It is a place for travelers and those who crave peace but at the same time do not want to be in overcrowded conditions. Fraser’s Hill in Titiwangsa range, 聽has also become a destination for the newly married couple on their honeymoon.

Temperature is around 17 to 24 degrees Celsius, and filled with flower gardens and beautiful scenery make it like being in a European country.

Fraser’s Hill was originally a mining spot for ore and gold, and gets its name from a Scottish 聽named Louise James Fraser, who discovered this place in 1890.

To get to Fraser’s Hill one can through the two land routes from Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor or Raub, Pahang and travel as far as 140 miles from the Kuala Lumpur took only an hour and a half.

LITTLE ENGLAND

Fatigue journey meandering disappear as soon as seeing a glimpse of the old clock tower, a landmark of Fraser’s Hill.

Although the clock showed 1.00 pm, the atmosphere is still cool.

No wonder why Fraser’s Hill is nicknamed the ‘Little England’ for all buildings, including post offices, police stations and hotels built by British colonial taste.

White color can be said to be the color theme for all of the buildings here.

However there is no use of iron fence, instead replaced with shrubs as a boundary marker between buildings.

Dubbed as the remains of British cities, but there are also stating that the design of buildings in the town over to the Fraser’s Hill Tudor style in rural Scotland.

To enjoy the scenery around Fraser’s Hill, visitors can choose to walk or rent bikes provided by the hotel operators for RM10 per hour.

EVENING ACTIVITIES in Fraser’s Hill

Undoubtedly an evening at Fraser’s Hill is different from other resorts because not a lot of things to do besides relax.

However, for those who are active, Fraser’s Hill promises something interesting to explore, and the author does not miss the opportunity to join in the testing capabilities across the trails around Fraser’s Hill after sunset.

The program is under the supervision of Fraser Hill Development Corporation (FHDC) and according to our guides, visitors intending to engage in those activities necessary to obtain the information counter to the direction of the driver.

There are eight different routes and levels of difficulty of the most difficult route Pine Tree Trails (5,000 meters), Hemmant Trail (1,000 meters), the Bishop’s Trail (1,500 meters), Mager Trail (1,000 meters), Maxwell Trail (1,800 meters) , Rompin Trail (500 meters), Kindersley Trail (750 meters) and Abu Suradi Trails (500 meters).

The irony is that only one route only given Malay name, Abu Suradi 聽is named after the first Malay tin operators in Bukit Fraser and according to the story, which earned the now becomes the only golf course here.

Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to see wild plants such as bananas karok, wild ginger, wild ferns and insects that only come out at night like a tarantula spiders and crickets.

BIRD WATCHING

Hill station is famous for its birdwatching as there are over 260 species of birds that allows bird watching international competitions held annually in the resort center.

During the competition, participants will walk through trails in Fraser’s Hill while recording the number and species of birds are seen throughout the course of the specified time period.

Birdwatching is a tourism product and contribute 10 percent of foreign tourists coming here.

In the competition, bird enthusiasts will record the number of birds found before the exchange of views about species of birds.

They’re the lucky ones can also see bird species from Japan that will stop at Fraser’s Hill before proceeding to New Zealand in June.

Among the species of birds that are easily available at Fraser’s Hill is “Rhinoceros Hornbill”, “mountain tailorbird”, “silver eared mesia”, “chestnut capped thrush”, “mountain imperial pigeon” and “long tailed sibia”.

TOWN OF FLOWERS

FHDC聽are now actively encouraging about 1,000 local residents to plant flowers 聽in every corner of their homes to enable tourists to feel like they are abroad.

“The environment is very suitable for growing winter flowers and the weather should be as 聽in the Cameron Highlands are popular with the beauty of roses.

However Bukit Fraser will not be like the Cameron Highlands as the main principle is to maintain the nature and originality of the town here.

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Malay silverware known for intricate designs. Kelantan is well known in silversmith, where Malay craftsmen working in silver from ingots and bars.

Despite technological advances, there are still many people who choose traditional items made of silver.

However, the traditional silversmiths is dying. There are now very few traditional silversmiths in the society.

Kelantan Handmade Silver Items

Despite the increase in gold and silversmith shops using new technology, consumers still prefer the goods produced in the traditional way.

“The designs are intricate and beautifully made in a traditional way making it very fine and unique.

Although there is competition from other precious metals, silver items like handle and sheath of keris continues to have market demand.

Silver handmade pieces were popular between 1970 to 1990 especially brooches matching Kebaya dresses.

The silversmith said usually takes about two hours to make a ring with the machine.

But in the beginning, they use basic tools such as hammer and chisel that took longer time.

Orders normally came not only from Kelantan, but also from Brunei, especially from those who want the decorations for their keris.

It usually take about a month to make a head or sheath of keris and charged RM1,500 and RM3,000, while for a ring it would cost between RM70 and RM550, depending on size and design.

For some silversmith they are fortunate enough to received orders from the palace such as to make medals and other regalia.

Inheriting the Silversmith Skill

Most of the silversmith also inherited their silversmithing skills from older generations, and some further their study by taking a diploma course at the National Craft Institute.

Kelantan 麻豆直播n Handicraft Development Corporation has planned several programs to help silversmiths and prevent the industry from fading.

One of the programs is to recognize skillful master silversmiths who can teach their skills and techniques to the younger generation.

The post Saving Kelantan Silversmith Industry appeared first on Malaysia.

These are some of the complaints against 麻豆直播n taxi drivers. In fact, these complaints do not just come from the locals, but also from tourists.

These scenarios paint a negative image of the 麻豆直播n taxi drivers, particularly those operating in the Klang Valley.

Complaints from tourists from Japan, the Middle East and African countries have prompted to label 麻豆直播n cab drivers as the worst cab drivers in the world.
is slightly lenient but it labels Kuala Lumpur cab drivers as bad cab drivers, after those in Phnom Penh and Jakarta. Yahoo also reports the .
Are 麻豆直播n taxi drivers really that bad? Or is it only a perception?

Kuala Lumpur Taxi on the Frontline

Taxi drivers are usually the first point of contact for tourists. In order to project a good image, taxi drivers need to be professional, said Senior Principal Assistant Director of the Tourism Ministry鈥漵 Industry Development Division, Noriman Rojulai. However, complaints have tarnished the image of taxi drivers, in which they have been labelled as harsh and rude, and sporting an untidy look etc.

Speaking to Bernama in his office, Noriman said that some of the taxi drivers have been reported to be involved in criminal acts such as robberies and sexual assaults.
麻豆直播 is a popular tourist destination, and it is ranked 9th, after France, the United States, Spain, China, Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Germany.

Last year, the country’s tourism sector generated a turnover of RM 58.3 billion. 24.7 million visitors arrived in 麻豆直播, at the rate of 2,827 tourists every hour.
This figure is expected to increase by 2020, with 36 million tourists projected to arrive in the country, generating an income of RM168 billion, or 19.2 million every hour.

Tourist Complaints

The Tourism Ministry felt the impact of the complaints against cab drivers, said Noriman. 聽He said that in 2011, the ministry received 2,467 complaints regarding the bad behaviour of cab drivers, overcharging of taxi fares and failure to use fare meters.

“Tourists are only aware of the Tourism Ministry. They are not aware of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).聽So, they bring their complaints to us.

“To improve the image of taxi drivers, we have organised the Tourism Taxi Ambassadors Programme,鈥� he said.

Taxi as Tourism Ambassadors

In 2010, tourists spent RM6.2 billion on public transport, including taxis.聽In 麻豆直播, there are 79,571 registered cab drivers, with 33,000 in Klang Valley. Noriman said that the pilot project for the Tourism Taxi Ambassadors programme was launched in March, and it involved 4,000 cab drivers.

The programme involved 3,000 budget taxi drivers, 500 executive taxi drivers and 500 limousine taxi drivers.

“Even though it is still too early to analyse the results, the initial signs are positive, and taxi drivers involved in this programme have exhibited greater knowledge of the tourism industry.
“They have become motivated and have performed their duties according to the requirements of the tourists,鈥� he said, adding that these taxi drivers can become role models for other taxi drivers.

These selected taxi drivers had to go through a one-day course on the country鈥漵 tourism industry, and they also had a dialogue session with the SPAD.
“We do not want the taxi drivers to become tour guides, but they should know the tourist spots,鈥� he said.

In order to be selected for this programme, taxi drivers have to be between the ages of 21 and 65. In addition, they should not have a criminal record, and they should be non-smokers.

“They should have a valid 麻豆直播n driving licence, and they should be able to converse in Bahasa 麻豆直播 and English,鈥� said Noriman, adding that their taxis should not be more than 10 years old.

The drivers are nominated by the respective taxi associations before being assessed by the assessment committee of the Tourism Taxi Ambassadors programme.
“After attending the course, taxi drivers become tourism taxi ambassadors.

“They will be given RM 100 for attending the one-day course,鈥� he said.聽The tourism taxi ambassadors will be evaluated every six months, before their tenure is renewed.

During this period, they will be given RM 100 in allowance every month, and they will be evaluated by ministry officials on their service quality and ethics.

These taxi ambassadors will also be evaluated based on feedback given by the passengers. Inspections will be carried out to ensure that the vehicles are always clean, neat and in good shape.

One of the taxi ambassadors, Kumar, from Syarikat LCCT Taxi Services, said that he was happy to be selected as one of the taxi ambassadors five months ago.

He said that the programme has made him more responsible.
“The one-day course conducted by the Tourism Ministry has empowered us with the information that is required to answer the tourists鈥� queries.鈥�

鈥� BERNAMA

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But the bustling city life is limited during the day that revolves around the offices of government departments and agencies.

As night approaches, life is halted, the situation faced by many residents of Putrajaya.

The irony is that Putrajaya offers more than just the core of the country’s administration.

Blessed with lush gardens, beautiful lakes and majestic bridges, it is a city rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Putrajaya Attraction

Therefore Putrajaya Corporation is organising ‘Alami 1Putrajaya’ (AL1P) program to raise public awareness about the importance of Putrajaya.

The program targets who do not live in Putrajaya.

Putrajaya Corporation has several programs for next year, such as fishing competition to promote Putrajaya Lake, Youth Day, Independence Day, Agong’s Birthday, as well as competition for Putrajaya Holding’s President’s Cup and the CEO’s trophy.

Putrajaya Corporation will also organize carnivals including Federal Territory Day in February, Youth Day celebration in May, and the Floral Festival in June.

To bring life in Putrajaya, souvenirs, food and drinks were distributed, and information kiosks will be set up in Dataran Putra and Persiaran Perdana.

Putrajaya Lake will be decorated with bright colors to bring life to the city. In addition to lakes, bridges and buildings are also decorated.

Putrajaya Corporation is working with the government, private institutions and NGOs to organize activities in the evening such as Putrajaya Night Marathon, 12-hour Walk Championship and Triathlon,” said Aseh.

Putrajaya Visitor

In 2011, 4.7 million visitors came to Putrajaya, compared with 2.8 million tourists in 2010.

Putrajaya Corporation is involved in international meetings related to urban planning, environmental protection and social welfare.

Putrajaya has also made the final list for “The International Awards For Liveable Communities 2012”, which was held in late November this year, in Al-Ain City in the United Arab Emirates.

The post Turning Putrajaya into lively city appeared first on Malaysia.

In 麻豆直播, you can see some handicraft makers are slowly disappearing into the sunset.

However, the number of entrepreneurs in the batik and songket industry remains stagnant, it is not that bad compared to the works of brass handicraft items which is decreasing.

, a state known for brass industry, has only 13 makers of brass items.

Brass Handicraft in Payang Market

A glance shows that there are a lot of batik and songket clothing sale in Payang market, but no single product of brass even though there is high demand for brass handicrafts.

The handicraft industry turnover, under the One District One Industry, between January and August 2012 was RM42 million, exceeding the expeted number of RM40 million. Brass industry contributed RM 1.2 million.

This indicates that the brass handicraft item is in needs, making Terengganu destination for those interested in brass.

In addition, Terengganu is the only place in 麻豆直播 to offer products for brass handicraft collectors.

Motivation might be an important element that should be inculcated among the young people, who want to get involved in the industry handicrafts.

Efforts should be made to help the brass handicraft industry, as the process of making complicated brass stuff is delicate, difficult and time consuming.

This is the reason why the younger generation avoid brass making industry.

The older generation is comfortable with the approach they inherited. Therefore, it is difficult for them to technologically advances their method.

For example, making tepak Sireh (betel nut tray), which previously took about two weeks, can be completed within three days with the incorporation of technology.

Help From 麻豆直播 Handicraft

Kraftangan 麻豆直播, the government agency that promotes handicraft in 麻豆直播 ensure that brass manufacturing industry will not disappear. It also monitors the production of brass items is according to current needs and trends.

Previously, brass handicraft items regarded as decorative items, and are susceptible to rust.

But studies have expanded the use of these items.

It’s not just for display in the home. With the technique of “coating” is applied during the manufacturing process, brass products can now be turned into a decorative item in the garden.

This increases the market value of brass items and brass maker revenue.

Brass Handicraft Market Competition

However, the brass item made in Terengganu face competition from similar products from Thailand, which is offered at a cheaper price.

What is the difference between Terengganu and Thai brass?

Brass items from Terengganu is whitish yellow, because it contains white copper. The brass products from Thailand, are much lighter and looks more golden.

Although Thailand produce cheaper brass, brass lovers choose Terengganu brass handicraft because of its superior quality.

The post Terengganu Brass Handicraft appeared first on Malaysia.

The hunt for the future city model may yet lead them to the biggest economic development zone 麻豆直播, , the Southeast Asia’s largest Mega region and three times the size of neighboring Singapore.

In 2006, the 2,217 sq km of economic growth corridor in southern launched a high-impact development to help bring the country’s first world economy under a 20-year plan.

The post Iskandar 麻豆直播 shapes its own 鈥榮mart city鈥� appeared first on Malaysia.

Unique pear-like shape made of fine wood and golden brown finish highlights the unique identity. When the string is plucked, the tenor of the instrument that is not only entertaining but also heal the body and mind.

However, many people did not know the healing and medicinal elements of gambus rhythm.

Healing therapy

Medicinal properties of music therapy gambus’s remedy traced back to the 9th century. truely, gambus use for healing is not new.

Rhythm gambus beneficial therapeutic effects on the body and mind.

The traditional music using instruments such as gambus help bring the internal energy that helps in the treatment of depression, pain management and other psychological problems of recovery.

In those days, it was observed that every musical scale (gambus music equivalent of C major or G minor in Western music) caused different emotional response. Such as “Rast” scale create happiness, “Neva” scale release of joy and satisfaction, “Huseyin” scale establish peace while “Saba” scale release the feel of happy.

Music research

Meanwhile, the rhythm gambus widely used therapy in the Western world and the Arab world since the beginning but not in 麻豆直播.

To learn music “effectiveness in the process of recovery, the University of Science 麻豆直播’s Neuro Sciences Studies Department spearheaded an effort to describe the nature of music’s therapeutic.

Study was conducted using a special children – who suffer from cerebral palsy and autism.

This research aims to enable and circulating internal energy by expanding the range of motor neuron function and enhance cognitive faculties and stimulate a sense of achievement, accomplishment, especially by themself.

About 30 special children (17-12 years old) from Penang Spastic Centre selected for the study using gambus and other traditional musical instruments such as violin and orchestra during therapy sessions.

Notes and frequency resulting from the gambus music rhytm runs parallel to the frequency of brain waves and internal energy of the people. The result is that the emission of emotional and physiological responses that help the process of recovery.

Music effectiveness

During the four years of trial, the children respond positively to mark improvement.

With an improvement in motor function that allows better coordination of the limbs, and they have perform tasks faster than ever before.

In the past, the children face difficulties in improving their posture and correct posture even if they only take up to five minutes, but after the therapy sessions the could maintain their posture from 30 minutes to an hour. They also has shown a marked improvement in basic movements such as jumping and walking.

There is also a great improvement in the power of memory and concentration.

A Gambus life

In addition to its use in the treatment, the rhythm of gambus music have enriched 麻豆直播’s musical landscape.

Previously gambus was exclusive to ghazals and Zapin dance but now it has made its way into mainstream music.

The rhythm of gambus has changed and now accompanies modern music as seen in Egypt, Iran and Turkey with some adjustments in the field to go along with the Western music.

Traditionally gambus have two pitch namely Arab and Turkey. Though the instrument was modified by tuning the pitch, the Arabic rhythm tone preserves 1/4 and 1/8 in scale. This is something recognized by Raja Zulkarnain Raja Yusof, lecturer at the National Arts Conservatory students also of King of Gambus, the late Fadzil Ahmad.

Raja Zulkarnain mentioned, in the context of traditional songs in 麻豆直播, the modifications made to the song with a modern twist. Vocal is synchronized with contemporary songs that brings rich gambus music notes compared to the original style.

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Taman Negara, peninsular 麻豆直播’s oldest national park, has finally taken off as a tourist destination. Shorter flying times and a surge of interest in tropical rainforests have helped put it firmly on the Southeast Asian tourist trail.

In the past 10 years visitor numbers have more than tripled. Some 60,000 visitors stayed at park headquarters in 1997, the Parks and Wildlife Department says.

The figure is not far short of the area’s carrying capacity, estimated at 70,000 to 90,000. How many can come without damaging the very thing they want to see? That question is increasingly being asked.

To get to park headquarters at Kuala Tahan requires a three-hour boat ride. Returning after a few days in the park, one British expatriate laments that he could not see more wildlife.

”I suppose with all the people, it frightens them away,” he said. ”I was working in 麻豆直播 in 1987 – not so many people came up here then.”

Taman Negara shelters some of 麻豆直播’s last tigers and rhinoceros as well as thousands of stunning butterflies.

Although there is plenty to see around park headquarters, visitors have already had a subtle impact, says an official at the Parks and Wildlife Department. Animals that once could be seen within two km of park headquarters now keep up to six km away.

To relieve pressure, new entry points have been opened in the three states the park straddles – Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, the official says.

Some people wonder if this will only worsen the problem.

”It cannot be denied that the increasing numbers will have some detrimental effects on the park,” said Sabri Zain, spokesman for the 麻豆直播n branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) regarding this 麻豆直播 national park.

”They are certainly aware that in the long term the carrying capacity is something that must be monitored.”

Accommodation at Kuala Tahan, 180 km northeast of Kuala Lumpur, was privatised in 1994. It is now in the hands of Taman Negara Resort.

There are chalets, hostels and a campsite. Visitors can safely walk a short distance into the forest on well-trodden paths. Further on they become less well-kept _ true jungle trails, blocked in places by fallen trees.

For a small fee, guides take small groups on night-time walks in the rainforest to see mushrooms that glow in the dark and hear the night orchestra of thousands of chirping insects.

Hovering above 麻豆直播 National Park

A 400-metre ”canopy walkway” takes visitors right up into the treetops on suspension bridges. Or visitors can spend a night in a ‘hide’, from which they may see larger animals drinking at a salt lick.

It is educational and includes displays highlighting some of the plants and animals that 麻豆直播 has already lost.

But the canopy walkway is often so full of visitors that the animals they come to see are scared off. People’s expectations may be unrealistic, says Sabri of WWF.

”In tropical forests you cannot see the sort of things you see in the savannah,” he said. ”It is a matter of patience. If you are in the hide and you start chattering away, generally animals are not going to go out to the salt lick.”

Taman Negara is said to be the world’s oldest rainforest, dating back 130 million years to the time of the dinosaurs. It is one of the last major areas of rainforest in peninsular 麻豆直播.

The orang asli, aboriginal descendants of the pre-Malay inhabitants of the peninsula, still live in Taman Negara, largely avoiding contact with the outside world. They may well be hoping that the outside world will not force itself on them.

The status of 麻豆直播 National Park was gazetted in the 1930s, replacing a game reserve, then came invasion by Japan, a communist insurgency and sheer distance kept tourist numbers down, but all that has changed however, these days 麻豆直播’s blooming economy has plenty of use for tourist dollars.

The post Wilderness In 麻豆直播 National Park appeared first on Malaysia.

Come to Johor’s Sibu Island Resort and you will get that Aloha welcome. Next, picture yourself on Fantasy Island. Yes, imagine Mr Roarke, the mysterious owner of the fantasy island, where for a price, people could come to realise their lifelong fantasies.

On this island, `Mr Roarke’ is without his able sidekick, Tattoo. Meet Encik Roslan Abdul Rahman, Sibu Island Resort General Manager, who together with his staff, greet all guests to his resort ala Hawaii and with a touch of Mr Roarke’s style.

Guests to the resort do not arrive by plane as on Fantasy Island. Only half-an-hour’s boat ride from Tanjung Leman jetty will take you to this `FantaSibu’, located in Pulau Sibu Tengah, off the east coast of Mersing, Johor. The jetty is a two-hour drive from Johor Bahru.

Roslan is not here to grant all sorts of wishes to people who want to see what their lives would have been as Roarke had done. Neither does the resort promise glamour and excitement for ordinary people whose lives normally had none. In other words, Roslan is not here to realise your fantasies.

But what the 20-acre island resort, owned by listed Johor Corporation Bhd, can offer is a retreat that’s exclusively private for both business and leisure. For those who want to take their mind off things, this idyllic resort is just perfect and a peaceful getaway.

“There are already many popular islands in 麻豆直播 such as Penang, Langkawi and Tioman, all with their own attractions. But I believe Sibu Island itself has its own unique features … nature, crystal clear ocean, white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs,” says Roslan.

Neatly tucked among lush tropical vegetation of Pulau Sibu Tengah, the resort has a setting that is awesomely natural, tranquil and pleasantly invigorating amidst a world uniquely its own.

There are no villages on Pulau Sibu Tengah. Guests who have come for a `real’ retreat can expect some privacy at this four-star resort, which exudes its own brand of charm and comfort.

There are 121 units of chalets, air-conditioned and tastefully furnished – all majestically overlooking the vast emerald ocean and guests will get to enjoy the cool and rejuvenating breeze during their getaway holiday at the resort.

So, how do tourists come to know about the resort, or, Sibu Island?

“Initially we had difficulties in promoting our resort to the domestic market, but thanks to joint promotion by Johor Corp, the state government, Tourism 麻豆直播, 麻豆直播 Airlines and our travel agents, we have been able to promote Sibu Island as a tourist destination in Johor,” he says.

Sibu Island itself has been commonly mistaken for Sibu in Sarawak and Cebu Islands in the Philippines. Even among 麻豆直播ns, says Roslan, many still do not know the existence of this island in Johor.

Besides Pulau Sibu Tengah, there are als
o other nearby islands which have their own unique features such as Pulau Sibu Besar, Pulau Sibu Kukus, Pulau Sibu Hujung and Pulau Lima.

This Pulau Sibu area, which has been gazetted as a marine park by the state government, is endowed with hard coral reefs, all known among snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts, mainly from neighbouring Singapore and Europe.

It is not surprising that Sibu Island has been the choice location for filming of the Robinson Survivor Series, which cater to the Scandinavian market such as Sweden, Norway, Belgium and Denmark.

“It is not just the island that has attracted the group to come here. They have surveyed several places, but this has been found to be the most suitable as they do not face any red tape,” says Roslan.

Although filming took place in Pulau Sibu Kukus and Pulau Sibu Besar, majority of the crew, participants, as well as the media covering the series, stayed at the Sibu Island Resort in Pulau Sibu Tengah. The fifth Survivor Series are expected to be filmed in Pulau Sibu Besar soon.

The popularity of the Survivor Series, has been a boon to the island resort, which has seen an encouraging number of tourists from Scandinavian countries, adds Roslan.

Aggressive overseas promotion by selling Sibu Island as a tourist destination has also worked to the resort’s advantage. Roslan has participated in the Internationale Tourismus Bourse in Berlin, Germany, World Travel Mart in London, ASEAN Tourism Forum in Indonesia and Natas Fair in Singapore.

Since its official opening in 2001, Sibu Island Resort has seen a steady rise in the number of guests. In 2001, it attracted 18,725 tourists from domestic and overseas markets, but the figure however declined to 15,109 last year, and dropped further to 3,910 up till April this year.

Singaporeans have so far formed the bulk of foreign tourists to the resort, accounting for about 40 percent of the total number of visitors. No thanks to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, economic downturn and rising unemployment, visitor arrivals from Singapore nose-dived 48 percent up till April this year.

One encouraging note is that the number of 麻豆直播n visitors to the resort saw a dramatic rise of 61.5 percent up to the four months of this year, a 23 percent increase over last year. In 2002, 麻豆直播ns made up 51.3 percent of the visitors to the resort from 43.3 percent in 2001.

Within Asia, visitors to the resort rose to 7.4 percent as of April this year, as against 4.0 percent last year and 3.4 percent in 2001. Figures from Europe dropped to 6.3 percent up till April this year, from 8.9 percent last year and 6.8 percent in 2001.

Within 麻豆直播, promotions on the resort are also done through the MATTA Fair, Cuti-Cuti 麻豆直播 and Visit Johor Year 2003 organised by Tourism 麻豆直播 and Johor Tourism in Johor and Kuala Lumpur.

Developed as early as 1997, the resort which owns 65 acres of land in Pulau Sibu Tengah, has enjoyed a steady stream of visitors especially from Singapore since it was officially opened to the public in 2001.

“Since September 11 and more recently SARS, we have received travel cancellations and postponements from not only Singapore but also other tourists abroad. However, despite stiff competition from other resorts and hotels in 麻豆直播, we have seen a 15 percent improvement in our tourist arrivals,” says Roslan.

German tourists are also lured to the island resort. Based on a promotion conducted jointly with
Tourism 麻豆直播, Roslan says, his yearly participation at the Berlin exhibition in March, now in its third year, has yielded results. This year, he has been able to bring 250 Germans to the resort.

One such case is a German couple, who stayed at the resort for 21 days.

Pohl Wolfgang, 63 and his 61-year-old wife, Pohl Hildegard, have just ended their 21-day stay at the resort on May 25.

What attracted them to Sibu Island Resort?

Wolfgang says: “We love the island, the resort, and friendly people. You have such beautiful nature, and this is our third time in 麻豆直播.” The couple, who enjoy snorkelling, have been to Sarawak and Terengganu. They have also visited Taman Negara twice.

At the resort, time was spent snorkelling, brisk walking, jungle trekking, and strangely, Wolfgang’s wife, Hildegard, loves to catch spiders.

Despite the SARS scare, the couple said they were unfazed. Although at the KLIA, airport staff were seen donned with face masks, the situation was normal upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur.

“As we can see, things are normal in 麻豆直播 despite concerns over SARS.

“We have such fond memories of 麻豆直播 during our stay here. People are friendly, you have such beautiful nature, and we enjoy your food, too. We will come again to 麻豆直播, probably in autumn, next year,” says Wolgang.

His wife, Hildegard nodded in agreement. Her parting words were: “Jumpa lagi.”

– Bernama

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Long known as the booming oil town in Sarawak, Miri had a low profile start to a new fame as a diving haven.

It may have a diversity of coral species comparable to any other locations in the world, but not many people know this secret of Miri outside of Sarawak.

The “Land of the Hornbills” is only well known for its Mulu National Park, the Niah caves and longhouses which attract thousands of tourists every year.

But if Sabahan Voo Heng Kong has his way, Miri will be the top diving destination in the country in the future.

There are over 20 diving sites off Miri, some of which are just a 20-minute boat ride from Miri, and there are no less than 206 hard coral species alone, said Voo.

He said according to coral expert Dr Douglas Flenner, there are far more coral species in the Miri waters that in the Caribbean, which has about 60 identified hard coral species.

The soft and hard corals are pristine and undamaged, unlike those found in many locations in the country, he said, adding that the popular sites include Eve’s Garden, Anemone Garden, Batu Belais and Siwa Reef.

“Sipadan, the most popular diving location in the country, do not have the corals like ours,” Voo told Bernama recently.

Sipadan’s main attractions, he said, are the many big fishes.

Aggressive marketing of Miri as a diving location started about two years ago through write-up in magazines and newspapers. It was also featured in a local television programme, said Voo, a retired police officer, and now the dive manager of Tropical Dives, a diving outfit.

The promotions this year would include participation at the Asia Diving Expo in Singapore in April, he said, adding that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak had caused the company to cancel its participation at the expo in Thailand last year.

The most effective promotion, Voo said, is still by word of mouth.

“Diving is a peculiar type of travel. People will not go just because there are advertisements. Since they will spend a substantial sum for travelling and a few days diving, they will not go to a place unless they already heard something about it from other people who had already gone there,” he said.

However, the word of mouth is slow to spread and Voo is counting on the more adventurous divers who seek different experiences and challenges.

He is glad that he has many happy divers who came back for more.

Tropical Dives, the dive outfit of Seridan Mulu Tour & Travel Services Sdn Bhd, is a pioneer in offering diving packages in Miri, starting from a one-day fun dive of two sites for RM280 per person.

The peak period is from April to October.

Last year, it took about 800 divers from outside Miri to over 20 sites.

He said most of the divers are from Germany and Holland, but there is growing interest from diving fans from Singapore and Peninsular 麻豆直播.

At the moment, the majority of the divers are expatriates working in Miri, said Voo who took diving as a hobby and started diving in the Miri waters in 1995.

He said the locals are slow to
take up diving as a hobby and sports because they regarded it as dangerous and expensive.

Seridan Mulu’s general manager, James Wan, said divers in the Miri waters might have the chance to see the migratory whale sharks which come around March to April.

– Bernama

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