Stargazing in Sabah's Tip of Borneo

KOTA KINABALU: For years, local astronomy buffs have known that Borneo’s northernmost tip of Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is among the best places in the country for stargazing.

The isolated part that is far from populated areas faces no problem of light pollution and has an almost clear sky all year round.

Such conditions make Tanjung Simpang Mengayau ideal for astrophotography enthusiasts as well.

It also makes Sabah an attractive place for stargazers and astrophotographers, said Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Awang Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar.

He said Tanjung Simpang Mengayau could be promoted as a “One Million Stars” spot where visitors could spend the night under a million stars.

“Sabah can be one of the best locations to observe the stars.

After all, the costs involved are minimum,” he said after a recent joint programme between Tourism Malaysia and a group of local amateur astronomers, Sabah Stargazers, to witness meteor showers at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Stargazing in Sabah's Tip of Borneo

.
.

Commitment to promoting Sabah, Sarawak as tourism destinations

KUCHING: The Tourism and Culture Ministry is committed in promoting Sabah and Sarawak as tourism destinations.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz cited strategic cooperation with airlines as among the efforts to promote the two states.

In this regard, he said, Tourism Malaysia inked a memorandum of understanding with Singapore Airlines (SIA) at the Berlin International Tourism Fair in Bursa in March to bring in more European visitors to Malaysia this year.

“Sarawak and Sabah are iconic Malaysian products which are very attractive to visitors who appreciate nature or culture that carries some adventure.

And in Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak fit the bill.

Continue reading at: Commitment to promoting Sabah, Sarawak as tourism destinations

.
.

Kuching airline’s first in Malaysia

Kuching is the first destination in Malaysia for Hong Kong Airlines that is expected to launch the inaugural Hong Kong-Kuching direct route come April 26.

Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government was pleased that the new route is finally realised as Sarawak would not have to rely on Kuala Lumpur as a hub after April.

Besides Kuala Lumpur, he said most travellers from Sarawak would also use Singapore as an important hub.

“This direct flight from Hong Kong to Kuching will increase connectivity between Hong Kong and Kuching. It is also to address a lack of connectivity issue in Sarawak.

“Once launched, we will have two very important hubs — Hong Kong and Singapore.

“Tourists or those attending conventions from the United States and Europe can fly to Hong Kong and from there to Kuching. This can be unique to us,” he told reporters after witnessing the signing of agreement between Sarawak Tourism Board and Hong Kong Airlines at the latter’s headquarters near Hong Kong International Airport here yesterday.

The agreement for Hong Kong Airlines to operate the Hong Kong-Kuching direct route was signed by STB chief executive officer Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and Hong Kong Airlines Assistant Director of Commercial Michael Burke.

Also present were assistant ministers of tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip and Datuk Gramong Juna, Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd general manager Mohamed Sallauddin Mohamed Shah and Tourism Malaysia, Hong Kong director Norshamsida Abdul Rahman.

According to Abang Johari, Sarawak is expected to host the International Congress and Convention Asia 2016 in November.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kuching airline’s first in Malaysia

.
.

RM168 bln Sabah tourism receipts by 2020 target ‘achievable’

KOTA KINABALU: Minister of Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015, or MyFEST 2015, would help achieve the tourist arrivals target of 2020 under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan.

“MyFEST 2015 is expected to help Malaysia secure the targeted 29.4 million tourist arrivals and RM89 billion in tourism receipts for 2015.

These figures will help achieve the target of 36 million tourist arrivals with RM168 billion in tourism receipts by 2020 under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan,” he said in his speech delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Pang Nyuk Ming.

On shopping sector which continued to hold the second biggest share of tourist expenditure after the accommodation sector, Masidi said a collaborative effort in organizing Wisma Merdeka 1Malaysia Year-End Sale program was a good initiative in promoting Sabah.

“Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment is fully supportive of the Sabah Tourist Association (STA)’s collaborative effort with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) Sabah and Tourism Malaysia (TM) Sabah in organising Wisma Merdeka 1Malaysia Year-End Sale program.”

“This initiative is a good effort in promoting Sabah as an attractive value for money shopping destination to domestic and international tourists and also help to bring numerous benefits to the local retail sector and boosts tourist expenditure in the country,” he added at the launching of Amazing Quest Wisma Merdeka 2015 held at Wisma Merdeka shopping complex yesterday.

Continue reading at: RM168 bln Sabah tourism receipts by 2020 target ‘achievable’

.
.

Experience Sarawak Best Packages Dekat Je - Domestic tourism gets boost from Tourism Malaysia

KUCHING: Tourism Malaysia is going all out to promote domestic tourism, particularly Sarawak’s, by introducing travel packages leading to the year-end school holidays.

The tourism promotion agency launched its ‘Experience Sarawak Best Packages Dekat Je’ here yesterday to attract visitors from throughout the country.

This tourism campaign, in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), features 50 packages by 16 travel agencies that are divided into several segments such as adventure and nature, city tour, culture and heritage, cycling and bike ride, sports tourism, ‘voluntourism’, edu-tourism, birding, golfing, angling and diving.

“According to the annual studies of domestic tourism by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Sarawakians themselves are major suppliers and contributors to domestic tourism here. Other states that contribute to tourist arrivals in Sarawak are visitors from Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Selangor, Kedah and Johor.

“Sarawak, being the largest state in Malaysia, is blessed with a rich diversity of tourism products that can lead to the development of many innovative and unique packages to suit every budget, interest, market and requirement,” said Tourism Malaysia Domestic Promotion director Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof when officiating at the launch of this tourism campaign.

Present to witness the launch were state Tourism Malaysia director Salahuddin Mohd Arrifin, Tourism Malaysia Corporate Communication director Azizah Aziz and STB Marketing director Benedict Jimbau.

Iskandar added that the 4.8 million visitor arrivals in the state last year comprised of 1.8 million domestic visitors and three million international visitors. Tourism receipt in 2014 came up to RM10.686 billion and the top three international source markets for Sarawak were Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.

As of August this year, the state received a total of 3.1 million visitors comprising of 57 per cent domestic and 43 per cent international visitors. Although this marked a decline of 0.7 per cent, he mentioned that domestic tourist arrivals here have increased due to the ‘Dekat Je’ campaign since its launch in June.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Experience Sarawak Best Packages Dekat Je - Domestic tourism gets boost from Tourism Malaysia

.
.

Sabah food paradise - Nine food trial tourism packages

SANDAKAN: A new brochure to promote Sabah as a food paradise was launched yesterday by Tourism Malaysia Sabah.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Kamarlin Ombi who officiated at the launching at the Ibis Styles Hotel here, is confident that the “Sabah Food Trail” brochure is another effort that will give additional attraction to the tourism industry in the state.

The brochure contains nine interesting food trail packages, published in  collaboration with six travel agencies.

It is created to promote local food and natural attractions in Sabah. The tour packages, which range from two days one night to five days four nights, give foreign and domestic tourists a chance to explore their taste buds by trying local delicacies and mingle with the local community.

The nine trial packages are Food Lover in KK, Sabah Cooking Experience, KK Food Mania, Makan Makan Bah Kita, Food in Wonderland, Borneo Food Hunter, Sandakan Food Galore, Pusing-Pusing Cari Makan and Sandakan Seafood Channel.

Out of the nine packages, six packages are in Kota Kinabalu and three are in Sandakan.

“Sandakan is clearly the backbone of Sabah tourism industry. Sandakan Town is blessed with bountiful natural wealth, namely the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Sukau-Kinabatangan, Selingan Island, heritage as well as its fabulous food.

“I appreciate the effort made by Tourism Malaysia and participating agents for their efforts, as this initiative marks another milestone in boosting tourist arrivals in Sabah, not only focusing on the capital city but also Sandakan,” said Kamarlin.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah food paradise - Nine food trial tourism packages

.
.

Sabah attracting South Korean visitors

Sabah has become one of the favourite tourism destinations for South Koreans.

In the first nine months of 2014, a total of 90,225 tourists from South Korea traveled to Sabah. This is in contrast with the 106,203 who visited the state throughout 2013.

The number of holidaymakers from South Korea is expected to increase in 2015 through various efforts taken by Tourism Malaysia, which includes a collaboration with South Korean low-cost carrier Jin Air.

COLLABORATION WITH JIN AIR

Jin Air is promoting Malaysia for a period of three months, and is expected to fly 15,738 passengers on 86 chartered flights to Malaysia until March 29.

“We are expecting some 380,000 South Koreans to visit Malaysia annually, particularly to Sabah,” said Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Datuk Azizan Noordin.

Jin Air’s maiden flight from Incheon, South Korea to Kota Kinabalu last December carried 183 passengers and crew on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The airline offers seven flights a week during peak season and four flights a week during periods of low demand.

Azizan said the collaboration presented a win-win situation for both parties and if responses were good, the airline would continue offering direct flights to Malaysia.

THE ALLURE OF SABAH

Sabah’s magnificent and unique islands like Pulau Manukan and Pulau Sipadan are popular destinations among South Koreans who are looking to escape their country’s winter.

They are also drawn to the culture, local tradition and tourist facilities offered by the state.

“Kota Kinabalu is a renowned tourist destination and we want South Koreans to come here and enjoy the hotels, resorts and other facilities available,” said Jin Air vice-president Kwang Lee.

Kwang said they welcomed the collaboration to introduce the Koreans to Sabah and its plethora of attractions, such as Mount Kinabalu.

Continue reading at: Sabah attracting South Korean visitors

.
.

Woo tourists with quality Sarawak tourism products

KUCHING: Tourism Malaysia hopes local players will focus on developing quality tourism products as customers have become increasingly sophisticated and demanding.

Its state director Salahuddin Mohd Ariffin said intense competition and abundant choices meant tourism players needed to offer more creative and innovative tour packages.

“Customers now want quality and tailor-made packages. Hence, luxury tour programmes are something worth looking into for better returns on investment.

“This is because the strengthening of the US dollar against many currencies, including the Ringgit, has increased the purchasing power of international travellers to Malaysia,” he said at `Kelantan Delight Sales Mission to Sarawak’ held at Pullman Hotel here yesterday.

The inaugural mission was organised by Tourism Malaysia Kelantan in collaboration with AirAsia Berhad and Tourism Malaysia Sarawak.

Twenty-two participants, comprising government agencies, five travel agencies, and 12 hotels from Kota Bharu, participated.

Over 60 industry players from Sarawak, including seven government agencies, 19 travel agencies, nine hotels, and two homestay operators, attended gathering, which was meant for industry players from both states to sell tour packages and accommodation.

Citing the Travel Market Report, Salahuddin said luxury vacations on the rise were those related to honeymoons, weddings, romantic getaways and family leisure.

“I believe this year will be a good one for Sarawak’s tourism, following positive performances last year, which recorded 4.86 million tourist arrivals – an increase of 11.2 per cent as compared to the 2013 figure.

“About three million of these arrivals were foreigners.”

On the Year of Festival (MyFest 2015), that has already been launched, Salahuddin advised tourism players in Sarawak and Kelantan to tap the many opportunities available in selling the more than 70 events and festivals happening across the country this year.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Woo tourists with quality Sarawak tourism products

.
.

Matta Travel Fair Kuching back with exciting packages

KUCHING: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Travel Fair is coming back again with many exciting holiday packages and offers.

This sixth edition of the annual tourism event will be happening from March 13 to 15 at Boulevard Shopping Mall here.

So far, 55 booths have been sold and more travel agents are expected to join as there are more than 180 Matta members in the state.

So far, the confirmed participants are Airworld Travel, Bel-Air, Borneo Exploration, Borneo Fairyland, Cat City Holidays, Cempaka Travel, Great Leap Tour, Ibanika Tours, Inter-Continental Travel, Interworld Travel, Ik Chin Travel, Ming Ming Travel, Multiclients Travel, Natol Holidays, Orient Holidays, Pin Sing Travel, Pelancongan Merdeka, Sara Worldwide Vacations, Sak Soon Travel, Tanahmas Travel, and TH Travel.

Non-Matta members who have indicated their participation are Tourism Malaysia Sarawak and Swiss-Garden International Vacation Club. Organising chairman Chris Kon said this time around, there would be more on destination packages.

“Customers can expect to see worldwide flight deals and ground package offers, and they will also get expert advice on many very attractive holiday destinations,” he said during a press conference at Matta Sarawak office yesterday.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Matta Travel Fair Kuching back with exciting packages

.
.

Tourism board launches diving package launched to showcase Sarawak as potential diving heaven

MIRI — Tourism Malaysia has launched the Sarawak Adventure Dive Package that will end in December next year to tap the unexplored potential of the diving industry in the state.

Tourism Malaysia Domestic Marketing Division Director Datuk Musa Yusof said there are six packages being offered at a price of RM748 per person to RM2,400 per person for four days and three nights diving adventure in Kuching and Miri.

“Sarawak has more than 40 dive sites that suit such activities,”he said at the launching of the dive package here today.

Musa said for example Kuching City had Pulau Satang Besar, Pulau Satang Kecil and Pulau Sempadi that can be explored by profesional divers.

He said for Miri City divers can experience natural underwater beauty at Miri Coast and Luconia Shoals.

“Sarawak is blessed by another interesting feature that is a World War II Japanese shipwreck as a historical site for technical diving,”he said.

Continue reading at: Tourism board launches diving package launched to showcase Sarawak as potential diving heaven

.
.

Tourism Malaysia: Santubong Homestay to have cycling tours soon

KUCHING: Santubong Homestay has marked a new programme through the signing of a memorandum with AsiaTourismAlliance.com (ATA), which will see cycling tours around Santubong as part of its offerings.

According to Tourism Malaysia director for domestic marketing Datuk Musa Yusof, the area is a perfect eco-tourism destination with its unique landscape embracing the iconic Mount Santubong.

“This area is also rich in biodiversity and historical assets, all of which will add to the rich tourism and recreational potential of the Santubong peninsula,” Musa said after the inking of the partnership here yesterday.

He said as Tourism Malaysia realised that cycling had become a trend among locals and tourists, it had embarked on promoting cycling nationwide through the ‘Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Bike & Ride Packages’.

“Since the launch, we have developed 202 packages involving 95 agents and to date, Tourism Malaysia has organised 27 events relating to cycling with various partners and organisations.”

Moreover, he disclosed that total sales for these cycling packages was RM844,720 last year, while as at June this year, the figure reached RM306,729

Additionally, Musa hoped that all agents would work hand in hand in marketing these packages and at the same time, strive to leverage on ideas to offer something new to tourists.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Tourism Malaysia: Santubong Homestay to have cycling tours soon

.
.

Exploit Kapit’s tourism potential to the fullest

KAPIT: A suggestion was put up by Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing for Malaysia Tourism Board and Sarawak Tourism Board to fully tap Kapit’s abundant rivers and rugged terrain as tourist attractions.

The Land Development Minister and Baleh assemblyman disclosed that he had in mind to include power boat and mountain bike racing besides the usual rafting events in next year’s edition of the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari.

“Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari is a yearly tourism programme to attract tourists to Kapit. Apart from rafting, we have the power boat racing organised by the Kapit Division Power Boat Association while waiting for the rafts to arrive. In terms of power boat racing, Kapit is one of the best places in Sarawak. I am looking at mountain bike, rafting and power boat together in next year’s event,” he said when interviewed by The Borneo Post at the Kapit Terminal yesterday.

“We should have mountain bike event because of our rugged terrain, a gift from God, tap the potential, add value to it as a new tourism product to attract more tourists.

“I hope the Malaysia Tourism Board and Sarawak Tourism Board will create the new product while maintaining the old one. The government must create the product and then the private sector will participate,” he added.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Exploit Kapit’s tourism potential to the fullest

.
.

Boosting Sarawak’s tourism industry in 2014

As one of the most lucrative industries in Malaysia, the tourism industry is expected to garner total receipts of RM168 billion by 2020.

According to Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, Malaysia is expected to earn that amount from the targeted 36 million tourist arrivals by 2020 under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan (MTTP).

Looking at Sarawak, if the current trend continues, total tourism receipts could breach the double digit RM10 billion revenue figure during Visit Malaysia Year next year, spurred by higher spending from more tourist arrivals and participations in various events and conferences.

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak, the state recorded RM6.62 billion in total tourism receipts in 2010, RM7.91 billion in 2011 and RM8.57 billion in 2012.

Given such an upward trend, total tourism receipts would fetch an estimated more than RM9 billion this year and could potentially increased to more than RM10 billion in 2014 as Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY) looms.

Meanwhile, the state will showcase its own activities and promotional events to attract more tourists to visit Sarawak in conjunction with VMY2014.

These events are envisaged to draw more tourist to the state besides lifting the economy of Sarawak by encouraging more spending and travels.

Some of the top annual events and highlights include Rainforest World Music Festival, Borneo International Yachting Challenge, Sarawak Regatta, Borneo Jazz, Mukah Kaul Festival, World Harvest Festival, Borneo International Kite Festival, Borneo Cultural Festival and Tidal Bore Carnival.

Sarawak Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said, “The Ministry of Tourism Sarawak will highlight 13 major tourism events in conjunction with VMY 2014.

“These 13 major events will create excitement and provide value added activities for tourists to see and do while visiting Sarawak.

“In preparation for VMY 2014, the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak has embarked on a proactive initiative to launch our very own Visit Sarawak Year campaign.

“The objective is to be ahead of the VMY 2014 campaign.

“This will prepare the State tourism industry on the anticipated influx of tourists.

“At the end of next year, we hope to achieve increased arrivals and increased revenue for the tourism sector.

“We want to increase tourism contribution towards our Gross Domestic Product’s (GDP) growth to second place from third place currently,” he told The Borneo Post.

He pointed out that the ministry is eyeing 4.2 million of tourist arrivals in 2014, a progressive increase from an estimated figure of 4.1 million in 2013.

He revealed that there were four million of tourist arrivals last year into Sarawak.

Out of the four million visitors, 2.63 million people were foreign visitors and 1.4 million people were domestic travelers.

From the 2.63 million foreign tourist arrivals, 1.73 million were from Brunei, followed by 417,072 people from Indonesia, 113,174 people from The Philippines, 55,674 people from Singapore and 43,326 people from China.

Apparently, the top three biggest percentage increased of foreign arrivals into Sarawak last year were from the Middle East (87 per cent); Thailand (78.3 per cent) and Bangladesh (67.2 per cent).

Johari noted that Sarawak has a lot of attractiveness to offer to tourists.

“Sarawak has always been consistent in offering our unique selling point (USP) of culture, adventure and nature (CAN).

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Boosting Sarawak’s tourism industry in 2014

.
.

Malaysia world’s top 10 travel destinations for 2014

Malaysia has been ranked among the top 10 tourism destinations in the world for 2014 by Lonely Planet, the popular travel guide.

Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director-General (Promotions) Chong Yoke Har said the ranking comes at an auspicious time for Malaysia, as the country gears up for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.

“We are elated with this ranking by one of the travel industry’s most authoritative publications.

“The VMY 2014 campaign will be the country’s fourth Visit Malaysia Year, and is estimated to attract 28 million tourists to the country, reaping RM76 billion in tourist receipts,” she added, in a statement yesterday.

Lonely Planet described Malaysia as “rolling out an array of new attractions”, such as Legoland Malaysia and the Hello Kitty family theme parks in Johor, as well as the Gaya Island Resort on Pulau Gaya in Sabah.

Continue reading at: Malaysia world’s top 10 travel destinations for 2014

.
.

Malaysia tourism sector not affected by the haze

The haze, which has been shrouding Malaysia since a week ago, does not affect the country’s tourism sector, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said yesterday.

He said there was no drop in tourist arrival and tourists arriving in Malaysia were able to carry out their activities as planned.

He also said there were still some places in the country, like Sabah and Sarawak, which were not affected by the haze.

“Malaysia is not a small island like Singapore, which is also affected by the (haze) problem.

“If the southern part of our country is shrouded with haze, tourists can go to other places where the air quality is good,” he told reporters at the Wedding promotion festival at the Handicraft Complex here yesterday.

Also present were Tourism and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng, Kraftangan Malaysia chairman Datuk Sohaimi Shahadan and its director-general, Mohd Kamil Mohd Ali.

In view of the haze, Mohamed Nazri advised tourists to wear masks for health precaution.

Continue reading at: Malaysia tourism sector not affected by the haze

Latest API Reading at: Malaysia's Department of Environment

.
.

Heritage Legacy, riverside villages for vibrant Kuching

KUCHING: Sarawak Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government has a plan to improve the infrastructure in the state in efforts to attract more tourists.

He said among the plans were the building of the Heritage Legacy project that will cover the area from Museum until the old State Legislative Assembly building, where a “special fund” is to be applied.

“The state government has a plan to improve the infrastructure of the state to attract more tourists, and among them are heritage legacy and the development of villages along the Sarawak River in Petra Jaya area.

“Once, these developments take place, Kuching will be a more vibrant city,” Abang Johari pointed out at a farewell dinner to honour outgoing Malaysia Tourism Ministry Sarawak (Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia Negeri Sarawak) director Esther Douglas Udam.

Abang Johari, who is also Housing Minister, stressed that tourism was an important sector for the economy for the state and country.

For this, he pointed out that cooperation between the state and federal agencies was important to develop state tourism, adding that he was glad that the state had worked closely with Malaysia Tourism and supported by private sector.

“We need a strong team to develop this industry (tourism) as what is expected by the government,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to Esther for her diligence in managing tourism matters over these few years.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Heritage Legacy, riverside villages for vibrant Kuching

.
.

Move to raise tourism appeal of Sabah towns

Tourism Malaysia will improve the global perception on Lahad Datu and Semporna by increasing media coverage on these areas, its deputy director-general of planning Datuk Azizan Noordin said.

He said this was to place greater focus on tourism appeal there and quell fears about visiting the areas, which were hit by conflict recently.

“We are also working with various embassies and high commissions here to manage the international perception on Lahad Datu and Semporna, in hopes that they will soon drop their advisories against travel to these areas.

“The situation in those areas is currently under control, and is not expected to see any deterioration,” he told reporters after launching the United Federation of Travel Agents’ Association Global Travel and Tourism conference yesterday.

The conference, which is attended by tourism industry players from various countries, ends on Sunday.

Azizan said the ministry was planning more activities and events for the year to ensure that it reached its target of 26 million tourist arrivals this year.

He said Chinese tourists remained the top international arrivals, with 1.8 million tourists coming in within the past one year.

Continue reading at: Move to raise tourism appeal of Sabah towns

.
.

TripAdvisor reveals Malaysia’s most talked about attractions in 2012

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, today revealed the highly rated attractions in Malaysia that travellers around the world were talking about the most in 2012.

In a statement, TripAdvisor said the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur topped the list

“These towers are really stunning, especially at night when they are lit up.

“They are so big that it was hard to get them both in a single picture,” said a TripAdvisor traveller.

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), which came in at number two, has, as one TripAdvisor traveller said, anything and everything you need, from coffee places to shops, restaurants and bars.

At number three is the Langkawi Cable Car, Kedah.

“You can feast your eyes on the breathtaking greenery along the way and we had a beautiful view of the sunset too,” said a traveller.

TripAdvisor said the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, at number four, has been described by a traveller as an add-on after visiting the National Orchid Garden.

“We spent three hours there watching the various birds soar through the huge canopy area.

“I would recommend this to anyone even marginally interested in birds,” he added.

TripAdvisor said the top ten picks in the Malaysia’s most talked about attractions in 2012, from premier shopping malls to historical museums and tropical conservation parks, are ranked according to the number of reviews received on TripAdvisor.com based on global internet protocol addresses between Jan 1, 2012, and Dec 31, 2012.

Continue reading at: TripAdvisor reveals Malaysia’s most talked about attractions in 2012

.
.

Sarawak to bank on culture, eco-tourism

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism will continue to highlight Sarawak’s unique culture and eco-tourism products during Visit Sarawak Year which will stretch from July 2013 till June 2014.

The Ministry will also be setting into motion several initiatives together with other major stakeholders to woo more quality tourists.

Among these initiatives are selling handicrafts at shopping centres in Kuching, said its minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“Kuching now boasts several new shopping centres for tourists. This is to provide tourists a place to do their shopping. Handicrafts will also be made available at these shopping malls,” he said during a farewell dinner for outgoing Tourism Malaysia (Sarawak) director Johanif Ali on Saturday.

Touching on attractions in Kuching, he said among the infrastructure highlights would be the proposed pedestrian bridge across Sungai Sarawak which is expected to be completed by 2014.

“This will complete and complement the heritage trial within Kuching city centre.”

He added that several fringe events would also be held to complement the annual Rainforest World Music Festival in Santubong.

On improvements to national parks, Abang Johari said that information centres or kiosks would be built in national parks complete with technological gadgets to disseminate information.

Continue reading at: Sarawak to bank on culture, eco-tourism

.
.

Malaysia among world’s top 10 tourist destinations

MALAYSIA was one of the world's top 10 tourist destinations last year, making it the only South-East Asian country to make the list in the United Nations World Trade Organisation (UNWTO) Tourism Highlights 2012.

In 2009, the country recorded 23.6 million tourists arrival and in 2010, the number increased to 24.6 million.

Topping the list was France with 79 million tourist arrivals, followed by United States (62 million), China (58 million), Spain (57 million), Italy (46 million), Turkey (29.3 million), United Kingdom (29.2 million) and Germany (28.4 million).

Rounding up the top 10 was Mexico with 23.4 million tourists. The report also ranked Malaysia 14th in terms of international tourism receipts with US$18.3bil (RM56.3bil) last year, ahead of countries such as Singapore, Japan, the Netherlands, Korea and Canada. In 2009 and 2010, Malaysia recorded US$15.8bil (RM48.6bil) and US$18.2bil (RM55.9bil) respectively in tourism receipts.

In congratulating tourism players for doing a good job to promote the nation, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said this was the result of hard work put in by many people.

Continue reading at: Malaysia among world’s top 10 tourist destinations

.
.