e-borneo.com - Travel Borneo Blog

Sabah expects 20 per cent growth in tourist arrivals

2008-05-14T18:09:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The growth in tourist arrivals per annum in Sabah is projected to be above 20 per cent in the next five years, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman.

“Our (Sabah) projection for 2010 is 3.4 million tourist arrivals, with tourism receipts exceeding RM6.5 billion and, in fact, Sabah Tourism Board’s (STB) target is to achieve one per cent of the US$2,000 billion world tourism receipts by 2020,” he said at the opening of the three-day First Commonwealth Sport Tourism Conference here yesterday.

Musa, who was represented by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun, said last year, Sabah received 2.48 million visitors, representing a five-fold increase over the 1998’s figure of about 400,000.

He said significantly the number of international tourists approached the one million mark and some 40 per cent of tourist arrivals were repeat visitors, with average length of stay of eight nights and nine days.

Sabah’s reaped over RM4.7 billion in tourism receipts, surpassing the RM3.2 billion estimated for 2007 and accounting for 14.8 per cent of the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), said the Chief Minister.

According to Musa, in view of the impressive growth in tourism and the fact that Sabah had great potential to be a world class tourist destination given its abundant natural attractions, the government was targeting to make tourism the state’s main economic driver.

“Our focus is on sustainable tourism development, with high yield longer-staying tourists, and we have already taken pro-active steps to boost our tourism capabilities such as implementing our comprehensive long-term plans for hotel accommodation and for training and upgrading of skills of tourism personnel,” he said. He said the state government was already in discussion with renowned signature resorts to anchor new tourism products such as spa and wellness tourism in Kundasang and marine tourism on the islands.

Continue reading at: Sabah expects 20 per cent growth in tourist arrivals

Miri Jazz Fest ends on high note

2008-05-14T18:08:00.001+08:00

By George Francis

MIRI - The 3rd Miri International Jazz Festival, held on May 9 and May 10, ended on a high note with bigger and better acts.

It attracted 6,000 visitors compared to 4,000 last year. Many came from Brunei, Sabah, Singapore, Peninsula Malaysia and expatriates living in the region and European tourists.

Two nights of marvellous shows held at the Pavilion of Parkcity Everly Hotel saw renowned jazz performers from the international circuit of Australia, Philippines, Japan, Cuba, Britain, Canada, Algeria, a jazz street band "T'Inventielke" from Holland, and near to home the Borneo Jazz Quartet from Sarawak.

Havana Sax from Cuba, one of the performers from last year's line up made a come back at this year's festival, after the crowd voted the band as their favourite. The band was formed in the 1980s as a classical saxophone quartet before a percussionist was added to incorporate Cuban rhythm to its beat.

Asia's Charmaine Clamor, is the first Phillipine jazz songtress to have her debut album titled Searching for the Soul (2005) played over American radios. She has successfully combined American jazz with blues, soul and traditional Filipino folk music genre she calls jazzipino which was incorporated into her second album 'Flippin Out' released last year.

Another big-name performer is Amar Sindy, an accomplished guitarist who plays a mix of Chicago blues and folk beat traceable to Tuaregs root from the Sahara Desert.

Mood Indigo, a band from Britain, featured a wide repertoire, including blues and swing. The band has under its belt a hit album called "God Bless the Child'.

Japan's contribution is a six-peiece band called Oma Sound, led by a 74-year-old accomplished bassist, Isao Suzuki, who has been in the music business since 1956.

From down under, Daimond Dave and the Doodaddies, a four-piece group introduced a good selection of Chicago-style jazz numbers with band leader Daimond Dave Billing playing the harmonica, combining the expressive acoustic approach and the driving amplified style.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Sports Tourism has great potential as revenue earner for Sabah

2008-05-14T18:06:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sport Tourism can play a vital role in the growth of the tourism industry in Sabah. For example, the golf tourism, which is popular with the North Asian market, particularly Korean and Japanese, has shown great potential as a revenue earner for Sabah, said Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.

Musa, who was represented by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun, at the official opening of the 1st Commonwealth Sport Tourism Conference yesterday, said that the steady increase in revenue from golf tourism indicates that Sabah is one of the popular destinations among foreign golfers.

The event was launched by the Head of State, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmadshah Abdullah and was witnessed also by Tourism Minister, Dato Sri Azalina Dato Othman Said.

Last year, more than 46,000 golf rounds or 20 percent of the total golf rounds in Sabah was played by international golfers. Sabah also hosted the 2008 Asian Tour Qualifying School with over 500 professional golfers from 25 countries participating.

One of Sabah’s most successful sport tourism events is the Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon, dubbed the ‘World’s Toughest Mountain Race’ and currently into its 22nd year, he said. “In 1999, the Climbathon received a major boost when Malaysia won its bid to host the World Mountain Running Trophy at the scenic Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site,” he said.

Continue reading at: Sports Tourism has great potential as revenue earner for Sabah

Full force of the Bajau

2008-05-13T17:46:00.001+08:00

PAINTING the town red is an understatement in Semporna in Sabah especially when the Regatta Lepa Festival makes its annual round.

The colours go beyond the small town to the turquoise-coloured sea where Semporna folks, mostly Bajaus, moor their lepa (traditional boats) at the waterfront of Tun Sankaran Marine Park.

The lepa are heavily decorated with colourful sambulayang (sails or flag) in contrasting combinations of red and other bright colours.

Traditionally in red, white and black, the sambulayang is raised on special occasions and events like weddings and national day celebrations or to welcome State leaders.

For three days, from April 18-20, the small bay between the Waterfront and the floating Dragon Inn Resort was turned into a vibrant dockyard for a total of 138 lepa.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Full force of the Bajau

Kuching's ‘Meow Festival’ revived

2008-05-13T17:43:00.001+08:00

KUCHING: The ‘Meow Festival’ is making a comeback. In a press conference yesterday, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Mayor, Abang Haji Mohamad Atei Medaan announced that the festival will place from May 24 to 25.

The festival is aimed at promoting the Cat Museum as a tourist destination while creating an awareness of the branding of the city of Kuching. Members of the public would also gain a better understanding on how to care for their pet cats.

An handful of competitions with titles such as ‘Cats Candid Shot with Caption Competition’, ‘Cats in Action Video Competition’, ‘Cat Make-up Competition’, ‘Cat Story Telling Competition’, ‘Cat Voice & Action Imitation Competition’, ‘Cat Poster Colouring Competition’ and the ‘Cat Poster Drawing Competition’ will be held on the first day of the festival on May 24. On the second day, May 25, the ‘Cat Fancy Dress Competition’, ‘Cat Cage Decoration Competition’ and the ‘Cat Kite Competition’ will take place.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Kuching's ‘Meow Festival’ revived

SCORE’s tourism potential to be exploited

2008-05-13T17:42:00.001+08:00

THE TOURISM Ministry will capitalise on tourism potential in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), said Urban Development and Tourism Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh in his winding-up speech yesterday.

He explained that SCORE between Tanjong Manis and Similajau and the interior of the central region offers a wide range of tourism products.

He said the extensive physical infrastructure that comes with the development of SCORE provided a good platform for creation of tourism businesses like hotels, resorts and river cruises.

He added that a detailed study would be carried out to uncover the full tourism potential of the corridor.

“In keeping up with the pace of the Internet, my ministry is embarking on a project to develop a comprehensive e-tourism portal to address the needs of the tourism industry,” said Wong.

The portal will include a database of information on the whole range of tourism products and players; interface system to enable global access and reach; and an e-commerce engine that enables online transactions.

On the same note, he said that the Sarawak Tourism Board would also be revamped to make it user friendly and interactive.

Continue reading at: SCORE’s tourism potential to be exploited

Sheraton Hotel coming to Sandakan

2008-05-12T18:09:00.001+08:00

SANDAKAN: Four-star Sheraton Hotel will be built at the Sandakan Harbour Square.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor yesterday performed the earth-breaking ceremony for the joint venture project between the Sandakan Municipal Council (SMC) and Ireka Chang Sdn Bhd (ICSD).

Hajiji, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, said the 255-room hotel under Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels, would be the centre of tourist attraction and business opportunities.

Continue reading at: Sheraton Hotel coming to Sandakan

AirAsia goes head-to-head with MAS by slashing fuel surcharge

2008-05-12T18:08:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Travellers are in for a treat as budget airline AirAsia is going all out to compete with Malaysia Airline's Everyday Low Fare promotion by launching its own Sub-Zero campaign today.

The low-cost carrier will not only offer passengers more than one million tickets at zero fare, it is also offering RM5 off on fuel surcharge for domestic routes.

The domestic offer is for the travelling period between June 10 this year and April 30 next year.

The booking period is for the next four days.

AirAsia charges fuel surcharge of RM16 for domestic flights that do not cross the South China Sea and RM43 for flights between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak.

Continue reading at: AirAsia goes head-to-head with MAS by slashing fuel surcharge

Sarawak Tourism Federation getting tourist feedback via ‘We Care’ questionnaire

2008-05-11T18:19:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) has created a new avenue for tourists to give their feedback about their holiday in Sarawak - be it good or bad - through its ‘We Care’ questionnaire.What’s more, the feedback will be channeled to the tourism authorities in the state, and tourists can expect action to be taken to improve on the shortcomings that they have encountered.

Minister of Urban Development and Tourism Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said at the launching of the questionnaire and STF’s online feedback system – Voicepoint - on Friday, that the federation had taken a bold step towards the betterment of the industry.

“This (questionnaire) is another way of finding out how people look at us. For me, the letters in the word, ‘care’, stands for ‘caring, approachable, very responsible, effective’,” he said.

He said that even now, the ministry had received feedback from tourists either in the form of letters or emails but they were not systematic.

With the questionnaire, he said STF would be able to conduct an analysis and forward recommendations to the ministry.

He reminded the tourism industry players that all of them, from the airline companies to the operators of food stalls, played a vital role in upholding the image of the state.

“The tourism industry is a highly competitive one and the word of mouth can spread like wildfire. One single unhappy tourist can affect our image even over simple things like dirty bed sheet in a hotel.

Continue reading at: Sarawak Tourism Federation getting tourist feedback via ‘We Care’ questionnaire

Three new Kuching River Cruises packages

2008-05-10T18:06:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Harbour Cruises Sdn Bhd, which owns the only river cruise in Kuching, is offering new packages for tourists.

The three packages offered are the Daily Welcome Cruise, which departs at 3.15pm, Daily Sunset Cruise at 5.30pm and Morning River Tour at 9am.

The Sunset Cruise includes cultural performance while the Morning River Tour a morning poco-poco workout, cultural performances and activities, treasure hunt complete with morning tea break and buffet lunch on board.

“Safety is our number one concern where all passengers are given a briefing before departing from the harbour,” said new CEO Dorothy Ling.

Ling said the cruise was not only meant for tourists but locals as well.

Harbour Cruises also caters to cruising and non-cruising functions such as annual dinner or corporate function, theme cruise party, birthday party, wedding reception, product launch and meetings.

Continue reading at: Three new Kuching River Cruises packages

Kota Kinabalu to facilitate approval of budget hotels

2008-05-10T18:03:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu City Hall (KKCH) will approve applications to operate budget hotels offering ‘bed and breakfast’ services provided they are in compliance with the bylaws, mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim said yesterday.

He said KKCH supported the setting up of more budget hotels in the city with the increasing number of tourist arrivals and demand for such accommodation.

“City Hall will do its best to facilitate and not frustrate any application for such business, and lauds the initiative by the Sabah Backpackers Association (SBA) to bring together operators of small budget hotels,” he said after receiving a courtesy call today from SBA members led by acting protem president Susan Soong.

Continue reading at: Kota Kinabalu to facilitate approval of budget hotels

One-stop tourism info centre at Kota Kinabalu International Airport

2008-05-09T18:16:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: A one-stop tourism information centre will be set up at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport’s (KKIA) Terminal One in September, Deputy State Director of Tourism Malaysia Mohd Akbal Setia said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters after launching the Sutera Harbour Information Centre here, he said the one-stop centre will provide information on tourism sights and sites, accommodation and transportation.

“The information centre will be manned by knowledgeable personnel assigned to disseminate the required particulars to our tourists. This will ensure that tourists have a better idea of what to expect, what to do and where to go when they touch down here,” he said, adding that this will help the tourism industry tremendously.

Continue reading at: One-stop tourism info centre at Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Saving sea turtles at Pulau Talang Besar, Sarawak

2008-05-08T18:09:00.000+08:00

Sarawak Forestry Corporation recently launched its “Sea Turtle Adoption Programme” to impart knowledge and awareness on the importance of sea turtle conservation. It is also a way for nature lovers to experience island stay on the pristine Pulau Talang Besar.

The four-days-three-nights programme costs RM1000 per pax. It may seem like a hefty sum, but when the details have been disclosed, you will see that it is money well spent, and you will gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are actually contributing to a valuable conservation project.

One can think of this programme as a tool to be a better, more mature and civil human being. Come on, think of all the cigarette butts you’ve thrown out your car window, of all the times you’ve burned rubbish in the open and of all the plastics you’ve dumped into water bodies ... you can change for the better. Everyone can.

A one way boat ride from the Sematan jetty to the island will consume 50 Litres of patrol. A round trip will cost approximately RM400.

The programme also automatically entitles the participant to adopt a turtle. Adopters will also have the privilege of naming their turtles, such as Urban Development and Tourism Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh did. He named his turtle Frontier. Adoption of a turtle is RM200 each.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Saving sea turtles at Pulau Talang Besar, Sarawak

RM44 million for new tourism products in Sabah

2008-05-08T18:06:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has requested for an additional allocation of RM24,806,400 and RM19,840,000 from the State and Federal Government to allow it to develop new tourism products as well as upgrade those that are already available.

Its Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun said that most of the tourism products will be established at Sabah Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, as well as to implement programmes of departments and agencies under his ministry during the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

“I hope this application will be considered for approval,” he said in his winding up speech at the State Assembly sitting yesterday. He also said that under the 9MP, his ministry has been allocated RM44,992,800 by the State Government and another RM93,810,130 from the Federal Government to implement upgrading works on tourism amenities programmes and projects for the period 2006-2010. He cited that four of the 9MP projects have already been completed.

Continue reading at: RM44 million for new tourism products in Sabah

More airlines coming to Sarawak

2008-05-08T18:02:00.000+08:00

THE Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism is working closely with various tourism stakeholders including federal government agencies to bring in more foreign airlines, including Tiger Airways, to Sarawak.

Assistant Minister of Tourism Hamden Ahmad said the success of the effort would depend on various factors such as market and tourist profile, product viability and destination competitiveness.

“Other perspectives from a broad spectrum of enterprises of both domestic and international tourism are also taken into consideration before any foreign airline can be invited to fly into Sarawak,” he said.

Continue reading at: More airlines coming to Sarawak

Tallest tree and other Merotai attractions

2008-05-07T18:06:00.000+08:00

Kota Kinabalu: Merotai has the potential to become the next tourism destination given the many untapped tourism products in the constituency.

Its Assemblyman, Pang Yuk Ming said it is his aim to turn this dream into reality to also bring income for the people in the locality.

"It is my aim to see Merotai in particular and Tawau in general be developed as a main tourism attraction (in Sabah)," he said.

Among the products he said, were the tallest tropical tree in world at 88.34 metres, waterfalls, hot spring, unique fauna such as pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys.

He is in the middle of setting up a Wildlife Conservation Centre in Merotai that would become a sanctuary for pygmy elephants whose habitats are being eroded due to timber felling and oil palm planting.

Based on a WWF study in 2003, Pang said the number of pygmy elephants in the wilds is only about 1,000. He said the unique culture of the people in Merotai could also be promoted as a tourism attraction and hoped the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Federal agencies would assist him in the endeavour.

Continue reading at: Tallest tree and other Merotai attractions

Tourism project to develop Limbang

2008-05-07T18:03:00.000+08:00

LIMBANG: Limbang Division has set its sight on high impact projects involving tourism, agriculture and animal husbandry to bring about economic growth in the northern region of Sarawak.

It could become a food hub through buffalo rearing and rice production besides being a tourist hub by year 2015.

Limbang Resident cum divisional development committee chairman Maria Hasman revealed that the geographical location of Limbang bordering Brunei, Indonesia, Sabah, Labuan and Miri division in the south gave it an edge for such a development.

He said among plans proposed were tapping into the full tourism potential of Gunung Buda in Ulu Limbang, next to the world natural heritage site of Mulu in Ulu Baram with the Headhunters Trail a tourism link.

Other high impact projects are the new Lawas Airport, Nauran Park in Limbang, Limbang township, road from Lawas linking Long Sukang, Long Semadoh and Ba Kelalan.

Continue reading at: Tourism project to develop Limbang

MAS: One million ‘zero fare’ to all domestic routes

2008-05-05T18:06:00.001+08:00

KUCHING: Malaysian Airlines (MAS) is offering one million ‘zero fare’ seats to all domestic destinations.

The booking period for MAS ‘zero fares’ is from today to May 19 and travel period is between June 10 and Dec 14.

The product is called ‘Everyday Low Fares’ for passengers to enjoy five-star services as well as low fares.

Continue reading at: MAS: One million ‘zero fare’ to all domestic routes

Preview show for jazz festival will be held in Miri on May 7

2008-05-05T18:03:00.001+08:00

A special preview show for Miri International Jazz Festival will be held in Miri on May 7. Starting at 8pm, the preview show will be held at the Cherrie Berrie and Alfresco and featuring the Mood Indigo from UK. Entrance is free and the preview show will also include quiz and lucky draw offering various attractive prizes. Both the quiz and lucky draw are organised by Celcom, the presenter of MIJF 2008.

During their half-hour preview show, Mood Indigo will be presenting their swing and blues jazz beat. One of the many bands to watch for at the May 9 and 10 jazz festival, the five members of Mood Indigo are expected to woo the festival goers with their energetic tunes, said to be effective in capturing the vibe of those out for a good time at the festival.

Other performers that will provide the entertainment at the third edition of MIJF are Habana Sax from Cuba that had captured the heart of last year’s festival goers to vote for them to make a come-back this year and Charmaine Clamor from Philippines.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Preview show for jazz festival will be held in Miri on May 7

Sabah Fest 2008 - Super display of diversity

2008-05-04T18:39:00.000+08:00

IGAL Tabawan dancers from Semporna gracing the launch of the Sabah Fest 2008 at the Magellan Sutera Saturday night.

The yearly showcase of Sabah's cultural splendour kicked off with a super display of the State's ethnic diversity that inspires utter pride and joy in anyone who sees it.

Themed "Harmony in Diversity", this year's fest highlights Sabah's traditional tolerance in diversity through an anchor presentation of a mock mixed Bajau and Murut wedding ceremony where the respective marriage customs and traditions were followed.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Sabah Fest 2008 - Super display of diversity

Discounts on airfares for Sarawak and Sabah routes

2008-05-04T18:37:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: MASwings is now offering discount airfares that will enable travellers to save between 35% and 80% on several routes within and between Sarawak and Sabah.

The Weekend Specials fare applies only to online bookings via the MASwings website.

The one-way RM39 fare per ticket is for seven routes: Kota Kinabalu-Sibu, Kota Kinabalu-Lahad Datu and vice versa, Bintulu-Sibu and vice versa, and Miri-Labuan and vice versa.

Continue reading at: Discounts on airfares for Sarawak and Sabah routes

d' Banyan Residency @ Sutera - Revolutionary living with classy touch

2008-05-03T18:29:00.000+08:00

Aerial view of the resort

One of the villas

A villa on offer

d' Banyan Residency @ Sutera, located in the heart of Sutera Harbour Resort is set to become the benchmark for prestigious luxury living with a touch of class in Kota Kinabalu City. "We are revolutionising the very concept of plush contemporary living balanced by the tranquility of Sabah's natural evergreen splendour," enthused General Manager of WCT Land Berhad, Stewart Tew.

"With a virtually 360 panorama of the golf scenery viewable from every balcony, d' Banyan luxury designer homes is in a distinct class of its own," Tew Added.

Some may wonder where the name originates from and it would seem that d' Banyan Residency draws it namesake from the humble banyan tree. "We have adopted the Banyan story as it tells a tale of centuries old where people from all walks of life congregated under the banyan tree to share news and views. This is the type of community we hope to inspire - tight knit and integrated with a strong sense of belonging," Tew explained.

This concept of integration has been translated into reality at d' Banyan Residency @ Sutera. Strategically located 5 mins from KK City and 10 mins from the KK International Airport, d' Banyan Residency resides in a restful cove within Sutera. The 122 units of 3 Storey Detached Villa, 2 Storey Semi-Detached Villa and as well as the 2 Storey Superlink Villa homes are a testimony of architectural perfection finished appeal to the stringent requirements of the upper class market.

Price between Ringgit Malaysia 1.4 million to 3 million and above with a build up area of 4,350 s.f to 6,700 s.f, the three contemporary designs of sheer luxury exude charm, privacy and exclusivity. d' Banyan is indeed a celebration of life and style and one can definitely expect a 5 star lifestyle befitting the 5 star location.

d' Banyan Residency is unique in the sense that it caters for all the needs and desires of the truly affluent. From private swimming pools in designed units and solar water heating system to split air-conditioner as well as food waste disposal are provided, no stone has been left unturned in the concerted effort to maximise comfort and pleasure. With such luxuriant surroundings, you can also be assured that security issues are never comprised as every precautionary measure has been employed.

The Residency is armed with double security check points, perimeter fencing equipped with CCTV surveillance system linked directly to the guard house, all of which cultivates ultimate peace of mind.

The official launch is expected to only take place in July 2008 yet current sales have already proven to be good. Under the detailed touch of WCT's subsidiary Camellia Tropicana Sdn. Bhd's management team, construction of d' Banyan Residency is well underway. In fact, it is ahead of schedule with piling works completing soon while other units have even completed foundation works.

d' Banyan is expected to be completed by end of 2009.

Buyers wishing to get an initial feel of the stunning ambience can pay a visit to the Semi-Detached and Superlink show houses expected to be ready for viewing with full interior design come July this year.

Those who are financially savvy will note that the prime time to buy is now, as trends denote that the market price will increase upon completion of the show houses and because of the increase of building materials prices.

Currently, the Sale and Purchase Agreement legal fees are borne by the developer so it would be financially astute to purchase now and enjoy this benefit.

Tew added that d' Banyan Residency is looking into luring foreign property investors into making d' Banyan their home. WCT will market d' Banyan comprehensively overseas, while highlighting the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme as a viable retirement option in this country.

WCT has made purchasing these villas easier by providing full customer services. Locals and foreigners alike can enjoy assistance in documentation processes and mortgage financing prospects in association with various local banks.

d' Banyan Residency @ Sutera is a jewel of an investment. It would be deemed highly perceptive to set aside this diamond of a property as part of your personal investment portfolio with full intention to bank on the future.

d' Banyan Residency: Revolutionising the way we live and breathe.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Direct KK-Bali flight - Sabah State accolades for AirAsia

2008-05-03T18:26:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Airasia gets the much deserved commendation for its move to strengthen Sabah’s regional connectivity as part of its Asean integration plan by expanding the low cost airline’s international route to Bali and Jakarta.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman congratulated Airasia on its dual international route launch from the city and believed he shared the sentiments of many Sabahans that the launch to two destinations in Indonesia would further boost tourism industry in the state and also to both countries. “Today (May 2) is another memorable day for the people of Sabah as we welcome the first flight from Kota Kinabalu to Bali as well as to celebrate Airasia’s flight from the city to Jakarta which commenced services on March 30,” he said at the launching ceremony at Pacific Sutera Harbour yesterday.

In the last six years, he said, Airasia was seen to grow from a two-plane operation to an award-winning airline with 67 aircraft operating 100 routes with 56 destinations, and was recognised as Asia’s leading low fare airline.

Musa said the aviation sector played a critical role in boosting the state’s efforts to see better growth in tourism. Sabah is strategically located in a three-hour flight radius which could bring in a potential 77.1 million travellers.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Direct KK-Bali flight - Sabah State accolades for AirAsia

AirAsia X to go international from Kota Kinabalu International Airport

2008-05-03T18:23:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Budget carrier AirAsia X may operate international flights out of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) in two years’ time, its managing director Datuk Tony Fernandes said.

He said Sabah’s geographic central location between Japan, China and Australia made KKIA an obvious choice as another hub for AirAsia X.

However, there were various conditions which had to be fulfilled before the budget carrier could use the airport and they include having more direct air links between the state capital and regional destinations, said Fernandes, who is also AirAsia group chief executive officer.

For a start, AirAsia will re-establish its Kota Kinabalu-Bangkok flights and is keen on getting its air services between Kota Kinabalu and Singapore going.

Continue reading at: AirAsia X to go international from KKIA

Royal Brunei Airlines and Thai Airways go into code sharing

2008-05-03T18:21:00.000+08:00

By Azlan Othman

Royal Brunei Airlines and Thai Airways International Public Company will begin code share flights from May 2008 onwards.

Under the agreement, THAI will code share on RBA's daily services between Bandar Seri Begawan and Bangkok. RBA flights BI515 and BI516 will be marketed by THAI as TG4602 and TG4603 respectively.

RBA Chief Executive Officer Ray Sayer said that this code share agreement with THAI will enable RBA to welcome travellers from a wider target market. "RBA is pleased to partner with THAI to further grow the regional travel and tourism market," Mr Sayer commented.

"The code share agreement between THAI and RBA signifies the beginning of network cooperation between the two carriers, whereby THAI will be able to continue services to Bandar Seri Begawan on flights operated by RBA.

Therefore, the code share agreement between the two carriers will enable passengers in Thailand, Brunei, and connecting passengers from abroad to continue to take advantage of travel and tourism opportunities in both countries, said THAI's Executive Vice President for Commercial, Mr Pandit Chanapai.

Meanwhile effective June 1, 2008, Royal Brunei Airlines will introduce its enhanced summer schedule that incorporates standard timings and increases in flight frequencies to popular destinations.

The summer schedule will strengthen the overall network by introducing changes that improve accessibility to Brunei Darussalam from regional and international destinations.

Chief Executive Officer Ray Sayer said, "The airline is committed to meeting the needs of target passengers in various markets while also better serving Brunei's travel needs".

With the introduction of the summer schedule, RBA's passengers based in Brunei and Miri will be able to take advantage of daily services to Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Hong Kong, Perth, Brisbane, Auckland, Dubai and London; with flights to Singapore operating twice daily and flights to Kota Kinabalu operating 17 times weekly.

Flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching will operate five times weekly and services to Surabaya will increase to six times weekly. The daily flights to Auckland will incorporate a newly introduced three times weekly direct service from Bandar Seri Begawan, while still maintaining its four times weekly service via Brisbane.

For more information, passengers may call RBA reservations offices at 2212222 or 3333737.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend