Malaysia – a country that’s truly Asia in many fascinating ways. And the time to visit is now as the country introduces a series of unique events during ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2007’.
The essence of this event is vibrantly reflected in its logo which boasts a kaleidoscope of colours that reflects the diversity of cultures and traditions Malaysia is famous for. This is complemented with a hibiscus, the national flower of Malaysia. The tagline ‘Celebrating 50 Years of Nationhood’ describes the country’s 50 years of independence as well as the freedom enjoyed and appreciated by all Malaysians.
Whether you’re planning to organise an event or attend one, Malaysia is the place to be. As a premier destination for MICE activities, Malaysia offers excellent infrastructure, advanced broadband services, state-of-the-art convention facilities and world-class meeting venues.
The country has played host to some of the world’s most prestigious events, namely the International Maritime Expo 2006, the 27th ISME (International Society of Music Education) World Conference 2006, the 12th Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) Congress 2006 and the XVIII Federation of International Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) World Congress 2006, to name a few.
No business trip will be complete without discovering what Malaysia has to offer, especially in 2007.
If you seek excitement and adventure, then don’t miss out on the Heart of Borneo, 4x4 Safari in October, where you can partake in an adventure in a formidable 4WD vehicle.
And the adventure doesn’t end there. Malaysia beckons with her palette of holiday temptations. Discover miles and miles of white sandy beaches and colourful marine life in crystal-clear waters. Heard of leatherback turtles but have never seen one before? Head over to the beaches on the east coast and enjoy this rare sighting. And while at this scenic location, catch the event that has been dubbed as ‘The Formula One of Sailing’– the Terengganu Monsoon Cup in November.
For a memorable eco-trip, hike up Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks, mysteriously shrouded in a veil of clouds. When you’ve had enough of adventure and long to go back to civilisation, it’s time to live it up and immerse yourself in the excitement of pulsating city life.
Chill out from club to club, entertain your palate to an assortment of cuisines such as Malay, Indian, Chinese, continental and fusion during the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival in November, or shop to your heart’s content in open-air bazaars and modern malls during the highly popular Malaysia Year End Sale Carnival in December. Once you’ve had your fill of retail therapy, then treat yourself to entertainment of a different kind – the street kind – during the KL International Buskers’ Festival, where street performers liven up the city with their quirky antics and larger-than-life personalities.
After painting the town red, stop by historical sites in the state of Malacca, visit Portuguese settlements and museums where you can learn about the history of Malaysia. Or stop by Langkawi for one of the major airshows in the world at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition.
From east to west, the highlands to the deep blue sea, the ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2007’ event has a host of exciting cultural shows to city pleasures that’s bound to keep you coming back for more. So once you’re done with seminars and brainstorming, let the fun side of Malaysia sweep you off your feet!
There’s really no need to choose between business or pleasure. You can get it both in Malaysia. Email enq-convention@tourism.gov.my and you will be assisted in planning an eventful trip that promises new adventures and pleasant surprises at every turn. See you in Malaysia soon!
Not only does Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it is widely known) have the quality facilities to hold small, medium and mega-events, it has a MICE fraternity that understands the nuances and needs of the busy event planner and conference and incentive delegates.
KL is a world city - a city that has a definite buzz; a city that is fast-paced and yet offers experiences that are sure to renew the senses and ease the mind; a city where you can shop ‘till you drop; and a city that despite its often frenetic nature is easy to navigate.
With a delightful mix of cross-cultural influences and traditions, Kuala Lumpur radiates an exciting, enticing charm, which will no doubt pique your interest throughout your stay.
As one visitor said, you can let the city’s warmth embrace you as you lose yourself in its unique blend of tradition, culture, old world charm and new world sophistication. Explore its nooks and crannies, and you’ll discover captivating sights, sensational sounds, aromatic smells and fantastic people.
KL is a cultural melting pot. You can wander through communities of Chinese, Malays, South Indians, East Malaysian ethnic groups, Thais, Indonesians, Sikhs and a huge community of expats. Each community offers its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion while influencing each other’s cultures.
As well as being a bustling metropolis by day, KL has a lively nightlife scene, and a fascinating art and performance culture, which blends contemporary and traditional styles from many backgrounds. There is the widest range of sporting activities available with state-of-the-art facilities to impress any sporting enthusiast. The architecture is often described as “eccentric” and most definitely unique – a seamless blend of 100-year-old mansions to awe-inspiring sky scrapers.
For food lovers, KL is a real treat. You can treat your tastebuds to the city’s extremely varied cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all in comfort, and all at very reasonable prices.
KL has also been described as “the heartbeat of the nation”. Found at the confluence of two rivers it has witnessed colonial heritage that has spanned two world wars before independence. The KL of today is a MICE planners’ paradise, with venues like the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and a vast number of five-star resorts making it one of the simplest destinations in which to plan events.
It is an inspirational place to mix business and pleasure.
In recent years the Malaysian destination has been working hard at raising its profile, and has been doing particularly well in terms of overall tourism figures and MICE business.
The year 2006 was unquestionably a better year than 2005 for the tourism industry in Sabah. Sabah welcomed more than two million visitors in 2006, posting a 14.4 per cent increase over 2005. This translates into a tourism receipt of RM2.875 billion for Sabah.
And the growth in MICE business has also been strong. Not only does it offers some wonderful hotels and resorts, but its natural attractions are what makes the destination so appealing to the MICE industry. Where else in the world can you be conferencing in the morning and watching orang-utans in their natural habitat in the afternoon, exploring the wilderness on a mountain hike, tasting exotic foods from market stalls, or sunning yourself on the beach? In Sabah, of course.
Sabah’s population is heterogeneous and culturally diverse, with more than 30 different ethnic races and over 80 local dialects spoken. Traditions and customs have long been part of the resident’s daily lives.
Well-known as the “Land Below The Wind” and also “Land Of The Sacred Mountain”, Sabah is a land of varied landscapes and natural wonders.
Like the rest of the Southeast Asian archipelago, Sabah has been culturally affected by the powerful external, continental influences from mainland Asia. However, the heterogeneous population often dramatically reveals its well-preserved wonderful customs and practices. Though the country modernises, and certain rituals and special ceremonial occasions are less frequently performed, one can still experience and observe Sabah’s rich tapestry of custom in the local population’s daily life as well as their special local festivals.
Here you’ll find a MICE destination that’s totally unexpected, offering the world’s oldest rainforests, endless pristine white beaches, unique flora and fauna and a skyline of mountains that range among the highest in the region.
Indeed, Sabah is stunningly beautiful from every angle – whether from a luxurious five-star hotel room or out in the wild. Few meeting and incentive destinations offer first-rate facilities combined with such unique and memorable experiences for delegates.
First-time visitors to Sabah will most probably fly into the seaside city of Kota Kinabalu. Located here are some of Malaysia’s most beautiful resorts including the Sutera Harbour Resort (see page 42), Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort and the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort is set on Pantai Dalit Beach surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical vegetation, including a unique nature reserve. It is here that you can meet Sabah’s icon, the fascinating orang-utan, as well as a remarkable array of indigenous flora and fauna. The many options for relaxation include the magnificent Spa at Dalit Bay, a wide range of water sports, Rasa Ria’s own catamarans for cruises and deep sea fishing, a challenging 18-hole championship golf course, ATV safaris, tennis, horse riding, a fitness centre and a fun-filled Kids’ Club to care for younger visitors.
Just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport is Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort. With 495 recently renovated rooms and suites, seven restaurants and bars, and a wealth of enjoyable recreational opportunities for families and leisure travelers, the resort is looking forward to opening CHI, The Spa at Shangr-La, a luxurious private spa experience based on traditional Asian healing philosophies. The spa will comprise five individual garden suites, three couples’ villas and an open yoga pavilion, all located on Pulau Bayu, the resort’s private island.
For nature-lovers Kota Kinabalu is also the best place to start exploring the ancient rainforests of Sabah, including the stunning Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Guests can learn more about Mount Kinabalu at the base of the mountain and then take off on the climb (if they are keen hikers). The walk is said to be one of the most unique in the world – taking climbers from tropical rainforest through montane oak forest to the rocky sub-alpine summit plateau.
The climb starts from Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters, only a couple of hours drive but already more than 1500 metres above Kota Kinabalu on the coast. The climb is usually done in two days from here. The use of an authorised guide is compulsory while a porter is an optional luxury.
For those with a love of adventure a journey to the other side of Borneo (to Sandakan) is a must. It is here that visitors will discover the world-famous Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre – home to some of the last wild orang-utans in Borneo. This is one of the most exciting activities anybody can do. You’ll see orang-utans that have recently been released back into the wild being fed as they progress from captive patients to healthy animals living in the wild.
Savvy event planners have held “breakfasts in the wild” here, enjoying a hearty breakfast as the local residents eat their breakfast just metres away. It truly is a magical experience.
Another must-see from Sandakan is the Gomantong Caves, an intricate limestone cave system, about 100 kilometres from Sandakan. The Gomantong Caves are well known for their birds’ nest industry. The local people who live near to the caves collect birds’ nests using what appears to be the flimsiest bamboo ladders and poles ever made. It’s a dangerous business, and one that has to be seen to truly be believed.
Sabah Tourism has a comprehensive website that is a great starting point. Visit www.sabahtourism.com for further details.
Sutera Harbour Resort, strategically showcased on the shores of the South China Sea with the majestic Mt Kinabalu as its backdrop, is located just 10 minutes away from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport and five minutes into the city centre.
Sutera Harbour Resort encompasses the five-star accommodation of The Pacific Sutera, The Magellan Sutera and Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club. Sutera Harbour Resort’s status as a unique leisure attraction is augmented by its affiliation to the North Borneo Railway vintage steam train and the eco-resorts of the five Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.
Subtle elegance permeates The Pacific Sutera with its grand entrance, high ceiling lobby lounge, panoramic views of the sea and 500 immaculately appointed rooms and suites. Strategically located on the two uppermost floors of the hotel are the Pacific Club rooms. Pacific Club guests enjoy a wide range of facilities including business services as well as continental breakfast and complimentary evening cocktails at the Pacific Club Lounge, which offers a spectacular view of the South China Sea as well as the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
The Magellan Sutera welcomes guests to its 456 rooms and suites with a captivating and grand “longhouse-style” lobby. The majority of its rooms feature private balconies where guests can take full advantage of the beautiful natural setting. The Magellan Club offers personalised butler service and its private lounge serves complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails and reception services for discerning guests.
Sutera Harbour Resort houses two spas for guests to indulge in rejuvenating massage treatments, body scrubs and beauty therapies using natural herbs, flowers and spices – the two-storey Mandara Spa at The Magellan Sutera and Body Senses by Mandara at The Pacific Sutera.
The meeting, incentive, conference and event facilities at Sutera Harbour Resort include a Grand Ballroom at The Pacific Sutera with the capacity to host 1000 guests theatre-style and 550 guests banquet-style, and The Magellan Sutera’s Grand Ballroom which can accommodate 2000 guests theatre-style or 1400 guests banquet-style. There are 28 other function rooms throughout Sutera Harbour Resort.
At the heart of Sutera Harbour Resort lies Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club featuring facilities at the prestigious Sutera Harbour Golf Club and Sutera Harbour Marina & Country Club. Designed by leading golf designer Graham Marsh, Sutera Harbour Golf Club was awarded the distinction of Best Golf Attraction at the Sabah Tourism Awards 2005/2006 and the title of Best Golf Resort nationwide at the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2005-2006. The 27-hole championship golf course is beautifully landscaped with terrains and waterways and provides a challenge for both amateurs and top professionals. Playing any combination of 18 holes, golfers will enjoy a par 72, 6000-metre course. The resort also offers night golf facilities.
Extensive recreational facilities are found at the Sutera Harbour Marina & Country Club featuring a 12-lane bowling alley, children’s club, chart room, fitness centre with sauna and Jacuzzi, 100-seat movie theatre, billiards room, outdoor and covered tennis courts, squash and badminton courts, and three outdoor pools – Olympic-size swimming pool, fun pool with water slide and children’s pool.
The deep-water marina is easily accessible and is protected year-round from extreme weather conditions. It has 104 berths that can accommodate 13 mega yachts (up to 180 feet) and 91 fully-serviced wet slips for smaller boats, available for short and long-term rental. A dry dock is available for dry storage of boats, as are launch and take out services as well as fuel jetty and pump out services. Facilities include 24-hour on-ground security, supply of electricity and fresh water, fire fighting facilities and wireless internet access.
Sutera Harbour Resort is renowned for its innovative dining and entertainment experiences. With 14 restaurants and bars, of which The Pacific Sutera’s Chinese restaurant, Silk Garden, and The Magellan Sutera’s Italian fine dining restaurant, Ferdinand’s, feature regularly on Malaysian best restaurant lists, guests will be spoilt for choice.
Last century, when the Dayak Warriors of Sarawak were still headhunting in the thick Borneo rainforest, an Englishman sailed to Borneo and helped the Sultan to win peace between the warring tribes. Captain James Brooke was rewarded for his efforts by becoming the first “White Rajah of Sarawak” – the beginning of a new dynasty and the British colonial influence is still seen today in the many colonial buildings and forts and in the legal and government ceremonial practices used in Sarawak.
Today many international corporate groups are also discovering Sarawak’s potential as a fresh new meetings destination with its own special character. Sarawak offers unique culture, stylish cities and authentic eco-tourism products in a stunning location.
Recently, Tourism Malaysia organised a post-event tour to Kuching, Sarawak for 23 buyers from all over the world after the Global Meet Malaysia 2007 in Langkawi. Sarawak Convention Bureau introduced this group to some of the top city-based incentive ideas.
The group stayed at the Hilton Kuching in the city centre where they were invited to a rainforest-meets-jungle theme party as their welcome event. All things green including jungle greens, camouflage face paint, palm fronds and rice wine were served accompanies by musical themes from the Lion King, Tarzan and African drummers. Local green sarong-clad jungle maidens from the Hilton team made the group welcome and set the tone for a fun and relaxing night of great food and wine.
The next day, after an early morning visit to the nearby Orang-utan Sanctuary at Semonggoh, some of the group chose to kayak down a tributary of the Sarawak River through the magnificent rainforest. After an hour of drifting down with the current the group pulled into a secluded river beach where a gourmet picnic lunch was served.
Kira Fecher from Germany said, “The kayaking and the journey in the rainforest are so amazing, the pace is leisurely and the atmosphere is intimate – a truly memorable experience.”
When the group reached the exit point at Kampung Semadang, costumed Bidayuh villagers came out to greet them and performed a traditional welcome ceremonial dance.
The other half of the group went further up the mountain range to the secluded Borneo Highlands Resort on the border with Indonesia. This spectacular location is home to one of the most unusual and challenging golf courses in Malaysia and is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the spa.
Delegates were offered local massage and beauty treatments using rainforest-inspired products. Pamela Holsinger from Australia said, “It is a beautiful, unspoilt destination and value for money.”
Sarawak is home to many spectacular cave systems including the largest cave in the world where you could park 45 jumbo jets. The Global Meet Group did not have time to travel to Mulu or Miri
Caves on this visit, however they were treated to lunch in one of Kuching’s smallest limestone caves at Bau. Delegates strolled through the animal compound to the cave where they were greeted with performances from a guitar-playing Fred Flintsone and listened to the haunting sounds of the sape, a locally made wooden instrument favoured by the orang-ulu people.
For their final night the group only had to walk down to the Kuching waterfront and take a sampan over the river to experience an evening of traditional Malay hospitality. The delegates were amazed at the totally different lifestyle of the traditional Kampung Bayon right in the middle of the busy city.
After being greeted and decked out in traditional sarongs by the head families, the local children demonstrated their prowess at silat martial arts and soccer and performed a combination of traditional and modern songs accompanied by the Gendang Melayu. After a sumptuous meal showcasing local delicacies and fresh barbecued seafood, guests were invited into several homes in the Kampung for dessert and coffee including a selection of cake lapis – baked and sold at the Kampung.
Koki Arima from Japan said, “I did not expect our final night to be so enchanting, I can’t wait to bring my clients here to experience it.”
During their visit the group also had the chance to visit the site of the new Convention and Exhibition Centre for a hard hat site inspection and progress report. Delegates were transferred from their hotel to the Kuching Isthmus in style by a combination of big bikers and tiny vespers making the most of the Kuching City sights along the way. According to another participant, “The big bike tour is a different way to explore the city. I do travel a lot but the trip to Sarawak is really outstanding”.
The participants were all very positive in their feedback on Sarawak’s potential and many are hoping to return soon with their clients. Julia Ickstadt from Germany said there were “very nice and friendly people here. Sarawak is a very special and characteristic destination”.
Crowne Plaza Riverside Kuching
Strategically located in the heart of Kuching’s entertainment, dining, shopping and business district, Crowne Plaza Riverside Kuching is 20 minutes from the Kuching International Airport and minutes away from the city’s major tourist attractions. Overlooking the historical Fort Margherita across the Sarawak River, it commands a panoramic view of the city and the Kuching Waterfront, and is adjacent to a five-storey shopping podium with a cineplex and bowling alleys. The property has 241 guest rooms, four restaurants and conference space. For further details visit www.crowneplaza.com.
Holiday Inn Kuching
Described as being Kuching’s only riverfront hotel, the Holiday Inn Kuching commands an unrivalled view of the picturesque Sarawak River and colourful Malay villages. Situated in the heart of the city’s business, entertainment and shopping district, the hotel is 20 minutes’ drive from the Kuching International Airport. With tourist attractions such as the Kuching Waterfront, Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple, Fort Margherita and Main Bazaar just nearby, Holiday Inn Kuching certainly has one of the best locations in town for business or leisure. The property offers 288 guest rooms and three restaurants. For further details visit www.holidayinn.com.
Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach
Sprawling over 90 acres of prime sea-front land, framed by the lush tropical forest of the legendary and majestic Mount Santubong, lies the Holiday Inn Resort Damai Beach. The idyllic resort offers an abundance of land and sea-sports activities for complete fun and relaxation. Yet, discovery of the ethnic Sarawak culture and village lifestyle is only a step away. Complemented by a variety of dining and entertainment pleasures, it makes every stay a delightful experience. The property offers 253 guest rooms, two restaurants, meetings facilities, and plenty of places to help guests relax and unwind.
For further details visit www.holidayinn.com.
Hilton Kuching Hotel
Gaze across the Sarawak River from the central Hilton Kuching hotel. Keep fit at the fitness centre and unwind with a dip in the outdoor pool. Savor oysters with a glass of wine at the Steakhouse restaurant. The Hilton Kuching hotel, just 25 minutes from the airport, has a business centre and nine meeting rooms for up to 750 delegates. Guests can experience local culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village and visit orang-utans at the Semenggoh Wildlife Park, take a sunset cruise on the Sarawak River, try seared tuna at the Steakhouse restaurant, or buttered prawns at Toh Yuen restaurant. For further details visit www.hilton.com.
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites is strategically located in the heart of Kuching fronting the Padang Merdeka. It is within walking distance of the commercial and business centre, historical sites, and is a 25 minute drive from the Kuching International Airport. The property offers 213 rooms of various configurations, restaurants and six multi-purpose rooms which can cater for between 12 and 600 delegates theatre-style. It also has a gymnasium, pool, sauna and spa facilities. For further details visit www.merdekapalace.com.
Hotel Grand Continental - Kuching
Strategically located in the commercial and financial heart of the city, the Hotel Grand Continental – Kuching is just a short stroll away from places of interest, such as the Sarawak Museum, Chinese History Museum and The Waterfront, also known as Main Bazaar. The property has three divisible meeting rooms, a ballroom and a large poolside terrace area which is popular for cocktail parties and social events. For further details visit www.ghihotels.com/malaysia. />
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