Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, 25 December 2012
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Attracting more visitors to its theme park
TAR confident of attracting more visitors to its theme park
Theme Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd (TAR) has no plans to issue annual passes to attract visitors to its Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park here.
Managing director and chief executive officer Tunku Datuk Ahmad Burhanuddin said the current ticket selling system at the newly opened park worked well for the company.
“We are looking at ways on how to attract more visitors to our park from time to time by working closely with our business associates,’ he said.
Having a ball: A file picture of visitors enjoying the Hello Kitty show at the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park.
Tunku Ahmad said this at the signing of strategic partnerships with eight partners worth RM10mil for the duration of three to five years.
The partners are ASTRO, RHB Bank, Coca-Cola, Canon, Panasonic, Dell, Mini Melts and KPJ Healthcare Bhd.
Through these collaborations, the company is well positioned to further enhance visitor’s experience at the theme park.
“Since opening its doors on October 26, we have received 35,000 visitors of which 30% are from foreign countries,’’ he said.
Tunku Ahmad said with continous promotions and collaborations with travel agents and tour companies, it was confident that the theme park would be able to attract more visitors.
He said with the opening of the Legoland Theme Park Malaysia and the Puteri Harbour Family Indoor Theme, Malaysians from outside Johor also now have good reason to visit the state.
Tunku Ahmad said feedback from hotel operators in and around Johor Baru showed that they recorded good room occupancy rates since the opening of the two new theme parks in September and October.
“We also want to work together with other stakeholders to promote Iskandar Malaysia as a tourist destination in the region,’’ he said.
Tunku Ahmad said tour agents and hotels could tailor packages to cater for tourists to visit not only the two theme parks but also other tourist attractions in Johor.
Separately, he said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would be opening the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park on Dec 6.
TAR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Bhd incorporated in 2009 to develop and operate themed attractions and resorts to enhance the leisure and tourism industry in Malaysia.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Theme Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd (TAR) has no plans to issue annual passes to attract visitors to its Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park here.
Managing director and chief executive officer Tunku Datuk Ahmad Burhanuddin said the current ticket selling system at the newly opened park worked well for the company.
“We are looking at ways on how to attract more visitors to our park from time to time by working closely with our business associates,’ he said.
Tunku Ahmad said this at the signing of strategic partnerships with eight partners worth RM10mil for the duration of three to five years.
The partners are ASTRO, RHB Bank, Coca-Cola, Canon, Panasonic, Dell, Mini Melts and KPJ Healthcare Bhd.
Through these collaborations, the company is well positioned to further enhance visitor’s experience at the theme park.
“Since opening its doors on October 26, we have received 35,000 visitors of which 30% are from foreign countries,’’ he said.
Tunku Ahmad said with continous promotions and collaborations with travel agents and tour companies, it was confident that the theme park would be able to attract more visitors.
He said with the opening of the Legoland Theme Park Malaysia and the Puteri Harbour Family Indoor Theme, Malaysians from outside Johor also now have good reason to visit the state.
Tunku Ahmad said feedback from hotel operators in and around Johor Baru showed that they recorded good room occupancy rates since the opening of the two new theme parks in September and October.
“We also want to work together with other stakeholders to promote Iskandar Malaysia as a tourist destination in the region,’’ he said.
Tunku Ahmad said tour agents and hotels could tailor packages to cater for tourists to visit not only the two theme parks but also other tourist attractions in Johor.
Separately, he said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would be opening the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park on Dec 6.
TAR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Bhd incorporated in 2009 to develop and operate themed attractions and resorts to enhance the leisure and tourism industry in Malaysia.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Toast to a great coffeeshop
Toast to a great coffeeshop
THE aroma of freshly made toast and rich aromatic coffee wafts in the air, greeting customers as they walk into Hua Mui, a popular coffeeshop located in the heart of Johor Baru.
The traditional deco and simplistic design gives customers a peek into thetimes where people sat for hours, just to mingle with friends and share the latest gossip while sipping a cup of coffee or tea at the kopitiam.
Waitress Mariam Ibrahim, 59, who has been working at Hua Mui for more than 40 years, says that is the main reason why people keep coming back to the eatery at the junction of Jalan Trus and Jalan Dhobby.
“I remember walking past the shop when I was schooling a long time ago, and even then, Hua Mui was famous for its delicious toast, coffee and tea.
“Another dish that is popular with Hua Mui is its special Hainanese Chicken Chop which comes with crispy potato wedges, green peas and a special mushroom sauce,” she said while greeting several customers by name.
The chirpy Mariam also said the shop had a steady flow of regular customers, and sometimes even welcomed customers who returned to relieve their childhood experiences, after being away for many years away.
v “I have been approached numerous times by customers, who still recognise me from years ago.
“They often tell me that they came here as a child with their parents, and were so excited to return with their own children or grandchildren to enjoy the food here,” she said, adding that it was heartwarming to learn how special the little coffeeshop had become.
Hua Mui kopitiam was set up in 1946 and started off as a popular eatery, frequented by British officials who used to reside in the Bukit Timbalan building located nearby.
The restaurant was also a popular place for families to celebrate special occasions and Mariam said she had lost count of how many birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and other events that the kopitiam has hosted.
“Over the years, not much has changed in terms of the kopitiam’s deco and in fact, most of the flooring, crockery, window panes and even a traditional pulley system has been retained to keep the authentic feel of the place.
“Another signature feature of the kopitiam is the traditional staircase banister which feels so smooth from the thousands of hands that have held it while walking to the restaurant’s second floor,” she said.
Businessman Othman Hitam, 55, said he spends at least an hour a day, chatting with friends and enjoying the food at Hua Mui.
“Hua Mui is like my second home.
“It is nice that I will always find a familiar face whenever I drop by, and the ambience is the main reason why I always keep coming back,” he said, adding that the table located at the corner of the entrance was the best place to relax and observe the city’s transformation as the years go by.
Long time customer, Najmuddin Sockin, 54, has been frequenting the shop since he was a little boy.
“My favourite is the chicken chop and I always crave for the delicious dish whenever I am close by the area,” he said, adding that although there were many new kopitiams around, Hua Mui would always be on the top of his list.
First-time Singaporean visitor Vivienne Soon, 19, described her first experience at the simple kopitiam as memorable.
“We have similar establishments in Singapore but nothing compares to the authentic feel of this charming place,” she said, adding that the flavourful food and friendly staff were some of the plus points for the restaurant.
Besides its signature kopitiam dishes, Hua Mui is also famous for several local food including the Hua Mui Mee Mamak, nasi goreng and their roti bakar which is still toasted over charcoal fire.
The quaint kopitiam also serves up some unusual dishes including Mongolian Chicken Rice and Butter Cream Chicken Rice, which is an equally popular dish among customers.
Hua Mui is open from 9am to 7pm daily. For details, call 07-224 7364.
~News courtesy of The Star~
THE aroma of freshly made toast and rich aromatic coffee wafts in the air, greeting customers as they walk into Hua Mui, a popular coffeeshop located in the heart of Johor Baru.
The traditional deco and simplistic design gives customers a peek into thetimes where people sat for hours, just to mingle with friends and share the latest gossip while sipping a cup of coffee or tea at the kopitiam.
Waitress Mariam Ibrahim, 59, who has been working at Hua Mui for more than 40 years, says that is the main reason why people keep coming back to the eatery at the junction of Jalan Trus and Jalan Dhobby.
“I remember walking past the shop when I was schooling a long time ago, and even then, Hua Mui was famous for its delicious toast, coffee and tea.
“Another dish that is popular with Hua Mui is its special Hainanese Chicken Chop which comes with crispy potato wedges, green peas and a special mushroom sauce,” she said while greeting several customers by name.
The chirpy Mariam also said the shop had a steady flow of regular customers, and sometimes even welcomed customers who returned to relieve their childhood experiences, after being away for many years away.
v “I have been approached numerous times by customers, who still recognise me from years ago.
“They often tell me that they came here as a child with their parents, and were so excited to return with their own children or grandchildren to enjoy the food here,” she said, adding that it was heartwarming to learn how special the little coffeeshop had become.
Hua Mui kopitiam was set up in 1946 and started off as a popular eatery, frequented by British officials who used to reside in the Bukit Timbalan building located nearby.
The restaurant was also a popular place for families to celebrate special occasions and Mariam said she had lost count of how many birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and other events that the kopitiam has hosted.
“Over the years, not much has changed in terms of the kopitiam’s deco and in fact, most of the flooring, crockery, window panes and even a traditional pulley system has been retained to keep the authentic feel of the place.
“Another signature feature of the kopitiam is the traditional staircase banister which feels so smooth from the thousands of hands that have held it while walking to the restaurant’s second floor,” she said.
Businessman Othman Hitam, 55, said he spends at least an hour a day, chatting with friends and enjoying the food at Hua Mui.
“Hua Mui is like my second home.
“It is nice that I will always find a familiar face whenever I drop by, and the ambience is the main reason why I always keep coming back,” he said, adding that the table located at the corner of the entrance was the best place to relax and observe the city’s transformation as the years go by.
Long time customer, Najmuddin Sockin, 54, has been frequenting the shop since he was a little boy.
“My favourite is the chicken chop and I always crave for the delicious dish whenever I am close by the area,” he said, adding that although there were many new kopitiams around, Hua Mui would always be on the top of his list.
First-time Singaporean visitor Vivienne Soon, 19, described her first experience at the simple kopitiam as memorable.
“We have similar establishments in Singapore but nothing compares to the authentic feel of this charming place,” she said, adding that the flavourful food and friendly staff were some of the plus points for the restaurant.
Besides its signature kopitiam dishes, Hua Mui is also famous for several local food including the Hua Mui Mee Mamak, nasi goreng and their roti bakar which is still toasted over charcoal fire.
The quaint kopitiam also serves up some unusual dishes including Mongolian Chicken Rice and Butter Cream Chicken Rice, which is an equally popular dish among customers.
Hua Mui is open from 9am to 7pm daily. For details, call 07-224 7364.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Added attraction in Johor
Added attraction in Johor
THE opening of another theme park in Iskandar Malaysia is set to attract more tourists to Johor and boost the state’s tourism sector.
The Puteri Harbour Indoor Theme Park is the second to open in Nusajaya last month after Asia’s first Legoland Theme Park opened in September this year.
The four-storey indoor theme park which opened its doors on October 26, offers theme cafes, seven rides including a train, windmill, helicopter and bumper car for both children and adults.
Popular caricature Lat’s Kampung Boy café is expected to open at the end of the year.
The RM115mil theme park houses the first Sanrio Hello Kitty Town in the world outside Japan.
HIT Entertainment’s The Little Big Club lovable characters like Bob the Builder, Barney, Angelina Ballerina and Thomas and Friends also have made the park their “home”.
Children as well as adults were equally excited at the sight of the adorable cartoon characters came “alive” right before their very own eyes.
They could pose photographs with the life-sized mascots of Hello Kitty and her friend Daniel.
Or learn ballet moves with Angelina Ballerina and even watch live performances by Barney and Thomas and Friends.
Visitors especially children were seen squealing in excitement as they went into Hello Kitty’s multi-hues coloured complete with furniture.
Best friends from SJKC Ming Terk in Gelang Patah, Tin Jing Xian and K. Anusha, both 11, said that they could not sleep the night before because they were too excited to visit the theme park.
“The Hello Kitty mini street parade is my favourite part of the theme park as the characters are very entertaining with their lively dance and colourful costumes,’’ said Tin.
Anusha on the other hand, enjoyed the Thomas and Friend bumper car rides.
Singaporean Mohd Hashim Abu Othman, 50, said he and his 26-year old wife jumped at the chance to visit the theme park.
“The hotel staff told us about its opening, so we decided to visit it as well as the Legoland. My wife was more excited than our two-year old son and she kept snapping photos of the rides on her mobile phone,’’ he said.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, 10 November 2012
Heavy traffic expected at checkpoints
Heavy traffic expected at Woodlands, Tuas checkpoints over Deepavali
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects traffic flow through the checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas to be heavy over the coming weekend ahead of the Deepavali public holiday on November 13.
ICA advises travellers to car-pool or make use of public transport.
In addition, Singaporeans who are issued with the BioPass or are registered with the National Registration Office, are encouraged to use the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) lanes at the bus halls for immigration clearance.
Travellers leaving Singapore by the Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoints are advised to check on the traffic situation at the checkpoints before they start their journey.
The various platforms available are TrafficWatch on radio, the Land Transport Authority's One Motoring website, and the traffic information hotline at 68630117.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Friday, 9 November 2012
City of the future
City of the future
ISKANDAR Malaysia (IM) in Johor has been chosen as a Smart City Model for Malaysia and the world.
The selection took place during the first intersession meeting of the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) in July 2012, in San Jose, the US.
The GSIAC was formed by the Malaysian government and the New York Academy of Sciences in order to drive Malaysia’s effort to accelerate economic development through science, technology and innovation. It serves as an advisory panel to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and is composed of international experts drawn from industry, academic and the public sector.
Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Ibrahim talked with The Star on the topics related to the Smart City project.
Q: What is the definition of a smart city and what does it mean to IM?
A: In line with its strategic pillars, IM’s definition of a smart city is an integration of three basic components: the economy, environment and social aspects.
By combining these components, it will form the basis of becoming a city that performs well focused on six areas — the economy, the environment, governance, mobility, people and the quality of living.
The city is built on the “smart” integration of investments of human and social capital, combining hard and soft infrastructure that fuel sustainable economic development as well as a high quality of life, and wise management of natural resources through good participatory governance.
Often, terminologies and newly coined words create more confusion for the public instead of giving them a better insight on what is being done and will be done in the future...
Smart City is not a new concept to the European countries and our neighbour, Singapore.
The definition might vary from one city to another depending on the priorities in the respective countries.
Not to confuse the public, this is the main reason that IM Smart City framework was developed based on and in line with our three main pillars which are economy, environment and social.
The enhanced and added-value focus points are:
>How we attract economic growth in a smart way — catalytic projects, complementing Singapore and meeting global requirements.
>How we get smart and good buy-in from the public in the things that we want to do and implement, and usage of new channels of communications for the citizens — such as public participation for feedback, utilising our website to reach out to a larger group of people, encouraging the private sector to work together with the public sector in providing infrastructure.
>How can we conserve the environment in a SMART way — to entice the developers/investors to do their part on environment by giving incentives for green technology and infrastructure and introducing green economy and carbon credits.
>How we should plan for smart mobility
~News courtesy of The Star~
ISKANDAR Malaysia (IM) in Johor has been chosen as a Smart City Model for Malaysia and the world.
The selection took place during the first intersession meeting of the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) in July 2012, in San Jose, the US.
The GSIAC was formed by the Malaysian government and the New York Academy of Sciences in order to drive Malaysia’s effort to accelerate economic development through science, technology and innovation. It serves as an advisory panel to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and is composed of international experts drawn from industry, academic and the public sector.
Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Ibrahim talked with The Star on the topics related to the Smart City project.
Q: What is the definition of a smart city and what does it mean to IM?
A: In line with its strategic pillars, IM’s definition of a smart city is an integration of three basic components: the economy, environment and social aspects.
By combining these components, it will form the basis of becoming a city that performs well focused on six areas — the economy, the environment, governance, mobility, people and the quality of living.
The city is built on the “smart” integration of investments of human and social capital, combining hard and soft infrastructure that fuel sustainable economic development as well as a high quality of life, and wise management of natural resources through good participatory governance.
Often, terminologies and newly coined words create more confusion for the public instead of giving them a better insight on what is being done and will be done in the future...
Smart City is not a new concept to the European countries and our neighbour, Singapore.
The definition might vary from one city to another depending on the priorities in the respective countries.
Not to confuse the public, this is the main reason that IM Smart City framework was developed based on and in line with our three main pillars which are economy, environment and social.
The enhanced and added-value focus points are:
>How we attract economic growth in a smart way — catalytic projects, complementing Singapore and meeting global requirements.
>How we get smart and good buy-in from the public in the things that we want to do and implement, and usage of new channels of communications for the citizens — such as public participation for feedback, utilising our website to reach out to a larger group of people, encouraging the private sector to work together with the public sector in providing infrastructure.
>How can we conserve the environment in a SMART way — to entice the developers/investors to do their part on environment by giving incentives for green technology and infrastructure and introducing green economy and carbon credits.
>How we should plan for smart mobility
~News courtesy of The Star~
Monday, 8 October 2012
Exhibition on Ngee Heng Kongsi
Exhibition on Ngee Heng Kongsi is now open to public for a year
JOHOR BARU: Important documents and customs of the infamous Ngee Heng Kongsi, a secret society for the Chinese settlement in Johor is open to the public for the first time in a year-long exhibition here.
Upon entering the stairs leading up to the exhibition, visitors would be greeted by red cloth hanging at the doorway, which is similar to what it was like back then at the society’s headquarters.
Abacus for accounts: Beside an exhibition about the Ngee Heng Kongsi, the Johor Baru Chinese Heritage Museum, also included exhibitions of notable developments in the Chinese community in Johor.
The in-depth exhibition, located at the top floor of the four-storey Johor Baru Chinese Heritage Museum, gives an insight on how the secret society was formed and developed in Johor for more than 70 years.
Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association manager Eric Ku explained that the Ngee Heng leader, Tan Kee Soon, led his followers to Johor and settled down in Tanjung Puteri (now Johor Baru) in 1844 in response to the call of Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, the father of Sultan Abu Bakar, to implement Kangchu System.
“Later, the society was the only one of such to be endorsed by Sultan Abu Bakar, and it was through the society, the pepper and gambier productions came under one economic control system and flourished in Johor,” he told Star Metro here.
Ku added that there were misconceptions about the society where it holds a notorious reputation and a negative impression among the people.
Trying out the stuff: Visitors trying out the rubber stamps used by the secret society.
“There is a common bad impression towards the society, which was perceived as an underground society even until now.
“The purpose of unveiling the society to the public is also to let them understand how the society contributed, upheld and united the Johorean Chinese community,” said Ku, adding that the society was dissolved by law in 1916.
He added that it took a year to derive for on-site information from Mainland China, Singapore, Penang and Riau Islands, Indonesia, where Ngee Heng society was active at the time.
Meaningful memories: Visitors taking the opportunity to snap photos at the exhibition, which was the first time that any documents from the secret society was opened up to the public.
Visitors will have an eye-opening experience at the exhibition, which included a list of the oath of pledge, a mock altar where members performed a series of rituals before being sworn-in as a member as well as secret hand language of the society in dual-language description.
Besides the Ngee Heng exhibition, the other floors of the museum is dedicated to the history of the Chinese community in Johor, national heritage celebrations such as Lantern Festival and 24 Festive Drums origins.
The RM1.5mil museum is located along Jalan Ibrahim, Johor Baru and is open from 9am to 5pm daily except Mondays.
Tickets are priced at RM5 per adult and RM2 for students, children and senior citizens and the public can call 07-224 9633 for more information.
~News courtesy of The Star~
JOHOR BARU: Important documents and customs of the infamous Ngee Heng Kongsi, a secret society for the Chinese settlement in Johor is open to the public for the first time in a year-long exhibition here.
Upon entering the stairs leading up to the exhibition, visitors would be greeted by red cloth hanging at the doorway, which is similar to what it was like back then at the society’s headquarters.
The in-depth exhibition, located at the top floor of the four-storey Johor Baru Chinese Heritage Museum, gives an insight on how the secret society was formed and developed in Johor for more than 70 years.
Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association manager Eric Ku explained that the Ngee Heng leader, Tan Kee Soon, led his followers to Johor and settled down in Tanjung Puteri (now Johor Baru) in 1844 in response to the call of Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, the father of Sultan Abu Bakar, to implement Kangchu System.
“Later, the society was the only one of such to be endorsed by Sultan Abu Bakar, and it was through the society, the pepper and gambier productions came under one economic control system and flourished in Johor,” he told Star Metro here.
Ku added that there were misconceptions about the society where it holds a notorious reputation and a negative impression among the people.
“There is a common bad impression towards the society, which was perceived as an underground society even until now.
“The purpose of unveiling the society to the public is also to let them understand how the society contributed, upheld and united the Johorean Chinese community,” said Ku, adding that the society was dissolved by law in 1916.
He added that it took a year to derive for on-site information from Mainland China, Singapore, Penang and Riau Islands, Indonesia, where Ngee Heng society was active at the time.
Visitors will have an eye-opening experience at the exhibition, which included a list of the oath of pledge, a mock altar where members performed a series of rituals before being sworn-in as a member as well as secret hand language of the society in dual-language description.
Besides the Ngee Heng exhibition, the other floors of the museum is dedicated to the history of the Chinese community in Johor, national heritage celebrations such as Lantern Festival and 24 Festive Drums origins.
The RM1.5mil museum is located along Jalan Ibrahim, Johor Baru and is open from 9am to 5pm daily except Mondays.
Tickets are priced at RM5 per adult and RM2 for students, children and senior citizens and the public can call 07-224 9633 for more information.
~News courtesy of The Star~
New mall for lifestyle and recreation
New mall set to be hub of lifestyle and recreation
Nusajaya Lifestyle Sdn Bhd wants to position its newly-opened Mall of Medini as the lifestyle, entertainment and recreational epicenter of Nusajaya.
The shopping complex’s location adjacent to Legoland Theme Park Malaysia is an added advantage to serve local and foreign visitors.
The project draws inspiration from globally-successful theme park and lifestyle retail centres (from Los Angeles, USA) such as Americana, The Grove and Universal Citywalk.
Well placed: Millennium Development International Malaysia country manager Richard Polkinghorne showing the model of the Medini development at Nusajaya in Iskandar Malaysia.
“It offers the new standard in theme park-linked mixed-use development, offering food, shopping, entertainment and lifestyle experiences,’’ said UEM Land Holdings Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Wan Abdullah Wan Ibrahim.
He said the phase one colonnade-style retail in a classy yet lively and festive environment which encouraged interaction between the internal and external, as a departure from the conventional box shopping mall.
Wan Ibrahim said shoppers would be delighted with the retail variety from F&B, snacks, deserts and confectionery, fashion, gifts and souvenirs shops.
“We are excited to see the soft opening of phase one of the mall which is approximately 10% of the overall two million sq ft of gross floor area,’’ he added.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Nusajaya Lifestyle Sdn Bhd wants to position its newly-opened Mall of Medini as the lifestyle, entertainment and recreational epicenter of Nusajaya.
The shopping complex’s location adjacent to Legoland Theme Park Malaysia is an added advantage to serve local and foreign visitors.
The project draws inspiration from globally-successful theme park and lifestyle retail centres (from Los Angeles, USA) such as Americana, The Grove and Universal Citywalk.
“It offers the new standard in theme park-linked mixed-use development, offering food, shopping, entertainment and lifestyle experiences,’’ said UEM Land Holdings Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Wan Abdullah Wan Ibrahim.
He said the phase one colonnade-style retail in a classy yet lively and festive environment which encouraged interaction between the internal and external, as a departure from the conventional box shopping mall.
Wan Ibrahim said shoppers would be delighted with the retail variety from F&B, snacks, deserts and confectionery, fashion, gifts and souvenirs shops.
“We are excited to see the soft opening of phase one of the mall which is approximately 10% of the overall two million sq ft of gross floor area,’’ he added.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, 6 October 2012
Kluang's pride and joy
Kluang's pride and joy
Kluang Rail Coffee, a kopitiam at the Kluang train station, is renowned for its coffee, teh-c, kaya and buttered toast.
Housed in a pre-war wooden railway canteen, this restaurant is where you can eat, drink, relax and watch the trains go by.
Dating back to 1938, its Hainanese coffeeshop owner Lim Jit Chiang said they were the third generation running the business.
“Our grandfather came to Malaya from Hainan Island in search of a better life and found a railway station canteen here available for rent.
“Armed with one kati of sugar and a few cans of milk, he served his first group of customers back then,” he said.
The business managed by his grandfather and father even thrived through Japanese occupation and the Malayan emergency.
“It has been 74 years now, their passion, determination and consistency has kept the canteen alive till today,” he said, adding that the family has maintained the traditional menu to this day.
The homemade kaya — an egg-based coconut jam — with thin slices of butter on charcoal toasted, steamed bread or toasted buns, aromatic coffee made from beans wok-fried with butter, salt and sugar as well as teh-c — a combination of tea with evaporated milk and sugar are staples here.
Today, the breakfast menu also has a variety of coffee and tea to suit different tastes and popular breakfast food such as nasi lemak and fried beehoon packed in small servings, placed on tables.
“The kopitiam reflects the muhibbah culture of Malaysia and this place is a meeting point for many Kluangites as they will visit the kopitiam every day, some even do it several times a day.
“We have customers from all walks of life, races, backgrounds and nationalities,” Lim said.
He added that he has customers who come by train from Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and other places just to have a taste of the coffee here and then return home via train.
“Some former British soldiers, who used to serve in Malaya during the Emergency, had returned recently for a reunion celebration at the kopitiam,” Lim said, adding that the kopitiam was a regular refreshment point for the ex-soldiers who travelled by train.
One of the regular customers Wong Mua Heng, 52, who has tea and coffee with her friends here, has been a patron for more than 20 years.
“The bread and tea here are very special to me,” she said, adding that they come almost every day and a few times a day, on some days. “We come here regularly that we can even recognise the faces of Lim’s regular customers and also the time they will be here for a cup of coffee,” said Wong’s friend Chong Siew Wan, 51.
Chong enjoys the coffeeshop’s rustic interior and its laid-back appeal as well as its good food and drinks.
“The whole package of the food, ambience and its charm is something you cannot get anywhere else in the country,” she added.
Singaporean Lim Seng Chee, 76, made a trip to Lim’s kopitiam by train after watching an interview about the coffeeshop on television, recently.
“I took a train ride here after watching the programme, but ran out of luck on my first trip as it was a Thursday which was a rest day for the kopitiam.
“On the second occasion, it was a bit too late as the train arrived after 6pm. The kopitiam closes at 6pm.
“This time I made sure I did not repeat the mistake. The food and drinks here are so good and I will come back with my wife again,” said Seng Chee, who spent about an hour at the kopitiam before taking a bus back to Singapore.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Kluang Rail Coffee, a kopitiam at the Kluang train station, is renowned for its coffee, teh-c, kaya and buttered toast.
Housed in a pre-war wooden railway canteen, this restaurant is where you can eat, drink, relax and watch the trains go by.
Leisure: Patrons enjoying their time at the Kluang Rail Coffee.
Dating back to 1938, its Hainanese coffeeshop owner Lim Jit Chiang said they were the third generation running the business.
“Our grandfather came to Malaya from Hainan Island in search of a better life and found a railway station canteen here available for rent.
“Armed with one kati of sugar and a few cans of milk, he served his first group of customers back then,” he said.
The business managed by his grandfather and father even thrived through Japanese occupation and the Malayan emergency.
“It has been 74 years now, their passion, determination and consistency has kept the canteen alive till today,” he said, adding that the family has maintained the traditional menu to this day.
The homemade kaya — an egg-based coconut jam — with thin slices of butter on charcoal toasted, steamed bread or toasted buns, aromatic coffee made from beans wok-fried with butter, salt and sugar as well as teh-c — a combination of tea with evaporated milk and sugar are staples here.
Wake-up drink: Lim maintains the traditional way of making coffee.
Today, the breakfast menu also has a variety of coffee and tea to suit different tastes and popular breakfast food such as nasi lemak and fried beehoon packed in small servings, placed on tables.
“The kopitiam reflects the muhibbah culture of Malaysia and this place is a meeting point for many Kluangites as they will visit the kopitiam every day, some even do it several times a day.
“We have customers from all walks of life, races, backgrounds and nationalities,” Lim said.
He added that he has customers who come by train from Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and other places just to have a taste of the coffee here and then return home via train.
“Some former British soldiers, who used to serve in Malaya during the Emergency, had returned recently for a reunion celebration at the kopitiam,” Lim said, adding that the kopitiam was a regular refreshment point for the ex-soldiers who travelled by train.
One of the regular customers Wong Mua Heng, 52, who has tea and coffee with her friends here, has been a patron for more than 20 years.
“The bread and tea here are very special to me,” she said, adding that they come almost every day and a few times a day, on some days. “We come here regularly that we can even recognise the faces of Lim’s regular customers and also the time they will be here for a cup of coffee,” said Wong’s friend Chong Siew Wan, 51.
Chong enjoys the coffeeshop’s rustic interior and its laid-back appeal as well as its good food and drinks.
“The whole package of the food, ambience and its charm is something you cannot get anywhere else in the country,” she added.
Singaporean Lim Seng Chee, 76, made a trip to Lim’s kopitiam by train after watching an interview about the coffeeshop on television, recently.
“I took a train ride here after watching the programme, but ran out of luck on my first trip as it was a Thursday which was a rest day for the kopitiam.
“On the second occasion, it was a bit too late as the train arrived after 6pm. The kopitiam closes at 6pm.
“This time I made sure I did not repeat the mistake. The food and drinks here are so good and I will come back with my wife again,” said Seng Chee, who spent about an hour at the kopitiam before taking a bus back to Singapore.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, 29 September 2012
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Monday, 21 May 2012
Entering M'sia? No need for arrival cards
Entering M'sia? No need for arrival cards
Starting
from June 1, foreigners entering Malaysia need not fill in arrival
cards issued by the Immigration Department, the Home Ministry said in a
statement yesterday.
Chief
Secretary of the Home Ministry, Mr Mahmood Adam, said the procedure
would not be required because the Immigration Department had already
introduced a biometric recording system for every foreigner upon
arrival, under the National Enforcement Registration System (NERS), the
Bernama news agency reported.
"
Through
the NERS system that was introduced on June 1, 2011, the data of
foreigners will be recorded and stored. The procedure will also fulfil
the requirement of the Tourism Ministry to record data and number of
tourist arrivals," he said in the statement quoted by the agency.
Mr
Mahmood said the decision was made after consultations with the
Immigration Department, Home Ministry and Tourism Ministry, and that the
NERS system was a much faster way to record the data of foreigners.
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Legoland to open in September
Theme park in Nusajaya expected to open its doors in September
ASIA’S first Legoland theme park — Legoland Malaysia — in
Nusajaya, Iskandar Malaysia, Johor is set to open its doors to visitors
on Sept 15.
Legoland Malaysia general manager Siegfried Boerst
said work on the park is now approximately 75% completed with most of
the rides and infrastructure already installed.
He said, in March
contractors began work on “theming” the park and next month they would
begin the installation of 50 million Lego bricks and models into the
park.
“We are ready to welcome one million visitors through our
gates in the first year of operations or between 10,000 and 15,000
daily,’’ said Boerst.
He was speaking to Malaysian and Singaporean journalists during a site visit recently.
The
US$200mil (RM608 mil) theme park on a 30.75ha site will cater to
families with children from two to 12 years old with 40 rides, shows and
attractions.
Many of the rides are hands-on, so visitors can
push, pull, pedal, programme, steer, squirt, splash, crawl, climb and
build for a full-day of non-stop fun.
“The park is divided into
seven theme areas, with each area designed for children to explore and
enjoy all the activities,’’ said Boerst.
The theme areas are called The Beginning, Lego City, Miniland, Land of Adventure, Imagination, Lego Kingdom and Lego Technic.
He
said what sets Legoland apart from other theme parks is the
“interactivity and participation to stimulate the imagination and
creativity of children”.
Boerst said the combined components of
play, bonding, and experiencing while creating would allow children to
share the values with their friends and peers.
“This offers
unique opportunities for families to bond and strengthen relationships
in today’s world dominated by digital gadgets,’’ he added.
Boerst
said the response to the park’s pre-opening promotional drive, which
began in January, was good with 35,000 annual passes sold online by the
closing date on April 16 .
He said the figure was the highest ever recorded for the sale of pre-opening annual passes for any of the Legoland theme parks.
Boerst
said 60% of the passes were bought by Malaysians and the remaining 40%
by foreigners, with Singaporeans making up the majority of foreign
buyers and the rest from other countries.
Other Legoland theme
parks are Legoland Billund in Denmark, Legoland Windsor outside London,
Legoland Deutschland near Gunzburg, Germany and Legoland California and
Florida in the United States.
There are also plans to open a
Legoland Hotel on a 0.97ha site next to Legoland Malaysia in 2014. The
hotel will also be the first in Asia and the fourth Legoland Hotel.
The other Legoland Hotels are located in Billund and Windsor, with a third one set to open in California next year.
Legoland
Malaysia is a joint-venture project between Iskandar Investment Bhd and
Merlin Entertainments Group — the world’s second-largest operator of
visitor attractions.
Merlin Entertainments operates 78
attractions, six hotels, two holiday villages in 17 countries and across
four continents. The company runs, among others, Sea Life, Madame
Tussauds, The London Eye, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye and Skywalk,
Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventure.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Hotel Set Lunch
Hotel Set Lunch
The new Chinese restaurant in The Zon Regency Hotel in Johor Baru offers a buy one free one set lunch at only RM12.90. For reservations, call 07-221 9999.
~Info courtesy of The Star~
The new Chinese restaurant in The Zon Regency Hotel in Johor Baru offers a buy one free one set lunch at only RM12.90. For reservations, call 07-221 9999.
~Info courtesy of The Star~
Branded Wear Sale
Branded Wear Sale
Come to KSL City Mall in Johor Baru for the branded apparels sale. Shoppers can shop for apparels with discount up to 70% at the level one Expo Hall today from 10am onwards. For details, call 07-288 2888.
~Info courtesy of The Star~
Come to KSL City Mall in Johor Baru for the branded apparels sale. Shoppers can shop for apparels with discount up to 70% at the level one Expo Hall today from 10am onwards. For details, call 07-288 2888.
~Info courtesy of The Star~
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Tanjung Piai riding experience
Pontian’s Tanjung Piai is best experienced with a folding bicycle ride
PONTIAN is Johor’s Southernmost state and this district has plenty to offer especially among adventure cyclists.
One of the attractions here is Tanjung Piai, affectionately known as land’s end.
From the Klang Valley, the distance to reach this location (N 01 17 098, E 103 30 503) is roughly about 400km one-way.
Mission accompli shed : At the monument in Tanjung Piai
Recently, I attempted to cycle from Muar to Tanjung Piai (covering a distance of 196.3km) with Michelle, my wife and staged the ride through towns like Parit Jawa, Batu Pahat, Senggarang, Rengit, Benut and Pontian.
To get things going, we left Muar in the wee hours of the morning to begin our ride and rode past Parit Jawa, a place known for its assam pedas.
The road leading to Batu Pahat, which is about 53km away from Muar, is wide enough to accommodate the folding bicycles which was laden with our luggage.
From Muar, it took nearly six hours to reach Batu Pahat, which is one of the largest towns around Johor’s Northern districts.
After a brief rest, the ride resumed towards Bukit Kelichap, with plenty of short and long climbs which became one of the more challenging stages in the journey to land’s end.
Stopover: The cyclists in Parit Jawa.
From Senggarang, we pushed towards Pontian where we stayed a night before completing the final leg of the journey to Tanjung Piai.
There are ample accommodation facilities in Pontian Kecil and the total distance covered on the first day of our cycling tour was 130.2km.
After a good rest, we resumed our ride to Tanjung Piai and made a detour to Kukup town to do some sight-seeing there.
The main attraction at the tip of the Peninsula, is a scenic village and a state park with a monument to commemorate land’s end.
It took us two and a-half hours to reach our destination and we wasted no time by snapping some photographs to record our achievement.
After a brief ride in Tanjung Piai, we proceeded to Pontian and terminated our attempt there after clocking-in a total distance of 196.3km on our bicycle’s GPS and transported the bikes and luggage to Muar with a chartered car.
~News courtesy of The Star~
PONTIAN is Johor’s Southernmost state and this district has plenty to offer especially among adventure cyclists.
One of the attractions here is Tanjung Piai, affectionately known as land’s end.
From the Klang Valley, the distance to reach this location (N 01 17 098, E 103 30 503) is roughly about 400km one-way.
Mission accompli shed : At the monument in Tanjung Piai
Recently, I attempted to cycle from Muar to Tanjung Piai (covering a distance of 196.3km) with Michelle, my wife and staged the ride through towns like Parit Jawa, Batu Pahat, Senggarang, Rengit, Benut and Pontian.
To get things going, we left Muar in the wee hours of the morning to begin our ride and rode past Parit Jawa, a place known for its assam pedas.
The road leading to Batu Pahat, which is about 53km away from Muar, is wide enough to accommodate the folding bicycles which was laden with our luggage.
From Muar, it took nearly six hours to reach Batu Pahat, which is one of the largest towns around Johor’s Northern districts.
After a brief rest, the ride resumed towards Bukit Kelichap, with plenty of short and long climbs which became one of the more challenging stages in the journey to land’s end.
Stopover: The cyclists in Parit Jawa.
From Senggarang, we pushed towards Pontian where we stayed a night before completing the final leg of the journey to Tanjung Piai.
There are ample accommodation facilities in Pontian Kecil and the total distance covered on the first day of our cycling tour was 130.2km.
After a good rest, we resumed our ride to Tanjung Piai and made a detour to Kukup town to do some sight-seeing there.
The main attraction at the tip of the Peninsula, is a scenic village and a state park with a monument to commemorate land’s end.
It took us two and a-half hours to reach our destination and we wasted no time by snapping some photographs to record our achievement.
After a brief ride in Tanjung Piai, we proceeded to Pontian and terminated our attempt there after clocking-in a total distance of 196.3km on our bicycle’s GPS and transported the bikes and luggage to Muar with a chartered car.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Friday, 23 March 2012
Firefly launch of new route
Firefly treats kids to lunch in conjunction with launch of new route
Firefly celebrated the launch of its newest route by treating 50 children with a hearty luncheon filled with a series of activities with renowned local singers and actors here.
Pop singer Ezlynn, nasyid group Al-Mawlid and actress Fiffi Natasya had feted the children from Yayasan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Kelantan (YAATIM) and PEKA YATIM at a restaurant in town.
The company’s head of marketing and communications Angelina Fernandez said Firefly had made it a point to include children or the less fortunate in significantly celebrate the milestone.
“It is wonderful to see an excited group of young individuals who have built a strong bond over a short span of time with the artistes who have volunteered to collaborate and make this event possible together with Firefly’s team.”
An interactive session took place between the local celebrities and the children
with the day ending with Firefly’s staff presenting gifts to their guests.
Fernandez said that Kota Baru has been one of the most popular destinations among Firefly’s passengers.
“Since the inception of this route, we have received continuous support from the residents here who also contributed to the expansion of this sector.”
Firefly’s service between Kota Baru and Johor Baru would commence on April 26 with flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Due to popular demand, the airline would also increase its frequencies to seven daily flights between its city hub in Subang and Kota Bahru from April 6.
～News courtesy of The Star～
Firefly celebrated the launch of its newest route by treating 50 children with a hearty luncheon filled with a series of activities with renowned local singers and actors here.
Pop singer Ezlynn, nasyid group Al-Mawlid and actress Fiffi Natasya had feted the children from Yayasan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Kelantan (YAATIM) and PEKA YATIM at a restaurant in town.
The company’s head of marketing and communications Angelina Fernandez said Firefly had made it a point to include children or the less fortunate in significantly celebrate the milestone.
“It is wonderful to see an excited group of young individuals who have built a strong bond over a short span of time with the artistes who have volunteered to collaborate and make this event possible together with Firefly’s team.”
An interactive session took place between the local celebrities and the children
with the day ending with Firefly’s staff presenting gifts to their guests.
Fernandez said that Kota Baru has been one of the most popular destinations among Firefly’s passengers.
“Since the inception of this route, we have received continuous support from the residents here who also contributed to the expansion of this sector.”
Firefly’s service between Kota Baru and Johor Baru would commence on April 26 with flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Due to popular demand, the airline would also increase its frequencies to seven daily flights between its city hub in Subang and Kota Bahru from April 6.
～News courtesy of The Star～
Monday, 12 March 2012
Monday, 5 March 2012
Royal visit to boost tourism
Royal visit to boost tourism
British royal couple Prince William and his wife Duchess of Cambridge Princess Catherine’s visit to Johor was a bonus and helped to boost the state’s image in the international scene.
State tourism and domestic trade committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang said that the royal couple’s visit to the state in September this year would help make Johor well-known throughout the world.
“Their would not only boost Johor as a place to invest but also as a tourist attraction.
“The visit comes timely as the state tourism department has prepared many new products,” he said.
Hoo added that the Johor government through its tourism department hoped the visit would help attract tourist from European countries especially from Britain.
“With Legoland Malaysia opening in September this year and Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) already in business, we hope their visit to will increase the number of tourists coming in,” he said.
It was recently reported that Princess Catherine, famously known by her maiden name Kate Middleton, and Prince William would visit Johor as part of their tour to several countries in conjunction with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
In another matter, Hoo added that people especially those coming in from Singapore still go to JPO for shopping.
“The JPO has become one of the main attractions for the state where visitors have been increasing and we hope to achieve a high number this year.
“JPO received many shoppers especially on weekends and public holidays. We hope it will stay that way,” he said.
～News courtesy of The Star～
British royal couple Prince William and his wife Duchess of Cambridge Princess Catherine’s visit to Johor was a bonus and helped to boost the state’s image in the international scene.
State tourism and domestic trade committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang said that the royal couple’s visit to the state in September this year would help make Johor well-known throughout the world.
“Their would not only boost Johor as a place to invest but also as a tourist attraction.
Popular: JPO teeming with shoppers.
“The visit comes timely as the state tourism department has prepared many new products,” he said.
Hoo added that the Johor government through its tourism department hoped the visit would help attract tourist from European countries especially from Britain.
“With Legoland Malaysia opening in September this year and Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) already in business, we hope their visit to will increase the number of tourists coming in,” he said.
It was recently reported that Princess Catherine, famously known by her maiden name Kate Middleton, and Prince William would visit Johor as part of their tour to several countries in conjunction with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
In another matter, Hoo added that people especially those coming in from Singapore still go to JPO for shopping.
“The JPO has become one of the main attractions for the state where visitors have been increasing and we hope to achieve a high number this year.
“JPO received many shoppers especially on weekends and public holidays. We hope it will stay that way,” he said.
～News courtesy of The Star～
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Friday, 13 January 2012
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Desaru Accomodation
Desaru Golden Beach Resort, ☎ +60-7-8221101. Despite claiming four stars, the largest hotel in Desaru hasn't been renovated in twenty years and is falling to pieces, with poor hygiene and completely uninterested staff. Partial renovation started in 2009.
Lotus Desaru, Bandar Penawar ☎ +60-7-8842800. The refurbished Desaru Impiana, now fully open and Desaru's nicest place to stay by a long shot. Has waterslides, a beach bar and other activities for the whole family. Hotel staff are very courteous and friendly. Rooms and apartments are nice and renovated. Webpage lotusdesaru.com
The Pulai Beach Resort, ☎ +60-7-8222222. Formerly the Desaru Perdana Beach Resort, this is the second decent option, although it's not quite up to the four stars it claims or the heavily airbrushed pictures on the website. Rooms are old-fashioned and basic but clean. Direct beach access, large pool with water slide, waterfall, kiddie pool, watersports shop, basic gym with male/female saunas, kiddie play area, two restaurants, lobby bar. www.pulaigroup.com/PulaiDesaru/index.html
Sebana Cove Resort, ☎ +60-7-8266688. Golf resort on a river in the jungle (no beach), accessible by direct ferry from Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and hence popular among Singaporeans for a quick spot of reasonable priced golf. However, few spend the night, and the rooms are in dire need of renovation. www.sebanacove.com
Lotus Desaru, Bandar Penawar ☎ +60-7-8842800. The refurbished Desaru Impiana, now fully open and Desaru's nicest place to stay by a long shot. Has waterslides, a beach bar and other activities for the whole family. Hotel staff are very courteous and friendly. Rooms and apartments are nice and renovated. Webpage lotusdesaru.com
The Pulai Beach Resort, ☎ +60-7-8222222. Formerly the Desaru Perdana Beach Resort, this is the second decent option, although it's not quite up to the four stars it claims or the heavily airbrushed pictures on the website. Rooms are old-fashioned and basic but clean. Direct beach access, large pool with water slide, waterfall, kiddie pool, watersports shop, basic gym with male/female saunas, kiddie play area, two restaurants, lobby bar. www.pulaigroup.com/PulaiDesaru/index.html
Sebana Cove Resort, ☎ +60-7-8266688. Golf resort on a river in the jungle (no beach), accessible by direct ferry from Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and hence popular among Singaporeans for a quick spot of reasonable priced golf. However, few spend the night, and the rooms are in dire need of renovation. www.sebanacove.com
Monday, 9 January 2012
Sungai Rengit (四湾岛) Hotel
Tai Hoe Hotel
Tel : +607 8263855
Fax : +607 8266955
Email : taihoe.my@gmail.com
Address : 35, Jln Haji Abu Bakar, Sungai Rengit, 81620 Pengerang, Johor
Webpage: http://taihoe.blogspot.com/
Standard Room
Weekday Rate - RM 48 Nett
Weekend Rate - RM 58 Nett
Superior Room (1 Queen & 1 Single Beds)
Weekday Rate - RM 98 Nett
Weekend Rate - RM 108 Nett
Deluxe Room (2 Queen Size Beds)
Weekday Rate - RM 138 Nett
Weekend Rate - RM 150 Nett
Baron Room (2 Queen Size Beds)
Weekday Rate - RM 150 Nett
Weekend Rate - RM 168 Nett
Tel : +607 8263855
Fax : +607 8266955
Email : taihoe.my@gmail.com
Address : 35, Jln Haji Abu Bakar, Sungai Rengit, 81620 Pengerang, Johor
Webpage: http://taihoe.blogspot.com/
Standard Room
Weekday Rate - RM 48 Nett
Weekend Rate - RM 58 Nett
Superior Room (1 Queen & 1 Single Beds)
Weekday Rate - RM 98 Nett
Weekend Rate - RM 108 Nett
Deluxe Room (2 Queen Size Beds)
Weekday Rate - RM 138 Nett
Weekend Rate - RM 150 Nett
Baron Room (2 Queen Size Beds)
Weekday Rate - RM 150 Nett
Weekend Rate - RM 168 Nett
Friday, 6 January 2012
Monday, 2 January 2012
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