More people will use Second Link after toll rates are reduced
Small-time business operators within the Second Link area are looking forward to getting more customers and better profits following the Government’s announcement of its decision to reduce toll charges beginning Aug 1.
Many believe that the move will spur more people to use the Second Link, which has been under utilised due to its high toll rates compared to the Causeway in Johor Baru.
Businessman Misran Sapan, 50, said the number of people using the highway had declined drastically since 2008 when the toll rates were revised upwards by at least 60%.
“With this latest news from the Government, hopefully more people will use this link and this will help translate into better business for us,” said the fruit-seller operating at a rest area along the Second Link.
Another trader Wong Fook Ling, 32, said that presently most of his customers were bus passengers as most tourist buses preferred the Second Link, which was not congested.
“A lot of people complain about the traffic jam in Johor Bahru and prefer to pay a bit more to use this link,” he said, adding that he expected business to pick up soon after the new toll rates start.
For putu mayam seller Jiva Nantam, 45, the Government’s decision was timely as there was a vast difference in toll rates between the Second Link and Causeway.
Lowering the toll rates on the Second Link would be good for our business, he added.
A Singaporean who wished to be known only as Tan, 52, said he used the Second Link only for work as he could claim for the toll.
“During family outings on weekends, I use the Causeway because it is much cheaper,” he said.
He said if the toll rates at the Second Link was made similar to the Causeway, many Singaporeans would likely bypass Johor Baru and head to Malacca and other neighbouring states, adding that this would hurt Johor’s economy.
Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong announced a 30% reduction in toll rates to boost people-to-people relations.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
RM1m revenue from homestay programme
Johor eyes RM1m revenue from homestay programme
Johor is aiming for more than RM1mil in revenue from the homestay eco-tourism sector this year, state Tourism Committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang said.
The eco-tourism homestay was among a host of initiatives to promote tourism in Johor, he said.
He said the state hoped to double the earnings from the homestay sector which currently only accounted for 10% of the state’s total tourism income.
“The sector is growing steadily and we are confident that we can achieve this target,” he told a press conference after launching the tourism seminar for secondary school students here on Monday.
Hoo said the state would increase its number of homestay locations which presently stood at 15 and planned to target foreign travellers as much as domestic tourists.
“Johor accounts for more than 50% of the country’s foreign tourist arrival booked for a homestay. Out of 5,479 visitors, 3,120 opted for homestays in Johor.
“Our niche markets are Japanese and Singaporean tourists,” he said.
He said the state was also planning to promote homestay through the new tourist information centre that was expected to start operations by end of next month.
On a separate matter, Hoo said Johor aimed to increase the number of tourism clubs in schools where currently 1,400 students were members of 21 clubs statewide.
“The younger generation, especially students, need to realise the potential of the tourism industry in Malaysia. It can provide various career prospects,” he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Johor is aiming for more than RM1mil in revenue from the homestay eco-tourism sector this year, state Tourism Committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang said.
The eco-tourism homestay was among a host of initiatives to promote tourism in Johor, he said.
He said the state hoped to double the earnings from the homestay sector which currently only accounted for 10% of the state’s total tourism income.
“The sector is growing steadily and we are confident that we can achieve this target,” he told a press conference after launching the tourism seminar for secondary school students here on Monday.
Hoo said the state would increase its number of homestay locations which presently stood at 15 and planned to target foreign travellers as much as domestic tourists.
“Johor accounts for more than 50% of the country’s foreign tourist arrival booked for a homestay. Out of 5,479 visitors, 3,120 opted for homestays in Johor.
“Our niche markets are Japanese and Singaporean tourists,” he said.
He said the state was also planning to promote homestay through the new tourist information centre that was expected to start operations by end of next month.
On a separate matter, Hoo said Johor aimed to increase the number of tourism clubs in schools where currently 1,400 students were members of 21 clubs statewide.
“The younger generation, especially students, need to realise the potential of the tourism industry in Malaysia. It can provide various career prospects,” he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Crystal waters and vibrant undersea gardens
Crystal blue waters and vibrant undersea gardens
TIOMAN ISLAND: Kampung Salang, located on the northwest of Tioman Island, is a diving haven for both foreign and local tourists.
Every year between the month of May and August, scores of diving enthusiasts make a beeline for the village.
Salang is renowned for its clear waters, high underwater visibility, myriad corals and marine animals, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.
It is also close to Monkey Bay and Tulai Island, which are popular for their pristine beaches and vibrant undersea gardens, in addition to other diving sites such as Soyak Island, Varella Wreck and Layang-Layang Cave, an underwater rock formation.
There is a variety of chalets from as low as RM40 a night and restaurants offering Western and local food along with a scenic sunset view.
Salang is renowned for its clear waters, high underwater visibility, myriad corals and marine animals, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.
It is also close to Monkey Bay and Tulai Island, which are popular for their pristine beaches and vibrant undersea gardens, in addition to other diving sites such as Soyak Island, Varella Wreck and Layang-Layang Cave, an underwater rock formation.
There is a variety of chalets from as low as RM40 a night and restaurants offering Western and local food along with a scenic sunset view.
There are also numerous dive shops offering packages that cover island hopping, sightseeing, snorkelling and underwater exploration activities.
Tioman assemblyman Datuk Mohd Johari Hussain said the village was well equipped with basic facilities such as the Salang Complex, a surau, police station, mini markets, restaurants and dive shops.
“Tioman Island has over 20 popular diving sites and is one of the most sought-after destination among international scuba divers.
“The state government and Tioman Development Authority will continue to promote and support all sea-related activities on the island,” he said, assuring that any development would take into consideration the island’s natural surroundings so that it would not adversely impact the environment and marine life.
Tioman is one of the cluster of islands gazetted as a marine park besides Tulai, Chebeh, Sepoi, Labas, Sembilang, Seri Buat, Tokong Bahara and Gut as a sanctuary for the coral reef community.
British tourist Stephen Smith, 23, said he enjoyed his two-week stay at Tioman Island, particularly in Salang and ABC (Kampung Air Batang).
He had initially planned to stay in Malaysia for two weeks only but extended his stay in the country to a month as he was captivated by the “good food, nice weather and friendly people.”
“I find Tioman Island pretty fun to explore and relaxing. It has fantastic beaches,” he said, adding that more should be done by the authorities to preserve the beauty of the island.
Another backpacker, Jack Tonkin, 22, said the weather was humid but not as hot as he had expected.
“This is my first time in Malaysia and I love the experience, especially snorkelling and diving in Tioman’s clear waters with plenty to see.”
Salang Pusaka Resort managing director Abdul Khalid Mohamad said the months of June to August recorded the most number of visitors, with locals making up half of the guests staying at his chalets.
He said the resort also conducted activities such as snorkelling, diving and fishing trips.
“We also host events such as a scuba diving camp and other introductory diving courses to promote the island and state as a whole,” he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
TIOMAN ISLAND: Kampung Salang, located on the northwest of Tioman Island, is a diving haven for both foreign and local tourists.
Every year between the month of May and August, scores of diving enthusiasts make a beeline for the village.
Salang is renowned for its clear waters, high underwater visibility, myriad corals and marine animals, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.
It is also close to Monkey Bay and Tulai Island, which are popular for their pristine beaches and vibrant undersea gardens, in addition to other diving sites such as Soyak Island, Varella Wreck and Layang-Layang Cave, an underwater rock formation.
There is a variety of chalets from as low as RM40 a night and restaurants offering Western and local food along with a scenic sunset view.
Salang is renowned for its clear waters, high underwater visibility, myriad corals and marine animals, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.
It is also close to Monkey Bay and Tulai Island, which are popular for their pristine beaches and vibrant undersea gardens, in addition to other diving sites such as Soyak Island, Varella Wreck and Layang-Layang Cave, an underwater rock formation.
There is a variety of chalets from as low as RM40 a night and restaurants offering Western and local food along with a scenic sunset view.
There are also numerous dive shops offering packages that cover island hopping, sightseeing, snorkelling and underwater exploration activities.
Tioman assemblyman Datuk Mohd Johari Hussain said the village was well equipped with basic facilities such as the Salang Complex, a surau, police station, mini markets, restaurants and dive shops.
“Tioman Island has over 20 popular diving sites and is one of the most sought-after destination among international scuba divers.
“The state government and Tioman Development Authority will continue to promote and support all sea-related activities on the island,” he said, assuring that any development would take into consideration the island’s natural surroundings so that it would not adversely impact the environment and marine life.
Tioman is one of the cluster of islands gazetted as a marine park besides Tulai, Chebeh, Sepoi, Labas, Sembilang, Seri Buat, Tokong Bahara and Gut as a sanctuary for the coral reef community.
British tourist Stephen Smith, 23, said he enjoyed his two-week stay at Tioman Island, particularly in Salang and ABC (Kampung Air Batang).
He had initially planned to stay in Malaysia for two weeks only but extended his stay in the country to a month as he was captivated by the “good food, nice weather and friendly people.”
“I find Tioman Island pretty fun to explore and relaxing. It has fantastic beaches,” he said, adding that more should be done by the authorities to preserve the beauty of the island.
Another backpacker, Jack Tonkin, 22, said the weather was humid but not as hot as he had expected.
“This is my first time in Malaysia and I love the experience, especially snorkelling and diving in Tioman’s clear waters with plenty to see.”
Salang Pusaka Resort managing director Abdul Khalid Mohamad said the months of June to August recorded the most number of visitors, with locals making up half of the guests staying at his chalets.
He said the resort also conducted activities such as snorkelling, diving and fishing trips.
“We also host events such as a scuba diving camp and other introductory diving courses to promote the island and state as a whole,” he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Call of the wild
Call of the wild
ENDAU: The Endau-Rompin National Park hopes to get 10,000 visitors by the end of this year, relying on its many attractions including camping, white water rafting, jungle trekking, birdwatching, boat rides and nature photography.
Johor National Parks Corporation (PTNJ) director Abu Bakar Mohamed Salleh hoped to see a 66% increase in visitors from the figure of 6,000 visitors last year.
“So far, there have been about 4,000 visitors.
“We want to promote the national park as a nature and adventure tourism spot,” he said.
He said the entire Endau-Rompin National Park covered a total area of 48,905ha, spread over Segamat and Mersing.
He pointed out that the Mersing half of the park spanning 19,000ha was among the oldest virgin rainforests in the world, at over 240 million years old, making it a prime tourist attraction in Pahang.
He also highlighted that the park offered five family chalets and four standard chalets in Kuala Jasin, an area that overlooked the convergence of Sungai Jasin and Sungai Endau.
The family chalet can accommodate six people while the standard chalet accommodates two persons.
“Among the places of interest within the park are Tasik Air Biru with crystal-clear water,” said Abu Bakar.
He said the lake had an abundance of fish including the Asian Boneytongue or kelisa (scleropages formosus).
Visitors could also check out the strange rock formations at Upeh Guling which was about two hours’ trek from Kuala Jasin, he said.
“The rainforest is home to an abundance of fauna, too, with over 120 elephants and 11 tigers among some of the big mammals roaming the forest.
“Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of elephants, deer and monkeys.
“We also have 37 species of snakes, 36 species of lizards, 57 species of frogs in addition to the 95 species of mammals here,” he said.
“Apart from the natural attraction, there is a Nature Education and Research Centre (NERC) for researchers to stay at and conduct their studies in the park. The NERC consists of three family chalets, a dormitory that can house 128 people as well as a library, research facilities and Internet link,” he said.
A three days/two nights stay at the park would cost RM280 per person inclusive of transport, food and activities, he added.
For enquiries on the national park, visit www.johorparks.com.my or call 07-788 2812.
-News courtesy of The Star-
ENDAU: The Endau-Rompin National Park hopes to get 10,000 visitors by the end of this year, relying on its many attractions including camping, white water rafting, jungle trekking, birdwatching, boat rides and nature photography.
Johor National Parks Corporation (PTNJ) director Abu Bakar Mohamed Salleh hoped to see a 66% increase in visitors from the figure of 6,000 visitors last year.
“So far, there have been about 4,000 visitors.
“We want to promote the national park as a nature and adventure tourism spot,” he said.
He said the entire Endau-Rompin National Park covered a total area of 48,905ha, spread over Segamat and Mersing.
He pointed out that the Mersing half of the park spanning 19,000ha was among the oldest virgin rainforests in the world, at over 240 million years old, making it a prime tourist attraction in Pahang.
He also highlighted that the park offered five family chalets and four standard chalets in Kuala Jasin, an area that overlooked the convergence of Sungai Jasin and Sungai Endau.
The family chalet can accommodate six people while the standard chalet accommodates two persons.
“Among the places of interest within the park are Tasik Air Biru with crystal-clear water,” said Abu Bakar.
He said the lake had an abundance of fish including the Asian Boneytongue or kelisa (scleropages formosus).
Visitors could also check out the strange rock formations at Upeh Guling which was about two hours’ trek from Kuala Jasin, he said.
“The rainforest is home to an abundance of fauna, too, with over 120 elephants and 11 tigers among some of the big mammals roaming the forest.
“Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of elephants, deer and monkeys.
“We also have 37 species of snakes, 36 species of lizards, 57 species of frogs in addition to the 95 species of mammals here,” he said.
“Apart from the natural attraction, there is a Nature Education and Research Centre (NERC) for researchers to stay at and conduct their studies in the park. The NERC consists of three family chalets, a dormitory that can house 128 people as well as a library, research facilities and Internet link,” he said.
A three days/two nights stay at the park would cost RM280 per person inclusive of transport, food and activities, he added.
For enquiries on the national park, visit www.johorparks.com.my or call 07-788 2812.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Friday, 25 June 2010
New Outlook
Our blog has changed into a new outlook, we will still be providing the tourist information of Johor, all feedback and suggestions are welcome.
So sit back and relax!
So sit back and relax!
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Longest arts and music festival
Longest arts and music festival to be held at Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim
The 71-year-old Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim will come alive with culture, arts and music performances as the Johor Baru Arts Festival kicks off at the end of the month.
Festival director Suzie Yap said the three-week long arts festival, which begins on June 29 will be the longest art festival in the country.
“The festival covers all disciplines of performing arts including theatre, drama, modern and cultural dances, and local bands,” she told a press conference here recently.
She said the arts festival would take off with a performance by the Australian Boys Choir accompanied by the Hwa Chong Institution String Quartet at Wong Shee Fun Memorial Hall, Wisma Tiong Hua.
“This will be the only performance outside the grounds of the iconic Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim, as all other performances will take place on the main stage,” she said.
She said that throughout the event there would be entertaining performances including from local rock band, Amelia.
“We will also be showing a historical play entitled Bumi Berlantai Permata, which tells of the birth of modern Johor, the bejewelled state,” she said.
She added that other performances included a special Wushu and dance performance, Farewell My Concubine, which would be performed by the Lee Wushu Arts Theatre.
There will also be the Rock Unite Indie Spirit concert featuring local indie bands, Deserters, John’s Mistress and Mystery Call, along with five other independent local bands, said Yap.
Johor Tourism Department director Jabar Tahir said the arts festival was one of the events that would be able to lure in tourists, especially from Singapore.
“We hope to attract music and performing arts fans from all over the country to come and watch the shows,” he said, adding that he hoped at least 6,000 tourists would visit the state for the event.
Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, who is also the events advisor, said the Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim was selected as the venue this year as it was an icon of historical Johor.
“Our state is rich in heritage and tradition and the building will lend a stunning backdrop to the event,” he said.
He said the arts festival was a good platform to showcase Malaysian culture and arts.
“We hope to get more states involved in cultural performances for future arts festivals,” he said.
For tickets and details, call 019-716 9900 or 019-713 9900.
-News courtesy of The Star-
The 71-year-old Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim will come alive with culture, arts and music performances as the Johor Baru Arts Festival kicks off at the end of the month.
Festival director Suzie Yap said the three-week long arts festival, which begins on June 29 will be the longest art festival in the country.
“The festival covers all disciplines of performing arts including theatre, drama, modern and cultural dances, and local bands,” she told a press conference here recently.
She said the arts festival would take off with a performance by the Australian Boys Choir accompanied by the Hwa Chong Institution String Quartet at Wong Shee Fun Memorial Hall, Wisma Tiong Hua.
“This will be the only performance outside the grounds of the iconic Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim, as all other performances will take place on the main stage,” she said.
She said that throughout the event there would be entertaining performances including from local rock band, Amelia.
“We will also be showing a historical play entitled Bumi Berlantai Permata, which tells of the birth of modern Johor, the bejewelled state,” she said.
She added that other performances included a special Wushu and dance performance, Farewell My Concubine, which would be performed by the Lee Wushu Arts Theatre.
There will also be the Rock Unite Indie Spirit concert featuring local indie bands, Deserters, John’s Mistress and Mystery Call, along with five other independent local bands, said Yap.
Johor Tourism Department director Jabar Tahir said the arts festival was one of the events that would be able to lure in tourists, especially from Singapore.
“We hope to attract music and performing arts fans from all over the country to come and watch the shows,” he said, adding that he hoped at least 6,000 tourists would visit the state for the event.
Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, who is also the events advisor, said the Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim was selected as the venue this year as it was an icon of historical Johor.
“Our state is rich in heritage and tradition and the building will lend a stunning backdrop to the event,” he said.
He said the arts festival was a good platform to showcase Malaysian culture and arts.
“We hope to get more states involved in cultural performances for future arts festivals,” he said.
For tickets and details, call 019-716 9900 or 019-713 9900.
-News courtesy of The Star-
New planetarium and research centre
Johor to build a planetarium and research centre in Iskandar Malaysia
The Johor Government is planning to build a planetarium and a state science centre in Iskandar Malaysia.
Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the state aimed to encourage the growth of astronomy and science and the construction of both the facilities would help achieve this goal.
“A giant telescope is among the facilities planned for the planetarium.
“It will also have an exhibition hall as well as a viewing gallery,” he said in his speech, which was read out by Johor Local Government, Housing, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil, during the launch of the Johor Science Week.
Abdul Ghani hoped the planetarium would be a centre for scientific research and learning, and described the projects as being in line with transforming the state government into an electronic government.
He said the state government had been able to develop the state’s ICT capabilities through government departments, such as the Financial Advice System (e-FAS), which was used by the state’s finance unit.
“The system manages details of payments issued by the state government to suppliers as well as civil personnel.
“The information can be sent through fax, e-mail as well as text messages,” he said, adding that the system had enabled finance operation to be conducted efficiently.
He said the state government was also in the process of developing a feedback system through text messages.
Abdul Ghani also announced that Petrosains Sdn Bhd would bring its Dinotrek 2 dinosaur exhibition to Johor next year.
-News courtesy of The Star-
The Johor Government is planning to build a planetarium and a state science centre in Iskandar Malaysia.
Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the state aimed to encourage the growth of astronomy and science and the construction of both the facilities would help achieve this goal.
“A giant telescope is among the facilities planned for the planetarium.
“It will also have an exhibition hall as well as a viewing gallery,” he said in his speech, which was read out by Johor Local Government, Housing, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil, during the launch of the Johor Science Week.
Abdul Ghani hoped the planetarium would be a centre for scientific research and learning, and described the projects as being in line with transforming the state government into an electronic government.
He said the state government had been able to develop the state’s ICT capabilities through government departments, such as the Financial Advice System (e-FAS), which was used by the state’s finance unit.
“The system manages details of payments issued by the state government to suppliers as well as civil personnel.
“The information can be sent through fax, e-mail as well as text messages,” he said, adding that the system had enabled finance operation to be conducted efficiently.
He said the state government was also in the process of developing a feedback system through text messages.
Abdul Ghani also announced that Petrosains Sdn Bhd would bring its Dinotrek 2 dinosaur exhibition to Johor next year.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Lower 2nd Link tolls from Aug
Lower Second Link tolls from Aug
From Aug 1, tolls will be reduced by 30 per cent at the Second Link at Tuas, the prime ministers of Singapore and Malaysia announced yesterday.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak met in Putrajaya yesterday, to follow up on bilateral issues discussed at their retreat in Singapore last month.
They had announced then that tolls would be reduced, but that the size of the cut had not been made public at the time.
Currently, tolls at the Second Link can come up to at least $9, more costly than tolls at the Causeway, which amount to about only $2.40. The cut in tolls is among a slew of measures that both countries will take to improve transport links between them.
-News courtesy of Omy-
From Aug 1, tolls will be reduced by 30 per cent at the Second Link at Tuas, the prime ministers of Singapore and Malaysia announced yesterday.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak met in Putrajaya yesterday, to follow up on bilateral issues discussed at their retreat in Singapore last month.
They had announced then that tolls would be reduced, but that the size of the cut had not been made public at the time.
Currently, tolls at the Second Link can come up to at least $9, more costly than tolls at the Causeway, which amount to about only $2.40. The cut in tolls is among a slew of measures that both countries will take to improve transport links between them.
-News courtesy of Omy-
10 best souvenirs from Kluang
The top 10 best souvenirs for a visitor to bring back from Kluang are:
* Kluang coffee powder
* Dragon fruit
* Dragon fruit wine (Get it from Zenxin Organic Park)
* Tong Huat Cookies
* Hand-made straw woven handbag from Air Hitam
* Traditional crackers or "Keropok"
* Dried fruits
* Ceramic pottery like flower vases and jewelery boxes
* Crystal glass flowers from Air Hitam
* Pickled fruits and vegetables.
* Kluang coffee powder
* Dragon fruit
* Dragon fruit wine (Get it from Zenxin Organic Park)
* Tong Huat Cookies
* Hand-made straw woven handbag from Air Hitam
* Traditional crackers or "Keropok"
* Dried fruits
* Ceramic pottery like flower vases and jewelery boxes
* Crystal glass flowers from Air Hitam
* Pickled fruits and vegetables.
Accomodation in Kluang
Accomodation in Kluang
* Ailang Hotel, 3, Jalan Manggis, tel. 60 7 772 3355, fax 60 7 772 3525, email: ailanghotel@hotmail.com New hotel with reasonably priced clean air-conditioned rooms. Lots of eateries nearby.
* Tong Siang Hotel, 17-19, Jalan Dato Haji Hassan, tel. 60 7 772 2072. A simple and basic hotel. Popular with backpacking travellers.
Splurge
* Prime City Hotel, 20, Jalan Bakawali, tel. 60 7 771 1111, fax : 60-7-773 9111, email: info@primecity.com.
* Hotel Anika, 1-3 & 5, Jalan Dato' Rauf, tel. 60 7 772 4977, fax: 60 7 772 5870, email: anika@tm.net.my.
* Ailang Hotel, 3, Jalan Manggis, tel. 60 7 772 3355, fax 60 7 772 3525, email: ailanghotel@hotmail.com New hotel with reasonably priced clean air-conditioned rooms. Lots of eateries nearby.
* Tong Siang Hotel, 17-19, Jalan Dato Haji Hassan, tel. 60 7 772 2072. A simple and basic hotel. Popular with backpacking travellers.
Splurge
* Prime City Hotel, 20, Jalan Bakawali, tel. 60 7 771 1111, fax : 60-7-773 9111, email: info@primecity.com.
* Hotel Anika, 1-3 & 5, Jalan Dato' Rauf, tel. 60 7 772 4977, fax: 60 7 772 5870, email: anika@tm.net.my.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Reduce toll charges at 2nd Link
Toll charges at Second Link to go down by 30% from Aug 1
Motorists using the Second Link got some good news from the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore on Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference after their meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, the leaders announced that both countries will reduce their toll charges at the Second Link by 30 per cent with effect from August 1.
A hint that toll charges would be reduced substantially was made when Prime Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Najib Razak met for their retreat in Singapore on May 24.
Another major development announced during that retreat was the land swap arrangement following the decision to relocate the Tanjong Pagar Railway station to the Woodlands train checkpoint by 1 July 2011.
In a joint statement, the leaders said they discussed the land swap issue and Singapore's offer was conveyed to Prime Minister Najib.
They had a productive meeting and discussed some initial responses.
They then agreed to study the matter further and to meet again in three months, after Hari Raya Adilfitri, to finalise the land swap decisions.
Prime Minister Najib said he will visit Singapore with the final decision.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Motorists using the Second Link got some good news from the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore on Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference after their meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, the leaders announced that both countries will reduce their toll charges at the Second Link by 30 per cent with effect from August 1.
A hint that toll charges would be reduced substantially was made when Prime Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Najib Razak met for their retreat in Singapore on May 24.
Another major development announced during that retreat was the land swap arrangement following the decision to relocate the Tanjong Pagar Railway station to the Woodlands train checkpoint by 1 July 2011.
In a joint statement, the leaders said they discussed the land swap issue and Singapore's offer was conveyed to Prime Minister Najib.
They had a productive meeting and discussed some initial responses.
They then agreed to study the matter further and to meet again in three months, after Hari Raya Adilfitri, to finalise the land swap decisions.
Prime Minister Najib said he will visit Singapore with the final decision.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Tune Hotel opens in JB
Tune Hotels opens another outlet
Tune Hotels.com is banking on Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore as the two main factors to attract guests to the company’s Danga Bay hotel here.
Chief executive officer Mark Lankaster said Tune Hotels wanted to position the property as the most preferred hotel among visitors and tourists to Johor Baru.
He said the opening of the hotel was timely with the opening of Singapore’s two Integrated Resorts (IR) - Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Marina Bay Sands (MBS) this year.
“Malaysians from outside Johor planning to visit the Integrated Resorts can stay at our hotel as our rate is cheaper than hotels in Singapore,” said Lankaster.
He said this at the soft opening of the 218-room Danga Bay Tune Hotel costing RM35mil located at Danga Bay waterfront development area.
He said visiting the two IR would not be a problem as the hotel had eight shuttle services daily to transport its guests to and from Singapore at RM18 return trip.
He added that all rooms at its Danga Bay hotel were fitted with 32-inch LCD television, the first hotel in its stable to do so and would be followed by the company’s other hotels in stages.
Lankaster said the company was not competing with existing hotels in Johor Baru but was giving customers a choice with the pay-as-you-use concept.
He said that apart from targeting Malaysians from other states, the hotel was also looking at drawing Singaporeans and foreign tourists due to the low room rates.
He added that upcoming tourist attractions in Iskandar within the next two years such as Legoland Theme Park, Indoor Theme and Malaysia Premium Outlet would also boost the tourism sector in Johor.
Tune Hotels launched its first hotel in Kuala Lumpur in 2007. Its other hotels are in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, KLIA-LCCT Airport, Penang, Petaling Jaya and Kuta and Legian in Bali, Indonesia while the one in Westminster, London, in UK, will open in August.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Tune Hotels.com is banking on Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore as the two main factors to attract guests to the company’s Danga Bay hotel here.
Chief executive officer Mark Lankaster said Tune Hotels wanted to position the property as the most preferred hotel among visitors and tourists to Johor Baru.
He said the opening of the hotel was timely with the opening of Singapore’s two Integrated Resorts (IR) - Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Marina Bay Sands (MBS) this year.
“Malaysians from outside Johor planning to visit the Integrated Resorts can stay at our hotel as our rate is cheaper than hotels in Singapore,” said Lankaster.
He said this at the soft opening of the 218-room Danga Bay Tune Hotel costing RM35mil located at Danga Bay waterfront development area.
He said visiting the two IR would not be a problem as the hotel had eight shuttle services daily to transport its guests to and from Singapore at RM18 return trip.
He added that all rooms at its Danga Bay hotel were fitted with 32-inch LCD television, the first hotel in its stable to do so and would be followed by the company’s other hotels in stages.
Lankaster said the company was not competing with existing hotels in Johor Baru but was giving customers a choice with the pay-as-you-use concept.
He said that apart from targeting Malaysians from other states, the hotel was also looking at drawing Singaporeans and foreign tourists due to the low room rates.
He added that upcoming tourist attractions in Iskandar within the next two years such as Legoland Theme Park, Indoor Theme and Malaysia Premium Outlet would also boost the tourism sector in Johor.
Tune Hotels launched its first hotel in Kuala Lumpur in 2007. Its other hotels are in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, KLIA-LCCT Airport, Penang, Petaling Jaya and Kuta and Legian in Bali, Indonesia while the one in Westminster, London, in UK, will open in August.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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