Novotel 1Borneo gets 2013 Trip Advisor certificate of excellence

Novotel 1Borneo Kota Kinabalu has the reason to smile when it received its Trip Advisor certificate of excellence. The award is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide, and only the top performing 10% of the businesses on TripAdvisor received the award.

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

So it was not a real easy job when every staff plays their own roles in giving the best services for customers and guests. Congratulations once again! 

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Mount Kinabalu, a continuous main attraction in Sabah

Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz believes the Mount Kinabalu is continuously the main tourist attraction in Sabah.

Moreover, the unique blend of 32 ethnics in Sabah is one of the lure of tourists in Sabah. Hence, he said the Government will continue to provide financial support and aid to enhance the Sabah tourism industry, adding that efforts are underway, to make Sabah a tourism centre with international favour.

In view of this, the air connectivity needs to be improved and upgraded.

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Tourism Malaysia to up media coverage on Lahad Datu to improve perception

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia wants to improve the global perception of Lahad Datu and Semporna by increasing media coverage on the areas following the intrusion of Sulu gunmen.

Deputy director-general Datuk Azizan Noordin said this would lead to increasing the tourism appeal in the two areas and quell fears of would-be visitors since the conflict erupted in February.

"We are also working with the various embassies and high commissions hoping that they will drop their advisories against travel to these areas.

“The situation in the areas is currently under control, and is not expected to deteriorate,” he said after launching the United Federation of Travel Agents' Association (UFTAA) Global Travel and Tourism Conference on Thursday.

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Lahad Datu: Visit Malaysia Year 2014 not affected, says Dr James Dawos

KUCHING: Preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2014 will not be affected by the armed intrusion of Sulu gunmen in Sabah, Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos said.

The ministry through Tourism Malaysia and other agencies were already on the ground to conduct promotions and marketing initiatives at home and overseas, he said.

"I hope the intrusion crisis can be resolved as soon as possible but it will not affect the tourism sector in Malaysia because tourists visiting the country have many choices," he told reporters after attending a VMY 2014 briefing.

Citing the case of European tourists, who had been advised by their leaders to avoid visiting conflict areas, he said, at present they had chosen to divert to Langkawi.

He said Sarawak, which targetted tourist arrivals of six million during VMY 2014 was also one of the safest places to visit, with unique selling points that appealed particularly to European tourists.

Dr Dawos said VMY 2014 would see an increase of 7.5 percent in tourist arrivals of 28.89 million and 16.8 percent in terms of receipts at RM81.89 billion from a projected 26.88 milion tourists and RM70.10 billion in revenue this year.

Last year, Malaysia recorded 25.03 million tourists which brought a total earnings of RM60.56 billion for the country.

A number of tourism development projects had also been put in place to achieve 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168 billion tourism receipts by 2020. - Bernama

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Sabah Masih Selamat untuk aktiviti Perlancongan

Rakyat Sabah sudah semakin lega dengan tindakan yang diambil oleh kerajaan menyerang tempat persembunyian penceroboh yang masuk ke Lahad Datu sejak 12 Febuari 2013. Dilaporkan pesukan keselamatan kita telah berjaya menumpaskan mereka dengan Ops Sulu. Semala beberapa jam serangan udara dilakukan, ianya diberhentikan ekoran memberi ruang kepada tentera darat kita membuat serangan melalui Ops Daulat yang bertujuan menjejaki sisa-sisa pemberontak yang mungkin telah melarikan diri.

Ekoran dari itu kerajaan menyatakan tidak ada ancaman bagi pelancong yang ingin berkunjung ke Sabah.

Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen sebagai berkata:

“Terdapat pegawai tentera yang mengawal pulau-pulau seperti Sipadan sejak sekian lama,” 

“Mereka memaklumkan kepada kita setiap hari,”

“Terdapat segelintir mereka yang tidak mahu ke Sabah tetapi mengubah destinasi mereka ke tempat lain seperti Langkawi,”

Keselamatan kita masih terjamin dan difahamkan tidak ada berlaku sebarang ancaman terhadap orang awam dan juga kepada pelancong di kebanyakkan tempat di Sabah.

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Pentingnya peranan Sabah dalam sektor perlancongan

Sabah tidak asing lagi bila dikaitkan dengan keindahan dan kehijauan alam semulajadi. Sabah telah lama menjadi tarikan perlancongan. Keunikan yang ada pada Sabah amat memberi galakkan kepada pelancong untuk berkunjung. Selain keindahan alam semulajadi Sabah juga terkenal dengan keunikan budaya yang berbilang bangsa namun dapat hidup bersama tanpa sebarang masalah. Keadaan ini menyokong slogan 1Malaysia yang mana tidak ada beza antara kaum.

Kedatangan pelancong ke Sabah memberi kesan positif kepada pendapatan Negara. Jika ramai pelancong yang berkunjung ke Sabah lagi banyak pendapatan hasil dari perbelanjaan yang dibelanjakan oleh mereka. Hal ini juga meninkatkan lagi imej Sabah di peringkat antarabangsa. Tambahan lagi baru-baru ini Putera William dan isterinya kate Middleton berkunjung ke Sabah semata-mata untuk melihat sendiri keunikkan Sabah. Ini amat meningalkan kesan positif kepada sabah. 

Kita harus memberi lebih perhatian kepada sector perlancongan selain memberi perhatian sama dengan sector-sektor yang lain. Perdana Menteri kita sendiri mengatakan bahawa sector perlancongan di Sabah menjadi antara penyumbang utama dalam pendapatan Negara.

Penyataan dari PM Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak:

"Sepanjang tempoh 49 tahun yang lalu, Sabah telah banyak menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan Malaysia. Tahun lepas, sektor pelancongan di negeri Sabah telah menyumbang hampir RM5 bilion kepada ekonomi negara, dengan ketibaan lebih 2.8 juta pelancong, iaitu peningkatan sebanyak 13.6 peratus berbanding tahun 2010.

"Pada keseluruhannya, Malaysia banyak bergantung kepada sumbangan negeri Sabah, dan oleh itu, kerajaan telah mengutamakan kebajikan negeri itu melalui Program Transformasi Kerajaan,"

 

Peranan Sabah dalam sector perlancongan amatlah memberi kesan yang besar kepada Negara. Oleh itu marilah kita sama-sama mempertingkatkan lagi system yang sedia ada dan mencari idea-idea baru untuk terus maju seiring dengan peredaran zaman. Apa-apapun kerjasama dan kepercayaan adalah penting untuk merealisasikan impian kita.

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More local researchers at Danau Girang Field Centre

KOTA KINABALU: The increasing number of local researchers carrying out research at the Danau Girang Field Centre is welcome news and augurs well for Sabah.
According to Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC) director, Dr. Benoit Goosens, they presently have two PhD students and four Masters students from Malaysia.
“We have also hired two Malaysian research assistants who have a Masters degree (MSc) — one from UMS (Universiti Malaysia Sabah) and one from the University of Tasmania. They could become potential PhD students in the future,” he said enthusiastically.
He added that he has high hopes that more Malaysians will conduct researchers in the future, particularly at DGFC.
“I have high hopes. I think that we will attract more and more local students to conduct research at DGFC. This is why I spend a lot of time writing press releases about our projects and posting news and pictures on our Facebook page. I have seen an increase of requests from Malaysian students,” he said.
He also said that his team at DGFC will continue with their promotional efforts to get more locals to conduct researches locally at DGFC, situated at Kinabatangan.
“We will continue spreading news about our research, filling our Facebook page with news and pictures. Giving presentations at local universities,” he said.
He added that a few students from UPM were due to arrive at the field centre in August this year as interns.
Among the researches that are being conducted at the centre are on several charismatic and endangered species. The DGFC have, in the past, been involved in various projects with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), among them was the tagging of crocodiles along the Kinabatangan river to check on the long term movements of the tagged reptiles.
The centre, together with SWD, also worked together to tag proboscis monkeys in the Kinabatangan region as part of the conservation initiative.

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Sabah can draw 3 million tourists this year: Dawos

Kota Kinabalu: Tourism Deputy Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit assured Sabahans that three million tourists can be drawn to visit the State this year if the 375 soft corals and other marine life are preserved, a better approach towards cleanliness is adapted and more iconic as well as cultural events are organised.

The assurance was made by Dawos prior to the launching of the Kota Kinabalu City Day Sunset Sea Parade 2013 at Jesselton Point, here, Saturday.

In addition to that, with Malaysia Airlines joining the One World alliance, it indicates that they are allowed to fly to any destination they want.

"This is a good sign as they can bring in more tourists to Sabah."

Upgrading current events to a more international standard, not giving up in making things happen and maintaining the beauty of Sabah were also among the advice given.

For year 2012, 2.88 million tourists came to visit Sabah.

"There is an increase of 1.1 per cent from year 2011 where 2.84 million tourists came." I'm confident that his year, a record of three million tourists can be achieved."

Dawos pointed out that last year, 18 cruise ships with 12,707 passengers came to Kota Kinabalu Port. "There were also 131 international flights with 19,294 seats and 660 domestic flights with 85,976 a week landed at Sabah airports."

Indicating that it is indeed good for Sabah's tourism sector, he also praised Sabah's beauty which include having beautiful beaches, world class islands, various ethnic food and culture - a uniqueness which sets Sabah apart from other Malaysian states.

"I believe Sabah can move further and successfully in tourism and I hope Sabah becomes a champion of marine tourism in Malaysia."

According to him, although development is seen in the State, the environment is well taken care of on land which has won itself the title of 'Nature Resort City'.

However, he also wants to see improvement in the way Sabah maintains the beauty of its seas, islands and beaches.

"Preservation is one of the keys to tourism success."

Apart from that, he added that Kota Kinabalu has an opportunity to become one of the stopover destinations for cruise ships in Asia.

Also mentioned was litter problems and that initiating more programmes to rectify the situation was vital.

"Educate the community to throw all rubbish in a proper bin, to reduce the use of plastics, styrofoam and plastic bags and clean up after having an event near the seaside.," he added.

Another solution was using biodegradable bags made out of starch (eg. Tapioca) which are edible. In his speech, he also gave examples of practises in foreign countries such as the North America and Europe.

"Instead of using plastic bags, they use paper bags.

Paper is also biodegradable and is a better alternative."

Also highlighted was the media's participation in promoting Malaysia especially Sabah. "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all of you for the positive and encouraging media coverage."

Among those present were Mayor Abidin Madingkir, City Hall Director-General Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, City Hall Deputy Director-General (Operations) Joannes Solidau, Datuk Marcus Mojigoh, City Police Chief ACP Jauteh Dikun, Director-General of Culture and Welfare Bureau of Yongin City Hall, Korea, Kim Do Nyoun, delegation members from Yongin City, Korea, Chairman of the Yogyakarta Tourism Board, Deddy Pranowo Eryono, Artin Wuriyani from the Yogyakarta Tourism Board, representatives of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Marine Department of Sabah, Marine Police Sabah, Fire and Rescue Department of Sabah, Royal Malaysian Customs and Excise Department of Sabah, Ports and Harbour Department, Sutera Harbour Resort, Sabah Parks and boat tour operators.

Prior to the event, a ship ceremony (sail past) took place from the Sabah Parks jetty to mark KK City's 13th anniversary this year.

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Sandakan airport gets upgrade

13th January, 2013

SANDAKAN: The Federal Government has allocated RM70 million to upgrade the Sandakan Airport, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the airport here yesterday, Kong said works were expected to be completed in 18 months.

“These will include repair and upgrading works,” he said adding that the design plans were almost done.

Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) has given its input on how to improve the conditions of the airport for the convenience of travelers, he said.

Among the sections involved include the terminal, baggage handling, mechanical and electrical and building a central utility building.

“The terminal area will increase by 3,000 sq metres with more room for departing and transiting travelers,” he said.

Kong also said that there would be more parking bays at the airport which will have centralized air-conditioning.

“We understand the importance of upgrading the airport as Sandakan is an important eco-tourism getaway,” he said adding that most visitors entered the district via air.

According to him, the government would want to see Sabah to join the country in its transformation.

Sandakan airport handled about 820,000 travelers last year, an increase of 5.8 per cent compared to the previous year.

By 2020, if the airport is not upgraded, it would not be able to handle the increasing number of passengers, he added.

Kong is accompanied by his deputy Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri and deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, who is also Sandakan MP and MAB managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad.

Source: New Sabah Times

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Sabah’s local food key tourist attraction

18th December, 2012

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Masidi Manjun said the local food industry has continued to attract tourists, especially from China.

The Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said during the first seven months of this year alone, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Sabah had equalled the total number of visitors from China in 2011.

“This “phenomenon” clearly shows the importance of the local food industry to tourism,” he said when opening the “Fabulous Food 1Malaysia at Lido Square near here yesterday.

And according to Masidi, tourists, especially from China often asked the local tour operators about Lido Square as it has become famous for its diverse local delicacies.

Read More : New Sabah Times

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Prince William and Duchess Catherine to visit Borneo rainforests

William and Catherine - who was known as Kate Middleton prior to her wedding - will arrive in Singapore on September 11 before heading to the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur and then onto the province of Sabah, Borneo.

Read More:  http://www.monstersandcritics.com

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Tourist arrivals in Sabah have increased, says Masidi

KOTA KINABALU: Tourist arrivals in Sabah for the first five months this year went up 3.7 per cent in comparison to the same period last year
.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun, said during the same period this year, a total of 1,134,149 visitors came to Sabah, generating an estimated revenue of RM2.02 billion. Last year 1,093,578 arrived between January and May.
The most significant increase was tourists from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, that numbered at 71,152 or 41.4 per cent more than last year.
Masidi disclosed this when replying to Likas assemblyman, Datuk Liew Teck Chan at the assembly yesterday.
The minister said based on expenditure per capita of tourists in Sabah, those from China averaged at RM2,768.40.
“For the first five months this year, revenue from Chinese tourists is estimated to be RM197 million. Last year it was RM139.3 million, indicating an increase of 45.6 per cent,” he said.
Meanwhile, on a query from Kuamut assemblyman, Masiung Banah, on a new building for SMK Entilibon, Masidi said the Ministry of Education had issued a tender for the construction last March.
“At the moment, the process of evaluating the tender is ongoing to pick a qualified contractor. The contractor’s appointment letter will be issued as soon as the evaluation is completed,” he explained.

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Folklore 2012

 Hey guys, just want to share some info about the 7th Sabah International Folklore Festival 2012 which is already started on 8th July and 17th July will be the closing of the event.

 

Those who have time to visit the event, are very welcome. Please bring along your friends and family. Sabah Borneo Aramaii!!

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Property Search for Property Nation Sarawak World Updates Courts Parliament Columnists Opinion Honours List Tuesday July 10, 2012 Good tourism prospects for Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah can become a regional tourism centre in the East Asean Growth Area (EAGA).

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjunsaid Sabah was in the right position to be a centre for tourism in the EAGA region.

The group comprises Indonesia’s Kalimantan, Brunei, southern Philippines, and Sabah and Sarawak.

He said there was a wide variety of attractive destinations and products which could draw tourists into the region.

“I am sure with the good working relationship with other players in the grouping, Sabah can become the regional centre in developing the tourism industry, he said after opening the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) meeting here.

Having more direct international flights into Sabah would definitely help boost the state’s tourism prospects in the region, said Masidi.

“The BIMP-EAGA area can become a major tourism destination,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Masidi said EAGA should move forward as one voice to become an active, successful and relevant sub-regional centre.

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‘Sunset Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo’ at Tg Simpang Mengayau on June 29 and 30

12th June, 2012

KOTA KINABALU: ‘Sunset Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo’ is set to enthrall the audience with a great performance lineup for two days on June 29 and 30, at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat The event jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah Tourism Board and Tourism Sri Sabah Sdn Bhd, is the largest outdoor performance event in Sabah where the audience will be entertained to a variety of music and songs being performed while watching a panoramic sunset. “This musical festival line-up features performances of local musicians, as welasl foreign musicians, in bringing together the various types of music, including local classical and contemporary music,” said Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Bolkiah Haji Ismail, at the ‘Sunset Music Fest at The Tip of Borneo‘ press conference held at the Horizon Hotel, here, yesterday. Artists and musicians who will be performing are Safinaz Selamat, Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra, Jackfruit (Sabah’s pop-jazz group), Rhythm of Borneo, Akiuku Orchestra, Fabian William, Madnazir Madillah, Esther Applunius, Roger Wang & Friends and Fauziah Gambus.

Read More :  http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my

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Sabah Tourist Association also against it

Published on: Thursday, May 10, 2012

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Tourist Association (STA) Chairman, Tonny Chew has expressed concern over the recent call for taxi and hired car associations to offer attractive packages and to double up as tour guides made by Federal Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen

The call was also objected to by the Sabah Tourist Association Guide (SGTA) and Malaysia Association of Tours and Travel Agent, Sabah (Matta).

"It's understandable that the move may be beneficial for taxi drivers and can boost their business in the transportation services with added advantages of selling travel packages and being guides for each client that they chauffeur. "Alas, in doing so, it renders the services of existing licensed tour operators and licensed car rental companies null," he said.

"It may become a big disadvantage and comes as significantly unfair to guides who have invested time and money to have their skills recognised and certified, during the learning process. "It is also a disadvantage for travel companies that have invested a lot to build their fleet of licensed guides," he said.

Read more please visit  .http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=81459

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Tourism Sector Contribution to State's Economy

As up to September 2011 the tourism sector  has so far contributed RM 3.662 billion to the state's economy. A total 2,096,202 tourists (617,260 Foreign tourist and 1,478,942 local tourist) arrived since January this year. According to our Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, about 24,393 tourist has been staying in Mabul island, and Kapalai for scuba diving and snorkeling in Sipadan. These info was reported by Datuk Masidi at the State Legislative Assembly (Chaired by CM Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman) on last monday 21st November 2011.

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