Friday, May 26, 2006

Visitors to Pahang

Looks like there a lots of visitors coming over to Pahang for a vacation. There was approximately 5 million tourist coming over to Pahang in year 2005 generating about RM$2 billion (US$555 million) for the state. It was quite an increase too, about 13.3% increase compared against the previous year of 2004.

The breakdown info of tourist was 3,725,237 locals and 1,305,425 foreigners. Pahang has the highest number of visitors when compared against the other states.

So let's see where the popular tourist destinations in Pahang are:
1) Genting Highlands = 3,202,823 visitors
2) Kuantan = 973,807
3) Cameron Highlands = 298,284
4) Tioman Island = 154,552
5) Fraser's Hill = 89,068
6) Termerloh = 84,612
7) Taman Negara = 74,811

Interesting, looks like a lot people like to go to Genting Highlands. Perhaps its close proximity to Kuala Lumpur (only takes 45 minutes drive by road) makes it a convenient place to go for quick relief from the hot humidity of the tropics. While Cameron Highlands is the 3rd popular destination in Pahang for visitors to Pahang.

For the nearest cooler climate Genting Highlands is pretty ideal, and one can just do a day trip without having to stay overnight making it very convenient. With its activity centered on theme parks (and the usual gamblers), and live shows sure attracts lots of people for its fun activities.

However, Cameron Highlands is more of a peaceful kind of visit and taking in the natural breathtaking beauty of lush greenery and slower pace kind of lifestyle reminiscent of old English country side, well I'll take Cameron Highlands anytime.

The Pahang state is targeting the tourists from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, West Asia, Thailand, Indonesia, Britain, Taiwan, Germany and India. But based on the visitors pattern to my website, the majority of the visitors to Cameron Highlands are from Malaysia and Singapore. Of course there are the usual amohs Mat Sallehs and Japanese visitors, the main bulk of visitors are from Malaysia and Singapore.

But sad to say, some accommodation providers, though not all, do not seem to give equal services to the locals and seem to have a preferential to treat foreign visitors better. They should take heed that most of their income is derived from locals more than that of foreigners. Foreigner may be willing to pay more, but the main volume of visitors is us locals. So hoteliers take heed!
Why I say this, because while trawling the forums for info, I noticed there were complaints about this lah, that lah, and the hotel can't seem to provide the services. But when a foreigner request for something, it was done immediately.

As for me, I was fortunate not to have encountered bad service and so far my experiences were pretty pleasant. There is of course a trick to remember, you may be a customer, and customers are considered as king, and you rightfully want all the attention and service a hotel may render to you. But do note that the hotel staffs are human too. So a pleasant approach to the staff about your grouses and needs will translate to a better service by the hotel staff. Hey, no one like to deal with a customer from hell! That way your vacation will leave with you fond memories rather than one that was marred with bad service from a hotel.

Have a happy vacation!


Tuesday, May 02, 2006

White Elephant of the Camerons

I came across this editorial submitted by readers of the Star Newspaper published on 2nd May 2006. The writer highlighted the problem of the new bus terminal cum car parking lot in Tanah Rata which was badly designed. The narrow confines and steep turns make it really difficult for most people to move their vehicle within the building. Only the foolhardy or the very brave souls would attempt to drive their vehicle inside. So do make a note to avoid parking in it.

Here's what the reader wrote:




There is a "white elephant" on Cameron Highlands, and it is the multi-storey public car park, tax stand and bus station which, since its completion at end of last year, has not been in used for a simple reason: Use it at your own risk.

The complex is the brainchild of the Cameron Highlands district council and was built with taxpayers' money.

The design is so inane that a motorist must have great maneuvering skill and a daredevil's heart to make his way up its narrow and steep (often scrapping the underbelly of vehicles) slopping driveway.

Of course, only those with old junk of no love for their vehicles would undertake the drive up in the first place. There are already many casualties, judging from the scratch marks on the sides of the walls.

No wonder few people had parked their cars up in the building, with the majority preferring to risk getting police summonses by parking illegally outside and around the building.

Even the taxi drivers have refused to re-locate to the premise. As for the bus drivers, they said it was near impossible for a bus to turn unless the driver is very skilful and prepared to maneuver in driving forward and backward a number of times. In the current situation of expensive fuel, all the bus drivers prefer to stay put in their old station.

If only the council is open-minded in listening to the residents' feedback, the project which has already become an eyesore to the residents will not deteriorate to be the "white elephant" it now is.

We are wondering too how soon is will take the council to rectify the problems.

We are, however, hopeful that the new district officer may be more proactive than the council.

After all, the district officer has recently made known his thoughts that the Cameron Highlands has been neglected in terms of beautiful landscaping.

It is about time too that the council should do something about the landscaping as well as the "white elephant".

SILHOUETTE
Cameron Highlands.