Visitors like Malaysian products

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has the potential to become a destination for visitors to purchase affordable quality products, said Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.

“I am of the opinion that Kota Kinabalu can be made into a retail destination for local brands that are in the mid-price range, products which are not too expensive but is something that is not available anywhere else,” Masidi said.

Masidi, when officiating at Suria Sabah shopping mall’s Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2014 yesterday, said the feedback he received from visitors to Sabah revealed that they are interested to buy Malaysian made products which are not too expensive and cannot be found in their own countries.

“They told me that the quality of Malaysian products is good, in fact some say that it is better than international brands which can be found in their own home countries.

“Therefore I think that we must grab the opportunity to value-add the visitors to Sabah’s vacation by offering them quality local products,” he said.

Masidi was of the opinion that Sabah, being a retail destination for local brands which are in the mid-price range, can be an attraction on its own in the long run.

He said he is targeting China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam as the main markets for such a destination in the future.

“All we need to do is to increase Sabah’s connectivity to these places. I am confident that Sabah has the ability to provide products which are not too expensive but at the same time give satisfaction to visitors to Kota Kinabalu,” he stressed.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Visitors like Malaysian products

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Novel way to market Sabah tourism

INCENTIVE: Special tourism packages to give visitors a shopping spree-cum-cultural experience

KOTA KINABALU: SABAH is moving to promote the state capital and Labuan as potential holiday shopping destinations in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2014.

Its special "Oh My Shopping" package would not only provide tourists a shopping spree experience, but also get them to join cultural tours and adventures here and in Labuan.

Sabah Tourism Malaysia director Sani Sham Ahmad said the agency, under Tourism Ministry, was working closely with selected shopping malls and travel agencies.

"Travel agencies see the potential of incorporating shopping with culture and adventure to further promote Sabah and Labuan as shopping havens.

"This creative method will be more appealing to tourists as promoting shopping alone is difficult," he said at a Duty Free Seminar here yesterday.

Sani said Sabah Tourism Malaysia had sold 380 packages worth RM263,000 since the "Oh My Shopping" initiative was launched in August.

He said the city and Labuan were as good as other duty-free islands as tourists would be able to shop for various tax- and duty-free goods in malls as well as tamu (bazaars).

The government aimed to promote Malaysia as a premier duty- free shopping destination and Sabah as well as Labuan, could contribute towards this initiative, he added.

Organised by Tourism Malaysia, the Duty-Free Seminar was to encourage shopping complexes, retailers, associations and non-governmental organisations to play their role in promoting duty-free goods.

Continue reading at: Novel way to market Sabah tourism

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Shopping Tips: Malls in Kota Kinabalu

About two weeks ago, I was invited by Zest Air along with other bloggers for their Kota Kinabalu Inaugural Flight. Being one of the nearest travel destination in Malaysia from the Philippines, Sabah is becoming one of the top tourist destinations by Filipinos.

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is not only a tourist destination but also a shopping destination. This beautiful state of Malaysia is literally a State inside the forest yet there is a lot to discover in Sabah. All the shopping centres in this city are within walkable distance. Suria Sabah shopping centre, Wisma Merdeka, KK Plaza, and Segama Complex, are to mention a few. TunRazak Road is the centre for all shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu.

Much like in Manila, most of the shopping centres here present a diverse range of retail outlets, with its own distinctiveness. The widespread choices being offered will leave you spellbound. The shopping malls at Sabah offer everything ranging from antiques, mementoes, books, designer clothes, fresh food, camping equipment, electronic goods and computers. The shopping malls also have recreational facilities, food courts, hairdressers, pharmacy, photo labs, moneychangers, and facilities for therapeutic massages including foot massage.

Experience Shopping at Suria Sabah

Situated at the heart of Kota Kinabalu, you will find Suria Sabah – one of the biggest mall in the city. It is placed opposite to the Standard Charter Bank alongside Wisma Sabah Building. An airborne view of the building shows that it is L shaped. Kinabalu Mall and Jesselton Mall are the two segments of the mall. Though the Suria Sabah mall has not yet been finished, the retailing section has customers flooding into it.

Metrojaya is the leading departmental store in Malaysia. It stands 8th in the whole of Malaysia. Metrojaya is a full-fledged department store that houses beauty products, fashion accessories, perfumes, household items sport wear, children wear, etc. The different brands hosted by Metrojaya include East India Company, Living Quarters, and Somerset Bay. Other prominent retailers at Suria Sabah are Bata, Elianto, Reject Shop, Habib, L’occitane, Voir, and GNC. Popular fast food retailers like KFC, Kenny Roger, and Pizza Huts also serve customers at this place.

Karamunsing Complex

The Karamunsing Complex is the largest and central focal point for IT and electronic products in Sabah. It is one of oldest shopping centres at Kota Kinabalu. Ten years ago, the place did not attract many visitors. But today it has transformed into the best complex for the shopping of electronic goods. More and more retailers are opening up stores here.

The advent of national retailer store SenQ has brought a wide range of choices for TV, home theater system, projector, washing machine, refrigerator, and other domestic appliances. The major brands of laptops and PCs on display include Sony, HP, Toshiba, Acer, Asus, Twinhead, and Samsung. There are many hair salons and fashion shops for women too within the complex.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Shopping Tips: Malls in Kota Kinabalu

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Metrojaya opens store at Suria Sabah Mall in KK

KOTA KINABALU: Retail giant Metrojaya has spread its wings to Sabah with the opening of an outlet in Suria Sabah Mall recently.

Metrojaya Bhd chairman Datuk Ahmad Khairummuzammil said the store in Sabah, the chain’s seventh, reflected the company’s confidence in the state.

“Metrojaya’s entry into Sabah in the current challenging economic environment is an indication of our confidence in the Sabah retail market,” he said.

Kota Kinabalu mayor Datuk Illiyas Ibrahim was the guest of honour at the opening ceremony.

Ahmad said the 11,612 sq metre store spread out on four floors was the culmination of the company’s decision to venture into the state two years ago.

Continue reading at: Metrojaya opens store at Suria Sabah Mall in KK
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Shopping to increasingly contribute to Sabah’s overall tourism revenue

KOTA KINABALU: The contribution of shopping activities to the state’s overall tourism revenue is still expected to increase, even though marginally, despite the global economic uncertainties and the Influenza A (H1N1) virus scare.

Assistant Tourism, Culture & Environment Minister Bolkiah Ismail said it was one of the main drivers to the state’s tourism receipts, with contribution of 40 per cent or RM956.8 million in domestic tourism receipts and 23 per cent or RM389.4 million in international tourism receipts, last year.

With more direct flights coming in from neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Indonesia, he said more international tourists were expected to visit and shop in Sabah.

“Bruneians are our main shoppers during Mega Sales Carnival. Of course we are not only targeting Brunei but also the Philippines and domestic market as well,” he said when officiating at the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival Sabah state-level launch here yesterday.

Last year, Sabah received 65,588 visitors from Brunei who spent about RM161.4 million, contributing 9.5 per cent of the international receipts for Sabah.

Bruneians also contributed about three per cent of the total revenues derived from shopping in tourism activities in Sabah.

Continue reading at: Shopping to increasingly contribute to Sabah’s overall tourism revenue
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Kota Kinabalu International Airport poised to become hub for shoppers

KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is poised to become a hub for shoppers with its wide range of duty free products and excellent service standards, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said travellers could enjoy these privileges within a conducive and comfortable environment.

Commending the shopping campaign initiated by Malaysia Airports and launched here yesterday, he said it was an admirable effort as it was an excellent way of welcoming both local and foreign visitors.

Musa said the Sabah government viewed this as a positive development to boost the tourism industry in the state.

“This campaign is an innovative way to promote the new international airport in Sabah’s capital as a lifestyle centre. In fact, Sabah is a state that is rich with natural wonder and beauty as well as cultural heritage.

“These are some of the reasons travellers from around the world are drawn to Sabah and even Malaysians from other parts of the country are starting to make Sabah their destination of choice,” he said in his speech at the launch of KKIA Spend and Win Shopping Campaign here yesterday.

Continue reading at: Kota Kinabalu International Airport poised to become hub for shoppers

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1Borneo - The First and Largest Lifestyle Hypermall in East Malaysia

1BORNEO is a mixed development project strategically located on 23.3 acres of prime land along Jalan Sulaman Highway, adjacent to University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) with close proximity to the state and federal administrative centres as well as mega townships and housing estates.

Located within Kota Kinabalu, 7 km northwards along the Jalan Sulaman Highway surrounded by lush greenery overlooking the majestic Mount Kinabalu and the Crocker Range, 1Borneo is set to be the ultimate shopping experience for locals and foreign tourists alike.

The largest component of the project is the shopping podium with a gross area of 1.5m sq ft. The 4.8m sq ft of the overall integrated component consists of 4 international & regional chain Hotels, Condominiums, Auto city, Oceanarium & Discovery centre, Handicraft & Cultural Centre, Spa & Fitness Centre, Amusement Centre, Bowling Centre, Cineplex, Gourmet Lane.

The Gross Development Value for the project is at RM1.2billion. Completed within a period of less than 3 years it uses state of the art digi control and wireless access system for the centre courts. The project also prioritised the minimization of impact on the environment by investing close to RM42m for a TRANE Thermal Energy Storage System.

Strict control on interior design and visual merchandising requirement where Parker Carroll Design Sdn Bhd (synonymous with KLCC) and our in-house Interior Designer Team, Alto Design oversees every aspect.

Anchor Tenants - 1 stop hypermall with cluster of concept/flagship stores with 21 mini and main anchor tenants, luxury watch boutiques, high end jewellery shops, leading international and regional fashion boutiques of over 100 brands totalling 300 tenants. Over 70% of the total lettable space (including those owned by developer and leaseback lots from buyers) is achieved to maintain optimum control and performance with excellent trade mix and anchor tenants for every floor. Fashion outlets ranges from Rolex, Cortina, Montblanc, Habib, MO (Melium Outlet) created by the doyenne of fashion, Datuk Farah Khan, luxury fabric house Euro Moda; to the flagship “Tunestore” is in collaboration with Tune Ventures (founded by YBhg Dato’ Tony Fernandes), Roxy, Quiksilver, Esprit, CK Jeans, Nine West, Yen By Arthur, Edmundser, Celia Loe, Urban & Co to name a few. The Gourmet Lane boasts f&b outlets such as Dome, Starbucks, New York New York, Hong Kong Xin Wang Café, Basil Leaf, Hong Kong Recipe, Bintang Lagenda to such staples as McDonald, KFC, Pizza Hut, Yogurberry.

International and regional chain hotel groups - 4 hotels positioned at 1Borneo namely ACCOR (the world’s leading European brand in hotels) with Novotel (16 storeys, 263 rooms), Mercure Hotel (16 storeys, 338 rooms), Courtyard Hotel (9 storeys, 160 rooms), the revolutionary hip Tune Hotels.com (4 storeys, 168 rooms), bringing the total to 929 hotel rooms at 1Borneo.

Condominiums – 4 Towers which include A&B (25 storeys, 399 units each), Tower C (28 storeys, 119 units) , Tower D (over 12 storeys, 91 units); totaling 1008 units.

Autocity Showroom - 35,077 sq ft of space and 31,000 sq ft elaborate bonded warehouse cum car showroom to showcase the latest in exotic sports cars and luxury convertibles to all types of vehicles Oceanarium & Discovery Centre - 35,000 sq ft - the largest in East Malaysia will hold 750,000 million litres of over 500 species of marine life.

Handicraft and Cultural Centre
* showcasing Sabah’s rich cultural heritage of indigenous arts, crafts & Malaysian-made apparels & products such as a collection of weaving tools, musical instruments, various ethnical garments and accessories as well as batik & handicraft making.
* Seamless transportation from taxis, bus shuttle services from 4 major routes, an airconditioned bus terminal, hovercraft and helicopter services complete with hovercraft terminal and helipad.
* Ample carparking exceeding 3,500 bays for customer convenience replete with ramp for easier & faster access. 32 escalators, 4 travellators, 23 passenger lifts, 10 goods lift and a car lift.
* Physically disabled-friendly facilities including 6 special lifts.
* Exclusive event and promotional areas.
* Platinum Lifestyle card catering to your every need at 1Borneo.

1Borneo is poised to be an icon for Sabah and shall herald a new era in the Tourism, Retail and Property sector.

For more information, please contact:
Aileen Diana Yapp
Corporate Affairs Manager
T: +6 088 447 777 / M : 013 8770 770
F: + 6 088 447 788
E: aileendyapp@1borneo.com
W: www.1borneo.com

Source: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites

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Chinese New Year festive spirit high at 1Borneo Hypermall

Spring comes in showers of gold and the feeling of prosperity and wealth in abundance at 1Borneo Hypermall is the theme of the elaborate decorations this Chinese New Year.

Inspired by ancient I-Ching divination coins, the decorations at the centre atrium and at the whole mall features abundant gilded coins reminiscent to the late Ching Dynasty which brings prosperity and wealth, a press release stated.

"A massive 40-ft high, I-Ching gold coin has been created at the centre atrium as the centrepiece and focal point of cultural shows. The outer layer consists of gold mesh with auspicious greeting written in Chinese calligraphy made of satin. This stunning creation is complemented by a triple lighted-perspex coin on the stage surrounded by cherry blossom trees," explained 1Borneo's Public Relations Manager, Chris Ho. Shoppers can literally bask under a windfall of gold coins at the centre atrium and across the mall, he added.

Among the shows set to delight audiences are the Amazing China Acrobatic Show, the Acrobatic Dances of 18 Lions, 24 Seasons Drum Performance, Chinese instrumental music orchestra and the Shanghai Night Costume Competition.

The Amazing China Acrobatic Show is a seven-member troupe from Beijing who will perform a series of stunts such as the porcelain pot juggling, somersaults and gymnastics which will result in mind-baffling body contortions. Also, their 'Tui Chui Diao Hua' act, or the 'spinning multi plate' act, will definitely thrill shoppers. Catch also the world award-winning Yick Nam Lion Dance troupe performance together with the 'Deity of Fortune' spreading good prosperity and well-being around to shoppers.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

1Borneo is every shopper's dream

1Borneo Hypermall seen during the night. - PHOTOS COURTESY OF 1BORNEO

Cultural show at 1Borneo rainforest - PHOTOS COPYRIGHT TO ROL EZAM

At China Town located at 1Borneo - PHOTOS COPYRIGHT TO ROL EZAM

A fashion show held at 1Borneo - PHOTOS COPYRIGHT TO ROL EZAM

By Rol Ezam in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

A new era of lifestyle, fashion and entertainment have been heralded in 1Borneo in Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah has long been known for its nature-based attractions such as Mount Kinabalu, the Pulau Sipadan, watching Borneo pygmy elephants, the unique proboscis monkeys and the occasional orang utan along Kinabatangan river.

But the state is now on its way to offering visitors an opportunity for real shopping experiences, and leading the way is 1Borneo. Billed as the largest lifestyle mall in this corner of the world, 1Borneo has a total area of 4.8 million square foot and is home to more than 300 world-class shops; 1Borneo rainforest, the nation's first handicraft and cultural centre in a mall; 1Borneo Seaworld, a 750,000 million litre walk-through aquarium; an eight-screen movie theatre, four international and regional hotels and more.

Located within Kota Kinabalu, 7km northwards along the Jalan Sulaman Highway surrounded by lush greenery overlooking the majestic Mount Kinabalu and the Crocker Ranger; 1Borneo is set to be the ultimate shopping experience for locals and foreign tourists alike.

During the launching of the Malaysia Savings Sale 2008 at 1Borneo in Kota Kinabalu on November 30 by Dato' Sri Azalina Dato' Othman Said, the Minister of Tourism said malls like 1Borneo, which offers tourists a fine example of retail experience where everything from accommodation, F&B and entertainment to retail and spas are available under one roof, can and will bring tourists to its doors.

"I've been informed that from January to September of this year, Sabah has recorded 1,707,835 tourist arrivals - 1,165,821 domestic and 542,014 international tourists. The figures reflect a rise in the number of domestic tourists by about nine per cent this year,"

"Though the number of international tourists arrivals have dropped by 19.2 per cent over the same period of last year, the various tourism markets are showing a healthy growth with an increase in arrivals from Brunei (8.4 per cent), China and Hong Kong (16.7 per cent), Japan (12.8 per cent), South Korea (19.7 per cent), Australia (27.3 per cent) and United Kingdom (28.7 per cent)," said the minister.

Bruneians can take this huge opportunity especially parents to bring their kids shopping for 2009 school session needs during this year-end holidays and grab the unbelievable offers that outlets at 1Borneo has to offer.

Fashionistas can now splurge at French Connection, Mango, G2000, Esprit, Eclipse, Salabianca, Braun Buffel, M.O Outlet and many more outlets, which have taken residence in 1Borneo.

Fashion is incomplete without accessories like time pieces from Tag Heuer and Rolex, sparkling jewelleries from Habib Jewels, Lazo Diamond and Axxezz topped off with sexy stilettos courtesy of Nine West and Charles & Keith.

M.A.C, The Body Shop and Clinique are just some of the international make-up and skin care brands that the beauty-conscious can indulge in this one-stop hypermall.

Shoppers can also dine at al-fresco at Dome Café, NewYork New York and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or delight their taste buds with oriental flavours of Hong Kong Recipe and Sushi King. For desserts, diners can drop by at Yogurberry and Big Apple Donuts & Coffee.

Food connoisseurs will be happy with the spread of authentic cuisine peppered across the mall like Basil Leaf Café, Michi Japanese Restaurant and Penang Village.

Another spot at the hypermall that is gaining much attention is the 1Borneo Rainforest, a cultural and handicraft centre with a twist. With a cave-like exterior complete with greeneries amidst the swanky facades of retail outlets, it's a treasure trove of Sabah and South East Asia culture all under one roof. Breaking new grounds in Sabah is the soon to be opened, 1Borneo Seaworld, an underwater park of oceanic wonder with over 500 species of marine life. Children and young-at-heart adults will be spellbound with the myriad of excitement awaits them at Toys'R'Us, Booboo Land and X-Terminator.

With nearly another 1,000 more hotel rooms in 1Borneo, travellers will be at more ease to rest and relax in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Whether you are a business traveler, holidaymaker or a budget conscious tourist, the four hotels in the hypermall will surely to meet your demands. Novotel 1Borneo, Mercure Kota Kinabalu, Courtyard Hotel @ 1Borneo, Tunes Hotels.com are only 10 minutes from the city centre and just 20 minutes from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. At 1Borneo guests can virtually enjoy shopping and touring effortless under one roof.

Courtesy of: Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Sabah biggest mall 1Borneo celebrates White Christmas

1Borneo Hypermall has been undergoing a magical metamorphosis into a winter wonderland, complete with snowflakes, fairies, nymphs, and all manner of fantastic decorations.

1Borneo’s Public Relations Manager, Chris Ho, explains that a major installation of acrylic and stainless steel Christmas decorations will light up the hypermall in time to set the mood for Christmas this year.

“The aim of this year’s decorations is to bring the sparkle and shine to the city, so a whole host of decorations will adorn the hypermall.” Ho shares that the pièce de résistance will be the installation of a 40-ft high fairytale castle with falling snowflakes at the centre atrium.

“Christmas decorations are a great way to give it the city the makeover it needs for the festive season, and to get us all in the spirit for celebrations with family and friends,” he adds.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Sabah biggest mall 1Borneo celebrates White Christmas

A Magical Christmas in 1Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

1Borneo’s Public Relations Manager, Chris Ho said a major installation of Christmas decorations, made from acrylic and stainless steel, would light up 1Borneo Hypermall and get Kota Kinabalu in the mood for Christmas this year.

“The aim of this year’s decorations is to bring the sparkle and shine to the City, so a whole host of decorations will adorn the hypermall. Ho said the pièce de résistance of the festivity would be the installation of a 40ft high fairytale castle with falling snowflakes at the centre atrium.

“A City’s Christmas decorations are a great way to give it a makeover it needs for the festive season and get us all in the spirit for celebrations with family and friends”, he added.

Continue reading at: A Magical Christmas in 1Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

1Borneo Rainforest - A rainforest in concrete jungle

KOTA KINABALU: A unique experience awaits visitors at Sabah’s latest shopping destination, the massive 1Borneo mall.

Located 10km from downtown Kota Kinabalu, 1Borneo is fast becoming a shoppers haven where everything from designer fashion to daily groceries is available.

But a spot within the mall is gaining much attention, especially from first-time tourists.

Amid the glitzy façades of retail premises, this spot stands out due to its natural look with creepers and plants adorning a rocky wall, as if the mall was built around a primeval cave.

This is the 1Borneo Rainforest, an exceptional cultural centre spread out over an area the size of three basketball courts that promises to delight the five senses with the best Sabah and South-East Asia has to offer.

Visitors passing through the “cave” entrance are greeted by a warrior of the Rungus community with the melodious sounds of kulingtangan or mini gongs in the background.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: 1Borneo Rainforest - A rainforest in concrete jungle

Shopping in Borneo - Cooling 1 Borneo

KOTA KINABALU: 1Borneo, the first and largest lifestyle hypermall in East Malaysia has more than 1.5 million sq ft of retail space comprising of more than 300 tenants.

Needless to say, both the local public and tourists are spoilt for choice.

International and regional retail brands making a debut appearance are Tune Store, Cortina Watch, Habib Jewels, French Connection, Braun Buffel, Samsonite, Nichii Fashion, Arthur by Yen, M.A.C., Dome Café, New York New York Café, Manhattan Fish Market, Michi Japanese Restaurant, Sushi King and an array of irresistible indulgences.

To live up to its status, 1Borneo has attractions for the whole family which include an Oceanarium & Discovery Centre, Handicraft and Cultural Centre, amusement Centre, 36-lane Bowling Centre, 8-screen multiplex cinema, Gourmet Lane and many more. A new lifestyle unfolds at 1Borneo.

Developed by Sagajuta (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, it is aware of the need to preserve Sabah’s rich environmental heritage.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Shopping in Borneo - Cooling 1 Borneo