Singapore - An island of entertainment

Singapore may have traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for hi-tech wizardry, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. It is this carefully stage-managed combination of Western modernity and treasured Eastern and colonial past that makes Singapore such an accessible slice of Asia.

Lying almost on the equator, Singapore is a thriving city-state that has overcome its dearth of natural resources to become one of the juggernaut economies of Asia. In the crowded streets of Chinatown, fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshippers are still a part of everyday life. In Little India, you can buy the best sari material, freshly ground spices or a picture of your favourite Hindu god. In the small shops of Arab St, the cry of the imam can be heard from the nearby Sultan Mosque.

Facts

• Full country name: Republic of Singapore
• Area: 683 sq km (266 sq mi)
• Population: 4.1 million (growth rate 1.15%)
• People: 77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% Indian
• Language: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil
• Religion: 42% Buddhist, 15% Muslim, 14% Christian, 9% Taoist, 4% Hindu
• Government: Parliamentary democracy
• President: SR Nathan
• Prime Minister: Mr Lee Hsien Loong
• GDP: US$85 billion
• GDP per head: US$20,700
• Annual growth: 4%
• Inflation: 1%
• Major industries: Manufacturing, electronics, chemicals, trade, business and financial services, shipping, tourism, construction
• Major trading partners: US, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea

Attractions Colonial Singapore

The mark of Sir Stamford Raffles is indelibly stamped on central Singapore. By moving the business district south of the river and making the northern area the administrative centre, Raffles created the framework that remained the blueprint for central Singapore through generations of colonial rule and the republican years of independence. Places of interest include: Empress Place Building, an imposing Victorian structure, built in 1865, that houses a museum, art and antique galleries and a chic restaurant; the incongruous Padang, where flannelled cricketers once caught, bowled and batted in the searing heat; Raffles Hotel, a Singaporean institution which has become a byword for oriental luxury; and any number of imposing churches, such as St Andrew's Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

Chinatown

Chinatown is Singapore's cultural heart and still provides glimpses of the old ways with its numerous temples, decorated terraces and its frantic conglomeration of merchants, shops and activity. Unfortunately much of Chinatown has been torn down and redeveloped over the past 30 years. Faithful restoration by the Urban Redevelopment Authority has saved some parts but it has also posed a new threat, since the restored buildings are now desirable properties commanding high rents, and traditional businesses - such as shops selling incense to temple worshippers, letter writers and chop (stamp) makers - are moving out and a new gentrified Chinatown of fashionable restaurants and expensive shops is taking its place. It's still a fascinating place to explore though, especially in the early-morning hours when activity is more pronounced. The Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown is arguably the most interesting in Singapore.

Arab St

The Muslim centre of Singapore is a traditional textile district, full of batiks from Indonesia, silks, sarongs and shirts. Add to this mix rosaries, flower essences, hajj caps, songkok hats, basketware and rattan goods, and you have a fair idea of the products haggled over in this part of the city. The grand Sultan Mosque is the biggest and liveliest mosque in Singapore, but the tiny Malabar Muslim Jama-ath Mosque is the most beautiful. There's fine Indian Muslim food along nearby North Bridge Rd and the foodstalls on Bussorah St are especially atmospheric at dusk during Ramadan.

Little India

This modest but colourful area of wall-to-wall shops, pungent aromas and Hindi film music is a relief from the prim modernity of many parts of the city. Centred around the southern end of Serangoon Rd, this is the place to come to pick up that framed print of a Hindu god you've always wanted, eat great vegetarian food and watch streetside cooks fry chapatis. The Zhujiao Centre (also called the Tekka Centre) is the main market, but there are also interesting spice shops nearby. The best temples are Veeramakaliammam, Sri Srinivasa Perumal and the glitzy Temple of 1000 Lights.

Orchard Rd

This is the area where the high-class hotels predominate. It is also the domain of Singapore's elite, who are lured by the shopping centres, nightspots, restaurants, bars and lounges. A showcase for the material delights of capitalism, Orchard Rd also possesses some sights of cultural interest where a credit card is not required.

Jurong

Jurong Town, west of the city centre, is a huge industrial and housing area that is the powerhouse of Singapore's economy. This might seem an unlikely spot for a number of Singapore's tourist attractions but it is home to the Haw Par Villa (an incredibly tacky Chinese mythological theme park), the beautifully landscaped Jurong Bird Park, Chinese Garden and the hands-on Singapore Discovery Centre.

Sentosa Island

Considered the granddaddy of Singapore's parks, Sentosa Island is the city-state's most visited attraction, especially on weekends. It has museums, aquariums, beaches (with imported sand), sporting facilities, walks, rides and food centres. And if a day isn't enough to take in all the sites and activities, the island has a camping ground, hostel and luxury hotels.

Changi Village

There aren't too many places in Singapore that could be considered virgin wilderness but there are some that offer an escape from the hubbub of the central district. Changi Village, on the east coast, no longer has traditional kampong houses but it does have a village atmosphere. And, if the beach is not exactly a tropical paradise it does have the advantage of being almost deserted during the weekdays.

Pulau Ubin

Changi Village is a convenient jump-off point for the northern island of Pulau Ubin. As soon as there is a quota of 12 passengers, a bumboat takes you across to the island where you can find quiet beaches, a kampong atmosphere and popular seafood restaurants. The tranquil rural flavour of Pulau Ubin is as far removed from the cosmopolitan bustle of Singapore central as it is possible to get. The island is small enough to cycle around and this is still the best way to explore its fish farms, holy temples, coconut palms and deserted beaches.

Southern Islands

Although some of the southern islands are industrial bases, there are a few off-the-beaten-track islands where you can find a quiet beach. Sisters' Islands are good for swimming and, with their nearby coral reefs, are a popular diving spot. Other islands worth checking out are Lazarus Island (Pulau Sakijang Pelepah), Pulau Buran Darat, Terumba Retan Laut and Pulau Renggit.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Although little is left of Singapore's wilderness Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, lying to the north of the CBD, is the largest area of remaining primary rainforest. The park is filled with over 800 species of native plants including giant trees, ferns and native wild flowers. This is also where you'll see long-tailed macaques, lemurs, reticulated pythons, the intriguingly named greater racquet-tailed drongo and the white-bellied sea eagle.

Travel Tips Visa to Singapore

Most Western nationals either do not require a visa at all or do not require a visa for a social stay of up to 90 days. A 30-day permit is issued on arrival, and extensions are difficult to obtain.

Health risks: Hepatitis A

Time: GMT/UTC+8

Electricity: 220-240V, 50 Hz

Weights & measures: Metric with local variations

When to go to Singapore

Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. You may like to co-ordinate your visit with various festivals and events: Thaipusam is one of the most spectacular festivals, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are your major concerns, July is a good month as the Singapore Food Festival and Great Singapore Sale are held then.

Events in Singapore

Singapore's polyglot population celebrates a number of festivals and events. Chinese, Hindu and Muslim celebrations follow a lunar calendar so dates of festivities vary from year to year. Chinese New Year, in January or February, is welcomed in with dragon dances, parades and much good cheer. Chinatown is lit up and there are fireworks and night markets. During Ramadan, food stalls are set up in the evening in the Arab St district, near the Sultan Mosque. Hari Raya Puasa, the end of Ramadan in January or February, is marked by three days of joyful celebrations. Vesak Day in April or May celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. It is marked by various events, including the release of caged birds to symbolise the setting free of captive souls. The Dragon Boat Festival, held in May or June, commemorates the death of a Chinese patriot who drowned himself as a protest against government corruption. It is celebrated with boat races across Marina Bay, accompanied by much eating of rice dumplings.

The Festival of the Hungry Ghosts is usually celebrated in September. This is when the souls of the dead are released for feasting and entertainment on earth. Chinese operas are performed for them and food is offered; the ghosts eat the spirit of the food but thoughtfully leave the substance for the mortal celebrants. The festival of Thaipusam is one of the most dramatic Hindu festivals and is now banned in India. Devotees honour Lord Subramaniam with acts of amazing body-piercing masochism - definitely not for the squeamish. In Singapore, devotees march in procession from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Rd to the Chettiar Hindu Temple on Tank Rd. Dates for the festival are based on the lunar calendar.

Transport In and out of Singapore

A swag of airlines fly into Singapore's ultramodern Changi international airport - often voted one of the best airports in the world.

Lots of visitors to Singapore combine their stay with a visit to Malaysia, which is just a kilometre away across the causeway over the Straits of Johor. You can travel between Malaysia and Singapore very easily by bus or taxi. A second causeway has opened to ease congestion - it links Tuas in Singapore with Geylang Patah - and is known pragmatically enough as the Second Link. It can only be used if you have your own transport.

A passenger ferry operates between north Changi and Tanjung Belungkor, east of Johor Bahru, and a daily high-speed catamaran links Singapore with Malaysia's Tioman Island. Immaculate air-conditioned buses link Singapore to almost all large Malaysian cities; fares are generally inexpensive. Singapore is the southern terminus of Malaysia's rail system and there are three trains a day to Kuala Lumpur (four on weekends).

There are no direct passenger ferries between Singapore and the main ports of Indonesia, but it is possible to travel between the two countries via the Indonesian islands of the Riau Archipelago, immediately south of Singapore. Modern ferries link Singapore with the islands of Batam and Bintan in the archipelago. Speedboats link Batam with Pekanbaru in Sumatra, and several ships a week link Bintan with Jakarta.

Getting Around Singapore

Singapore has a comprehensive bus network with frequent services and a convenient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system. Both are cheap and simple to use. There is also a good supply of taxis and all are metered. There are branches of all major rent-a-car companies here and you can charter bumboats (motorised sampans) to take various tours on the Singapore River. Regular ferry services operate from the World Trade Centre to Sentosa and other islands, while luxurious junk tours can be taken around the harbour. Rickshaws have disappeared from Singapore's main streets, but can still be found operating in Chinatown and back streets; agree on a fare beforehand.

The content for this destination guide is provided by Lonely Planet Travel Guides © 2003 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

General Travel Tips

It is very important to enjoy yourself when on a trip, whether it be for business or pleasure and you must not be constantly thinking about what you should or should not be doing. Instead the tips below are meant purely as a guide, for you to take some points from and others to leave all together.

1. Try to look as if you know where you are going, this may not be so easy if after all it is the first ever time in that country, but even still look confident as IF you know.
   Carrying maps around looking perplexed, and stopping to look at monuments or buildings, obviously shows that you are from out of town, and may attract the wrong type of attention.


2. Using travellers cheques, will always be helpful, as will using a credit card for any purchases made so that you can take advantage of the additional insurance offered.
   Do NOT pull large amounts of cash out of your pocket. This will catch attention, no matter what country you are in. It sounds so silly, but it is amazing how many people pull out a mound of cash to be some small item. We see it all the time in Thailand, and it always amazes us. There have been times when even we were tempted to follow the guy and........ rest assured we didn't !


3. Try to think about where you are going that day and carry sufficient cash for that and any unforeseen extras, plus a card. That should cover all you need and will limit any losses if anything did happen.


4. Do NOT accept drinks from anybody that you have just met, especially if in dubious surroundings or do not know, they could be laced with any type of concoction.


5. Try not to go on "wonderful trips" or to a "super shopping centre" rides with people who approach you in the street. This could lead anywhere, and will probably cost you a lot more than by taking a normal taxi. Ask your concierge or read through this site.


6. Check on your first day whether you need to reconfirm your next flight, if so do it then. Some airlines do not require this anymore but it is still worthwhile calling them so that they at least have your contact details, in case the flight is delayed or whatever.


7. Do not carry your passport around, leave it in the safe in your hotel. A photocopy will suffice if local law states that you need to.

Phuket ~so much fun

Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

IF YOUR idea of an exotic Asian holiday is having yourself photographed with baby elephants, screeching jungle birds, and iridescent lizards that will perch comfortably on your shoulder cocking bulbous eyes enquiringly at the camera, call David Attenborough. But if you want the whole ensemble, this time with a transvestite thrown in, draped in little more than a pink feather boa and perhaps a snazzy, if fake, Dior clutch bag, head to Phuket, Thailand.

The tsunami came and went, taking with it vast chunks of shoreline, concrete, and timber. The waters claimed lives yet, capriciously, restored ravaged beaches with pristine sand raked from the depths of the sea. Patong, the tawdry neon-emblazoned nightlife strip and budget paradise, was pummelled to near extinction. Today there is barely a trace of tragedy and its alleyways are alive again with feral promise, chatty t-shirt vendors, burnished bodies, and that ultimate barometer of commercial health, fake DVDs. Take your pick of cut-price knock-offs, from Harry Potter to the intriguing Shaving Private Ryan. It’s all here. Without further ado, our guide to Phuket spa resorts, luxury hotels and small villa hideaways to suit all budgets and tastes, with a beach sampler to find the whitest sand.

Khao Lak Resort and Hotel Guide

Two Khao Lak resorts that have made a gritty comeback are the boutique Sarojin and the larger 243-room Le Meridien. Farthest up the azure coast, the Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort offers rooms featuring 42-inch plasma flat-screen televisions and an array of goodies including Wireless Broadband, beefed up conference facilities, yoga for New Agers, Playstation contests for kids, the rejuvenating Le Spa (with eight spacious spa treatment villas) and, of course, a splendid beach. In addition to rooms, the hotel offers a selection of plush Thai-style villas, some with private pools. The Ocean Front Pool Villas perched at the edge of the sand have their own small garden and a 25sq m pool.

Closer to Phuket, the Khaolak Merlin Resort is an unassuming hotel-style lowrise occupying a hillside leading to a 190m stretch of sand. The property covers 15 sloping acres with 209 rooms and a few villas with their own private pool. Families and larger groups will enjoy the three swimming pools, a children’s pool, kids’ club, tennis court, tailor shop and health club. All rooms have satellite TV, a mini-bar and coffee and tea-making facilities. When the giant tsunami waves swept through the area, the Merlin was pretty much the last man standing. Its lower reaches were devastated but the hillside lobby, upper rooms, and swimming pools continued to function. The hotel took in guests and hosted rescue teams even as it set about rebuilding and re-greening the estate.

Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon, Thalang

Crossing the Sarasin Bridge heading down into the island of Phuket, the first resort, still well north of the airport along a secluded stretch of Mai Khao Beach, is the sprawling JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. As yet unmarred by the frenzied development that has turned vast swathes of Phuket into higgledy-piggledy concrete, the area is a quiet enclave. It is so discreet you might easily miss the turn off. The Marriott is huge, not so much high as vast. Its three-floor structure (with 265 rooms) radiates out in two wings amidst lush gardens and engaging water features. There are now three swimming pools and with room enough to swing several elephants by the tail, recreation options are practically unlimited from horse-riding and mountain biking to diving, snorkelling, sailing, tennis and jogging. Rent a bicycle (Bt250 for two hours) and work off excess calories. The hotel will equip you with a helmet, a map, a bottle of water, and a mobile phone which, alas, you'll have to return.

Just south of Phuket Airport on Nai Yang Beach the Pearl Village Phuket has gone through a dramatic transformation to emerge as the all-new Indigo Pearl. Still toiling through redevelopment, the imaginatively designed resort relaunched late November 2006 with double-size rooms featuring huge trendy bathrooms, stone walls, timber-slat headboards and a chic tin-mine feel. There are three swimming pools (with bars), acres of manicured garden and a new lagoon. Deluxe rooms come with balconies overlooking the gardens while private villas offer courtyards and alfresco showers. At the upper end of the scale are pool suites and high-ceilinged luxury suites with their own private plunge pools. Indigo Pearl has stretch room galore with mature gardens and Nai Yang beach rates well. In season, the water is exceptionally clear. Conference facilities and a spa are also on the agenda. With its tall rubber trees and lazy roads winding through hills and paddy fields, this district is one of Phuket's prettiest and well worth a drive to explore.

The Layan Beach Resort & Spa Village occupies a quiet hillside in this area above Layan Beach. A restaurant, spa and meditation rooms are set close to the beach but the resort itself is a hike up the hill. The 52 rooms are simple and basic but do include a safe, minibar, TV and a small verandah. There are a fair number of steps so be prepared to walk. The Layan held promise once but comes across now as a Plain Jane with desultory, if friendly, service, and gleaming ceramic tile floors in-room where you may drip as much water as you like. The beachfront Layan Spa Village provides aromatherapy, reflexology and a spa pool. Adjacent is the new villa complex of Bundarika Phuket with its 21 villas, each sporting 29” flat-screen TVs, a DVD and CD player, and a private 8m pool. There is WiFi on the grounds and a library with DVDs and CDs for guests.

Bang Tao Beach, Laguna, Resorts and Hotels

Just before Bang Tao Bay, perched atop a vertiginous hill is the chic new Phuket Pavilions

Occupying a generous spread at one end of this development but not directly on the beach, is the Banyan Tree Phuket, a spread-out villa-style estate redolent of Thailand with rich motifs and design flourishes, encompassing the resort, a highly regarded spa and golf. Electric buggies will ensure you are not overly exercised negotiating the distances. Each sumptuous villa is an all-in private hideaway for honeymooners, couples, or holidaymakers needing that little extra.

with 21 one-bedroom pool pavilions and 9 three-bedroom pool villas. The views are astounding, the setting romantic and the breeze enough to dry your hair in an instant, but it is a steep climb up to get here. You will need to buggy up a vertical road and then down again. This may be problematic for some.

The Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket is on a scenic isthmus with its 355 rooms and Grande Villas rimming the lagoons. Villa guests can opt for a boat to shuttle to the lobby. Newly added are the spoiling Golf Pool Villas & Residences, a luxury villa complex owned by private individuals and managed and let out by Sheraton. These top-end villas are closer to the golf course and feature private pools. The Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket has ample restaurants and a snaking 323-metre-long swimming pool providing ample distraction for kids along with the VIK (Very Important Kidz) Club for four-to-twelve-year-olds. The resort fronts a broad stretch of Bang Tao Beach. The Tea House now serves a spa menu and a spa takes care of aching muscles. Rooms feature sunken bathtubs, some with Jacuzzis and a bath menu including a "chill out" for guys with a sprinkling of camomile, cedarwood and sandalwood accompanied by a Montecristo cigar and a vodka martini.

Surin, Pansea Area Resort Guide

At Surin Beach turn off right to a private headland to find the elegant Amanpuri Phuket (Amanresorts' first) whose signature Thai-style pavilions spill unobtrusively down through a mature and scenic coconut grove to a lovely white-sand beach. As with other Amans, it has the ambience of a gracious home without the fuss of excessively intrusive service. The central midnight-blue pool is set high above the bay with steps leading down to the sea. There is the tempting Aman Spa, set on a private headland, where you can peruse a diverse menu of treatment from Kinesiology and Bowen Therapy to Reiki and sound healing. The Amanpuri features in our exclusive Top Asian Hotels Collection, featuring the best Asian hotels, resorts and spas in a printable A4 page with stunning visuals.)

Kamala, Kalim, Nakalay Beach Resorts

Driving south past Kamala Bay, take the beach turn off just before the road climbs up again. On a quiet headland is the small Kamala Beach Estate with a choice of lowrise apartments or villas. All units come with kitchens, separate living and dining areas and balconies. Towards the end of this road is the detritus of the Kamala Bay Terrace Resort which was hard hit by the tsunami. The Kamala Bay area in general is back and commercial intent is clearly in the air. The Central Karon Beach Resort, Phuket, has completed some extensive renovations. This four-star Phuket hotel is essentially a reincarnation of the Phuket Islandia Resort. It offers three swimming pools, a Centara Spa, two floodlit tennis courts, a kids' club and even some facilities for the disabled. The deluxe and premium deluxe rooms go up to a spacious 52sq m.

Patong Hotel and Resort Guide

The clutter-and-clatter of Patong is not for honeymooners or doddering retirees in search of calm but there are pockets here and there of relative peace. You will be excused for rubbing your eyes when you confront the Quixotic Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa. It’s hard to describe the place, a mad mix of Euro kitsch and Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous vigorously shaken and plonked down in a Thailand beach resort. The endeavour clearly is luxury with business facilities in a five-star setting. And business facilities are ample. The hotel can handle conferences of up to 1,000 persons, and the smart rooms have plug-in Internet access. The 460-room Graceland is, however, an odd, if busy, presence. It is rescue by generous lawns and a decent pool. You need to cross the beach road to get to the sea.

The Holiday Inn Resort Phuket is briskly back to business. Both the Main Wing and the stylish Thai-style Busakorn Wing – featuring spacious villa and studio rooms girdling an attractive pool – have had a fresh lick of paint and design upgrades while the Aspara Spa tends to aching muscles. The Busakorn Wing is unlike any Holiday Inn you may have seen. If you have any misgivings about mid-market American chains, this is the one to visit to dispel any worries. In keeping with its family-friendly reputation, the Holiday Inn Phuket also offers its Club 12 and Kids Club with ample distractions like PlayStations, Internet, and even karaoke. The hotel is across the road from Patong Beach.

Close by and projecting a jaunty, carefree appeal is the trendy Burasari Patong. Burasari is a comfortable, playful option right next to shopping and nightlife and a quick stroll from the beach. As a hotel it's pretty straightforward but the small design flourishes and use of colour make all the difference. The place is steadily making a name for itself.

Relax Bay, Karon Beach Resorts

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa is a set of condo-style low, circular towers set in expansive landscaped grounds with lagoon and flowering trees. This is a hotel-style development too but the contrast with its conventions neighbour is striking. There is space, less clutter, colours are well thought out and, for all its age, the Hilton exudes an elegant contemporary feel.

With sweeping views of Karon Bay, the Marina Phuket Resort (formerly Marina Cottages) estate is manicured and tasteful. While lumbering left-brain dinosaurs roam the adjacent mini-golf Dino Park terrorising toddlers, everything at Marina Cottage is right-brain, detailed and attentive from the grounds and pathways to the rooms. Wooden walkways connect the bungalows, leading down to the seaside remodelled On The Rock restaurant looking out over the bay. Facing the sea is a clutch of gleaming Thai style Deluxe Villas with parquet flooring, chic black marble toilets with bathtub and generous balconies right above the ocean. A sliding screen reveals a plasma flat-screen TV. Best of all, in most of the rooms at this resort, there's high-speed Internet with a wireless keyboard utilising the giant screen. All this is run by a stylish Apple Mini. The Jungle Villas on a wooded knoll are equally stylish with sliding partitions revealing the bathtub and wash area.

Kata, Nai Harn, Rawai

Along Kata Beach is the spread-out Club Med Phuket with its frenzied fun-in-the-sun activities. As at all Meds, it takes a certain attitude, a large family, or a delicious French accent to really enjoy the experience. The resort has an excellent Scuba diving facility with PADI instruction and certification for kids and adults. The more energetically inclined can bungee jump, learn the flying trapeze, putt a nine-hole course, and try tennis, archery, snorkelling, yoga, basketball, volleyball, squash… Need we say more? Club Med likes to style itself as a “village” concept, a neighbourhood, with funky goings on. There is resultantly much interactivity which is great if you’re looking for this sort of holiday. The Med with its 297 comfortable rooms equipped with all mod cons and a soothing Club Med Spa (with an arsenal of treatment from tamarind exfoliation to hot herbal wraps) is a worthy choice for families with kids in tow.

Two easy-on-the-budget options in the Kata area are the quiet three-star Serene Resort and the more spread out Tropical Garden Resort. Both are under the same management. Neither is on the beach but both offer easy access on foot and the rooms offer sweeping views of the bay. Staff at Tropical Garden Resort are bright and friendly. The generous pool deck ensures plenty of sunshine as well as fabulous views and sea breezes. The Mali Spa is at hand with aromatic distractions and rub-downs and spa rooms have been added to extend this popular service. Tropical Garden Resort rooms offer satellite TV, an in-room safe and small private balconies looking onto Kata Beach.

Visit Malaysia year 2007

MALAYSIA is on the right track when it comes to attracting tourists. Since Visit Malaysia Year 2007 was launched on Jan 6, there has been a steady stream of visitors to the country.

Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Victor Wee attributed this to the promotional efforts for the VMY launch and Eye On Malaysia, the huge ferris wheel that reaches a height of 60 metres and which offers magnificent views of Kuala Lumpur.

He said the operatic quartet Il Divo, which kicked off their world tour here on January 16, further brought international attention to Malaysia.

Flora Fest also attracted thousands of visitors with more than 3,000 holiday packages sold for the event.

“Thaipusam is another big event in terms of attracting tourists and so is the Le Tour de Langkawi,” said Wee.

The Asian version of Le Tour De France is from Feb 2-11.

He added: “The Chinese New Year open house in Malacca, to be organised by the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry, and another planned by the Penang State Government will also be a big crowd puller. We are expecting a lot of Chinese tourists for the open houses.”

Some 50 major events are in the pipeline for VMY07 and these include the popular Colours of Malaysia, the Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix, National Water Festival including the Labuan International Sea Challenge, the Malaysia International Aerospace Exhibition at Subang International Airport and two World Music festivals – in Sarawak and in Penang.

“We are confident of achieving 20.1 million arrivals,” he said. Malaysia hopes to make RM44.5 billion in foreign exchange for VMY07.



Rail-ly affordable holiday

By SHANTI GUNARATNAM

FANCY a rail holiday? Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad is offering affordable holiday packages at the Matta Fair next month.

Visitors can expect up to 30 per cent discount for travel to any railway destination in the country, with hotel accommodation. KTMB will promote destinations such as Penang, Ipoh, Malacca and Johor Baru.

Matta Fair organising committee chairman Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said KTMB had participated in the fair for the last three years but this is the first time they are giving such fantastic offers.

During the three-day fair, KTMB will also offer discounted rates to KTM Komuter passengers with the aim of getting more people to travel by train and thus ease traffic congestion.

National carrier Malaysia Airlines has also lined up great bargains for tickets and holidays packages.

Khalid was speaking at the signing ceremony between Matta and the New Straits Times Press to appoint the newspaper as its media partner for the March fair. The signatories were Khalid and Badrul Hisham Mahzan, NSTP’s general manager of advertisement, sales and advertising department.

Khalid said the fair, to be held from March 16 to 18 at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, will have 850 booths.

“Seventy per cent of the exhibitors will be offering domestic packages. We hope to make RM85 million in sales.”

Entrance fee to the fair is RM3 for adult. Children below 12 get to enter for free.



Resort showroom at airport

THE opening of the Miri Marriott Resort & Spa’s showroom at the Miri airport recently was officiated by Sarawak Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications Lee Kim Shin.

Also at the opening were resort general manager Stefan Gruber, representatives of Miri Airports Berhad, Sarawak Tourism Board, airlines and various government agencies.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH2594 from Kuala Lumpur, with 100 passengers on board, were the first batch of guests who were greeted with welcome drinks and ushered to the showroom for a quick preview.

Lee said he was very pleased with the Marriott’s continued efforts to promote tourism in Miri and thanked Gruber for the initiative in opening the showroom as it would make a great first impression on visitors to Miri and Northern Sarawak.

Gruber said their objective was not only to create a great first impression but also to ensure that all visitors felt welcomed and had someone answer all their queries.

He added that Miri Marriott Resort & Spa recently received the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Most Promising Luxury Hotel & Resort award.

For details, please contact the resort at tel 085-421121 or visit marriott.com/property



Extreme-ly well-prepared

By DIANA YEOH

PERAK is going to the extreme for Visit Malaysia Year with a list of adrenalin-pumping activities.

On the itinerary are “power” events like Outdoor Haven Tempurung Extravaganza (March 10), Malaysia Motocross (March 11), International Iron Bound Challenge (May 19-20), Ipoh International Run (July 1), Malaysia Skydive (July 14-15), Pulau Sembilan Fishing Safari (July 21-22) and Powerman Malaysia (Nov 11).

For those who prefer a slower pace, there are the Perak International Dancesport Championship (Jan 6), Agrofest Perak (June 7), International Orchid Festival (June 7-12), Perak Endurance (July 7, 8) and Perak Tropical Rainforest Tourism Symposium (Oct 27-28).

State Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries and Tourism committee chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan said the state hopes to attract some 3 million foreign tourists with these highlights on “extreme sports” and eco-tourism events.

“We have allocated RM3 million for clearing-up works that include homesteads in Selama, adding 80 rooms in Bukit Larut, upgrading facilities at Gua Tempurung/Taiping/Ipoh, development of the Kuala Gula bird sanctuary and recreational sites Kuala Woh and Lata Kinjang.

Introduction to Asia

In an increasingly globalizing world, each city has power as a brand, especially the older cities that are richer in history. There, cultures and traditions remain rooted in centuries of stories. “Travel to Asia” takes viewers on a tour of these civilizations, zooming in on the customs, foods, festivals, religions, charms and, of course, people that imbibe each city with character. Join us as we circle Asia, hitting 52 cities in 24 countries. Experience the power of Asian variety on “Travel to Asia”

Welcome to Travel to Asia

For those who have visited many website looking for places of interest in Asia, we thank you for the initiative. Therefore, this blog is created for the frequent traveler, travel enthusiast and even a curious visitor who wish to know Asia better.
In this first posting, we would like to introduce Malaysia, our beloved country.

Malaysia - An Introduction by Lonely Planet
Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in southeast Asia. It's buoyant and wealthy, and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.

Malaysia's love of Western-style industrialisation is abundantly clear in its big cities. Aside from the gleaming glass towers of the 21st Century, though, Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in Asia

Quick fact

• Full Name

Federation of Malaysia

• Capital City

Kuala Lumpur

• Area

329,750 sq km

127,316 sq miles

• Population

23,000,000

• Time Zone

GMT/UTC +8 ()

• Daylight Saving Start

not in use

• Daylight Saving End

not in use

• Languages

Malay (official) Known as Bahasa MalaysiaEnglish (other) Tamil (other) Chinese (other)

• Religion

52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Taoist, 8% Christian, 8% Hindu, 2% tribal

• Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (RM)

• Electricity

240V 50HzHz

• Electric Plug Details

British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade