Saturday 31 May 2014

Hotel in Sarawak Blog: Hotel association to get members' feedback ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

<b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog: Hotel association to get members&#39; feedback <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


<b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog: Hotel association to get members&#39; feedback <b>...</b>

Posted: 18 May 2014 12:09 PM PDT

SIBU: Sarawak Central Region Hotel Association will get members' feedback on the best way to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Its chairman Johnny Wong Sie Lee said yesterday they would be calling for a committee meeting with the implementation of GST on their agenda during the coming AGM.

He clarified that the association could only advise as the implementation would be done by members themselves.

"GST for budget hotels may be different from that of the star hotels. Clients staying in budget hotels will grumble over the tariff increased," Wong told The Borneo Post.

GST will come into effect on April 1 next year.

He figured there were two ways in going about implementing the new tax system.

"One way which we are exploring is to charge the old rates by including the GST rate of six per cent.

"The other is to charge the old rates but add six per cent GST.

"But we need to hear from members on ways to carry this out to ensure a win-win situation. The association can't tell operators what to do.

"At the end of the day, this all depends on the operators themselves," he said, adding that they had advised their members in Sarikei, Kapit and Mukah.

He stressed that it was most important for them to implement GST properly.

On another front, Wong reminded those members yet to register with the Personal Data Protection Department to do so promptly.

He said this was because they would not be able to collect personal information when the authority imposed the requirement.

The Communication and Multimedia Ministry's recent statement stated that all quarters categorised as 'data users' under Personal Data Protection (Class of Data Users) Order must be registered with the department.

Categorised as 'data users' under the order were those in the communication, finance, banking, insurance, health, tourism and hospitality, transportation, education, direct selling, property and utility sector.

It also stated that the act of processing personal data in an unregistered commercial transaction was an offence under Section 16 of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709), which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment of three years, or both, if convicted.

Meanwhile, Wong called on the relevant authority to act on the mushrooming of the room-for-rent here.

He claimed such operators had badly affected the livelihood of their members.

"I am compelled to speak up as many of my members have voiced concern over their drastic drop in business," he asserted.

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Friday 30 May 2014

Self Drive from Kuching to Kalimantan - Kuching Forum - TripAdvisor - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Self Drive from <b>Kuching</b> to Kalimantan - <b>Kuching</b> Forum - TripAdvisor - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Self Drive from <b>Kuching</b> to Kalimantan - <b>Kuching</b> Forum - TripAdvisor

Posted: 30 May 2014 05:49 AM PDT

Is it safe to self-drive from Kuching to Kalimantan? I have to drive to a place in Sanggau, Kalimantan and although I know there are tourist buses operating, in my case, I have to drive. I know how to get to the Tebedu check point. Any advice/tips for border crossings and road driving in Kalimantan will be most appreciated. Thanks all.

<b>Hotel</b> Seri Simanggang opens to tourism fanfare in Sri Aman <b>...</b>

Posted: 18 May 2014 03:43 PM PDT

by Kelvin Lambai reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 19, 2014, Monday

SRI AMAN: The new Hotel Seri Simanggang here can serve as a generator for the tourism industry in Sri Aman.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said with the completion of the hotel in November last year, it is an added option to the number of existing hotels here.

According to him, visitors from out of town often face accommodation problems whenever there are grand events held in the division.

"However, with the launch of this new hotel, the government believes it can now accommodate visitors in town," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of Hotel Seri at Simanggang which was officiated by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pehin Seri Abdul Taib Mahmud here yesterday.

Also present were Taib's wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, Assistant Minister of Rural Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Sri Aman Resident Jonathan Lugoh and Hotel Seri Simanggang general manager Tay Choo Huat.

Abang Johari noted that the development plan of Bandar Sri Aman was part of Taib's concept to continue developing the division through the 84-acre site.

He pointed out that the 10-storey Simanggang Hotel comprised 18 rooms including the Presidential and Junior Suites, a banquet hall for 1,000 people as well as four seminar rooms.

"The overall cost of construction of the hotel as well as an upcoming commercial centre is RM43.7 million," he said.

He said the hotel, which was completed four months ahead of schedule, was part of phase one which includes 40 units of three-storey houses and 114 units of government quarters to accommodate government officers and staff based in this division.

"Other components which will be built in phases are 45 units of two to four-storey shophouses, one block of six-storey commercial offices, one block of eight-storey office tower, one block of one-storey market and a bus terminal for phase two.

"For phase three, there will be 28 units of three-storey shophouses whereas in phase four, a six-storey commercial office block, an eight-storey office tower and 22 units of two to four-storey shophouses will be constructed," he revealed, adding that the overall construction cost for phases one to four involved an estimated RM200 million.

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Thursday 29 May 2014

Police: Nursery owner loses RM300,000 after prize scam : my ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Police: Nursery owner loses RM300,000 after prize scam : my <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Police: Nursery owner loses RM300,000 after prize scam : my <b>...</b>

Posted: 29 May 2014 09:59 AM PDT

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Ee holding up a photograph of the hotel receptionist . — Bernama photo

MELAKA: The police are gathering details of the owners of eight commercial bank accounts used by a company to scam a nursery operator out of about RM300,000 recently.

Melaka Commercial CID chief Supt Ee Khong Koy said the accounts, owned by locals, were used to transfer the money to the Hong Kong-based company for a period of 10 days from April 8.

He said the victim, a 36-year-old woman from Semabok, was duped into the scam after she was told that she had won the third prize lucky draw for buying a RM8,800 watch via Internet from the company in September last year.

"The victim was informed by the company of her winning over the phone on April 8 and offered five air tickets to the South Pole and Argentina.

"However, she refused them. She was then offered RM150,000 as a replacement and instructed to make several transactions to different accounts as legal fees, apart from being offered to invest in a stock company in Europe that could generate more than RM3 million in two days," he told reporters yesterday.

Meanwhile, Ee said the police were looking for a receptionist of a hotel in Bandar Hilir here, Siti Norakmal Abdullah, 23, from Pontian, Johor to help in an investigation into the alleged use of a credit card left behind by an Indonesian tourist amounted to RM8,800.

He said the 55-year-old female tourist was said to have left her credit card after paying a deposit for her stay at the hotel on April 21.

"The suspect has since been missing from work and nine transactions for branded clothing amounted to RM8,800 had been done through the credit card on April 22 and 23," he said, adding that the tourist discovered the fraud after informing a bank in Jakarta about the loss of her credit card.

Those with information about Siti Norakmal can call Melaka CID intelligence and operation officer ASP Hasbullah Abd Rahman at 019-2229996. — Bernama

Category: Nation, Sarawak

Mega <b>Hotel</b> presents RM10,000 to SCCS - The Borneo Post Online

Posted: 23 May 2014 12:04 PM PDT

by Cindy Lai, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 24, 2014, Saturday

MIRI: The management of Mega Hotel presented a cheque for RM10,000 to Sarawak Children's Cancer Society (SCCS) in support of the annual 'Go Bald' campaign yesterday.

According to the hotel's Communications Manager, Jenny Chen, the donation was contributed by the hotel and staff through Mega Hotel satellite shave which was held on April 5, during which 32 employees took part to have their heads shaven.

"Adding to this, Mega Hotel has also pledged to donate RM1.00 for every room sold throughout the month of April 2014," she told the press after the handing over yesterday.

Since 2012, Mega Hotel has been supporting the Go Bald Campaign, in aid of children with cancer, and the management has vowed that it will be their yearly charity event and part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

Also present were SCCS secretary and Head of Liaison for northern region, Jocelyn Hee, Mega's Operations Manager Javaerlyne John Jutie and the hotel's staff.

Meanwhile, Chen promised to be part of the campaign by having her head shaved and pledge for fund next year.

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Information Ambassadors – Become Part Of The RFS Survey Team <b>...</b>

Posted: 29 May 2014 04:40 AM PDT

Information Ambassadors – Become Part Of The RFS Survey Team!
Find the survey on the Radio Free Sarawak website

Find the survey on the award-winning Radio Free Sarawak website

Sarawak Report and Radio Free Sarawak are inviting our online readers and listeners to take the opportunity of Gawai to bring information to their villages – and also to bring information back to us.

There is a small prize raffle for all those who email us back the RFS Awareness Survey – the lucky winners will receive a free return trip for two to Singapore for a weekend, plus two nights at the Ibis Hotel!

The material we would like our 'information ambassadors' to take back to their longhouses is all the factual material they have picked up from our sites, plus the clear information below, just published in the US major news outlet, the Huffington Post, about the negative impact of mega dams on local societies and on the rest of the globe.

It was compiled by the NGO International Rivers.

The information we would like you to bring back from the longhouses is completed surveys, showing local people's opinions about the key issues currently facing them in Sarawak.

We have prepared an Awareness Survey, available in English, Malay and Iban, to find out how people feel about some of the problems in rural areas relating to poverty, deforestation, governance, education and health in their areas.

Over the next few hours this Radio Free Sarawak Awareness Survey, will be available for you to download live on the  link http://radiofreesarawak.org/survey/ and we are relying on conscientious readers and listeners to bring these questions back to their longhouses and get as many people to answer them as possible.

How to conduct the survey

Once you have downloaded the survey in the languages of your choice, you can make as many copies as you like on your computer, to enable you to interview as many people as you are able. You will then be able to send these surveys back by email to us – closing date June 30th.

Each time you email a survey we will put your email address into our raffle to draw the prize! (all email information will be kept confidential).

We hope this survey will help us gain a better picture of the way local people are thinking and what they want.  We will evaluate their responses in a report and the more replies we get, the more informative the results will be.

Please help us by taking our survey up to your village – we hope to get as many longhouses as possible from all over Sarawak represented!

Your duty as question master is not to influence the respondent and not to let others influence them either – but we have no problem with you doing the questions in a group context.

Have fun helping us!

And now read the 10 top things you need to know about dams that Sarawak Energy's Norwegian boss Torstein Sjotveit forgot to tell you!

1. 50,000 Large Dams Are Clogging the World's Rivers:

About 50,000 dams dams with a height of 15 meters or more and millions of smaller dams have been built on the world's rivers. Some of them date back centuries, but most were built after World War II. About 5,000 dams have a height of 60 meters or more; another 350 such giants are currently under construction.

2. Dams Are Changing the Face of the Earth:

Dams have fragmented two thirds of the world's large rivers and flooded a land area the size of California. Their reservoirs contain three times as much water as all the world's rivers, and constantly lose close to four Niagara Falls to evaporation. Damstrap 40 cubic kilometers of sediments every year, and starve deltas of the silt that protects them against the intruding sea.

3. Dams Provide Important Services:

Dams generate 16% of the world's electricity and irrigate food crops for 12-15% of the world's population. To a lesser extent, dams have also been built for water supply, flood protection, navigation and tourism purposes. Most dams have been built for irrigation, but 80% of the water they store is used for hydropower.

4. Dams Kill Fish:

Dams block the migration of fish, deplete rivers of oxygen, and interfere with the biological triggers that guide fish. They also reduce the ability of rivers to clean themselves. Due to dam building and other factors, the population of freshwater species declined by 37% between 1970-2008 – more than the populations of any other ecosystems. Tropical freshwater populations declined by a stunning 70%.

5. Dams Are Changing the Climate:

Dams are not climate-neutral. Particularly in the tropics, organic matter rotting in their reservoirs emits methane, an aggressive greenhouse gas. Scientists have estimated that reservoirs account for 4% of all human-made climate change, equivalent to the climate impact of aviation. The floods and droughts caused by climate change in turn make dams less safe and less economic.

6. Dams Displace People:

Dams have displaced an estimated 80 million people, with 23 million alone in China. Displacement robs people who are already poor and marginalized of their resources, skills and cultural identity, and impoverishes them further. Dams have also negatively impacted about 500 million people living downstream. The benefits of dams often bypass the people who sacrifice their livelihoods for them.

7. Dams Can Put Human Rights at Risk:

Most dams that displace large populations are being built by authoritarian governments. In Burma, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Sudan and other countries, dam builders have often responded to opposition with serious human rights violations. In the worst dam-related massacre, more than 440 indigenous people were killed to make way for Guatemala's Chixoy Dam in 1982.

8. Dams Are Expensive:

Large dams belong to the most expensive investments many governments have ever made. An estimated 2000 billion dollars has been spent on dams since 1950. Due to planning errors, technical problems and corruption, dams experience average delays of 44 percent and cost overruns of 96 percent. Such massive overruns make them uneconomic.

9. Dams Don't Last Forever:

Sooner or later reservoirs silt up, and the cost of maintaining dams becomes bigger than their benefits. In the United States, more than 1000 dams have been removed at great cost. When dams are not properly built or maintained, they can break. In the world's biggest dam disaster, the failure of China's Banqiao Dam killed an estimated 171,000 people in 1975.

10. Better Solutions Are Usually Available:

In 2012, governments and businesses installed 75 gigawatt of wind and solar power, compared with 30 gigawatt of hydropower. Such alternatives fare even better when social and environmental impacts and transmission costs are included. The International Energy Agency has proposed that 60 percent of the funds needed to achieve energy access for all should go to local renewable energy projects.

Follow Peter Bosshard on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PeterBosshard

Sunday 25 May 2014

Budget hotels trendy but don't spoil 'homestay' market, Lee tells ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Budget <b>hotels</b> trendy but don&#39;t spoil &#39;homestay&#39; market, Lee tells <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Budget <b>hotels</b> trendy but don&#39;t spoil &#39;homestay&#39; market, Lee tells <b>...</b>

Posted: 25 May 2014 12:01 PM PDT

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MIRI: Miri City Council (MCC) and Ministry of Tourism have been urged to check the status of some budget hotels and inns including 'homestays' in the city.

These lodging facilities are mushrooming due to rising demand of tourists and visitors in tandem with the fast-paced progress of the city.

Welcoming the establishment of such services befitting Miri's resort city status, Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin, when asked for comment yesterday, said: "It is a good and healthy trend for tourism and service industry in Miri as a resort city. Visitors and tourists alike now have a choice of more affordable accommodation here."

However, Lee said it is important for operators to be properly registered with a licence from Miri City Council and the ministry to safeguard the image and reputation of the city and Sarawak.

Disclosing this to The Borneo Post after launching the inaugural inter-hotel Bewabaco (Bed, Waiters, Bar, Cooking) games held at Bulatan Park here, he said: "In case of any untoward incidents like  fire or building collapse, guests staying in the hotels are not protected (by insurance). It will give a negative and bad image on the industry and Miri."

On the right to use the 'homestay' tag name by some operators, Lee reminded them not to simply use it as it may confuse when it doesn't meet the expectation of visitors and tourists.

Lee said homestay carries certain requirement or criteria to entitle an operator to advertise the service. "It is not just providing their guests with bed and bathing facilities (shower and toilets) among others. There is more to it. I believe that they are using the word 'homestay' to attract more guests," he added.

As such, he reminded the operators to apply and get registered with Ministry of Tourism apart from getting a proper licence from city council.

Earlier in his speech, Lee who is also Senadin assemblyman, reminded hospitality and service industries players to stress on the quality and standard of their services.

"It is not just about good service. Guests are expecting more than good service …. they want quick, efficient services that worth paying for," he said, adding that it is important for the industry to always upgrade quality and standard of services in the hotels and its staff, especially front-liners like receptionist.

The Bewabaco games which encompass cooking, bed-making, bartenders and waiter and waitress race was organised by Grand Palace Sports and Recreational Club. Around 40 staff from Grand Palace Hotel, Meritz Hotel, Imperial Palace Hotel and Mciti Suites took part in the games.

Commending Grand Palace Hotel for initiating the games, Lee said it was one way to upgrade the standard of services apart from sending them to refresher courses or in-house training.

Meanwhile, Grand Palace general manager Vincent Nonis, said they are looking into the possibility of making the games an annual event here in Miri.

"We hope to get more hotels to participate in the games next year. We sent invitations to other hotels in Miri but they can't send teams this year due tight schedules and unforeseen circumstances," he added.

Category: Sarawak

<b>Hotel</b> Seri Simanggang opens to tourism fanfare in Sri Aman <b>...</b>

Posted: 18 May 2014 03:43 PM PDT

by Kelvin Lambai reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on May 19, 2014, Monday

SRI AMAN: The new Hotel Seri Simanggang here can serve as a generator for the tourism industry in Sri Aman.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said with the completion of the hotel in November last year, it is an added option to the number of existing hotels here.

According to him, visitors from out of town often face accommodation problems whenever there are grand events held in the division.

"However, with the launch of this new hotel, the government believes it can now accommodate visitors in town," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of Hotel Seri at Simanggang which was officiated by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pehin Seri Abdul Taib Mahmud here yesterday.

Also present were Taib's wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, Assistant Minister of Rural Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Sri Aman Resident Jonathan Lugoh and Hotel Seri Simanggang general manager Tay Choo Huat.

Abang Johari noted that the development plan of Bandar Sri Aman was part of Taib's concept to continue developing the division through the 84-acre site.

He pointed out that the 10-storey Simanggang Hotel comprised 18 rooms including the Presidential and Junior Suites, a banquet hall for 1,000 people as well as four seminar rooms.

"The overall cost of construction of the hotel as well as an upcoming commercial centre is RM43.7 million," he said.

He said the hotel, which was completed four months ahead of schedule, was part of phase one which includes 40 units of three-storey houses and 114 units of government quarters to accommodate government officers and staff based in this division.

"Other components which will be built in phases are 45 units of two to four-storey shophouses, one block of six-storey commercial offices, one block of eight-storey office tower, one block of one-storey market and a bus terminal for phase two.

"For phase three, there will be 28 units of three-storey shophouses whereas in phase four, a six-storey commercial office block, an eight-storey office tower and 22 units of two to four-storey shophouses will be constructed," he revealed, adding that the overall construction cost for phases one to four involved an estimated RM200 million.

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Top <b>Hotels in Sarawak</b> | Cuti Cuti Malaysia Holiday and Hotel Portal

Posted: 11 May 2014 12:21 PM PDT

attractionI am going to take you to a country which is full of islands. Any guess? Yes, you are right. It's Malaysia. There are878 islands in Malaysia. This country is known for its stunning sights and attractions. We are going to explore its astounding natural beauty that magnetizes vacationers/ tourists or visitors attraction. It's a country of exclusive culture and tradition. It's one of the best places on the globe with delicious cuisine and hospitable people. Kuala Lumpur is its capital with charming iconic Petronas Twin Towers.  Malaysia has many offshore geographical places. There would be around 510 which include ridges, sandbank and rocks. It's a multicultural state with many festivals and celebrations. Tour to Malaysia, is really a unique and pleasant experience.

There're lots of choices to stay in Malaysia, so it's tough to decide where to stay?

Mid-range hotels and 5 stars hotels with Chinese, Indian or Malaysian traditional cuisine and cozy rooms are easily available for vacationers/visitors anywhere in cities. You can enjoy luxury hotels or resorts located on islands. Accommodation is so cheap in Malaysia, you can easily get a room for $ 3 to $ 9 USD/night. Private rooms are available for $ 11 to $ 20 USD/night. You can camp in Taman Negara and can save lodgings cost.

Anyways, here're some suggestions.

Lone Pine Hotel, located Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, posses welcoming staff, stunning swimming pool, lip-smacking food, and calm atmosphere with beautiful sea views. You can get a huge variety of cocktails in bar corner.

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, located on Batu Ferringhi beach, Penang Island, is a fantastic family resort, offers services such as water sports, tennis court, delicious food, pools, cozy rooms, hospitable staff and family entertainment center. Its cuisine includes Bar & Grill pizzas and seafood, tea/coffee, snacks, pastries.

where to stay

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, is a fantastic hotel with superb services. Welcoming staff, comfortable rooms, suspended pool and delicious Malaysian food make it more worthy staying.

Tanjong Jara Resort, located on Batu, Dungun, is one of the top 25 hotels in Malaysia, offers services such as Spa village, Pools, tennis court, delicious dining out, air-conditioned rooms, seafood and bar. You can spend a relaxing morning with coffee and newspaper on the beach.

Berjaya Tioman Resort, located in Pulau Tioman, is a traditional Malay style resort, offers services like pools, golf, tennis court, spa, coffee, snacks, global drinks, tasty food, air-conditioning cozy rooms and water sports including diving, fishing, snorkelling etc.

The Majestic Hotel, Majestic Malacca, Cameron Highlands Resort and Sama-Sama Hotel, in Kuala Lumpur, Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, Miri Marriot Resort & Spa, Mega Hotel, Grand Palace Hotel and Imperial Palace Hotel in Miri, Seven Terraces, Yeng Keng Hotel, Museum Hotel and Hotel Panega are also wonderful places to stay in Malaysia. 

As far as meal is concerned, you can have it in restaurants, western hotels , cooking own when living in camping or as a street meal and just have to pay $1 to $3 USD /head for street meal, $4 to $6 USD/head in restaurants while western food is a bit expensive. Malaysia is a Muslim country that's why drinks are expensive here. Anyways, here are some suggestions of restaurants for you.

Dining in the Dark, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, is an amazing restaurant deeply into darkness and offers delicious food including soups, desserts etc.

Malaysian-Food-2

Black Forest, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, offers German cuisine.

Kebaya, located on Stewart Lane, Georgetown, Penang Island, offers good services and food.

Living Room Cafe Bar & Gallery, located on Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, is a good place for families, lovebirds, special occasion or groups. You can enjoy Bar, Asian and Eclectic cuisine here until late night.

Top Spot Food Court, located Bukit Mata Kuching, Kuching is a family restaurant, offers best seafood and opens until late night.

Jambu Restaurant and Lounge, located on Crookshank Road, Kuching is a restaurant offers best pasta in town. It also deals with Bistro, Bar for cocktails and Tapas etc.

Black bean, The Heritage, Tribal Stove and Bella Italia are also superb restaurants in Kuching with the fantastic setting near river.

La Casa Kuantan, Crocodile Rock Pizza & Grill Restaurant, Satay Zul, and Dallah Restaurant in Kuantan offer great services with superb cuisine.

Malaysia is a country with many attractions or points of interests and more exciting thing is those are quite cheap. Here're some suggestions, and you must visit those places once you are in Malaysia.

Birch Memorial Clock Tower, located in one of the biggest cities of Malaysia named "Ipoh". Here're plenty of attention-grabbing sights such as museums, temples and historical buildings.

attraction

Galeria Perdana, Rice Museum, and  Padi Langkawi, in Langkawi, are amazing places with precious stuff and collection, to visit. Langkawi is a beautiful island with lovely beaches and plenty of interesting sights. Ave Stella Maris Catholic Chapel is a beautiful church. Langkawi Wildlife Park and Underwater World are educational and exciting places with lots of fun.

The Islamic city "Kota Bharu" is a great city with royal places, museums, and plenty of other eye-catching sights.

Taman Negara National Park is a beautiful park in oldest rainforest Taman Negara. It's a place with lots of activities like trekking, safaris, and canopy walks.

activities

Islamic Art Museum, Petronas Twin Towers, Putrajaya Bridge, Petrosains Science Discovery Centre, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Thean Hou Temple, and Lake Garden Parks are some suggested amazing places to visit in Kuala Lumpur.

Mount Kinabalu National Park, is the best choice for hiking, this Park is full of fun and will never disappoint you on your visit.

Malaysia is a land of festivals and celebrations as multicultural people exist here. Tourists or vacationers can enjoy these festivals almost every month of the year. Here are some suggestions for our visitors.

Tamil Community celebrates festival named "Thaipusam". It's a unique festival that is worth seeing. It can be best observed at Batu Caves in Selangor or Penang, in Januanry.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in February and last for 15 days. You can enjoy lion dances, fireworks, and delicious Chinese meal.

In April, Good Friday and Malaysia Water Festival are celebrated.

Wesak Day, and Harvest Festival are celebrated in May.

June is a month with amazing festivals like Hari Gawai and Dragon Boat Festivals.

July and August are the months with festivals such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, Independence day, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hungry Ghost Festival.

September becomes more colorful with Malaysia Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali Festivals of Lights, and Christmas are celebrated in October, November and December.

Malaysia is not less than a heaven for shopaholics. Super international brands have covered Malaysian market and have luxury stores here. Sales at shopping mall attract many tourists every year. Mega Sales held on Christmas and Independence Day and last up to two months.

Utama, BB Plaza, Fahrenheit88, Lot10, Plaza Low Yat, Suria KLCC and Sogo are some remarkable shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur.

shopping3

ICT@Komtar, Island Plaza, Midlands One Stop, Plaza Gurney, Prangin Mall, Queensbay Mall and Straits Quay are some suggested shopping centers in Penang.

Langkawi Fair is a beautiful place for a shop in Langkawi.

Malaysia is a country with beaches. Therefore, beach holidays can be enjoyed all around the year. Summer season is mild, and usually climate is pleasant in Malaysia so you can visit it in all seasons. Anyhow, December and January are two peak tourists' seasons.  From June until August is also a good time to enjoy beaches activities.

when to fly

I assure you, your vacations to this country holding natural beauty, would be a treasured and unforgettable experience.

Sunday 18 May 2014

Hotel association to get members' feedback on GST – BorneoPost ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

<b>Hotel</b> association to get members&#39; feedback on GST – BorneoPost <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


<b>Hotel</b> association to get members&#39; feedback on GST – BorneoPost <b>...</b>

Posted: 10 May 2014 11:18 AM PDT

SIBU: Sarawak Central Region Hotel Association will get members' feedback on the best way to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Its chairman Johnny Wong Sie Lee said yesterday they would be calling for a committee meeting with the implementation of GST on their agenda during the coming AGM.

He clarified that the association could only advise as the implementation would be done by members themselves.

"GST for budget hotels may be different from that of the star hotels. Clients staying in budget hotels will grumble over the tariff increased," Wong told The Borneo Post.

GST will come into effect on April 1 next year.

He figured there were two ways in going about implementing the new tax system.

"One way which we are exploring is to charge the old rates by including the GST rate of six per cent.

"The other is to charge the old rates but add six per cent GST.

"But we need to hear from members on ways to carry this out to ensure a win-win situation. The association can't tell operators what to do.

"At the end of the day, this all depends on the operators themselves," he said, adding that they had advised their members in Sarikei, Kapit and Mukah.

He stressed that it was most important for them to implement GST properly.

On another front, Wong reminded those members yet to register with the Personal Data Protection Department to do so promptly.

He said this was because they would not be able to collect personal information when the authority imposed the requirement.

The Communication and Multimedia Ministry's recent statement stated that all quarters categorised as 'data users' under Personal Data Protection (Class of Data Users) Order must be registered with the department.

Categorised as 'data users' under the order were those in the communication, finance, banking, insurance, health, tourism and hospitality, transportation, education, direct selling, property and utility sector.

It also stated that the act of processing personal data in an unregistered commercial transaction was an offence under Section 16 of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709), which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment of three years, or both, if convicted.

Meanwhile, Wong called on the relevant authority to act on the mushrooming of the room-for-rent here.

He claimed such operators had badly affected the livelihood of their members.

"I am compelled to speak up as many of my members have voiced concern over their drastic drop in business," he asserted.

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Thursday 15 May 2014

Imperial Hotel Kuching opens with 'wired-up' rooms – BorneoPost ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Imperial <b>Hotel Kuching</b> opens with &#39;wired-up&#39; rooms – BorneoPost <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Imperial <b>Hotel Kuching</b> opens with &#39;wired-up&#39; rooms – BorneoPost <b>...</b>

Posted: 10 May 2014 11:06 AM PDT

KUCHING: Visitors should not miss out on the special opening promotional room rate from RM180 per room per night at Imperial Hotel Kuching.

The room rate is inclusive of breakfast and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, offer valid for a limited period only. The promotion celebrates its soft opening on Friday.

The hotel features 325 well-appointed guestrooms and suites including two executive floors, all carefully designed with practicality and comfort in mind. Each guestroom is tastefully furnished and complete with complimentary in-room Wi-Fi and wired Internet access point.

It also comes equipped with individual control air-conditioning, 42-inch flat screen LED television, laptop-size in-room safe, mini bar fridge, coffee and tea facilities, HyppTV channels, bathroom with bath tub and separate shower, iron and ironing board and hair dryer.

Imperial Hotel Kuching, an upcoming 4-star business class hotel, is the latest addition to the fast expanding Imperial Group of Hotels.

The hotel is also the first in Sarawak to subscribe to Hospitality Entertainment Solution, the hassle-free offering from Telekom Malaysia (TM) with the latest ICT and entertainment package comprising In-Building Broadband Solution (IBS) and TM's IPTV service, HyppTV all powered by TM's high-speed broadband network connectivity.

In addition to this, there is also the Business Centre as well as the Fitness Centre featuring a fully equipped gymnasium, sauna and steam room complemented by an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel boasts of two grand ballrooms, Imperial Grand Ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,400 persons for a sit-down banquet while the semi-circular Boulevard Grand Ballroom has a capacity of 500 persons for banquet style reception.

The hotel will be officially opened by Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem on June 9.

Sitting on top of Boulevard Shopping Mall, the hotel is accessible via the mall, through a connecting door behind the mainstage at the new wing ground floor.

For further enquiries or reservation, call the hotel at 082-588999 or email enquiries@imperialhotelkuching.com.my, or visit www.imperialhotelkuching.com.my.

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TripAdvisor unveils Malaysia&#39;s top <b>hotels</b> for service : my <b>Sarawak</b> <b>...</b>

Posted: 14 May 2014 03:44 PM PDT

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KUALA LUMPUR: Six properties on the resort island of Langkawi made it into the list of TripAdvisor's Top 25 Travellers' Choice Exceptional Service award winners for Malaysia.

They are Casa del Mar, Danna Langkawi, Datai Langkawi, Tanjung Rhu Resort, Four Seasons Resort and Rebak Island Resort.

In a statement, TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, said the exceptional service award winners were determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions of TripAdvisor travellers worldwide, taking into account the quality of reviews and ratings for service.

Other hotels featured in that category included top-placed Seven Terraces in George Town, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Majestic Malacca, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh and LimeTree Hotel in Kuching.

The Hanoi Serene Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam clinched the top spot on the list of the Top 25 Hotels for Service in Asia. — Bernama

Category: Nation, Sarawak

Car2u.asia

Top <b>Hotels in Sarawak</b> | Cuti Cuti Malaysia Holiday and Hotel Portal

Posted: 25 Apr 2014 11:08 PM PDT

RH Hotel, Sibu

The RH Hotel is one of the established hotels located in the heart of Sibu, one of the major towns of Sarawak which is also widely regarded as the 'gateway' to the central regional hub of the state. The hotel is easily accessible which can be reached through a bridge from Wisma Sanyan, the largest shopping center in Sibu.

The hotel houses 226 rooms which come in different shapes and sizes. Decorated and equipped with the best possible facilities to the customers, it is one of the most ideal places to stay whether it is for leisure or business. Standard facilities in the room include a Mini-Bar, Astro TV services, complimentary water and coffee and tea, ironing facilities and safe deposit boxes. The hotel also offers Wi-Fi internet access to the guests in the rooms. Hairdryers, bath-robes and a modern bathtub is also provided in the bathrooms so you can have the most comfortable stay here.

The rooms here are affordable with their Superior rooms starting from RM260, Deluxe rooms from RM300, Executive from RM350, Junior Suites from RM550, Executive Suites from RM1100 and the Presidential Suite starting from RM 4000. The hotel is located at Jalan Kampung Nyabor and can be reached at (6) 084-365 888.

Dynasty Hotel, Miri

Dynasty Hotel is one of the oldest hotels located in Sarawak's popular oil town Miri. Located in the heart of Miri city, the 3 star hotel houses some 130 rooms that are designed to cater to the leisure and business traveller here. Its location is strategic as it is nearby to Miri's commercial and shopping areas. For a taste of the authentic Sarawakian lifestyle, Dynasty Hotel provides a truly cultural and modern stay for its guests.

Located at Lot 683, Block 9, Jalan Pujut-Lutong, you can call 60 85 42 1111 for reservations or further enquiries. The rooms are designed elegantly to provide the most comfortable option one can get in staying here. Luxurious and modern, there are 2 non-smoking floors available where all the rooms are equipped with facilities like air-conditioning, hair dryer, satellite and cable television, internet access as well as a mini bar. Apart from accommodation, Dynasty Hotel also offers other services like meeting rooms and conference facilities with 5 function rooms to cater to any event of up to 150 people. Wedding banquets are also a common favourite at this hotel as its Chinese restaurant here are renowned for serving the best Chinese food in Miri.

Asian Hotel and China Town Inn, Kuching

Asian Hotel in Kuching is one of the most affordable hotels located within the heart of Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak. It is located just beside the waterfront and is easily accessible as it is about 8kms from the Kuching International Airport. Located within Kuching's central district, it is also nearby to the local attractions here that include the Chinese Museum, Sarawak Museum, the Indian Mosque, the Sarawak Textile Museum, the Kuching Waterfront as well as the Tua-Pek Kong Temple. It is located at No.3 Jawa Street and can be reached at 6 082 231 133.

China Town Inn is one of the 2 branches operated by Asian Hotel. It is locate within Chinatown of Kuching made up of 3 shophouses which have been restored. Located at 2nd Floor, Lot 8-9, No. 117-119 at Jalan Padungan, this is where one can stay at one of the most traditional and cultural accommodations in Kuching that exudes the Chinese tradition.

The Grand Margherita Hotel, Kuching

The Grand Margherita Hotel is the first international hotel established in Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak. It is a majestic building located by the riverfront with a great view of the Sarawak river and its surrounding landscape. Located within the heart of Kuching, it is easily accessible and is nearby the business and commercial areas of the city. Furthermore, it is also very near to the Kuching International Airport which brings about tourists and business travellers alike. Nearby to the Hotel are local attractions like the Tua Pek Kong temple, the Chinese Museum, the Kuching Waterfront as well as the Fort Margherita.

The hotel offers 288 highly comfortable rooms that are equipped with world class facilities and offerings. The rooms are very well equipped with standard facilities that include tea and coffee making facilities, IDD phone services, air-conditioning, satellite television and such. On top of that, there is also an Executive Club here that offers services for the business traveller. It is considered to be one of the most established hotels and is the only hotel at the riverfront in the state where it can be reached at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching or call 6082423111 for more information or reservations.

Mega Hotel, Miri

Mega Hotel is one of the most established hotels operating within the heart of Miri city, known as the oil town of Sarawak. It is situated within the business and entertainment district of the city, making it one of the most convenient hotels around. Whether you are here for leisure or business, Mega Hotel is an ideal accommodation choice as it is easily accessible as well as affordable, offering the best choices in Miri.

There are many different choices in terms of rooms that are offered in Mega Hotel which are catered to different range of stays where each of the rooms come with several facilities for optimum luxury and comfort. The bathrooms are equipped with a shower and a bath while the rooms offer individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD phone services, a mini bar, complimentary coffee and tea, hair dryer, a safe deposit box, satellite television channels as well as Wi-Fi internet access.

If required, there are also non-smoking floors, 24 hours reception, security with room service as well as more than enough parking spaces. Rooms are accessed using keycard system while the hotel also offer laundry and dry cleaning facilities too. A business center is available for travellers who need to use facilities like photostating, courier, email and such. The hotel is located at Lot 907, Jalan Merbau and can be reached at 6085-432432.

Hotel Bahagia, Sibu

Known to be one of the most convenient hotels in Sibu, Hotel Bahagia also offers the most affordable accommodations here. It is located in the heart of Sibu town area where it can be accessed through the major business and entertainment areas of the town. Here is where you can reach the major offices and shops around Sibu which are only a stone's throw away from the hotel.

There are many choices of accommodations here which include the Standard rooms which are ideal for 2 people or the Double rooms or Deluxe rooms for more while there are also the double-bed rooms here for the business travellers. Each of the rooms are well equipped to provide the best and most comfortable stay for the traveller. Individually controlled air-conditioning are provided while one can also enjoy IDD telephone services, television as well as free Internet access.

Room rates start from RM55 for the Double rooms and for the Family suites, they start at RM120. One can easily find food here that include fast food chains like Sugarbun and KFC while there are more than enough parking spaces around here. It is minutes away from the Sibu Market as well as Wisma Sanyan, the largest shopping mall here. Call 084-331131 for reservations and for further information.