ROYAL CARIBEAN

SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS’ RETURN TO MALAYSIA’S PORTS BRINGS WELCOME BOOST FOR LOCAL TOURISM OPERATORS

Asia’s largest and most innovative ship, Spectrum of the Seas, is charting a course that will help boost Malaysia’s tourism sector. On the back of a successful first port call in Kuala Lumpur on 1 July and Penang on 2 July after more than two years of cruises to nowhere – Malaysia’s travel and tourism industries can anticipate a lift from the twice weekly sailings Spectrum of the Seas is scheduled to deliver into Malaysian ports.

In recognition of cruise tourism being given a new lease of life, celebratory events were held onboard Spectrum of the Seas as she called at Port Klang in Kuala Lumpur yesterday and Penang’s Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, this morning. At both ports, senior dignitaries and state officials witnessed the plaque and key exchanges between Spectrum of the Seas’ Captain Flemming and the ports’ senior executives.

In Port Klang, Group Managing Director of MMC Corporation Berhad, Chairman of Port Klang Cruise Terminal, Deputy Under Secretary of Maritime Department in its Ministry of Transport, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor, Director of Immigration at Selangor, and Royal Caribbean’s regional executive team and trade partners gathered onboard Spectrum of the Seas where they were given a tour of the ship’s highlights.

This morning in Penang, Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Chairman of Penang Port Commission, General Manager of Penang Port Commission, Chairman of Penang Port Sdn Bhd, and Chief Executive Officer of Penang Port Sdn Bhd joined the Royal Caribbean executive team for a press briefing, followed by a ship tour.

“As the new owner of the passenger cruise terminal in Port Klang, Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) is indeed excited to see the resumption of cruise ships calling at our terminal. The arrival of Spectrum of the Seas on 1 July 2022 at PKCT was a significant milestone, as it marked the revival of the cruise tourism after a two-year break due to COVID-related travel restrictions. We believe that the arrival of cruise ships to Port Klang, carrying local and international passengers to enjoy restaurants, attractions and shopping malls around the state of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur will greatly support Malaysia’s tourism industry and economy. We have introduced a new attraction for passengers – “Cruise Day Fiesta” at the PKCT terminal building – in conjunction with Tourism Selangor featuring local cuisine and handicraft. PKCT is ready to welcome cruise liners to our world-class terminal,” said Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, Chairman of PKCT.

“It’s been more than two years since Malaysia has had international cruise ships visit due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown. Penang is now primed for a tourism rebound with the arrival of Spectrum of the Seas. Penang Port has served 13 international calls totaling nearly 35,000 passengers just in July, 27,000 of whom were guests from Spectrum of the Seas. As one of the chosen port calls in Malaysia for Spectrum of the Seas’ twice weekly sailings, Penang Port is pleased to warmly welcome and host Spectrum of the Seas, and appreciates the economic growth, joy and benefits this will bring to Penang,” said Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, Chairman of Penang Port Commission.

“For two years, our focus was on keeping the boat afloat at SPCT and preparing for its inevitable resumption, and now we are delighted to say that we are back in business. Owing much to the hard work from every party involved, Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal is more advanced than ever. Our amenities and duty-free shops have been updated to accommodate both domestic and international guests and our facilities are upgraded to cater for both local and international passengers. For the first time, our expanded berth has seen two Oasis class vessels at standby in the terminal and we are confident that the revival of our cruise services will help bring about a paradigm shift for the businesses in Penang. Of course, Penang Port will work very hard to take all reasonable precautions to ensure no new Covid-19 infections, and we urge everyone, including tourists to also play their part in breaking the chain,” said Dato’ Sasedharan Vasudevan, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Port Sdn Bhd.

“The wait is over! We are thrilled to herald the return of ports-of-call cruising within the region, and to connect holidaymakers with Asia’s beautiful destinations once again. The combination of adventures and experiences we’ve curated onboard, as well as the vibrancy and rich heritage of Malaysia’s shores will make Spectrum of the Seas a huge hit for Singapore guests as well as fly-cruisers from around the globe,” said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International.

“It is truly a privilege to share the majesty of the ocean and the vibrancy of our destination communities with our guests. To that end we are committed to pilot and develop new technologies and practices to protect region’s local waters, preserve the health and heritage of the local communities we visit, and continue to deliver the best vacations at sea, responsibly and sustainably.” With the combination of brand-new thrills and signature favourites on board and ashore, the new 3- and 4-night itineraries offer guests of all ages the first opportunity of many to sail and explore international shores once again.

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selangor’s most instagram-wortHY glamping spots

Selangor is a place known for its eco destinations and stunning natural scenery. This makes it perfect for outdoor trips and campers. Try glamping, also known as ‘glamourous camping,’ if you disagree with the idea that sleeping in a normal camping canvas on the ground is pleasant. By glamping, you may enjoy the outdoors and it’s all in your backyard.

Resort Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel,Rawang @47shiqiow via Instagram River & Glamp, Batu Caves @riverandglamp via Instagram

imagine spending the day swimming in a pool while the sun sets, relaxing with a cup of tea, and climbing and trekking through the lush greenery. Glamping provides that, and it's one of the greatest ways to view and take in Selangor's stunning landscapes. Here's a list of 8 glamping spots around Selangor you should go.

1/ resort taman eko rimba komanwel, rawang There are extensive forests around Resort Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel, making it a beautiful park. It's the perfect getaway for a relaxing weekend in the great outdoors. If you're travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Rawang, make a pit stop at the Commonwealth Forest Park, which is located just next to the trunk route. As the name suggests, Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel mixes a dense jungle with beautiful gardens, a lake and a variety of other features to provide tourists with an exquisite setting for a retreat in the woods. If you want to go camping on the weekends, you should book the campsite at least two weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. It's safe to say that lake

Dusun Bonda, Batang Kali @akenggdagang via instagram

Dusun Bonda, Batang Kali @afiqahjafree via Instagram

Skycamp By Rimba Segara, Hulu Langat @hasifhamsyari via Instagram

campsite is a top pick for a lot of campers. A lovely, verdant forest envelops the park. Trekking trails are accessible for people of all abilities and ages, too.

2/ river & glamp, batu Caves You have come to the right location if you are looking for a beautiful area to go glamping by the river in Selangor. The River & Glamp is located about 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and 15 minutes from Batu Caves, Selangor. This beautiful location will definitely highlight the best features of nature. And, to whet your appetite, River & Glamp package includes three dishes: breakfast, lunch and dinner, all served in a glamping -style atmosphere. Glamping gives you the best of both worlds: a place to sleep, stunning scenery, the opportunity to be in nature and a once-in-alifetime experience.

3/ Dusun bonDa, batang kali Dusun Bonda, a small privately owned villa and the site of the Glamping Bell Tent within a fruit orchard, provides relaxing accommodation in a beautiful setting. Located at Ulu Tamu, Batang Kali, Selangor. It has child-friendly facilities, as well as beautiful calm river views with waterfalls and man-made pools. It all started with the owner’s passion for nature, which led to the creation of a family shelter, a great place to spend quality time with loved ones while surrounded by tropical scenery.

4/ skYCamp bY rimba segara, Hulu langat This newest and most recent park is located in the cool and hilly neighborhood of Hulu Langat. Go back in time to a beautiful rural setting with rivers and waterfalls amidst tropical gardens and lush forests with a leisurely drive through the small town of Hulu Langat, which has attractive food stalls and fruit shops on both cross the street. You can also bring your own food to cook in the kitchen, including a refrigerator and all cooking utensils, including gas provided. The park is run with environmental sensitivity, and there will be

set limits, particularly on the use of disposable plastic and styrofoam.

5/ tHe stiCks, kuala kubu bHaru The Sticks is a charming eco-resort tucked away in the dense jungle of Kuala Kubu Bharu in Hulu Selangor. It was constructed on a former tin mine site. Built with environmental sustainability in mind, the resort generates electricity via solar power, obtains water from a local stream, and was developed with little land impact. Spend time in a space to call your own within the jungle furnished with cosy beds, plush duvets, ceiling fans and water heaters with spring water. All 12 of the unique houses, or as they fondly call them ‘tendoks’, a cross between a tent and a pondok (or hut in Malay), at The Sticks were designed to ensure an accommodation experience authentic to nature without sacrificing comfort. Guests can relax and enjoy moments spent lounging on a hammock under the sky, floating along the river, or dining on delicious home-cooked meals ensuring comfort during their stay.

6/ tHe HiD3out, batu Caves The Hid3out is located in Sungai Tua, Batu Caves Selangor. Glamping at The Hid3out is a great way to take camping to the next level. Don’t worry about having to go into a cave entirely with a tent and an outdoor environment to complete the camping experience; essential amenities such as mattresses, toilets and more are supplied. Glampers can also use the BBQ pit to prepare meals and enjoy their stay with good friends.

7/ alpine Camp, Hulu langat Who says you can’t enjoy the natural beauty while being close to the city?. Alpine provides a natural glamping experience with the backdrop of the Lui River and Black Mountain (Gunung Hitam). There are five glamping tents available, each of which can accommodate up to four people. Alpine Camp also has a surau and dining hall for the convenience of visitors. Visitors can also enjoy the small river as it is safe for children.

Skycamp By Rimba Segara, Hulu Langat @shaznur_hakimin via Instagram

The Sticks, Kuala Kubu Bharu @thesticksguide via Instagram

The Sticks, Kuala Kubu Bharu @thesticksguide via Instagram

The Hid3out, Batu Caves @ashikin_hassan via Instagram

Camp Out, Sunway Lagoon @ahmadsyauqqii via Instagram

Camp Out, Sunway Lagoon @ahmadsyauqqii via Instagram Alpine Camp, Hulu Langat @ahmadsyauqqii via Instagram

8/ Camp out, sunwaY lagoon "Camp Out" is the first camping experience at Sunway Lagoon located in a theme park. Camp Out, Sunway Lagoon will give you an extension of their Best Day experience from morning to night. It’s an improved version of your regular camping trip, complete with a barbecue dinner, private pool and a chance to sleep in the middle of Sunway Lagoon.

The campsite is located in the heart of Sunway Lagoon, where you will be able to spend your night under the clear sky while the surrounding dunes complete the timeless beautiful backdrop. You can cross other items off your bucket list by camping in luxury. Definitely it will be the best night of your life

Look no further than these glamping retreats if you're seeking a unique accommodation option for your next vacation.This time, Tourism Selangor has provided a list of attractions that is at random and not ranked. Before making a reservation and payment, we recommend that you get correct and reliable information about the offer packages at each vacation destination. Weekdays are highly advised for ultimate convenience during your trip.

malaysian Holidays by bus

While many of us may be still hesitant to travel overseas, exploring Malaysia is now a reality and many Malaysians are taking the opportunity to rediscover the country. Recently, I set off to explore some local travel destinations to see how they have changed over the past few years during COVID lockdowns.

By DaviD BowDen

Super Nice coach at Penang Sentral

our lives have changed, people have changed and the way we travel has changed as well, so with this in mind, i decided to be adventurous in travelling around the peninsular via a mode of transport that was new to me. i wanted to be driven, in comfort and at ground level so i could admire the scenery along the way. Bus or coach travel was the obvious choice, so i began doing some online research to identify the destinations, the best bus company, accommodation along the way and the sights in each destination that i wanted to visit.

Super nice express was chosen as the bus company as it provides a comprehensive choice of destinations, a fleet of modern coaches and, as i discovered on my travels; it has undertaken significant coach and driver

Super Nice Scania Bus in Kuala Kangsar

safety initiatives.

My travels took me to four popular destinations on peninsular Malaysia – Melaka, Kuantan, Taiping and Penang.

a super nice Journey First impressions are important and upon arriving at the bus station in Kuala Lumpur, i couldn’t help but notice just how modern my Super nice express coach looked. i found out later from the driver that Super nice operates several new Scania buses with the comfort of just three seats across the aisle with sufficient leg room, panoramic windows, complimentary wi-fi, and generous overhead storage bins.

Heading down the north South Highway, i was impressed with just how enjoyable the ride was and how carefully the bus was being driven. it felt wonderful to be sitting back in relaxed comfort while someone else did the driving. at a rest stop, i complimented the driver on his careful driving and he proudly informed me that Super nice subscribes to special initiatives of the bus manufacturer. Scania’s ecolution

Lake Gardens Taiping

Cycle shop Armenian Street Penang

Relax in the inviting Gourmet Bar in the lobby of the Novotel Taiping

View of Penang from the Courtyard by Marriott Penang Cakes Kula Cakes Kuantan

Fishing fleet Kuantan River

Flat white coffee

The old and the new architecture George Town Penang Kuantan street art sign and tower Kuantan

Kuantan 188 and Jalan Besar Kuantan

programme aims to reduce emissions and as part of that, drivers are being coached as well as encouraged to attend driver safety classes. He added that the new coach he was driving was fitted with Scania’s advance Driver assistance System.

The driver was very knowledgeable about this and he told me that this was a tool for enabling safe, reassuring and cost-effective transport. apparently, this is a system comprising software, cameras and sensors that addresses interactions with vulnerable road users, traffic blind spots and maintains vehicle distance in conditions of heavy traffic. no wonder the journey was so smooth with no sudden braking; it was very reassuring. So, for travellers who may have reservations about taking a bus holiday, think again; systems have changed and have been vastly upgraded over the past few years.

mesmerising melaka Coach travel is very affordable so what i saved on travel, i allocated to deluxe accommodation, sightseeing and meals. i arrived in historic Melaka in the late afternoon.

The Rosa Malacca interested me for being purpose-built to look retro in style that resembled a rustic industrial loft building that wouldn’t look out of place in new york. as complicated as the description is, the hotel just to the south of the UneSCo heritage core zone is a huge success with many quirky elements that should have most guests working overtime on their instagram account.

The free-standing hotel is within a 20-minute walk of Jonkers Street where i happily wandered taking in the heritage sites, some café outlets that were new to me and the river with its vibrant street art and cruise boat service.

Being mid-week, i was pleasantly surprised as to just how quiet the streets of Melaka were; perhaps the shop owners would have preferred more visitors but i was happy to have the streets to myself. Charismatic Kuantan Perhaps, Melaka to Kuantan is not a journey most would consider but with Super nice express offering a comprehensive network, the Pahang capital was my next port of call. i had heard that many fascinating things were happening in Kuantan and i wasn’t disappointed. Firstly, my retreat for my stay in the city was the delightful aC Hotel Kuantan City Centre just a short walk from the city’s commercial heart. it was a slightly longer walk to Jalan Besar where i was eager to enjoy an afternoon snack of coffee and cakes following my extended bus journey.

Jalan Besar is lined with heritage shoplots that are being repurposed

Exterior at dusk Novotel Taiping

Interior Daily Fix Melaka

Historic shuttered windows Penang

Postman graffiti Kuantan

Clothes drying alleyway Taiping Premier Deluxe Room Courtyard by Marriott Penang

Relaxing in Lake Gardens Taiping

View of Taiping and Bukit Larut from Novotel Taiping

as cafés, cake shops and restaurants. Beneath the Menara 188 tower, outlets such as Kula Cakes and watak Kopi lured me in with their enticing cakes and beverages.

Renovations were being carried out at the old Hock Bee Bros. offices where a retro coffeeshop will soon open in a building that has remained untouched for decades. The alleyway at the back is lined with street art. in the evening, i chose to dine in 90 Degrees Café and art that the hotel concierge recommended to me. This chic outlet serves modern interpretations of pasta, pizza and salads and some decorative and wickedly delicious cakes provided by the adjoining outlet called Koko.

Heritage Penang Kuantan to Penang by coach is another long haul but a service offered by Super nice express. My suggestion for those who don’t want to spend so many hours on a bus is to break the journey in maybe ipoh but i enjoyed the ride reading up on Penang. one of the attractions of using companies like Super nice express is that they have many destinations covered by frequent services. My next coach adventure took me to the Penang Sentral transport hub in Butterworth. From here, i caught the ferry across to Penang island and then a city bus to the recently-opened Courtyard by Marriott Penang just outside the UneSCo world Heritage zone. The property interested me for its range of contemporary facilities, an all-day dining outlet and the Gin Library offering premium beverages, a great atmosphere and panoramic city views. i felt like i had to earn my keep and became a foot solider of tourism in exploring George Town’s heritage zone. it wasn’t my first visit here but it was good to relook at old sites and take some photos. Famous cendol stalls had queues and ChinaHouse was doing a bustling business serving cakes and coffee to eager mid-afternoon patrons. The alleyways off armenian Street were a riot of colour with one passageway lined with umbrellas casting shade over the street art below. with sunset imminent, i dragged myself from the comfort of my room at the Courtyard by Marriott to the Gin Library on the hotel’s 23rd floor. i hadn’t booked but was lucky to secure the last table so if you plan to visit (and you should), it’s best to make a reservation. The views are impressive, the surroundings are club-like and the beverages are top class.

Hidden Taiping i chose Taiping over ipoh as my last stop before returning to Kuala Lumpur as i hadn’t been there for years. what a pleasant surprise this city was and it is my recommendation upon arriving here; to check into a downtown hotel such as the novotel Taiping and then explore many of the city attractions by foot.

The novotel Taiping really is a bargain considering that it offers international standards but at a very affordable price. i was impressed with the management, the standard of the rooms, the facilities and the enticing restaurant.

Taiping is an exciting food destination with possibly some of the most affordable dishes in the country. appreciating this, the hotel offers a tantalising choice of dishes at prices that make it an easy choice to dine in. This way, i could relax around the pool and then dine in the comfort of the hotel at very affordable prices considering the hotel’s deluxe surroundings.

Before dining though, i had to explore the city with the Lake Gardens just minutes from the novotel’s front door. The vast majority of this recreational area is pedestrian-only and i was pleasantly surprised as to how many people there were exercising beneath the famous raintrees lining the path and cycleways. i walked as far as the zoo but chose not to visit due to time constraints. There are many other attractions in Taiping and i knew i hadn’t allocated enough time but made a mental note that i should return to visit the museum and maybe even walk at least part of the trail to Bukit Larut. after an adventurous week of travel across the peninsular, i appreciated just how well-equipped the country is for a holiday of discovery by coach.

Contacts aC Hotel Kuantan City Centre (www. ac-hotels.com), Courtyard by Marriott Penang (www.marriott.com), novotel Taiping (www.novotel.com), Rosa Malacca (www.rosa.com.my), Scania (www.scania.com.my) and Super nice express (www.supernice.com.my).

Relax in the designer detail of guestrooms in Rosa Malacca

Rainforestation Nature Park_©Tourism and Events Queensland

GoinG on safari:

australia’s wildlife throuGh an indiGenous lens

Koalas. Kangaroos. Echidnas. Wombats. Without an Aboriginal guide, they’re fascinating creatures only found in Australia. As we celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on 9 August, learn more about how an Indigenous guide can take you beyond the animal fact sheet to learn about their cultural significance of Australian wildlife as totems, food sources, the bearers of wisdom and guides to the seasons.

Rainforestation Nature Park_©Tourism and Events Queensland

“Australia is home to the oldest living culture on Earth. Indigenous tourism offers a true connection to the land and sea and a new way of experiencing it – one that is life changing, transformative and immersive. We want to let travellers experience the authenticity of the region and form meaningful connections with the places they visit, and our many Indigenous experiences are an incredible place to start,” said Brent Anderson (Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager, South & South East Asia).

Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill_©Visit Victoria

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area_©Tourism Western Australia AustrAlIA’s unIquE WIldlIfE And stunnIng nAturAl AttrActIons drAW Almost 70 pEr cEnt of thE nAtIon’s vIsItors, or ABout fIvE mIllIon pEoplE EAch yEAr, AccordIng to rEsEArch, And nAturE Is nAmEd As thE most InfluEntIAl trIp-plAnnIng fActor for Almost 40 pEr cEnt of InBound vIsItors.

Australia’s unique wildlife and stunning natural attractions draw almost 70 per cent of the nation’s visitors, or about five million people each year, according to research, and nature is named as the most influential trip-planning factor for almost 40 per cent of inbound visitors. Experiencing both through the lens of an Aboriginal guide adds a layer of understanding that’s unobtainable in any other way.

In the tri-coloured, World heritage-listed landscape of shark Bay, Wula gura nyinda Eco cultural Adventures

Group on tour with Yellow Water Cruises_©Tourism Australia and Nicholas Kavo

Kakadu from the air_©Tourism NT and Salty Wings (digital use only)

Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill_©Visit Victoria

provides a unique take on the dugongs, whales, dolphins and, yes, sharks clustering below the West Australian waterline. As the red earth merges with bonehued sand and turquoise ocean, guide darren capewell leads skimming kayaks or stand-up paddleboards across bountiful waters, sharing his people’s unbreakable spiritual connection to the ecosystem that has long provided their life source. his purpose is to get you to feel the country, rather than just see it. local guides enhance Kakadu tourism’s yellow Water cruises with their passed-down knowledge of the life cycles of the fauna living in the spectacular wetlands. they share stories as saltwater crocodiles emerge from motionless water in golden dawn light to the cackle of some of the 60 species of native birds. meanwhile, the guided walk through a rehabilitated wildlife reserve at Worn gundidj @ tower hill in victoria allows for up-close encounters with iconic Australian animals such as kangaroos, emus, koalas and wallabies. As they roam freely, you learn about bush foods and handle Aboriginal tools

Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill_©Visit Victoria

locAl guIdEs EnhAncE KAKAdu tourIsm’s yElloW WAtEr cruIsEs WIth thEIr pAssEd-doWn KnoWlEdgE of thE lIfE cyclEs of thE fAunA lIvIng In thE spEctAculAr WEtlAnds. thEy shArE storIEs As sAltWAtEr crocodIlEs EmErgE from motIonlEss WAtEr In goldEn dAWn lIght to thE cAcKlE of somE of thE 60 spEcIEs of nAtIvE BIrds.

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area_©Tourism Western Australia

that were once a part of daily life in the dormant volcano surrounds. further north, in the queensland rainforest, a traditional dance performed as part of the pamagirri Aboriginal Experience at rainforestation nature park reveals key information about food gathering and hunting, while at the park you can hold a koala or feed a kangaroo.