Exotic Treasures From Kelantan

Kelantan has always been renowned for its cottage industries which have become an important part of the state’s economic activity. This thriving industry has produced some of the country’s’ finest and highest quality of intricate silverware, exquisite batik and songket designs, magnificent kites and wonderfully crafted wooden carvings. These exotic treasures are most famous for its superb workmanship, intricacy and details in its design elements as well as its superior craftsmanship.

Silverware

Kelantan’s cottage industries are mostly found in the outskirts of the city. The most famous silvercraft factories in the state are located at Kampung Sireh along Jalan Sultanah Zainab, Kampung Badang and Kampung Marak on the road towards Pantai Cahaya Bulan. A visit to the silvercraft factory gives visitors a closer look at how these beautiful silver masterpieces are designed and made for sale. The factories are normally open to visitors from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm daily except on Fridays.

Songket Weaving

Just four kilometres away from the city is the famous songket weaving factory in Kampung Penambang. Back in the days, this fine material was only reserved for royalty and is considered a legacy for the proud people of Kelantan. Today, the songket is widely used for weddings, ceremonial occasions and other traditional functions. The silk material woven with beautiful patterns using gold and silver threads originated from Thailand while the gold and silver threads are imported from India.

Batik

Kelantan produces some of the most loveliest and colourful batik materials in the country. Kampung Putih, Kampung Badan and Kubor Kuda are some of the larger batik factories where visitors can get an insight into the whole batik printing process. Batik was once printed on cotton sarongs using stamp blocks. However, batik printings have since evolved and now incorporate a much easier and sophisticated method of printing the bright and colourful textile. To get a clearer picture of how these silky, soft materials are produced, the factories are open for visitors daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm except on Fridays.

Handicraft Village & Craft Museum

The Handicraft Village and Craft Museum also know as ‘Balai Getam Guri’ is located in the state’s capital, showcases the various display of Kelantan’s finest arts and crafts produced by its cottage industries. Wide selections of handicrafts are exhibited here such as batik, songket, silverware, wooden handicrafts and wau. These items are also available for sale at the museum. Visitors get to learn more about these beautiful treasures produced by Kelantan’s finest craftsman while delving into the history, origins and process of making each of the items. Demonstrations on the traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silverware carving and wood carving are also being carried out by the skilled craftsman for the public’s viewing. The museum is open daily to visitors except on Fridays from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

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Article Information
This article was written by Pollyanna G. Joseph and was first published on 31 January 2007. This article is free for personal and commercial reproduction, with the following terms and conditions.

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The Splendours of Pulau Pangkor

Pulau Pangkor or Pangkor Island is located off the coast of Perak. Relatively a small island whose economy mainly relies on the fishing and cottage industry, Pangkor Island is increasingly becoming a tourist destination.

To get to Pangkor Island, you would have to go to Lumut, Perak. You can either drive or take the many express bus services taking the North-South Expressway, exiting at Gopeng interchange. You would then need to drive to Lumut. In Lumut you can park your vehicle at the many guarded car parks. From the jetty in Lumut, you can take the half hour ferry ride to Pangkor Island. Another alternative to the island is to take a Berjaya Air’s 40 minutes flight from Subang Airport. Upon your arrival to the island, you can hire a taxi that will take you to your hotel.

Though the island is relatively small, tourists to the island may find that they do not lack activities to do. To go around the island, you can either hire a taxi or rent a motorcycle or bicycle. If you were to hire the taxi, the driver will take you around to the popular sites all around the island.

Pasir Bogak

This is a generally busy part of the island, where you can find a lot of chalets, campsites, motels, hotels and also resorts for holiday makers. During the holiday season, Pasir Bogak is really famous among the tourists. Many tourists will throng the beach at Pasir Bogak for good fun at the beach and also for some fresh seafood.

Teluk Nipah

Teluk Nipah or Nipah Bay is also filled with accommodations for the holiday makers. During peak season, this part of the island is normally jam-packed with tourists. Tourists staying at this part of the island can opt to charter a boat to go across to Giam Island or Mentagor Island or if they choose to be adventurous, they can opt to kayak across to these islands.

Dutch Fort

One of the historical landmark which is now considered as one of the interesting attraction to Pulau Pangkor is the remnant of the Dutch occupancy. The 300 years old Dutch Fort was built in 1670 at Teluk Gedung, serving its purpose as a storage for tin and later as a stronghold against the local Malays and pirates. The Fort was later abandoned after it was attacked by a local Malay Warrior, Panglima Kulub and his followers. In 1973, The Muzium Negara undertook its reconstruction and it now stands in its original foundation.

Batu Bersurat

Located very near to the Fort is a boulder known as the Batu Bersurat which literally means the stone of inscription. On this boulder, there is a picture of a tiger carrying away a child, along with some words and the number 1743 etched. The story behind the etching on the boulder is that in 1743 a child of a Dutch dignitary went missing and the Dutch soldiers were sent to look for him. According to some, the boy was taken away by a tiger, while some of the villagers have a theory that some of the angry Malays who are against the Dutch had abducted and killed the child. The Dutch soldiers, then etched the inscription to commemorate the incident.

Foo Lin Kong Temple

This is a new Taoist Temple that was built at the foot of Pangkor Hill in the Sungai Pinang Besar village. This beautiful temple is surrounded by a nice miniature of the Great Wall of China and also a nice landscaped garden. There’s also a pond where you can see Koi fish and tortoises.

Teluk Belanga and Teluk Dalam

For those who want some peace and quiet and the beach all to themselves, they can head over to Teluk Belanga or Teluk Dalam. Both beaches are privately owned and are away from the busy touristy sites. At Teluk Belanga, tourists can check-in at the Pangkor Beach Resort while in Teluk Dalam, visitors can stay in the Kampung House concept resort.

Apart from these spots, the taxi will also take you to the Satay Fish Factory. Here you can buy all the products made from fish and cuttlefish. You can buy dried products like anchovies, fish and cuttlefish and you can also buy ready to eat snacks like the Satay Fish or Satay Cuttlefish. Many visitors will buy bags and bags of these snacks to bring back as gifts.

Apart from the Satay Fish Factory, you can also but these products in Pangkor Town itself. Located near the ferry terminal, there is a street which is lined on both sides with shops that sells all these products.

Jungle Trekking

For the outdoor and sporty type, some might want to explore the island on foot. There is a mountain trail from Pasir Bogak Beach to Sungai Pinang Town. This will also lead you to the trek on Tortoise Hill which will give you a scenic view of the Tortoise Bay. Jungle trekking will give you a chance to admire the flora and fauna of the island.

Though the island may lack the touristy hype that some of the bigger islands around the peninsular may have, many will find Pangkor’s idyllic charm a reason to return to the island.

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Article Information
This article was written by Rozila Wong and was first published on 29 January 2007. This article is free for personal and commercial reproduction, with the following terms and conditions.

Genting Highlands

Genting is one of the most popular travel destinations in Malaysia. The main attractions of Genting is the only casino in Malaysia, as well as its theme park and cool weather.

Getting There

Bus - express buses are available at Puduraya Bus Terminal and KL Sentral, which will take visitors to Genting Highlands Resort. There are also buses that take visitors to the mid-way station, where the visitors will then have to take the cable car to reach the hotels. A single trip bus cost around RM7.

Taxi - taxi to Genting is plentiful at Puduraya Bus Terminal.

Getting Around

Walking - the main resorts at Gentings are interconnected, so walking is a good option. Although navigating the area might be a bit confusing, the workers at Genting resorts are always helpful for directions.

Taxi is available at the main entrance of every resort. It can carry you around Genting Highlands or to go back to Kuala Lumpur.

Main Attractions

Casino is the main attraction of Genting. Being the only legal gambling hub, Genting Casino managed to attract large crowd during the weekends.

Genting Theme Park is one of the best theme park in Malaysia. It's crowded during school holidays and weekends with teenagers and youngsters. The theme park also allows family vacation where the adults heading for the casino while the kids have a great place to spend their time.

Concerts - Genting runs concert at almost every weekend at their Star Arena, and often the concerts are filled with big names that attracts a few thousands of full house audiences.

Chin Swee Caves Temple is located midway through the peak of Genting Highlands. It's a nice temple to pay a visit.

Eat and Stay

There are all sorts of cuisines available in various restaurants in Genting. You can find Malay, Chinese, Indian, Western, Japanese and fast food etc. The food are normally 20-30% more expensive than on the ground because of the difficulty to get the resources up hill.

There are 5 main resorts to choose from, the cheapest being First World Hotel that offered RM85 per night during off peak seasons (could go cheaper during special promotions).

More fun at Awana

More fun at Awana
18 March 2009
Publisher : News Straits Times - Travel News

GENTING Highlands is not all about thrills in the theme parks.

At Awana Genting Resort, you can take time off to enjoy nature on arranged trips to the Elephant Sanctuary and Deer Farm in Kuala Gandah, 96km away.

The coach leaves the resort at 9am daily. At the Deer Farm, you can get really close to the animals and even feed them.

Other animals there include sun bears, ostriches and flying squirrels. A visit to an Orang Asli settlement is next, followed by kampung-style lunch in the jungle.

Then you’ll be taken to the Elephant Sanctuary where you can feed, ride and even bathe with the elephants in a river.

The whole tour takes about eight hours and is priced at RM180 (adult) and RM155 (child).

Details, call 03-6101 3015. You can also go night-trekking on the Awana Genting Moonlighting Tour in a nearby rainforest.

Fireflies and stars are some of the attractions. RM40 (adult) and RM30 (child). In Pulau Langkawi’s Awana Porto Malai Resort, ATV rides are the newest attraction. You get to ride in and around the resort compound and over a small hill.

Between 9am to 8pm daily. RM150 per session include ATV rental and safety helmet. Details, call 04-955 5111.

G-lorious golds for hotel chefs

G-lorious golds for hotel chefs
28 April 2009
Publisher : News Straits Times - Travel News

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CHEFS of Penang’s G Hotel bagged 15 awards in their very first attempt in the recent Battle Of The Chefs Competition 2009 at the Penang International Sports Arena.

The winning G Hotel teamThe team of 25 chefs laboured for months to prepare for the competition.

Their hard work certainly paid off when they won first place. Chefs from its Sesame And Soy Restaurant bagged the prestigious Team Gold Medal for the Class 25 Modern Chinese Cuisine Restaurant (Team) category while its G Spot bartender team went home with the coveted Gold Medal for the Class 36 Bacardi Bartender’s Competition.

The team competed in a total of 10 classes namely Modern Chinese Cuisine Restaurant, Bacardi Bartender’s Competition, Dress the Cake, Confectionary, Dessert (Asian/Continental) Display, Buffet Platter (Western or Asian), Amuse Bouche, Main Course I (meat/poultry/game), Roti Canai and Penang Char Kway Teow competitions.

Its general manager, Mr Marco G. Battistotti, was clearly pleased with the accolades won by his charges. “G Hotel was opened in mid 2007 and we missed the competition that year. This event not only tests the skills of the participating culinary masters from all over the world, but also helps to promote our local tourism industry.

It has managed to successfully spread the word that Malaysia has it all, from good food to breathtaking scenery,” he said.

Since its opening in June 2007, Sesame And Soy has received three awards: Top 10 Hapa Gastronomic Experience – Asian Cuisine 2008-2010, Top 10 Hapa Most Outstanding Cuisine Chef for Chef Vincent Lee and the recent Gold Medal award in the Battle of the Chefs 2009. The stylish jazz bar and lounge GH Spot won recognition as the Top 10 Hapa Best Night Spot 2008-2010 apart from the recently won Gold Medal award.

Battle Of The Chefs Competition is a biennial event where students, cooks, chefs and service staff from various food and beverage outlets from all over Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea and Taiwan pit their skills against each other in 36 categories.

In this 12th edition, Penang char kway teow, Nescafe tarik and roti canai tossing were highlighted and promoted.

Penang Travel Fair July 2009

EVENTS

MATTA Fair Penang 2009

3 July 2009 until 5 July 2009

Organizer : MATTA Penang Chapter
Venue : Penang International Sports Arena (PISA), Relau

MATTA Fair Penang 2009

For more information, kindly contact the name below:-

* Ms Evelyn Toh or Ms Emilie Lim 04-8900106/ 0164222929