Homestay a good way to see country
Thursday March 26, 2009
I AM all for the support of any initiative to bolster the rural economy, especially during this period of economic uncertainties. Thus the report, “Tourism Ministry pushes homestay concept” (The Star, March 17) is a welcome move.
Homestay for tourists as a tourism product and a Malaysian attraction should be given due emphasis as it does not incur a big sum of money. It does not need to construct any infrastructure, except for promotions to “sell” our fast disappearing Malaysian way of life.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Mayflower Restaurant Steamboat
Mayflower Restaurant Steamboat:
Steaming out in the highlands
Story and photos by Grace Chen
Sunday March 22, 2009
To keep warm in Cameron Highlands, a steamboat dinner may just be the answer
The one point that Swee Pooi Choy wanted to push across was “honesty”.
To prove it, the 64-year-old owner of a steamboat restaurant who had just transferred his 21-year-old business to his two sons, would point to the signboard at his restaurant front.
Steaming out in the highlands
Story and photos by Grace Chen
Sunday March 22, 2009
To keep warm in Cameron Highlands, a steamboat dinner may just be the answer
The one point that Swee Pooi Choy wanted to push across was “honesty”.
United: (Left) A family that cooks together, stays together, insisted Swee Pooi Choy (far left) of Mayflower Restaurant. He is joined by his elder son, Kuan Wei, wife, Yoon Ah Ying, 62, (standing) and Kuan Hoe (with glasses).
To prove it, the 64-year-old owner of a steamboat restaurant who had just transferred his 21-year-old business to his two sons, would point to the signboard at his restaurant front.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Nepenthes Pitcher Plant - epitome of exotica
Epitome of exotica
Stories by Tan Cheng Li
Tuesday March 17, 2009
Exotic and enigmatic, the pitcher plant is a deadly beauty that has been mesmerising enthusiasts for centuries.
IMAGINE a plant whose leaves can grow into elongated cups complete with lids; cups that ooze sweet nectar to draw in insects which are then feasted upon by the plant. That is the carnivorous pitcher plant, or Nepenthes, for you.
This enigmatic plant, with its bizarre characteristics and wide-ranging colours and shapes, has besotted people ever since a species in Madagascar first caught the attention of Europeans in 1658.
Stories by Tan Cheng Li
Tuesday March 17, 2009
Exotic and enigmatic, the pitcher plant is a deadly beauty that has been mesmerising enthusiasts for centuries.
IMAGINE a plant whose leaves can grow into elongated cups complete with lids; cups that ooze sweet nectar to draw in insects which are then feasted upon by the plant. That is the carnivorous pitcher plant, or Nepenthes, for you.
This enigmatic plant, with its bizarre characteristics and wide-ranging colours and shapes, has besotted people ever since a species in Madagascar first caught the attention of Europeans in 1658.
Nepenthes enthusiast Mohd Fauzi Abu Bakar started growing the carnivorous plant in 2002 and has since turned his hobby into an income-generator.
Nepenthes pitcher plant - Growing nepenthes market
Growing nepenthes market
Tuesday March 17, 2009
GOOGLE “nepenthes” and you will get a string of hits on companies selling the plant. Fascination with Nepenthes has always been great but with the Internet, it has grown immense and selling the plant has never been easier.
One company is offering the N. platychila, described only in 2002 and known only from Hose Mountain in central Sarawak, for US$72 (RM266) for a small plant and US$144 (RM420), a large one. This species is prized for its funnel-shaped pitchers with unusually wide and flat peristome (the rim at the mouth of the pitcher) which is beautifully striped with red, yellow and purple.
Tuesday March 17, 2009
GOOGLE “nepenthes” and you will get a string of hits on companies selling the plant. Fascination with Nepenthes has always been great but with the Internet, it has grown immense and selling the plant has never been easier.
One company is offering the N. platychila, described only in 2002 and known only from Hose Mountain in central Sarawak, for US$72 (RM266) for a small plant and US$144 (RM420), a large one. This species is prized for its funnel-shaped pitchers with unusually wide and flat peristome (the rim at the mouth of the pitcher) which is beautifully striped with red, yellow and purple.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Earth Hour - message of hope against global warming
Special menus and activities lined-up for Earth Hour
By Fazleena Aziz
Monday March 16, 2009
IN conjunction with the Earth Hour 2009, YTL Corporation will switch off the lights at 20 landmarks across the country and Singapore from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 28.
The one-hour lights off event is aimed at sending a message of hope and action against global warming.
The YTL establishments that will be part of the Earth Hour 2009 are — Starhill Galllery, JW Marriot KL, The Ritz-Carlton KL, The Residences at The Ritz Carlton KL, Lot 10, YTL Corporation Headquarters, One Oriental place, Sentul Park, Sentul Park Koi Centre, Vistana Kuala Lumpur, Vistana Penang, Vistana Kuantan, Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort, Cameron Highlands Resort, The Majestic Malacca, The KL Performing Arts Centre, Lake Edge-Puchong, Pantai Hillpark, The Maple at Sentul West, The Tamarind at Sentul East, The Saffron at Sentul East, Spa Village Kuala Lumpur and Wisma Atria Singapore.
By Fazleena Aziz
Monday March 16, 2009
IN conjunction with the Earth Hour 2009, YTL Corporation will switch off the lights at 20 landmarks across the country and Singapore from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 28.
The one-hour lights off event is aimed at sending a message of hope and action against global warming.
The YTL establishments that will be part of the Earth Hour 2009 are — Starhill Galllery, JW Marriot KL, The Ritz-Carlton KL, The Residences at The Ritz Carlton KL, Lot 10, YTL Corporation Headquarters, One Oriental place, Sentul Park, Sentul Park Koi Centre, Vistana Kuala Lumpur, Vistana Penang, Vistana Kuantan, Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort, Cameron Highlands Resort, The Majestic Malacca, The KL Performing Arts Centre, Lake Edge-Puchong, Pantai Hillpark, The Maple at Sentul West, The Tamarind at Sentul East, The Saffron at Sentul East, Spa Village Kuala Lumpur and Wisma Atria Singapore.
Boh Teh-O Ais in a can
FRET not when you are craving for a sip of Teh-O-Ais and there is no mamak stall in sight. BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd (BOH) and Yeo Hiap Seng (Malaysia) Berhad have launched this authentically Malaysian beverage in a ready-to-drink form, called Boh Teh-O-Ais.
Boh Teh-O-Ais is made from freshly brewed tea from Cameron Highlands and is fused with honey, making it a refreshing drink. Served chilled, it is the ideal thirst quencher for our hot weather.
The drink comes in vibrant orange coloured 300ml cans and 250ml tetra brik packs for consumers’ convenience.
The drink is available in Teh-O-Ais Original, but if you prefer a tangy twist, go for the Teh-O-Ais Lemon or Teh-O-Ais Passion Fruit.
Boh Teh-O-Ais is made from freshly brewed tea from Cameron Highlands and is fused with honey, making it a refreshing drink. Served chilled, it is the ideal thirst quencher for our hot weather.
The drink comes in vibrant orange coloured 300ml cans and 250ml tetra brik packs for consumers’ convenience.
The drink is available in Teh-O-Ais Original, but if you prefer a tangy twist, go for the Teh-O-Ais Lemon or Teh-O-Ais Passion Fruit.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Tourism Malaysia top Travel Destinations
Which states in Malaysia has the most tourist? Let see which tops the tourism Malaysia travel destinations for tourist arrivals.
1. Kuala Lumpur - 16.3 million
2. Pahang - 10.1 million
3. Sabah - 6.2 million
4. Penang - 5.2 - 6.3 million
Cheers!
More tourists visiting Penang last year, says CM
Tuesday March 3, 2009
PENANG’S tourist arrivals saw a jump of 21.6% last year compared to 2007 and the numbers could have been higher if not for the global economic situation, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“The state was the fourth most visited state in the country after Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Sabah.
1. Kuala Lumpur - 16.3 million
2. Pahang - 10.1 million
3. Sabah - 6.2 million
4. Penang - 5.2 - 6.3 million
Cheers!
More tourists visiting Penang last year, says CM
Tuesday March 3, 2009
PENANG’S tourist arrivals saw a jump of 21.6% last year compared to 2007 and the numbers could have been higher if not for the global economic situation, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“The state was the fourth most visited state in the country after Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Sabah.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Enviromental issues - Preserving a borrowed legacy
Preserving a borrowed legacy
By Melati Mohd Ariff
Monday March 2, 2009
This is the final feature of a series of three on Cameron Highlands
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The water crisis that hit Cameron Highlands in the late 1990s prompted several concerned residents to form the Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH).
Against the many challenges that came its way, REACH continues to gain momentum, garnering support especially from the local residents in making its stance on the many environmental issues plaguing the highlands.
REACH president Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, 43, born and bred in Cameron Highlands, has been at the helm of this community-based body since the organisation took shape in 1998.
By Melati Mohd Ariff
Monday March 2, 2009
This is the final feature of a series of three on Cameron Highlands
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The water crisis that hit Cameron Highlands in the late 1990s prompted several concerned residents to form the Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH).
Against the many challenges that came its way, REACH continues to gain momentum, garnering support especially from the local residents in making its stance on the many environmental issues plaguing the highlands.
REACH president Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, 43, born and bred in Cameron Highlands, has been at the helm of this community-based body since the organisation took shape in 1998.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Pahang moves to boost service for tourists
Pahang moves to boost service for tourists
By Simon Khoo
Wednesday February 25, 2009
JERANTUT: Pahang will continue to find ways to enhance the knowledge and skills of tourist guides and supervisors of freshwater sanctuaries in the state, says State Culture, Arts, Tourism and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif.
Shafik Fauzan said that people in the two professions needed to be equipped with information on the environment and aquaculture so that they could inform visitors.
A recent initiative adopted by the state was to take them on site visits to Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu, he said.
“The participants in the visits were guides for places like Taman Negara, Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands and Merapoh.
By Simon Khoo
Wednesday February 25, 2009
JERANTUT: Pahang will continue to find ways to enhance the knowledge and skills of tourist guides and supervisors of freshwater sanctuaries in the state, says State Culture, Arts, Tourism and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif.
Shafik Fauzan said that people in the two professions needed to be equipped with information on the environment and aquaculture so that they could inform visitors.
A recent initiative adopted by the state was to take them on site visits to Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu, he said.
“The participants in the visits were guides for places like Taman Negara, Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands and Merapoh.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Finding the right strategies for tourism industry
Finding the right strategies
By Cecilia Kok
Saturday February 21, 2009
This 2009 is definitely going to be a tough year for the tourism industry across the world as the worsening economic crisis causes long-haul visitors to stay home and regional travellers to cut short their trips to cut back on spending.
And bracing for the challenges ahead, most tourism authorities across the Asian region have already set their tourist-arrival targets lower for 2009.
For instance, Hong Kong is expecting a shortfall of 1.6% in tourist arrivals for 2009 compared with 29.5 million in 2008, while Singapore anticipates its tourist arrivals this year to fall between 9 and 9.5 million, compared with 10.1 million last year. For Thailand, where tourism is one of the pillar industries to the economy, the number of foreign visitors is expected to fall from 14.24 million last year to 14 million in 2009.
In line with the regional trend, Malaysia’s tourist-arrival target of 20 million for 2009 represents a decline of 9% from the numbers achieved last year.
By Cecilia Kok
Saturday February 21, 2009
This 2009 is definitely going to be a tough year for the tourism industry across the world as the worsening economic crisis causes long-haul visitors to stay home and regional travellers to cut short their trips to cut back on spending.
And bracing for the challenges ahead, most tourism authorities across the Asian region have already set their tourist-arrival targets lower for 2009.
For instance, Hong Kong is expecting a shortfall of 1.6% in tourist arrivals for 2009 compared with 29.5 million in 2008, while Singapore anticipates its tourist arrivals this year to fall between 9 and 9.5 million, compared with 10.1 million last year. For Thailand, where tourism is one of the pillar industries to the economy, the number of foreign visitors is expected to fall from 14.24 million last year to 14 million in 2009.
In line with the regional trend, Malaysia’s tourist-arrival target of 20 million for 2009 represents a decline of 9% from the numbers achieved last year.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Experts called in to study Camerons Highlands apartments
Experts called in to study Camerons Highlands apartments
By Jaspal Singh
17-02-2009
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Two independent consultants will study the structure of three blocks of apartments in Kuala Terla which were evacuated last Friday, after wide cracks appeared on one of the blocks.
The Cameron Highlands District Council has asked them to prepare reports detailing the reasons behind the weakening of the structure and the level of strength of the soil in the affected area.
Council president Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani said the consultants, a structural specialist and the other with expertise in the geotechnical field, had been asked to submit reports to the local authority in two weeks' time.
"The council takes this matter seriously, especially in view of the many hillside tragedies that have occurred elsewhere.
"We are taking immediate action to ascertain the factors that led to the wide cracks on the apartment block."
By Jaspal Singh
17-02-2009
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Two independent consultants will study the structure of three blocks of apartments in Kuala Terla which were evacuated last Friday, after wide cracks appeared on one of the blocks.
The Cameron Highlands District Council has asked them to prepare reports detailing the reasons behind the weakening of the structure and the level of strength of the soil in the affected area.
Council president Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani said the consultants, a structural specialist and the other with expertise in the geotechnical field, had been asked to submit reports to the local authority in two weeks' time.
"The council takes this matter seriously, especially in view of the many hillside tragedies that have occurred elsewhere.
"We are taking immediate action to ascertain the factors that led to the wide cracks on the apartment block."
Sunday, February 08, 2009
It’ll be good to fly direct to Malaysia again
It’ll be good to fly direct to Malaysia again
Sunday February 8, 2009
I HAD the pleasure of visiting Malaysia for the first time recently. It was a most rewarding and eye-opening experience.
I couldn’t believe how clean and tidy your streets and fantastic freeways were. I haven’t seen cleaner highway restrooms anywhere.
The country also seemed to be thriving.
Visiting the Cameron Highlands was a memorable experience and a highlight of the trip. The staff at Strawberry Park Resort were very accommodating.
But the best part of Malaysia was that everywhere I went the local people were friendly, cheerful and always willing to help.
The only problem is that I live in the north west of Australia, in Broome. We had to come via Perth, an extra six hours flying time.
As I write, the Broome International Airport is trying to get an international carrier to fly in and out of Broome. If anyone from Malaysia Airlines or any other airline reads this, could you please help us get direct flights from Broome to Kuala Lumpur? I am sure it will be a very worthwhile exercise.
Sebastian Von Perger,
Broome, West Australia.
Sunday February 8, 2009
I HAD the pleasure of visiting Malaysia for the first time recently. It was a most rewarding and eye-opening experience.
I couldn’t believe how clean and tidy your streets and fantastic freeways were. I haven’t seen cleaner highway restrooms anywhere.
The country also seemed to be thriving.
Visiting the Cameron Highlands was a memorable experience and a highlight of the trip. The staff at Strawberry Park Resort were very accommodating.
But the best part of Malaysia was that everywhere I went the local people were friendly, cheerful and always willing to help.
The only problem is that I live in the north west of Australia, in Broome. We had to come via Perth, an extra six hours flying time.
As I write, the Broome International Airport is trying to get an international carrier to fly in and out of Broome. If anyone from Malaysia Airlines or any other airline reads this, could you please help us get direct flights from Broome to Kuala Lumpur? I am sure it will be a very worthwhile exercise.
Sebastian Von Perger,
Broome, West Australia.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Hillside development governed by greed
Adnan: Hillside development governed by greed
By Simon Khoo
Thursday February 5, 2009
Kuantan: Lack of staff and equipment is hampering efforts by local councils to check hillside development, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
He said there were adequate rules and regulations to take offenders to court.
By Simon Khoo
Thursday February 5, 2009
Kuantan: Lack of staff and equipment is hampering efforts by local councils to check hillside development, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
He said there were adequate rules and regulations to take offenders to court.
“The problem is that Pahang is a huge state and the local councils lack staff to carry out enforcement activities. The root problem, however, is greed. Precarious: File photo of a landslide at Cameron Highlands, Pahang.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
One-night stay at Genting for local cyclist who wins a stage
One-night stay at Genting for local cyclist who wins a stage
Wednesday February 4, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: National cyclists will be rewarded with a one-night stay at the Genting Hotel worth RM1,000 if they win any of the seven stages of the Tour of Langkawi (LTdL), which begins on Monday.
Resorts World Bhd (RWB) executive director Tan Sri Alwi Jantan said the incentive was to encourage the national cyclists to aim for greater heights.
“We believe that our riders are just as capable as the foreign cyclists and can win one of the seven stages,” said Alwi after handing over RWB’s RM1mil sponsorship, in cash and kind, to LTdl chief operating officer Datuk Naim Mohd for the seven-day Tour yesterday.
Wednesday February 4, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: National cyclists will be rewarded with a one-night stay at the Genting Hotel worth RM1,000 if they win any of the seven stages of the Tour of Langkawi (LTdL), which begins on Monday.
Resorts World Bhd (RWB) executive director Tan Sri Alwi Jantan said the incentive was to encourage the national cyclists to aim for greater heights.
“We believe that our riders are just as capable as the foreign cyclists and can win one of the seven stages,” said Alwi after handing over RWB’s RM1mil sponsorship, in cash and kind, to LTdl chief operating officer Datuk Naim Mohd for the seven-day Tour yesterday.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Dengue still prevalent
Dengue still prevalent
By Rosalina Mohamad
Tuesday February 3, 2009
KUANTAN: A total of 83 dengue cases have been reported in Pahang as of Jan 19, a slight increase compared to the 80 cases recorded in the same corresponding period last year.
Kuantan topped the list with 41 cases followed by Jerantut (10), Bera (six), five each in Temerloh and Maran, four each in Pekan and Raub, three each in Bentong and Rompin, two in Lipis and none in Cameron Highlands. [Yey! That's good. - Editor]
State health director Datuk Dr Rosnah Ismail said, to date, no deaths had been reported.
By Rosalina Mohamad
Tuesday February 3, 2009
KUANTAN: A total of 83 dengue cases have been reported in Pahang as of Jan 19, a slight increase compared to the 80 cases recorded in the same corresponding period last year.
Kuantan topped the list with 41 cases followed by Jerantut (10), Bera (six), five each in Temerloh and Maran, four each in Pekan and Raub, three each in Bentong and Rompin, two in Lipis and none in Cameron Highlands. [Yey! That's good. - Editor]
State health director Datuk Dr Rosnah Ismail said, to date, no deaths had been reported.
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