Tourism Malaysia – product update

Malaysia’s tourism is thriving and in order to cater for the different travel and niche markets, new and improved products are constantly emerging.

The government’s efforts to preserve the country’s unique historical features have earned its rightful listing on the UNESCO heritage listing on 7 July 2008.

HOTELS

Rebak Island Resort, A Taj Hotel

Just 5km off the main island of Langkawi, Rebak Island Resort has recently been re-furbished and its spa re-opened to welcome luxury seekers. Elegant with contemporary features, the resort offers a range of room types, from garden villas to rooms with ocean views. With the range of facilities available, this resort is perfect for couples and families alike.

Majestic Malacca

Majestic Malacca is one of the latest additions to YTL’s portfolio of properties in Malaysia. The hotel preserves the historical features of a typically classic Chinese establishment, which contributes to the rich history of Malacca’s becoming.

The Gardens

Just on the fringe of KL is a new hotel targeted at shoppers and families. Strategically linked to the Mid Valley Mega Mall, one of KL’s biggest and most popular malls, this property means business, particularly for serious shoppers.

Saujana Golf and Country Club

The Saujana Golf and Country Club has opened its new luxury spa wing in August. It features a private pool and spa area next to its beautifully landscaped golf course.  Saujana is located in Subang Jaya, about 5 minutes away from the old International Airport that is currently used for private charter planes.

SHOPPING MALLS

Garden City

An upscale shopping mall located next to the Mid Valley Mega Mall, Garden City offers shoppers luxury brands that Mid Valley may not offer – e.g. Salvatore Ferragamo and Massimo Dutti.  Although not comparable to Starhill Gallery, The Gardens offers an alternative to the mainstream upmarket shopping area of Bukit Bintang’s Golden Triangle.

Sunway Pyramid

A new wing has been added to KL’s Sun city look-alike – Sunway Pyramid. Located 20 minutes from the heart of KL, this stunning mall is one of many local favourites and targets families and college students around the area.  Part of Sunway City, Pyramid is 1/3 of a 3 piece feature which includes the Sunway Resort and Hotel as well as the Sunway Lagoon Water theme park.  

Pavilion

As the newest mall in the Bukit Bintang Golden Triangle, Pavilion is living up to the standards of KL shopping. With mid to high-range shoppers in mind, Pavilion houses almost all brands popular in the UK, US and HK fashion markets.  And if shoppers get lost, the uniformed concierge at the entrance is ever ready to help.  Also home at Pavilion is the Kenko Fish Spa where patrons get dead skin eaten off their feet by Garra Ruffa fish.

ACCESS SERVICES

Air Asia X

Air Asia X will commence its Perth and Melbourne flights to KL later this year.

Flights will operate 4 times a week Perth – KL from 3 November 2008.

Flights will operate 4 times a week from Melbourne – KL from November 2008 with plans to increase to daily return flights during the peak period from December 2008 to mid-January 2009.

Superstar Libra

The Superstar Gemini has now been taken over and replaced by Superstar Libra.

From 8 November ‘8 to 18 march ’09, it will conduct four and three night cruises round trips from Singapore or Port Klang, to Phuket, Penang and Langkawi.  Two-for-one packages are on sale for the inaugural sail.

ACTIVITIES

Turtle adoption Program

From August 2008, a new turtle adoption program started in Sarawak, where volunteers get involved with the entire process. Volunteers get up close and personal to observe the giant turtles make their way onto the shores, dig their holes and lay their hundreds of eggs, before digging out the eggs and transferring them to safe artificial nests and watching them hatch.

A report by Michael Osborne.