Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Sailing down Rajang

A YEAR into its high profile launch in London and nine months of actual operations on the Rajang River, the RV Orient Pandaw, a river cruise ship owned and operated by Rajang Pandaw Sdn Bhd in Miri, had served more than 800 people between July 2009 and February 2010.

The bulk of the tourists came from Europe, Australia and North America and there has been only one Malaysian passenger.

The Pandaw Cruise on the Rajang River is designed specifically for the niche markets oversea. It is understood that the average age of the passengers is 55, most of them retired professionals.

Many of them are also loyal Pandaw clients having previously experienced Pandaw cruises in Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar or India.

The nine-day, eight-night cruise with full board, costs from US$3,255 (RM10,814) to US$4,995 (RM16,595) depending on the category of accommodation.

The cabin on the main deck for single use is US$3,255 while the twin-sharing on the upper deck costs US$4,995.

The entire cruise covers approximately 719km, departing from Sibu on the first, 10th and 20th of each month. The journey ends in Sibu after touring Kanowit, Song, Kapit, Baleh and Pelagus in the upper Rajang, and Sarikei and Tanjung Manis in the lower Rajang.

The cruising speed is between three to six knots.

“It moves like a floating log,” said Rudy Anoi, an executive with the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) in Sibu. Rudy was on board the ship recently to gather data on the cruise operation.

He said the tourists were generally happy and satisfied with the service and food on board as well as the ground activities.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Sailing down Rajang
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