More flights to Langkawi and Penang
FIREFLY will be introducing additional flights from Senai International Airport, Johor to Langkawi and Penang, from May 27 to June 12 in conjunction with the coming school holidays.
“This added service will give our southern passengers wiser choices in spending valuable time with their children. It serves as a perfect opportunity for families to take a break and head up north to Langkawi for a family holiday,” said Firefly head of marketing and communications Angelina Fernandez.
Firefly also offers flights between Johor Baru and Kuching, and between Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu.
The flights will commence operations on May 19 and June 16 respectively. Both sectors will have a frequency of 14 flights weekly.
For details, visit www.fireflyz.com.my
-News courtesy of The Star-
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Cultural carnival at PISA
Cultural carnival at PISA
ABOUT 15,000 people are expected to attend a fun-filled cultural carnival this Saturday at the Penang International Sports Arena.
It is organised by the Penang Indian Development Organisation, its chairman M. Nyanasegaran said entrance to the one-day event is free.
“There will be lots of Indian cultural performances along with games and contests.
“One of the highlights of the event will be the mass ponggal which involves the boiling of milk and rice. More than 1,000 people are expected to participate,” he said.
Nyanasegaran said apart from that, participants will also be able to learn the art of rangoli (decorative designs on floors) and sample traditional Indian food.
He added that people of all culture and races are invited to participate in the carnival which is scheduled to be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“Several local artistes will also make their appearances at the event which is from 2pm to 7pm.”
-News courtesy of The Star-
ABOUT 15,000 people are expected to attend a fun-filled cultural carnival this Saturday at the Penang International Sports Arena.
It is organised by the Penang Indian Development Organisation, its chairman M. Nyanasegaran said entrance to the one-day event is free.
“There will be lots of Indian cultural performances along with games and contests.
“One of the highlights of the event will be the mass ponggal which involves the boiling of milk and rice. More than 1,000 people are expected to participate,” he said.
Nyanasegaran said apart from that, participants will also be able to learn the art of rangoli (decorative designs on floors) and sample traditional Indian food.
He added that people of all culture and races are invited to participate in the carnival which is scheduled to be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“Several local artistes will also make their appearances at the event which is from 2pm to 7pm.”
-News courtesy of The Star-
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Service to resume soon
Service to resume soon
Penang Hill funicular train station
THE new Penang Hill funicular train service is expected to be open to the public by next month or May.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) director Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the infrastructure and facilities were not ready for visitors yet.
He said the staff were still undergoing training on the new computerised system during daily test runs.
“We want to resume the services as soon as possible too because then we can start earning revenue.
“But the base and middle stations as well as the necessary amenities are not ready,” he said.
“There are cracks on the walls and the ceiling is leaking,” he told the press during a project briefing at the popular tourist attraction yesterday.
He said PHC could not conduct any repair, cleaning and maintenance work for more than a year while the funicular railway was being upgraded.
The new system replaces the 87-year-old funicular railway which was closed in February last year.
Lee added that PHC was also in the midst of ironing out some kinks in the train.
He said initial feedback was that the air conditioning was noisy and not cold enough and the coaches’ ceilings were too low.
“We also need to make sure that passengers can embark and disembark safely and to segregate the passengers from the driver to prevent the latter from being distracted,” he said.
He said PHC was also looking into fencing up the railway tracks.
“High voltage power cables lining the tracks are dangerous and there are snakes under the tracks.
“Fencing up the place will be expensive but we may have to consider it,” he said.
On ticket prices, Lee said they were still being discussed as there was a need to balance affordability with ensuring that there were enough funds to maintain the service.
On March 19, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen officially handed over the completed project to PHC.
The ministry’s RM73mil upgrading project included changing the rail tracks, two Swiss-made air-conditioned coaches, construction of the base station and a public carpark.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Penang Hill funicular train stationTHE new Penang Hill funicular train service is expected to be open to the public by next month or May.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) director Datuk Lee Kah Choon said the infrastructure and facilities were not ready for visitors yet.
He said the staff were still undergoing training on the new computerised system during daily test runs.
“We want to resume the services as soon as possible too because then we can start earning revenue.
“But the base and middle stations as well as the necessary amenities are not ready,” he said.
“There are cracks on the walls and the ceiling is leaking,” he told the press during a project briefing at the popular tourist attraction yesterday.
He said PHC could not conduct any repair, cleaning and maintenance work for more than a year while the funicular railway was being upgraded.
The new system replaces the 87-year-old funicular railway which was closed in February last year.
Lee added that PHC was also in the midst of ironing out some kinks in the train.
He said initial feedback was that the air conditioning was noisy and not cold enough and the coaches’ ceilings were too low.
“We also need to make sure that passengers can embark and disembark safely and to segregate the passengers from the driver to prevent the latter from being distracted,” he said.
He said PHC was also looking into fencing up the railway tracks.
“High voltage power cables lining the tracks are dangerous and there are snakes under the tracks.
“Fencing up the place will be expensive but we may have to consider it,” he said.
On ticket prices, Lee said they were still being discussed as there was a need to balance affordability with ensuring that there were enough funds to maintain the service.
On March 19, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen officially handed over the completed project to PHC.
The ministry’s RM73mil upgrading project included changing the rail tracks, two Swiss-made air-conditioned coaches, construction of the base station and a public carpark.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Penang Hill Scenery
View of Penang Bridge from Penang HilltopPenang Hill bus service - Rapid Penang 204
A new joy ride up the hill
A new joy ride up the hill
A GROUP of Taiwanese travel agents and media personnel, including The Star reporter Christopher Tan, were among the privileged few to have gone up Penang Hill on the new funicular train which has yet to open to the public. Here is Tan’s account of his experience.
The 20-minute ride from the base station to the hilltop was very soothing and relaxing. I rode on the old train at the age of nine and this new service provided a much more pleasant journey. The cabin is more spacious and the windows of the train gave me a good view of the surroundings from where I was seated. The air-conditioning was perfectly controlled.
The seat and back rest are wooden but not uncomfortable for the short ride up the hill, and the fittings felt firm and of good quality.
Tall people may however find it difficult getting into the train as they may have to bend to avoid hitting the overhead lighting and air-conditioning compartment.
The train made several stops along the way up to drop off passengers who are staying on the hill. For these hill residents, the new train will definitely improve their lives and one resident, upon alighting, turned around and gave me the thumbs-up.
During these stops, the Taiwanese visitors were given a wonderful opportunity to take some shots of the beautiful scenery.
I love the ride and I will be telling my friends and other people about it. I know I will be back for more.
Penang Hill Corporation senior assistant manager Sharidah Talib said the Taiwanese group was amongst the first few visitors to experience the new train service following the handover ceremony by the Tourism Ministry last Saturday.
“They are the first overseas group to visit Penang Hill on the new train,” she said.
One of the tourists, Liu Yi Ling, said: “The ride was comfortable and the view fantastic.”
She said she also had a great time atop the hill.
The Taiwanese agents had tea at the David Brown Restaurant and Tea Terraces while enjoying a breathtaking view of George Town from the top of the hill.
Ann Su Si Ying, who is visiting Penang for the first time, said she fell in love with the island’s scenery and the multicultural way of life.
“The food is simply delicious. I had nasi lemak and roti planta,” she said.
Jointly organised by the Penang Municipal Council and state government, the four-day trip which ended on Thursday was aimed at promoting Penang to Taiwanese tourists.
Travel adviser Chin Poh-Chin said there should be more efforts to promote Penang which had numerous attractions.
The 12-member group comprising nine travel agents and three magazine editors visited various places of interests in Penang.
Their tour included trishaw rides to heritage sites in George Town as well as visits to Penang Botanical Garden, Tropical Spice Garden, Kek Lok Si Temple and Snake Temple.
-News courtesy of The Star-
A GROUP of Taiwanese travel agents and media personnel, including The Star reporter Christopher Tan, were among the privileged few to have gone up Penang Hill on the new funicular train which has yet to open to the public. Here is Tan’s account of his experience.The 20-minute ride from the base station to the hilltop was very soothing and relaxing. I rode on the old train at the age of nine and this new service provided a much more pleasant journey. The cabin is more spacious and the windows of the train gave me a good view of the surroundings from where I was seated. The air-conditioning was perfectly controlled.
The seat and back rest are wooden but not uncomfortable for the short ride up the hill, and the fittings felt firm and of good quality.
Tall people may however find it difficult getting into the train as they may have to bend to avoid hitting the overhead lighting and air-conditioning compartment.
The train made several stops along the way up to drop off passengers who are staying on the hill. For these hill residents, the new train will definitely improve their lives and one resident, upon alighting, turned around and gave me the thumbs-up.
During these stops, the Taiwanese visitors were given a wonderful opportunity to take some shots of the beautiful scenery.
I love the ride and I will be telling my friends and other people about it. I know I will be back for more.
Penang Hill Corporation senior assistant manager Sharidah Talib said the Taiwanese group was amongst the first few visitors to experience the new train service following the handover ceremony by the Tourism Ministry last Saturday.
“They are the first overseas group to visit Penang Hill on the new train,” she said.
One of the tourists, Liu Yi Ling, said: “The ride was comfortable and the view fantastic.”
She said she also had a great time atop the hill.
The Taiwanese agents had tea at the David Brown Restaurant and Tea Terraces while enjoying a breathtaking view of George Town from the top of the hill.
Ann Su Si Ying, who is visiting Penang for the first time, said she fell in love with the island’s scenery and the multicultural way of life.
“The food is simply delicious. I had nasi lemak and roti planta,” she said.
Jointly organised by the Penang Municipal Council and state government, the four-day trip which ended on Thursday was aimed at promoting Penang to Taiwanese tourists.
Travel adviser Chin Poh-Chin said there should be more efforts to promote Penang which had numerous attractions.
The 12-member group comprising nine travel agents and three magazine editors visited various places of interests in Penang.
Their tour included trishaw rides to heritage sites in George Town as well as visits to Penang Botanical Garden, Tropical Spice Garden, Kek Lok Si Temple and Snake Temple.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Railing for a new lease of life
Railing for a new lease of life
WHEN Prof Dr Jimmy Lim was appointed by the Penang Municipal Council to undertake the Penang Hill Visitor Centre project, he decided to salvage part of the 87-year-old funicular train railway tracks for the centre.
A conservationist at heart, he felt that the philosophy for reusing the old tracks was mainly to preserve their rich heritage value.
“You’ve got something which has no more use and now you found a new function (for it), so why not?” he asked.
The old tracks were dismantled following the closure of the country’s oldest hill station in February last year to facilitate the Tourism Ministry’s RM73.8mil upgrading works.
Last Saturday, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen handed over the project to the Penang Hill Corporation following the completion of the project.
Dr Lim said the old railway tracks had been sent to Universiti Sains Malaysia for tests and were found to be still strong.
“The tracks are structural elements for the building and not just for decoration,” he said, adding that they would form part of the columns which were significant features.
He said three tracks would be creatively joined together to form the columns from the ground floor and the tracks would be seen protruding 1m above the first floor.
He explained the main concept for the project was “architecture without wall”.
“The structures are open and visitors can go in and enjoy the panora-mic view of George Town and the breeze.
“It is distinctive and the ‘orang peel’ look is designed to adapt to the environment,” he said, adding that the main structure would be steel, timber and rafter while the roof would be attap.
In terms of building costs, Dr Lim, who is also one of the founder members of Badan Warisan Malaysia, said reusing of the old railway tracks would help to save “a little bit”.
“What we have can be used for a floor only. If we’ve got more, then we can save more,” he said.
Dr Lim also proposed to build an open air theatre with George Town as the background under the proposed redevelopment project.
“The theatre can be for con- certs or even watching football matches,” he said.
The state government has announced that the entire area around the hilltop station would undergo a major facelift as part of its efforts to liven up the place. The plan includes a new recreational walkway, a pavilion, terrace dining areas, restoration of old government quarters atop the hill and a business centre.
-News courtesy of The Star-
WHEN Prof Dr Jimmy Lim was appointed by the Penang Municipal Council to undertake the Penang Hill Visitor Centre project, he decided to salvage part of the 87-year-old funicular train railway tracks for the centre.A conservationist at heart, he felt that the philosophy for reusing the old tracks was mainly to preserve their rich heritage value.
“You’ve got something which has no more use and now you found a new function (for it), so why not?” he asked.
The old tracks were dismantled following the closure of the country’s oldest hill station in February last year to facilitate the Tourism Ministry’s RM73.8mil upgrading works.
Last Saturday, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen handed over the project to the Penang Hill Corporation following the completion of the project.
Dr Lim said the old railway tracks had been sent to Universiti Sains Malaysia for tests and were found to be still strong.
“The tracks are structural elements for the building and not just for decoration,” he said, adding that they would form part of the columns which were significant features.
He said three tracks would be creatively joined together to form the columns from the ground floor and the tracks would be seen protruding 1m above the first floor.
He explained the main concept for the project was “architecture without wall”.
“The structures are open and visitors can go in and enjoy the panora-mic view of George Town and the breeze.
“It is distinctive and the ‘orang peel’ look is designed to adapt to the environment,” he said, adding that the main structure would be steel, timber and rafter while the roof would be attap.
In terms of building costs, Dr Lim, who is also one of the founder members of Badan Warisan Malaysia, said reusing of the old railway tracks would help to save “a little bit”.
“What we have can be used for a floor only. If we’ve got more, then we can save more,” he said.
Dr Lim also proposed to build an open air theatre with George Town as the background under the proposed redevelopment project.
“The theatre can be for con- certs or even watching football matches,” he said.
The state government has announced that the entire area around the hilltop station would undergo a major facelift as part of its efforts to liven up the place. The plan includes a new recreational walkway, a pavilion, terrace dining areas, restoration of old government quarters atop the hill and a business centre.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Travel agent excited to discover Penang
Travel agent excited to discover Penang
FOR Taiwanese travel agent Yan Yu-Ping, she simply cannot wait to discover Penang.
“I was told that Penang has a vibrant culture and I just want to see it for myself,” she said, adding that this was her first visit to Malaysia as well.
The 24-year-old is part of a group of 13 Taiwanese travel agents and media members who arrived at the Penang International Airport on Monday for a four-day trip to discover Penang’s tourism attractions.
Upon landing, they were taken to the Hai Nan Town Restaurant at Tanjung City Marina in Weld Quay where they were served Nyonya and Hainanese delicacies such as assam prawn, curry fish head, claypot mutton and deep fried spring rolls,
State Youth, Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Lydia Ong said while many Malaysians visited Taiwan, the number of Taiwanese tourists coming to Malaysia was still low.
“Hopefully, when they return to Taiwan, their experience here will help the travel agents and the media members, whom are from travel magazines, to promote Penang.
“Every year we go to Taiwan for holiday, but very few of the Taiwanese come here, so we need to sell Penang,” she said in her speech.
The group’s itinerary includes a trishaw ride along George Town Heritage City to the Streets of Harmony where they will get to experience the fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian culture.
They will also be taken to visit other famous tourist spots including Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Botanic Gardens, Tropical Spice Garden and Penang Butterfly Farm.
A lunch at Penang’s famous local hawker food at New World Park awaits them tomorrow before they depart for Taipei later the same day.
-News courtesy of The Star-
FOR Taiwanese travel agent Yan Yu-Ping, she simply cannot wait to discover Penang.
“I was told that Penang has a vibrant culture and I just want to see it for myself,” she said, adding that this was her first visit to Malaysia as well.
The 24-year-old is part of a group of 13 Taiwanese travel agents and media members who arrived at the Penang International Airport on Monday for a four-day trip to discover Penang’s tourism attractions.
Upon landing, they were taken to the Hai Nan Town Restaurant at Tanjung City Marina in Weld Quay where they were served Nyonya and Hainanese delicacies such as assam prawn, curry fish head, claypot mutton and deep fried spring rolls,
State Youth, Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Lydia Ong said while many Malaysians visited Taiwan, the number of Taiwanese tourists coming to Malaysia was still low.
“Hopefully, when they return to Taiwan, their experience here will help the travel agents and the media members, whom are from travel magazines, to promote Penang.
“Every year we go to Taiwan for holiday, but very few of the Taiwanese come here, so we need to sell Penang,” she said in her speech.
The group’s itinerary includes a trishaw ride along George Town Heritage City to the Streets of Harmony where they will get to experience the fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian culture.
They will also be taken to visit other famous tourist spots including Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Botanic Gardens, Tropical Spice Garden and Penang Butterfly Farm.
A lunch at Penang’s famous local hawker food at New World Park awaits them tomorrow before they depart for Taipei later the same day.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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