Rising above Pulau Melaca

SITTING atop the 14th floor of a 30-story development, this first-of-its-kind waterpark combines ultramodern innovation on a new reclaimed foreshore of Melaca, a UNESCO city, which already makes the area a tourist draw with its rich heritage and cultural attractions currently with 16.5 million tourists per year..

Splash World Theme Park is part of an ambitious, US$198 million project being built off the coast of Pulau Melaka, Malaysia, by Hatten Group. Designed as a unique holiday destination for the entire family, Splash World comprises multiple entertainment options on a tropical, manmade island in a strategically located city just three hours' drive from Singapore and two hours from Kuala Lumpur. The building itself - shaped like a towering, giant cruise ship - pays homage to the area's historical beginnings as a port city.

Eleven of the rides at Splash World are extreme waterslides offering breathtaking speeds and sharp, sudden curves. The total length of all slides combined is more than 1 km with more than 2,000 square meters of leisure river alone that flow at 3 km per hour and include a wave ball and torrent river for added adrenaline excitement.

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To go or not to go . . .

TRAVEL is more than movement, greater than sightseeing. It opens our minds and keeps us alive – through the good and the bad. The transformative power of travel is the main theme of the 2019 Go List and No List unveiled today by Fodor's Travel, the leading name in travel recommendations for over 80 years.

Together, the lists provide comprehensive expert travel guidance for 2019, highlighting can't-miss spots that should be on every traveler's radar while identifying places to skip in the upcoming year.

This year's Go List includes destinations to suit every taste, trip length and budget – from the natural peaks of Bears Ears National Monument to the manmade peaks of Kuala Lumpur; from the bustling metropolis of Lagos, Nigeria, to the quiet refuge of Japan's Seto Inland Sea. This year, Fodor's editors paid special attention to those destinations recovering from the hardship of hurricanes: Puerto Rico, Key West, and St. Martin.

Last year, Fodor's editors expanded the Go List to 52 destinations from its traditional list of 25 destinations. The change proved so popular with the Fodor's audience that Fodor's editors have made the change permanent, meaning the 2019 Go List again comprises 52 destinations – one for each week of the year. www.fodors.com/GoList2019 

The highly cited Fodor's Travel No List enters its third year of surfacing destinations that should be avoided due to political, environmental, or social concerns. Seven locations make up this year's 2019 No List, including Acapulco, Ibiza, and Thailand's Maya Beach. 

Subsets of this year's No List include "Places That Don't Want You To Visit," which includes destinations that are overwhelmed by their own tourism industry and hoping tourists stay away. www.fodors.com/NoList2019


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Playful Luxury

W KUALA Lumpur opens its doors in the heart of the capital, steps from the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers. Through bold, innovative design, W Kuala Lumpur immerses guests in the city's wildly lush greenery, globally renowned cuisine, centuries-old history and growing appetite for playful luxury

Kuala Lumpur is known for its fast-paced spirit which emerged from modest beginnings. Nestled between the Klang and Gombak Rivers, boasting a sunny tropical climate, flourishing jungle, soaring buildings and traditional Malaysian architecture – a meeting of old and new, nature and humankind, on every street. Kuala Lumpur is home to a multicultural mix of world-class cuisine and creativity, the perfect spot for the brand's debut in #Malaysia.

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Dive, dive, dive

FEATURING dive destinations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and the Maldives ZuBlu provides an easy-to-use platform allowing guests to discover new and exciting #dive destinations in #Asia. The website marries a powerful search tool with an exciting range of dive destinations, eco-friendly resorts and conservation experiences, putting the power of discovery and choice into the hands of ZuBlu’s guests.

ZuBlu ensures conservation and sustainability are at the heart of its business. Each resort listing displays an ‘at-a-glance’ summary of sustainable practices, as well as information about conservation activities. And as part of its commitment to the environment, ZuBlu donates a percentage of revenue to local conservation organisations.


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Wedding Tourism

THE recent global attention on the Royal Wedding of the Year between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle goes to show just how big the wedding and honeymoon business is.

Big weddings are not just for the British royals, though, and #Malaysia is keenly aware of the great potential the industry can bring to its tourism business especially from markets such as #India where it is estimated that more than 10 million #weddings are organised each year.

Tapping into this market, which is said to be a recession-proof industry is one of Tourism Malaysia’s strategy to boost its tourism revenue. Recently, Tourism Malaysia invited six of India’s top wedding planners from Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi to see what Malaysia could offer as a wedding destination for their clients. Also invited were a wedding magazine journalist and a wedding photographer.



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The first DoubleTree Resort in Malaysia

LOCATED in the vibrant beach area on Penang’s north coast, overlooking the Indian Ocean, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is a family-friendly resort with exceptional facilities for all ages – including access to Malaysia’s first teddy bear-themed museum, TeddyVille. 

This upscale resort is just 45 minutes’ drive from Penang International Airport and 20 minutes from Georgetown, the island’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, which is accessible via a complimentary shuttle bus service from the hotel.

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Better Together: An Asian Adventure

PLANNING a family holiday can be a daunting task; and to help alleviate some of the stress, Amari properties across Thailand’s beach destinations in Hua Hin, Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as Johor Bahru in Malaysia, have created getaways just for the family.

Take in the Andaman Blues with Amari Phuket - The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is the perfect base to explore Thailand’s south. Located on a tranquil end of Patong Beach, Amari Phuket is a calming retreat just a stone’s throw away from bustling activities of Patong; filled with beachside activities, markets for exploring the local way of life, and plenty of adventures to keep the little ones occupied.

Theme Park Fun with Amari Johor Bahru - Centrally located in the city, Amari Johor Bahru makes it easy to explore this unique spot in the southern tip of Peninsula Malaysia. From delicious food and street art, to the Angry Birds Activity Park just a short walk from the hotel, the city has activities for the whole family.

Enjoy an Island Escape with Amari Koh Samui - Freshen up on the island of coconuts, Koh Samui. This island in the Gulf of Thailand is renowned for its vast coconut plantations and offers a unique perspective to the south with its picturesque beaches and rolling hills providing plenty of activities for the family. Nearby is Angthong National Marine Park, home to 42 islands. A highlight of the park is Emerald Lake, a stunning inland saltwater lagoon that is a must-see.

Splash Away at a Waterpark with Amari Hua Hin - Beat the tropical heat with a day at a waterpark with Amari Hua Hin, which is ideal for a quick jaunt from Bangkok as this royal seaside retreat is only a three-hour drive away. The city has been the go-to seaside escape for Bangkok residents as well as tourists alike. Amari Hua Hin offers the perfect break from bustling Bangkok, providing guests with a haven to slow down and relax. Hua Hin is also home to Vana Nava, the only jungle-themed water park in Thailand with waterslides and activities for all ages, including a dedicated Kids Zone water playground so even the little ones can cool off.

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Revving up for a comeback

THE Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has announced the comeback of the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show running from November 23 to 2 December 2 at the #Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia’s most established and significant automotive event, the #motorshow is trailblazing towards its 9th presentation after a five-year hiatus, on the theme of “Beyond Mobility”.

Poised to rev up Malaysia’s automotive industry and capture the public’s attention with many new model launches and exciting automobile concepts. With a track record of attracting the largest number of visitors in Malaysia’s automotive events it is anticipating more than 350,000 visitors to the 10-day extravaganza in 2018.

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Up in the air . . .

MALAYSIA Airports and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) have announced that Condor Airlines, from Germany, will be commencing its Frankfurt-Kuala Lumpur route during the Northern Winter in 2018. 

Condor Airlines’ decision to fly to Kuala Lumpur will facilitate European tourists to visit Malaysia. Malaysia Airports and Tourism Malaysia are keen to jointly promote the Frankfurt – Kuala Lumpur route with Condor Airlines and to ensure the sustainability of this new service. Condor Airlines currently operates 62 destinations out of a few cities in Germany including Frankfurt and Munich.

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Congestion on arrival in Malaysia

CONCERNS about delays and congestion experienced by tourists at Malaysia’s airports and immigration counters are being addressed by Tourism Malaysia.

YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Siew Ka Wei, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia said, “We are aware of this congestion at the airports from the various comments made directly to us as well as from postings made in blogs, and we would like to give assurance that we are working collectively with the immigration department and airport authority to address the delay in processing the entry of visitors to Malaysia.”

He continued, “We look forward to a quick solution since the situation has become critical. The coming months are the peak holiday season for many markets. In addition, the 2017 SEA Games is just around the corner for which we are expecting to welcome some 15,000 athletes and officials to Malaysia along with their army of supporters,” he added.

He said, “Tourists usually get a first glimpse of a country at the airport. The first impression there counts and will affect the rest of their holiday and time spent in our country. Let’s work together to provide a smooth welcome at their arrival by ensuring a hassle-free entry at the airport and immigration counters.”

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Malaysia sees rise in cruise ships calling

LAST month, brand new super luxury passenger vessel, Majestic Princess, made her maiden call at the Boustead Cruise Centre, Port Klang, bringing some 3,560 passengers from 41 countries and 1,350 crew members to Malaysian shores.

The cruise ship was on its “Silk Road Sea Route,” a 49-day journey from Rome to Shanghai. During the voyage, she visited a total of 22 ports including Athens, Dubai, Cochin, Singapore, and Xiamen before arriving in Shanghai, her new homeport in China, in July. In #Malaysia, she berthed at Port Klang and Penang.

Over the last few years, Malaysia has seen an encouraging number of #cruise ships calling at the various country’s ports. In fact, Malaysia has welcomed guests on Cunard Line’s ultra-luxury Queen Mary II and Queen Victoria ocean liners, the UK’s Arcadia cruise liners, as well as passenger vessels such as Costa Allegra, Diamond Princess, Pacific Sun and Europa, among others.

Between January and May 2017, a total of 253 international cruise ships called at the country’s 11 ports indicating an increase of 9.48% compared to the same period in 2016. For the same period, the country received 405,554 cruise passengers compared to 330,473 passengers, signifying an increase of 18.51%.

Affordable exchange rates, modern infrastructure and facilities, warm weather, friendly people, a politically stable government, and numerous tourist attractions that are easily accessible from the ports make Malaysia the ideal stopover for cruise line operators.

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Improved Visa Facilities boost travel to Malaysia from China and India

A review of Malaysia’s tourism performance in 2016 and the first quarter of 2017 indicate that tourist arrivals from the China market is on the rise again after the slowdown in 2015.  Between March 2016 and April 2017, there was a total of 284,606 e-visa applications and 323,173 eNTRI applications from China nationals.

The number of visas approved for Indian tourists has also shot up by 91.1% following the Prime Minister’s visit to India in April.

With information technology playing a critical role in tourism these days, the online application system for travel arrangements to #Malaysia will be a game changer and accelerate the growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

This improved facility is expected to help attract larger numbers of tourists from China and India to Malaysia who are looking for a holiday experience that offers diversity at an affordable price. Furthermore, the cordial relations and strong historical ties Malaysia has with China and India will make travelers from these two countries feel right at home in Malaysia.

Online visa applications for all tourists planning to visit Malaysia are processed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia and can be made at: www.windowmalaysia.my

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Ministry of Tourism & Culture launches photography competition

The Ministry of Tourism and Culture #Malaysia will be organising a photography and short video competition on social media with the sub-theme #MyCuisine from 1 January 2017 to 28 February 2017.

To enter, participants need to submit a creative photo or short video related to the uniqueness and diversity of the food and beverage of Malaysia’s multicultural society via Instagram or Facebook.

For the short video competition, participants need to upload a 30- to 60-second short video on Instagram with the hashtags #SayangMalaysia and #MyCuisine.

The competition offers various attractive prizes for the top three winners and five consolation prizes, which include domestic flight tickets, accommodation at popular domestic destinations, theme park tickets, shopping vouchers, and many more.

The competition is organised in conjunction with #SayangMalaysia Campaign by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia in line with its effort to make Malaysia a premier tourist destination and to encourage both domestic and international tourists to use social media to share all their beautiful and unique holiday experiences in Malaysia.

www.motac.gov.my/sayangmalaysia

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Eco friendly stay in Malaysia

TITI Eco Farm Resort, located in Negeri Sembilan, is the perfect place for families to have a holiday while enjoying an organic lifestyle in a farm-styled resort. Just 90 minutes’ drive out of Kuala Lumpur, and you will find yourself in the lush greenery and spectacular nature that surrounds the resort. 

The resort takes pride in its 40-acre land planted with organic vegetables and fruits, and has opened itself up to the public with accommodation and other facilities.

Whilst staying at the resort guests can learn about organic farming and agriculture practices and have the opportunity to plant and harvest vegetables, too. A tour of the farm can be arranged for guests to experience farm-life, feed rabbits, observe ostrich, sample aloe vera and ulam (young shoots that can be eaten as a salad). 

Outdoor activities are also available – guests can cross the hanging bridge or swing themselves over the pond.

Guests can come for the day or stay the night in a wooden lodge or semi-detached chalet. bookings must be made in advance.

www.titieco.com.my

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Inbound from Malaysia

BRITAIN'S national tourism agency, VisitBritain, has this week launched a promotional event to inspire more visitors from Malaysia to book a trip to come and explore Britain’s nations and regions.

The two-week ‘Discover Great Britain #HomeofAmazingMoments’ promotion includes an interactive display area in Kuala Lumpur’s six-storey Avenue K shopping mall and showcases the amazing moments that can only be had on a trip to Britain.

The promotion gives mallgoers the chance to don traditional costumes, take selfies in front of iconic British backdrops, learn how to make scones, see live bagpipe performances and take part in challenges, giveaways and competitions. There will also be destination information and the opportunity to book exclusive holiday packages to Britain.

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Malaysia woos British tourists

 
#MALAYSIA is ramping up its efforts to get a bigger share of the UK travel market by highlighting its family holiday offering.  

Theme parks, high quality accommodation and food at value-for-money prices, plus new hotels and airline partnerships are some of the top selling points being promoted by the country’s tourism authorities.

‘We need to position ourselves as a #family #destination,’ says Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Seri Mohamed bin Addul Aziz. ‘There’s never been a better time to go to Malaysia because the Malaysian ringitt is weak against sterling and the destination is good value for money.’ 

Malaysia is boosting its theme park offering to get more families to visit the destination and to fill the 10,000 extra hotel rooms the destination has planned, taking its total room count to 110,000.

In early 2016, Asia’s first animation theme park, Movie Animation Park Studios, will open in Ipoh, Perak, featuring several attractions including a DreamWorks Adventure Zone, and 2017 will see 20th Century Fox World open its doors in the Genting Highlands. 



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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37815397@N00/2209146778">local village on sibuan island :)</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/94246031@N00/3809776253">Viewing Downtown KL from Menara</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/27997548@N00/2565328748">Colors</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">(license),