Entering M'sia? No need for arrival cards

Entering M'sia? No need for arrival cards 

 Starting from June 1, foreigners entering Malaysia need not fill in arrival cards issued by the Immigration Department, the Home Ministry said in a statement yesterday. 

Chief Secretary of the Home Ministry, Mr Mahmood Adam, said the procedure would not be required because the Immigration Department had already introduced a biometric recording system for every foreigner upon arrival, under the National Enforcement Registration System (NERS), the Bernama news agency reported. "

Through the NERS system that was introduced on June 1, 2011, the data of foreigners will be recorded and stored. The procedure will also fulfil the requirement of the Tourism Ministry to record data and number of tourist arrivals," he said in the statement quoted by the agency. 

Mr Mahmood said the decision was made after consultations with the Immigration Department, Home Ministry and Tourism Ministry, and that the NERS system was a much faster way to record the data of foreigners. 

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

下月起入境马来西亚免填白卡

（布城综合讯）马来西亚将从6月1日起，取消外国游客需填写入境卡（俗称白卡）的措施。

內政部秘书长马末阿当昨日发表文告做出上述宣布。他说，内政部自去年6月落实生物指纹登记及执法系统（NERS）后，所有入境马来西亚的外国人的资料都被输入系统内，因此，不必再推行填写白卡的措施。

他指出，NERS让当局可掌握每一名入境马来西亚的外国人资料，而这些登记程序也符合旅游部欲记录游客人数与资料的要求。“有鉴于此，内政部、移民局及旅游部在讨论后决定，从下个月开始，取消外国人填写入境卡的措施。”

据了解，马来西亚移民局早在今年2月起，就取消填写白卡的措施，入境的外国人只须扫描生物认证护照或指纹即可。不过，当时内政部尚未正式做出宣布。

～以上新闻转载自OMY～

Bukit Kayu Hitam border - 黑木山关卡

Heritage 古迹

Alor Star Heritage 亚罗士打古迹

再发特级鱼丸粿条汤

再发特级鱼丸粿条汤　不规则形状鱼丸成招牌

■ 座落于默贡钢沙路靠近吉打斗母宫的再发特级鱼丸粿条汤。

始创于1969年的再发鱼丸粿条，经历岁月的沉淀与经验的积累，目前已是创始人已故郑再发的第二代子嗣在经营，而且已扩展成为一间专卖店，除了位于米都钢沙路的总店大本营外，这家取名“再发特级鱼丸粿条汤专卖店”的熟食店已进军首都，先后在吉隆坡莎阿南和蕉赖开设了两间分店。

郑再发世代有限公司首席执行员郑祥华向《光华日报》披露，他希望在未来的3年内，在吉隆坡再开多3家自置店屋的新分店。

外状呈不规则形状，是再发鱼丸独有的招牌形状。但是，你可别因其外形的不讨喜而低估再发鱼丸，它的鲜、韧、弹，尝过之后方知不可貎相，这也是促使顾客频频回头光顾该店的一大卖点。

为何这么好吃？掌柜郑文华解密：坚持使用新鲜的西刀鱼、手工刮取鱼肉、手工搅拌打胶、采取费工序的干丸制作法，是促使再发鱼丸保持鲜、韧、弹的不二法门。

他说，该店平均每天用到70公斤的西刀鱼来制造鱼丸，除了总店同时也供应首都的两间分店。为了确保渔获的新鲜，他们只买入吉打港口归航渔船新鲜上岸的西刀鱼；为了确保供应充足，他们向10组渔行进货。

他说，市面上90%的鱼丸都是水丸制作法，圆外形的。再发采用的是截然不同的干丸制法，虽然工序较麻烦，但论保持高度的鱼鲜味，干丸是最佳的制法。

所谓干丸，即是鱼丸打成丸后，并不是投入水里，而是让其晒干。郑文华说，早期是置放在太阳底下晒干，为了卫生，如今是采用小太阳照射灯的热度，在密室里把鱼丸给‘烘’干。

保持鱼丸韧、弹　坚持全程手工制作

再发鱼丸另一个特点是以手工去皮去骨及手工刮取鱼肉，同时也以手工打胶打丸，虽然这些工序是可用机器取代，但为了保持鱼丸的韧、弹和鱼肉原色，所以坚持全程手工制作，而且绝不添加硼砂。

政治名人包括林良实、翁诗杰、蔡细历、陈广才、林吉祥，都曾光顾这家由郑家第二代，郑文华、祥华、忠华三兄弟合力经营的老字号饮食店。

酿豆腐获佳评

《再发佳肴》粿条汤鱼丸汤白斩鸡鱼头米粉酿豆腐油菜、油豆芽除了粿条汤（用鸡骨与密方熬汤4小时）与鱼丸汤是顾客必点外，白斩鸡也是顾客桌上的常点菜。该店今年3月新推出的酿豆腐，获得佳评。鱼头米粉或鱼肉米粉，采用的是肉质较结实的竹苏鱼或峇当鱼（大型的马加鱼）斩块油炸，鱼香味浓。

喜爱清爽汤头

常客黄清德爱点再发粿条汤的原因，是因为他觉得其汤头没下太多的调味料，吃了清爽不会口渴，鱼丸则正料，弹与结实。

白斩鸡豆芽好吃

林炳财爱点油豆芽与白斩鸡，他说，豆芽很脆，白斩鸡好吃，所以常点来大快朵颐。

~以上新闻转载自光华日报~

State-ly boutique hotel in Langkawi

State-ly boutique hotel in Langkawi

NESTLED in the bustling Pantai Chenang area of Langkawi, a new boutique hotel, Seri Chenang Resort and Spa Langkawi is all set to create an impression once it opens its doors in May.

According to the resort’s chief executive officer Norlin Datuk Zainal Abidin, the boutique resort, which sits on 0.5 hectares of land, is meant to be a home away from home that epitomes Malaysian culture, heritage and warmth.

One of the highlights of the luxury resort is the six traditional Malay heritage villas designed in different sizes and inspired by the architecture of traditional homes from Malaysian states.

Named Rumah Terengganu, Rumah Negri Sembilan, Rumah Melaka, Rumah Selangor, Rumah Kedah and Rumah Pahang, each villa has its own distinct architectural characteristics. The villas range in size from one bedroom to up to five bedrooms, for a total of 13 spacious rooms that mirror the number of states of Malaysia.

Located on the banks of Kuala Chenang River, next to the popular Chenang beach, the villas are set around a lush royal Malay-inspired garden complete with water features and landscaping.

Intended to be a family holiday home, the resort has the makings of a luxurious getaway with personalised treatment for guests.

“The land belongs to my father who bought it 10 years ago. The initial plan was to build a family holiday home for ourselves but after taking into consideration the cost we thought it would be more feasible to build a resort,” said Norlin.

She added that her brother, Mohammad Shukor who is the product director for the resort, wanted to share the design and architecture of Malaysia with people from around the world.

The project that cost RM5mil began in 2009 with internal funding and Norlin, who has experience in marketing and sales in the retail industry and shopping centre management, was roped in.

Although Langkawi has a number of high-end resorts catering to the upscale market, Norlin and her team are confident that their venture will be successful.

Although the target is to recoup their costs in five years, Norlin is confident they can do it in a shorter time span.

“We have a unique product to offer and we believe we complement all the other luxury hotels on the island and this gives more options for tourists to choose from. There are no other hotels with similar a concept anywhere in the world,” she added.

Langkawi receives 2.8 million tourists a year and the government has come up with a refurbishment plan and funds amounting to RM450mil to give Pantai Chenang a facelift.

Norlin and her team are looking at a 60% occupancy rate for the first few months of operation and are going all out to promote the hotel via tourism exhibitions, travel agents and partnerships.

To ensure they have fulfilled all government requirements, the resort has to have at least five licences for: building a resort on a certain location, fitness, star rating, security and safety from the Fire Department, business, foreign staff, and transportation for resort guests and staff.

According to Norlin, the hotel has more than just architecture to offer and is proud of their service, which she said is their best asset.

For Norlin, the mother of a two-year-old daughter, family always comes first and she insists that the same treatment be accorded to the guests of the hotel.

“Guests are greeted by the resort manager at the airport simply because the manager is the host of the house (resort),” she said.

To add icing to the cake, the resort has butlers who have been specially trained to cater to the needs of guests.

Guests can actually arrange to have the butlers accompany them on their travels around the island or they can rely on phones provided by the hotel to contact the hotel for directions or assistance.

The resort has a direct access to Chenang Beach via a bridge (titi in Malay) as the resort is separated by a river that runs through the resort. Guests can watch fishermen passing along the river in their traditional boats, going out for their daily catch.

“We also want guests to take the opportunity to enjoy the tax-free alcohol, so we are introducing the ‘buy your own’ (BYO) policy whereby the resort will not sell alcohol in the hotel, but guests can purchase their beverages from the supermarkets outside or our butlers can do that for them,” added Norlin.

According to her, this also helps other businesses in Langkawi.

Eager to provide the best service, Norlin said they will also have post-holiday services to promote return stays. Hotel staff will snap pictures of moments spent at the resort and mail them as postcards after guests check out.

Apart from the resort itself, the Kayangan Spa, featuring traditional Malay massage and therapies, is a must-visit for the most complete experience. The herbs used for the treatments are actually grown on the resort.

The resort will open its doors on May 31 and the official launch will be held on June 30.

For details, go to www.serichenangresort.com, facebook.com/SeriChenang or call the resort’s sales office in Plaza Damas at 03-6201 7275. Their reservation line is 1300 88 SCRL (7275) or e-mail stay@serichenangresort.com

~News courtesy of The Star~

Tourism flourishes in Langkawi

Tourism flourishes in Langkawi

ONCE considered a cursed island, with a legend that dates hundreds of years, Langkawi today has become a prosperous archipelago that is a hit with tourists.

Not having been there before, I jumped at the opportunity when I was offered the trip to the island.

During the special media familiarisation trip hosted by Firefly and FTZ Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, members of the media were given an insight into an eco-tourism holiday for nature lovers.

As soon as we landed at the Langkawi International Airport, we were greeted by a smiling tour guide, who preferred to be known as Jack.

On our ride back to the hotel, Jack enlightened us about the place that is Langkawi.

“Langkawi is made up of 99 recognised islands, however, when the tide is high some of the islands appear to be split so locals say there are 104. All 99 islands have been accorded World Geopark status by Unesco,” he said.

Three of Langkawi Geopark’s main conservation areas are Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park (Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake).

Each island formation is unique in its own way with different rock formation, wildlife, mangrove swamps and ocean lifeforms, making Langkawi the ideal place for eco-tourism.

StarMetro highlights some of the must-see places in Langkawi.

Island hopping

One of the more popular things to do in Langkawi is island hopping and if you think you will get your regular sun, sand and beach, think again.

Jack is more of a conservationist than a tour guide. He has information at his fingertips that will make your eyes grow wide with wonder.

As he took us to three islands, he explained the various rock formations and history pertaining to each island. Our first stop was Pulau Dayang Bunting (the Pregnant Maiden Lake).

A view to remember: The Skybridge is a great place to enjoy the view of Langkawi. This is also where the Hindi movie Don was filmed.

“Legend has it that a childless couple sought the blessing of the maiden for a child. They soon heard a voice asking them to take home the water from the lake to drink,” said Jack.

The wife soon became pregnant and soon the word spread around. Today, thousands visit the freshwater lake that is separated from the seawater by a very narrow rock wall.

However, the water is quite deep and swimming is advisable for good swimmers only. On the way to the lake, beware of the monkeys that target open bags and plastic bags in their search for food.

Next on the list was Pulau Singa Besar, a popular spot to watch eagle feeding. Jack tries as hard as possible to ensure we can enjoy the magnificent view of the birds swooping down without feeding them chicken fat.

“Feeding them will change their natural habits and make them lazy. It will cause them to turn up only during feeding time. It will alter the entire eco-system,” said Jack.

The last island we visited was Pulau Beras Basah, which got its name from the white sandy beaches that look like wet rice grains. The island is privately-owned but the Langkawi Development Authority has allowed the use of the island for tourists.

Cable car ride

Having a fear of heights, I was not enthusiastic about my first cable car ride but after my first experience, I must say the view is spectacular albeit a little scary.

Panoramic Langkawi is located on the southwestern coast of Langkawi Island, and is just a 40-minute drive from Kuah town and a 20-minute drive from Langkawi International Airport.

Operated by Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd, the cable car ride will bring visitors all the way up to about 708m above sea level.

The whole journey covers a distance of 2.2km — from the base station at the foothill of Machinchang mountain to the topmost station at the mountain summit.

Once up there, the view is breathtaking and Bollywood fans can trek up a flight of stairs to walk on the Skybridge where the Hindi movie Don featuring Shah Rukh Khan was filmed.

Measuring 125m in length, this structure ranks among the world’s longest curved pedestrian bridges. The structure is designed to swing out over the landscape to give visitors a unique spatial experience.

Inching up: The Langkawi cable car ride is an exhilarating experience.

Food

Eating around Langkawi Island can be an enjoyable experience with a wide range of culinary experiences. Langkawi can be considered the melting pot of the north as it is home to the Malays, Chinese, Indians and Malaysians of Siamese descent.

During our trip there, we were brought to an Indonesian restaurant, Minang Pelangi serving Nasi Padang by Indonesian Chef Bayutc from Jakarta.

Bayu as he prefers to be called, serves famous dishes like the sayur gulai pucuk ubi and soft tasty bergedil made from potatoes.

The ayam goreng bumbu is also a must-try, as is the sos udang padang.

Minang Pelangi is open from 11am to 11pm and can be contacted at 04-967 2788.

Memorable end to the day: Enjoy the romantic view from the Sunset Cruise.

Cruise

A little romance never hurt anyone especially those on a holiday and a sunset cruise is the perfect answer for an indulgent night out.

Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd provides interesting sunset cruises complete with food, free flow of drinks and a seawater jacuzzi.

The cruise sets off at 5pm from the jetty near Pantai Tengah and goes around the islands before sailing back by 8pm.

About 65 guests can fit comfortably on board the Seasation. While enjoying the sunset, the crew on board will drop a net into the sea. Guests can also enjoy the seawater jacuzzi during the cruise.

The sunset cruise costs RM300 per passenger while the day cruise is RM360 per person. For details, visit www.tropicalcharters.com.my or call 04-955 3407.

Mangroves

The Kilim Geoforest Park is an ideal location to see a number of things at once. One of the many Geo Parks in Langkawi, this island surrounded by mangroves is a must-see for nature lovers.

A boat ride can be taken from the Kilim jetty and packages depending on the number of passengers or per boat are readily available. The tour packages can be for an hour or two or even more for the avid adventure lovers.

The boat ride takes you along the silent mangrove, giving tourists a glimpse of the quiet jungle filled with interesting sea creatures such as crabs.

From there, Jack took us to Pak Su Bakar’s fish farm where each media member had the opportunity to play with some interesting species like the Archer fish that spits water on still targets and the gentle sting ray.

Another attraction at the mangrove tour was the Bat Cave with interesting stalagmite formations.

Firefly

Langkawi is one hour and 15 minutes away by flight from Subang airport. There are three flights daily from Subang and two daily flights between Penang and Langkawi. The airline has also got code share agreements with Malaysia Airlines on all of these flights. This agreement is especially catered to offer more travel options in terms of better fares and flight timings, for tourists abroad that are on transit in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. For details, visit www.firefly.com.my

For information on FTZ Travel and Tour, visit www.ftz.com.my or call 04-966 3515.

~News courtesy of The Star~