486,790), the United Kingdom (429,965) and Japan (415,881).

In terms of growth, the top five markets were India (17.1%), South Korea (16.2%), United Arab Emirates (16.0%), Iran (14.3%) and Cambodia (12.7%).

On the average tourists stayed 6.8 nights in 2010, a slight increase of 0.1 night from 6.7 nights in 2009.

Despite the challenging global economic scenario last year , tourism made its mark as a key revenue generator to the Malaysia economy. A record of RM56.5 billion in tourist receipts was generated in 2010, a growth of 5.8% compared to RM53.4 billion in 2009.

The average per capita expenditure of tourists also grew from RM2,257 in 2009 to RM2,299 in 2010.

Malaysia is recognised globally as a leading tourism destination and was listed as one of the top ten countries for ‘Best in Travel 2010’ and one of the ‘Best-value Destination for 2010’ by the Lonely Planet.

For more information, please visit Tourism Malaysia’s online Facts and Figures at http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/corporate/research.asp?page=facts_figures.


MALAYSIA TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD
( MINISTRY OF TOURISM, MALAYSIA )
Menara Dato’ Onn, Putra World Trade Centre, 45 Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
P.O. Box 10328, 50710 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. TEL : 03-2615 8188. FAX : 03-2693 5884
EMAIL : enquiries@tourism.gov.my WEBSITE: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

NOTICE : Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Museum

Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Museum in Johor Bahru will be closed for renovation for one year starting 1 Feb 2011.

TM : IMPORT DUTY WAIVED TO ATTRACT SHOPPERS TO MALAYSIA

The shopping scene in Malaysia is changing - shoppers can expect more variety of imported goods and at better prices!

The Malaysian Government recently announced the waiver of import duty on about 300 goods valued at over RM200. Implemented beginning 1st January 2011, the move is part of efforts to enhance Malaysia's position as a luxury shopping destination.

The tax is waived to attract a wider range of principal luxury brands to invest in Malaysia, and in doing so, add variety to the product choice on the market.

The move also facilitates lower and more competitive pricing of imported merchandise, giving Malaysian retailers a competitive edge over retailers in other countries.

Some 29 luxury brands are reducing retail prices by an average of 20%. Shoppers can now pay less for selected perfumes, handbags, apparel, rugs, bed linen, footwear, hats, jewellery and toys.
Malaysia's foray into duty free shopping began in 1987 when the tourism island of Langkawi was gazetted as the first duty free zone. Since then, the islands of Tioman and Labuan and numerous border towns have followed suit. "Duty Free Zones" offer items that are exempted from import duties but are available only in designated shopping zones around Malaysia. "Free Duty" items on the other hand are imported goods that are not subject to custom duty at all. They are readily available all across the country and not limited to duty free zones.

In Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), tourism is identified as one of twelve national key economic areas (NKEA) responsible to move Malaysia towards becoming a high-income nation by the year 2020.

As shopping marks a major component of the tourism revenue, focus is being placed on three main areas, one of which is the implementation of tax exemptions on a wider range of goods.

The other two areas of focus are the promotion of the Bukit Bintang /KLCC district as the premier shopping hub and the development of three new premium outlets to enhance the shopping appeal.

It is expected that with these initiatives the shopping component will register 35% of tourist receipts by 2020, as compared to the current 28% share of total tourism revenue. In line with this, aggressive effort is being put into targeting and attracting high-spending tourists who will have a direct positive impact on the country's revenue.

Although the tax exemptions currently apply to only selected merchandise, it certainly adds to the appeal of Malaysia's yearly sale carnivals namely, the Malaysia Grand Prix Sale (March to April), Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (July to August) and Malaysia Year End Sale (MYES) (November to January). Aimed at establishing Malaysia as a leading shopping destination similar to Dubai, Hong Kong or Singapore, the carnivals have done wonders in attracting tourists from neighbouring countries and setting new shopping trends amongst the locals. The favourable exchange rate also makes the Malaysian Ringgit a value-for-money currency.

The success of these sale campaigns is evident in the growing number of tourist arrivals and tourism revenue each year. In 2009, shopping amounted to 28.3% or RM15.11 billion of the total tourist receipts of RM53.4 billion. It therefore comes as small surprise that according to the World Tourism Organisation, Malaysia currently ranks number nine (9) in terms of tourist arrivals and number thirteen (13), in terms of tourist receipts. With the waiver of import tax on a wider range of goods, it is hoped that shopping will become a key reason for visitors to vacation in Malaysia.

TM : LITTLE INDIA @ BRICKFIELDS GUIDED WALKING TOUR

Brickfields, one of the pioneer settlements in Kuala Lumpur during the 19th century , is now a vibrant and thriving area dubbed as Little India for its predominantly Indian character and the high percentage of Indian residents and businesses there. Beautiful arches carved by artisans from India greet its visitors once they enter Brickfields. These vibrant colourful arches line the pedestrian footpath, giving the area a festive atmosphere throughout the day.

Little India @ Brickfields was officially launched by Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak, Malaysia’s Prime Minister along with his counterpart from India, Dr. Manmohan Singh in October last year.

The historical relationship of Brickfields to the development of modern Kuala Lumpur goes back to the late 19th century. Brickfields was initially developed by Yap Kwan Seng, the fifth and last Kapitan of Kuala Lumpur. He took advantage of the rapidly growing Kuala Lumpur and the new Kuala Lumpur by-law which required that all new buildings be built of bricks and established a kiln here. Brickfields soon became the centre for brick-making and as a result, the area was named Brickfields.

Later on, following the establishment of the Railway and Public Works Department Offices in the Brickfields area, many jobs were created. Workers found it convenient to live along the Brickfields road to be near their work. Brickfields then became a small residential district.

To complement the new development of Brickfields, tourists and culture enthusiasts can now participate in a guided walking tour of Little India @ Brickfields every first and third Saturday of the month. This guided walking tour is a free service provided by Kuala Lumpur City Hall starting from 15 January to 17 December 2011.

Unknown to many, Brickfields holds many of the city’s historical landmarks. From temples, churches and a 100 year-old government quarters, the guided walking tour gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the community here.

The buildings and places of worships here show a unique mixture of influences. The Sri Kandaswamy Temple, built in 1902, is one of the most prominent temples in Malaysia. It showcases rich Sri Lankan architecture and is said to be inspired by the Nallur Kandaswamy temple in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The Holy Rosary Church (1903) on the other hand was built in the French Gothic Revival Style and took eighteen months to build.

Meanwhile, a walk along Jalan Rozario will take visitors to the Hundred Quarters which was built in 1905. The charming quarters are named in accordance to the exact number of quarters that were built for civil servants of all races in Kuala Lumpur, most of whom were in the clerical service.

Brickfields is also home to a large population of the visually impaired who live and work in the area. The Malaysian Association of the Blind and the National Council for the Blind located on Jalan Tun Sambanthan are where the visually impaired practise their trade as skilled masseurs.

A trip to Brickfields will not be complete without a visit to the Temple of Fine Arts, a sanctuary for the arts especially music and dance. Students here are taught Bharatanatyam, folk dances, semi classical movements, and they learn to play musical instruments such as mridangam, veena, flute and the harmonium. Founded by His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi in 1981, the Temple of Fine Arts has captured the imagination of art lovers in Malaysia, Australia, India and even USA.

There are seventeen historical landmarks listed on the Little India @ Brickfields map, each landmark is a unique institution of its own. Brickfields is also famous for its Indian food delights and various bread, especially the banana leaf rice and thosai (Indian pancake made from fermented rice flour).

The Little India @ Brickfields walking tour starts off at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) building on Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4 at 8am and lasts for about two and a half hours. Qualified English speaking guides conduct the tour in groups of twenty.

Individual bookings are not required but it is recommended that visitors do so 24 hours in advance. For groups of ten and above, booking is required. Please email: pelancongan@dbkl.gov.my or call +603-2617 6273 (Monday to Friday)

Visit www.visitkl.gov.my for the map of Little India @ Brickfields

For more information please contact:
Ms. Noraza Yusof
Tourism Unit,
Kuala Lumpur City Hall,
Level 14, DBKL Tower 3,
Bandar Wawasan Jalan Raja Abdullah,
50300 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel : +603-2617 6273
Website : www.visitkl.gov.my

Getting there:
Brickfields is well-serviced by public transportation:
• KL Monorail: stop at Tun Sambanthan
• Rapid KL's Kelana Jaya Line (LRT): stop at KL Sentral station
• KTM Komuter: stop at KL Sentral station
• Express Rail Link: stop at KL Sentral station
• Rapid KL buses
• KL Hop-on Hop-off
___________________________________________________
Issued by: Communications & Publicity Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 27 January 2011
Phone: +603- 2615 8188; Fax: +603 26158299 or
Email: wardatul@tourism.gov.my
Website: www.tourism.gov.my

PENANG BUTTERFLY FARM 2011 ENTRANCE TICKET PRICE

Dear Malaysia Tourism Guide,

Greetings from Penang Butterfly Farm.

Kindly take note on new Penang Butterfly Farm entrance fee/ticket price effective from 1st January 2011 and do update this in your newsletter or any correspondences on the publications which will be distributing to the public and our tourists.
Thank you in advance for your co-operation.


PENANG BUTTERFLY FARM 2011 ENTRANCE TICKET PRICE

ADULT : RM 27.00 per person

CHILD : RM 15.00 per person

CHILD (3 years & below) : FREE ADMISSION

SENIOR CITIZEN : RM13.50 per person (proof of age required)

MYKAD/MYKID HOLDER: 33.3% discount on adult/child entrance price (upon presentation of MyKad/MyKid)

Note:-

Adult : Aged 13 years old & above

Child : Aged 4 to 12 years old

Senior Citizen : Aged 58 years & above

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER/DIGITAL CAMERA USAGE CHARGES

Digital Video Camcorder: FREE OF CHARGE

Digital Camera: FREE OF CHARGE

OPERATING HOURS

Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.30pm (Last Entry at 5.00pm)

Weekend & Public Holidays: 9.00am – 6.00pm (Last Entry at 5.30pm)

** Penang Butterfly Farm is open 365 days all year round except half day on the eve of Chinese New Year Day


Thank you

Best Regards


Marketing & Promotions Department
Penang Butterfly Farm 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, Malaysia
t: +604-8851253 f: +604-8851741

Friday, February 11, 2011

TM : TEA GARDEN WITH A DIFFERENCE

TEA GARDEN WITH A DIFFERENCE

A RANGE OF TOUR PACKAGES AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS MAKE SABAH TEA GARDEN A POPULAR SPOT FOR BOTH EDU- AND ECO-TOURISM. DARYL YEP FINDS OUT.


Having returned from Cameron Highlands recently where I overdosed on a dizzying array of tea, I suppose going on another tea trip is out of the question. But strangely enough, in no time, I found myself traversing steep and winding roads yet again, to be surrounded by rolling hills of scenic tea plantations and served a variety of tea. Apparently, this writer just can’t resist anything that the Land Below the Wind has to offer.

Nestled in a pristine rainforest reputed to be 130 million years old at 2,272 feet above sea level, Sabah Tea Garden offers visitors an unusual visit to the ‘tea forest’ where rainforest trees and organic tea plants grow side by side. Its popularity as a weekend getaway has been growing through the years, particularly among families and students. Besides, Kota Kinabalu is just a two-hour drive away while Mount Kinabalu Park is merely an hour’s journey.

At the Tea Manufacturing Factory, my fellow tour members were totally engrossed in the lengthy explanation by the local guide Aubrey. Having no inkling of tea processing, their undivided attention didn’t surprise me at all.

I, on the other hand, was rather intrigued by a wide choice of creatively packaged tours available here. It’s pretty unexpected for a tea plantation, I must say.

Travellers today express growing concern for the environment and wish to play a part to preserve Mother Nature even during their holidays. Sabah Tea Garden has struck the right chord with a wide range of creatively packaged tours that combine an enlightening visit to the tea manufacturing factory, nature-based activities, cultural elements and conservation efforts.

CREATIVE TOUR PACKAGES – TAKE YOUR PICK

Its most sought-after tour package has to be the ‘Sabah Tea Adventure 2 Days 1 Night’, which garnered the first Tourism Malaysia award for Best Tour Programme for Educational Tourism. It is popular among students and outdoor enthusiasts as they get to enjoy a host of fun activities that takes them beyond learning about tea.

After checking in to a traditional Sabah Tea Longhouse, participants get to conquer obstacle crossings at the Sapaon Recreational Area and learn the importance of team work through team building games. They also learn how to make a fire and cook tapioca and sweet yams.

Unless there’s a heavy morning mist, participants will normally be greeted by a beautiful sunrise view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu the next morning.

Other highlights of the tour include jungle trekking at Kamunsu Hill, swimming in cool and pristine mountain water, night walk, and a tea factory tour. Needless to say, the educational programme offers participants a glimpse of sustainable agricultural practices and human development in harmony with nature.

Besides this award-winning package, various packages ranging from day trip to 3 day-2 night tour have also been created to cater to different group of visitors such as families, students, nature lovers, companies and government departments, cyclists and fitness enthusiasts.

The Quailey’s Hill Tour, for instance, is targeted at Australians and those who are interested to learn more about the World War II Sandakan-Ranau death marches and pay respect to a fallen Australian soldier. The 3 day-2 night Sabah Tea Rainforest Conservation & Global Warming Prevention Programme is created particularly for Japanese university students who wish to play a part in nature conservation efforts. The programme is also open to students from Malaysian schools and universities.

Cycling buffs would probably be fascinated by the challenging trails, meandering in and out of the rainforest and in-between undulating tea bushes. Sabah Tea Garden has hosted various mountain bike races such as the Sabah Tea Adventure Race, a 40km racecourse that combines off-road mountain biking, jungle-running, obstacle course and river crossings.

Sabah Tea Garden also provides facilities for companies and government departments that opt to hold their meetings, seminars or conferences there. A venue amidst tea plantations and rainforest should be more inspiring than a mundane hotel room that normally draws yawns rather than ideas.

CONSERVATION EFFORTS

After spending almost the entire afternoon touring the tea plantation, we were informed by Aubrey that only 1,200 acres of the plantation land is used for tea cultivation, commercial

buildings, and staff housing; the rest, or approximately 5,000 acres, is still very much covered with rainforest. It provides home and food for insects that would otherwise attack the tea plants. Hence, no artificial colouring or flavouring is added into the tea and it is 100 per cent pesticide free.

“The practice of forest conservation maintains a balanced ecology; therefore, there is no need for the usage of pesticides,” said Aubrey. Indeed, the balance of ecology conservation and tea cultivation that is very much emphasised here has proven to be a winning combination.

We were also informed that the workers here feed the soil instead of the tea plants. Different parts of the tea plant are gathered to make compost and used as natural fertiliser. For instance, tea branches from the pruning are left in the field while discarded tea stalks from the tea manufacturing processes in the factory are recycled back into the field. Fruit trees are planted to attract birds. Fishing is also prohibited except for a few days in a year in the Morolli and Sapaon rivers that flow through the plantation.

Such conservation efforts are actually very much in line with the Government’s aspiration to create a clean and healthy environment. In fact, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean campaign to promote the country’s abundance of natural beauty as well as to boost awareness on the importance of preserving the environment.

HIGH QUALITY TEA
Sabah Tea is one of the few organic tea plantations in the world and Borneo’s only organic tea farm. Being a single-estate plantation, the tea is not blended with those of other plantations. Therefore, quality of the tea can be controlled to ensure consistency. Besides giving us a detailed explanation of tea cultivation, harvesting, processing, packaging, and brewing, Aubrey also showed us the ways to identify premium tea.

Speaking of premium tea, at Sabah Tea Garden, only choice tender leaves from the quality Camellia sinensis plants are selected and used. The entire process is expertly and meticulously controlled. The plantation is certified for organic production and processing by SKAL International B.V of the Netherlands, an internationally recognised organisation that performs inspections and grants certification for organic production methods.

Our tea trip ended on a perfect note with a glass of chilled tea at the Sabah Tea House. We also had some tea pancakes which were served with honey. Made of crushed tea leaf juice mixed with flour and egg, it is reputedly a must-have for all visitors to Sabah Tea Garden.

With a full stomach, we bade Aubrey and his colleagues at Sabah Tea Garden farewell. We vowed to be back again to join one of the tour packages. I’ve already set my heart on the ‘Sabah Tea Escapade’ package that comes with a fish massage.


CONTACT:

Sabah Tea Sdn. Bhd. (Inquiries & Reservation):
Address 1: Lot 83, Lorong Mega, Off Jalan Kilang, Sedco Industrial Estate, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Address 2: P.O.Box 14479, 88851 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MALAYSIA.
Tel: (6088) 440882
Fax: (6088) 423448
Email: info@sabahtea.net
Website: www.sabahtea.net
Tea Garden: Km17, Jalan Ranau/Sandakan, Kg. Nalapak, 89309, Ranau, Sabah.
Tel: (6088) 879220
Fax: (6088) 879224


Issued by: Communications & Publicity Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 26 January 2011
Tel: 03-2615 8188 Email: yyldaryl@tourism.gov.my
Website: www.tourism.gov.my

TM : PASIR GUDANG WORLD KITE FEST 2011


PASIR GUDANG WORLD KITE FEST 2011

Colourful kites in various shapes and sizes will soar across the skies of Johor this February as the state plays host to the prestigious annual Pasir Gudang World Kite Fest 2011. Considered to be one of the best and most organised kite festivals in the world, the 16th Pasir Gudang World Kite Fest will showcase the skills and creativity of local and international kiters.

With the theme “Colouring the Sky” the festival will run from 16 to 20 February 2011 at Bukit Layang-Layang, Pasir Gudang, Johor. His Royal Highness, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan of Johor, will grace the opening ceremony on 19 February 2011 at 2pm.

This annual colourful event is noted for attracting large crowds of enthusiasts and curious spectators. In 2010, as many as 100,000 visitors came to the five day event and the organiser is confident that the figures will double this year.

International participation for 2011 has also increased with 190 participants from 30 countries. They are from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, USA and Vietnam. 500 local participants from the public, government and private sectors have also registered their participation this year.

The festival promises to be a lively event with a variety of exciting and entertaining pocket shows, colourful exhibitions and workshops organized for the public.

The Pasir Gudang World Kite Fest is organised by the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council and the Johor State Government through the Johor State Tourism Department with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Information Communication and Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Malaysia Kite Council, the Johor Kite Association, Iskandar Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia.

For more information on Pasir Gudang World Kite Fest, please log on to www.kitefestpasirgudang.com.

_______________________________________________________

Issued by: Communications & Publicity Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 27 January 2011
Phone: +603- 2615 8188; Fax: +603 26158299 or
Email: wardatul@tourism.gov.my
Website: www.tourism.gov.my