MICE Leisure - 2020/2021 Edition

MEET

|

STAY

|

DINE

|

ESCAPE

ISSUE 1 | 2020/21

www.bizandleisure.com

Penang

Inspire Your Mind

Sabah

Unwind In Nature

RM19

Seoul

Where The World Meets

MALAYSIA | SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA | TAIWAN | MALDIVES | PHILIPPINES | INDONESIA | VIETNAM | THAILAND

CONTENTS

18

48

46

54

68

DESTINATIONS

FEATURES

10

18 Connexion Conference & Event Centre 24 Swiss-Garden International Hotels, Resorts & Inns 27 KL Tower Mini Zoo 30 Palm Garden Hotel 46 M Summit 191 Executive Hotel Suites 48 G Hotel Gurney 50 G Hotel Kelawai 54 Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang 58 Golden Sands Resort 86 Melaka River Cruise 90 Ole Sayang Restaurant 93 Farm In The City 96 Phantasy Farm

16

Meet In Malaysia •

Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB)

Kuala Lumpur

Explore The Capital Charm

28 Selangor

Discover The Hidden Gems

32 Putrajaya

Immerse In The Garden City

36 Penang

Inspire Your Mind • Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB)

68 Sabah

Unwind In Nature • Sabah Tourism Board

80 Sarawak

Adventure In Wild

84 Melaka

Immerse In Multi-culture

4

o

Leisure

CONTENTS

104

124

118 DESTINATIONS

128

92

C

M

Y

Malaysia

104

• • •

Meet With Animals In Malaysia Back To Nature Experience In Malaysia A Durian Staycation In Malaysia

Seoul

Where The World Meets • A Talk With Leaders Of Seoul Tourism Organization (STO)

CM

MY

CY

CMY

134

118 Taiwan • •

Asia’s New Bay Area, Kaohsiung Charming Leisure Farms In Taiwan

•

A Dozen Must Do Experiences In Maldives

• •

Fun Things In The Philippines Best Diving In The Philippines

• •

Serene Tea Gardens In Indonesia Magical Places In Indonesia

•

Sustainable Stay In Vietnam

• •

Nature Wonders In Phang Nga Bay, Phuket Serene Nature Getaway In Thailand

124 Rediscover Maldives 128 Philippines

138

134 Indonesia 138 Vietnam 142

6

Thailand

o

Leisure

142

K

142

Malaysia Inrade & Exhibition Centre-

www.bizandleisure.com www.gogomice.com

MANAGEMENT Managing Editor Jeralyn Tan Hui Shing editor@adelstonmedia.com CEO Edwin Ng Kit Keong ceo@adelstonmedia.com PUBLISHED BY

Adelston Media Sdn Bhd A-08-07, The Elements@Ampang, Jalan Bemban, Off Jalan Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

6010-231 6282 www.adelstonmedia.com PRINTED BY Swan Printing Sdn Bhd Lot 5249, Jalan BS 7/1, Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia.

603-8945 0900 www.swanprinting.com.my ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. While every effort had been made to ensure that the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication. Adelston Media shall not be held any liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies that may occur.

KDN Permit: PP 19610/08/2020 (035219) Cover Image: Kapalai Island, Sabah

8

o

Leisure

Editor’s Note The Spirit of Travel Plan Now, Travel Later Travel has the power to recover and recharge, to reset and rebuild. Each of us likely has a short list of places or countries that we wish to travel, as soon and we are able to. We hold clear sweet memories of the moments we have shared with our favourite people, and the lovely scenery that makes our most treasured spots that stay with us long after we last experienced them. Our kids are longing for an enthusiastic running jump off the pool. Our partners are dreaming of the taste of that delicious locally grown meal at their favourite restaurant. And we are all craving a wonderful place where we can take deep, slow breaths, watch our worries float away with the clouds and feel our smiles returning and fully intending to stay for a while.

Signs of hope and sources of inspiration are the fuel we all need to keep us going through dark times. The inspiring MICE Leisure magazine will entice you to “Plan Now and Travel Later”. With a comprehensive collection of insightful business travel information presented in a strong lifestyle angle, showcasing the best in leisure travel and incentives around the country and Asia, where each country’s or city’s most outstanding business hotels and event venues will be featured to its greatest sights and sounds; this will definitely trigger an urge for your next travel.

When the time is right, travel will heal us both economically and emotionally. One day, we will again gather with family and friends at our favourite holiday destination and dine at our favourite restaurant or attend concerts and festivals, as well as have an incentive trip with colleagues. While we wait until it is safe to travel again, do drop by and visit us at www.bizandleisure.com or read your copy of MICE Leisure available in print and e-copy to plan your next bleisure trip.

Most importantly, stay safe and healthy while continue dreaming of your next destination!

Jelaryn Tan

BUSINESS & PLEASURE

Make Swiss-Garden International your preferred venue. Our properties blend spaces that can be tailored for any occasions.

This includes MICE facilities for up to 500 people, an award-winning golf course, team-building programs, beach weddings, kids friendly Splash Pool and the Young Citizens of The World Club.

• Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences, Genting Highlands • Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Kuantan • Swiss-Garden Hotel Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur • Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka • Damai Laut Golf & Country Club, Perak

Swiss-Garden International Sdn Bhd. Level 14, Plaza OSK, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.

T +603 9078 2688

E info@swissgarden.com

W www.swissgarden.com

DESTINATION: MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA

Truly Asia

Malaysia, one of the world’s top business and

leisure destinations, filled with world class facilities, magnificent nature and scenery, historical architecture, gastronomical splendours and a melting pot of culture living in harmony. With a growing reputation as one of the most premier business destinations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is becoming the preferred choice for investors with its proactive government initiatives, a secure and stable political situation and growing strength of the local economy. English is widely spoken within the leisure and business events industry, enhancing the ease of doing business in Malaysia.

Strategic Location

Geographically situated right in the middle of the Southeast Asia and between China and India, as well as the heart of ASEAN(Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

Over 60 international airlines including Malaysian Airlines, providing direct flights from over 100 destinations worldwide to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

According to the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) ranked 9th in the world for the first half of 2020, from 17th in 2019, among airports of similar capacity. It achieved an improved overall score of 4.94 out of 5.00, from 4.69 previously. KLIA2 is the purpose-built terminal for AirAsia Group, which has won World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 11th year in a row at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2019.

Gateway to Asia, Malaysia offers the perfect backdrop for a successful event coupled by the country’s cost effective standards of living and excellent transport infrastructure and network.

10 MALAYSIA

2018 & 2019 ICCA STATISTICS REPORT

Pillars of Business Events Malaysia Business tourism in Malaysia would not be made possible without full support from the local government, particularly the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) a non-profit organisation established by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

Apart from MyCEB, the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB), Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and other state tourism boards are not to be missed out as they act as a one stop centre in facilitating the organisation, development and marketing of conventions, conferences and corporate events in their respective state.

Since 2009, MyCEB has taken the lead in furthering Malaysia’s goal to appeal as a leading destination for international meetings, incentives, conventions, trade exhibitions and major events. As the national bureau, MyCEB acts as catalyst for product and industry developments, improving Malaysia‘s rankings as an international meetings destination within the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

For qualified meetings and event organisers, MyCEB provides impartial and complementary support for your needs in bidding, promoting, planning and hosting your event successfully, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) and other pivotal organisations.

MyCEB secured and supported 3,863 events from 2010 to 2019, generating RM26.9 billion in estimated economic impact, with almost 2.1 million business delegates to the country. From January until August 2020, MyCEB in collaboration with local associations successfully managed to bid for and secure 20 international conferences from 2020 until 2024 with an estimated targeted number of 14,000 delegates.

International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) MALAYSIA World Ranking

Asia Pacific Ranking

2018 2019

33 9

33 9

No. of International Association Meetings

134

137

Asia Pacific Ranking

10

7

KUALA LUMPUR World Ranking

No. of International Association Meetings

34

22

PENANG World Ranking

68

91

208

289

KUCHING World Ranking

14

9

143

221

No. of International Association Meetings

20

12

Asia Pacific Ranking

No. of International Association Meetings Asia Pacific Ranking KOTA KINABALU World Ranking

Asia Pacific Ranking

No. of International Association Meetings

49

32

69

57

272

-

9

-

67

-

Source: International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Ranking 2018 & 2019

o

Leisure

11

An Advocate for Industry Education and Development

Initiatives by MyCEB Meet in Malaysia Campaign The Meet in Malaysia campaign encompasses two simultaneous initiatives entitled Let’s Meet Tomorrow and Let’s Meet Locally programmes, which runs until December 2021.

Let’s Meet Locally consists of competitive packages and government subsidies to stimulate domestic meetings. With the objective of encouraging corporates to hold their events and meetings in the country, the programme is applicable to a minimum group size of 30 and 50 delegates per conference.

The Let’s Meet Tomorrow programme is initiated to help industry players in planning and preparing for future international business events organised in Malaysia to welcome international delegates and will take into effect once the international borders are open.

Addressing stakeholders such as professional conference organisers (PCOs), local associations, event management companies and destination management companies (DMCs), the Let’s Meet Tomorrow programme strives for collaborations with venues to develop competitive and appealing campaign packages.

On top of this, MyCEB rolled out additional packages such as the Tactical Malaysia Twin Deal V, Exhibition Enhancement Package and Homegrown Event Support. Support from the bureau and participating industry partners will come in the form of subsidies or services.

For more information about the campaign, please visit www.myceb.com.my/meetinMalaysia

12 MALAYSIA

MyCEB initiated an online professional education platform by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) through a partnership with Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to continuously expand the nations’s business events industry. The IAPCO webEDGE platform is specifically designed for Malaysia-based professional conference organisers (PCOs) by providing globally accredited training, which is customised to enhance their professionalism and raise their capacity and capability to meet the current and future industry expectation, needs and demands.

As a digital learning platform, IAPCO webEDGE enables meeting professionals from any discipline to access a fully immersive 14-course congress project management package. All content is delivered by meetings industry experts using real-life case studies which will be readily accessible anytime, anywhere. Those who complete the programme will receive a diploma that can set them on the path to be an IAPCO certified PCO, the highest level of industry certification.

For more information on webEDGE, please visit www.myceb.com.my/IAPCO

Value For Money Constantly building and improving infrastructures to meet the modern world’s ever-evolving wants and needs, Malaysia boasts world class in all major cities including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Selangor, Putrajaya, Melaka, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah.

The superb venues ranging from convention centres, exhibition halls, meeting rooms and unique off-site venues are purpose-built, feature state-of-the-art facilities that offers excellent support services and comforting conveniences, as well as fully supported by high-tech audio visual equipment, presentation aids and high speed internet connectivity. The country also offers a diverse selection of accommodation from luxurious five-star hotels to unique boutique hotels or fully equipped service apartments or budget accommodations.

Whatever MICE events you are planning, Malaysia is ready to host it.

With its unique cultural heritage, ancient tropical rainforests, idyllic islands and urban experiences, Malaysia is a top getaway not just for work but also those who desire a much needed break or incentive trip. Bedazzle your business guests with all the marvellous places of interest that the country has to offer during their stay here.

Malaysia offers international standard products and services for both meeting planners and delegates at better value compared to its neighbouring countries. This is a direct benefit for organisers who want to lower their expenditure but attract more attendees from different demographics at the same time.

Langkawi International Airport

Perlis Kangar

Langkawi

N

Kedah

Kelantan

Sultan Abdul Halim Airport

Sultan Ismail Petra Airport

Kota Bharu

Alor Setar

Penang

SOUTH CHINA SEA Terengganu

George Town

Penang International Airport

Sabah

Sultan Mahmud Airport

Kuala Terengganu

Perak

Ipoh

Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Sultan Azlan Shah Airport

Labuan

Pahang

Labuan Airport

Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport

Kuantan

Skypark Terminal Sutan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport

Shah Alam

Selangor

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) & klia2

Limbang Airport

Kuala Lumpur Putrajaya

Miri Airport

Seremban

Negeri Sembilan Melaka Airport

Johor

Melaka City

Melaka

Bintulu Airport

Senai International Airport

Johor Bahru

Sibu Airport

STRAITS OF MALACCA Kuching International Airport

14 MALAYSIA

Kuching

Sarawak

Sandakan Airport

Kota Kinabalu Lahad Datu Airport

Tawau Airport

Unique Experience Exotic Culture

Malaysia Truly Asia, a home to amazing variety of cultures, lifestyles, cuisines and arts, as well as a melting pot of cultures comprising of Malay, Chinese, Indian and 47 indigenous enthnicities. Explore Malaysia through its food from aromatic Malay dishes, delicious Chinese delicacies to spicy Indian fares as well as some of Asia’s best cuisines, given the wide variety of cooking styles and cultural influences. A bucket list of the best local food destinations around Malaysia that showcase each city’s gastronomic heritage and burgeoning food scene.

Blessed with a wealth of traditional arts, culture and heritage, Malaysia is also famous for its songket, batik, brass, wood craving, boat building and traditional carpentry. You can have hands-on experience on local crafts in various craft centres that available in Malaysia.

Homestay Programme

Delegates can participate in homestay programme to have a glimpse of the Malaysian lifestyle. Each homestay offers unique, distinctive and special attractions and participants will be guaranteed with invaluable memorable experiences in their stay. Participants can get acquainted with foster families, discover local culture and experience the village lifestyles or experience farmers’ life through their daily activities such as tapping rubber, banana and pineapple fruit picking as well as activities of paddy planting, harvesting or thrashing depending on the season. Participants can also watch cultural performances, join traditional games such as congkak, gasing and guli, learn how to prepare traditional delicacies from locals and how to weave handicrafts and bring them home as souvenirs.

o

Leisure

15

DESTINATION: KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Meet In Kuala Lumpur Explore The Capital Charm

Dynamic City Kuala Lumpur (KL), the charming capital of Malaysia, coupled with direct air access to major cities worldwide, which is one of the top 10 most-visited cities in the world according to MasterCard’s Global Destination Cities Index.

Established at a confluence of two rivers over 150 years ago, Kuala Lumpur has grown into a modern metropolis with a rich diversity of people from various ethnic, cultures and religious backgrounds.

The diverse heritage can easily be seen and experienced in the food, festivals, arts and cultures, as well as its architecture.

With well-balanced experience of cultural wonders, heritage charms, vibrant nightlife, mega malls, fine dining and luxury accommodations, on top of a progressive events infrastructure, the dynamic Kuala Lumpur sits high on business’s planners lists.

In 2019, Kuala Lumpur has recorded its best ranking over seven years, achieving 7th position, up three spots, in the Asia region according to the ICCA (International Convention & Conference Association) Statistics Report 2019 and 22nd position in the world, up 12 places from 2018. This elevated ranking in both Asia and the world is significant for Kuala Lumpur, not only as the capital city of Malaysia but also as the economic hub of the country, acting as important contributors to the development of some of Malaysia’s key industries.

16 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

World Class Venues & Facilities One of Asia’s most dynamic city, Kuala Lumpur has long been a popular destination for business events, with facilities to cater functions varying from the smallest of business meetings to the grandest of international conventions.

The city’s excellent infrastructure, efficient transportation and communications systems, growing economy and IT-savvy population make it a perfect fit for MICE events.

With KL’s Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Malaysia boasts Southeast Asia’s third largest venue for large-scale exhibitions and events. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Centre is Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre which overlooks the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the 50-arce KLCC Park. Another popular venue, the 24,000sqm World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL) allows tented exhibitions as well as foyer space outdoors and features extra-large cargo elevators to support heavy exhibits. Set in the bustling Bangsar South district within an integrated environment in Kuala Lumpur, Connexion Conference & Event Centre (CCEC) offers an array of event venues and facilities unmatched in the Klang Valley.

Kuala Lumpur boasts several international hotel brands like Hilton, Westin, Le Meridien and Marriott that are equipped with top-notch meeting facilities.

To catch incredible views of the Twin Towers, check out hotels within the Kuala Lumpur City Centre precinct like Mandarin Oriental, Grand Hyatt, Traders, Four Seasons and W Kuala Lumpur. Over at the bustling Bukit Bintang zone, new luxury hotelier names like Pavilion Hotel, Bayan Tree, The RuMa and EQ, are just few minutes-walk away from retail heaven. For larger groups looking for a comprehensive venue, the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur in the Sentral precinct offers over 10,000sqm of events space.

There are some of the unique venues for you to choose from such as KL’s Old Railway Station, Islamic Art Museum, Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Glasshouse at Seputeh and more.

o

Leisure 17

SPECIAL FEATURE

Splendid Venues for Spectacular Events S

pread across two purpose-built venues – Nexus and The Vertical – the centre occupies over 200,000 square feet of space and features 5 Pillarless Ballrooms, 15 Function Rooms, 1 Junior Ballroom, 1 Auditorium, 3 VIP Rooms, a Rooftop Gazebo, and an upscale private event space called The Oak Room.

“Functional and flexible spaces for corporate events in one connected location.

Designed to cater for corporate and social events in Kuala Lumpur, Connexion Conference & Event Centre (CCEC) is an advanced, fresh, and urban venue for occasions that link businesses, interests and lifestyles. “

o

18

Leisure

Launched in two phases in 2014 and 2016 respectively, the two sites that make up Connexion Conference & Event Centre (CCEC) are managed by UOA Hospitality, the hospitality arm of UOA Group. The centre specialises in catering for corporate functions, meetings, AGM, seminars, private dinners, conferences, exhibitions, launch events, award ceremonies, cocktail receptions, social events and more.

Strategically located in Bangsar South between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, CCEC is easily accessible via major highways and is also well served by public transportation.

In addition to being just walking distance from train stations, the centre has over 1,650 secure and covered parking lots located within its premises, therefore making it extremely convenient for guests.

CCEC provides an exceptional array of event venues and services including various sized halls with world-class facilities and amenities for both big and small scale events, dedicated on-site event professional services, bespoke in-house catering solutions, as well as direct access to 1080 rooms for accommodation convenience.

Discover one of the best meeting venues in Kuala Lumpur with flexible meeting packages curated for your convenience. Achieve your event goals, get the most out of your events and bridge your way to seamless success when you host events at CCEC.

Bring Your Events To Life With These Splendid Spaces Ballrooms The five impressive ballrooms encompasses three ballrooms at Nexus and two ballrooms at The Vertical. With each ballroom ranging from 250 to 500 seating capacity, the spaces can also be combined to form the Grand Nexus ballroom which can accommodate 2,100 persons, while the Grand Summit ballroom can seat up to 1,000.

Function Rooms A remarkable choice of 15 function rooms spread across Nexus and The Vertical offers solutions for events of various requirements and sizes.

Each function room features modern facilities, while at Nexus, the four individual function rooms can be joined to create a larger space when combined.

Auditorium The centre’s state-of-the-art auditorium is located in Nexus, seats 300 and comes complete with a first-class AV system and a stylish three-tier seating arrangement, making it ideal for concerts, launches and movie screenings.

Junior Ballroom The Zenith Junior Ballroom with floor to ceiling glass windows caters for over 180 guests and is ideal for social events, annual dinners and live shows.

Its impressive curved design layout also adds character to the space.

Gazebo Intimate gatherings and cocktail receptions find a home at CCEC’s very own Gazebo, a sophisticated outdoor venue which seats up to 20 people in a verdant and peaceful setting complete with water features and a beautifully designed landscaped garden.

The Oak Room Elegantly designed with tasteful furnishings and an inviting ambience, The Oak Room is a creative alternative venue for business events with luxurious facilities and excellent services.

VIP Rooms CCEC’s three VIP rooms provide the ambiance and perfect setting to gather your most honoured guests prior to your function or event. The facility provides a relaxed atmosphere with sofas and a lounge-style finishing touch.

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Due to the concerns surrounding the Covid-19 situation, the capacity of the function spaces will be reduced and all seats are arranged further apart with a minimum gap of 1.5m to prevent close contact. Please visit www.connexioncec.com for the latest capacity chart and updates.

For future events and enquiries, please contact Connexion Conference & Event Centre at +603-2386 9188 or email the Sales & Events Team at enquire@connexioncec.com.

o

Leisure 19

Endless Offers For unwinding after a long day of meetings, delegates can explore the modern city with its unique blend of races and cultures, towering skyscrapers, shopping paradise, exciting attractions and endless entertainment options.

Kuala Lumpur is home to authentic Malaysian cuisines such as Nasi Lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk, enjoyed with deep-fried anchovies and chilli paste), Satay (skewered meat) and Roti Canai (Indian flat bread), as well as many other delicious local cuisines to suit different taste buds. Old-world enclave Kampung Baru still houses some of KL’s traditional wooden stilt houses surrounded by concrete jungle, an ideal place to feast on authentic Malay fare. Jalan Alor dishes out oriental delicacies aplenty, or go to Brickfields for Indian cuisines.

Satisfy your palates at any of KL’s fine dining establishments, including Italian favourite Marini’s on 57, which sits on the 57th floor of Petronas Tower 3. One floor down is Nobu KL, first southeast Asian branch of the Michelin-starred stalwart, serving up Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences. You can also head to the revolving restaurant Atmosphere 360 to admire KL’s iconic skyline by night.

Come sunset, kick-start your evening out in KL by enjoying stunning sunset views of city skyline with a glass of wine or cocktail at a stylish rooftop bar. Night revellers can check out TREC, a mix of F&B and clubs in one space or Jalan P.Ramlee or KL’s resident party area such as Changkat Bukit Bintang, Desa Sri Hartamas or Bangsar.

For a full day immersion into mouth-watering local food, endless retail therapy and cultural attractions, head to Golden triangle, a hub for Kuala Lumpur’s commercial, shopping, nightlife and entertainment. The prestigious location enriched by integrated public transportation and a wide range of accommodation options. Spend your time around Bukit Bintang shopping district, the city’s pulse line Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and the bustling bazaars at Chinatown, also known as Petaling Street.

For souvenier-hunting , you can visit Central Market, KL Craft Complex or various shopping malls. Nature lovers can also explore KL Eco Forest Park or Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park, for a calm serenity of greenery and an escape from the bustling city. Let’s experience the lively Kuala Lumpur from here on!

20 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

KL Metropolis sits on a prime land development and consists of an exhibition centre, Grade A office towers, landmark tower, regional retail centers, luxury condominiums and hotels components. Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd has invested over RM650 million to build MITEC, the first component and flagship of KL Metropolis, an integrated sustainable development of world class environment for business and for leisure, in a motivated effort to create one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic modern urban development by year 2030.

Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Malaysia’s Largest Trade & Exhibition Centre

A majestic icon in Malaysia, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) offers over 51,000sqm of exhibition space, handling capacity like no other venue in the country with its 11 exhibition halls, one ballroom, 13 meeting rooms, two outdoor amphitheatres and two multipurpose rooms. As a premier venue business partner, MITEC’s facilities are continuously upgraded to stay ahead of its market demand through offering higher value customised client solutions and in-house expertise.

In September 2020, MITEC is proud to have successfully hosted the country’s first major business event with more than 4,500 people in attendance during the COVID-19 Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) in a highly-controlled, carefully managed environment with stringent safety and security protocols in place.

With MITEC as a major player in the business events industry, Smart Trade Zone (STZ) serves as an ecosystem that drives trade and investment opportunities, as well as an opening to connect local with international players. STZ features a Smart Partners Programme which encourages alliances to use the platform to create opportunities for collaborations and partnerships, enable participation in business forums or consultations, global missions and ultimately facilitate data and resource sharing.

To know more about MITEC, visit www.mitec.com.my

MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre (MECC) Unique Archway Design Building

Located next to MITEC, MECC complex offers more than 106,000 gross sqm of floor space at MATRADE’s 24-storey architectural icon with a unique archway design through the building. Distinctively recognised from a distance, it encompasses the podium, Tower Block as well as an amphitheatre. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a large LED screen, efficient power distribution and uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity, MECC is the versatile venue for your events whether be it big or small, indoors as well as outdoors.

o

Leisure 21

Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), designed as a city within a city, KLCC precinct is a must-visit destination and one-stop hub for work, live, play, shop and visit. The precinct connects to a majority of the surrounding attractions within a comfortable 5 to 10 minutes’ walk via covered air-conditioned walkways.Discover the best of Kuala Lumpur in one place!

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Malaysia’s Premier Progressive Event Venue

A five-level purpose-built facility, the Centre encompasses over 33,000sqm of flexible multi-purpose function space in the heart of the iconic Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) precinct and has maintained its market leader status through ongoing and rigorous investment, maintenance and management expertise. Facilities include two Auditoria; Plenary Hall and Plenary Theatre, a Grand Ballroom, Banquet Hall, three Conference Halls, Meeting Rooms, eight Exhibition Halls and a standalone MarqE. In August 2020, the Centre reveals a complete line-up of comprehensive initiatives and solutions which are designed to attract and better service business events clients in the new normal, under their engagement programme “We are here for you”. The exact capacity each of the rooms can host will vary depending on the event type, layout and requirements, as well as comfortably apply more than adequate social distancing for events. The Centre has always had stringent health and safety operations in place, and the experienced and knowledgeable team are fully trained and equipped to execute continual sanitisation and hygiene measures at high standards and frequency. ①

For all the latest information on the Centre, visit www.klccconventioncentre.com.

PETRONAS Towers

World’s Tallest Twin Building

Standing at 452m above ground, the iconic twin towers represents Malaysia’s progress and achievements as an emerging world class economy. A unique double-deck bridge located at levels 41 and 42 of the prestigious twin towers, measuring up to 58.4m in length, offering a superb viewing platform for visitors to enjoy the magnificent skyscrapers of the Kuala Lumpur city. ②

Suria KLCC Premier Shopping Mall

Centrally located, Suria KLCC is not only Kuala Lumpur’s favourite mall, also one of the most frequented places in Malaysia! Be sure to take the time to visit popular spots that located within the mall.

22 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

④

Aquaria, KLCC An Ocean of Discovery

③

Petrosains Fun Science Discovery Centre

Petrosains The Discovery Centre is a favourite stopover for the young and young-at-heart, discovering the science and technology as a whole.

With lots of interactive workshops and exhibits, groundbreaking activities and shows, there is always something new to discover, play with, see and do!

Located beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, just a short, connected walk away from the Twin Towers, showcasing more than 5000 land and aquatic live creature exhibits. Visitors are led through an underwater Living Ocean journey via a 90m tunnel on a moving travel belt. The Aqua-theatre lets you watch the daring Aquaria divers feed these amazing species at various live feeding sessions throughout the day.

⑤

Galeri Petronas World Class Art Gallery

Galeri Petronas is a treat for serious art lovers and casual observers. Discover the gallery’s unique offerings from traditional culture to contemporary art. Now, you can immerse yourself in the many talks, tutorials, workshops, interviews and performances on its youtube channel.

Bukit Bintang

Business & Entertainment Hub

Bukit Bintang is a charming district offering city’s top attraction alongside a myriad of dining, shopping and entertainment options, from indoor theme parks and interesting museums to trendy cafes and award-winning restaurants.

It is also home to massive shopping malls such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Starhill, Fahrenheit 88, Lot 10, Sungei Wang Plaza, Low Yat Plaza and Berjaya Times Square, which are within walking distance from one another. êSwiss-Garden ê Hotel Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur ③

Bukit Bintang Street Art Alleys Stunning Insta-worthy Spot

①

Museum of Illusions Interactive Exhibits

A museum concept of various illusionary exhibits, interactive rooms and dilemma games based on the combination of science, art, IQ and most important the interaction of the visitor with the exhibits. Full of exciting activities and interesting for any age group and nationality.

②

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

The Laneways Project to beautify involves seven lanes and one public space around Jalan Berangan, Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang, Jalan Rembia, Jalan Tengkat Tong Shin and Jalan Alor.

Each alleyway has its own theme to create a sense of belonging or to reflect its history such as food, culture, environment and backyard.

Malaysia’s Largest Indoor Theme Park

The gigantic indoor theme park that measures 133,000sqft is a result from an experiment gone wrong by wacky Professor Cosmo and his beloved but hare-brained assistant, Ooort. Adding a touch of feminine to lower the sizzling temperature is she-bot Ooops. Visit them and experience the lunacy as these characters maintain numerous rides.

o

Leisure 23

SPECIAL FEATURE

Ideal Getaway For Business and Leisure

F

“Ideally and strategically located, Swiss-Garden hotels and resorts encapsulate contemporary setting, from urban chic to stylish furnishings creating the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.”

rom romantic enclaves, lush tropical greenery, pristine beaches to bustling cities, the charm of Swiss-Garden offers a confluence of travel experience. Each of our properties is defined by its unique character, yet personified by the gracious service that is synonymous with the Swiss-Garden Brand. For the ultimate experience in meetings, incentives and conventions, our dedicated and attentive event specialist will ensure the most detailed requirement is met. Customized packages ranging from theme parties to team building sessions are carefully curated to offer impactful experiences.

Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Kuantan is nestled on the pristine Balok Beach fronting the azure waters of the South China Sea in Peninsular Malaysia. A drive to the resort takes only 30 minutes from Kuantan Airport and 20 minutes from Kuantan Town, Kuantan Port and Gebeng Industrial Estate, the largest industrial estate in Pahang.

Combined with the resort’s leisure facilities, guests at the 304-room hotel can enjoy swimming in the pool with direct access to the beach, providing an idyllic holiday destination for a perfect getaway or for those who want to simply relax. For kids, the Young Citizens of the World Kids Club is the venue for the young ones to showcase their creative intuition with an enchanting range of arts and crafts.

o

24

Leisure

The 561-room Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Genting Highlands is situated along the hills within a 15-minute drive to Genting Highlands Peak and few doors away from Gohtong Jaya, The Genting Skyway cable car station, Awana Golf & Country Resort, Strawberry Farm and the popular Genting Highlands Premium Outlets.

Merely a 40-minute drive away from Kuala Lumpur city centre, the Hotel is unobstructed by the hustle and bustle of the city with a myriad of lifestyle amenities and an environment with refreshing cool weather and mountain climate of 19 – 25 degree Celsius.

The Alcove located on Level 41 is a stunning feature and an Instagramworthy location for many. Surrounded by the crystal-clear water complete with an infinity view of the bright blue sky shining from above, it will definitely be the ideal perfect spot for any form of events.

Swiss-Garden Resort Residences Sungai Karang is idyllically located at the pristine Balok Beach and is within close proximity to Kuantan town, the Gebeng Industrial Park and Kuantan Port. The resort style residences comprises 105 rooms and features an in-house mini Water Theme Park – The Underwater City of Teruntum. Rising at 10 storeys, it has an East Wing and a South Wing. Each unit is elegantly designed to replicate homely comfort amidst a beach front resort setting.

Swiss-Garden Hotel Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur is strategically located in the heart of bustling Kuala Lumpur between the entertainment hub of Bukit Bintang and colourful Chinatown. Just a short 15-minute drive away to the famous skyscraper of Petronas Twin Towers KLCC and luxurious shopping haven of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, it is a great choice for guests travelling on holiday or for work.

The newly refurbished hotel features a refreshed look with modern facilities that provide travellers on both business and leisure, an international standard of accommodation. A refined experience with modern yet cosy rooms equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, provide the ultimate ambience. The combination of the hotel’s rooms, lobby transformation and its proximity to the surrounding attractions make it an ideal place for guests to stay.

Damai Laut Golf & Country Club is a par-72 18-hole championship buggy-tracked course located in Perak. Offering breathtaking views of the sea and lush greenery, the awardwinning Ronald Fream - designed layout is routed through a tropical landscape with nine holes overlooking the Straits of Malacca and the other nine the estuaries of the Dinding River.

Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka offers a serene and luxurious retreat in the sky. Ideally located overlooking Melaka’s UNESCO World Heritage zone, the opulent hotel, tallest in the state boasts 306 guest rooms with well-appointed facilities and an adjoining shopping complex allowing guests to enjoy best of both worlds.

For more information on Swiss-Garden International Hotels, Resorts & Inns, please visit www.swissgarden.com.

o

Leisure 25

KL Tower

Signature KL Landmark

Standing at 421m and located at the top of Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, KL Tower is the tallest in Southeast Asia and the 7th tallest telecommunication tower in the world, offering visitors a unique blend of modern, culture, adventure and nature experience. tall. Overlooking a spectacular glass view of Kuala Lumpur skyline, KL Tower offer venues namely megaview banquet hall, amphitheater, mini theater, to cater your one-of-its-kind corporate dinners, meetings, seminars, product launchings, private party and weddings receptions.

The amazing Sky Deck enables visitors to experience an open air view of KL. For more exciting experience, visitors can step out into Sky Box that extended out from the Sky Deck ledge at 300 meters high, enjoying an exclusive and unobstructed view of the city as if you are floating in the air!

Atmosphere 360, an elegant revolving restaurant that furnished in a spaceshiplike atmosphere with its magnificent view and starry fibre optic ceiling lights that offers a truly unforgettable and luxurious culinary experience. You will be indulged by amazing range of food and a fantastic view of Kuala Lumpur, at the height of 282m above ground level. The highest Restaurant in Southeast Asia, Atmosphere 360 opens daily for lunch and dinner with wide selections of buffet meals, ala-carte and cocktails.

KL Tower also houses a variety of attractions such as a KL Forest Eco Park, KL Tower Mini Zoo, KL’s Upside Down House, mini aquarium and more. ①

KL Forest Eco Park

Forest in The City

KL Tower serves as one of the gateway into KL Forest Eco Park, blending the Tower seamlessly with Nature. Gazetted as a forest reserve in 1906, the KL Forest Eco Park is one of the oldest natural rainforests in Malaysia.

Here, visitors can also explore the forest and traverse any of the trails available such as the 360m Merbau Trail, the 300m Jelutong Trail or the 200m Canopy Walk, which is 21m high up in the trees.

26 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

②

KL Upside Down House

Turn Your World Upside Down

As you make your way in, you will be welcomed by an archway at the entrance that has an inverted antique Morris 1974 Volkswagen Beetle car. A fun attraction to visit as all the furniture and decors are placed upside down, as well as a beautiful garden to be your photo’s background. It is time to show your creativity and photography skill!

SPECIAL FEATURE

Relax

In The Busy City

Mini Jungle

“Feel . Touch . A Relaxing Experience”

Situated beneath KL Tower, one of the famous landmarks in Malaysia, KL Tower Mini Zoo (KLTMZ) is carefully planned and specially designed with a jungle concept to create a nature feel environment in the middle of the bustling city. It acts as a platform for people from all walks of life and ages to get as close as possible to nature and animals in a safe and secured condition to observe and have a close interaction with the animals directly instead of watching and learning from TV and books.

KLTMZ is an ideal destination for those who would like to be close up with more than 50 species animals ranging from native species to the exotic animals, as well as for families outing, where children can learn while having fun and the parents can enjoy the relaxing moments with their beloved. In order to create a green society towards nature and its living, the mini zoo provides an opportunity for visitors to gain the unforgettable close up experience with a chance to feed, pet the animals with those fascinating, beautiful, unique creatures available.

With the coverage area of about 2 acres, KLTMZ divided into several stations, including the Mini Jungle, Falabella Stable, Happy Farm Village, Birdy School, Longkang Fishing, Pet Village and Jungle View and Forest Walk.

Meerkat

White Long-Tailed Macaque

Alpaca

At the entrance, you will be welcomed by lovely animals in the Mini Jungle, such as different species of parrots, ferret and Sulcata tortoise. The show stars Timon, a meerkat, character from the Disney animated film The Lion King will greet you at this station!

Have you experienced catching fish in the drain especially in urban area? Here, it will bring back your childhood’s memories, while having wonderful fun time with the Longkang Fishing, a traditional Malaysian children activity of dredging fish in the drain. In the Pet Village, you can have fun by feeding cuddly rabbits and guinea pigs with fresh vegetables. Don’t forget to feed the giant tortoises that gently walking around, namely Aldabra and Sulcata, which are the second and third largest species in the world.

After a long tour, you can sit back and relax at the Look Out Point, which is a cosy place surrounded by the forest within the city and lovely animals. You can also observe the adorable furry Alpacas from this resting point. Enjoy your outing in KLTMZ! Operating Hours:

• Daily: 10.00am - 9.00pm

Entrance Fees (RM)

• Adult • Child/Senior Citizen

Fennec Fox

Bearded Dragon

Look Out Point

MyKad Rate RM 35.00 RM 29.00

Normal Rate RM 48.00 RM 38.00

* Free admission for children with body height below 90cm with accompany paying adult * Child refers to age below 12 years old * Senior Citizen refers to age 60 years old and above

.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

KL Tower Mini Zoo Menara Kuala Lumpur, Lot 6, Ground Floor, Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P.Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: 603-2022 3943 Email: kltower.minizoo@gmail.com Facebook: KL Tower Mini Zoo

o

Leisure 27

DESTINATION: SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Meet In Selangor

Discover The Hidden Gems

Gateway To Malaysia Being one of the country’s most developed state, Selangor is well known for its infrastructure and communications facilities, housing the largest seaport named Port Klang and three airports, namely Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) and Skypark Terminal Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport.

Selangor is blessed with diversity in cultures and traditions, languages, historical places and arts and a wide delightful gastronomy selection. The beautiful state also adorned with lush greens that vary with the landscape and topography from the coastal mangroves and verdant tropical rainforest right down to the charming fishing villages that pave the coastline, such as Sekinchan, Tanjung Sepat, Pulau Carey and Pulau Ketam. These fishing villages provide a unique homestay experience, especially for those who love fishing.

Shah Alam, the capital city of Selangor is known as a well-planned township encompassing both modernity and greenery. Residential and commercial areas, government administrative buildings, exciting theme parks and trendy shopping malls are set amidst lush landscaping. The pride of Shah Alam is undoubtedly the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and its architecture integrates Moorish and ethnic Malay elements.

28 Selangor, MALAYSIA

Impressive Venues & Facilities With its strategic location, Selangor is home to a growing number of venue options from small meetings to large conventions including few well developed conference hubs Subang Jaya and Shah Alam, positioned itself as one of the popular business events destinations.

Morden, slick, elegant and absolutely striking in architecture and interior, Setia City Convention Centre offers a comprehensive range of facilities for conferences, meetings, seminars, weddings, concerts, private events and outdoor events, with a grand ballroom with 2,000 seating capacity and 8 function halls as well as a unique green event lawn, overlooking the oval lawn. The 6000sqm hall, which is designed to be flexible, functional and facilitate free-flowing traffic to cater to all types of MICE events.

Being the first convention centre in Shah Alam, Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC) is a modern purpose-built facility, giving guests an ideal venue for meetings, weddings and exhibition from 30 to 3,000 visitors.

Conveniently accessed through Shah Alam Expressway and Federal Highway, Ideal Convention Center Shah Alam (IDCC) is structurally designed and built to house a home decoration centre spread over a podium of 300 meters in length for a three-story wholesale and retail concept stores, a systematic yet convenient 5 story car park, a block of 15 story Office Tower and a block of 15 story business class hotel.

MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) consists of an exhibition space of about 180,000sqft, offering an excellent venue for multi-purpose usage such as trade shows, expositions, major gatherings, concerts and gala dinners.

With a total floor space of 42,000sqm, Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) is one the country’s premier indoor exhibition venues, where corporate and social events, exhibitions and weddings are held.

Offering 7,157sqm of unobstructed function space, the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (SPCC) forms an integral part of the vibrant, integrated Sunway City as an event venue. This iconic landmark is also home to Asia’s Best Attractions, the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, the massive Sunway Pyramid Mall and three distinct Sunway Hotels & Resorts offering over 1,400 guestrooms, suites and villas, leaving you spoilt for choice.

In addition, Selangor has a range of star-rated business class hotel to distinctive venues for your next event, bringing together amazing spaces, leading technology, creative flavours and professional expertise to deliver an outstanding event experience.

o

Leisure 29

SPECIAL FEATURE

Graceful Hospitality in the heart of the city N estled in the 788-acres of scenic and lush surroundings of IOI

Resort City, lies Palm Garden Hotel, a 4-star hotel that offers 151 tastefully furnished rooms centered on a courtyard. The hotel is strategically located 5-minutes to Putrajaya, 30-minutes drive to Kuala Lumpur and about 40-minutes to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, as well as easily accessible via major highways including SILK, SKVE, North South Highway, Besraya and more.

Palm Garden Hotel, recently underwent refurbishment for all its 151 rooms in 2018. This was followed by renovations and refurbishments of the lobby, swimming pools, recreation washrooms, courtyard and all function rooms that completed in late 2019.

Heliconia rooms offer twin beds, while Orchid Rooms are larger deluxe sized rooms with a choice of twin beds or king sized beds.

These rooms are equipped with settee, LCD television with satellite channels, working desk, shower, mini bar fridge, in-room safe, iron, ironing board and coffee and tea making facilities.

The Anthurium Suite features a separate bedroom and living room, providing a kitchenette with microwave in addition to the standard amenities. These lovely suites are included for bridal couples who have booked their wedding reception at Palm Garden Hotel. The hotel also converted 22 rooms into family rooms for 4 persons or 6 persons recently. Family rooms for 6 people come with a Kid’s Themed Bed corner.

From large conventions to small meetings and events, Palm Garden Hotel adds value for its clients. The dedicated sales and banquet team offers the very best in any meeting and event, providing versatile meeting spaces, sensational meals and impeccable service catered to meet guests’ needs.

The stylish Rafflesia Ballroom is a masterpiece of understated elegance with state-of-the-art audio visual systems. Its elegant ambience reflects nature within the hotel grounds through the use of raindrop-like crystal chandelier, depicting the building is embracing nature from within. The ballroom is ideal for weddings and grand dinners up to 350 people in sit-down style. The hotel also offer services of planning team building events with its ample grounds, 8 built-in team building obstacles and many more available activities.

For dining options, one is spoilt for choice with the food and beverage outlets available. Palms Café which was fully renovated in 2017, is the all-day dining restaurant that well known for its delicious a la carte that offer local and international cuisine. For something more exotic, Aroi Dee Thai Restaurant located next to the Rafflesia Ballroom promises a memorable dining experience of Thai cuisine.

The newly renovated Courtyard is the place to relax with your favourite drink and snack in an al fresco environment.

Apart from the things looking new, the employee’s services stand out giving guests warm and friendly services.

Just a short walk or drive away, Palm Garden Hotel is strategically located to attractions such as IOI City Mall with its more than 300 outlets including District 21 Adventure Park, Ice Scape Skating Rink, Wangsa Bowl, Cinema and more shopping and dining outlets. The hotel is also nearby the prestigious 18-hole golf course at Palm Garden Golf Club.

o

30

Leisure

If you are ever in need for a short getaway, head on to the Palm Garden Hotel. You will be immediately transported to a resort haven that is close to the city.

DESTINATION: PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA

Meet In Putrajaya

Immerse In The Garden City

Administrative Capital of Malaysia Putrajaya is a model township that has been constructed with detailed planning, innovative urban design and great respect for the environment. It is a city with a vision that also promise to keep the nation’s heritage for the country’s present and future generation.

This modern city, which spans over 5,000ha of land previously planted with oil palm, was launched as the Malaysia’s administrative capital on 29 August 1995. It became Malaysia’s third federal territory on 1 February 2001. Over the years, Putrajaya has evolved into a model administrative centre and celebrates its 25th anniversary on 29 August 2020. Named in honour of the nation’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Putrajaya today houses 23 ministries and nearly 100 government agencies, with a population of 110,000.

As a young city, Putrajaya comprises modern administrative buildings with a variety of sightseeing attractions such as scenic man-made lake, unique parks, wetlands, aesthetically designed bridges, beautifully landscaped roads and elegant buildings dominated by Malay and Moorish Islamic architecture, where business and leisure coexist. Visit the modern architectural buildings in Putrajaya by walking trail or cycling through architectural trail, where infinite Instagram-worthy photo opportunities await you.

32 Putrajaya, MALAYSIA

First Class Venues & Facilities Well-connected with a wide networks of highways and located close to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Putrajaya has fast emerged as one of the most preferred MICE destinations, offering first class infrastructure and facilities ensure that your entire event planning is a breeze, resulting in a successful and memorable experience.

Putrajaya has everything you need for a successful event, be it a board meeting, incentive trips for employees or customers, team building gatherings, conferences for key stakeholders or exhibitions to showcase your latest innovations. The city also a great place to host outdoor events and is destined to be the best sports and recreation destination in Malaysia. Putrajaya is definitely ready to bid and host big-scale events at its venues.

Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) rises majestically from the top of Putrajaya’s highest point, and amidst a prestigious enclave of residential neighbourhoods and waterfront developments. It is both an iconic landmark that overlooks Malaysia’s seat of government and one that incorporates a modern, spacious and incredibly versatile design. PICC is ideal for large-scale international exhibitions and conferences, providing a flexible setting with advanced facilities.

From modern business hotels and resorts, Putrajaya has an extensive range of accommodation to suit every budget and preference. With over 8 hotels and over thousand rooms, there are plenty of options to choose from such as Dorsett Putrajaya, Zenith Putrajaya Hotel, PULSE GRANDE Hotel Putrajaya and more. Most hotels in Putrajaya consistently deliver superior service and excellent value and offer “bleisure” travellers a range of facilities with the majority providing fully-equipped business centres, meeting facilities, broadband internet access and other conveniences.

Unconventional venues in Putrajaya meet MICE needs for interesting and exciting experiences outside of conventional board room and hotel meeting facilities. Unique spaces that incorporate MICE facilities include Floria Putrajaya, Taman Ekuestrian Putrajaya (TEP), Marina Putrajaya, Cruise Tasik Putrajaya and other small venues which also available for more intimate gatherings like Bora Ombak Putrajaya.

o

Leisure 33

Putrajaya Lake The 400 hectare Putrajaya Lake was created by inundating the valleys of Sungai Chua and Sungai Bisa. The water from Sungai Chua and Sungai Bisa was first filtered by the 200 hectare Putrajaya Wetland area, the biggest man-made wetland in the tropics, before it enters the lake. The lake was primarily designed as a natural cooling system but it also enhances the easthetic appeal of Putrajaya and provides a clean environment for recreational activities.

Cruise Tasik Putrajaya brings visitors to spot and marvel at the stunning sights and more than 20 Putrajaya landmarks from a unique perspective. The cruise offers sightseeing tours on board by their traditional handcrafted perahu as well as air-conditioned cruise boats with dining option. Apart from the regular boat tours, private boat charter and venue rental are also available.

Putrajaya Parks Guided by the “City in the Garden” concept, Putrajaya offers various attractive and interesting ecotourism destinations with its unique parks of different themes for passive recreational, educational and social activities.

The unique Moroccan Pavilion in Taman Botani offers a quiet and cool place for contemplation and reflection while enjoying the variety exhibits brought over from the Islamic Civilization. Taman Wetland is Malaysia’s first man-made wetland park, offering Lookout Tower, Nature Interative Centre and the Flamingo Pond.

Discover the precious jewels of the unique parks ranging from formal urban parks and botanical gardens to the man-made fresh water wetlands and tropical rainforest.

34 Putrajaya, MALAYSIA

u

Putra Mosque

Putrajaya Mosques

Putra Mosque is distinguished by nine magnificent pink domes with rose-tinted granite.

It can accommodate 15,000 worshippers at one time. The basement wall of the mosque resembles that of the King Hassan Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. The highest point below the dome is 250 feet above ground level. Standing at 116m in height, the minaret of the mosque is one of the highest in the region and designed after Baghdad’s Sheikh Omar Mosque, consisting of five tiers which represent the Five Pillars of Islam.

Inspired by Persian Islamic architecture, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque and Putra Mosque are the two main mosques in Putrajaya and have become iconic landmarks of the city.

v

Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque Named after the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the mosque characterises three design principles, namely simplicity, airiness and transparency. The mosque employs “architectural wire mesh” and fine glass to create the illusion of a silvery white metallic structure and minimise the usage of airconditioning and fans.

The semi-transparent spiral mesh also provides worshippers with reliable protection from the sun and rain. The Qiblat Walk is designed and formed as a showpiece of visual linkage in the direction pointing towards mecca as the qiblat for Muslims.

Putrajaya Bridges Putrajaya consists of 9 stunning bridges with various sizes, designs and can be divided into 3 categories, namely, beam bridges, arch bridges and cable-stayed bridges. These bridges were not only to serve as a connection between the various precincts, but reflected Putrajaya as a symbol of Malaysia’s dynamism and progress with its fresh and modern outlook. Don’t miss the night view of these bridges as the architectural designs will be more prominent under the beautiful and colourful lighting.

o

Leisure 35

DESTINATION: PENANG, MALAYSIA

Meet In Penang Inspire Your Mind

The Pearl of the Orient Penang is an island-state off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, comprising Penang Island and mainland named Seberang Perai. The Pearl of the Orient, Penang is a fascinating fusion of the East and West, which embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm from its lovely beaches and emerald green hills to a beautifully preserved heritage enclave till today.

Located at Bayan Lepas, Penang International Airport can be directly accessible from 25 major local and regional airports, and over 100 local and international destinations.

The Penang International Airport is only a 30 minutes’ drive away from the heart of George Town, and a 50 minutes’ flight from KLIA.

In 2019, Penang has successfully hosted a total of 3,762 events for the year, with 339,730 delegates and surpassed 1,075,161 room nights. According to the latest Business Events Penang Annual Review, Penang’s business events has seen an increase of 27 percent in number of participants from 267,518 in 2017 to 339,730 in 2019 and 50 percent increase in EEI from 2017 (RM 1 billion) to 2019 (RM 1.5 billion).

36 Penang, MALAYSIA

Marvellous Venues and Facilities Penang offers over 40 properties ranging from 4-star and 5-star hotels to luxury resorts with meeting facilities. For a taste of Peranakan heritage, you can choose elegant Nyonya-themed boutique hotels where sophistication meets tradition.

The Venue of choice is Setia SPICE Convention Centre, the world’s first hybrid solar-powered building. There are over 3,000 rooms located within a 3km radius of Setia SPICE Convention Centre. By year 2021, the 453-key Amari Hotel Penang is expected to be in operation andconveniently linked to SPICE. Alternatively, the Straits Quay Convention Centre (SQCC) and the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre that scheduled for completion in a few years.

For more intimate and unforgettable experiences, Penang also offers a range of unique venues that include historical buildings, grand Chinese clan house, iconic landmarks and eco-tourism jewels to create a memorable backdrop for the perfect event.

Valuable Government Support

A brainchild of the Penang state government that established in 2016, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) acts as a onestop Penang’s focal point for the coordination of all MICE activities, providing expert assistance to organisations and MICE planners at every step of the planning. Apart from bidding for local, regional and global conferences, pairing them up with local hosts and driving MICE business to Penang, PCEB also often serves as a solution provider and liaison for big conference owners as well as local hospitality and logistic players in Penang.

As PCEB’s founding CEO, Ashwin has led the bureau through a fasttrack programme, establishing a name for the bureau itself and for Penang as a well-known MICE destination rather than just a holiday destination. With new SOPs and precautions being implemented to ensure safety during the pandemic, PCEB has come up with an Enhanced Privilege Penang support programme 2021-2023, as well as a destination branding campaign called “Penang Here for Tomorrow” emphasising that Penang is ready to serve and support your next business events. In addition, PCEB also launched the Next Normal Guidelines for Business Events Penang.

o

Leisure 37

Endless Excitement Known as Malaysia’s street art capital, delegates can go on a half-day adventure exploring Penang’s numerous wall murals and cartoon street art pieces. For exciting experiences, you can head on to several interesting themed museums in the town such as Wonderfood Museum Penang, Penang Time Tunnel, TeddyVille Museum, Ghost Museum, and more.

After touring the historical town, let’s enjoy Penang’s natural wonders, which are just five minutes away via a funicular train ride from George Town to the 130 million-year-old rainforests of the Habitat Penang Hill.

Away from the bustling George Town, take a 30-minute drive towards Penang’s famous Batu Feringgi area, which is lined with luxury beachfronts resorts offering endless options to host team building activities, receptions and private events.

Just 10 minutes away by car is Teluk Bahang, a serene stretch overlooking the Straits of Melaka that is abounding in activities for nature-seekers, adrenalin junkies and corporate incentives participants.

Delicious Cuisines

Penang is rated as one of Asia’s best street food destination, which offers a mix of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes as well as Peranakan and Western cuisines. Plot your time to cover the wide array of street stalls and morning markets for tantalising local dishes such as Char Kway Teow (stir-fried flat rice noodle), Asam Laksa (spicy-sour fish broth with noodles), Rojak Pasembur (spicy fritters and vegetable salad) and Nasi Kandar (Indian-Muslim mixed rice), before ending the meal with refreshing cendol (shaved ice with coconut milk). Gurney drive and several food courts in the city are popular places for these delicacies.

o

Leisure 41

CULTURE & HERITAGE George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS)

George Town, the capital of Penang, a historic city of Straits of Melaka that represents the British era from the end of the 18th century, offering a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia. Awarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7 July 2008, the beautiful city gives visitors a nostalgic glimpse of its past and a taste of the rich cultural diversity that is both timeless and unforgettable. Walking down the streets of George Town is like walking through the paths of history.

①

Penang Ferry Memorable Experience

The iconic Penang Ferry has been connecting George Town with Butterworth for over a century, and it is still going strong. Let’s have a symbolic journey by crossing the sea on an old-world ferry boat, looking at George Town’s skyline get closer as you sail on the sea with the first Penang Bridge on one side and the Butterworth port on the other is arguably a wonderful way to reach the island.

②

Trishaw A 3-Wheeled Taxi

A great and breezy way of getting around George Town is by trishaw. For business travellers, let’s go for a trishaw ride and turn this exploration into a team-bonding session.

In addition, you can search for historical treasures while experiencing local life. Most drivers also act as guides and will take you through some of the less visited parts of George Town and fill you in on all the history of the areas you visit.

42 Penang, MALAYSIA

③

Pinang Peranakan Mansion Former Home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee

Recreated as the home of a wealthy Baba Nyonya family two centuries ago, the mansion showcases over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles depicting the lifestyle of the Peranakan and their customs and traditions. It is resplendent with antique mother-of-pearl furnitures, Dutch lamps, Victorian mirrors and Chinese porcelains.

Two separate galleries house the Embroidery and Beadwork collection and Straits Chinese Jewellery collection. An adjoining ancestral temple and a kitchen annexe completes the mansion. The mansion is open for Peranakan themed private parties and gala dinners.

④

Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

Distinctive Chinese Clan Associations

Belongs to the Khoo Kongsi clan, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is well known worldwide for its extensive lineage that can be traced back 650 years ago. The Khoo Kongsi features fine Chinese architecture and craftsmanship on its building with intricate carvings, statues, paintings and coloured tiles decorate the walls, pillars and roof.

As a unique venue, Khoo Kongsi able to accommodate interesting Chinese arts and cultural performances at its courtyard and becomes a spectacular display of lights under the sparkling twilight!

⑥

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Blue Mansion

Designed with Feng Shui elements, the mansion is former home of tycoon Cheong Fatt Tze. There are only 18 spacious rooms fringing the tranquil inner courtyards of this restored, 130-year old heritage mansion. Each room is uniquely adorned and intricately furnished in 4 categories namely the Liang Collection, the Ming Collection, the Tang Suites and the Han Suites. With the capacity to house up to 38 persons in 18 rooms and events of up to 100 people in a space complete with kitchens, bedrooms, halls and courtyard, the whole of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion can be yours for a truly spectacular and private event.

⑤

Cheah Kongsi

Ancient Hokkien Clan Associations

Established in 1810, Cheah Kongsi features classic Chinese architecture with British-style ‘lion head’ statues that support a large balcony with intricate iron railings and its topping is a sweeping roof decorated with intricate Chinese and Dutch porcelain and stucco carvings of dogs and lions. Indulge yourself in the vast heritage history and culture of Penang with a great scenery during daytime and night time lighthings suitable for 24-hours events.

⑦

Kek Lok Si Temple

Penang’s Iconic Temple

One of the largest and finest temples complexes in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple consists millions of magnificent images of Buddha and hundreds of beautiful meaningful carvings, sculptures and murals in the interior and exterior of the temple halls, pagodas and archways. During Chinese New Year, the temple is decorated with colorful hanging lanterns and lights and will be illuminated all the way up to the 33.5m-tall bronze statue of Goddess of Mercy surrounded by an octagon shaped pavilion.

o

Leisure 43

KOMTAR Tower is Penang’s tallest skyscraper and the eleventh tallest building in Malaysia. Completed in 1986, KOMTAR consists of a multipurpose complex, comprising retail outlets, a transportation hub and administrative offices for the Penang state government.

The TOP Penang

Highest Iconic Edutainment Tower

Located at Komtar Tower, The TOP Penang offers a new pulse to George Town where leisure activities, entertainments, retail and food & beverage outlets are under one roof for your entire family.

Come and discover the largest and the best indoor theme park with more than 18 themed attractions in one iconic destination. The TOP also features flexible spaces that are able to accommodate diverse configurations to suit the requirements of your special event.

The TOP Penang is set to take New Year’s Eve celebrations to new heights with lavish dining experiences, exciting entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. Guests who staying at The Deluxe, The Splendour and The Serene Suites of M Summit 191 Executive Hotel Suites can sit back and watch the fireworks show from their own suites that faces KOMTAR. Its suites also act as perfect one-stop centre for workshops, seminars, interview sessions, presentations and product launches. êM ê Summit 191 Executive Hotel Suites ②

The Gravityz World’s Highest Ropes Course Challenge

①

Rainbow Skywalk World’s First Tower Curved Skywalk

Located at George Town’s highest point, the open-air Rainbow Skywalk is at level 68, on the rooftop of Komtar tower, offering visitors the thrilling experience of walking on air at about 250 metres above ground. At level 65, the air-conditioned Observatory Deck also features a glass walkway that lets you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the cityscape.

44 Penang, MALAYSIA

The Gravityz, a ropes course that elevates you to new heights - 293m above ground level to be exact. With the tagline Beyond Confidence, step out your comfort zone and conquer your fear of heights with its six different obstacle challenges such as Confidence Path, High Bench, A Great Bridge, X-Point, ZWire and G-Rocky.

③

Tech-Dome

Inspire The Future Generations

The Tech-Dome houses over 120 interactive science and technology exhibits spread across 40,000 sqft of floor space. The science centre also boasts the world’s first free-standing vertical drop slide, G-Drop, where you can experience free falling drop! Let’s give it a try as it is safe.

Gurney Drive Prestigious Seafront Promenade

Gurney Drive, also known as Persiaran Gurney, offering an array of tantalising local street food and seafood, modern shopping malls, exciting nightlife and extensive entertainment options that cater to the varying needs and preferences of locals and tourists.

Strategically situated between the city and the beach, Gurney drive’s high-rise hotels enable guests to have breathtaking panorama views of the sea and city. By emphasising on style and luxury, G Hotels are definitely one of your choices to stay in George Town. êG ê Hotel Gurney êG ê Hotel Kelawai

Gurney Drive is a deluge of hawker delights and exciting bistros and bars that come alive at night fall, which popular for after-dark hangouts and giving unique experience of dining by the sea. Alternatively, you can also choose to chill your evening at G Kelawai’s Gravity sky bar.

Aside from its happening eating places at night, there are two beautiful temples located in the vicinity. Situated just opposite each other on Lorong Burmah, the Wat Chaiyamangkalaram Temple and the Dharmikarama, are deemed worth to pay a visit for its striking architectures.

①

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre Penang Food Paradise

Your bleisure trip is incomplete until you have tasted Penang’s street food and where is better to sample it all than at the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. The openair hawker centre offers a variety of local cuisines to satisfy all kinds of taste buds, from the Penang’s signature Char Koay Teow, delicious fried oyster to piquant asam laksa and many more. Come and start your food adventure here! ②

Wat Chaiyamangkalaram Temple Thai Buddhist Temple

The Wat Chaiyamangkalaram temple houses one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world with 108-feet long. Dressed in a goldleafted reclining saffron robe, the reclining Buddha resting his head on the right hand palm and pointing northwards signifies enlightenment or Nirvana.

③

Dharmikarama Temple Burmese Buddhist Temple

The Dharmikarama Temple features Burmese Buddhist architectural style where the upper half is the Quartet conical tower and the lower half is a square building as well as two white elephants standing at the entrance to guard the monastery.

o

Leisure 45

The north of Penang Island, including Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, Batu Feringgi and Teluk Bahang, consists of narrow sandy beaches lined with resort hotels and residences that form the northwestern edge of George Town.

Penang’s northern shoreline, characterised by extensive stretches of golden sand beaches and glittering waters, is a popular holiday spot for visitors and locals.

Tanjung Tokong

Seafront Retail Marina

Tanjung Tokong, the former fishing village has been transformed into a high class residential area, with highrises such as Straits Quay lining the coast. Coupled with spectacular views of the Andaman Sea at its doorstep, Straits Quay is a one-stop centre which offers from food, retail and leisure to the locals and tourists by the sea. ① Straits Quay Convention Centre

A Place Where Business and Leisure Meet

Strategically located in the elegant Straits Quay Retail Marina with ample parking space, the Centre measures about 25,300 sqft and can accommodate up to 180 tables for banquets, 2300 guests in a theatre-style seating and 150 booths for large scale exhibitions, while offering breathtaking sea views.

② Penang Avatar Secret Garden A Magical Land

Nestled at Tanjung Tokong, Penang Avatar Secret Garden comes alive at night, showing a glittering scene at night with luminous installations set within a serene park and taking visitors into a dream-like fantasy.

52 Penang, MALAYSIA

Muka Head

Monkey Beach Kerachut Beach

Teluk Bahang Beach

Teluk Bahang

Batu Feringgi Beach

Batu Feringgi

Tanjung Tokong Tanjung Bungah

Tanjung Bungah Seaside Suburb

Tanjung Bungah, located between Tanjung Tokong and Batu Feringgi with the shelter of overhanging cliffs, gigantic rocks and secluded coves, offering a relaxing seaside getaway. The Floating Mosque is the major landmark at Tanjung Bungah.

Batu Feringgi

Charming Northern Shoreline

Penang’s famous coastal strip up north, from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Feringgi, is home to many 3 to 5-star beach resorts, with various shopping, nightlife and eco-tourism activities. êShangri-La’s ê Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang êGolden ê Sands Resort, Penang

Batu Feringgi, the most popular beach that consists of a long stretch of soft, white sandy beach along a winding road named Jalan Batu Feringgi, while its waters are popular spots for a range of water sports activities such as parasailing, jet skiing and windsurfing. Take a slow walk along the beach, breath in fresh air, build sandcastles, have a sun bath and take a dip in the sea, a relaxing bleisure trip begins right here.

In the evening, Batu Feringgi comes alive with a colourful open-air bazaar selling works of art and an assortment of souvenirs such as clothes, bags, decorative lacquer plates, embroidered pillow cases and many more. Let’s end your day with retail therapy and remember to bargain a good price for your wished items.

Teluk Bahang The Bay of Peace

Teluk Bahang, located a few kilometers from Batu Feringgi, offering a tranquil ambience for those who prefer privacy with its small town and quiet beach. Enjoy a relaxing stroll by the secluded and unspoilt Teluk Bahang beach. Soak in the sun, sea, fresh air and beautiful warm sand. Check out the new Angsana Teluk Bahang in Teluk Bahang, which welcomes guests from October 2020 onwards.

Teluk Bahang also home to several nature and adventure themed activities, giving fun and memorable experience for nature lovers and adventurers, also suitable for team building activities. Let’s explore and have a wonderful trip!

o

Leisure 53

SPECIAL FEATURE

Serenity . Tranquility . Ultimate Relaxation S

ituated along the Batu Feringgi Beach facing the Andaman Sea, the five star Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang nestled within a 30-acre tropical landscaped garden, interspersed with centuries-old rain trees and with a unique name, Rasa Sayang, which means a “feeling of love” in Malay. The distinctive ‘Minangkabau’ roof spread over acres of gardens, creating a magnificent image of a traditional Malay palace rising from a tropical paradise.

“Its intricate Minangkabau roof has been internationally hailed as an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly integrates traditional and modern design elements that reflect an aspect of the character and charm of Malaysia.”

o

54

Leisure

Designed with the sophisticated traveller in mind, the resort consists of two separate wings spanning 304 guestrooms including 16 suites, where all rooms come with a view of the Andaman Sea or the finely crafted garden. All the rooms are incorporated with the latest hardware fixtures and software furnishings. Earth tones, a citrus palette and hues of blue have been added to draw the beauty of nature into the rooms, giving it a fresh, spacious and airy ambience. The rooms also have LED lights to lower the resort’s carbon footprint.

The Rasa Wing is set amidst the lush Shangri-La gardens with a separate driveway and entrance, featuring some of the most elegant and spacious accommodations with a choice of 115 guest rooms in Penang. The Garden Wing was an additional wing that was built to complement the original Rasa Wing, making the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa the gem along Batu Feringgi beach with a separate entrance, lobby and driveway.

It features nine different room categories for its 189 guestrooms with a relaxed, tropical resort ambience. Facilities include a Health Club with male and female bathing sections, a Par-3 mini golf course, three tennis courts equipped with flood lights, swimming pools and six restaurants and bars offering an array of international, seasonal and local cuisines.

The most popular room of the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa are the Rasa Junior Suites at the Rasa Wing with their own marble soaking tub on the balcony. The Rasa Wing benefits include a private breakfast experience at Feringgi Grill from 7 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and complimentary access to Rasa Wing Lounge with complemantary servings of standard beverages from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m..

The Rasa Wing Lounge is located on the ground floor of the Rasa Wing. It provides a complimentary high tea with a selection of delicious pastries, sandwiches and cakes which is served daily from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and pre-dinner drinks and canapés from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. exclusively for Rasa Wing guests. In addition, guests may allowed to check-out late at 3 p.m. but subject to room availability.

Spread along a secluded corner of the resort is Chi, The Spa which offers a blend of Asian healing rituals and therapists. It is a veritable sanctuary within 3,800 square metres of gardens, comprising 11 treatment villas, a sanctum and yoga pavilion under soaring rain trees, exude serenity and solitude. There are three Couples’ Villas and eight Garden Suites, where some with outdoor spa tubs, and designed in keeping with Chi’s signature “spa within a spa” concept with its own rooms for changing and treatment, private garden and semi-outdoor rain shower.

The spa area is enveloped by walls made of local granite, shaded by the canopy of centuries-old rain trees, and intersected by wooden walkways through bamboo forests. All spa structures are open to the surrounding tropical vegetation. Tranquil interiors include teak walls, wood tiles and rich, dark silks, highlighted by Asian art and artifacts. The Chi concept was developed in collaboration with a team of recognized specialists. Spa treatments and an exclusive product range have been designed based on the three areas of Balancing and Detoxification, Calming and Serenity and Nurturing.

Indigenous ingredients and techniques drawn from the ancient healing traditions of Asia are used including Malaysian style poultice treatments and traditional Malaysian scrub or lulur.

Exotic local ingredients appear throughout the Chi Spa menu of more than 30 treatments, from poultices of lemon grass and ginger, to oil of nutmeg and aromatic pandan leaves used in body treatments. The “Authentic Herbal Asmaradana” (Loving Feeling) massage treatment, involving traditional Malaysian techniques and ingredients, is a signature therapy, opening a window to local Malay ritual and healing culture to contemporary spagoers.

o

Leisure 55

Leading the way of fun and memorable...

S

hangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang is an ideal location for executive retreats, conferences, incentive group gatherings and celebrations. The resort offers organisers an extensive range of meeting and banquet facilities to cater to indoor and outdoor functions with latest audio-visual systems, electronic projectors, simultaneous microphone and PA systems, remote control screens and built-in sound systems.

The resort has set up an outdoor marquee at the Tepi Laut area, tucked away near the sea and surrounded by a canopy of centuriesold rain trees. Besides this unique outdoor meeting venue, the Pelangi Ballroom can host 300 guests, and 14 other function rooms are ideal for groups of various sizes. The function rooms can be directly accessed through the resort’s complimentary car park area to ensure further convenience for meeting participants.

The resort offers meeting organisers full-day and half-day meeting packages from MYR230 nett and MYR190 nett per person respectively including the use of a meeting room, welcome coffee or tea, two coffee breaks, lunch, complimentary use of a projection screen in the meeting room, bottled mineral water, mints and meeting stationery.

Delegates can visit the Health Club with its full gym facilities including sauna and Jacuzzi, enjoy traditional and rejuvenating massages at Chi, The Spa, participate in Pilates and yoga classes or simply enjoy golf putting at the Par-3 mini pitch and putt golf course. Delegates can also make use of recreational activities such as tennis, table tennis and beach volleyball, which provide fun and excitement for corporate team building events.

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens overlooking the ocean, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa provides a great setting for a romantic celebration. A garden wedding by the sea followed by an alfresco reception, or perhaps an elegant dinner party in a marquee set in landscaped gardens, or even an extravagant wedding banquet in a ballroom. All these settings are possible at Batu Feringgi, making it a venue attractive to both couples planning for a destination wedding or those who live in Penang.

Coupled with spectacular sunsets, this famed stretch of beach on the island will certainly cast a spell on all those in attendance, ensuring that your celebration will be one to remember.

o

56

Leisure

Shangri-La Cares - Your Wellbeing Is Our Outmost Priority As people look to travel in the future, health, safety and sustainability will remain top of mind, particularly as the world continues to react and respond to the COVID 19 pandemic. “Shangri La Cares” reinforces the Group’s commitment to caring for people, as well as its distinctive Asian hospitality as it begins welcoming guests back to hotels and resorts. To meet new challenges and evolving customer expectations, the Group is focusing on enhanced hygiene protocols, elevating its standards and safeguarding its guests and colleagues’ well-being. The Group would like to convey its heartfelt care by creating a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable and trusts in its ability to ensure their safety and health so that they can focus on moments that truly matter. Delivered with the same level of quality and service standards that the Shangri-La is known for, enhanced safety, hygiene and infection control practices are incorporated into standard operating procedures to ensure a conducive environment for all.

Implementing Enhanced Cleanliness Protocols and Procedures Shangri La has followed recommendations laid out by the World Health Organization or more stringent local directives where appropriate, to ensure its operational protocols are comprehensive. Concrete measures have been adopted at all hotels and resorts to combat the risk of COVID 19 so that guests can feel safe when staying at or visiting its properties.

• Increased frequency and full attention to deep cleaning of all high touch surfaces and areas used by guests throughout the hotels; • Use of medical grade sanitisers and disinfectants which are approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; • Increased cleaning frequency of air filters and air-conditioner systems to ensure optimal air quality; • Safe dining, meetings and events with extra precautions to respect physical distancing and enhanced food safety practices.

Enabling The People To reinforce the strong culture of health and safety, the Group has enhanced training, learning and development resources for colleagues on essential preparatory and prevention measures. This includes direction on cleaning and sanitisation frequency, ultimately enabling them to better serve guests and safeguard their own well-being. This training is certified by long term partner and global hygiene solutions provider, Diversey. As a leading global hygiene and cleaning company, Diversey specialises in developing cleaning and hygiene technologies across industry sectors, such as health care, hospitality, retail and food services. Colleagues will also be equipped with personal protective equipment where necessary. Shangri-La will continue to build awareness on sanitation standards, as well as developing programmes for colleagues on stringent personal hygiene practices to ensure a safe work environment.

Elevating The Standards As the situation continues to evolve, Shangri La Group has been reviewing and elevating its standards and practices to prepare for a “new normal”. This includes enhanced operational guidance, safety and sanitation protocols on infection prevention and outbreak readiness programmes that are developed in close cooperation with Diversey. The Group has rigorous processes in place to verify the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection protocols and will monitor compliance with regular inspections and reporting tools. These measures will be updated based on the local requirements to ensure they meet evolving customer needs and expectations.

Safeguard Hygiene Excellent And Safety Label

On 28 August 2020, the two of Penang’s leading Shangri-La resorts, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa and Golden Sands Resort, have been awarded with Penang’s first SafeGuard Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label by Bureau Veritas, a world leader with 192-year legacy in providing testing, inspection and certification services.

Tel: 604-888 8888

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang Batu Feringgi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia.

Email: penangrasasayang@shangri-la.com Website: www.shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort

o

Leisure 57

SPECIAL FEATURE

Fun . Vibrant . Unwind In Paradise L

ocated on the famous Batu Feringgi Beach in Penang, Golden Sands Resort is a four-star retreat with contemporary design and state-of-the-art features, awarded as “Top 10 Best Resorts for Families” by readers of Holidays with Kids, Australia’s leading family travel magazine.

“Unwind beneath coconut trees on the white sandy beaches in the heart of Batu Feringgi, with the vibrant night market right at your door step.

All kinds of kid-friendly attractions ensure hours of fun in the sun and a sprawling and amazing indoor playground for a thrilling experience.”

58

o

Leisure

The 387 guestrooms offer accommodation with four-star refinements, among which are the largest family-sized rooms for a hotel of its class in Penang, including ‘family combo’ units of two interconnecting rooms that can easily accommodate up to six persons, 14 suites and 208 deluxe sea-view rooms that provide the pinnacle in resort living. The rooms feature comfortable Murphy Beds (retractable wall beds) and upto-date facilities such as LED TV, DVD player, satellite TV Channels, USB/iPod/modem ports in a user-friendly AV panel and free broadband internet access.

The first of its kind within the Shangri-La Group of Hotels and Resorts, the Cool Lounge is a veritable oasis for early arrivals and guests who are checking out late. Located in the lobby area, this dedicated lounge features internet stations, gymnasium, shopping arcade and a spacious waiting area with changing rooms, lockers and shower facilities are housed within this area.

Golden Sands Resort is an ideal family holiday destination with its wide range of recreational activities and facilities, including three tennis courts, a Par-3 mini pitch and putt golf course, a spa and beauty centre as well as two lagoon-shaped swimming pools. Everyone can have great moments here by organising daily activities such as water aerobics, volleyball, cooking lessons, tai chi, jungle trekking and more.

Three food and beverage outlets provide diversely exciting dining options. All-day dining restaurant Garden Cafe serves savoury local and international cuisine in a garden environment while Sigi’s Bar & Grill on the Beach serves Italian and western fares al fresco by the beach and pool. The Lobby Lounge is bright and breezy with an inimitable sense of casual chic, serving cool cocktails and drinks with excellent happy hour options.

The resort offers a value-added Local Resident Rate for the ideal family getaway with daily RM100 nett resort credit, including daily breakfast for two adults and two children below 6 years old at Garden Café. The package also includes a complimentary bed for one child below 6 years old and daily dinner for two adults and two children below 6 years old. Guests have access to complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort.

The resort has a specialised events team to cater all requirements and requests of meeting delegates. Its flexible meeting spaces can effortlessly accommodate all business needs from a 300-delegate convention to an intimate seminar. Elevate the meeting experience with indoor-outdoor configurations surrounded by inspiring nature and stimulating leisure activities. Do check out the resort’s ideas for team building and games, enabling guests to combine business and leisure with meaningful CSR-related activities incorporated into meeting packages.

Amid lush gardens and the sound of the ocean, a magical backdrop exudes true island romance, plan a unique tropical wedding theme or your memorable day with an array of inspiring wedding packages offered by Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La.

o

Leisure 59

Wonderful family getaway with fun-filled activities G

olden Sands Resort is a family-friendly resort that has won several family oriented awards. Check out the Kid’s Passport for children aged 4 to 12 years of age, which entitles the children of in-house guests to a range of food and beverage and entertainment options. Let’s explore attractive child-friendly facilities and services:

ADVENTURE ZONE Designed for kids of all ages, Adventure Zone is a unique family entertainment venue that is one of a kind in Malaysia. Children staying at the resort are especially in for a treat with the Adventure Zone, the largest dry indoor playground for children in Penang. The 957 square metres air-conditioned indoor facility is split into two levels, housing three categories of exciting drop slides and multiple sections consisting 957 square metres of modular play equipment.

The main highlight is the drop slides, namely the toddler-friendly Hyperglide Astra Slide, the Double Drop Slide for young children and the Demon Drop Slide which is a 26 foot vertical drop for the brave ones, which have proven to be extremely safe and offer a high level of enjoyment for both children and adults. The zone also features a game zone, toddler area and cafe.

o

60

Leisure

SPLASH ZONE Measuring 200 square metres, the Splash Zone is the latest attraction of the resort, offering children fun-packed adventure under the sun and complements the existing all-time favourite, Adventure Zone. Located between the two big pools, it combines the sensation of water movements and interactive play elements in a safe “zero depth� water play area.

The mini water park with a non-slip flooring is constructed on a concrete slab with twisting roots fitted with water jets and mists shooting out in different patterns and directions. Children will have an exhilarating time, with thrills and spills galore, all year round. The Splash Zone features whimsical sculptures, water slides (one of which is 30 metres long) with a landing pool, tipping water bucket and cones, water sprays in the shape of dolphins, butterflies, turtles, monkeys and squirrel, to guarantee endless fun for young guests.

The Splash Zone is the first of its kind in Penang that employs a special technologically advanced water management system that keeps water in its natural condition, making it suitable for all children. In addition to the Splash Zone, the outdoor whirlpool has been redesigned and is surrounded by rocks and a water feature to simulate the ambience of a natural oasis in the garden.

In changing to delight guests, the Golden Sands Resort continues to deliver acclaimed Asian hospitality from Shangri-La, which is to provide the finest holiday experience for families and honeymooners, with quality and standards that far surpass other hotels in its class.

Golden Sands Resort, Penang Batu Feringgi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia.

Tel: 604-886 1911 Email: penanggoldensands@shangri-la.com Website: www.shangri-la.com/penang/goldensandsresort

o

Leisure 61

NATURE & ADVENTURE ②

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

A World of Insects

①

Tropical Spice Garden A Place Where Nature & Culture Meet

Escape the bustle of the city and discover the six landscaped acres of the garden, which is a treasure trove of more than 500 living specimens of lush and exotic flora from around the world.

A magical paradise that honours the unsung heroes of our natural world with plenty to discover from outdoor adventures to cavernous mysteries and a multi-storey Indoor Discovery Centre as well as exciting interactive workshops and activities.

The Sphere is a versatile multi-functional glass hall with a 270 degree panoramic view of the living garden sanctuary, which is ideal for educational workshops, small conventions, business gatherings, exhibition, seminars, private functions and team building.

As an eco-tourism destination, attracting both local and foreign tourists, the gardens also appeals to a local audience through various activities such as corporate team building, nature education programs, talks and workshops, cooking classes and research collaborations.

③

ESCAPE Adventureplay, Waterplay & Gravityplay

Situated in a natural environment, ESCAPE is the fun destination with an emphasis on self-directed and selfpowered play, the visitor experiences Low Tech, High Fun.

ESCAPE is an ideal destination to host a team building or family day event with exciting rides and games, offering loads of fun and adventure while promoting environmentally sensitive values.

④

Penang National Park Small National Park

Home to over 150 bird species, the Penang National Park offers free entry to all. It houses the only Meromictic Lake in Malaysia that contains distinct layers of freshwater and seawater, some interesting and challenging jungle trails, as well as the island’s finest and quietest beaches which lie off the beaten track. These pristine beaches make for excellent excursions to get a glimpse into the vast variety of the island’s flora and fauna.

Here, adventure lovers can explore the jungle trail from Monkey Beach to the Muka Head Lighthouse, perched atop at 785ft-high cliff.

Kerachut Beach, a well-preserved environment with scenic views and a turtle sanctuary. There are various species of turtles lay their eggs on the stretch of beach here. The hatchlings are kept here until they are able to survive on their own in the wild, then will be released back into the sea.

Angsana Teluk Bahang Have a relaxing getaway with brand new Angsana Teluk Bahang, a 250-key sea-facing resort which is the first Angsana brand in Malaysia, managed by Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts.

Sitting on the pristine beach of Teluk Bahang, the vibrant beachfront wellness resort is furnished with bright intricate Peranakan themed decor, offering amazing views of the Andaman Sea. The resort also provides 5-star luxury services with its five restaurants and bar, state-ofthe-art meetings and events facilities and an adjacent wellness centre.

62 Penang, MALAYSIA

Penang Hill The Peak of Pearl of the Orient

Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendera which refers to Flagstaff Hill, was the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia. It is known for its lush greenery, quaint colonial-style bungalows and buildings.

Penang Hill has a Swiss-made in Asia’s oldest funicular railway systems, coupled with a small cable car system, bringing visitors up and down Penang Hill since 1923.

Take the funicular train ride if you haven’t been on the world’s steepest funicular tunnel track for a unique experience.

Stand at 833m above sea level, Penang Hill is a perfect location to experience fantastic views of the island and there are plenty attractions and heritage landmarks to be discovered at its peak. Don’t miss the beautiful night view of the island and mainland while enjoying the cool breeze on the hill!

The Habitat Penang Hill Signature Rainforest Experience

The Habitat, located a few minutes’ walk from the Penang Hill’s top station, is set in a pristine 130-million-year-old rainforest with dramatic natural beauty and a commitment to nature conservation, offering the most authentic, diverse and educational Malaysian rainforest experience.

It boasts a 1.6km long nature trail canopy walkway hanging at 15m at its highest point, a 230m long Langur Walk Canopy Bridge, a 360-degree Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, The Flight of the Colugo Zip and various gardens of multiple flora and fauna species. Join the guided tour to explore the secret of the forest!

Langur Walk Canopy Bridge is one of the most unique structures of its kind and is the only two-span ribbon bridge in the world. Each span of the bridge is 115m long making a total span of 230m and it sits 40m above the forest floor. For adventurers, the Flight of the Colugo Zip is an adventure course comprising of 5 zip lines, 1 abseil and 1 rope bridge.

Its lovely Honeymoon Zip is a 80meters tandem line where both guests are secured to a cable by a set up with our double redundant safety connections as well as being comfortably connected to fly together over the rainforest in The Habitat trail.

Discover the beauty of nature and enjoy the view of the island and mainland from Curtis Crest, which is the highest viewing point in Penang.

o

Leisure 63

South-east Zone Bustling Industrial Hub

SETIA SPICE Convention and Exhibition Centre World’s First Hybrid Solar Powered Convention Centre

The south-east zone is the island’s high-tech parks, the international airport, golf clubs, the two bridges that connect the island to the mainland and one of Penang’s largest shopping malls, Queensbay Mall. There is a wide variety of business-class hotels to choose from, as well as convention centres, including the Subterranean Penang International Convention & Exhibition Centre (SPICE).

The Eco Green GBI certified SETIA SPICE Convention Centre is an ideal venue for conventions and conferences, boasting a 4,000sqm pillarless ballroom, with a maximum capacity of 8,000 theatre seating or banquet tables, a 1,800sqm grand foyer and 13 function rooms. Atop the Centre is a 6-acre green rooftop garden, suitable for outdoor events.

As a whole, the world class SPICE (Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre) development consists of the SPICE Convention Centre, SPICE Arena, SPICE Aquatic Centre, SPICE Canopy and a Business Class Hotel, featuring facilities for holistic healthy lifestyle, exchanging of knowledge, culture and information, business activities and sports activities. ②

Balik Pulau Back of The Island

A self-sufficient agricultural district in Penang famous for durian, nutmeg, clove, coconut and fruit orchard that surrounded by lush green hills on the inner side and fishing hubs on the outer coastal borders. Take a tour to organic fruit and vegetables farm, goat farm and more, and enjoy the beauty of the nature.Let’s discover Balik Pulau in a fun way - cycling! It is a great option to explore the green paddy field, fruit orchard, plantation, mangrove, fishing village and dozens of traditional and rustic Kampung at Balik Pulau.

①

Island Hopping Boat Ride

Charming Islets - Pulau Aman & Pulau Kendi

Hop onto a boat and spend a few hours basking in the sun and enjoy the gentle offshore sea breeze!

Explore the idyllic charms of Pulau Aman (a small village island) to experience the serene pace of life and hospitality of the gentle locals and the hidden gem that is Pulau Kendi (a small uninhabited island) to witness the fascinating forces of nature at work through the stunning natural rock formations surrounding this remote island.

64 Penang, MALAYSIA

Seberang Perai Mainland of Penang

Seberang Perai, formerly known as Province Wellesley, has come a long way from being a sleepy cowboy town to becoming a bustling and developing residential and commercial giant. Its principal town is Butterworth and other prominent towns include Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Jaya, Sungai Puyu, Prai, Nibong Tebal and Kepala Batas. ①

③

Seberang Perai Utara

Seberang Perai Selatan

Experience Rural Life

Seberang Perai’s northern region is full of paddy fields and local communities, offering one of the most traditional homestay programmes in Penang. Enjoy a stay in traditional Malay village surrounded by endless paddy fields, and explore mangrove forests that are rich with flora and fauna.

Eco-tour Activities

②

Seberang Perai Tengah

Soak in Lively Town

The bustling side of Seberang Perai with a number of hotels and shopping malls. The Penang Bird Park, the first and largest bird park of its kind in Malaysia is located here with a collection of more than 300 species of birds from all over the world.

The famous St Anne’s Church is located in Bukit Mertajam where the Cherok Tokun relics can be found within its compounds.

Visit Nibong Tebal and the Bukit Panchor Recreational Forest, where you can experience the mangrove ecosystem, explore the surrounding bat caves and take a stroll on the wetland boardwalk.

M Summit 191 Executive Hotel Suites Menara M Summit, Level 14, 191-14-1, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town Penang.  : 604-296 9191 / 6012-237 7191  : reservations@summit191.com  : www.summit191.com Strategically located in the heart of George Town, M Summit 191 offers 6 elegant themed studio-style suites namely The Splendour, The Deluxe, The Serene, The Classic, The Baroque and The Razzle. The built-up sizes of the suites are between 500 and 650 sq ft.

Each suite is equipped with a printer, projector, copier and scanner, which will be provided upon request. In addition, the hotel also offers a white board, projector screen, 50” Smart TV and kitchenette with microwave oven/electric kettle/chinaware in every suite. Facilities include a business centre, function hall, travel desk and a gymnasium.

The Skye is a stunning event space situated on the 20th floor of the hotel, offering a cosy hall with lovely giant swings, an al fresco grassy deck overlooking the city and an exquisite glass house.

ROOMS

NO

F&B

CAPACITY

FACILITIES

THEATRE BANQUET CLASSROOM

The Splendour Suite

15

HH Rooftop Bar

80

Classic Suite

-

-

The Deluxe Suite

15

1911 Cafe

20

Other Hotel Suites

-

-

15 6

The Baroque Suite

15

Function Hall

60

60

48

The Serene Suite

15

The Skye - Main Hall

70

100

48

The Classic Suite

14

The Skye

200

200

200

The Razzle Suite

15 Co-Working Suites

50

50

50

(Hot Seats, Private Seats & Private Rooms)

o

Leisure 65

G Hotel Gurney

168A, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang, Malaysia.  : 604-238 0000  : g4u@ghotel.com.my  : www.ghotel.com.my Ultra chic with stunning contemporary interiors, G Hotel Gurney houses 312 rooms and is located in a prominent location next to upscale shopping malls and renowned hawker eateries nearby. The hotel is the perfect point of departure for discovering Penang wonders like tourist attractions, UNESCO world heritage sites and beaches. G Hotel Gurney aims to deliver a refreshing guest experience through its modern facilities & impeccable service standards.

The function rooms in G Hotel Gurney are equipped with Herman Miller designer work chairs, Bose sound systems, motorized projector screen, natural day light and 150Mbps free Wi-Fi. Besides that, Grand Ballroom is also fitted with large LED screen, refined linens and unique mood lightings.

ROOMS

NO

F&B

CAPACITY

FACILITIES

THEATRE BANQUET CLASSROOM COCKTAIL

Deluxe

180

Taste Café

180

Grand Ballroom

700

500

270

380

Executive Room

74

G Lounge

62

Gurney Foyer

300

200

200

240

L Suite

22

Tree Bar

180

Salon II

70

50

24

40

XL Suite (2 Bedrooms)

7

G Pool Bar

30

Salon III & IV

150

120

72

100

Executive Suite

23

Executive Lounge

70

Salon V

70

50

30

50

Duplex

4

Conference I or II

80

60

36

80

G Suite

2

Conference III & IV

120

150

70

120

G Hotel Kelawai

2, Persiaran Maktab, 10250 Penang, Malaysia.  : 604-219 0000  : g4u@ghotel.com.my  : www.ghotel.com.my G Hotel Kelawai is where iconic design and cutting edge lifestyle set the stage for exclusive and extraordinary experiences. With 208 rooms, the hotel is uniquely inspired by innovative design to create energizing space for guests to work or play, be it day or night.

Strategically located next to upscale shopping malls, renowned hawker eateries and nearby to tourist attractions, UNESCO world heritage sites and beaches.

All function rooms are all fully equipped with Herman Miller designer work chairs, Bose sound systems, motorized projector screen and 150Mbps free Wi-Fi. The hotel also accommodates three trendy and stylish food and beverage outlets - SPOON, 2PM lounge and Gravity rooftop bar that are set to fulfil guests’ gastronomic appetites.

ROOMS

NO

F&B

CAPACITY

FACILITIES

THEATRE BANQUET CLASSROOM COCKTAIL

Deluxe

143

SPOON

120

Forum 2

40

30

20

50

Executive Room

35

2PM

70

Forum 3

70

50

24

50

Executive Premier

28

Gravity

70

Forum 5

60

60

45

70

Premier Suite

2

Executive Lounge

40

Forum 6

40

40

36

50

Forum 5 & 6

100

100

90

110

66 Penang, MALAYSIA

Golden Sands Resort Batu Feringgi Beach, Penang, 11100, Malaysia.  : 604-886 1911  : penanggoldensands@shangri-la.com  : www.shangri-la.com/penang/goldensandsresort Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, located at the prime beach front of Batu Feringgi, Penang offers a dedicated Events Department to ensure the success of their guest’s important occasion.

Their professional team members will ensure every event is coordinated with the finest facilities, modern equipment and first-class standards of service. The resort has flexible meeting rooms that can be configured to cater for almost any requirements from a convention for 120 to a talk for 12 persons. With enhanced hygiene, infection control and safety measures in place, the resort ensures guests have complete confidence and peace of mind during their stay.

ROOMS

NO

F&B

CAPACITY

FACILITIES

THEATRE BANQUET CLASSROOM

Superior

165

Sigi's Bar & Grill

107

Bunga Raya Ballroom

100

120

30

Deluxe

121

Garden Cafe

158

Casia 1

14

-

6

Executive Seaview

87

Lobby Lounge

22

Casia 2

14

-

6

Executive Suite

14

Casia 3

14

-

6

Casia 2 & 3

32

30

12

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa Batu Feringgi Beach, Penang, 11100, Malaysia.  : 604-888 8888  : penangrasasayang@shangri-la.com  : www.shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort 5-star Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in the renowned Batu Feringgi Beach offers a wonderful retreat and hotel stay with a Par-3 mini Pitch and Putt Golf Course.

Rooms and suites are decorated in traditional Minangkabau style using carved wood, traditional textures and colourful fabrics. The resort is an ideal location for executive retreats, conferences and incentive group gatherings.

Pelangi Ballroom has been intelligently linked to 14 other variously sized meeting and function rooms, and can accommodate 300 people for a banquet. The ballroom has direct access to the car park area. All of the conference and function rooms feature state-of-the-art audio visual equipment. With enhanced hygiene, infection control and safety measures in place, the resort provides peace of mind to guests so that they can focus on their main goals while staying here.

ROOMS

NO

F&B

CAPACITY

FACILITIES

THEATRE BANQUET CLASSROOM

Deluxe Garden View

66

Feringgi Grill

57

Pelangi Ballroom

300

300

48

Deluxe Seaview

90

Spice Market Cafe

121

Pelangi 1

100

100

18

Deluxe Family

8

F.I.P

44

Pelangi 2

100

100

18

Terrace Suite

2

Pinang Restaurant & Bar

58

Damai Room

30

30

18

Tranquil Suite

1

Mesra 1, 2 & 3

-

-

3

Rasa Deluxe

25

Kasih 1, 2 & 3

10

10

3

Rasa Junior Suite

52

Sayang 1, 2 & 3

105

105

24

Rasa Deluxe Suite

5

Marquee Tent

90

90

30

Rasa Premier Suite

2

Penang Suite

2

o

Leisure 67

DESTINATION: SABAH, MALAYSIA

Meet In Sabah

Unwind In Nature

Strategic Location Sabah is the second largest state of Malaysia, which is located on the island of Borneo. In 2019, Sabah hosted 640 events and attracted 62,057 domestic and international participants as compared to 241 events attracting 42,623 participants in 2018.

Last year, MICE had contributed an estimated RM152 million to the state’s economy. With the existing facilities and newly opened Sabah International Convention Center (SICC), Sabah is able to host even more events.

Valuable Government Support

Sabah Tourism Board introduced The Sabah New Deals MICE Incentive 2020-21, under the “BE here for you” program. The incentive involves a RM5 million grant up to RM100,000 maximum per group for both National and International events held between July 2020 to December 2021 meeting a minimum criteria of 30 pax and delegates to stay in Sabah for a minimum of 2 nights.

Full criteria and how to apply, please visit: be.sabahtourism.com

Vibrant Capital

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah is a pleasant Borneo surprise, set between lush tropical hills and the South China Sea. It is also a resort-city of exciting contrasts with modern infrastructure, yet retains many quaint features.

68 Sabah, MALAYSIA

World Class Venues and Facilities With the new Sabah International Convention Center (SICC) and the presence of more than 27,000 rooms across international chain and local hotels and resorts, Sabah has increased its opportunities for more MICE business. Depending on the itinerary, it is possible to stay in the city for meetings and events before heading to stay closer to the coastal zones or islands.

Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, SICC encompassed 15 acres of water and with a total built up area over 9200m2, offering a stunning glass- fronted atrium that gives delegates a panoramic view of the South China Sea and on the west, Mount Kinabalu.

With state of the art technology, SICC comprises of a world standard Performing Arts Center with twotier seating for 1,250 people, 5300m2 column free convention hall that can be divided into 3 halls aided by 6 meeting rooms and private lounges. There are also 12 private rooms and a 7,000m2 open plaza.

Parking spaces are adequate as well.

Diverse Culture, Nature and Offerings Sabah to many is about the unique culture, the nature attractions, wildlife, gastronomic adventures all in 1 location and easily accessible.

This component adds much valuable experiences for delegates who are present in Sabah.

o

Leisure 69

CULTURE & HERITAGE

Although Sabah comprises of more than 30 ethnic cultures, the community does not don traditional attire on a regular day. Traditional ethnic attire is more suited for special occasions. Although these days, the motifs of the ethnic attire is much incorporated to form suitable day to day apparel.

Places such as the Mari Mari Cultural Village and Monsopiad is where delegates get a glimpse of the ethnic cultures of Sabah.

Unless you coincidentally organized your even in the month of the Harvest Festival; Kaamatan in the month of May, where on the 30th and 31st of May, the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Village becomes hub to all the ethnicities to congregate for the finale of the festival.

The Sabah State Museum is of course a great venue to get an introduction to Sabah. There are several other galleries across Sabah, telling specific stories of historic events; the Agnes Keith House and Sandakan Memorial Park, Sandakan, Tun Sankaran Museum, Semporna and the Ranau POW Camp 1 Gallery in Ranau to name a few.

Architecture is also sought after in Sabah and among them, the City Mosque and unique pink Mosque in the vicinity of University Malaysia Sabah, has become attractions to visitors.

70 Sabah, MALAYSIA

The Sabah Art Gallery is the 1st Green building in Borneo with silver accreditation. The building is a unique basket shaped building with decorative cultural motives. The gallery showcases more than 12 exhibitions annually.

Several culture centers are also able to transform their spaces to accommodate events.

Venues and Event organisers, frequently include elements of culture into their venue set up as well from the elegant black and gold themed dĂŠcor significant to the Kadazan Dusuns or the colourful ensemble of material reflecting the Bajau culture.

Often, you can find event spaces transformed into temporary Rainforest themes as well.

Beside thematic add-ons, involving local entrepreneurs to showcase their crafts and products is something mutual rewarding. Delegates get to meet and interact with the local crafters and understand their story and at the same time, provides and economic opportunity for crafters.

o

Leisure 71

NATURE & ADVENTURE

Groups typically take the opportunity to visit the unique nature reserves such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation, which was established since 1964 and adjacent to it is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center.

Guests would enjoy witnessing the Proboscis Monkeys along the Kinabatangan River, however, a more close up experience would be at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. These are all located in Sandakan.

The Gomantong Cave’s story interest visitors for its high risk activity of producing high value Bird’s Nest.

Harvesters still use traditional methods of ladders and ropes to collect the mature nests.

The Danum Valley Conservation Area as most know, has a unique ecosystem with a combination of secondary and primary rainforest, the area is perfect for wildlife. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is located in the primary forest area and other options within the vicinity are the Danum Valley Field Center and Kawag Nature Lodge. Visitors are also able to get a glimpse of ancient burials sites complete with Belian coffins and ceramic jars.

Depending on group size, some of these areas also have meeting rooms that can be booked. Allowing your next meeting of event to be placed amidst the serene jungle or mangrove atmosphere.

72 Sabah, MALAYSIA

Mount Kinabalu, is located in the Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage. The highest peak is 4,095m and will require a night’s stay before the early ascend to the summit to witness sunrise.

The Mountain Torq Via Ferrata is the world’s highest Via Ferrata and first in Asia. You can do this activity exclusively or upon descending from the summit. Look up the Monkey Bridge.

Also in the district of Kundasang – Ranau, which is the mountainous area of Sabah, travelers experience the interesting culture of the local community in this area. Mainly dependent on Agriculture and Tourism, this façade of Kundasang – Ranau is one of a kind. Though temperatures of 5 degrees Celsius may not deem extreme for many who experience different seasons, a drop from the average 30 degrees to 5 certainly lures many who wish to enjoy the nice chilly weather and braced by the view of Mount Kinabalu.

Sabah Tea Garden is the only organic tea farm in Borneo and does offer accommodation as well.

There are several area suitable for white water rafting in Sabah, in Kiulu and Kadamaian, respectively about an hour away from the Kota Kinabalu city center, is of grade 1 and 2. As for the Padas River white water rafting at grade 3 – 5, the whole day tour which includes a train ride on a diesel operated train is worth the exhilaration.

Zip Borneo in Kiulu is a great outdoor option for delegates who can try obstacle challenges such as rock climbing, a double zipline and ropes challenges.

o

Leisure 73

NATURE & ADVENTURE Under Rural Tourism, Sabah Tourism has assisted to facilitate the growth of Community Based Tourism (CBT) and this has allowed returning visitors especially the opportunity to explore and discover other places of interest in Sabah. This to further boost communitybased tourism industry’s growth in the rural areas, tourism action councils have been activated in most districts in the state to assist in the development of tourism-related products for the benefit of the locals and the state economy. CBT is also a great way to empower and encourage the involvement of women and youths in improving the livelihood of their community.

The areas of Kadamaian, Kiulu, Ranau, Tenom and Tambunan are among the pioneers of this project and have seen a significant success in hosting visitors to their village areas.

Typically homestay based, visitors are able to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle and daily life.

It comes into coincidence with the rise of FIT travelers that prefers to experience a destination through more interaction and assimilation with the local community.

74 Sabah, MALAYSIA

AT LEISURE Tanjung Aru Beach derived its name from the abundant casuarina trees (‘aru’ in the local language) along the coastline. The beach is 10 minutes away from the airport and the city center. The sunset view from this point has been said to be among the 7 best in the world!

A cruise on the North Borneo Cruise (NBC) which offers a sunset and dinner cruise, allows you experience the city skyline from the sea view. The 2 hours cruise includes a meal and live entertainment from a local band. Besides the NBC, there are several other yachts that can be chartered for groups. Another unique trip is to go on the sunset cruise and have a Cabana set up BBQ dinner offered by the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan Island. Better still, this island is located only 20 minutes away from the city center.

The North Borneo Railway which takes you south of Sabah,is a scenic countryside trip onboard the oldest steam train still running in Sabah. Your lunch is served in a tiffin carrier served by colonial mimicking dressed staff.

Borneo Kellybays in Tuaran, is nestled within a mangrove forest with a beach that stretches 8km. They offer a good variety of activities from water sports to batik painting.

ISLANDS & BEACHES

Sabah is really blessed to be surrounded by many island from coast to coast. From Kota Kinabalu, the islands are just a 20 minute boat ride away. Down south, unique island such as Dinawan allows you glamping or on the other end of the same island, a private natural lagoon. Further south is the Pulau Tiga which was once home to the first Survivor series. There are now 2 accommodation options with the recent luxurious Borneo Eagle Resort.

Up north, the area of Kudat is a fantastic place for, yes! Surfing. But if you don’t surf, the white sandy beach is captivating enough.

In Kota Belud, enroute Kudat, you have options of the Usukan Cove and Pandan Pandan Island.

Most highlighted, are the islands close to the world renowned dive site, Sipadan. Located in Semporna, the main islands; Mabul, Pom Pom, Mataking and reefs Kapalai and several closer to Bum Bum Island, are fantastic dive sites. Mabul for example is unique as it has a large community that lives on the island besides it being a tourism hub, Mataking owns an underwater post box and the Seaventure Dive Rig was once an oil rig – turned accommodation and dive center just off Mabul.

The Selingan Turtle Island and Lankayan off Sandakan is sought after for turtle sightings. Another is the Libaran Island.

76 Sabah, MALAYSIA

SHOPPING There are several malls in Sabah with some already having tenants of international fashion brands.

However, it is the local handicrafts and souvenirs which appeal to visitors for their unique designs.

Kadaiku curates handicraft from local Sabahan crafters and usually are source from the rural areas in order to support the continuity of the local craft.

Chanteek Borneo Gallery which started off as a gallery to showcase the ethnic costumes of Sabah has now expanded its offerings to selling fabric with local motif prints which can be bought in the meters. The prints are made suitable to be tailored into apparel.

It is at the Kota Kinabalu Central Market that visitors bank in of dried seafood and fresh seafood (if they are allowed to carry the items back, no restrictions for within Malaysia). But otherwise, if you are in Sandakan, Kampung Sim Sim is where you will want to source different types of salted fish or the Pasar Tanjung in Tawau for dried seafood and cashew nuts!

Coffee enthusiast may find the local Tenom Coffee brew something to pack back or the Sabah Tea which comes in a variety of flavors. Local snacks such as Amplang and Kuih Cincin are other options you can easily find in souvenir stores of the markets.

Pearls are also well sought after.

o

Leisure 77

FOOD ETHNIC FOOD Sabah has many simple yet delicious traditional dishes which are mainly pickled or preserved, and continues to be favoured by the younger generations until today. A visit to Sabah will not be complete without sampling one or two of traditional Sabahan dishes. Give it a try, and who knows you would wish you have tried it earlier! The taste is best described through experience and it will definitely be a gastronomic adventure of a lifetime!

u

Bambangan

Bambangan is a seasonal wild mango with brown skin, which only can be found around Borneo islands. Its flesh is sweet and sour in taste with pungent flavour, and more fibrous than ordinary mango. These fruits normally harvested raw to be pickled with salt mixed with grated bambangan seed and chilli slices. The unripe fruits are usually made into Pinasakan (steamed) with fish and the ripe ones are fried with salted fish.

x

Hinava

v

w

Pinasakan

Basung Fish

Also known as Pinasakan Sada, Pinasakan is made of braised basung fish mixed with takob akob, which is a tangy wild fruit mainly harvested for its skin. The dish was topped with fresh turmeric, salt and slices of bambangan. It goes well with white rice or Ambuyat and a dash of sambal.

Basung fish is a cheap but tasty seafood of Sabah. Fried the fishes until crunchy, then dip into chilli and lime and you can have the whole fish including its bones.

A type of local “sashimi� that made of fresh thinly sliced raw mackerel fish mixed with sliced chilli, ginger, diced red onions, grated Bambangan seed, salt and lime juice. Raw bitter gourd slices can be added too. The fish can also be substituted with prawns or squids.

u

y

Tuhau

A traditional appetiser that made from wild ginger. The ginger is shredded and mixed with salt, chilli, garlic, lime juice and scallion, giving sour and spicy with tangy flavour. It is either you love or dislike its distinctive smell.

w

v

{

y

z

x

z

Nonsom

Also known as bosou, Nonsom is made from raw fresh water fish mixed with rice and pickled in salt and a local herb (pangi).

The mixture is then stored in a glass jar and marinated for two weeks.

| }

{

Ambuyat

Ambuyat is made of sago starch powder with boiling water and stir until it turns gooey thoroughly. It is tasteless but tastes great when dipped it in sour and spicy sauce. To eat, twirl around ambuyat with chopsticks made of sago palm.

|

Linopot

A unique dish of rice and mashed yam that is wrapped in tarap leaves and served with sides of other traditional delicacies.

78 Sabah, MALAYSIA

Butod Butod, or sago grub, is the larvae of Sago Palm Weevil, a species of snout beetle that consumes sago palm during its infancy. You may challenge yourself by swallowing a wriggling butod, as the ultimate test of courage.

~

Tapai

Tapai is made by traditional method with fermented tapioca, white rice or glutinous rice. Though Tapai is sweet and sour in taste, it is high in alcohol. It is a necessity during festivals, celebrations and banquet, where it is shared in a big porcelain jar for guests take turn to drink from a straw. Tapai Rice wrapped in lotus leaf, another must try!

EAT LIKE LOCALS

u

Seafood Being the hub for seafood, Sabah offers an array of affordable and fresh seafood that can be cooked in various style for a truly satisfying feast. A bustling seafood corner featuring dozens of grilled fish and seafood stalls await you at Sinsuran night market.

Take your pick from a rich array of freshly caught seafood, be it fish, squid, tiger prawns, lobsters, crabs, stingray or slipper lobsters. Don’t forget to try latok, a green seaweed with caviar-like bulbs on the stalk. It can be enjoyed raw by dipping it into lime juice and feeling each bulb pop in the mouth with a salty burst.

w

Beaufort Mee Beaufort Mee is Chinese-style fried noodles.

The noodles are stir-fried to achieve a slightly charred wok taste which blends nicelly with thinly sliced pork, sau nyuk (roasted pork belly), char siew (barbecued pork) and an abundance of choy sum in a bath of thick, savory gravy. A seafood variation is available served with fish slices and prawns.

v

x

Tuaran Mee Tuaran Mee consists of curly egg noodles fried with Chun Kien slice (Sabahan Hakka egg roll), barbecued pork slices, egg and vegetables. Occasionally, beef slices and sweet rice wine is also tossed in. A good plate of Tuaran mee should be fragrant, springy and leaves an “eggy” aftertaste.

y

Kuih Pinjaram Kuih pinjaram, a chewy snack from the Bajau ethnic group that has a shape usually likened to that of a UFO. It made from rice and wheat flour and coconut milk.

UFO Tart UFO Tart is made of a soft and vanilla favoured cake based topped with sweet, creamy custard and meringue shaped like a cow’s dung pile.

z

Kuih Jala Kuih Jala is a sweet and crispy triangle or tube-shaped snack of rice flour and sugar.

The traditional way of making this snack is by pouring the rice milk into a coconut shell which has been punctured with tiny holes underneath and moves it quickly into the hot cooking oil. Once it turns golden brown, scoop it out and fold it into fan or roll shape.

{

Kuih Cincin Kuih Cincin is made from rice flour and brown sugar, which can be a perfect souvenir gift. It is usually molded into shapes of joined rings together that will look like a floral shape and fried twice to give it a more golden crunchy texture. It is crunchy, delicious and sweet in taste, taking bits of Kuih Cincin will eventually melt away into mild creamy sweetness inside the mouth, making it the perfect snack to savour while drinking a cup of coffee.

o

Leisure 79

DESTINATION: SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

Meet In Sarawak

Adventure In Wild

The Land of Hornbills Sarawak is located on the island of Borneo and is the largest of 13 states in Malaysia. The “Land of Hornbills”, Sarawak is filled with abundant natural wonders, exotic wildlife and rich cultural heritage. The state is fast emerging as Asia’s next destination to watch in the international business events industry in addition to gaining traction and appeal to incentive groups in the region and beyond.

Kuching International Airport is the main entry point into Sarawak, connected through international hubs such as Singapore and Brunei, as well as Malaysia’s largest cities like Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Penang. There are a number of domestic airports and airstrips in Sarawak, situated in Miri, Bintulu and Sibu. Internally, Sarawak is well serviced by a network of air, road and river transportation to all corner of the state.

In 2019, Sarawak had a bidding success rate of 94% by securing 99 business events worth an estimated RM122.71 million in direct delegate expenditure. Sarawak currently achieved a total economic impact of RM106 million, with approximately 8,480 jobs on the way from secured business events for the years 2020 until 2024.

80 Sarawak, MALAYSIA

Valuable Government Support As the first Convention Bureau in Malaysia and a non-profit organization, Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) serves as a one-stop centre to assist meeting and event planners to bid for and stage national, regional and international business events in Sarawak and help connect associations, corporate organisations, and government bodies with elements needed to ensure success since 2006.

BESarawak introduced its latest marketing campaign, Tribe Legacy Sarawak, during Tribal Gathering 2020, its first hybrid event that held on July 2020. The Tribe Legacy Sarawak showcases its profound creative elements as a business events destination, including five components and was created as part of the Sarawak government’s focus on tourism beyond leisure, meaning that the non-economic values of business events (legacy impact) will be in the spotlight to improve professional, government and social communities.

Under the new campaign, the Business Events Planners Incentivised Package is divided into three sub-packages, namely Tribe Acceleration, Tribe Elevation and Tribe Generation. A focal point for the package is that planners can benefit from the bureau’s two reward programmes: BESLegacy Reward and BESTribe Reward programmes. The second part of the initiative, Reactivation Guideline for Organising Business Events in Sarawak, was developed in collaboration with the Sarawak government and fellow industry partners to release a set of guidelines that would form the basis of organising business events in today’s situation. The guidelines will be paired with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) approved by the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee to ensure hotels’ and convention venues’ readiness to receive delegates once again.

Tribe Digital Campus, a virtual space for capacity-building (skills training) and business lead generation. Tribe Digital Innovation is one of the two prongs within the campus that actively promotes and subsidises quality skills training and international certifications, while Tribe Digital XChange is the virtual roadshow and B2B platform for industry partners to present their latest products and services to event organisers.

For more information, please visit businesseventssarawak.com

Energetic Capital Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, has emerged to a growing business landscape that beautifully nestled among fine colonial-style architecture and a stunning waterfront which stretches about 1km in length at the south bank of Sarawak River. Get your first impression of Kuching by going for a jetty-hopping along the Sarawak river on the local Penambang boats.

Kuching is a city whereby traditions blend seamlessly with the modern lifestyle.

o

Leisure 81

Superb Venues and Facilities Sarawak is ready to host any events whether it is a big international convention or a dedicated workshop for a niche of professionals and all the events can be arranged in various ways such as conventions in modern facilities, activities in rainforest settings as well as events in historical buildings with unique Sarawak experience. Besides the capital city Kuching, business event planners are now also able to include neighbouring cities such as Miri, Sibu and Bintulu into their incentives experience.

As the largest Convention centre in Sarawak, the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) stands with 13,175 square metres of event space, ample parking areas, wide and high-ceilinged hallways, airy concourses and spacious rooms ranging from meeting rooms to large halls. BCCK will continue to take every safety precaution to safeguard the health and safety of the Centre’s staff and visitors.

Exotic Culture

Sarawak has a great diversity of ethnic culture, where its main ethnic groups are Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu. Sarawakians are friendly beyond measure, enjoy a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multireligious environment with little prejudice. Racial harmony and cultural celebration are the cornerstones of Sarawak’s social profile.

Abundant Wonders Sarawak is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, numerous protected national parks, the world’s largest cave chambers, an incredible diversity of tropical flora and fauna and an exciting mix of culture, religions and traditions, offering a host of memorable experiences to bring home. For fascinating trips back in time to the city’s indigenous history, culture, arts and crafts, visit the Sarawak Museum and Kuching South City Hall. You can also visit Sarawak’s world-famous longhouses, with Annah Rais being the closest to Kuching. Or take the river safari to explore Batang Ai and Lemanak longhouses.

For nature lovers, you can venture into the Semenggoh Nature Reserve to see orang utans in their natural habitat, proboscis monkeys at the lush Bako National Park, or to the Kuching Wetlands National Park in search for rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gunung Mulu National Park offers the world’s largest cave chamber with over 200 entrances.

Join corporate social responsibility activities by building homes with the tribal community, or lend an active hand in orang utan rehabilitation efforts over a one day Heart 2 Heart with Orang Utan programme, which seeks to save these gentle giants from extinction.

Local Cuisines

Must try Sarawak’s iconic Laksa, Mee Kolok (sweet and savoury egg noodles), Kek Lapis (layered cake) and ancestral delicacies.

These food are readily available at traditional coffee shops centred along Jalan Carpenter, Pandungan Road and Main Bazaar or the open-air market Jalan Khoo Hun Yeang. For formal setting, you can soak in Sarawak’s colonial past at Sarawak Court House.

o

Leisure 83

DESTINATION: MELAKA, MALAYSIA

Meet In Melaka

Immerse In Multi-culture

Historic City Strategically located along the Straits of Melaka, Melaka was the epicentre of an important trading empire over 500 years, which attracted thousands of traders from all over the world. Today, Melaka is a historic city with a multi-cultural living heritage originating from the trade routes from Great Britain and Europe through the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and the Malay Archipelago to China, where the many religions and cultures met and coexisted. The city reflects a mixture of influences which have created a unique architecture, cultures and townscape without parallel anywhere in East and South Asia.

A quaint city with an abundance of breathtaking sights and rich heritage, Melaka is easy to get around on foot or trishaw to explore the many places that make it unique. You will be enchanted and surprised with what this city has in store for you, so just stick around longer, as you will discover interesting things and find yourself falling in love with it all over again.

Be mesmerised by its timeless historical beauty and surround yourself with its various attractions, cultures and delicious local cuisines as well as a good choice of accommodation. ĂŞSwiss-Garden ĂŞ Hotel Melaka

84 Melaka, MALAYSIA

Superb Venues and Facilities With the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) and the presence of international chain and local hotels, Melaka continues the trade tradition since the 1400’s by offering meeting facilities to meet the needs of modern businesses.

Strategically located in Ayer Keroh, Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) is a superior international trade centre widely used for both local and international events, providing superb amenities and facilities which include three exhibition halls, a grand ballroom, 6 meeting rooms, an auditorium, a VIP room and a board room. Other facilities available at MITC also include a business centre, café, food and beverage kiosks, a lobby and 230 car park spaces. A unique feature of MITC is the “dataran” which is an open-air parking area that can double as a venue for outdoor events such as concerts and carnivals.

Luxurious comforts surrounded by historical influences, there are variety of stylish hotels to suit different preferences of visitors. The uniqueness of Melaka hotels is explored through the richness of culture and local history, the elegance of the natural surroundings and the refined and extraordinary architecture and interior design, showcasing the authenticity and allure of Melaka to the whole world. Some of the sophisticated boutique hotels in Jonker Street area still retain colonial and heritage elements, and introducing art deco and Peranakan designs, providing guests with an immersive heritage experience.

With over 150 events planned every year by state government, live theatre productions like Encore Melaka, and the popular Melaka River Cruise, it is easier to promote Melaka to business events players. These professionally-run shows with elements of heritage and culture cater to the needs of meeting planners.

By highlighting the state’s rich history, culture, gastronomy and eco-tourism products, Melaka is able to cater any cultural event, as well as attract visitors to experience for themselves the uniqueness of the delicious local cuisines available in the state.

Currently, the state government will improve existing tourism packages, besides introducing vacation packages, by capitalising on 13 tourism sub-sectors so that business and leisure visitors will not feel bored coming to this state. On business or for leisure, Melaka is the right place for your next event or a memorable bleisure trip, with cultural harmony between the East and West.

o

Leisure 85

SPECIAL FEATURE

Cruise

Into Melaka’s History M elaka River was the beginning point of the “Sultanate of Melaka” empire and leading Melaka into its colourful and glorious history. Let’s trace Melaka’s history and explore its scenic beauty with Melaka River Cruise.

Melaka River Cruise offers visitors a great way to enjoy riverside views of historical city centre at a leisure pace, as well as gain an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the locals. The 45-minute boat tour will cruise up and down the historic 9km long Melaka River daily from 9am to 11pm.

Let Your Mind Dive into the Beautiful Melaka River

The day cruise allows visitors to appreciate the details of the natural beauty of the historical city and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the creative murals that flank the river. The vibrant and colourful murals present a unique insight into various aspects of Melakan life, from its multiracial community and cultural activities, to its abundant local delicacies, making it as one of the favourite insta-worthy spots.

Now, Melaka River is decorated with more lighting along the boat route. By nightfall, the river is transformed into an amazing illuminated world with the night-lights reflected in the water. The night cruise offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy the cooling panoramic view with decorative lightings and lighted bridges, leaving you a memorable and romantic boat ride with your loved ones.

The cruise operates from Taman Rempah (Spice Garden) and Dataran Sungai Melaka (Melaka River Square), both jetties are located on the banks of the Melaka River. The journey begins from the Spice Garden to Melaka River mouth and turned back to the Spice Garden or otherwise. From whichever jetty you commence your boat, the boats cruise across the town and past historic buildings, which offers tranquil views of colonial buildings, antiquated shophouses, local settlements and ancient bridges, just like seeing Melaka from the back door.

As visiting Melaka is incomplete without cruising Melaka River, let’s experience Melaka River Cruise during your trip to Melaka and have a glimpse into the magnificent views of the Melaka River along the cruise.

o

86

Leisure

Dine while Enjoying the Breathtaking Scene of Melaka River As the sole cruise service provider in Melaka, Melaka River Cruise offers a variety of affordable cruise packages such as sightseeing, educational tours, romantic affairs, private dining and fun activities to suit every taste on board. Take on a journey through the heart of historical state with private dining, leaving you and your guests a unique and interesting cruise experience, as well as recapping the glorious history of Melaka River.

“Mendam Berahi”, a signature legendary boat during Melaka Sultanate, offering a unique event place for weddings, dinners, birthday celebrations, anniversaries or similar occasions. It can accommodate up to 30 people with a selection of dining and entertainment packages. The boat will depart from Spice Garden Jetty to the estuary of Melaka River, and stop for a short while before returning to the Spice Garden Jetty, taking about 2 hours.

The vintage boat is a replica of Melaka Sultanate ship, which was used for the opening of the Grand Cultural Festival (GCF) Melaka River 2019. Its distinctive and spectacular structure attracted many eyeballs, hence it was retained and has become one of the latest tourism products in Melaka for visitors to dine on the boat in group while enjoying the breathtaking view along the Melaka River.

Another unique VVIP Boat named “Bunga Mawar” with a capacity of 20 also available for rent, which equipped with air conditioning and some finger food will be prepared for guests. The boat can be used as a unique venue to cater wedding receptions, corporate events, birthday celebrations, product launches or press conferences.

VVIP Boat - Bunga Mawar

Interior of VVIP Boat

.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Melaka River Cruise Tel: 606-281 4322/23 Email: booking@melakarivercruise.my Website: www.melakarivercruise.my

o

Leisure 87

World Heritage Sites

Heritage & Cultural Tour

Chinatown

Being the country’s melting pot of history and culture, Melaka needs no introduction. From the iconic Dutch Square covered in red, to the elegant Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum wedged between the city streets and traditional Malay houses at Morten Village, discover these historical gems for yourself on your next stay in Melaka.

World Heritage Sites

Melaka had been colonized by three Great European powers for almost 500 years from centuries of Portuguese (1511-1641), Dutch (1641-1795), Japanese (1942-1945) and British (1945-1957).

On the 7th of July 2008, this Dutch-built city centre was listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Melaka’s unique cultural fusion can be seen in its intricate architecture and heritage buildings through the heritage walk such as A’ Famosa Fort, St.Paul’s Church & St.Paul’s Hill, Dutch Square, The Stadthuys, museums and galleries.

Chinatown

Located opposite Dutch Square, Melaka’s Chinatown offers a very warm and friendly atmosphere with its narrow streets flanked by old houses dating back to 17th century. Take a walk through different streets in this area to witness time standing still, with its unique properties steeped in history. Many of Melaka’s lanes and side streets have various pretty impressive buildings, big or small, a mark to remind us of the cultural exchanges that took place in the past and for you to discover its old charms and history. The signature Jonker Street is certainly worth a walk with a myriad of cosy cafes, art galleries, antique shops and a few traditional trade’s shops. Deeply rooted in its history, Melaka puts its heritage proudly on display with colorful murals along its river.

88 Melaka, MALAYSIA

Jonker Street

u

Baba-Nyonya Peranakan Straits-born Chinese

Peranakans are Chinese descendants who arrived in Melaka and married the local Malays. The term Baba is an honorific manner of addressing a Straits-born gentleman, while the term Nyonya is used to address a Straits-born lady.

From colourful walls to eclectic cuisine, unique Peranakan influences are evident in every corner of this vibrant cultural city. Let’s experience this exclusive culture and Peranakan cuisines that available in the town.

The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum provides visitors a glimpse into the richness of many pre-World War II Melaka’s Peranakan homes and its unique heirlooms, making everyone feel as though they once lived in past amazing era.

Peranakan cuisine is a mixture of Chinese and Malay flavours, enhanced by the blend of local herbs and spices such as the lemongrass, blue ginger, turmeric, onion, chili and belacan (shrimp paste). Lets’ savour the delicious Nyonya food at Ole Sayang Restaurant.

Dondang Sayang - 15 Century Love Ballad

Melaka also famous for its Nyonya Kuih dessert, an assortment of steamed, fried or baked bite-sizedsnacks and are usually made from rice or glutinous rice. Chewy Onde-onde with warm palm sugar filling, savory-sweet Ang Ku Kueh, delightfully playful Kuih Lapis slices are just some of the myriad of desserts available in Melaka. These old-world delicacies can always be found at one of the many shops or stalls along Jonker Street.

The Melaka’s performing art form Dondang Sayang is recognised

by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2018.

It is a traditional Malay art still practised in Melaka by the Malay, Baba Nyonya, Chitty and Portuguese communities. The practice combines elements of music (violins, gongs and tambourines or the tambour), songs and chants, and features melodious strains of poetry. Also known as love ballads, the songs are used by communities to convey feelings of love and give advice on special topics such as love and kindness.

o

Leisure 89

SPECIAL FEATURE

Authentic

Nyonya Cuisine In 2012, the management style of the restaurant has evolved from family management to professional management.

From the procurement and storage of ingredients to the maintenance of environmental hygiene and safety, we have adopted a scientific management mechanism to successfully ensure that the restaurant has a prefect management system and an efficient operation. In addition, we do not serve pork nor use any pork-derived ingredients in our cooking, and all ingredients are supplied by Halal-certified suppliers.

Established in 1983, Ole Sayang Restaurant is the first authentic Nyonya restaurant in Melaka. The founder adhered to the traditional culinary skills passed down by the family, offers diners a true taste of Nyonya cuisine with a fine balance between the taste buds of locals and that of tourists. We have 5 senior passionate chefs, each with more than 15 years of cooking experience, serving a variety of local Nyonya cuisine with their own signature family recipes and practices, maintaining a strong popularity among locals and tourists from all over the world.

With distinct Peranakan décor, equipped with antiques and traditional ancestral paraphernalia, The Ole Sayang Restaurant exudes the aura of a vibrant and charming heritage. The overall theme for Ole Sayang is the harmonious fusion of modern sensibilities and Peranakan styles. Keep a look out for fascinating paintings displayed all around the restaurant! From ambience to taste, Ole Sayang Restaurant, would be one of your Nyonya restaurant of choices Melaka.

Strategically located in the heart of Melaka, Ole Sayang Restaurant has been synonymous with authentic Nyonya cuisine in Melaka. With a history spanning over 30 years, many generations of our customers, their friends and families have enjoyed our delightful meal with a touch of homecooking. Come and have a Nyonya dining experience here, we will be certain that you will come back for more!

“Ole Sayang, represents the “gift of love” in the language of the Peranakan.

In the culinary point of view, Ole Sayang Restaurant offers traditional and authentic Nyonya cuisine as a gift from a friendly restaurant to its guests”

.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Restoran Ole Sayang 198 & 199 Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia.

Tel: 606-283 1966 Email: olesayang@gmail.com Website: olesayang.com

o

90

Leisure

v

Morten Village Urban Malay Village

w

Portuguese Settlement Portugues-Eurasian Cultural Legacy

During the Portuguese rule over Melaka, minority of the Portuguese descendants decided to continue to stay in Melaka and settled down in a village at the coastline of Ujong Pasir, named Portuguese Settlement. The country’s only Portuguese village offers visitors one-of-a-kind Christmas with the presence of the eight-metre Christ the Redeemer statue here. Every year, crowds of people from around the country and abroad as well as locals will flock to the settlement to enjoy the breathtaking view of houses with Christmas decorations and roads with colorful lights. With a local touch of hot and spicy flavour, Melaka Portuguese cuisine is an irreplaceable food that can only be found in Melaka. This unique blend of local and Portuguese flavours will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Located in the heart of the modern historical city of Melaka, Morten Village still preserves its rustic charm and practice traditional Malay lifestyle despite the modernisation along its fridge. Pay a visit to Villa Sentosa, the highlight of Kampung Morten, is a living museum within a 1920s kampung house.

Visitors are welcomed by a member of the household who points out vintage traditional objects and enthusiastically shares stories from the past. Don’t forget to try on the traditional sarong, a long piece of thin cloth that is worn wrapped around the waist for the Malays in Malaysia. Here, you can also purchase wooden replicas of traditional Malay houses as a souvenir.

x

Chitty Settlement Indian Peranakan

The Chitty’s ancestors mostly originate from Coramandel Coast of South India, who settled down in Melaka during the Melaka Sultanate in the 16th century. Currently, there are about 20 families who still reside in the Chitty settlement situated at Gajah Berang.

You can pay a visit to Chetti Musuem to witness the history and chronology of chitty community through the displayed artefacts, photographs, costumes, cooking tools and accessories that are related to religious and wedding ceremonies. o

Leisure 91

DESTINATION: MALAYSIA

Meet With Animals In Malaysia u

Zoo Negara Malaysia Ampang, Selangor

Established in 1963, the open concept zoo is home to over 5,000 specimens from 476 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibian and fish in exhibits and landscapes that mimic their natural habitat. Visit the two giant pandas “ Xing Xing” and “Liang Liang” and their adorable baby panda “Yi Yi” at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre. You will also be entertained by variety of performances and animal shows.

Malayan Sun Bear

v

Panda Yi Yi

Zoo Melaka Ayer Keroh, Melaka

L

earn the unique story about each animal as you walk around the zoo or mini petting zoo. Make a day out with your family to meet some amazing animals, giving your kids an off-screen chance and understand the importance of taking care of the environment as it has a significant impact on the lives and welfare of animals. To meet, touch, learn, have fun from close encounters with animals, leading to empathy, respect for all creatures and nature, in return, enhancing your knowledge and family bonding. Let’s go!

Malayan Tiger

With a total of 54 acres land, Zoo Melaka is the second largest zoo in Malaysia, which is home to over 1,000 animals. The Night Safari offers a unique after-dark wildlife experience, giving visitors an opportunity to observe the behaviour of noctural wildlife in their natural habitats. Don’t forget to greet the “star of the zoo”, a white tiger named Princess Elsa.

Malayan Tapir

w

Zoo Taiping & Night Safari Taiping, Perak

Established in 1961, Taiping Zoo is the oldest zoo in Malaysia and also the pioneer of Night Safari in the country. The zooological park is home to over 1,300 animals in over 30 acres of beautiful natural setting with streams, lakes and abundance of flora.

92 MALAYSIA

White Tiger Princess Elsa

SPECIAL FEATURE

ESCAPE

the Ordinary “An Eden of Nature and Animals”

Located in Seri Kembangan about 20 minutes

drive from Kuala Lumpur, Farm In The City (FITC) is a unique conservation park that combines the thrills of wildlife with the beauty of nature. Set in a specially-designed environment that similar to a typical Malaysian village or "Kampung", FITC is completely cage-less and the animals are allowed to roam freely in visitor-friendly enclosures. The lovely petting zoo encourages visitor-interactions with the animals and plant-life in a comfortable yet authentic environment instead of just a viewing exhibit. Here, visitors can feed, touch and play with over 100 species of animals.

Spread across an area of 7 acres, FITC is divided into sections which offer educational and entertaining insight into the lifestyle and setting of a Malaysian village, farm and fruit orchard with its natural plants and wildlife. It also educates visitors on the various aspects of farm and animal life as well as wildlife conservation and preservation.

Let's begin the fun journey here

2. Reptiles Cavern Experience the world of reptiles.

Walk through the uniquely designed enclosure which houses the longest species of python, the smallest species of crocodile, monitor lizard and the mangrove snakes. Be alert when you enter the Reptiles Cavern as they are everywhere. Remember to watch to your left and right, sometimes even above of you as well.

1. Walk-thru Free-Flight Bird Aviary

3. Moods Lake (World of Geese and Ducks)

A large and airy enclosure where birds fly free. Visitors can interact with the birds of various species, sizes and colours by feeding and petting them as well as enjoying the nature’s musical orchestra made by the feathered friends. Try to get a chance to snap the beautiful peacock showing off by spreading its tail.

A large rippling lake of clear water which is home to mandarin ducks, whistling ducks, emperor geese, Canada geese, cape shelducks, ruddy shelducks, common shelducks, caroline ducks, pelicans, black swans and white swans, as well as koi fishes and talapias. You can summon thousands of koi fish by ringing a bell, then feed them with the prepared fish pellets.

o

94

Leisure

Operating Hours:

4. Rabbit & Pet Village Have an amazing experience with the cute and cuddly rabbits and guinea pigs! You are encouraged to interact and pet these animals, as well as feed them with fresh vegetables and watch them nibble it off. It is definitely an experience not to be missed.

6. Jungle Walk Visitors walk through the ‘real’ jungle which houses the world’s largest and heaviest African rodents – crested porcupine, the cute petite Kirk Dik Dik, the naughty and cheeky common marmoset, the rare species of white peacock and the friendly Himalayan striped squirrel, as well as the shy green and red iguana that hides within the tree branches.

• Weekdays: 10.00am-6.00pm • Weekends: 9.30am-6.00pm • Closed on every Tuesday, excluding public holiday & school holiday.

Activities Schedule:

5. Traditional Longkang Fishing The Malaysian children’s past-time of dredging for fish in the "longkang" or drain is recreated to remind all visitors about part of our cultural heritage that deserves presevation. It is definitely a fun sight to watch parents and children working together in the effort to catch fast swimming fishes. It will be a wonderful family time together.

• Otter Feeding @ Exhibition Hall: 12.00pm

• Parrot Interaction @ Kampung Mahmood: 12.30pm & 3.30pm

7. Malaysian Vegetables & Fruits Farm The farm is specially designed to resemble typical Malaysian Village-style vegetable farm and orchard with over 100 types of tropical fruit trees and plants. At the end, you will find the specially built traditional well to recap the memories for those who stayed in ‘Kampung’ before. Don't worry about being disturbed as the farm has its lifelike Scarecrows to guard the whole area.

Other Programmes: Farm In The City also caters for • Educational Tours • Free & Easy Events • CSR Events / Volunteers • Internship programmes

• Porcupine Feeding @ Jungle Walk: 11.30am

• Pelican Feeding @ Pelican Quay: 3.00pm

• Meerkat & Fennec Fox Feeding @ Desert House: 4.00pm

Farm In The City is the perfect place for everyone to gain knowledge and educate them about animals and nature.

It is a unique place for you to organise *All the schedule subject to change without prior any memorable event and impress your notice. guests with these animals. .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Farm In The City Lot 40187-40188, Jalan Prima Tropika Barat, Bandar Putra Permai, Seri Kembangan, 43300 Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel: 603-8941 2099 Email: enquiry.fitc@gmail.com Website: www.farminthecity.my

o

Leisure 95

SPECIAL FEATURE

Nature

Inspired Wonderland L ocated in Port Dickson, near to the famous Teluk

Kemang, Phantasy Farm is a nature inspired petting zoo with a range of attractions. Animals are always the main attraction especially in urban areas in Malaysia where chances to touch and play with them are scarce.

Now, this beautiful farm offers you an opportunity to get closer with the animals that are allowed to roam freely in uniquely designed enclosures.

Guinea Pigs’ Cowboy Town

You can touch, feed and play with hundreds of animals in the farm, as well as hop on to the elegant Cinderella carriage to be a-minute pretty Cinderella. In Alpaca Land, you can grab a chance to get close to furry alpacas and feed them with their favourite food without the need to travel overseas. There are also active African pygmy goats, tame axis deers, beautiful peacocks, colourful birds, cuddly rabbits, cute guinea pigs, big ostriches and playful cats await you in their respective beautiful houses.

Step into the “longevity village” that houses a wide range of rare and giant Sulcata tortoises, which is the third largest tortoise species in the world.

You can feed them with fresh vegetables while they are walking around.

In the Phantasy Quay, you can observe a white buffalo, elegant pelicans, and koi fishes in their habitats. Come to the exhibition hall and observe the chameleon’s eyes that can move around independently, making the chameleon having two visuals at one time.

Here, you can also relive your childhood memories or have an amazing experience by trying to catch fish at the ‘Longkang Fishing’ attraction, that only available in rural areas or Malaysian village.

The farm is packed with a mix of attractions to create a more adventurous and memorable experience where everyone loves diverse and varied activities in one destination. Apart from the wide variety of tame and exotic animals, the farm offers numerous insta-worthy giant replica spots, Haunted House, Grandma Antique House and others.

o

96

Leisure

Enjoy your village life by spending your time at the colourful farmthemed tree house playground with your loved ones. The specially designed playground equipped with swings, slides, mini rides, tables and benches, putting the sparkle and wow factor into the farm. By using a colourful range of markings, it creates a virtual wonderland for children that will keep them amused, as well as adults!

Tornado

What reminds you of your grandmother’s house? Let’s head to the Grandma Antique House and have a glimpse of the ancient collections such as vintage furniture, beautiful ornaments, traditional cooking tools and more, taking you a nostalgic trip down memory lane! You can experience Tornado phenomena in the house too. Is that cool?

Don’t miss out grandmother’s garden that houses different types of plants and a wishing well, which commonly used as water well in olden days.

Looking for spooky things in this farm? You can prepare yourself for an interactive and immersive horror experience in the Funny Haunted House! The scene inside the house could be disturbing, scary and contain strobe lights and fogs effects to create a creepy surrounding, so tour at your own risk!

Phantasy Farm is set to be the latest must visit attraction in Port Dickson for all types of visitors from all ages and walks of life. A trip to Phantasy Farm not only gains knowledge about nature, animal and plants but able to experience many fun activities like never before. It is much more than your usual petting zoo, which will create memorable memories for you with your family and friends. You can also organise educational or CSR programme in this farm!

Operating Hours:

• Weekdays: 10.00am-6.00pm • Weekends: 9.30am-6.00pm

*Closed on every Tuesday, excluding public holiday & school holiday

Entrance Fees (RM)

• Adult

• Child/Senior Citizen

Mycard Rate Normal Rate RM 35.00 RM 29.00

RM 48.00 RM 35.00

* Free admission for children with body height below 90cm with accompany paying adult * Child refers to age below 12 years old * Senior Citizen refers to age 60 years old and above

.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Phantasy Farm Lot 3636, Jalan Pantai Batu 9, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Tel: 6017-235 3373 Email: phantasyfarm.pd@gmail.com Facebook: Phantasy Farm 夢幻農場

o

Leisure 97

DESTINATION: MALAYSIA

Back To Nature Experience In Malaysia E

scape to a tranquil place with luxurious fresh air and scenic views, where you can take your own lazy time, slow down your pace, breath in the fresh air and enjoy mother nature at its best!

Rediscover yourself through an enriching, restful and refreshing back to nature experience in few of these beautiful leisure farms.

u

Trong Leisure Farm Taiping, Perak

Trong Leisure Farm is the first duck-themed leisure farm in Malaysia where everyone can have fun with little yellow ducklings or big white “Pekin” ducks. The farm consists a resort and provides various recreational activities such as duck farm visits, boat rides, fishing and tropical fruit plantation visits. There is a fee charged on different activities. Don’t miss to take a photo with the big fat duck which sits at the middle of the Trong’s lake.

w

Titi Eco Farm Resort Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan

Surrounded by lush hills, the natural environment of 40-arce Titi Eco Farm Resort makes it ideal for slow-pace organic lifestyle, with organic farms, a resort and even an in-house factory producing and supplying organic food to eateries around the country. Let’s enjoy a day of farmer’s life in the organic farm!

x

Dicky’s Leisure Farm Alor Gajah, Melaka

Amidst at a 4.5 acre orchard of originally grown mixed local fruits, herbs and vegetables, Dicky’s Leisure Farm offers a farm lodge of wooden design equipped with a nice kitchenette, a couple of cosy chalets and an original village house for guests to recharge in the nature. Have a memorable getaway here with a fun farm tour and various exciting recreational activities.

v

PATRO Perak Tanjung Tualang, Perak

PATRO Perak is a agro-tourism resort which combines the elements of nature, agriculture and rural life. The resort offers variety of accommodations and recreational activities such as cycling, ATV, kayak, paddle boat, fishing, paintball, horseback riding and others.

98 MALAYSIA

{

UK Farm Kluang, Johor

Being Malaysia’s largest goat and sheep farm, UK Farm is an aspiring leisure farm with 100 acres of grazing land and 20 acres of orchard with variety of fruits such as passion fruit, soursop, rambutan, durian and many more. The farm offers visitors an authentic and memorable farm experience while showcasing the modern techniques involved in 21st century farming. The UK Farm Agro Resort offers a wide range of amenities and facilities such as restaurant, farm mart, conference room, chalet, dormitory, barbecue area, open stage and camp site and karaoke to suite individual preferences.

y

Kesang Farm Jasin, Melaka

Kesang Farm consists of a stilt house, a vast farmland and a campsite for camping, offering guests a chance to experience rural life while admire the charm of nature. At night, you can admire the starry sky and occasionally able to spot fireflies or meteors. The stilt house was modified from a sheep shed and set up 3 rooms as staff dormitories, as well as equipped with a kitchen and two toilets for family and friends to gather, eat and sleep.

z

Oasis Bay Eco Resort Bukit Pasir, Johor

Located at a small corner of Sungai Terap in Muar, Oasis Bay Eco Resort is surrounded by lush tropical orchard, secondary forest, mangrove and the river with ecological abundance and history, which make it a beautiful nature driven escapade and a popular eco-tourism destination. Within its 20 acres of land, the eco-resort offers function rooms and beautiful fields to cater any event such as company team buildings, exciting outdoor activities, gatherings, annual dinner or wedding ceremonies.

|

Koref Desaru Leisure Farm Kota Tinggi, Johor

The farm is a perfect getaway from city and educates visitors on the importance of nature ecosystem. It provides various nature centric activities along with unique design of accommodations to ensure guests had a great time in desaru such as stone cave houses and tree houses.

o

Leisure

99

DESTINATION: MALAYSIA

A Durian Staycation In Malaysia M

alaysia is famous for the King of Fruits, durian, as the soil and temperature in certain areas of the country are suitable for durian trees to grow, including Balik Pulau in Penang, Raub & Bentong in Pahang and some other states.

During Durian Season ...

Durian season is from mid-June to August, where you can smell durians from a mile away before start savouring the fragrant and creamy durian flesh. Durians might smell like hell but they tasted like heaven, so you either love or hate them!

As durian tours gain popularity, some farms also provide farm-stay so that guests can have a feast on fresh durians and get an amazing experience in a fruit orchard with durians falling all around them. Check out some of the famous durian breeds and which durian farm will satisfy your craving!

“Durian is one of the

highest respected fruits throughout Southeast Asia, the durian has earned the nickname King of Fruits.”

Normal Season ...

During non-durian season, the farm is open for private orchard and fruit tasting tours as the farm will normally grow other non-seasonal fruits and spice trees.

The owners will also share their knowledge and experience in fruit farming.

For those looking to escape from hustle city life, these uniquely designed village houses will be one of the ultimate destination to slow down the footsteps, stay down to earth, follow the rhythm of nature and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul through sheer indulgence of the senses.

From bittersweet to creamy rich flavours, there’s a durian for every palate. There are over 100 breeds of durians in Malaysia, each breed is brimmed with exquisite flavour and aroma. Which is your favourite durian breed?

D24 A good balance between sweet and bitter flavours, D24’s smooth creamy texture has a wholesome yeasty sweetness with a pleasant astringent pull on tongue. Hard to go wrong with this one!

Black Thorn One of the higher-grade durians, the extremely rare Black Thorn durian changes the game with its intense, bitter flavours and custardy orange-red flesh. If you are Musang King lover, the Black Thorn durian is definitely a must-try too!

Red Prawn The Red Prawn durian stands out from the rest of the variants with its unique bright orange flesh. It has a dense and creamy texture coupled with a sweet taste and a tinge of bitterness. Perfect for you if you want to try a sweet durian that’s different from the rest!

Musang King Musang King is known for its thick flesh, small core and melts-in-your-mouth.

Its bittersweet and rich, custardy texture will definitely get you hooked!

100 MALAYSIA

D13 Golden Bun D13 Golden Bun’s buttery texture is paired with a burst of rich and sweet flavours.

Balik Pulau, Penang

u

Malihom Retreat With a perfect blend of natural surroundings, intimate service, privacy and seclusion, the 8 hilltop barns offer a private retreat in a rainforest environment. Meanwhile, the foothill homes have 4 houses which comfortably sleeps 22, which is perfect for family reunions, group of friends, yoga camps, workation and more.

v

Bao Sheng Durian Farm Established in 1959, Bao Sheng Durian Farm shares knowledge on durian flavour and the role of healthy, pesticide-free farming methods in producing a high quality taste experience. The farm cultivates organic durians for fruit enthusiasts and durian lovers who are welcome to visit for a day or to stay onsite in the villas beneath the durian trees.

x

w

Karuna Hill A hidden gem in Balik Pulau, the durian orchard resort is home to more than 20 types of durians which are served to their guests all day, every day! With breathtaking views of the Straits of Malacca and serene environment of sunshine and blue skies, you won’t find any better way to indulge the durians here!

Green Acres A 16-acre chemical-free orchard, Green Acres is home to 450 matured durian trees with over 32 different durian cultivars to taste from. Surrounded by orchard trees, the traditional lodges are spacious and airy, with full length windows and open balconies overlooking breathtaking views of the hills beyond. Located in one corner of the deck, the fresh spring water dipping pool is for guests staying at the main lodge.

o

Leisure 101

Raub & Bentong, Pahang

DESTINATION: MALAYSIA

u

Bilut Hills Bentong, Pahang

Located in the middle of Bentong and Raub, Bilut Hills is a place for you to relax your mind and soul while enjoying the beauty of nature. There are 6 types of unique blend of refreshing, simple yet exquisite luxury rooms for guests to choose from, together with a meeting room, KTV lounge and a range of outdoor activities.

x

Waterway Villa Bukit Tinggi, Pahang

v

YES Orchard Raub, Pahang

Located at Sungai Klau, YES Orchard offers a cosy 3-story “Glass House” for guests to have a premium gourmet of Musang King Durians from over 25-year-old durian trees while enjoying panoramic views of the lush sceneries of the orchard. Outside the “Glass House”, guests can also host other family and group activities, such as BBQs, steamboats and team building games on a wide cross-river viewing platform.

w

Jimmy Durian Farmstay Bentong, Pahang

Equipped with PA system with stage and special food catering, Jimmy Durian Farmstay is an ideal venue for private parties, birthday parties, wedding functions, friends and family gatherings and corporate meetings. The venue can cater up to 60 people and offers rooms for single, double bed queen sharing, queen & single sharing and dormitory beds.

102 MALAYSIA

Surrounded by the wild beauty of the Malaysian rainforest, the Waterway Villa offers the perfect outdoor destination where guests will be able to take advantage of the abundant recreational activities while enjoying the fresh air and stunning views of the tropical forest. The villas are built with detailed craftsmanship and classic traditional designs that are inspired by nature.

Other Locations

u

Durian Ecolodge Tampin, Negeri Sembilan

v

Durian Farmstay Simpang Renggam, Johor

Sitting on a four-hectare land, Durian Ecolodge is not only planted with durians and other local fruits, but it also offers 20 types of caravans and lodging-style accommodations, offering visitors to relax and soak in the ambience while enjoying fresh fruits at a cheaper price. Apart from enjoying fresh fruits and reveling in the beautiful scenery of the orchard nestled in hilly areas, visitors have a chance to learn about durian cultivation and the correct way to look after the trees to get quality fruits.

Durian Farmstay is a recreation and leisure farmstay for all ages, giving them precious memories that would last a lifetime. Other than durians, the orchard has more than 20 other types of home grown fruits and vegetables, including banana, papaya, mango, jackfruit, passionfruit, coconut, tapioca, sweet potato, corn and more. Guests can pick and buy them home whenever available.

w

Sim Koa Yen Durian Tunggal, Melaka

The farm provides quality and organic durians, also one of the best places to savour durians in Melaka. It also offers farmstay for visitors that wish to experience the beauty of nature.

x

Sungkai Hills Organic Farmstay Sungkai, Perak

A leisure house in the organic orchard, which suitable for holiday leisure trips, company team buildings, friends or family gatherings, wedding ceremories, birthday celebrations or wellness groups.

o

Leisure 103

DESTINATION: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

SEOUL

Where The World Meets Seoul,

the capital of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) for over 600 years, is a thrilling city where modern towering skyscrapers, high-tech subways and inspiring K-Pop culture filled with well-preserved national monuments, ancient Buddhist temples, majestic palaces, happening street markets and delicious traditional cuisines. The fusion of modern trends and lifestyle with its authentic culture and traditions, making Seoul a fertile urban ground for endless inspiring discoveries.

Seoul is served by two international airports, namely Incheon International Airport that located just 30 miles from Seoul, and Gimpo International Airport just 40 minutes away. The award winning Incheon International Airport that provides direct access to and from all corners of the globe, with over 90 airlines operating flights to 180 cities. The growth of nationwide infrastructure continues to strengthen Korea’s MICE industry competitiveness.

Geographically, Seoul is divided into two distinct regions by the Hangang, a river that flows through the centre of the city. In Gangbuk, literally “North of the River” one will find Seoul’s five royal palaces, traditional markets and many other cultural attractions from the Joseon Dynasty, is an interesting place that filled with bulk of the city’s history and heritage.

Meanwhile Gangnam, or “South of The River” is the birthplace of Korea’s latest trends and the wellspring of its modern character. Seoul has expanded in modern times from its oldnorth side cityscape to now include a modern area south of the river, where a plethora of commercial, financial, retail and entertainment developments can be found.

104 Seoul, SOUTH KOREA

2018 & 2019 ICCA STATISTICS REPORT International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) REPUBLIC OF KOREA World Ranking

Premier Business Event City Seoul provides comprehensive facilities and excellent support services for events ranging from small meetings to the grand international conventions with a range of venue choices and each is purpose built for its spaces, flexibility and expansibility.

Complementing the multi-purpose built and unique venues, there are a diverse selection of accommodation from luxurious fivestar hotels to exclusive boutique hotels or fully furnished services apartment dotting the city. A raft of new boutique hotels are also opening up across Korea, boosting budget accommodation options for business travellers. Whatever MICE events you are planning, Seoul is ready to host it.

Pillar of Seoul

Established in February 2008, the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) specialises in city marketing that has been actively leading the development of Seoul tourism and business events on the world stage. As a result of STO’s infinite efforts, Seoul has become a worldclass business destination and ranked as top three international meeting cities in the Union of International Associations (UIA) for five consecutive years (2015-2019).

A division of STO, Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB) provides endless support to foreign and domestic event planners that plans to host their business event in Seoul, and acts as a key information resource for the business visitors and global media on Seoul’s various trendy meetings infrastructure and latest news and developments in the local meetings industry.

Asia Pacific Ranking

No. of International Association Meetings SEOUL World Ranking

Asia Pacific Ranking

No. of International Association Meetings BUSAN World Ranking

Asia Pacific Ranking

No. of International Association Meetings JEJU World Ranking

Asia Pacific Ranking

No. of International Association Meetings

2018 2019

12 3

13 4

273

248

5

4

15

15

122

114

79

98

35

31

19

22

69

124

40

24

15

29

INCHEON World Ranking

225

247

No. of International Association Meetings

12

11

Asia Pacific Ranking

56

63

Source: International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Ranking 2018 & 2019

PLUS Seoul Support Programme

PLUS SEOUL provides a wide range of support for all MICE events, where specialised consultation are available for all stages of bidding, promoting and hosting for International Conferences. In the same manner, benefits are available in all aspects of corporate meetings and incentives such as hospitality, souvenirs and tailormade performance. PLUS Seoul is a customised business event experience to boost your business event experience with lasting stories and memories in Seoul.

Seoul MICE Alliance (SMA)

Cohesive effort from SMA that are business-sector alliances from 10 different categories of MICE industry and Seoul MICE supporters who are personnel aiding professionals come together to provide the best experiences to business event participants.

For more information on PLUS Seoul, kindly refer to: Website: www.miceseoul.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/miceseoul

o

Leisure 105

A Talk With Leaders Of Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) Q1: What are the strengths of Seoul as an ideal MICE destination and make it attractive to the Muslim business travel market?

Seoul’s diverse strengths make the city to an attractive destination for Meetings, Incentive trips, Conferences and Exhibitions.

Seoul has contrasting charms to its scenery with modern and ancient architectures in the mountains in the city where the river runs across it. The advanced technological features such as 5G networking system serve the city well to build convenience for its citizens and visitors. Infrastructures to plan the best business events are spread through out the city. Unique venues to suit the different purposes of the various events and many team building programs are available to bring the highest team spirit within the MICE participants coming to the city.

According to the internal data, we learned that Muslim travellers enjoy visiting historical sites, landmarks, traditional market, theme parks, museums, galleries and religious places such as temples and mosque when visiting Seoul. They also showed higher satisfaction in participating for hands-on activities experiencing authentic Korean culture than other ethnicity including the activities related to the Korean Wave. These activities are listed on the teambuilding activities SCB provides on the website through Seoul MICE Alliance members. They were selected to attract the Muslim MICE participants as it’s one of the major markets for Seoul’s MICE industry. SCB also noticed that Muslim business travellers tend to travel with companions so the support option was added to provide a meal or subway pass for companions for International Conference attendees. SCB keeps collecting data on Muslim market and arranging programs to suit the needs and preferences.

Q2: What are some of your personal favourite aspects of Seoul that will be appreciated by the global travelling Malaysians or Muslim travellers?

I’d like to recommend for Malaysians or Muslim travellers to try out hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing. There are many places for rental services around the palaces that we have at the center of the city. The palaces represent the history of Seoul being the capital for more than 600 consecutive years and one of the palaces is registered under UNESCO World Heritage. This activity doesn’t limit numbers so it could be for individual business traveller or MICE participants. It’s a beautiful way to bring the team spirit and take the best pictures.

Ji-hyun Kim Director, MICE Planning Team Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB)

Q3: How do you see the business events industry evolving, and what actions are being taken by SCB to prepare industry players for the near future? What are some of the challenges for Seoul’s MICE industry, as well as the challenges faced by you and your team?

It’s apparent by now that the industry is moving digital ever more than before. The primary principle for MICE industry is to gather in one area. Due to the current global situation, the meeting place has been moved to online. Our opinion is that we would have to accommodate this change even after COVID-19.

As a CVB this change is a very complex to comprehend and prepare for because we based our industry on a physical region, the city Seoul so far. All CVBs are facing the same issue at the moment that we’d eventually find the solution together as it develops in time. Meanwhile, SCB would invest the time and efforts to support the industry with the change.

The primary challenge for SCB is facing is how to represent the value of the city in the digital society. How much of the infrastructures and assets could be converted into digital is one thing and the value and charms to go with them is another that we keep discussing, researching and analysing. It was a sudden, and somewhat shocking, how the change was brought to the industry that the CVBs need time to digest the current situation as well. To share a glimpse of the current points in the discussion, SCB is planning to prepare educational sessions to adapt the local MICE industry to the change, organise possible digital supports for events organisers and more.

Even though the digital society is possibly very different and new, Seoul is a city with one of the best Information and Communications Technology and human resources who created it. The fast-pace in the digital matches that of Koreans to bring the convenience and competence. It sure is a challenge to adapt to the new settings but at the same time it could be the best opportunity for Seoul to present something special to the MICE industry.

106 Seoul, SOUTH KOREA

Q6: In terms of sustainability, what are the future projects in MICE industry that Seoul will be engaged to in coming years?

SCB added few new support options on PLUS SEOUL support program in promoting sustainability on top of what we had such as Application Developing support to encourage paperless business events. Being sustainable is not limited to keeping the environment clean. Giving Back to the Local Society is a support option where the counts of usage of Application during the MICE event be converted into donation to the local institute in need in the name of the event or hosting organization.

Don Byun Executive Director Seoul Tourism Organization (STO)

Q4: What has been your biggest task since the Coronavirus situation erupted as a global pandemic? How do you foresee the post COVID-19 market performing in the years ahead? What are some of the trends inherited from this pandemic that might shape the MICE industry of tomorrow?

The Response and Recovery program had been on our agenda on a daily basis even before the COVID-19 became the global pandemic. It’s still a biggest task at the moment even though we developed the revised version of the PLUS SEOUL and came up with a plan to directly support the MICE industry in Seoul financially and with online educational programmes.

The sets of data related to the global crisis are simultaneously changing and so does the global situation and responses. Only one fact is clear at this moment that we will face a difficult time and the only way to get through is to support each other.

Whether it’s at a local level or extended to the global, we learned that we are connected more than we expected and also, we long for interactions in between. We could only achieve what we wish only by considering others when we plan and prepare for the future. This is another big task that we have at our hands. What should we implement in order to work in harmonious way to bring good for all parties involved?

Q5: How have you been keeping calm in this challenging time in terms of reassuring your workforce and yourself?

We kept ourselves busy with brainstorming ideas for the Response and Recovery planning, researching the way to realise the plans, and implementing the plans in documents and actions.

Analysis and examinations came along as one of the duties to fulfill daily as well as reading about the situations of COVID-19 outside the country.

In a larger scale, developing MICE specialised area in eastern region of the city was one of the big future projects. There was a concrete plan and the budget set up to pursue in the aim of developing the industry to stabilize Seoul as a global MICE destination. Even though the plan is foggy due to the current crisis, we’re positive that this will possibly be achieve in other ways as the industry moved to another area that the city is solid in.

Seoul built few regions, such as Magok where many R&D centers are, specialised in advanced technologies to take in the 4th industrial revolution without huddles. One of the future projects in MICE industry would be related to the technologies that professional personnel work on in these regions. The AI Rental support option on the PLUS SEOUL support program will certainly do much more in near future.

Q7: Looking forward, what are the key goals that you would hope and expect to achieve for the coming years, in regards to the MICE industry for Seoul as well as for the country?

As mentioned, the primary key goal would be adapting to the current change or evolvement in the MICE industry. It’s a multilayered process that we as a CVB has to research and analyse the new ways of business events are held online. The local industries also need to study and comprehend the situation and technologies related to the challenges. There’s also commercial business side in this challenges that the local MICE industry and SCB both need to look into.

It seems as though the world is not planning to go back to before COVID-19 as people are speaking about “new-norm” these days.

They’re only for instant usages yet however they could well be the norm of new era before we know it. As SCB’s role is to support the local MICE industry and the city in partnership, we’ll do our best to fulfill the role to the fullest. We will keep open the channel of communication locally and internationally and study what future would present in the MICE industry.

I personally try my best to keep a regular schedule with eating and sleeping. I believe this helps build the immune system stronger and keep it intact. Additional exercise or meditation always helps too.

o

Leisure 107

N Seoul Tower A Cultural Symbol of Seoul

Standing about 480m high, at the top of the Namsan Mountain, the N Seoul tower is visible for kilometers around and offers a stunning skyline of the megacity. Built in 1969, the tower was first established as a telecommunications tower. Since it opened to the public in 1980, the tower has become an iconic landmark of the city and a popular place for locals and international visitors to unwind.

N Seoul Tower delights its visitors with beautiful views of Seoul and its surrounding area from the observation deck, and has converted from a single observatory into a multicultural space with a digital observatory, a roof terrace, the HanCook restaurant, the n.Grill restaurant and the Haneul (sky) Restroom. The highlights are the tower is lit at nightfall by seasonal lighting effects and its Digital Observatory, offering an astonishing 360-degree panorama over the city and 32 LCD screens recounting the 600-year history of Seoul.

There are thousands of colourful padlocks secured to the Roof Terrace’s fence, each symbolising a couple’s love.

Grand Hyatt Seoul A Luxurious Stay

Grand Hyatt Seoul’s newly renovated rooms and suites invoke a new standard of luxury coupled with the unparalleled convenience of being just minutes from downtown Seoul, Myeongdong and Itaewon. With 615 comfortable guest rooms to choose from, guests will find their room with the smoothest, softest bedding, as well as neutral-toned walls and floors that create a modern yet cozy atmosphere in the center of the city.

A diversity of culinary experiences that await your discovery with a walk down to the gourmet alley; 322 Sowol-ro where you will find Steak House, Teppan, Kauri, and Tenkai, each with their own exquisite culinary essence, punctuated by a boutique flower shop, Fiori.

Centrally located, Grand Hyatt Seoul offers one of the largest ballrooms in Seoul, flexible meeting rooms, as well as a variety of unique outdoor venues.

The Grand Ballroom and Grand Salon features elegant interior redesign, brand new soft goods, along with the installation of state-of-the art lighting technology. This spectacular urban retreat is a perfect destination for corporate travel, family vacations or conference gatherings with the Han River and Mount Namsan as your backdrop, making every moment extraordinary.

108 Seoul, SOUTH KOREA

Seoul Dragon City Imagine All, Discover More

Strategically located in Yongsan, Seoul Dragon City is Asia’s first-ever lifestyle hotel-plex in the heart of Seoul with three connected high-rise towers that takes on the appearance of a dragon which symbolises prosperity and success. The modern hotel-plex of four interconnected AccorHotel brands namely Grand Mercure, Novotel Suites, Novotel and Ibis Styles with 1,700 guest rooms, providing a full range of accommodation options and price preferences. From leisure to business, Seoul Dragon City ideally offers comfortable guest rooms, state-of-the-art meeting and convention space, a variety of restaurants and bars and world-class entertainment facilities, as well as Sky Kingdom.

Sky Kingdom, the world’s first four-story (31F-34F) sky bridge

with world-class entertainment facilities that connects two highrise towers of Seoul dragon City. It consists of a variety of concept lounge bars and independent party rooms, namely King’s Vacation, Queen’s Garden, the Ribbon, Spy & Party Room and Sky Beach for holding spontaneous and post-meeting celebrations, offering exciting experiences to guests that can be found nowhere else.

• King’s Vacation is the only luxurious lounge bar in Korea that enables guests to experience European club culture with an indoor mini swimming pool (a place for various performances), Skywalk, King’s Bar and DJ booth.

• Queen’s Garden is a private lounge bar with a garden terrace and an open kitchen bar in an eco-friendly atmosphere.

• The Ribbon is a premium café with elegant ribbon decorations connected through dual stages.

• Spy & Party Room is a classic bar for trendy men with a showroom concept and luxurious party rooms namely Snow, Yacht, Space and Casino.

• Sky Beach is the only rooftop bar that can exhibit the globally famous beach clubs in Korea, where guests can have leisure time on the private beach enjoying music, party and diverse cuisine.

* Sky Kingdom is accessible only via elevators exclusive to our customers and located on the first floor near the escalator in Ibis Styles.

Conrad Seoul Never Just Stay . Stay Inspired

Admired for its globally inspired architecture, Conrad Seoul is the closest hotel to both of Seoul’s international airports and offers direct access to the International Finance Towers (IFC) Seoul in Yeouido Business District. A landmark in more ways than one, the five star stylish hotel provides 434 spacious guest rooms, innovative amenities, indulgent dining and distinctive Conrad service, together with its magnificent Han River and city skyline views. The hotel also consists of three floors of spacious event spaces including the grand ballroom of 955m2 with a maximum capacity of 1,200 guests.

VVertigo, located on the 9th floor of Conrad Seoul, is a hidden

urban forest within the Yeouido’s high-rise buildings. Here, you can enjoy a variety of dining menus prepared by the talented hotel chefs, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, signature cocktails and a variety of classical alcoholic beverages in a cosy environment.

The luxurious indoor bar space, with its natural light, together with the open-air outdoor bar space opens to beautiful views of the Seoul city center throughout the year, offering an ideal space for cocktail receptions, coffee breaks, BBQ parties and entertainment for team building up to 120 people.

o

Leisure 109

Coex has developed into a leading culture-business platform, spurred by the opening of the new Coex Mall in 2014 and SM Town in 2015, and the selection of Gangnam as a “Special Tourist Zone” dedicated to the MICE industry! Check out the Gangnam’s iconic landmark - Gangnam Style Horse Dance Statue.

Coex Convention and Exhibition Centre The Center of Asia MICE Business

Located in the heart of Gangnam, Coex Center features 4 flexible exhibition halls and 55 spacious meeting rooms, spreading over four stories above ground with a total of 36,000 m2 of exhibition space and a floor area of 460,000 m2. The 4 customised exhibition halls can be divided into a total of 9 separate rooms including a convention hall that can accommodate up to 7,000 people, where the 55 meeting rooms can be partitioned into over 90 different spaces to host meetings of any size. Experienced in MICE industry over 30 years, the center hosts a yearly average of 200 exhibitions and over 2,000 separate meetings and events, with its state-of-art infrastructure and convenient transportation linkage.

From hosting international conferences and exhibitions, to providing accommodations, shopping, dining and entertainment, Coex’s world class infrastructure ensures that all your needs are met right here under one roof.

Overlooking an ancient Bongeunsa Temple, Coex offers on-site facilities such as three 5-star hotels, the Starfield Coex Mall, the SM Town@Coex Atrium, four international office towers, the Seven Luck Casino and a city airport terminal.

The center also provides prayer rooms on the third floor for Muslim guests to conduct their prayers. ②

City Air Terminal

Seoul’s only City Air Terminal

①

Bongeunsa Temple Traditional Beauty of Korea

Located north of Coex, the beautiful Buddhist temple offers Coex’s delegates or visitors a true peace and tranquility place with a fusion of traditional Korean culture and art.

110 Seoul, SOUTH KOREA

Strategically located at Coex, allowing visitors to take limousine buses or taxis directly to the airport from the center. Passengers on certain airlines can also check-in for their return flight, send off their bags, and receive their ticket on site.

Coex’s Future Plan As part of the expansion plans by the Coex group, a new convention centre in Seoul will be designed to attract more international conferences upon government approval. Expected completion by 2025, the Coex Center Jamsil would be built within the expansion plan that covers approximately 720,000m2 of space and includes a new convention center, entertainment venues, hotels and a marina.

③

Starfield Coex Mall Asia’s Largest Underground Mall

• Starfield Library, a stunning 2,800m2 open library with 50,000 books and magazines for free browsing • Coex Aquarium, home to 40,000 sea creatures • Megabox, Seoul’s highest-grossing cinema

⑤

SM Town External Media

Korea’s Largest Smart LED Signage

With the surface area of 1,620m2, made it known as Times Square of Korea.

Beside showing K-pop music videos along with 3D advertisements and broadcasting channel, the area is plan to delevelop into major gathering venue for New Year’s countdown, concerts or more.

④

SM Town@Coex Atrium

World of Korean Idols

In 2014, SM Entertainment, one of Korea’s top music agencies, launched the very first “SM Town” within the Coex Artium theater building. SM Town offers local and international K-pop fans an exclusive peek into the lives of famous Korean music artists and celebrities, and has become famous with the opening of the SM Town Museum and SM Town External Media. Its musical theater has 808 seats and shows star-studded Korean musicals as well as international performances.

SM Town Museum, the first venue that showcases the stories and history of SM Entertainment’s artists from their debut by albums, costumes and props, through various exhibitions including SM ARCHIVE, SPECIAL EXHIBITION and ARTIST GALLERY. The venue offers unique experiences and fun time, such as the SM content-creating tour, where imaginary meetings with SM artists utilising augmented reality or virtual reality.

The biggest hologram theater in Korea showcases mostly SM artist’s concert videos on the fifth and sixth floors for special experience as well. The cultural playground not only enable you to feel and experience the traces of SM artists, also offering an experience to take vocal and dance classes just like your lovely SM Entertainment stars.

o

Leisure 111

Korean Wave

Are you a fan of K-dramas, K-pop or both? Seoul is your ultimate destination to enjoy the Korean wave (Hallyu) from K-pop culture, entertainment, music, TV dramas, movies and more.

King Studio

K-pop Recording Studio

MBC World

Korea’s First Broadcasting Theme Park

Located in the Munhwa Broadcast Corporation (MBC) building, MBC World is a place where you can experience the Hallyu through MBC masterpiece dramas and popular entertainment programmes. In its M, B and C zones, you can have a glimpse of the history of MBC, enjoy Hallyu stars’ performance in hologram theater or take part in numerous interactive programmes with physical activities at the dance studio, virtual reality space or trick art photo wall. You can also be in the real scene of making news at the broadcasting studio or try to travel back in time with historical drama costumes!

In the exterior of the MBC building, the currently broadcasted programmes are displayed through media board, and the hand printing and the life-size photographs of celebrities are displayed. Plan your trip to this unique place that offers an opportunity for groups to play the role of their favourite characters and be a Korean super-star, an anchor of the news desk or the main character of dramas, as well as look forward to meet Hallyu stars. The tour is held 9 times everyday on reservation, and assisted by a guide to enjoy the amazing k-experience with high-tech visual tools for 90 minutes.

JUST KPOP

K-pop Themed Lifestyle Entertainment Restaurant

Located on the 5th floor of Lotte Tower in the heart of Gangnam, first of its kind in the country where guests can have a stylish dining experience with amazing live music performances and beautiful panoramic views. Operating as a brunch café and deli in the day, this restaurant transforms into a concert dining venue that serves delicious international cuisines with live local artists’ performances such as b-boying, dancing, band music, fusion Korean traditional music and even new idol group showcases at night.

With a spectacular stage that equipped with advanced sound, lighting and LED systems, the main stage-level restaurant section can accommodate 350 standing and between 200 to 250 seated, as well as front-row tables can be arranged for a special group treat.

There are also three VIP rooms on the sixth floor, each of which can hold 12 people. From small-scale private parties, seminars to large corporate events or incentive gala dinners, Just KPOP is the prefect place to spice up your event planning together with one-stop support services provided.

112 Seoul, SOUTH KOREA

After taking in the stories and history of K-pop Stars, now is your turn to be a K-pop star and own a K-pop album!

Let’s enjoy your K-pop star journey for just an hour at the King Studio, a professional recording studio where you will get to see your high-tech audio equipment being set up. Professional vocalists and sound engineers who have worked with real K-pop stars will guide you through this recording process, ensuring you have an ultimate K-pop experience just like a real K-pop star!

At the end of the session, the final recording of your favourite K-pop song will be made and you will get to hear its playback and receive a copy in mp3 format together with few pieces of the behind-the-scenes photos of your recording experience. King Studio also offers group package where you can record with your friends if you feel burdened recording yourself, as well as K-pop Field Experience Booth to entertain delegates at exhibitions or post-conference social events.

EID

Must-Visit Halal Restaurant

Seoul Central Mosque Seoul’s Only Mosque

Established in 1976, the beautiful mosque acts as a functional hub for the Islamic cultural community. Strategically located in the heart of Itaewon, a unique trendy expat town in Seoul where you can meet people of diverse nationalities and culture, as well as packed with Korean and international Muslim friendly and halal restaurants.

Besides Seoul Central Mosque, there are several prayer rooms at popular tourist attractions like Lotte World and Coex Mall, Incheon International Airport in Seoul and the K-Style Hub tourist information centre in Seoul. This friendly service would allow Muslim tourists to shop, eat or just enjoy the scenes without having to worry of carrying out their obligatory religious duty.

Owned by a Korean Muslim Family, EID was the first Halal certified Korean restaurant by Korean Muslim Federation (KMF) in Korea.

The restaurant is specialised in the authentic Korean cuisine such as bulgogi (marinated beef), bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), grilled fish and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).

HUMMUS KITCHEN

Modern Middle Eastern Restaurant

One of the restaurant in the city specialising in Middle eastern food, where guests can sit in a modern-decorated restaurant setting and enjoy authentic local Middle eastern dishes.

Seosomun Historical Park - Martyrs’ Shrine Birthplace of Korean Catholics

Seoul’s Seosomun Historical Park is a plaza (the crossroads outside Seosomun Gate) where a great number of Catholics were executed amid the persecutions that took place during the Joseon Dynasty (13921910). Hence, the Seosomun crossroads preserves the history and culture of the Late Joseon Period as an image of the society at that time.

In 1999, the Seosomun Martyrs’ Shrine was built to pay tribute to the victims of 19th century persecution and deeply respected by Korean Catholic’s community. Of the 103 people canonised by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Korea in 1984, 44 were martyred at Seoomun. In addition, 25 of the 124 martyrs made saints by the Vatican in February this year were beheaded at the gate. The three granite memorial towers are shaped like execution rack used during Joseon times and symbolise death and persecution, and seven vertical golden lines are engraved on each tower represents kindness. The Seosomun Martyrs’ Shrine is a stop along a customary pilgrimage route for Catholics, along with the Jungnim-dong Yakhyun Catholic Church, which oversees the shrine.

The Seosomun History Museum treasures the crossroads’ memories and historical value and gives them new form as a place of life. As well as giving a visual representation of the inherent characteristics of the site and allowing its historical value to be recognised at a glance, the museum is a space which all may enjoy through communication and participation in various programmes. The museum also provides a permanent exhibition hall, special exhibition gallery, consolation hall and an open space Sky Square to facilitate various arts, exhibitions, performances and educational programmes.

o

Leisure 113

Jogyesa Temple Korean Buddhism

As the head temple of Jogye order, Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism, promoting embodiment of society where people live together and Bodhisattva’s spirit. The temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhism events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long.

Strategically located and surrounded by urban buildings, visitors will be surprised by its beautiful setting and sense of calmness in the middle of the bustling city. Don’t miss a rare 500 years old Baeksong lacebark pine tree and a 450 years old Chinese scholar tree in this temple. The best times to visit Jogyesa Temple are during the annual Buddha’s birthday or the annual Lotus Lantern Festival where the courtyard of the temple is decorated with paper lanterns.

Templestay is available in Jogyesa Temple, allowing participants to have hands-on experience of monastic life at traditional temples with history and culture of Korean Buddhism intact, as well as giving them time to be away from hectic daily lives and to empty their mind, thoughts and body.

Balwoo Gongyang

2017 Michelin 1-Star Restaurant

Insadong Street

A Unique Cultural Street

Located in the heart of the city, the Korean traditional culture street where the past and present coexist. The 700m Insadong street’s narrow back alleys are lined up with art galleries, wooden tea houses, restaurants, cafes and small shops selling arts and crafts. In the center of Insadong, the nicely decorated Ssamziegil is a four-story cultural complex with over 50 different shops, selling handicrafts, traditional artworks, Korean souvenirs and more.

Walking down the streets of Insadong with thousands of others, shopping in the many small stores and colourful shops, having a cup of refreshing tea and trying out street foods is a great experience for anyone traveling to Seoul.

114 Seoul, SOUTH KOREA

Operating by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Balwoogongyang is the only restaurant that serves original temple cuisine in Korea, promoting the tradition and culture of temple food. Temple food refers to the food eaten daily at Buddhist temples, emphasizing on the essential teachings of Buddhism on its path to healthy living and ultimate enlightenment.

Deoksugung Palace Seoul’s Smallest Palace

One of Seoul’s five grand palaces built during the Joseon dynasty, the palace is famous for its elegant stonewall road which located at the corner of Seoul’s busiest downtown intersection. With the meaning of “Palace of Virtuous Longevity”, Deoksugung Palace was served as a palace in 1593 and the only traditional palace that sits alongside a series of Western style buildings, adding uniqueness to its surrounding scenery. Its Daehanmun (main gate) is the scene of the entertaining changing of the royal guard ceremony since 1996. During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guard was responsible for opening and closing the palace gate as well as patrolling around the gate area.

The interior of the hall has reflected the confidence of King Gojong in his ability to effectively lead the country into the 20th century. One of the most striking parts of the building is the pair of dragons that decorates the canopy above the throne of the king. These dragons can also be seen on the ceiling of Junghwajeon Hall, which were representative designs of Deoksugung Palace as the imperial palace at that time.

Jeongdong Maru

Korean Traditional Performing Arts

A beautiful cultural space that offers a perfect blend of both Korean hanok and modern design. The unique venue is an ideal place for various events such as house concert, seminar, business events and promotional events, which can accommodate up to 80 people and is equipped with a projector, screen, advanced PA system and light system.

Jeongdong Theater represents Korea’s traditional performance production, revealing a brand new performance wherein the story of real people from Korean history is rewritten, also providing a special opportunity to experience Korea’s gisaeng culture, folk dance, and royal theatricals on a single performance stage.

The Janggu experience in Jeongdong Theater is a unique cultural experience to learn exciting Samul (Korean traditional percussion) rhythm from the professional players. Janggu is an hourglass-shaped drum with two sound boxes, two leather batter heads and tension ropes, with which diverse and elegant Korean tunes can be beaten splendidly.

o

Leisure 115

② Culture Station Seoul 284 Century Old Seoul Station

In 2011, the old Seoul Station has been reborn as a cultural complex named Culture Station Seoul 284, which is an irreplaceable example of urban regeneration being an artwork where the building represents the history and art of the city. In extension to the value, various programs such as exhibitions, performances and workshops are available all year long, where the past, the present and the future coexist.

Seoul’s Ongoing Efforts on Urban Regeneration In order to raise the awareness of sustainability and urban regeneration, there are a range of revitalisation projects of the city of Seoul has been carried out, transforming Seoul into a people-centered city. Visit the eco-friendly venues and having meeting-fun in the hustle and bustle of Seoul. ① Seoullo 7017 Overpass Constructed in 1970 & Pedestrian Highway Rebirth on 2017

Seoullo 7017, an impressive landmark of Seoul, has been transformed into first pedestrian-only urban sky park from an abandoned elevated highway in the middle of Seoul. This magnificent urban retreat is dotted with observatories and art installations which give a fresh perspective to the Seoul experience, as well as cafes, restaurants, exhibition center, and performance stages.

An hour long Seoullo 7017 walking experience enables visitors to witness the blend of the natural and urban of the city, with stunning views of the Seoul skyline had among extensive gardens of approximately 24,000 homegrown plants arranged according to the Korean alphabets. This kilometer long pedestrian walkway is connected to a number of Seoul’s landmark attractions including the Namdaemun Market, Seoul City Square, N Seoul Tower, Dongdaemun Market, Myeongdong shopping district and Gyeongbokgung palace.

④

Oil Tank Cultural Park A Secretive Oil Tank

③ Mapo Resource Recovery Plant Recreation of Resources

As a spearhead treatment facility, it transforms to the future city of pleasant and beautiful environment, where people and nature can get along together, through recycling of resources and minimisation of environmental contamination.

116 Seoul, SOUTH KOREA

Located in Mapo-gu, the Oil Depot is a private accesscontrolled oil reserve site for the past 40 years, has been transformed into an eco-friendly cultural complex for festivals, performances, exhibitions and village markets since 1 September 2017. The property comprises of 22 soccer fieldsized culture spaces in 6 oil reservoir tanks (T1-T6), giving visitors a wonderful cultural experience.

• T1 - Glass Pavilion. A splendid performance and exhibition hall with a glass ceiling.

• T2 - Performance Hall. An outdoor stage and a performance hall on the basement floor.

• T3 - Original Tank. Retained the original shape of the oil tank.

• T4 - Complex Culture Space. A spectacular stage for performances and exhibitions with light entering through the hole in the ceiling.

• T5 - Story Hall. 40-year history of Oil Depot is preserved here.

• T6 - Information Exchange Center. A space for conference rooms and cafes, built with waste-based materials.

⑤

Seoul Battleship Park Have The First-hand Experience On Marine Life

Seoul Battleship Park, an interesting cultural space that opened in Mangwon Hangang Park in November 2017. This space showcases three retired Korean navy vessels namely Seoul Battleship which is the escort that completed its 30-year mission that started in 1984 and retired from operation, the highspeed Chamsuri Patrol and the Dolgorae submarine, forming the first floating ship building theme park in Seoul. It offers visitors a chance to understand the historical significance of the Han River and the importance of national security and peace through the three retired battleships.

⑦

Seoul Botanic Park Korea’s Largest Greenhouse

Opened in May 2019, the first botanical park in South Korea is home to about 3,100 different plant species and features four themed gardens namely Forest Field, Botanic Garden, lake Garden and Wetland, as well as an outdoor garden and Plant Culture Center that exhibits a greenhouse with plants from twelve different cities abroad. The Botanic Center is a place for plant-related exhibitions, education and events as well as a plant culture platform for communication and exchange through plants.

⑥

Designed in “flower-shaped” or “flattened glass dome” and resulted “lower in the middle and higher along the edge”, contrasting to the traditional design and expanding the visitors experience. Inside the observatory, a skywalk stretches across the upper canopy of the garden to allow the viewing of exotic plants from multiple angles, while mini-sized hot air balloons float around.

Haneul Park Where Sky and Prairie Meet

Situated near Seoul World Cup Stadium that was built to commemorate the 17th FIFA World Cup, Haneul Park is the most popular of the five parks of World Cup Park. The other four parks namely Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park, Noeul (Sunset) Park, Nanjicheon Park and Nanji Hangang Park . Like its name Haneul, which means “sky” in Korean, the park is located on the highest part of World Cup Park and offers magnificient views of Seoul, Bukhansan, Namsan Mountain and Han River with its 22 lookout points including an artistic looking observation deck. The park can be reached by climbing up a wooden stairway that boasts 291 steps or by taking a ride on the park’s electric tram.

Once a 15 years old landfill from 1978, Haneul Park is a remarkable example of ecological and urban regeneration that transformed into a green hill of vast grassland. The park is an ideal place to relax whilst overlooking the beautiful vast grassland or Han River.

Every October in Autumn, Haneul Park held its popular Silver Grass Festival when the silver grass (also known as pampas grass) is in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy strolling in the pampas grass field till late, pampas grass crafts and other activities.

o

Leisure 117

DESTINATION: TAIWAN

Asia’s New Bay Area, Kaohsiung in Taiwan K

aohsiung’s maritime quarter has emerged from its industrial era into a modern waterfront with amenities that harmonise business and leisure.

Kaohsiung Exhibition Center was the first architectural marvel to take shape along the redeveloped waterfront under the city’s New Bay Area rejuvenation strategy, which also enhanced the character of the old docklands by revamping former warehouses to emerge as the Pier-2 Arts District. Further inland on a former military base rose the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying), while on the waterfront the Kaohsiung Music Center completes a trilogy of new venues that are overlooked by the rocket-like 85 Sky Tower, the city’s tallest structure.

Let’s explore Kaohsiung’s new waterfront district with its stylish architecture along with unique settings in other parts of the city where groups can do business, unwind and connect with Taiwan, also symbolising the new face of Taiwan’s southern maritime city.

Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (KEC) As the first new landmark along the city’s burgeoning waterfront precinct, the KEC represents a new era for Taiwan’s MICE industry and provides a prestigious base for the 59th ICCA Congress 2020.

The KEC’s first event after it opened in 2014 was a yacht show, a fitting debut considering the venue’s wave-like structure and maritime surroundings. Since then, KEC has held events ranging from association meetings and banquets to exhibitions and social occasions. Conference rooms can be configured to hold between 20 and 2,000 delegates, with an indoor capacity for up to 4,000 attendees.

u

One of Asia’s showpiece business event venues, KEC is an environmentally friendly building, equipped with high-tech communication capabilities, making it an ideal facility to host hybrid meetings, which organisers are increasingly demanding as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt travel.

Kaohsiung Music Center Another symbol of Asia’s New Bay Area is found in a unique venue that is sure to impress business event organisers as much as the visiting international pop acts that perform there. Kaohsiung Music Center’s Wave Towers form the focal point of this music-themed complex linked by a bridge across Love River. The towers feature a performance hall, outdoor plaza and Live Warehouse with easy access to spaces such as Dolphin Walk and the Coral Zone.

Similar to the neighbouring KEC, marine elements such as waves and coral have been incorporated into Kaohsiung Music Center’s design to reflect the area’s maritime heritage and make the complex a unique visitor destination.The design is the work of a Spanish architecture firm MADE IN which approached the project on the principle that the Kaohsiung Music Center should not only come to life during events, but also be enjoyed daily by the community and visitors to the city.

118 TAIWAN

v

National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) Further inland from the port are the Fengshan parklands, where another example of Kaohsiung’s rejuvenation is found in the form of an arts centre, currently the largest of its type in the world. This is where groups will find Kaohsiung’s performance arts and the impressive venues where they are performed including the Opera House, Playhouse, Recital Hall and the Concert Hall, which features Taiwan’s largest pipe organ, a German-made colossus equipped with 9,085 pipes.

Netherlands architectural firm Mecanoo’s design of the center was inspired by the banyan trees that have long grown around Fengshan.

As with the expansive crown of the banyan, the arts center’s canopy structure provides optimum shade for the public spaces beneath the performance venues. These sheltered areas are another example of Kaohsiung’s modern venues being designed to integrate with the local community and visitors.

w

Kaohsiung Main Public Library Following the opening of Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, it was soon the Main Public Library’s turn to display its architectural merits. On the top floor of the eight-storey, 38,000 sqm library that is located only 750 metres from the KEC, a subtropical garden landscape is integrated into the architecture. As the world’s first column-suspended green building, trees are a primary feature of the overall design from an architectural collaboration between Taiwan’s Ricky Liu and Toyo Ito’s team from Japan.

y

Pier-2 Arts Center

x

Love River Romance is never far from modern and colonial landmarks of Kaohsiung.

Love River meanders from the piers and quays between KEC and the Pier-2 Arts District then north past a photogenic spot appropriately called Heart of Love River. Cupid letting loose his arrow is not the only action along Kaohsiung’s main river. Its shores set the scene for light shows, dragon boat races, boat cruises, cycling, cafes and, of course, photo opportunities.

Instead of demolishing or abandoning the district, Kaohsiung’s artistic and creative community was encouraged to help bring the former warehouses for sugar, fishmeal and banana exports back to life as part of the region’s New Bay Area. Now home to studios and workshops for artists and designers, performances, exhibitions and other creative activities at Pier-2 highlight the rich diversity of Kaohsiung to international visitors.

z

International Convention Center Kaohsiung (ICCK) ICCK provides a professional platform for all types of conventions, exhibitions and events. Flexible meeting spaces can accommodate groups sized from 20 to 2,000 participants, while up to 380 booths can be arranged for exhibitions. The venue overlooks Love River, with ideal venues for delegates to enjoy post-meeting socials.

o

Leisure 119

DESTINATION: TAIWAN

Charming Leisure Farms In Taiwan S

urrounded by the great nature, Taiwan Leisure Farm makes use of the original resources of idyllic sceneries and natural ecology, creating a relaxing environment for visitors to unwind while admiring the beauty of Taiwanese recreational farm.

You can explore a range of farm activities such as trekking to mountain forests for wild herbs plucking, heading to stream beds or brook shores for fish and shrimps catching and joining several night tours in the fields for finding and discovering the frog families and fireflies. These activities bring you closer to the great nature where you can learn some useful lessons and general wisdoms about the Mother Earth. In addition, the chefs use regional, seasonal and organic fresh ingredients to cook the delicious dishes with a simple culinary method of less oil, salt and sugar.

With natural environment, healthy delicacies, fun experiences and comfortable lodgings, Taiwan Leisure Farm offers blissful journeys far beyond that anyone can ever imagined. Let’s experience a green-life in one of the leisure farms in Taiwan.

u

Shangrila Leisure Farm Located 250 meters above sea level in the foothills of Dayuan Mountain in Dongshan Township of Yilan Country, the Shangrila Leisure Farm is surrounded by greens with a breathtaking view and rich ecological resources. The Guest rooms are located up high in the beautiful green landscape, complemented with sounds of nature, fresh air and a blanket of stars at night.

By sitting on the swing in the farm, guests can overlook the panoramic view of Sanxing plain while enjoying the calmness in the countryside. There are a few light trails for guests to wander around the farm freely. Here, you can also participate various activities such as playing gyroscope, releasing sky lanterns, DIY sessions and many more.

120 TAIWAN

w

Forest 18 Leisure Farm (Sen18) Located in the SanShan National Scenic Area, Forest 18 Leisure Farm overlooks the Bagua Mountains dry irrigation Reservoir and a vast Eucalyptus forest. Slow down your pace and observe the moving steps of the sun, listen to the rustle of wind and leaves, rediscover your passion for nature and enjoy the forest spa, just in Sen18. You can also enjoy the relaxing atmosphere by tasting nutritious “herbal real food cuisines”.

v

Toucheng Leisure Farm Covering 120 hectares of land, the Toucheng Leisure Farm is characterised by biodiversity and rich natural resources. The farm is equipped with comfy guest rooms, multi-functional conference rooms, a restaurant, an outdoor educational centre, an organic Makino bamboo forest, an organic vegetables garden and a fruit tree zone. The farm’s food and farming class, field trip and ecological mountain workshop are highly recommended.

x

TaiYi Red Maple Resort TaiYi Red Maple Resort is a 4-star resort located in Puli, Nantou, centre of Taiwan, offering a range of accommodation such as farm stay, homestay and resort hotel. Situated near to Sun Moon Lake and He Huan Mountain, the farm consists of 13.2 hectares of green land and several carefully planned theme parks including Flower God Temple, Rainforest Culture Museum, Butterfly Pavilion, Green Sculpture Park and Greenery Square.

On this beautiful paradise, you may experience different landscape in four seasons and the variety of natural scenes, as well as pluck your own fresh vegetables and fruits! Enjoy the dawn and sunset in a short stay and bring yourself peace and comfort at all times, as well as have romantic moments with your loved ones.

o

Leisure 121

y

Tsou Ma Lai Leisure Farm Located in the Daniel District, Tainan City, Tsou Ma Lai Leisure Farm covers 120 hectares of land and offers comprehensive services that will definitely amaze its guests. More than 30 sports and leisure facilities are available in the farm, in addition to guest rooms, conference halls, camp sites, a performance centre and a restaurant.

The farm is an ideal place for kids to have their outdoor educational trips while for adults to appreciate the natural beauty and spend some leisurely time with their families. Besides, the restaurant in the farm is Muslim Friendly Certified, offering various halal food for muslim friends as well.

z

Da-Keng Leisure Farm Surrounded by mountains, Da-Keng Leisure Farm boasts a fascinating view of the sunrise over a sea of clouds that is not to be missed.

Alongside the authentic village setting, a safe hiking footpath has been constructed around the top of the mountain, as well as sports leisure facilities. If guests feel hungry after a hike, they will surely feel replenished after sampling the farm’s rotisserie chicken and other delicacies. The picturesque European-style log cabin, hot and cold spring pools and abundance of flowers and plants give the impression of a luxurious European scene. Many small animals are roaming freely in the farm’s meadow, making the farm seem like a wonderful mountain paradise. At this farm, every single moment is delightful.

122 TAIWAN

{

Fuwan Chocolate Resort Taiwan local brand Fuwan Chocolate received “The Best Dark Chocolate Overall Winner” and “World’s Most Awarded Chocolate Brand” for the ICA World Chocolate Competition in 2019. Fuwan Chocolate Resort provides parent-child chocolate DIY activities, afternoon tea with souvenirs, creative cocoa and seafood dishes and cuisines and holiday villas in Balinese style. All rooms are subtly designed with a touch of local elements and with eco-dynamic concept.

}

Zhuo Ye Cottage Zhuo Ye Cottage, one of the few cottages in Taiwan that offers DIY courses of hand dyed fabrics. Together with the only Taiwanese-style guesthouse island-wide that features its barn style, leaving guests a memorable in-depth stay. The restaurant serves menu-free creative cuisines and was elected as Top 10 characteristic landscape restaurant by Taiwan Websites. If you desire for some laidback moments, maybe you can spend a night in Zhuo Ye Cottage!

|

Long Yun Leisure Farm Surrounded by forest trees, mists and clouds, Long Yun Leisure Farm is a traditional courtyard house with modern green architecture that embraces the concept of natural and simplistic lifestyle. Stroll along its forest trails to appreciate the nature’s beauty and unwind your mind and body. The farm serves farm-grown organic vegetables with additional taste of happiness, leaving guests a wonderful gastronomic experience. Explore the surprises by the farm at night!

~

Magical Mushroom Tribe Do you love mushrooms? Magical Mushroom Tribe ecological leisure farm offers a combination of parentchild leisure, eco-tourism and Lohas cuisine. You can smash the green grass, explore the original forest of mushrooms and be guided by professional guides to get a glimpse of the mushroom production warehouse and experience the fun of DIY mushrooms.

There is a spacious and comfortable mushroom hot pot restaurant to enjoy the selection of fresh and readyto-eat ingredients, and to taste all kinds of mushroom creative beauty. In the DIY classroom, everyone can lift the brush to paint their own exclusive mushroom dolls. The available conference room also an ideal place to organise any activity or event by corporate, school, government agency and community.

o

Leisure 123

DESTINATION: MALDIVES

Rediscover MALDIVES

A Dozen Must Do Experiences In Maldives M

aldives is an island nation, covering an area of over 90,000 square kilometres in the Indian Ocean with 99 percent of which is sea, with land being just one percent. With over 1,190 coral islands ringed by a beautiful landscape of reefs, it is the most dispersed country in the world. The complex atoll structures of the Maldives are formed on ridges rising from the ocean. There are over 400,000 population of the Maldives is scattered across 188 islands, with more than one third of it concentrated in capital Malé, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Maldives has won the prestigious “Dream Dive Destination” award at the Dive and Travel Awards, hosted by the Marine Diving Fair 2020. This is the 12th consecutive year that Maldives has won this award. Its unique geography and breathtaking natural beauty has made the Maldives one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. Of the 1,190 islands, more than 120 has been developed as resorts and are in operation, and at least another 50 are under development. Despite this rapid socio-economic development aided by a booming tourism industry, the allure of the Maldives is here to stay!

Maldives reopened to international visitors on 15th July 2020, with travellers being offered free 30-day tourist visas upon arrival in the country. Many airlines have now resumed or will restart flights to Malé, offering connections to and from destinations such as Doha, Dubai, Colombo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, Istanbul, Zurich and others.

124 MALDIVES

City Hotels 14+ Hotels

u

Maldives hotels maintain a service standard that reflects the reputation of Maldives, giving complete experiences to the business travellers as well as the holiday travellers. These small cozy hotels are located in the business centre of the country with easy connections to all other areas of Maldives, which will be a perfect choice for busy professional to have the “Maldivian Experience”.

Hulhule Island Hotel

Located on the International Airport Island, Hulhule Island Hotel is a modern and exotic hotel, catering to the diversified needs of guests. Set in a heavenly ambiance of turquoise blue waters, the airport hotel is a perfect place for guests wishing to add flavor to their vacation or just transiting through the Isle of Maldives. It is also ideal for guests traveling for business purposes. The hotel is known for its classy and comfortable accommodation having various rooms with a panoramic view of the exotic Indian Ocean in various shades of blue. Plenty of leisure activities are available to choose from including Golf Putting, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Badminton, Basketball and a well-equipped Gymnasium for the sports and fitness enthusiasts. Fine dining options are also available as a number of restaurants and bars provide the guests with an ample spread and a grand dining experience set amidst pleasant surroundings.

v

Hotel Jen Malé

Located on the small island capital city, Hotel Jen Malé is a seven-minute speedboat ride from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport and a one-minute walk from the arrival jetty. The hotel is ideally situated amidst the bustling government and corporate centre. The hotel remains committed to providing a safe environment for all through Shangri-La Cares, the Group’s global safety program.

Local Islands

510+ Guesthouses

Nested within the quiet sun-heated sands of local islands are the most exotic experiences Maldives can offer for its visitors, the Guesthouses. They are quickly gaining popularity around the world for their unique style and services. Each guest house is craftily designed and decorated by locals meeting the standards of comfort and hospitality Maldives is reputed for. Some of the guesthouses are offering services to guests that closely compete with the high-end luxuries of the resorts. The guesthouses are designed to offer the best of both worlds, experience the exotic island life while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a hotel.

o

Leisure 125

Floating Hotels 131+ Liveaboards

Maldives boasts over hundred Liveaboards or Safari boats.

These boats offer a wide range of accommodation facilities aboard. From double decker beds to king size suites, private bathrooms with hot and cold water and satellite TV. There is a great range of types of vessels available for hire. From traditionally built wooden vessels to modern designed cruisers with a range of luxurious facilities such as built in jacuzzis. All the Liveaboards come with their own chefs, professional dive or surf instructors. The vessels have a support secondary boat or Dhoni to take you to your diving sites, island excursions, surf spots and other adventures that lounge in our endless floating islands.

One Island One Resort 137+ Resorts

Maldives resorts are the epitome of luxury travel, offering intimidatingly luxurious yet so humbly warm and friendly.

Visitors are charmed into their desired hospitality as much as attracted by their breathtaking natural beauty. Each resort boasts as a separate island, a concept truly unique to Maldives, offering everything from freedom, peace, love, fun, excitement, adventures to exotic culture and world class food.

u

SAii Lagoon Maldives

Private Tropical Escape, SAii Lagoon Maldives is popular for lighthearted couples, families and groups of fun-seeking friends. Each room, suite and villa including overwater rooms and pool villas are blends contemporary design with natural textures and driftwood decor, while its unique culinary concepts include Miss Olive Oyl, the vibrant Mediterranean seafood grill and bar, and Mr Tomyam, which serves Thai-inspired cuisine with an open kitchen and outdoor decks.

v

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

126 MALDIVES

A Musical Escape, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is an upbeat international resort that showcases the spirit of this famous music-themed brand. The 178 rooms, suites and villas, including overwater pool villas, are complemented by signature amenities for all ages, such as the Hard Rock Cafe速, Body Rock速 fitness centre, Rock Spa速, Rock Shop速 and eclectic dining and entertainment experiences.

y

Huvafen Fushi

Opened in July 2004, Huvafen Fushi is situated in North Malé Atoll and features 44 luxurious bungalows and pavilions dotted along palm fringed beaches and perched over the crystal lagoon.

Renowned for its trendsetting status and cleverly opulent yet laid back take on luxury, Huvafen Fushi‘s iconic underwater Huvafen Spa has been crowned a winner for the “Most Unique” category in the 2020 Wellness Travel Awards! Step eight meters below the surface and come and discover for yourself the magic of the underwater sanctuary.

w

Seaside Finolhu

Opened in June 2016, Finolhu consists of four islands with long beaches. It has 125 beachfront and overwater villas (more than half with a private pool) and four restaurants. After undergoing an extensive upgrade of its facilities, Seaside Finolhu opens for business again on 1 November 2020 with a whole new barefoot chic experience that reflects the resort’s design-driven balance between style and escapism. The resort’s major upgrades include the improved look and feel of its 125 villas, public areas and restaurants, as well as a new spa concept and the newly installed state-of-the-art indoor golf studio.

z

Reethi Faru

Reethi Faru is a stunning tropical island paradise, where the glistening, crystal clear ocean meets endless white coral sand and tropical foliage making this a truly magical, lagoon escape.

The resort is family run and has an enviable pedigree thanks to its drive for conserving the natural beauty of the islands and sustaining the ecosystems upon which the fragile coral reef relies.

Let’s unwind in one of one hundred and fifty traditional, luxurious Maldivian villas, either complete with Jacuzzi, nestled in the tropical gardens, beachside or on stilts over the turquoise water.

x

One&Only Reethi Rah

Surrounded by the wonders of the Indian Ocean, One&Only Reethi Rah makes its home on one of the largest islands in North Malé Atoll. With an unrivalled level of style, choice and personalised exploration, One&Only Reethi Rah offers an abundance of space and privacy, and those seeking relaxation can rejuvenate body and mind with a daily schedule of wellness activities hosted by One&Only Spa, from outdoor bootcamps to mindfulness sessions, or revitalise with targeted, restorative spa treatments from the resort’s team of expert therapists.

o

Leisure 127

DESTINATION: PHILIPPINES

Fun Things In The Philippines W

ith over 7,000 islands to choose from, this massive archipelago has something to offer for even the most finicky of tourists. The northernmost island, Luzon, is home to Metro Manila, a truly massive metropolis consisting of 16 cities where the national capital of Manila and the country’s most populous settlement, Quezon City, are two popular destinations for a deep immersion into mainstream Filipino culture.

The Philippines is a place of dramatic biodiversity, where rainbow-coloured reefs and unique wreck dives are all within easy reach. Those planning to lounge on the sandy shores should head to Visayas, the country’s central archipelago, where island destinations like Palawan and Boracay offer some of the nation’s finest white sand beaches, as well as countless opportunities to spot some of the endemic plant and animal species of the Philippines.

Calle Crisologo

Culture A culture in which East meets West, the Filipino people have a distinct Asian background, with a strong Western tradition. The modern Filipino culture developed through a mix of Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and American influences, showcasing on the ancient churches, old basecamps and bustling Chinatowns.

Discover the history of the Philippines through the preserved old streets and attractions in Vigan. The romance of cobblestone paths and horse drawn carriages is what makes this restored Spanish-colonial street named Calle Crisologo popular. History lovers will appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s local mestizo architecture.

The churches and architecture in Manila dated back to the Spanish colonial rule. Intramuros, once the seat of power, is full of our heritage and history. Filipinos love to shop and eat!

That’s why Makati is home to all kinds of retail stores and restaurants that you can imagine. Check out Ayala Centre or Rockwell in Makati, or High Street in Fort Bonifacio for highend designer stores and fine dining restaurants.

128 PHILIPPINES

Party the Filipino’s Way Let’s experience partying the Filipino way at a fiesta!

If you want to soak up the culture, then you should definitely catch a Filipino fiesta. It is usually a crazy, intense celebration with tables of food, singing and street dancing. Their parties are all Filipino and they have one for every day of the year, where they throw celebrations for saints, the flower season, rice cakes and even for roast pig.

Panagbenga is a month-long flower festival in Baguio City, and Sinulog is the country’s biggest fiesta, held in Cebu every third weekend of January.

Beautiful Islands With thousands of unspoiled tropical islands, lined with white sand beaches and coconut trees, you can find your island paradise even without a map. Just book an island-hopping tour on an outrigger boat that locally known as Banca, and set sail wherever the wind takes you. Don’t forget to enjoy a meal of the fresh seafood!

Go Diving

The Philippines has some of the best dive sites and coral reefs in the world! With warm and inviting waters, you can explore in just a rash guard and board shorts. If you are not a diver, there are numerous PADI-certified centres all over the country where you can swim among countless species of corals and fish. Lets’s go underwater and you will discover an amazing world as interesting as everything above ground.

Exciting Water Sports

You will never run out of things to do in the Philippines whether it is underwater or above it. The best thing is you will get a great fun while you are at it. With different kinds of beaches and islands and waves, the archipelago is perfect for every imaginable kind of water sport. Check with your resort on what activities you can try!

Unwind Your Soul

Try the local massage known as hilot. The traditional Filipino massage has healing properties associated with acupuncture and aromatherapy. You will discover that you can find a spa almost everywhere you go, from a busy mall to a deserted island. For the ultimate in relaxation, travel to a luxury resort spa that takes up an entire tropical island.

o

Leisure 129

Batanes

Banaue

Nature & Adventure Get a workout outdoor by observing the breathtaking views underwater, underground, on land or in the sky. The Philippines offers wonderful places for climbing, jumping off cliffs, adventure with nature and more. The country also home to the greatest number of species in the least amount of space, as well as monkeys and monkeys-eating eagles, over 500 species of birds and the busiest marine life on the planet.

Batanes, the heaven in the north of Philippines! Imagine the rolling hills, lush greenery that intersect cliffs and drop straight into a beautiful and violent ocean.

The rice terraces were craved against the Cordillera mountainside almost 2,000 years ago. Banaue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is best viewed from June to July, right after harvest, when the stalks are a spectacular shade of gold. While the best time to go to Batad is from April to May, or October to November.

Even though Mayon is the most photographed volcano in the country, nothing ever prepares you for seeing her up close. Her presence and beauty dominate everything. You can trek up to the crater and take a biplane to get down, or ride an all-terrainvehicle through her perfect slopes.rsier Marsupial

Bohol

Tarsier

130 PHILIPPINES

Go On A Food Adventure It is no secret Filipinos love their food! That’s why you will find the cuisine as exotic and exciting as the people. There are some local dishes that you must try during your stay!

u

Sisig A unique dish of pork ears and cheeks served on a sizzling plate. Don’t let the description put you off, it is one of the Filipinos’ favourite local dishes. Best paired with a local beer.

w

v

Sinigang

Kare-kare You are right, Filipinos like repeating names, as you will notice during your stay here. You might get a waiter named Jun-jun to serve you Kare-kare. It is a stew dish that made from peanut sauce, vegetables, stewed oxtail, beef and sometimes tripe. Best eaten with white rice and shrimp paste (bagoong).

x

A popular Philippine soup flavoured with either tamarind, calamansi, guava or even green mangoes. Its sour taste can be a bit strong but it will surely get you hocked at the first sip.

y

z

Adobo

Guimaras

Halo-halo

It is a dish of marinated pork or chicken or vegetables, and sometimes all three. There are various versions around the country. Try at least one and it will leave you craving for more!

Guimaras mangoes are among the sweetest in the world! If you want to satisfy your craving, head to the Ora Verde Mango Plantation, where 12,000 trees are rooted in the land’s rich soil.

Literally translated, it means “mix mix”. It is a local dessert that combines shaved ice milk and different boiled sweet beans and fruits.

o

Leisure 131

DESTINATION: PHILIPPINES

Best Diving In The Philippines W

ith its strategic location in the heart of the Coral Triangle, an area of tropical marine waters in the Western Pacific that represents one of Asia’s richest marine eco-systems, home to more than 500 species of hard and soft corals and a kaleidoscopic variety of fish, along with some of our planet’s biggest marine mammals and predators. The nation offers exceptional adventure opportunities to snorkellers, marine wildlife enthusiasts and divers of all abilities.

Whether exploring the open ocean on a liveaboard or finning around reefs that fringe pristine sandy beaches, the Philippines is a glorious corner of Southeast Asia waiting to be discovered.

Let’s check out seven of the country’s best underwater sites.

u

Malapascua Spot A Thresher Shark

v

Just off the northern tip of Cebu, the reefs around this tiny island are widely cited as the place to spot thresher sharks. It is one of the few places in the world where these shy, fiercetailed creatures are regularly seen. The waters off Malapascua are also home to several other species of sharks and rays, along with photogenic macro life, as well as scorpionfish, mantis shrimp and seahorses can be found around nearby Gato Island. Malapascua is a good jumping-off point for wreck-diving, with spots including the Donna Marilyn, whose 98-foot hull is now home to an incredible array of soft coral.

Moalboal Observe A Sardine “Bait Ball”

Freedivers, snorkellers and divers can experience the legendary sardine run in Moalboal, which sees up to seven million fish gather in a vast swarm, also known as a “bait ball”, near Panagsama Beach. The waters off Moalboal offer diverse sites for divers, with huge schools of fish swimming against a backdrop of seawalls, canyons and caves. Nearby Pescador Island, it is renowned for its theatrical seawall carpeted with soft corals that teem with deep reef fish and, on the west side, a cathedral cavern where octopus, moray eels and snake eels reside. Fans of even bigger sea creatures should make the two-hour journey to Oslob to swim with whale sharks.

w

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Marine Diversity

From miniscule technicolour nudibranchs to gentle-giant whale sharks, the biodiversity of this dive site in Palawan is staggering.

The area is home to some 600 species of fish and almost 400 species of coral, plus whale sharks, nesting hawksbill and green sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays and enormous schools of barracuda. Don’t miss Amos Rock, often cited as Tubbataha’s top spot, where colourful soft corals form a backdrop to muscular reef sharks. Tubbataha also has the benefit of warm water and excellent visibility, making it a must-visit for all wildlife lovers.

y

Anilao Underwater Photography

Photo by David : theworldtravelguy.com

x

Coron Bay Wreck Diving

The closest dive spot to Manila, this peninsula is backed by mountains that shelter shingle coves, where pristine waters are home to rich marine diversity. It is a rewarding spot for short breaks and fun diving. With superb visibility and a long list of resident small-scale sea life, including nudibranchs, frogfish, seahorses, cuttlefish and pipefish, it is also a popular muck diving spot for underwater photographers looking to explore a macro world. Anilao also offers plenty for the wide-angle lens where turtles and huge schools of jacks and jellyfish, plus the occasional reef shark, awaits you!

For a spectacular combination of natural seascapes and wreck dives, look no further than Coron Bay in Palawan, with its limestone cliffs and crystal-clear lagoons a backdrop to the Philippines’ best wreck dives. Once a harbour for Japanese ships in the Second World War, Coron’s deep waters are now home to the ghostly remains of 11 vessels sunk during an air attack in September 1944. The thriving reef system supports a community of scorpionfish, nudibranchs, octopuses, reef shark and stingrays. You don’t have to be an experienced diver to enjoy these sites: Coron’s largest wreck, Okikawa Maru, a 525ft craft whose tip sits just 32ft below the surface, is beginner-friendly.

{

Mindoro Big Reefs

z

Home to the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world, Mindoro has a tropical climate for year-round diving. There’s something for all abilities here such as easy shore dives, deep drifts and wrecks. Puerto Galera has buzzing restaurants and bars all within walking distance, plus generous stretches of sandy beaches and an array of contrasting dive sites just a short boat ride away. Here, wide-angle photographers will be delighted by both soft and hard coral habitats, beginners will enjoy protected bays and shallow reef dives, and more advanced divers will be wowed by the large pelagic species riding the strong currents around Verde Island.

Bohol Endless Choices

Famed for its steep walls and fabulous coral, this is an island and region that offers a wealth of dive sites. Don’t miss the offshore dives from Alona Beach, and from the islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan. Bohol is a gateway to some of the country’s most remote sites, as well as open currents where experienced divers can explore coral gardens, walls and drift dives. Around Anda, there are 10 miles of ivory white-sand coastline to explore. The shores here offer something for all types of diver, including an abundance of macro species in sandy muck dive sites, which is a particular boon for keen photographers. o

Leisure 133

DESTINATION: INDONESIA

Serene Tea Gardens In Indonesia I

ndonesia is an agrarian country with rich biodiversity and its geographical location as a tropical country, making its highland areas to have a stable temperature and humidity that is ideal for many types of plants to grow well including tea plants.

As the 7th largest tea production in the world, Indonesia offers one of the best cups of tea. Whether you want to taste different brews of tea or need to unwind your mind and body amidst fresh mountain air, cool breeze and natural surroundings, there are 7 picturesque tea gardens that leaves you amazed at what Indonesia has to offer! Now, you can plan a bleisure trip to Indonesia while sipping on your favourite tea blends. Perhaps in the future, you can directly brew your favourite drink straight from the scenic tea gardens of Indonesia.

u

Sidamanik Tea Garden Simalungun, North Sumatra

v

As the oldest tea plantation in Sumatra, Sidamanik Tea Garden is best known for its famous Bah Butong or Black Tea, often exported to different parts of the world including the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Located at 890m above sea level, the vast tea garden offers impressive panoramic scenery of endless vivid shrubs on its mountainous surface.

In the morning, you can have a beautiful sight of the sunrise in the garden while the tea farmers harvesting the best quality tea leaves. You can also take a 20-minute drive to Bah Biak Waterfall and swim in its cool pristine waters.Â

Puncak Gunung Mas Tea Garden Bogor, West Java

Located at the peak of Bogor, Puncak Gunung Mas Tea Garden offers both extreme sports and wellness activities. As an agrotourist attraction, this countryside has a myriad of family activities such as joining a tea walk, horse riding, tour visits to its factories, fishing and having a tea-chat at tea cafe. For adventure, you can also seek paragliding, motocross or even ATV biking around the jagged land.

w

Rancabali Tea Plantation Bandung, West Java

Located in the city of Ciwidey, Rancabali Tea Plantation is an extraordinary spot in Bandung to experience mother nature at its best with a panoramic view of nature typically hilly and winding landscapes. Expanse of tea trees were neatly trimmed with a very cool air promises an amazing impression to any visitors. You should enjoy the earth’s best facilities in Glamping Lakeside and have a pampered lunch in Pinisi Resto, less than 8 km away from this area.

134 INDONESIA

y

Nglinggo Tea Plantation Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta

x

Kayu Aro Tea Plantation Jambi, West Sumatra

Listed as Indonesia’s biggest tea plantation, Kayu Aro Tea Plantation is a magnificent tea garden in the outskirts of Jambi Province. Stroll through the vast expanses of tea, or even help the workers pick the shoots that are ready to be processed. The factories that were built during the creation of the plantation have not changed much since 1925, nor has much of the entire management process. Observe the entire procedure followed in the production of the tea.

Located in Kulon Progo Regency in Yogyakarta, Nglinggo Tea Plantation provides serenity through the greenery layers of its garden. You can trek along the slope of Menoreh Mountain to pay a visit to this vast land, witness the beautiful sunrise or learn how to make an organic brew of tea from locals or even driving off-road by jeep. Visitors can choose to rest in nearby Rimbono Homestay, just a few minutes from the Nglinggo Tea Plantation. Afterward, you may continue exploring and visiting other great places such as Borobudur Temple, The Chicken Church, Merapi Volcano and many more.

You can also witness Mount Kerinci stand majestically from the plantation, as it directly sits beneath the lands of the garden, as well as Kerinci Lake and the Kerinci Seblat National Park are located nearby.

Once you have enough of refreshing cool air, you can rest at one of the local food places close by, sipping a cup of superb black tea named orthodox tea.

{

Wonosari Tea Garden Malang, East Java

Situated at the slope of Mount Arjuno, Wonosari Tea Garden is an ideal place to be one with nature. Its luscious greenery enveloped with the fresh cool air will leave you mesmerised as you stroll the area. Besides witnessing the panoramic view, you can also observe the tea leaves being processed and transformed into the delicious drink. Located just about 30 km from North Malang, Wonosari Tea Garden can be your next escapade to serenity!

z

Kemuning Tea Garden Karanganyar, Central Java

Situated at the foot of Mount Lawu, Kemuning Tea Garden is an expansion of yellow tea garden fields, stretching as far as the eyes can see. In the morning, a blanket of mist will cover the area, filling the atmosphere with the day’s cool winds. At the same time, visitors can enjoy the magical panoramic scenery, replenishing their tranquility and wellness, as well as enjoy nature bikes around the hills or even camp at recommended areas.

Great outdoor facilities are also open to the public, presenting a myriad of adventure activities like outbound, paragliding, zipline, ATV riding, and even paintball, which are challenging and fun.

o

Leisure 135

DESTINATION: INDONESIA

Magical Places In Indonesia I

ndulge in Indonesia’s hidden paradise, which you might not aware of their present in this world! Check out these 8 amazing hidden gems and how many of these places are “been there or done that” for you, as well as how many of them are exciting new discoveries? It is time to add few of these locations into your bucket list and let’s go hunt for its secret treasure one day! Revive in luxury of nature and own a lifechanging experience of your own.

u

Pulo Cinta Eco Resort Romance Island

Have you think of a romantic getaway to a resort built in the shape of a heart? The lovely Pulo Cinta Resort stands among 23 inhabited islands of Tomini Gulf, the hidden gems of North Sulawesi, offering a sea rich in biodiversity and a land blessed with lush rainforest and pristine beaches. Wake up to the sunlight and gentle sound of the waves, a morning in Pulo Cinta is a magical moment you wouldn’t want to miss.

w

Danau Labuan Cermin Mirror, Mirror in the Lake

As the name implies, the crystal clear water of the lake was shiny like a mirror, where you can see the bottom of the lake clearly from the top surface of the water even where the depth of the lake is more than 3m! Surrounded by forest, this clear-water lagoon is an oasis for photography, boating and swimming.

v

Mount Kelimutu Unique Summit Crater Lakes

Kelimutu is a volcano, close to the small town of Moni in the central of Flores Island in Indonesia. The mountain is home to three gorgeous crater lakes that have their own unique colours, from bright blue to an earthy brown. Go at sunrise so that you are likely to have a clear sky and just imagine how beautiful the sunrise will look from this high up.

x

Danau Kaolin Abandon Kaolin Mine

Located at Belitung Island, Danau Kaolin is a beautiful blue lake that surrounded by a surreal world of “white snow”. This scenic lake is known for its bright blue waters and white mineral deposits, which is actually formed from water accumulating in an abandon Kaolin mine!

136 INDONESIA

y

Omah Kayu Paralayang Tree-top Wonder

Hidden away on a hilltop 1,340 meters above sea level, Omah Kayu offers six tree houses in tranquil forest with scenic mountains views and refreshing cool air. Here, you will also get to experience the ethereal glow caused by the rising and setting of the sun in the mornings and evenings. Enjoy the best art offered by the nature’s gallery houses!

z

Argapura Terraced Rice Fields The Hidden Charm of Majalengka

{

The village in Majalengka is renowned for its splendid panoramic views of green rice terraces that stretch out for miles in neat rows, which really spoil the eye for the visitors and photography enthusiasts. Imagine, the charm of Argapura terrace which is an ancestral heritage is so beautiful to be seen. Even more, the enchantment of this place will be more interesting if you visit at sunrise or sunset. Please be extra careful with the plants and walk in accordance with the road that has been determined while enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Brown Canyon Magnificent Brown Cliffs

Hidden away in Semarang, Brown Canyon offers distinct panoramic views with its tall cliffs and hills, which has been eroded due to the mining activity.

This site functions as a local mining area which has been there for a decade.

As the time went by, the hills become more unique and the nuance is similar to that of the USA’s Green Canyon! Hence, now it becomes one of the unique locations for photography and sightseeing in Indonesia.

|

Pantai Pegadungan Shark Teeth Rocks

The jagged cliffs at Pantai Pegadungan, also known as Pantai Gigi Hiu and Coast Shark Teeth, as the unique towering rock formations ranging from 1 to 10 meters high and the shape just like a shark teeth. The sharp rocks stand just off the coast, creating a haunting image that is reminiscent of a forgotten city rising from the seabed. It is even prettier during sunset, when the sun’s rays shine through the spaces between the rocks. The beach is also known as Pegadungan Beach, located around 5 kilometers away from Kiluan Bay at the Pegadungan Village, Kelumbayan District, Tanggamus.

o

Leisure 137

DESTINATION: VIETNAM

Sustainable Stay In

Vietnam

D

id you know there are many eco-friendly, socially responsible places to stay in Vietnam? From watching the sunrise over a lake from the porch of your tent, to eat like kings and queens at a family-run homestay, sustainable accommodations present endless ways to connect with Vietnam’s nature, culture and people, in a way that creates a positive energy in your soul. Stylish, serene and sustaiable! Pick from these green stays across Vietnam and plan a sustainable getaway in your future trip.

Hang Mua (Dancing Cave)

Boutique Hotel See the amazing landscapes of Ninh Binh and unwind in private garden bungalows at Tam Coc Garden Resort.

Ninh Binh and Tam Coc are the perfect places to relax and unwind while soaking up the landscape and the culture of Vietnam. It is an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life where you can have a chance to sleep in darling bungalows with sweeping views of rice paddies and towering limestone cliffs.

138 VIETNAM

Nestled amidst rice fields, Tam Coc Garden Resort is a jewel of hospitality, gastronomy and romanticism, harmoniously intertwined with local farm life. There are 8 independent bungalows, each room with its private terrace, opens onto a panorama of rice fields, limestone peaks or garden. Stone, wood, traditional tiles, ceramic and bamboo are naturally integrated for ultimate charm.

Luxury Hotel Enjoy five-star service and eco-conscious comfort along the riverfront at Victoria Chau Doc Hotel or a city hotel, Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Set directly on the banks of the Bassac River where it meets the Chau Doc River, the beautiful Indochina-inspired Victoria Chau Doc Hotel features a riverfront outdoor swimming pool where guests can admire the ever-changing scenery, which is a perfect harmony with the natural surroundings. The stylish hotel features 92 wood-floored rooms, including 4 suites, most offering spectacular river views. Rooms combine the elegance of traditional Vietnamese handicrafts with turn-of-the-century old world charm.

Homestay

One of the most storied properties in Ho Chi Minh City, the Caravelle is a perfect example of an established city hotel committing to positive change. The Caravelle was the first property in Vietnam to receive Earthcheck’s Gold Certification in 2015, and has held onto that status ever since by meeting the industry’s best benchmarks for daily operations. All rooms are lit with LED lights, check in is paper-free, and water refill stations are located on each floor. Even more endearing, the hotel’s staff regularly stage clean-ups, fun runs and even flash mobs to raise awareness around climate change.

Get to know your host family, sample local specialties and try community-based tours with Mekong Rustic in Cai Be or Can Tho.

The Mekong Delta’s sunny skies and marvellous rivers are best to enjoy. Let Mekong Rustic’s friendly locals be your hosts for your Delta adventure. Positioned in Can Tho and Cai Be, this outfit works with local communities to develop accommodations and low-impact tours that show how the Vietnamese actually live in the Delta.

Whether you choose the homestay option or the bungalows, you’ll be warmly welcomed with delicious fruits, shown around fruit farms, canals and fish ponds, and fed abundant, nourishing meals, morning, noon and night.

o

Leisure 139

Cruise Halong Bay is a must-see destination in Vietnam. Cruises lazily sail emerald green waters among thousand of rugged islands and islets, stopping at some of the most spectacular caves through which visitors can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations. Halong Bay’s mystical beauty has made it a bucket list attraction within the country, but it’s still possible to find secluded corners to call your own.

Bhaya Cruise operates with a “zero single-use plastic” policy, diversifies its guests away from over-visited attractions, and hosts an annual clean-up event to remove trash from Ha Long’s limestones islets. Churning through ancient seascapes and stopping at hidden caves, Bhaya’s cruises are simply magical.

Tented Camp Enjoy nature in the Lak Tented Camp on Lak Lake, or pitch your tent in one of Vietnam’s national parks.

Lak Tented Camp is perched on the banks of Lak Lake, an hour from the airport in Buon Ma Thuot. A short boat ride takes you to the dock, where you’ll be welcomed inside a restored M’nong stilt house, and shown your tent. Each of the 15 tents features a porch overlooking the lake, and is equipped with comfy beds, handsome furniture, and ethnic pieces. Apart from providing jobs to local communities and preserving ethnic minority culture via its tours and design, Lak Tented Camp also grows its own food on site, purifies fresh water from shallow wells, and heats it using solar power.

140 VIETNAM

Ecolodge Sleep amid rice terraces at Pu Luong Retreat or Pu Luong Eco Garden, or in a tropical jungle at Forest Floor Lodge in Cat Tien.

Pu Luong, the name sounds so refreshing! Impressive mountain ranges covered by forest, jungle and rice field terraces, the river curving in between the valley and the farmer working in the fields, making a fairy scenery just like a painting.

Nestled amid lovely rice terraces, bubbling streams and tidy ethnic villages, Pu Luong Retreat capitalises on the area’s restorative qualities.

The owners hired local carpenters to create each structure and space using natural materials found in the area, and made existing trees part of the resort’s design. Beautiful balconies face a misty panorama of hills and paddies, and the retreat’s rock garden, chemical-free infinity pool and stilt houses blend harmoniously with the surroundings. If you feel like exploring, hike or bike nearby trails to see waterfalls and ethnic villages, or try bamboo rafting along the river. Located on top of the hill, Pu Luong Eco Garden offers one of the most impressive view of the valley, which is a perfect escape to connect with a wild and unspoiled nature. It incorporates perfectly the environment and provide an infinity pool and executive rooms to contemplate and enjoy this unique atmosphere.

Situated in Cat Tien National Park, Forest Floor Lodge offers unique tented and lodge accommodation inside the National Park with splendid views of the rapids and the forest. It is an ideal escape from hectic city life, offering a relaxing insight into rural Vietnam lifestyle designed with nature at the forefront with a touch of unexpected luxury, as well as for bird watching and those with an interest in wildlife.

o

Leisure 141

DESTINATION: THAILAND

Nature Wonders In Phang Nga Bay, Phuket P

hang Nga Bay lies just northeast of Phuket and is one of the world’s scenic wonders. The calm bay features hundreds of magnificent limestone Islands formed over millions of years of tidal movements. The Bay was made famous when the movie “James Bond” was filmed here in the 70’s. A light lunch can be served picnic style on the beach or on board.

Try sea-kayaking, where you paddle sturdy fibreglass boats through caves into the mysterious hearts of islands.

u

Cruising Phang Nga Bay Discover the Hidden Gems

A leisure day trip cruising through Phang Nga Bay’s dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is oe of the wonderful way to enjoy the spectacular natural beauty.

v

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint Scenic Panoramic Views of Phang Nga Bay

Located on a hilltop just a 30-minute drive from Phuket, it offers stunning views over the limestone islets of Phang Nga Bay. The east-facing view is particularly striking at sunrise at about 5.30am to 6am. A chain of islands stretching out of sight to both the left and right in the waters of Phang Nga Bay, across about 1.6 km of mangroves. This is often preceded by the awe-inspiring sight of the galaxy, clearly visible overhead, though this also depends on the season. Slightly down the hill from the viewpoint is the Samet Nangshe Boutique, a small and fairly luxurious resort with a nice restaurant.

142 THAILAND

w

James Bond Island Unique Limestone Cliffs

James Bond Island, also called Koh Tapu (‘Nail Island’ in Thai), first found its way onto the international map through its starring role in the 1974 James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Its precarious position is big on the upper part and relatively slim at the bottom. With its signature rocky pinnacle, the surrounding of this island is indeed spectacular, also popular for sailing and kayaking.

Boats are not allowed to get too close to the island as it is s a protected marine area of the Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park. You can view James Bond Island from a boat or a small beach on Koh Ping Ghan, a super high leaning rock with several small caves inside awaits visitors to explore. After the tour, you can head to Koh Panyi, a nearby Muslim fishing village for a seafood lunch.

x

Hongs of Phang Nga Limestone Islands with “Room”

There are many Hong Islands in the Bay of Phang Nga. Its name is based on eroded caves, which lie in the centre of some of Phang Nga’s islands. Well hidden, it shelters a lake that surrounded by cliff walls with small sea access. Due to the low cave roof, only canoes can get through the narrow cave channel at the suitable water level that only available once a day for a short time period. Otherwise, if there is low tide, the caves are dry and sharp-edged stones as well as mud block the entrance. At high tide the access is completely under water. You will be impressed by the creative power of nature, leaving you a unique and memorable experience.

y

Ko Panyi Floating Village in Phang Nga Bay

Koh Panyi is a fishing village with hundred of huts, shacks, restaurants and houses that was built on stilts by Muslim fishermen, located about 20 minutes by longtail boat from Surakul pier in Phang Nga province. There are about 1,600 people from 360 families permanently living on the island. Surrounded by azure water and limestone cliffs, the unique floating soccer pitch was built by the village children using old scraps of wood and fishing rafts, offering one of the scenic sights in Thailand.

o

Leisure 143

DESTINATION: THAILAND

Serene Nature Getaway In Thailand u

Crest Resort & Pool Villas An Ideal Hilltop Getaway

Perched on a gentle hillside, on the beautiful Tri Trang Beach, just outside Patong, surrounded by tropical rainforest and stunning 240 degree views of turquoise waters from the famous Andaman Sea, the Crest Resort is the perfect venue for a well deserved natural getaway holiday within an enchanted setting. With 144 rooms, including 25 Deluxe rooms, 56 Deluxe Seaview rooms, 29 Deluxe Pool Access and 34 tastefully furnished pool villas, Crest is an inspiring and radical luxury eco-designed resort catering to discerning travellers seeking a reviving and rejuvenating weekend getaway, relaxing long stay, honeymoon hideaways, adventure filled family vacations, and even refreshing corporate meeting sessions.

v

SunSet Resort A Scenic View of Misty Clouds

Khao Kho is a district located in Northern Thailand and is often known to visitors as an enchanting misty town. Located on a hilltop, SunSet Resort will surprise you with scenic sunset views as well as a sea of misty clouds. There is also a glasshouse cafe that offers a romance ambiance for guests to enjoy their meals.

w

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort Unique Stay Experince with Elephants

Perched on a wooden deck overlooking the herd’s main area, the luxurious transparent suites called ‘Jungle Bubbles’ allow guests to have an uninterrupted view of the resort’s gentle elephants. These ‘Jungle Bubbles’ are specially designed by Eye In The Sky and constructed with high-tech polyester fabric, using Precontraint Serge Ferrari technology that helps control tropical weather.

The suite is furnished with a spacious bedroom and living space complemented with a king-size bed and seating area under a transparent dome-like roof, and a non-transparent ensuite bathroom. You can join the ‘Walking with Giants’ tours to learn more about these majestic mammals.

144 THAILAND