MALAYSIA’S TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS – JUNE 2013

It’s a busy month of June! Visitors will be able to enjoy exciting events taking place all over Malaysia every single day in June. Here are some of the highlights:

MELAKA INTERNATIONAL RIVER FESTIVAL 2013, 25 MAY – 30 JUNE 
Inspired by the San Antonio River Festival in USA, Melaka International River Festival 2013 is back for the whole month of June. Among the highlights include a water sports fiesta, dragon boat competitions and decorative floats parade. With more than 100 events prepared, this well-known state tourism event is expected to draw not less than 800,000 tourists. http://www.gogomelaka.com/event/MELAKA-INTERNATIONAL-RIVER-FESTIVAL.html.

KUANTAN CENTURY RIDE 2013 (KUANTAN 160), 02 JUNE 2013 
The biggest cycling event in the East Coast aims to create awareness of cycling among the community and promote Pahang as an ideal cycling destination in Malaysia. The event is expected to attract no less than 800 riders from more than 10 countries in the world. www.kuantan160.asia.

BORNEO BIRD FESTIVAL 2013, 07-09 JUNE 2013
The Borneo Bird Festival celebrates the beauty of wild birds in Malaysian Borneo. Spread over 3 days, the event offers a great opportunity for visitors to see up to 570 bird species. Highlights of the event include a bird photography competition, Borneo bird race and guided bird watching walk. www.borneobirdfestival.com

KOTA KINABALU JAZZ FESTIVAL 2013, 14-15 JUNE 2013 
The jazz musical extravaganza in Kota Kinabalu is back with a line-up of local and international artists. The Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival 2013 is now a signature event of Sabah which represents many different facets of jazz music. www.kkjazzfest.com.

SABAH DRAGON BOAT RACE, 15-16 JUNE 2013
Organised in conjunction with the Duan Wu festival, Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2013 has attracted many local and international teams as far as Hong Kong, China and Japan. Look out for the most popular Dragon Boat delicacy – rice dumplings filled with water chestnuts and minced meat. www.sabahdragonboat.my.

SABAH INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL 2013, 23-28 JUNE 2013 
Dance troupes from around the world gather as cultural ambassadors for the annual Sabah International Folklore Festival 2013. The event aims to promote culture tourism and provide a platform for participating countries to share their unique cultures through folk song and dance performances. Watch and be entertained by this east meets west musical extravaganza. www.sabah.gov.my/lks/v2/index.php?q=siff-main.

“MAGIC OF THE NIGHT” - 1MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL TOURISM NIGHT FLORAL PARADE, 22-30 JUNE 2013
Visitors will witness a procession of beautifully lighted and decorated boats that cruise across the Putrajaya Lake every night. The main events include night floral boats photography contest, fireworks display, and also cultural group performances.

PUTRAJAYA FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL 2013, 22-30 JUNE 2013
Popularly known as Floria Putrajaya, the Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival 2013 showcases the best of the landscape and horticulture industry; from commercial landscape products to garden design and flower displays. Local and international exhibitors from as far as the UK and South Africa are invited to create exceptional displays and presentations in a garden setting environment. Highlights of the event include showcase gardens, floral pavilion, and the night floral parade. Admission is free www.tourism.gov.my.

SUNSET MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013, 28-29 JUNE 2013 
Sunset Music Festival 2013 features a line-up of local and foreign musicians performing classical favourites, contemporary tunes and evergreen local hits that will get the crowd to their feet. Experience it at one of Sabah’s most breath-taking locations. www.sunsetmusicfest.my.

RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013, 28-30 JUNE 2013
This year’s Rainforest World Music Festival 2013 will gather music enthusiasts once again at the Sarawak Cultural Village with music by renowned world and indigenous musicians. With a line-up of 18 bands playing a diverse range of world music genres, the festival features seven different acts per night over three nights. For the afternoon session, there will be programmes such as informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures and jamming sessions. http://rwmf.net.

KEDAH CUTI-CUTI HOMESTAY CARNIVAL 2013, 28-30 JUNE 2013
Looking for comfortable and reliable homestays in Malaysia? Visit the Kedah Cuti-Cuti Homestay Carnival 2013. Visitors will have the opportunity to obtain the latest homestay information and packages from all over Malaysia at this homestay travel fair. There will also be local cultural performances and stalls selling tasty delicacies and snacks from every state.

SALE! SALE! SALE! SHOPAHOLIC ALERT! 29 JUNE – 01 SEPT 2013 
One of the three major shopping seasons in the country is back with mega shopping excitement, dining options, endless entertainment and fun-filled activities. Within this two-month shopping period, shoppers get the opportunity to enjoy irresistible offers and great discounts from luxury brands to affordable items put together by malls and retail stores throughout Malaysia.

PAHANG INTERNATIONAL BIRD RACE 2013, 29-30 JUNE 2013
Think you can differentiate the birds from their chirps and tweets? Join us at the Pahang International Bird Race 2013 to sight, identify and record the most number of bird species.  Over 250 species of birds from as far as Northern Siberia and the islands north of Japan can be located in the cool highlands of Fraser’s Hill. The race aims to preserve nature and simultaneously promote the highlands of Pahang as a top class bird watching destination. www.pkbf.org.my.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell / Nick Smith
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk / nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509/04
Mob: 077 6624 2138
Visit: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

Notes to editors:
• All information is correct at time of publication. Visitors are advised to contact the event organiser for the latest updates.
• In 2014, Malaysia will celebrate its fourth VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR (VMY) with the theme “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia”. The VMY 2014 promotional campaign has started this year with a series of year-long special events and activities leading to VMY 2014. It will contribute to the Government’s target to receive 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168 billion in receipts by 2020, as outlined in the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan (MTTP) 2020.    
• Malaysia has a tropical climate and is a very welcoming multi-cultural society home to some of the best spa resorts in the world.
• Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the nation itself, fusing the culinary traditions and flavours of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Arabian and European cooking.

FOLLOW MALAYSIA’S CAPTAIN JAMES ANTHONY TAN ON HIS 1MALAYSIA AROUND THE WORLD EXPEDITION

Malaysian born Capt. James Anthony Tan has passed the half way stage of his 1Malaysia Around The World (1RTW) expedition that will see him become the youngest pilot at just 21 years old to fly solo around the world in a single engine aircraft. In total, James will spend 50 days and 96 hours flying, covering 21,900 nautical miles across the Northern hemisphere, visiting 20 countries with 30 scheduled stops. James will clock over 110 flying hours when the expedition is complete on 12 May 2013. The expedition will see Capt. James enter the World Record Books and achieve 5 national level records in the Malaysia Book of records. Follow the journey at www.1rtw.com.my. 

James, who was born with dyslexia, had to leave conventional schooling at 8 years old to enroll in a special program specific for dyslexic children and through this expedition, James wants to inspire young people around the world. James intends to create awareness and bring equality to special needs individuals; while at the same time, leaving a legacy so that others will dare to do the impossible. To date over 300 dyslexia associations around the world have been informed of this expedition.

Capt. James Anthony Tan outlines “My goal is to empower the pioneering minds of youth by leading with passion and humility. I want to do this so that someone else can learn from it and do it better than me the next time.”

To realise this dream, James received support from the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak. As a result, a committee was assembled that comprises of various youth bodies inclduing MYPA (Malaysian Youth Pilot Association), 1M4U and MBFM (Majlis Belia Felda Malaysia).

James is flying solo in a single engine aircraft, a Cessna 210 Silver Eagle; called The Spirit of Malaysia in a historic flight circumnavigating the globe. To date, only 124 such flights have been recorded, making it scarcer than the number of space explorations ever made. 

On 26 March 2013, the honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia launched the expedition in Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. Capt. James Anthony Tan then departed Subang Skypark in Malaysia and travelled to Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, Alaska and Denver before reaching his current destination Indianapolis. James’ next stops include Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Scotland en route to his arrival in London at the end of this week.

From London, James’ journey will take him to France, Italy, Egypt, Jordan, on to Qatar and straight to Pakistan, India, Myanmar, and back to Thailand before ending the epic journey where he first took off in Subang Skypark, Malaysia due for 12 May 2013.

1 Dream • 1 Flight • 1 Malaysia

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Representation Plus

Flo Powell / Nick Smith

Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk / nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk 

Tel: 020 8877 4509/04

Mob: 077 6624 2138

Visit: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

Visit www.1rtw.com.my for more information on the expedition, follow 1RTW on Facebook and Twitter @1rtw.

Notes to editors:

• All information is correct at time of publication. 
• Follow the expedition on Twitter & Facebook: 1RTW
• In 2014, Malaysia will celebrate its fourth VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR (VMY) with the theme “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia”. The VMY 2014 promotional campaign has started this year with a series of year-long special events and activities leading to VMY 2014. It will contribute to the Government’s target to receive 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168 billion in receipts by 2020, as outlined in the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan (MTTP) 2020.     
• Malaysia has a tropical climate and is a very welcoming multi-cultural society home to some of the best spa resorts in the world. 
• Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the nation itself, fusing the culinary traditions and flavours of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Arabian and European cooking.

Visit Malaysia For A Luxury Break Or An Idyllic Honeymoon!

Malaysia is the perfect destination of choice for a luxury getaway from indulging in five-star accommodation or private chalets on the beachfront, relaxing amidst the Malaysian rainforest, or being pampered in one of the many city spas. Malaysia’s luxury offerings also make a perfect destination for newlyweds to celebrate their honeymoon together.

The idyllic island resort of Pangkor depicts luxury; the Golden Sands Beach spanning 1.2km on the northwest of the island is one of its most popular beaches due to the warm turquoise waters. Telik Nipah on Pangkor offers visitors solitude and excitement by the beach with a stroll across to Gaim Island at low tide a must for a chance to view a selection of marine life. A short 20 minute boat ride from Pangkor brings guests to the world renowned tropical island destination of Pangkor Laut, a favourite amongst honeymooners as the island boasts one of the finest beaches in the Straits of Malacca. Newlyweds are spoilt for romantic offerings here, from sunset cruises around the island to a romantic meal for two by Emerald Bay with spectacular views. For those seeking complete rejuvenation there is the spa village of Pangkor Laut equipped with steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis and pools to ensure a full pampering experience.

As well as Pangkor Laut’s Spa Village, Malaysia offers a multitude of spa outlets. Many spas can be found in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur but most are hidden amongst the white sands and palm trees of beach resorts and amid the mountainous rainforests. Many of the retreats have been designed to blend in with the landscape, maximising the surrounding serenity of beaches, rainforests, mountainsides or city settings. With an array of couples’ treatments available, honeymooners can be sure of relaxing together and being pampered in luxury.

Langkawi, situated off the coast of Kedah State in the far northwest of Peninsular Malaysia, comprises a jewelled setting of 99 islands offering the ultimate in luxury and world-class facilities. The hideaways of Andaman, Datai and Tanjung Rhu are just a few of the dream destinations for travellers to visit. Cenang Bay, 3km from Langkawi International Airport is the most developed of the beach areas, housing several luxury class hotels with plenty of watersports available. Honeymooners attracted to Langkawi can hire a boat from Tengah Beach and go island hopping, exploring the area at their own pace or enjoying a variety of activities with scuba diving most popularly carried out in the Payar Island Marine Park, one hour away from Langkawi’s Kuah Town by boat.

To add an active twist to a honeymoon, a trip to Sabah or Sarawak is ideal for unforgettable snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking or parasailing experiences in world famous water parks such as Sunway Lagoon in Kuala Lumpur or Bukit Gambang Waterpark in Pahang. Newlyweds can enjoy calm and seclusion away from the beachfront and discover romance amongst the highlands of tropical Malaysia.  

Those looking to combine nature and adventure with luxury can visit the old British hill resort of Cameron Highlands or head into the rainforest in Taman Negara National Park. For round-the-clock excitement, Genting Highlands offers an abundance of indoor and outdoor theme attractions. In Kinabalu Park, Sabah, visitors can discover Malaysia’s first world heritage site, revelling in the wealth of flora and fauna on offer with picturesque trails through the jungle, tackling the strenuous, but not impossible, peaks of Mount Kinabalu before soaking their muscles in the warm waters of Poring Hot Springs.

Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities with iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers. It is the perfect city break with its very own luxury offerings, often twinned with a visit to the coast for those on their honeymoon. A paradise for shoppers, Kuala Lumpur boasts several upscale shopping centres with luxurious brands on offer and has a plethora of spas to choose from. Kuala Lumpur offers a variety of exclusive duty-free products and luxury items as well as promotions and bargains in 2013 with the Malaysia Grand Prix Sale 08 March until 14 April, Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 29 June until 01 September and Malaysia Year-End Sale (M-YES) from 08 November 2013 to 05 January 2014.

With an eclectic mix of culture, stunning beaches, a wealth of luxury offerings and the chance to discover the country’s enchanting landscapes, it is no wonder that increasing numbers of couples are choosing Malaysia as their luxury and/or honeymoon destination.

For more information, please contact:

Representation Plus

Flo Powell / Nick Smith

Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk / nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk

Tel: 020 8877 4509/04

Mob: 077 6624 2138

Visit: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

Notes to editors:

· Malaysia has a tropical climate and is a very welcoming multi-cultural society home to some of the best 

  spa resort in the world.

· Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the nation itself, fusing the culinary traditions and flavours of Malay,  

  Chinese, Indian, Arabian and European cooking.

· Malaysia Airlines fly twice daily from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur www.malaysiaairlines.com 

· Events and festivals in April/May:

APRIL

Water Festival

Throughout April 2013

Celebrated in Langkawi, Labuan and Port Dickson

Malaysia International Shoe Festival 

05 - 07 April 2013

An annual event held at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

MAY

World Harvest Festival in Sarawak 

3 to 5 May 2013

A place for locals and tourists to learn about the ethnic groups culture and arts

Colours of 1Malaysia 

25 May 2013

Colours of Malaysia Festival will give you an opportunity to learn about the Malaysian people and their diverse culture. Various delicacies of the different ethnic groups of Malaysia will be featured. 

Tadau Kaamatan

30 - 31 May 2013

Tadau Kaamatan is a harvest festival celebrated in Sabah and Labuan.