Thursday 28 November 2013
Johor rest days switch
Johor rest days switch
The Johor state government has decided to change its weekend days to Friday and Saturday from the traditional Saturday and Sunday.
The Johor State government has announced that come January, weekends will start on Friday instead of Saturday. And the start of the work week will fall on a Sunday.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The Johor state government has decided to change its weekend days to Friday and Saturday from the traditional Saturday and Sunday.
The Johor State government has announced that come January, weekends will start on Friday instead of Saturday. And the start of the work week will fall on a Sunday.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Monday 18 November 2013
Senai airport public transport blues
Airport public transport blues
Senai International Airport received 101,927 passengers last year, almost a fivefold increase from 2011.
The volume is expected to increase further as Indonesian airline Citilink is expected to commence its operations soon, connecting Senai with four Indonesian cities -- Bandung, Surabaya, Denpasar and Medan.
The hike in passenger volume is good news for the state tourism industry. But, how prepared are we to handle such a large number of visitors?
Using the quantity and quality of public transport to and from the airport as the benchmark, we can get a rough picture of how prepared we are in coping with the increasing number of air passengers.
Besides taxis, there is an airport shuttle connecting the airport and JB Sentral.
The service, courtesy of Air Asia, is free for Air Asia passengers while other people will have to pay a flat rate of RM8 for the 30-minute journey, or slightly longer depending on the traffic situation.
The service is only convenient for passengers whose destinations are the airport or JB Sentral.
With regards to stage buses, I was told that a bus company offers one bus for the Larkin-Senai-Larkin route. This means passengers will have to wait for more than an hour if they miss the bus at the airport or Larkin Terminal.
So, forget about the service if you are rushing for a flight.
There is another bus connecting Kulai and the Senai Airport. However, very few passengers are seen onboard as the TransIskandar Bus Service is running on a social route (i.e. a route with very few passengers).
As more than half of the flight services at the airport is provided by the low-cost carrier, Air Asia, I presume many of these travellers would not want to take a cab to or from the airport.
A trip from my office in Bandar Baru Uda to the airport easily costs RM42, inclusive of the RM12 surcharge. This is high for low-cost carrier passengers.
Too bad the airport is not linked by high-speed train such as at Kuala Lumpur International Airport or mass rapid transit at Changi Airport, Singapore.
To welcome tourists, more choices and greater frequency of public transport should be provided at the airport for the convenience of passengers.
When tourists find that it not cost-effective to use the airport to get to their destinations in Johor, they will probably opt for the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang or Changi Airport.
There are many bus lanes in the airport, which I believe are not meant for display. I hope the state Tourism Department, Tourism Malaysia, Senai Airport management and other agencies will look into this matter seriously. I want the airport to have impressive write-ups in websites such as Wikitravel or TripAdvisor.
There is a need for more cost-effective public transport at the airport.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Senai International Airport received 101,927 passengers last year, almost a fivefold increase from 2011.
The volume is expected to increase further as Indonesian airline Citilink is expected to commence its operations soon, connecting Senai with four Indonesian cities -- Bandung, Surabaya, Denpasar and Medan.
The hike in passenger volume is good news for the state tourism industry. But, how prepared are we to handle such a large number of visitors?
Using the quantity and quality of public transport to and from the airport as the benchmark, we can get a rough picture of how prepared we are in coping with the increasing number of air passengers.
Besides taxis, there is an airport shuttle connecting the airport and JB Sentral.
The service, courtesy of Air Asia, is free for Air Asia passengers while other people will have to pay a flat rate of RM8 for the 30-minute journey, or slightly longer depending on the traffic situation.
The service is only convenient for passengers whose destinations are the airport or JB Sentral.
With regards to stage buses, I was told that a bus company offers one bus for the Larkin-Senai-Larkin route. This means passengers will have to wait for more than an hour if they miss the bus at the airport or Larkin Terminal.
So, forget about the service if you are rushing for a flight.
There is another bus connecting Kulai and the Senai Airport. However, very few passengers are seen onboard as the TransIskandar Bus Service is running on a social route (i.e. a route with very few passengers).
As more than half of the flight services at the airport is provided by the low-cost carrier, Air Asia, I presume many of these travellers would not want to take a cab to or from the airport.
A trip from my office in Bandar Baru Uda to the airport easily costs RM42, inclusive of the RM12 surcharge. This is high for low-cost carrier passengers.
Too bad the airport is not linked by high-speed train such as at Kuala Lumpur International Airport or mass rapid transit at Changi Airport, Singapore.
To welcome tourists, more choices and greater frequency of public transport should be provided at the airport for the convenience of passengers.
When tourists find that it not cost-effective to use the airport to get to their destinations in Johor, they will probably opt for the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang or Changi Airport.
There are many bus lanes in the airport, which I believe are not meant for display. I hope the state Tourism Department, Tourism Malaysia, Senai Airport management and other agencies will look into this matter seriously. I want the airport to have impressive write-ups in websites such as Wikitravel or TripAdvisor.
There is a need for more cost-effective public transport at the airport.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Thursday 14 November 2013
New stores at shoppers' paradise
New stores at shoppers' paradise
Johor Premium Outlets, the first Premium Outlet Center in Southeast Asia, will open new stores on Nov 15 as part of Phase II of its expansion.
Comprising over 9,290.3 sq m this exciting addition to the shopping centre will feature 40 stores, bringing the total number of shops to 120.
New stores include Aigner, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Beauty Scents, Bread & Butter, Columbia, Cotton On Kids, Florsheim, Furla, Hugo Boss, Hush Puppies, Kate Spade, LeSportsac, Pan-West, Sacoor Brothers, Sembonia, Springfield, Stride Rite, Sunglass Hut, Swatch and World of Outdoors. Additional brands will be announced later.
Johor Premium Outlets general manager Jean Marie Pin Harry said that the outlet appreciates the support of the merchant community and their confidence in Johor Premium Outlets.
"The expansion of Johor Premium Outlets will offer residents and visitors an enhanced shopping experience, providing shoppers with even more designer labels and leading brands at impressive prices, all in one location," she said.
As the first outlet in Southeast Asia, Johor Premium Outlets has been a great addition to the state of Johor, shaping the retail landscape and attracting crowds of people to the Johor area.
Since its opening in 2011, Johor Premium Outlets has become a major shopping destination attracting millions of visitors from around the region.
For details, visit www.premiumoutlets.com.my.
An aerial view from the outlet’s secondary tower.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Johor Premium Outlets, the first Premium Outlet Center in Southeast Asia, will open new stores on Nov 15 as part of Phase II of its expansion.
Comprising over 9,290.3 sq m this exciting addition to the shopping centre will feature 40 stores, bringing the total number of shops to 120.
New stores include Aigner, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Beauty Scents, Bread & Butter, Columbia, Cotton On Kids, Florsheim, Furla, Hugo Boss, Hush Puppies, Kate Spade, LeSportsac, Pan-West, Sacoor Brothers, Sembonia, Springfield, Stride Rite, Sunglass Hut, Swatch and World of Outdoors. Additional brands will be announced later.
Johor Premium Outlets general manager Jean Marie Pin Harry said that the outlet appreciates the support of the merchant community and their confidence in Johor Premium Outlets.
"The expansion of Johor Premium Outlets will offer residents and visitors an enhanced shopping experience, providing shoppers with even more designer labels and leading brands at impressive prices, all in one location," she said.
As the first outlet in Southeast Asia, Johor Premium Outlets has been a great addition to the state of Johor, shaping the retail landscape and attracting crowds of people to the Johor area.
Since its opening in 2011, Johor Premium Outlets has become a major shopping destination attracting millions of visitors from around the region.
For details, visit www.premiumoutlets.com.my.
An aerial view from the outlet’s secondary tower.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Going to the heart of Legoland
Going to the heart of Legoland
The Legoland Hotel, which is part of the Legoland Malaysia Resort, is open for reservations. The hotel, which opens later this month, is also having a special pre-opening promotion for guests.
The hotel will welcome its first guests on Nov 29, just in-time for the school holidays.
The opening of the hotel will complete the transformation of Legoland into a resort which brings together the theme park, water park and hotel in one location with more than 70 rides, slides, shows and other attractions.
"This is a milestone for Legoland Malaysia Resort and we are very excited about welcoming the first guests to the hotel for the school holidays as we are ahead of schedule. Guests will be able to enjoy the Legoland experience for a longer period," said Legoland Malaysia general manager Siegfried Boerst.
The family package includes breakfasts and two-day combo tickets for two adults and two children. Combo tickets provide access to the theme park and the water park, which was opened last month, and allow guests to move freely between the two.
Lego features are found throughout the hotel which offers 249 themed bedrooms. Guests have the choice of playing pirate, commanding a kingdom or embarking on an adventure.
All rooms include a king-sized bed for the grown-ups, and a separate semi-private sleeping area for up to three children, complete with a bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed and entertainment unit.
Guests will also find an impressive display of 12,528 Lego mini figures behind the check-in desk.
The Legoland Hotel is at the heart of the Legoland Malaysia Resort. Other hotel facilities include a children's play area which is brimming with interactive Lego games and activities with over 100,000 Lego bricks, swimming and wading salt water pools that can be enjoyed by the whole family and 154 parking bays for hotel guests.
The hotel also features the Skyline Bar, a Lego retail outlet, the Courtyard Gardens, a business centre, prayer rooms and disabled-friendly guest rooms.
Legoland annual pass holders can book room-only packages at a special rate by calling the hotel reservation team at 07-597 8888.
Legoland Malaysia has two theme parks and a hotel.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
The Legoland Hotel, which is part of the Legoland Malaysia Resort, is open for reservations. The hotel, which opens later this month, is also having a special pre-opening promotion for guests.
The hotel will welcome its first guests on Nov 29, just in-time for the school holidays.
The opening of the hotel will complete the transformation of Legoland into a resort which brings together the theme park, water park and hotel in one location with more than 70 rides, slides, shows and other attractions.
"This is a milestone for Legoland Malaysia Resort and we are very excited about welcoming the first guests to the hotel for the school holidays as we are ahead of schedule. Guests will be able to enjoy the Legoland experience for a longer period," said Legoland Malaysia general manager Siegfried Boerst.
The family package includes breakfasts and two-day combo tickets for two adults and two children. Combo tickets provide access to the theme park and the water park, which was opened last month, and allow guests to move freely between the two.
Lego features are found throughout the hotel which offers 249 themed bedrooms. Guests have the choice of playing pirate, commanding a kingdom or embarking on an adventure.
All rooms include a king-sized bed for the grown-ups, and a separate semi-private sleeping area for up to three children, complete with a bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed and entertainment unit.
Guests will also find an impressive display of 12,528 Lego mini figures behind the check-in desk.
The Legoland Hotel is at the heart of the Legoland Malaysia Resort. Other hotel facilities include a children's play area which is brimming with interactive Lego games and activities with over 100,000 Lego bricks, swimming and wading salt water pools that can be enjoyed by the whole family and 154 parking bays for hotel guests.
The hotel also features the Skyline Bar, a Lego retail outlet, the Courtyard Gardens, a business centre, prayer rooms and disabled-friendly guest rooms.
Legoland annual pass holders can book room-only packages at a special rate by calling the hotel reservation team at 07-597 8888.
Legoland Malaysia has two theme parks and a hotel.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
RM700 million for eco-tourism
RM700 million for eco-tourism
Johor and Malacca will join hands to develop a RM700 million inter-state eco-tourism project focusing on coastal, river and mangrove ecology.
The plan to tap the natural resources of the two states is in the Malacca-Johor Coastal and River Development Project 2014-2016.
Such development will open a new chapter for Johor tourism, particularly in Muar.
Under the plan, the fishing villages in Kesang Laut and Gersik in Muar, together with Sungai Rambai in Malacca, will have several seafood restaurants and handicraft stores for the convenience of tourists.
Existing jetties for fishermen along Sungai Muar will also be upgraded for tourists.
Serom state assemblyman Abdul Razak Minhat said such cooperation is lauded as Muar despite having many tourist attractions has often been overlooked in the past.
He said Sungai Muar has a panaromic view which is sure to fascinate eco-tourists.
"We have fireflies, seafood, orchards, homestays and aqua culture which is sure to attract tourists. The river also has plenty of prawns. This will attract anglers.
"By using boats as a means of transport between Sungai Rambai in Malacca and Gersik in Muar, with stopovers in between, I am sure we can sell our products well," he said.
The boat journey from Malacca to Muar is estimated at between four and five hours.
There will be a homestay programme in Gersik for the convenience of tourists who want to experience tranquility and the simple life in a rural area before making their trip back to Malacca the next day.
He said the project will benefit fishermen in Kesang Laut and Serom, as demand for their catch will increase with more eateries opening up.
"At Kesang Laut, we plan to set up a resort and upgrade the existing recreational facilities. Ultimately, we hope to turn Kesang Laut into a seafood paradise.
"We also plan to build a resort in Gersik," he said.
A beautification project will also be launched to ensure the riverbank is clean.
Abdul Razak Minhat on a boat ride as he identifies suitable areas for development.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Johor and Malacca will join hands to develop a RM700 million inter-state eco-tourism project focusing on coastal, river and mangrove ecology.
The plan to tap the natural resources of the two states is in the Malacca-Johor Coastal and River Development Project 2014-2016.
Such development will open a new chapter for Johor tourism, particularly in Muar.
Under the plan, the fishing villages in Kesang Laut and Gersik in Muar, together with Sungai Rambai in Malacca, will have several seafood restaurants and handicraft stores for the convenience of tourists.
Existing jetties for fishermen along Sungai Muar will also be upgraded for tourists.
Serom state assemblyman Abdul Razak Minhat said such cooperation is lauded as Muar despite having many tourist attractions has often been overlooked in the past.
He said Sungai Muar has a panaromic view which is sure to fascinate eco-tourists.
"We have fireflies, seafood, orchards, homestays and aqua culture which is sure to attract tourists. The river also has plenty of prawns. This will attract anglers.
"By using boats as a means of transport between Sungai Rambai in Malacca and Gersik in Muar, with stopovers in between, I am sure we can sell our products well," he said.
The boat journey from Malacca to Muar is estimated at between four and five hours.
There will be a homestay programme in Gersik for the convenience of tourists who want to experience tranquility and the simple life in a rural area before making their trip back to Malacca the next day.
He said the project will benefit fishermen in Kesang Laut and Serom, as demand for their catch will increase with more eateries opening up.
"At Kesang Laut, we plan to set up a resort and upgrade the existing recreational facilities. Ultimately, we hope to turn Kesang Laut into a seafood paradise.
"We also plan to build a resort in Gersik," he said.
A beautification project will also be launched to ensure the riverbank is clean.
Abdul Razak Minhat on a boat ride as he identifies suitable areas for development.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Finally, Muar's foothold in tourism
Finally, Muar's foothold in tourism
Muar is like a step son as far as Johor tourism development is concerned.
It looked even more like one after all the mega tourist destinations in Johor Baru opened their doors one after another since last year.
First, we had the Johor Premium Outlets, followed by the Legoland Theme Park which attracts foreign tourists like never before.
The next tourist destination for foreigners after Johor Baru is Malacca, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Penang before concluding their Malaysian tour.
Muar is always given the miss despite its proximity to Malacca. It hardly enjoys any spillovers or any of the tourism crumbs from the vast tourist arrivals in Malacca. Blame it on feng shui if you want, but Muar is no less an attraction compared with other tourist destinations in the state.
It is probably the only district which has published books on travel and food guide on its own.
I reviewed one of the books which I have been told is selling like hot cakes. Muar is Singaporeans' favourite destination.
Every weekend, it is common to see chartered vans and buses from across the Causeway to this royal town.
Usually, their one-day tour includes temple visits and savouring the local delicacy which needs no introduction.
However, Muar needs more than just Singaporeans.
Over the years, I have written many articles on Muar including fruit farming in Bukit Pasir and Bukit Mor; traditional delicacies such as cakar ayam in Kampung Parit Yusof; historical sites of Kota Buruk and Kota Biawak Busuk; oyster farming in Parit Tiram; bird-watching and seafood in Parit Jawa; as well as on a wide array of food and other tourist sites.
Muar has so much to offer but I wondered if there is any effort at all by the state government to promote the district, more so when the focus now is on Iskandar Malaysia.
So, when I heard about the Malacca-Muar Coastal and Riverine Development Project 2014-2016, I felt that there was hope for Muar.
Under the project, Johor and Malacca will join hands to develop a RM700-million inter-state eco-tourism project focusing on the coastal, riverine and mangrove ecology.
Using boats as the means of transport, tourists coming to Malacca will have a new tourism option, that is to explore the coastal and riverine attractions of both Malacca and Muar.
Although such a tour will only appeal to a certain class of tourists, this is already the first step in the right direction in promoting Muar.
In fact, such a symbiotic cooperation is needed in promoting Muar as the district will have to count on those tourists coming to Malacca.
Such a unique tour will also appeal to domestic tourists like me as there has never been any tours of such kind.
I look forward to the realisation of this project.
Gunung Ledang’s forest are featured in the book ‘Impressions of Muar’.
The Malacca-Muar Coastal and Riverine Development Project 2014-2016 when complete will appeal to tourists who enjoy river cruises. File pix
The captivating evening view of Parit Jawa.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Muar is like a step son as far as Johor tourism development is concerned.
It looked even more like one after all the mega tourist destinations in Johor Baru opened their doors one after another since last year.
First, we had the Johor Premium Outlets, followed by the Legoland Theme Park which attracts foreign tourists like never before.
The next tourist destination for foreigners after Johor Baru is Malacca, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Penang before concluding their Malaysian tour.
Muar is always given the miss despite its proximity to Malacca. It hardly enjoys any spillovers or any of the tourism crumbs from the vast tourist arrivals in Malacca. Blame it on feng shui if you want, but Muar is no less an attraction compared with other tourist destinations in the state.
It is probably the only district which has published books on travel and food guide on its own.
I reviewed one of the books which I have been told is selling like hot cakes. Muar is Singaporeans' favourite destination.
Every weekend, it is common to see chartered vans and buses from across the Causeway to this royal town.
Usually, their one-day tour includes temple visits and savouring the local delicacy which needs no introduction.
However, Muar needs more than just Singaporeans.
Over the years, I have written many articles on Muar including fruit farming in Bukit Pasir and Bukit Mor; traditional delicacies such as cakar ayam in Kampung Parit Yusof; historical sites of Kota Buruk and Kota Biawak Busuk; oyster farming in Parit Tiram; bird-watching and seafood in Parit Jawa; as well as on a wide array of food and other tourist sites.
Muar has so much to offer but I wondered if there is any effort at all by the state government to promote the district, more so when the focus now is on Iskandar Malaysia.
So, when I heard about the Malacca-Muar Coastal and Riverine Development Project 2014-2016, I felt that there was hope for Muar.
Under the project, Johor and Malacca will join hands to develop a RM700-million inter-state eco-tourism project focusing on the coastal, riverine and mangrove ecology.
Using boats as the means of transport, tourists coming to Malacca will have a new tourism option, that is to explore the coastal and riverine attractions of both Malacca and Muar.
Although such a tour will only appeal to a certain class of tourists, this is already the first step in the right direction in promoting Muar.
In fact, such a symbiotic cooperation is needed in promoting Muar as the district will have to count on those tourists coming to Malacca.
Such a unique tour will also appeal to domestic tourists like me as there has never been any tours of such kind.
I look forward to the realisation of this project.
Gunung Ledang’s forest are featured in the book ‘Impressions of Muar’.
The Malacca-Muar Coastal and Riverine Development Project 2014-2016 when complete will appeal to tourists who enjoy river cruises. File pix
The captivating evening view of Parit Jawa.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Saturday 2 November 2013
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