MALAYSIA’S RICH CULTURE & UNIQUE HERITAGE MAKES IT A CULTURE VULTURE’S PARADISE

Malaysia is a multi-cultural society, heavily influenced by the ancient Malay culture and the cultures of Malaysia's two most prominent trading partners – China and India. Although each of these cultures has retained their religions, customs and way of life, they have also blended together to create Malaysia's diverse heritage, including two cultural UNESCO World Heritage Cities, with Malaysia celebrating their heritage with a large number of public festivals and parades throughout the year. Malaysia entices the culture-vulture and heritage loving visitor from the UK with fantastic value-for-money packages, with a 5 night break in Capital City Kuala Lumpur for as little as £699.

Malaysia’s two cultural UNESCO World Heritage Cities are both located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia: Melaka City, the capital of Malacca and George Town, the capital of Penang. Melaka City has unique architecture inherited from centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. One of the best ways for holidaymakers to learn about the culture of Melaka City is to visit the Melaka Sultanate Palace that showcases clothing, stone inscriptions, musical instruments and photographs of the past decades. Another must see in Malacca is A’Famosa, a Portuguese fort built around the city in 1511 by Alfonso d’Albuquerque. The fort was badly damaged in the 17^th and 18^th Century, leaving only the iconic gateway standing, near St. Paul’s Church.  George Town was awarded UNESCO status for its ‘outstanding universal value’, with its well-preserved colonial core and original shophouses. Penang Sate Museum allows holidaymakers to best discover the multiethnic background of George Town. Both Melaka City and George Town celebrate their UNESCO Awards on 07 July each year with a month long cultural and music celebration. For those wanting to learn more about the history of Malaysia, the state of Kedah is a great place to start as Malaysia’s largest archaeological site. Ancient Kedah inhabitants are believed to be the oldest civilization in South East Asia.

Due to the various cultures present, there are a number of religions in Malaysia, including Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism, with the most prevalent being Muslim. All religions are free to practice their individual beliefs and customs and public holidays mark the most important festivals of each group. One of the most notorious religious holidays in Malaysia is Deepavali or ‘Festival of Lights’ that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings and festivities. Hindu families invite friends to their homes to celebrate (except in Labuan and Sarawak) and this year in Malaysia the festival falls on 13 November. A large festival for the Muslim community in Malaysia is Hari Raya Aidilftri or Hari Raya Puasa that marks the end of Ramadan, the fasting month and the first day of Syawal, the tenth month of the Muslim calendar that is on 19 August this year.  This again is a time for open houses when Muslims welcome their relatives and friends round to celebrate, houses are spring-cleaned in preparation and special decorations are usually put up. In the Kampungs (villages) the houses are spectacularly lit up at this time of year.

One of the largest musical events in Malaysia, the Rainforest World Music Festival, with the spectacular rainforest of Sarawak as its setting aims to celebrate world music with performances by ethnic musicians from around the world on 13 – 15 July 2012. For those planning ahead ‘Colours of Malaysia’ is a month long festival held annually from the end of May to June in Kuala Lumpur. The celebration showcases the cultural heritage of the 13 states consisting of a grand procession and traditional dance performers parading through Malaysia’s Capital.

This mix of cultural heritage has greatly influenced Malaysia’s architecture from the unique longhouses in Sabah and Sarawak and the Mosques, Chinese, Buddhist, Hindu & Sikh Temples that can be found across the country to the modern day Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

-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

Travel Packages:

Trailfinders (02073 681200 or www.trailfinders.com) offer a 5 night holiday staying at the 4 star Parkroyal in Kuala Lumpur with breakfast & return flights with Vietnam Airlines for £699. This price includes a half day city tour of Kuala Lumpur. Valid for travel dates 10-16 November 2012. All prices are per person based on twin or double share, all include all offers stated and are subject to availability.

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights on room only basis at The Andaman, Langkawi in a deluxe room, including flights with Malaysia Airlines from Heathrow with private transfers in resort.  Prices for November 2012 are from £1425 per person, based on two sharing.

1MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL TOURISM NIGHT FLORAL PARADE 2012 PROMISES TO DAZZLE

About a million people are expected to watch 15 lighted boats take part in the second 1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade (1MITNFP) organised in conjunction with the Putrajaya Floria 2012 at Putrajaya Lake, Precinct 2 in Putrajaya from 30 June until 8 July.

His Majesty, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah and Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Hajah Haminah are scheduled to officially launch the event at 8.30 pm on 30 June.

Themed “Magic of the Night”, all boats, lighted and decorated to represent popular tourism icons, will sail along the Putrajaya Lake for nine consecutive nights from 8.30 pm until 9.30 pm before they drop anchor for a static display from 9.30 pm until 11.30 pm.  

Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia together with 13 other boats from the state governments (Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu), Putrajaya Corporation, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and foreign participants (Kenya and Suzhou, China) are vying for awards in four categories - Overall Best Boat, Most Creative Boat, Best Lighted Boat and Most Popular Boat.

The 1MITNFP 2012 activities consist of night floral boats photography contest, fireworks display, musical and cultural group performances, concert, Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Dance and 1Malaysia Green and 1Malaysia Clean Campaign.

Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia, the annual 1MITNFP is held in conjunction with the Floria Putrajaya Festival, Malaysia’s premier outdoor garden and flower showcase, which displays the best of the local and international landscape and horticulture industry.

Themed “Bougainvillea - Enduring Beauty”, FLORIA 2012 will showcase the biggest collection of Bougainvillea in full bloom with outdoor and indoor theme garden displays.

1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade 2012 Package

In conjunction with the 1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade (1MITNFP), a total of 11 tour packages called 1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade 2012 Package have been developed to encourage local tourists and expatriates to watch the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia’s signature event.

The tour packages were developed by nine travel agencies from four states comprising Perlis, Perak, Penang and Selangor with the assistance of Tourism Malaysia.

The nine travel agents offering these tour packages are Tampak Yakin Holidays (M) Sdn. Bhd., Dcl Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. and Nakawan Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. (Perlis), Suria Indah Holiday Sdn. Bhd. (Penang), Komas Safar Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. and Rhinoairiel Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. (Perak) and Tahan Holidays Sdn. Bhd., Permai Rantau Sdn. Bhd. and 3T Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. (Selangor).

The prices of these packages range from RM150 to RM835 and the package is available for sale from today until 6 July.

For more information on 1MITNFP 2012, please contact Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia at 03-8891 7000 or email info@motour.gov.my.

For more information on 1MITNFP package, please contact Nurulhaini Shapii, Domestic Marketing Division, Tourism Malaysia at 03-8891 8417 or email nurulhaini@tourism.gov.my.

TASTE MALAYSIA’S GASTRONOMY – A MELTING POT OF INGREDIENTS AND INFLUENCES AT TASTE OF LONDON 2012 OR TRY A RECIPE YOURSELF

 

Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the nation itself, fusing the culinary traditions and flavours of Asian, Arabian and European cooking, making it an appetising destination to visit for food lovers and Channel 4 Food has named Malaysian cuisine as a top trend for 2012. British Travellers also site gastronomy in their top 5 reasons to choose a holiday destination.

Each state in Malaysia has something different to offer in terms of culinary delights, with the capital Kuala Lumpur offering the most diverse range of food from all over the world. Areas such as Ipoh and Penang receive many tourists who visit specifically to savour local favourites, such as asam laksa, which is a delicious combination of rice noodles and spicy fish gravy and the aromatic char koay teow made from flat rice noodles stir fried with soy sauce, prawns, cockles, chilli, bean sprouts and Chinese chives. The Kelantan region is a true celebration of Malay culture, serving exotic Malay food rich in flavour, whilst the town of Kajang in the Selangor region is reputed to serve the best satay (skewers of thick, succulent meat barbecued over charcoal embers) in the country. Malacca, in the southern region, is home to delicious Baba Nyonya food, much of it served in quaint cafés in historical shophouses.

Malaysia’s culinary tradition has resulted in the country producing some of its own world renowned chefs. Chef Wan (Redzuawan Ismail) is the 'Food Ambassador of Malaysia' who has successfully travelled the world introducing the culinary art of Malaysian Cuisine. Penang born, but now Manchester based, Norman Musa is a rising star as a chef proprietor of the new Ning Restaurant in York, whilst Caroline Mi Li Artiss is another up and coming Malaysian chef. Caroline is half Malaysian and half English, specialising in Malaysian and Asian cuisine, producing healthy recipes and meal plans.

Caroline and Norman both campaign on behalf of ‘Malaysia Kitchen’, a Malaysian Government initiative that aims to educate and inform British consumers about the inspiring world of Malaysian cuisine and inspire British Tourists to visit Malaysia. Visit www.malaysiakitchen.co.uk for more information, to locate one of the 50+ UK Malaysian restaurants near you, try the 12 recipes and find details on where to find their ingredients. The initiative has recently seen Chef Norman and Chef Caroline cooking and distributing fresh Malaysian cuisine on the ‘Malaysia Kitchen Street Food Tour’ that took in 5 UK cities and this will be repeated at Taste of London on 21 – 24 June 2012. Alternatively, visit Malaysia during Fabulous Food 1Malaysia – Malaysia’s own International Gourmet Festival taking place throughout October. Master Chef winner Tim Anderson is the 2011/12 official Malaysia Kitchen Ambassador and Tim has demonstrated how to cook the perfect Malaysian dish at events throughout the UK, following in Gary Rhodes and Rick Stein’s footsteps.

Tim Anderson, 2011/2012 official Malaysia Kitchen Ambassador talks of his culinary travels to Malaysia: “Whenever I travel to a new country, I make a point to visit at least one grocery store while I'm there. They're like living museums; collections of objects that comprise and nourish a culture and Malaysia is no different”.

To become the real envy of the dinner party circuit, share your Malaysian holiday experiences as well as tastes. A great way for holiday makers to sample truly traditional cuisine is to visit Malaysia on a homestay programme. Malaysia's communities have opened up their homes to allow foreign guests to taste the village lifestyle. During the homestay, guests can receive cooking lessons, learn how to gather and prepare a meal with the host family. For example a Penang Homestay accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner in a double room for two is 280MYR or £56 per couple for 1 night, see www.go2homestay.com. Alternatively a 10 night stay in four star hotels including return flights start at £1,099 per person.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Representation Plus

Flo Powell

Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk

Tel: 020 8877 4509

Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

Travel Packages:

Hayes & Jarvis (0844 415 1918 / www.hayesandjarvis.com) has a 10-night twin-centre break available to Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia, priced from £1,099 per person – saving 21 per cent (£294pp). Departing on 2 November, the package comprises three nights’ room only accommodation at four-star Hotel Istana in Kuala Lumpur (with one bonus night) followed by seven nights’ B&B at the four-star plus Hard Rock Hotel Penang (with three bonus nights), Malaysia Airlines flights from London Heathrow and transfers.

Audley Travel 01993 838 100 (www.audleytravel.com)  taking in the key highlights of Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang and Langkawi, Audley Travel can organise a gastronomic 2 week tour from £2190. "Malaysia offers some of the best food in Asia" says Caroline Parry of Audley Travel. "Taking time to travel up the west coast means a myriad of delights, and time to relax on the lovely beaches of Langkawi at the end of the tour".  The price of £2290 for two weeks includes international flights from Heathrow, domestic flights in Malaysia and all applicable taxes. Also included are private transfers, a cooking class and some excursions. Accommodation is on a b & b basis in 4 star hotels throughout.   

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights in Malaysia, staying two nights on room only at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur and five on room & breakfast at the Shangri La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Penang, including flights from London with domestic flights and transfers in resort.  Prices for 2012 are from £1478 per person, based on two sharing.

MALAYSIAN AIRLINES FLIES TWICE DAILY INTO KUALA LUMPUR FROM LONDON HEATHROW.

HAVE A GO AT CHEF CAROLINE MI LI ARTISS’ ASAM LAKSA RECIPE:

This is a classic dish found all over Malaysia from the Peranckan culture.  There are traditionally two types of laksa – curry laksa and ayam laksa.  Curry Laksa is a spicy coconut curry soup with noodles while asam laksa is a sour fish soup with noodles. There are many different regional variations of Laksa in Malaysia including Johor Laksa, Penang Laksa and Sarawak Laksa.

Directions

To start, add all the ingredients for the spice paste into your blender with 1 tablespoon of oil and whiz until it becomes a fine paste. Heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan and add the spice paste.  Cook on a low heat for 7 minutes to make all the flavours infuse together.  Then add the sugar and salt, cook for a further minute or two then add the water.  Bring to the boil, then turn heat down to simmer and add the coconut milk.  Simmer for 15 minutes.

Ingredients
Serves 4 people


Spice paste:

•    10 macadamia nuts / or 5 brazil nuts

•    1 stalk lemon grass
•    1 inch piece galangal (or ginger)
•    1 tsp turmeric powder
•    1 tsp ground black pepper (use 2 tsp if you like it to have a kick!)
•    2 tsp ground coriander
•    10 shallots
•    4 cloves garlic
•    1 tsp belachan
•    6- 8 red chillies de seeded (depending on how spicy you like it)
•    1 litre / 4 cups water
•    400ml can coconut milk
•    2 tsp sugar (dark brown or palm sugar best)
•    2 tsp salt
•    4 tbsp sunflower oil
•    1 chicken breast cooked and shredded
•    250g fresh de shelled and cleaned king prawns
•    3 egg omelette shredded
•    Handful of fresh coriander chopped
•    500g Fine rice noodles – vermicelli / meehoon cooked (you can use whatever noodles you fancy)
•    Handful bean sprouts

Cooking equipment:

•    1 large saucepan
•    Small wok or frying pan
•    Blender

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

Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

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.

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.

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

ISLAMIC FASHION FESTIVAL LONDON 2012 BENEFITS TWO MAJOR CHARITIES

London, 25 April, 2012: The Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF) was presented here for the second consecutive year at the Natural History Museum this evening. The Charity Gala Dinner themed “Diversity in Modesty” is held in aid of The Duke of Edinburgh International Award for Young People and The Wessex Youth Trust. The IFF first debuted in London in July 2011. 

Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Tuanku Haminah led the list of royals who graced the high profile event. The other royals include Her Royal Highness Sultanah Kalsom of Pahang, Her Royal Highness Sultanah NUr Zahirah of Terengganu, Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, His Royal Highness Raja Muda Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin and Her Royal Highness Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Hajjah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah. Besides Malaysia, the other royalties are from Brunei Darussalam, Monaco and Saudi Arabia.

Also in attendance were IFF Patron, Her Excellency Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the Prime Minister of Malaysia the Rt. Hon. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak (who officially accompanied Seri Paduka Baginda Tuanku Haminah for this event), Her Excellency Evelyne Genta, Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco to the United Kingdom and Mr. Wan Zawawi Mohamed, Director of Human Resource for Tourism Malaysia which is a key IFF sponsor.

The beneficiaries of the Charity Gala Dinner, The Duke of Edinburgh International Award and The Wessex Youth Trust, are focused on children and young people. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Programme empowers 14-25 year-olds to take up life’s opportunities, regardless of their gender, background or location. Launched in the UK in 1956, more than seven million young people from over 140 countries and territories have taken part in the Award. Set up in 1999 shortly before the wedding of HRH The Prince Edward and Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones, The Wessex Youth Trust was established to help, support and advance registered charities which provide opportunities specifically for children and young people. 

The funds for charity were raised through the auction of exclusive items donated by renowned British designer Bruce Oldfield, F1 and Aston Martin, and Ascot Racecourse Limited. The items on auction were a Bruce Oldfield-designed designed couture dress, four VIP Monaco Grand Prix tickets and exclusive tour of the Aston Martin factory, and First Class service in a private box at Ascot. The guests were also able to donate funds via the purchase of tables at the event. As a token of appreciation for the guests’ generosity, a Lucky Draw was also held, with the prize of a two-night stay in a one bedroom Riad donated by Royal Mansour Marrakech. Besides Tourism Malaysia as the key sponsor, the other sponsors for IFF London 2012 are Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd, Merge Energy Berhad and Frazer Nash. 

Emceed by renowned impressionist Rory Bremner and entertained by West End dancer, award-winning choreographer and singer Stephen Rahman-Hughes of smash hit “Bombay Dreams” and male opera group Teatro fame, the London fashion show presented Islamic fashion creations by eight designers from Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Lahore and Marrakech. The theme “Diversity in Modesty” is a reflection of the diverse styles of Islamic fashion of peoples of the faith who come from diverse cultural backgrounds.  

The designers for the London show were Kuala Lumpur’s Dato’ Bernard Chandran with his collection themed “Abaya Abaya”, Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi (“Borneo”), Melinda Looi (“The Enchanting Edo Era”), Syaiful Baharim (“Sartorial Hijab”) and Yin Ping (“Flora”); Ghea Panggabean of Jakarta with “Romantic Heritage”; Nickie Nina of Lahore with “Jasmine” and Marrakech’s Souad Chraibi presenting “One Thousand and One Nights”. 

“Diversity” is a running theme of the IFF which has featured more than 250 designers and labels from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds including Kenzo, Etro and Zang Toi since its first Islamic fashion extravaganza in Kuala Lumpur. Created in 2006 by Founder and Chairman Raja Rezza Shah, the IFF seeks to promote the beauty of Islamic fashion as stylish and wearable to an international audience, and to also illustrate the gentle side of Islam through fashion. The IFF has since been successfully presented in Abu Dhabi, Astana, Bandung, Dubai, Jakarta, Kota Bharu, London, Manila, Monte Carlo, New York City and Singapore. The IFF will next travel for its debut in Bali in July before its flagship week-long fashion extravaganza in Kuala Lumpur on November.

For enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Rebecca (London) & Ms Haniza (Kuala Lumpur) 

M: +44 7976753429 

T: +60 3 42561060 / 2060

E: klj.iff@gmail.com