AirAsia launches Bali-Perth flight, to resume Johor Bahru-Bangkok service

AirAsia, the low-fare airline based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, made the inaugural service between Bali in Indonesia and Perth in Australia on July 17, 2009.

The carrier said it will launch twice-a-day, non-stop flights on the Bali-Perth route from August 19, 2009.

AirAsia, the regional airline that serves destinations in Malaysia as well in South-East Asia, said in a statement that it will also resume its flight between Johor Bahru in Malaysia and Bangkok in Thailand from July 21, 2009. The Johor Bahru-Bangkok service was stopped nearly three weeks ago.

Perth is the first destination in Australia to which Air Asia flies from Indonesia.

The airline said it is using a brand-new Airbus A320 plane on the Bali-Perth route.

According to Air Asia, Perth is the airline’s 4th international route being operated from the Bali hub – after Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
With the introduction of the Bali-Perth service, the AirAsia group currently has a total of 21 flights a week to Perth – including one non-stop flight to Perth from Kuala Lumpur.

Kathleen Tan, regional head of commercial operations of AirAsia group, explained in the statement that the demand for the Perth-Bali route has been “phenomenal” and that the AirAsia has sold over 75,000 seats since May 2009, when the carrier started ticket sale on the route.

AirAsia said the resumption of the Johor Bahru-Bangkok service, starting from July 21, 2009, has been approved by the Tourism Authority of Johor state as well as by travel agents.

AirAsia, the biggest budget airline in Asia, started the Johor Bahru-Bangkok flight in 2005, but suspended it a year later. The service was restarted in February 2008, only to be stopped once again in early July 2009.
The flight from Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru to Bangkok takes 2 hours.

An official of the Tourism Authority in Johor state welcomed AirAsia’s decision to resume the Johor Bahru-Bangkok flight, but warned against suspending the service again, adding that it is the policy of the Johor state government to make the Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru into a passenger hub.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand also hailed the resumption of the Johor Bahru-Bangkok flight, saying it was very convenient for those traveling from Johor to Thailand.

For Malaysians, Thailand, especially its capital Bangkok, is a favourite holiday destination. In 2008, 1.82 million Malaysians visited Thailand – a rise by 18% from 1.54 million visitors in 2007.

Meanwhile, AirAsia is planning to sell its 3 Boeing 737 planes as a part of the airline’s plan to have a fleet consisting of only Airbus 320 aircraft, according to Tony Fernandes, chief executive officer of the AirAsia group.

how to malaysia holiday package tips

Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Malaysia is divided into two major regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. The Southeast Asian nation experienced a financial boom and underwent quick development during the late 20th century. The travel packages wrap Malaysia's famous and well-liked destination that includes cities, resorts, beaches, island and beautiful as well as themed packages such as diving, adventures, fishing, mountain climbing and cultural tours. Malaysia, after all, thrives on nature and on the archeological, cultural and historical attractions which react very sensitively to environmental influences. You plan to visit Malaysia related honeymoon.

You select a Malaysia honeymoon vacation package that fits your budget if price matters to you, and then you should know locate discount or special rate honeymoon package. You consult joy-travels. I suggest you book the vacation package this website. Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley, Johor Bahru and Penang to famous tourist's designations. Malaysia is a shopping Mecca for garments, electronics, computer goods and much more, with very aggressive prices. The cheapest place to easily buy national souvenirs is in Kuching, East Malaysia, and the most expensive place is in the major, posh KL shopping centers. While trying to attract the flow of tourism,' citing cases of new eco- resorts such as Datai Bay Resort in Langkawi and the Karumbunai Resort in Sabah. Malaysia's tourism sector expects to benefit from this boom Sabbaruddin puts the situation in proper perspective, saying that there is, generally, lack of information in Europe about the Southeast Asian region. He says one of the most attractive features about Malaysia for tourists are prices have declined further for foreign tourists. Malaysia is the only country in the region where prices are quoted in the local currency and not in US dollars.

This makes Malaysia a low-priced destination for foreign tourists whose currencies have appreciated considerably against the ringgit. Sabah is basically an agricultural state. He says Sabah's unique location right in the heart of Southeast Asia makes it an attractive designation for foreign visitors on a jaunt to any of the Southeast Asian countries. Sabah has two major attractions. We have first of all Mount Kinabalu and second, the Danum Valley which is a huge rain forest reserve bigger than Singapore.' The Sabah government is promoting three aspects of tourism - the western coast with a cluster of hotels, resorts and other tourism facilities, the eastern coast noted for eco-tourism, and the interior of the state with Mount Kinabalu as a major attraction. The region is generating considerable interest in a number of European countries as a tourist destination, according to Mohamed Idros, the director of the Frankfurt-based Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board. We provide customized and regular tour packages. German tourists prefer jungle tracking, scuba diving and such things while Asian tourists prefer comfort and well-arranged facilities for them,' she says. Our services are nature and culture oriented.

We have been marketing public relationship which has proven to be popular with the worldwide that come and stay with local hosts with whom they establish a long-term relationship. Accustomed to taking even two vacations a year and considered a major contributor to the country's flourishing tourism industry; he has now become tight-fisted and even denomination aware when it comes to travel. While financial constraints will prove to be a major stumbling block, foreign tourism promoters will have to resort to imaginative ways of attracting tourism. Singaporeans, for instance, have embarked quietly on what is described as `dental tourism' - tourists from developed countries, unwilling to pay the high costs of dental treatment and prosthesis fixtures at home, are being lured to Singapore where they are also offered dental treatment services plus a holiday in a good hotel as part of an attractive airfare-cum-hotel package.

Priya Singh wrote this article on behalf of Malaysia Holiday Resorts.

Malaysia Targets One Million Chinese Touristshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif This Year

BEIJING, July 20 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia is set to capitalise on this year's 35th anniversary of Sino-Malaysian relations as well as the ethnic ties between the peoples of both countries to draw more Chinese tourists to Malaysia.
The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board has set a target of one million Chinese tourists for this year alone.
"We will launch attractive tour packages which encourage Chinese tour operators to bring newly-wed couples, diplomatic personnel, intellectuals and professionals to Malaysia," Malaysian Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen said at a meeting with Tourism Malaysia officers based in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan Sunday evening soon after arriving here on a five-day visit to promote tourism.
She said tourists coming under these packages would enjoy gifts and additional services on top of the attractive discounts.
"We will include wedding photo shoots, gifts and gala shows for mass wedding couples to make their honeymoon in Malaysia a most memorable one.
"Former Chinese ambassadors to Malaysia will be engaged to give talks and hold seminars in universities here to relate their sweet experience in Malaysia so as to attract fellow diplomatic personnel, intellectuals and professionals to visit Malaysia," she said.
Dr Ng said the Chinese websites of Tourism Malaysia would carry the stories and photographs of rich and successful Chinese Malaysians to arouse the interest of the Chinese here to visit Malaysia to find out more about the evolution of Chinese Malaysians.
She also said that Tourism Malaysia would introduce special packages for Chinese senior citizens and parents of Chinese students overseas to visit Malaysia.
The Tourism Ministry would also emphasise the "To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia" promotion to get tourists to revisit Malaysia, she said.
Ng is scheduled to have dialogue sessions with major tour operators in Beijing at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang Hotel Monday morning and a dinner with Beijing Tourism Administration officials in the evening.
She will head for Shanghai Tuesday morning and also visit Wuhan and Guangzhou city before returning to Kuala Lumpur Friday.

FOOD IN MALAYSIA

Malaysian cuisine is exotic with an exciting range of flavours and culinary styles offering the uninitiated an endless gastronomic adventure. It comprises three main groups - Malay, Chinese and Indian with each having its own distinct style of cooking. There are also cuisine that have evolved from the meeting of cultures notably those of the Nyonya and Indian Muslim communities.
For the visitor who is interested in dining out, Kuala Lumpur boasts an extraordinary number of hawker stalls, coffee shops and restaurants, most of them offering a high standard of cuisine and often at very cheap prices.
Staple Diet - Rice
Rice is the staple diet in any Malay meal. It is often served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and supper too. Most meals are eaten by using your fingers, and eating utensils are kept to a minimum. All dishes are served at the same time, accompanied by a refreshing drink. Fish is popular in Malay cooking, as with other seafood such as shrimps and cuttlefish. Beef and mutton are very popular choices but never pork as it is against their religious beliefs to eat pork. The other popular white meat is chicken.
Dishes and Desserts
One of the most unique Malay dishes is the "roti jala" (lacy pancakes), which sometimes replaces the staple rice. Roti jala is an ideal accompaniment to any dish with lots of rich gravy and is often served during special occasions. It is made from a mixture of plain flour and eggs, with a pinch of turmeric powder and butter. Desserts are a must for any Malay meal. Easily available at most local restaurants and roadside stalls, Malay desserts are invariably very sweet and include ingredients such as coconut milk, palm sugar, and flour.

Popular Malay dishes include : -

¤ Nasi Dagang
The dish is made by cooking rice and glutinous rice together, to which coconut cream is added once it is cooked. Nasi Dagang is eaten with its own specially made side dishes of tuna fish curry and a light vegetable pickle.

¤ Keropok Lekor / Keping
A popular and the most visible fried snack in Terengganu, the keropok is made of fish meat, ground to a paste, and mixed with sago. Coming in two main different forms, the long chewy ones are called 'lekor', while the thin, crispy ones are called 'keping'. Keropok is best eaten hot with its special chili dip.

¤ Ayam Goreng
This is a popular chicken dish. Simply meaning fried chicken, this dish is prepared by first marinating the chicken with various spices like turmeric and curry powder. It is then deep fried in hot oil and served.

¤ Laksam
A delightful yet simple dish, the laksam is akin to the western pasta dish. Like the latter, it has both the flour dough and the gravy that goes with it. However, unlike the pasta, laksam is made using both wheat and rice flours, and the dough is steamed instead of boiled. Laksam's gravy is made of fish meat, which is boiled, pureed, and later mixed with coconut milk

¤ Indian Food
Indian influence in Malaysian cuisine started in the 19th century when large arrivals of Indian migrants were brought into the country as contract laborers to work in rubber estates and on the railways. Some did take the opportunity to set up trade in the textile and food industry. Indian cuisine can be divided into two mainstreams, Northern and Southern Indian cuisine.
In Malayasia, there is an abundant of Indian restaurants and food stalls to whet your appetite. They are traditionally served on a thali, a circular metal tray on which a number of small bowls called katori, also made from metal, are placed. Eaten with fingers, rice or bread are placed directly on the thali while curries and other dishes are served in the bowls. For South Indian cuisine, banana leaves are often used as plates where rice is served in the center, followed by various curries and accompaniments around it. These include dried fish, pappadams (lentil wafers), fresh chutneys made from herbs, coconut, and acid fruits among others.
Local Indian hawkers have created unique versions of local dishes, which are not found in India. For example, "mee goreng" is a combination of fresh Chinese yellow noodles, tofu, bean-sprouts, and dried shrimp paste. Malayasia also abounds with shops offering "Nasi Kandar", which is basically a combination of Malay and Indian cuisine - hence very Tandoori dishes are the most popular main courses in North Indian restaurants. Tandoori chicken is always a favorite, where a whole baby chicken or chicken quarters are roasted in the clay oven for several hours in advance and then finished off on the barbecue.

Top 3 Places to Visit in Malaysia For Nature Getaways

Are you serious about having a fun filled, exciting and a fabulous time with nature? Malaysia is the answer for those of you looking for a refreshing break with nature coupled with adventure and education. Now that you have decided to explore Malaysia, get to know the top 3 places for Nature Getaways spread across both West and East of Malaysia:

1. Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Islands) - These Perhentian Islands are a small group of islands that capture our attention by their beauty and elegance. Situated in the Western region of Malaysia, these coral -fringed islands are situated in the state of Terengganu, off the northeastern coast of Malaysia. Perhentian Islands are no doubt one of the several magical wonders of nature and with captivating beauty. They are most ideal for peaceful and relaxing vacations. Sunbathing and scuba diving are some of the common activities in the island. These islands are not still open for regular and mass tourism.

2. Sabah, Borneo Island - One of the most famous Nature Getaways situated in East Malaysia is Sabah, Borneo Islands. The question is where to start from? Mt.Kinabalu South East Asia's highest peak is situated here. Maliau basin in Danum Valley is the world's most unique rainforest basin. The land of Sabah is known for its richness in flora and fauna. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state and the largest city in East Malaysia. Its proximity to the rainforests, tropical islands and the highest peak Mt. Kinabalu makes it the most famous resort destination.

3. Sarawak, Borneo Island - Sarawak situated in East Malaysia is a land of caves. You should not miss out on visiting some of the unique caves at Mulu, situated in the north of Sarawak. It has the most spectacular sight of more than 300kms of explored caves. At a distance of 100kms southeast of the town of Miri, situated is the Gunung Mulu National Park on the southern border of Brunei. Largest cave chamber - Sarawak Chamber, Largest cave passage - Deer Cave, Longest cave - Clearwater Cave are some of the world's record breaking caves situated in the Park.

malaysia island

Malaysia has become one of favorite tourist's destinations due to various attractive locations that are there in Malaysia. Some of the most unequaled beauties can be witnessed by seeing the natural splendors of Malaysia. A number of national parks and beautiful islands add to the beauty of the Southeast Asian nation. In this part of the Asian continent Malaysia possibly is one of the most rapidly growing nation that has come up as a major tourist destination. What makes Malaysia so much fascinating is a number of incredible islands that it comprises of. Langkawi Island has lovely beaches like Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok, Penag beach, Pangkor Island, Port Dickson, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok, Pan, Desaru, Tioman, Cherating, Terengganu Islands and Beaches, Sabah Islands and Beaches.

Malaysia is enriched with many beautiful islands. These islands consist of tropical rainforest which are must for nature lovers. It fascinates various international tourists as they can enjoy and indulge various fun games such as boating, sailing, river rafting and paragliding etc. you can easily enjoy various water sports and those who are not so sporty can definitely try fishing on the islands of Malaysia. You can even spot many tourists taking sunbath or just enjoying swimming.

Malaysia islands tours enable you to dine in some of the best restaurants and enjoy mouth watering delicacies. You can try Chinese cuisine or you can even expect some of authentic Indian food as well.

The south East Asian nation is swamped with some of the top class hotels on the islands of the country. So while being on a Malaysia islands tour you can get to stay in the various luxury beach resorts and hotels that offer you with great services. On these islands there are a number of other attractions such as museums, national parks and even marine parks. If you are in the planning to enjoy an adventurous vacation then the diving spots on the islands can please you.

To plan your trip conveniently and make it good you can easily consult a travel dictionary or itinerary that offers maximum information about this holiday destination. Also the information provided is reliable and can help you plan according to your budget.

welcome to malaysia

WELCOME TO MALAYSIA
Malaysia is a country of contrasts, bathed in the warm tropical sun, endowed with 3,000 kilometers of coastline, several historic cities, a unique cultural mix, a string of cool hill resorts, the world’s oldest rainforest—and even Southeast Asia’s highest mountain. Add to this a delightful fusion.

Geographically, somewhat oddly, Malaysia comprises two distinct bodies of land, politically joined in 1963 after independence from Britain. The Malayan peninsula is the historic home of the Malay people, today’s heart and the population center of the dynamic modern nation. East Malaysia claims the northern edge of the huge, wild island of Borneo. Ethnically and culturally, Malaysia is a fundamentally Malay country overlaid with Chinese, Indian and British influences, and possessing several indigenous tribal peoples such as the Iban, Penan and Negrito.

Yet it preserves many traditional cultural aspects—dress, religion, food and architecture—and retains great natural beauty in beaches, forests, rivers and mountains. Visiting Malaysia provides a step into a special and distinctive world that can be done with ease and comfort via high modern standards of transportation and accommodation.

Holidaymakers love to head for the beach first and forget their workday cares. Malaysia offers a huge range of seaside relaxation running from luxurious total-comfort resorts to deserted away-from-it-all beaches. On the northwest coast of the peninsula sits the holiday island of Langkawi, set on the Andaman Sea. In its myriad coves and inlets, beside palm-fringed golden sand beaches, Langkawi offers international-standard resort hotels and simple chalet accommodation. For a bit of action, there are water sports of all kinds, a fine golf course and duty-free shopping. Especially easy to access, Langkawi has its own international airport.

Farther down the coast lies Penang Island and Batu Ferringhi’s resort hotel-lined beach with little offshore islands ideal for snorkeling and diving, or cruising around. Penang has long been popular with international tourists, as the large island offers many attractions, including a hill resort, botanical gardens, rainforest, typical Malay villages and the historic port city of Georgetown. Farther south, in the Straits of Malacca, lies the island of Pangkor, a popular getaway for Malaysians with its many sandy bays and all kinds of accommodation and diversions.

On the east coast, in an archipelago of 64 volcanic islands, sits Tioman Island. Blessed with miles of soft white sand and swaying palms, with a forested, mountainous interior where wild flowers grow in profusion and cool waterfalls cascade down rocky slopes, Tioman affords a paradise for everything from nature walks to sea sports, or just plain lazing in the tropical sun. The states of Pahang, Terengganu.

East Malaysia also boasts beach resorts such as at Damai, near Kuching, with its brilliant white sands and the Sarawak Cultural Village—a museum of Sarawak’s ethnic cultures. The real highlight, however, comes from diving in the waters off Labuan Island, famous for underwater shipwrecks, and Sipadan Island, in the state of Sabah.

With its wealth of natural environments, Malaysia offers a plethora of adventure opportunities: jungle trekking, white-water rafting, mountain and rock climbing, great cave exploration, scuba diving, kayaking, mountain biking and more. Throughout the country the settings provide ideal adventure activities—dense forests, rapid rivers, craggy mountains, huge cave systems, bountiful seas and kaleidoscopic coral reefs—plus abundant wildlife and ancient indigenous peoples.

welcome to malaysia
Malaysia is a country of contrasts, bathed in the warm tropical sun, endowed with 3,000 kilometers of coastline, several historic cities, a unique cultural mix, a string of cool hill resorts, the world’s oldest rainforest—and even Southeast Asia’s highest mountain. Add to this a delightful fusion.

Geographically, somewhat oddly, Malaysia comprises two distinct bodies of land, politically joined in 1963 after independence from Britain. The Malayan peninsula is the historic home of the Malay people, today’s heart and the population center of the dynamic modern nation. East Malaysia claims the northern edge of the huge, wild island of Borneo. Ethnically and culturally, Malaysia is a fundamentally Malay country overlaid with Chinese, Indian and British influences, and possessing several indigenous tribal peoples such as the Iban, Penan and Negrito.

Yet it preserves many traditional cultural aspects—dress, religion, food and architecture—and retains great natural beauty in beaches, forests, rivers and mountains. Visiting Malaysia provides a step into a special and distinctive world that can be done with ease and comfort via high modern standards of transportation and accommodation.

Holidaymakers love to head for the beach first and forget their workday cares. Malaysia offers a huge range of seaside relaxation running from luxurious total-comfort resorts to deserted away-from-it-all beaches. On the northwest coast of the peninsula sits the holiday island of Langkawi, set on the Andaman Sea. In its myriad coves and inlets, beside palm-fringed golden sand beaches, Langkawi offers international-standard resort hotels and simple chalet accommodation. For a bit of action, there are water sports of all kinds, a fine golf course and duty-free shopping. Especially easy to access, Langkawi has its own international airport.

Farther down the coast lies Penang Island and Batu Ferringhi’s resort hotel-lined beach with little offshore islands ideal for snorkeling and diving, or cruising around. Penang has long been popular with international tourists, as the large island offers many attractions, including a hill resort, botanical gardens, rainforest, typical Malay villages and the historic port city of Georgetown. Farther south, in the Straits of Malacca, lies the island of Pangkor, a popular getaway for Malaysians with its many sandy bays and all kinds of accommodation and diversions.

On the east coast, in an archipelago of 64 volcanic islands, sits Tioman Island. Blessed with miles of soft white sand and swaying palms, with a forested, mountainous interior where wild flowers grow in profusion and cool waterfalls cascade down rocky slopes, Tioman affords a paradise for everything from nature walks to sea sports, or just plain lazing in the tropical sun. The states of Pahang, Terengganu.

East Malaysia also boasts beach resorts such as at Damai, near Kuching, with its brilliant white sands and the Sarawak Cultural Village—a museum of Sarawak’s ethnic cultures. The real highlight, however, comes from diving in the waters off Labuan Island, famous for underwater shipwrecks, and Sipadan Island, in the state of Sabah.

With its wealth of natural environments, Malaysia offers a plethora of adventure opportunities: jungle trekking, white-water rafting, mountain and rock climbing, great cave exploration, scuba diving, kayaking, mountain biking and more. Throughout the country the settings provide ideal adventure activities—dense forests, rapid rivers, craggy mountains, huge cave systems, bountiful seas and kaleidoscopic coral reefs—plus abundant wildlife and ancient indigenous peoples.

Malaysia has international reputation as one of the most favoured destination. This enticing country is immersed in warm tropical sun, various historical cities, hill resorts, cultural mix and the oldest rainforest. All this makes it a delightful blend and boost curiosity of the tourists, about this stunning place. It can be a great place for your next vacation. Malaysia Explorer, a prominent online arranger is here to introduce you with the manifold cultural, natural dimensions of Malaysia in most comfortable and pocket friendly way.
Malaysia preserves various traditional aspects, including food, religion, dress and architecture and has stupendous natural beauty. There are forest, beaches, mountains, rivers and national parks. For adventurers it has diving, golf activities, whitewater rafting, cave exploring, paragliding, bird watching and many more. As far as, accommodation is concerned you can completely rely on us. Our consultants will find you suitable resorts and hotels, as per your specific requirements and budget. We make sure that hotels and resorts that we offer you for accommodation are situated near very many tourist attractions, so that you will not end up wasting much of your time, money and energy in travelling. For any sort of information related to Malaysia, come to us