12 cycling packages to boost Sabah tourism

KOTA KINABALU: In the effort to boost tourism in the State, the government through Tourism Malaysia and the players of the industry, will introduce the first 12 cycling packages in Sabah promoted under the ‘Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia (CC1M) Sabah bike ride – Bah, let’s go cycling’, said Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Bolkiah Ismail. He disclosed that the packages were created by Malaysia Tourism in collaboration with tourism agencies and the hospitality industry with the view to promoting the uniqueness of historical locations in the state, an addition to existing domestic tourism products to encourage the locals to spend their holidays in the country, especially in Sabah. “The packages are also offered to foreign tourists and I believe it will be a new attraction in the city and would give an opportunity to tourists to enjoy the beauty of Sabah. “Cycling is an activity in the developed countries which give added advantage to tourists to visit their historical locations as well as to practise a healthy lifestyle,” he said when launching the packages yesterday. The text of his speech was read by the chairman of Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin. Bolkiah said that initially, 21 trishaws will be used to bring interested tourists to visit historical locations in the state capital, while ten hotels located in the city have agreed to cooperate in promoting the cycling packages for tourists staying with them. Also present was director of domestic marketing of Tourism Malaysia, Musa Yusof. Source : Borneo Post
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Pocket shows, food and handicraft exhibition at Sabah Fest from May 3

KOTA KINABALU: A list of fringe events have been lined up to add to the excitement of Sabah Fest 2012 to be held from May 3 to 5 at the auditorium of Sabah Art and Cultural Department complex here. Final preparations are being made to showcase the works of some of Sabah’s best traditional handicraft makers and local delicacies during the three-day festival. The food and handicraft exhibition will highlight craft makers from all over the state who will be there demonstrating the production of handicrafts such as traditional tapestries by Sirungan binti Sulaiman from Kota Belud, bamboo musical instruments by George Nuli form Kota Belud and Philipus Jani from Tambunan, miniature lepa-lepa by Haji Alpaka Hamah from Semporna and bead accessories by Nonjiring Montoku from Kudat. Established art and handicraft institutions, including Sabah Art Gallery, Kraftangan Malaysia, Kadaiku, Mayuri House of Art & Learning, RF Collections of Sabah Pearls, and Rafflesia House of Batik, will also be opening up exhibition booths to showcase their products. Entrance to the food and handicraft exhibition is free and members of the public are welcomed to the event which will be held from 10am to 10pm from May 3 to 5. Pocket shows of traditional dances namely the Magunatip, Sumazau and Bertitik will be held from 5pm to 10pm throughout the Sabah Fest on the grounds outside the auditorium and of course, the highly anticipated musical stage performance, The Adventures of Ngarayang, will be held at 8.30pm (tickets applicable). Free parking is available at various car parks in the area, including at Taman Rimba, Sabah State Library and Ministry of Agriculture. It is going to be a highly entertaining and culturally enriching experience at this year’s Sabah Fest, so bring your family and friends to this not-to-be-missed annual cultural affair. Tickets priced at RM50 and RM30 per show are available for purchase. For ticket admission and more information, please contact Ms Jane Lai of Sri Pelancongan Sabah at 088-232121 or Ms Shirley Teo of Sabah Tourism Board at 088-212121, e-mail info@sabahtourism.com or visit the event website www.sabahfest.com / www.sabahtourism.com This event is brought to the public by Sabah Tourism Board and is organised by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd. Source : Borneo Post
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Minister wants more Hungarians to visit Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Hungarian Foreign Minister Dr Janos Martonyi would like more Hungarians to visit Sabah. “I would like Hungary to establish cooperation with Sabah, especially in tourism. Presently most Hungarians go to Thailand and Bali. I would like to see more Hungarians come to Sabah,” Janos told Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman during a discussion at his official residence in Sri Gaya yesterday. Janos who was accompanied by Hungarian Ambassador to Malaysia, Szylvester Bus, and three senior officials, was on a two-day visit to Sabah. Having visited Sabah for the first time, Janos said he was impressed with the development here, the state’s natural beauty, diversity of cultures as well as as the hospitality of its people. “I would like Hungary to establish cooperation with Sabah, especially in tourism. Presently most Hungarians go to Thailand and Bali. I would like to see more Hungarians come to Sabah,” he said. He added Hungary was also keen on sharing transfer of technology in water treatment and assist the state in making clean water accessible to rural areas in Sabah. Janos also invited the Chief Minister to visit Hungary which has undergone a lot of changes since the latter visited the country a couple of years ago. Meanwhile, Musa said the state government certainly welcomed more Hungarians to visit Sabah, adding that the state had a lot to offer in terms of its natural attractions and cultural heritage. “I also urge to explore opportunities in agriculture and manufacturing,” he said. He said the government’s policies and programme were geared toward bringing more development in terms of improving infrastructure, electricity, water utilities, education, healthcare and creating employment opportunities. Source : Borneo Post
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Sabah looking for new tourist attractions

KIULU: The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry wants tour operators to come up with ideas to attract more tourists to Sabah. Its minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun, said new ideas would make tourism thrive and make the state better known in the world. "The state has tour packages that include beautiful mountains, islands and rivers. "I want all tourism players to brainstorm and think up new products to add to existing packages," he said after launching a flying fox programme at The Adventure Centre in Kiulu here. Masidi said the latest programme would draw tourists who enjoyed adventure and challenges. New tourism products were important so that tourists would not feel bored when visiting the country, he added. Masidi also urged villagers to grab the opportunity to market their handicraft to tourists. Source : News Straits Times
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YB Datuk Masidi Manjun hosted a dinner at Magellan Sutera Harbor Resort

YB Datuk Masidi Manjun hosted a dinner at Magellan Sutera Harbor Resort YB Datuk Masidi Manjun hosted a dinner in conjunction with the working visit of His Excellency Dr János Martonyi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary on the 28th April 2012 at Rose Garden, Magellan Sutera Harbor Resort. YB Datuk Masidi Manjun menganjurkan Majlis Makan Malam sempena dengan lawatan kerja HE Dr János Martonyi, Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri Hungary pada 28 April 2012 bertempat di Rose Garden, Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort. 
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