THE F1 PETRONAS MALAYSIA GRAND PRIX IS NOW LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY

The Sepang International Circuit, 50km from Malaysia’s Capital of Kuala Lumpur is once again preparing to welcome over 100,000 spectators for The F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix from 22 – 24 March 2013.  The race is now in its 15^th Anniversary and promises to be one of the biggest sporting events in South East Asia in 2013 www.sepangcircuit.com

Sepang’s circuit is not just used for the Petronas grand prix, but has events all year round from the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, to the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race. For those that wish to emulate their heroes, Sepang International Circuit also offers track days for both cars and motorcycles.

Whilst in Malaysia enjoying the grand prix, visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the Malaysia Grand Prix Sale that runs nationwide from 08 March to 14 April 2013 with bargains on offer across the country.  Kuala Lumpur alone is home to 23 world class shopping malls, all fully equipped with the latest designer stores and has recently become a duty free shopping destination. A trip to the iconic Petronas Towers, the tallest twin structure building in the world at 452 metres, is a must-see in Kuala Lumpur and the Skybridge on the 41^st floor provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Malaysia’s capital is also renowned for its diverse range of food from all over the world and the celebration of a vibrant mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.

-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:

• 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.

GET OUT OF WINTRY BRITAIN & EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH OF MALAYSIA’S GARDENS IN EDINBURGH!

While it’s raining and cold in the middle of our British weather I was delighted to take refuge in the warm and welcoming Palm House at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to experience the Malaysian Glasshouse Trail.

Entering the Glasshouses through the famous 19th Century Palm House, I had my first introduction to the Malaysia Trail. Throughout the trail, there are panels that detail the scientific significance of each of the plants in addition to explaining the past and current research being carried out by Royal Botanic Garden scientists on the different kinds of flora in Malaysia. I explored the beauty of Malaysia’s flora from a different perspective within this specially created environment.

One highlight of the trail is the tropical splendour of the Orchid & Cycad House where diverse and colourful epiphytic plants grow on trees. Furthermore, at the very heart of the trail is the invitingly warm aquatic house that hosts a plethora of Malaysian plants. This is also where the trails education centre is located, and where I found a market stall stocked with traditional Malaysian products such as Malaysian coffee, chocolate, pepper and rice to take home and try.

The feature plant of the trail is the famous durian. The fruit is native to Malaysia and is known for being the smelliest fruit in the world. As it ripens it emits a repulsive odour likened to old socks and rotten onions. Thankfully it is only in its dried form on the Malaysian Market stand. The trail also features Malaysian pineapples.

Following along the trail, I came upon a house featuring Malaysia’s montane flora. I finally reached the climax of the trail in the wet tropical forests with a variety of exotic plants ranging from several types of gingers to African violets.

At the end of the trail, an information panel gives more reasons to visit Malaysia if you haven’t already made up your mind.

Throughout the trail, I gained a greater insight into Malaysia and what the country has to offer, whilst enjoying the warmth and serenity of the replicated Malaysian tropics. The trail allowed me to expand my knowledge on the research projects undertaken by the Royal Botanic Gardens in Malaysia which is fascinating for novices and plant lovers alike. Overall, the Trail gave me a good insight about the destination and provided an accurate report of the Royal Botanic Garden’s work in Malaysia.

FOOTNOTE on Glasshouse admission
2013 prices: Adult £ 4.50 / Concessions £ 3.50 / Child £ 1 / Family (2+4) £ 9.
Open daily from 10am; closing 4pm Dec & Jan / 5pm Feb & Nov / 6pm Mar – September.
www.rbge.org.uk.

TOURISM MALAYSIA JOINS AITO

Tourism Malaysia is delighted to announce a new affiliate membership of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators), to further develop relationships with independent tour operators in the UK and raise awareness of Malaysia’s unique tourism products to AITO tour operator and agent members. Malaysia is currently the only tourist office affiliate of AITO from the South East Asia Region.

Abdul Rauf Abu Hassan, Director UK & Ireland, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board stated “Tourism Malaysia is looking forward to a closer working relationship with independent tour operators through our new membership of AITO”.

Tourism Malaysia will now be able to attend AITO member events and communicate with AITO members through the AITO website, direct mail and newsletters.

Derek Moore, Chairman of AITO added “AITO is very pleased to welcome Tourism Malaysia to its membership as an Affiliate.  Malaysia is perfect for our special interest operators looking for new destinations to take their loyal customers as it offers so many diverse experiences and themes.  AITO looks forward to assisting Tourism Malaysia in boosting their arrivals with this predominantly high yield sector of the travel market.”

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

Notes to editors:

Image: L-R: Laurence Logan, Deputy Director, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Yvonne Kinder, AITO Agents Co-ordinator, Derek Moore, Chairman of AITO,  Abdul Rauf Abu Hassan, Director UK & Ireland, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board and Kate Kenward, Executive Director, AITO at the Destinations Show, London 31 January 2013.

•    Visit: www.mastermalaysia.co.uk
•    Malaysia Airlines fly daily from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur International Airport
•    Tourism Malaysia’s “Master Malaysia” online training programme has been developed by Travel Uni and consists of four modules, with ‘Ron’ the Orang Utan (pictured) giving tips along the way. The programme is specifically designed for travel agents to learn how to sell Malaysia as a destination, to educate the frontliners of the travel trade about Malaysia and to raise awareness about the tourism products that Malaysia has to offer. The programme can be accessed via www.mastermalaysia.co.uk.
•    The AITO family consists of some 500 companies showing the AITO brand made up of tour operators, specialist independent travel agents and affiliate business partners and tourist offices.  All of these organizations display similar AITO values of knowledge, expertise and quality service. For more information about AITO please visit www.aito.com.

MALAYSIA CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2013

Malaysia plays host to a variety of major festivals and events throughout 2013, why not plan a visit to Malaysia around the time of one of these celebrations and exhilarating events to experience the true Malaysia? For further details of the events listed below please visit: www.tourism.gov.my.

FEBRUARY
Chinese New Year
10 February 2013
15-day long festival celebrated with fabulous food, colourful lion dances and ethnic traditions.

Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival, Johor
20 to 24 February 2013
The sky will be filled up with colourful and innovative kite designs from international participants.

National Craft Day
20 February – 04 March 2013
See the arts and crafts at Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex, with activities ranging from fashion shows to cooking demonstrations. www.kraftangan.gov.my

BMW Malaysian Open
25 February to 3 March Also
Watch some of the world’s leading women tennis players at the Royal Selangor Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur.

MARCH
Le Tour De Langkawi Malaysia
21 February – 02 March 2013
Asia’s premier cycling event will go through the seven states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and two Federal Territories of Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. www.ltdl.com.my

Malaysia Grand Prix Sale 2013
8 March to 14 April 2013
This nationwide carnival sale throughout Malaysia is held in conjunction with the Petronas Malaysian F1 GP.

2013 F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix, Kuala Lumpur at the Sepang International Circuit
22 - 24 March 2013
The race is now in its 15th Anniversary and promises to be one of the biggest sporting events in South East Asia in 2013. www.malaysiangp.com.my

International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, Langkawi
26 to 30 March 2013

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. www.motour.gov.my

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. www.motour.gov.uk

Tadau Kaamatan
30 - 31 May 2013
Tadau Kaamatan is a harvest festival celebrated in Sabah and Labuan.

JUNE
Gawai Dayak Festival
1 - 2 June 2013
Gawai Dayak is a harvest festival celebrated by the state's indigenous people, particularly the Ibans and Bidayuhs, in their traditional costumes. Ceremonial offerings of various local traditional delicacies and 'tuak' (home-made rice wine) are made to the gods of rice and prosperity

Sabah Dragon Boat race
14 – 15 June 2013
Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade in Putrajaya
22 to 30 June
witness the dazzling spectacle of lit-up boats cruising along the lake

SuperGT Championship, Sepang
June 2013
Started in 1994, the Japan GT Championship Series (JGTC) is the most popular category in Japan’s motorsports world. One of its races is held in Malaysia in Sepang, Selangor.

Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak Cultural Village, Borneo
28-30 June 2013
Musicians from around the world will gather to celebrate a fusion of nature, culture and ethnic music. www.sarawaktourism.com

Fraser's Hill International Bird Race
29 - 30 June 2013
This annual event held at Frasers Hill attracts bird watchers from around the globe. Teams are divided into groups to identify the birds, many of them migratory birds from Siberia and Japan.  www.pkbf.org.my

JULY
Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival
Held throughout the country, many shopping malls offer great discounts.

UNESCO World Heritage City Celebration
7 July 2013
George Town was accorded the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List of Cities and Sights for its 'outstanding universal value' on 7 July, 2008. Celebrated by a month of cultural and music shows, traditional crafts demonstrations and exhibitions.

Malaysia Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival
2 July - 30 Sept 2013
This Arts Tourism Festival organised by the Ministry of Tourism will be held throughout the country. A chance to meet some of Malaysia’s talented artists and purchase their artworks.

AUGUST
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
08 August 2013
Decked in their traditional finery, friends and family from near and far come together to celebrate this joyous Muslim occasion.

National Day
31 August 2013
Celebrated with colourful parades, stage shows and competitions at major towns throughout the country.

SEPTEMBER
Malaysia Day
16 September 2013
Annual commemoration of the establishment of the Malaysian federation in 1963.

Lantern Festival
19 Sept 2013
Held in Central Market, Kuala Lumpur, the Lantern Festival is celebrated during the full moon of the Chinese Calendar that features many intricately designed lanterns with multiple motifs.

Malaysia Tennis Open ATP World Tour 250
21-29 September 2013
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, this is one of the major tennis events in Malaysia.

OCTOBER
Fabulous Food Malaysia- Malaysia Annual International Gourmet Festival
1-31 October 2013

Hari Raya Aidiladha
15 October 2013
Also known as Hari Raya Haji, this festival marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mekah which is performed by millions of Muslims annually. It is also known as Hari Raya Qurban.

27th Mt.Kinabalu International Climbathon
20 October 2013

NOVEMBER
Deepavali 'Festival of Lights'
03 November 2013
Deepavali or the 'Festival of Lights' is celebrated by Hindus with prayers, family gatherings and festivities. Open houses are held where family and friends visit each other and enjoy delicious traditional goodies (except Labuan and Sarawak).
                                                      
Monsoon Cup
November 2013
International yacht racing teams battle the South China Sea for a chance to lift the Monsoon Cup.

Malaysia Year End Sale
8 November - 5 January 2014.

DECEMBER
Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Dance Tourism Carnival
Learn the various Malaysian cultural dances

Christmas and New Year
25 and 31 December 2013

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:
•  Visit: www.tourism.gov.my
•  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 the Tourism Malaysia Stand at Destinations Show, London to WIN a trip to Malaysia!

Visit the Tourism Malaysia stand AP7 at the Destinations Show, London's Earls Court from Thursday 31 January - Sunday 03 February 2013 to be in with a chance of winning our GRAND PRIZE of 2 return tickets to Malaysia with Royal Brunei Airlines and Accommodation at Sutera Harbour Resort.

You can also meet our experts from Langkawi and Sabah on our stand and a Batik Demonstrator who will show you how 'Batik' is done!

We look forward to seeing you there. For more information please visit http://www.destinationsshow.com/london/.

EXCITING FESTIVALS IN 2013 SET THE MOOD FOR THE COLOURFUL“VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2014”

Malaysia’s tourism calendar for 2013 is packed with another year of exciting events and colourful celebrations as a run up to the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) planned in 2014. Each month, Malaysia promises visitors something special and unique to make their trip truly memorable and enjoyable.

Kick off the year in January by joining in the grand celebration of the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 promotion campaign from 18 to 20 January at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur for a huge tourism carnival!

January is also a great month to witness the Thaipusam Festival when a dazzling chariot procession pulls into the Batu Caves temple on 27 January after making a 15 kilometre, 12-hour journey from the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Elsewhere, Langkawi waters will host the Royal Langkawi International Regatta from 7 to 12 January, an exciting sailing and racing event you won’t want to miss. 

Visit during the Chinese New Year celebration on 10 February to enjoy the 15-day long festival celebrated with joyous reunion, fabulous food, colourful lion dances and ethnic tradition. 

Another tourism highlight is the Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival from 20 to 24 February in Johor which promises to fill up the sky with colourful and innovative kite designs from international participants. Also, watch some of the world’s leading women tennis players at the BMW Malaysian Open from 25 February to 3 March at the Royal Selangor Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur.

In March, fans of Formula One must make a date with Malaysia when the race zooms into the Sepang International Circuit from 22 to 24 March and take advantage of the retail discounts during the Malaysia GP Sale from 8 March to 14 April.  Or visit Langkawi for one of the largest International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition from 26 to 30 March.

April is the month for a splashing time at the Water Festival, which will be celebrated in Langkawi, Labuan and Port Dickson – the major seaside towns in Malaysia. The Malaysia International Shoe Festival, meanwhile, is held from 5 to 7 April.

Those coming in May can witness the Colours of 1Malaysia celebrations on 25 May as well as taking part in other cultural events such as Sabah Fest (4 to 5 May), Tadau Kaamatan (30 to 31 May) and the World Harvest Festival in Sarawak (3 to 5 May).

In June, enliven your nights at the Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade in Putrajaya from 22 to 30 June and witness the dazzling spectacle of lit-up boats cruising along the lake. While those who love music must not miss the renowned Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak from 28 to 30 June.

Grab your shopping bags in July as it’s the month of the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (14 June to 1 Sep). Also starting in July all the way to September is the Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival – a chance to meet some of Malaysia’s talented artists and purchase their artworks. July is also the Ramadan month observed by Muslims by way of fasting from dawn to dusk – visit the Bazar Ramadan stalls and be amazed by the array of food prepared for the breaking of the fast each evening.

In August, take part in the cultural festivities of the Hari Raya celebrations, where open houses and feasting on local delights are the norm. Then, celebrate in August and September with the Malaysia National Day on 31 August and a festive Malaysia Day celebration on 16 September. Admire the procession of beautiful lanterns during the 1Malaysia Lantern Tourism Festival in KL on 19 September.

October kicks off the three-month Fabulous Food 1Malaysia dining feast – enjoy fine dining in October, ASEAN food in November and delicious street food in December, nationwide.

November also sees international yacht racing teams battle the South China Sea for a chance to lift the Monsoon Cup. November is also the start of the Malaysia Year End Sale, from 8 November to 5 January 2014. Don’t forget to be part of the Deepavali celebration this month and experience a true festival of lights!

Culminate the year in December with the Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Dance Tourism Carnival and learn the various Malaysian cultural dances.  Or continue with your Malaysia Year End Sale shopping spree well into 5 January, while enjoying local street food delights served up during the last month of the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia. You can also enjoy the experience of a tropical Christmas during the whole of December as shopping malls and hotels light up.

The Datai Langkawi is awarded the “Enduring Excellence” Award at the Tatler Travel Awards 2013

The Tatler Travel Award 2013 was held at The Ritz Hotel in London on 28 November. Walking away with the prestigious title of “Enduring Excellence” was Langkawi’s own pride and joy, The Datai Langkawi. This honorable win was the top award amongst the eight other awards presented throughout the night and was the only win for South East Asia and Malaysia.

The prestigious Tatler Travel Awards are held in extremely high esteem and this year’s awards were no exception with the magazine’s new Travel Editor Francisca Kellett taking the stand to honor the award winners. An expert panel made up of Tatler’s editorial team select the winners; each hotel has been visited by Tatler and is chosen from the 101 hotels featured in the annual travel guide.

The top Tatler award was accepted by Mr. Anthony A. Sebastian, General Manager of the resort (pictured). “I am very proud to be representing Malaysia as well as putting Langkawi Island on the map as a top luxury holiday destination. The Datai Langkawi will continue to uphold its pledge of excellence through providing the very best resort stay the island can offer. I’d like to thank my team, our travel partners as well as the owners for their constant support and dedication to ensuring The Datai continues to uphold its excellent standards,” said Mr. Sebastian.

The Tatler Travel Award 2013 also recognized eight other hotels from around the world for a variety of categories which included ‘Super Villa’, ‘Greatest Adventure’ and ‘Spellbinding Service’. Parrot Cay in the Carribean, Titilaka Lodge in Peru and Palazzo Avino in Italy were some of the other respective winners of the night.

The Datai LangkawiThe Datai Langkawi is the standard bearer for luxury hotels in Malaysia and is an iconic resort with an international following and one of the world’s most stunning hideaways. Situated in the northwest tip of Langkawi Island in Malaysia, surrounded by an ancient tropical rainforest, a white sand beach and overlooking the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, The Datai has put Langkawi on the map for discerning travellers. The Datai Langkawi’s 54 well-appointed deluxe rooms, 40 villas,16 suites and 14 beach villas, all offer scenic views of nature and the jungle, and a range of dining options for indoor or alfresco meals. Two swimming pools, an award-winning spa nestled under the rainforest canopy and the nearby 18-hole championship Ernie Els designed Datai Bay Golf Course (re-opening October 2013) provided for leisure pursuits.

The Datai Langkawi is managed by Datai Hotels and Resorts, a niche player in luxury hotel management. www.dataihotels.com.

For more information, please contact:
Kashini Krishnamurthy,
Marketing Communications Manager,
The Datai, Langkawi.
03 2163 5112, kashinikrishnamurthy@dataihotels.com