Tourism Malaysia PR Blog

Monday 28 May 2012

Malaysia My Second Home


VISA & INCENTIVES TO MAKE MALAYSIA YOUR SECOND HOME,
AS RECOMMENDED 
BY DATO JIMMY CHOO

The ‘Malaysia My Second Home’ programme (MM2H), is a scheme backed by the Malaysian Government, offering a multiple entry visa and incentives for qualified applicants who want to live in Malaysia. Since its initiation only a few years ago, over 12,000 people have decided to make Malaysia their second home, a large majority of whom are looking to retire and permanently reside in the country, made possible by the 10 year visa being renewable. There are a number of fantastic value for money packages available, please see below for more details.

Dato Jimmy Choo, Tourism Malaysia Ambassador and famous fashion designer outlined: “Malaysia is such a spectacular place with so much on offer. The people of Malaysia are very friendly and speak English well. Apart from its natural beauty and fantastic wildlife the country has great activities, from diving and white water rafting, to golf and bird watching.”


It is simple to see why so many people are deciding upon Malaysia as their second home. Malaysia has the perfect climate and an endless list of activities that include jungle trails and golf courses. There are many areas of natural beauty with an array of parks and botanical gardens, as well as stretches of glorious coastline, where the waters are perfect for fishing and diving. Families are also attracted by the high number of quality international schools, the low cost of living, theme parks and developed infrastructure. 

Emma Mitchell, Product Executive for the Far East and Africa, at Hayes & Jarvis stated: “Penang in particular is the perfect home from home due to its laidback pace of life, year-round warm temperatures, friendly people, great food and affordable accommodation. Once you're there it's also incredibly cheap to eat and drink, allowing your money to go further and you to stay longer!”

The scheme makes it as easy as possible to move to Malaysia with a list of incentives that include allowing applicants to bring their spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21 as dependants. Those interested in the scheme can apply for the Malaysia My Second Home programme directly, or through Malaysia My Second Home agents licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia. For more information see  http://www.mm2h.gov.my/.

The Top 10 Facts on the Programme:
1. Applicants are expected to be financially capable of supporting themselves on the programme in Malaysia.
2. Successful applicants are required to comply with certain financial criteria upon receipt of the conditional approval letter from Immigration Department of Malaysia.
3. All applicants and their dependants are required to submit a medical report from any private hospital or registered clinic in Malaysia.
4. Approved participants and their dependants must possess valid medical insurance coverage that is applicable in Malaysia from any insurance company.
5. For applicants with children nearing 21 years of age, they must submit their applications at least 3 months before their children reach the age of 21.
6. Property purchase is not a pre-requisite for participating in MM2H programme.
7. Each participant is allowed to bring in his/her own personal car OR to purchase a locally-assembled car without the need to pay import duty, excise duty and sales tax.
8. Children who intend to continue their schooling in Malaysia are required to apply for a Student Pass and should be insured throughout their stay under this programme.
9. Children below the school going age (7 years old) are not required to apply for a Student Visa. They need only apply for a Social Visit Visa.
10. Business owners are required to register their business with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) under the Companies Act 1965.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk 
Tel: 020 8877 4509 / Mob: 07766 242 138

Test out life in Malaysia with the following Packages
Hayes & Jarvis (www.hayesandjarvis.com / 0844 415 1918) has a 22-night break available to the three-star plus Bayview Beach Resort in Penang, Malaysia, priced from £1,139 per person – saving 20 per cent (£280pp). Located on Batu Ferringhi Beach, the hotel is a popular choice for couples who consider Malaysia ‘their second home’. Set within landscaped gardens, it boasts a large freeform pool and swim-up bar. Departing on 2 September, the package includes 20 nights’ room only accommodation (including four bonus nights), a complimentary room upgrade to a deluxe side Seaview room, Malaysian Airlines flights from London Heathrow to Penang via Kuala Lumpur (overnight outbound & inbound flights) plus transfers.

STA Travel (www.statravel.co.uk 0800 988 0390) has a great two-week volunteer project in Borneo in which you can experience this fascinating country through the eyes of a tribe. During the 14-day project you’ll be living in the rainforest and supporting its eco-system for the benefit of orangutans and will visit three national parks - Bako, Kubah and Batang Ai. You’ll be able to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat and at rehabilitation centres, and do your bit to improve their living conditions and chances of survival. Along the way, you'll learn tribal tips about your own survival, swim in rainforest rivers and take epic longboat journeys through the majestic jungle. Prices from £1197 per person, this includes all tour accommodation and transport, selected meals and entrance to the orangutan centre and National Parks. International flights are not included.

Tuesday 8 May 2012

MALAYSIA’S 26th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CLIMBATHON “THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST MOUNTAIN RACE”


One of South East Asia’s highest mountains, Mount Kinabalu plays host to the 26th Annual International Climbathon this October. The event taking place on 13 & 14 October will see hundreds of mountaineers attempt to complete what is widely known as ‘The World’s Toughest Mountain Race’. The endurance race takes climbers to over 2,760 metres above sea level and spans a total distance of 23km.  The annual climbathon is a challenge for the best endurance runners made worthwhile by the stunning views on offer, starting in Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site; Kinabalu Park, through Mesilau Nature Resort and ending in the traditional village of Kundasang  (www.climbathon.my). See below for three incredible value for money packages including tours to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu from STA Travel, Kuoni and Trailfinders.
There are a whole host of other splendid peaks and treks throughout Malaysia that will challenge the adventurous traveller. One of the most climbed mountains in the country is Mount Ledang, located at the Johor/Melaka border. The 5 hour climb passes through caves and rock cliffs with rapids at its summit. Another climb for the physically fit is Mount Datuk, situated at the end of Titiwangsa Mountain Range. Mount Datuk is 883 metres above sea level, resulting in picturesque views from its summit. For those looking for a slightly easier climb, Mount Santubong, 35km North of Kuching, is a limestone hill with a well made trail through its diverse rainforest, perfect for nature lovers. For more information see www.tourism.gov.my

-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk 
Tel: 020 8877 4509
Mob: 077 6624 2138
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my


Packages:
STA Travel (www.statravel.co.uk 0800 988 0390) offers a 10-day adventure tour, the ‘Borneo-Sabah Adventure,’ which offers the opportunity to climb south-east Asia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, to see the sunrise. Tour leaders will be on hand to ensure you get the best photograph of the stunning landscapes and animals in the region. Other highlights of the tour include a visit to Turtle Island and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Prices start from £1,149 per person, this includes all tour accommodation and transport, selected meals and climb permits for Mount Kinabalu, plus entrance to the orangutan centre and Turtle Island. International flights are not included.

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 7 nights in Borneo, Malaysia, on a room only basis, staying 5 nights at the Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu in a superior rainforest room and 2 nights on the Mount Kinabalu Climb, including flights with Malaysia Airlines from Heathrow with transfers in resort.  Prices for October 2012 are from £1,698 per person, based on two sharing.

Trailfinders (020 7368 1200) offers 5 nights at 5 star Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort with transfers & a 3 day Kinabalu Summit tour. Includes flights from Heathrow with Malaysian Airlines and costs £1,399. All prices are per person based on twin share & subject to availability. No credit card surcharges or booking fees apply on Trailfinders holidays.Valid for selected October departures. To book please call 020 7368 1200.

Thursday 3 May 2012


CRUISE THE 7 PORTS OF MALAYSIA 

Picture this: sapphire waters glint in the sunlight; beyond the starboard side rests emerald rainforests and there is a gentle breeze giving temporary relief from the balmy skies. This is only a small part of the Malaysian cruising experience incorporating 7 ports that attract the top international cruise carriers year round and enhanced by festivals. Just a couple of examples why Malaysia is a must-see cruise destination:  it is a truly unique and refreshing experience, offering a range of captivating activities and Kuala Lumpur’s outstanding service of non-stop flights from the UK and high quality value for money accommodation also makes Malaysia an ideal pre or post cruise destination. There are excellent value-for-money packages to choose from, please see below for more detail.

There are many international cruise carriers to choose from that stop at Malaysia’s 7 ports including Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Holland America Line.  Jo Rzymowska, Associate Vice President and General Manager, Royal Caribbean International commented: “Guests holidaying with Royal Caribbean International give us great feedback on Malaysia. The destination offers beaches, rainforests, temples, island-hopping adventures and sophisticated cities – all of which means there is plenty of choice for guests to find their own perfect on-land experience within their cruise. In 2012 Royal Caribbean International is doubling the number of ships that sail in the Far East, including committing Voyager of the Seas to be the largest ship to ever sail in the region. This is testament to the popularity of destinations in countries such as Malaysia.” 

The most popular Port is Port Klang due to its easy access to Kuala Lumpur, only 40 km away. Guests can hop ashore and experience the capital’s fine dining and spectacular views from the observation platform at KL Menara. In the Central Market, visitors can shop for authentic Malaysian hand-crafted gifts in the winding warren of street stalls. On 29 September these stalls will be adorned and embellished with a sea of lanterns in celebration of the Lantern Festival during the full moon of the Chinese calendar. Another encapsulating event is the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival in June. Cruisers can anchor in Penang Port to watch the fierce boats race past or just relax on the islands’ beautiful beaches. Hiking fanatics can ramble through Penang’s National Park, spotting monkeys and the Achehnese burial grounds. In the city, there are a plethora of must-see attractions such as Fort Cornwallis, built in 1786, or the highly ornate Sri Mariamman Temple.

- Ends-

For press information on Malaysia please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk 
Tel: 020 8877 4509
Mob: 07766 242 138
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

Packages:
13nts Philippines & Malaysia £1,399: Royal Caribbean
13nts Philippines & Malaysia Cruise, Royal Caribbean International, Legend of the Seas, Full Board costs from £ 1,399 per person based on 21 October 2012, based on London Gatwick Flights, Regional airport departures available at a supplement, to book call 0871 703 4240, Highlights Hong Kong, Philippines, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Singapore, Penang.
To book call 0871 7034240 www.travelbagcruise.co.uk

15nts Southeast Asia £1,959: Celebrity Millennium
15nts Southeast Asia Cruise, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Celebrity Millennium Full Board costs from £ 1,959 per person based on  05 January 2013, based on London Heathrow Flights, Regional airport departures available at a supplement, to book call 0871 703 4240, Highlights Singapore, Lombok-Komodo-Bali (Indonesia), Port Kelang, Penang & Phuket.  
To book call 0871 7034240 www.travelbagcruise.co.uk

Crystal Cruises: Crystal Cruises 12-night “Spice Islands & Beyond” voyage starts with an overnight in Bali on 23rd February and visits Semarang, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi before finishing with an overnight in Singapore. Cruise only prices from £2,119 per person based on two people sharing a deluxe stateroom with picture window including all meals, alcoholic beverages, port taxes and gratuities. Call Crystal Cruises on 020 7287 9040 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk