Sentoria to develop RM1.8b resort city in Morib

KUALA LUMPUR: Sentoria Group Bhd has announced plans to develop a RM1.8 billion integrated resort city in Morib, Selangor.
The planned development will be on a 143ha site, of which 61ha will be developed into an integrated theme park resort and the rest, a mixed development of commercial and residential units.
Sentoria has signed agreements with Seriemas Development Sdn Bhd to undertake the venture.

"This partnership presents an ideal growth opportunity as we tap into the tremendous potential in the West Coast of Malaysia," Sentoria head of public and investor relations Nasiruddin Nasrun said in a statement yesterday.

Nasiruddin said given the large catchment population in the vicinity supported by high accessibility via land and air, Sentoria believes that the venture would elevate tourism to Morib in a big way.

"Sentoria has garnered much experience in developing and operating our successful integrated resort city in Kuantan and look to replicate our success in Morib," he added.
The Morib integrated resort city is not only targeted to draw visitors from the nearby towns but also from Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Malacca.

Located about 40km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and low-cost carrier terminal in Sepang, Morib is easily accessible through highways such as the North-South Expressway, Shah Alam Expressway, and Maju Expressway.

The integrated resort is targeted for completion within five years, and will comprise four components: a resort and convention centre, a boutique hotel, a water theme park and a Safari park.

The development cost of the integrated resort together with land purchase is estimated to be RM190.3 million.

The mixed property development project, meanwhile, is estimated to have a gross development value of RM1.6 billion spanning an eight-year period.

Sentoria intends to fund the development via internally-generated funds and/or bank borrowings.

Sentoria is the developer and operator of Bukit Gambang Resort City, a 290.9ha integrated resort in Kuantan, Pahang.

Last year, it was awarded the "Best Large Water Park 2011" by the Malaysian Association of Amusement, Theme Park, and Family Attractions. It has attracted more than 1.6 million visitors since its opening in 2009.

KL — a shopper’s paradise indeed

SHOPPING is one of the much-loved pastimes of Malaysians. During weekends, it is not uncommon to see malls packed to the brim with people out and about, frequenting the many shops and brands on offer and spending time with their friends and families.

It should therefore come as no surprise that Kuala Lumpur is ranked fourth on CNN Travel’s top 10 best shopping cities in the world, even above the French fashion capital Paris and bustling Hong Kong.

Adding to its appeal, Kuala Lumpur has also been named one of the top-10 must-see cities globally, according to MasterCard’s Global Destination Cities Index 2012, explaining the throngs of tourists who come to visit.

The shopping scene in Kuala Lumpur lends truth to the statement that sometimes, bigger really is better. Here in the nation’s capital, three of the world’s top 10 largest malls can be found.
1 Utama Shopping Centre, Midvalley Megamall and Sunway Pyramid, ranked fourth, sixth and ninth respectively, all contribute to the city’s vibrant shopping landscape, offering locals and tourists alike a one-stop leisure destination.

1 Utama, for example, boasts Asia’s largest indoor rock-climbing facility, an impressive rooftop garden with 500 species of exotic plants, an indoor rainforest with Koi ponds and freshwater aquariums, and more than 650 shops including a vast range of retail outlets, cineplexes, and restaurants, all under one roof.

In addition to the sheer size of our malls, shopping in Kuala Lumpur promises variety, value and convenience.
Shopping establishments cater for every taste and budget, with something to offer both the young and the old, fashionistas and sports addicts, and even gamers. Everyone will be able to find what they want and even some items they did not even know they wanted. Technology junkies looking to get their hands on latest gadgets know to head to the famous Low Yat Plaza, deemed by the Malaysia Book of Records “Malaysia’s Largest IT Lifestyle Mall”, while those looking for quality fabrics at reasonable prices often head over to Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman, a popular desination for those looking to buy silk and other quality materials.

Many Malay fashion houses can also be found there. Meanwhile, shoppers hunting for the latest in affordable Asian style should definitely visit Berjaya Times Square and Sungei Wang Plaza.
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur not only caters to different interests and styles, but also offers a mix of experiences.

A full spectrum of retailers comprising haute-couture designer brands, fashion-forward local designers and more affordable prêt-a-porter items can be found in Kuala Lumpur, and in a variety of different settings. From modern air-conditioned shopping malls and departmental stores such as those found in Suria KLCC and Pavilion, to specialty stores and handicraft centres, such as those found in the iconic Central Market, bazaars and night markets, shopping in Kuala Lumpur provides a vibrant and invigorating experience at every turn.

The ever popular “pasar malam” or night market is an open-air market featuring hawker stalls that sell a variety of local produce including food stuff and clothing.

A novel experience for visitors, particularly those not accustomed to the bargaining that often accompanies a purchase, these night markets usually begin their trading activities in the late afternoon and often feature street artists who entertain the evening crowd while they browse the wares on offer.

Anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur should definitely not miss what is, perhaps, the city’s most famous “pasar malam”, Petaling Street in Chinatown. One of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular shopping boulevards, it offers affordable merchandise ranging from timepieces to the latest in trend-setting apparel, shoes and handbags.

The area also has dozens of restaurants and food stalls where shoppers can seek a short reprieve from shopping, grabbing a bite of local favourites such as Hokkien noodles, ikan bakar (barbecued fish), assam laksa and curry noodles.

A shopping trip to Kuala Lumpur would not be complete without a trip to Central Market, an award-winning tourist attraction and shopping destination as well as a landmark for Malaysian culture and tradition.

Offering tourists an insight into Malaysia’s unique heritage, it offers a must-visit destination for exclusively-made handicrafts, antiques and art.

Recognising its rich history which dates back to 1888 when it was originally used as a wet market, Central Market was recently awarded the prestigious FIABCI Malaysia Property Award in the “Heritage” Category this year.

Kuala Lumpur’s attractive offering comes from its winning combination of high quality shopping, affordable prices and highly anticipated sale periods held three times a year in March, May and December, respectively, stretching over several months.

This year’s Year-End Sale, for example, started on November 10 and will run through till January 1 next year.

The modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur also offers unrivalled convenience. With shopping locations centrally situated, people are spoilt for choice as most of the shopping areas are within walking distance or just a taxi ride away. Moreover, the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur offers more than just a shopping paradise, with a rich history and unique character, many cultural and heritage sites can be found and are just waiting to be explored.

After the sun goes down, shoppers tired out from a day out can head to one of the many bars and clubs that dot the city for an unforgettable night on the town.

Visitors to Kuala Lumpur will certainly be well taken care of by friendly Malaysians eager to lend a helping hand, and need not worry about a language barrier either, as most, if not all, locals are able to converse in English, making getting around town relatively easy and straight forward.

Kuala Lumpur offers a one-of-a-kind destination for shopaholics of every kind, a paradise for locals as well as foreigners whose feedback and support have helped put the city and Malaysia on the global map.

The government continues to work with the Tourism Ministry to scale up Malaysia’s efforts to upgrade Kuala Lumpur’s infrastructure making it even easier for tourists and locals to get around, enhancing an already pleasant experience.

So for Malaysians looking for a short weekend of retail indulgence and thinking of paying for a plane ticket to Hong Kong or Bangkok, take a moment to look at what is offered at your doorstep. You may not need to travel so far to satisfy your shopping desires.

Rasa Sayang turns 40

NOSTALGIC: Take a trip down memory lane at the hotel’s Tepi Laut Gallery which features photographs of the hotel’s past achievements and famous names

GEORGE TOWN: RASA Sayang Resort & Spa celebrates its 40th anniversary next year and to commemorate this, the resort has put up a photo gallery of its history.

The Tepi Laut Gallery takes a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about celebrity visits, past celebrations and the hotel's various accomplishments.

Opened in Nov 9, 1973 by the Prime Minister then, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, the resort was the first five-star resort and Shangri-La property in Malaysia.

It was built and is managed by Hong Kong based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group.

The name Rasa Sayang which means "a feeling of love" in Bahasa Malaysia was thought up by Lim Chee Wah, former chairman of the group during lunch at a restaurant in George Town.

Other highlights in conjunction with the anniversary include a "comeback" of some of the favourite dishes from the 1970's at the hotel's Ferringi Grill.

The Cinta Discotheque, a popular hangout during the heyday of disco and night clubs in the 70's and 80's will be revived for one night only.

In addition, the hotel is also organising its 40th anniversary charity dinner to raise funds for its "embrace" project.

A range of limited edition charm bracelets and key chains by Amee Philips will be issued to commemorate the anniversary.

To get a charm bracelet, guests need to spend RM400 or more on a single bill at Spice Market Café.

There are four charms in total, which can be converted into either a charm bracelet or a key chain.
"The passage of time has not faded the appeal of this iconic resort. It remains fresh, interesting and contemporary, consistently winning prestigious awards for its architecture, infrastructure, products and services as well as its green approach to sustainability," said the resort's director of communications, Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman.

He added that they aspired to continue to be the leading resort in Penang and to grow exponentially while sustaining their economic and environmental sustainability for the next generation and future guests.

For reservations, call 04-888 8888.

(from left) Tunku Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman with Golden Sands general manager Tom Kies, Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, general manager, Elaine Yue and Traders Hotel Penang general manager, Markus Christ.

MAHB hotels to be called "Sama-Sama"

PETALING JAYA (Nov 6, 2012):

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is consolidating its air-side and land-side hotels at the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang under a new brand name, "Sama-Sama".

The airport operator is also in the process of upgrading its two existing hotel facilities there.

MAHB said this is part of its plans to position its airport hotel services as a specialised product brand and expand the offerings to the overseas airport market.

"(The move is also) in line with our focus to grow our commercial business as outlined in our five-year business direction (2010-2014).

"We feel that the time is right to set a new direction for the future growth of our hotel business," it said in a statement yesterday.

For starters, all three of its hotels at KLIA -- the land-side Pan Pacific KLIA, the KLIA Air-side Transit Hotel and the KLIA2 Air-side Transit Hotel, the latter of which will be ready in May next year -- will assume the new brand name.

"The new hotel brand will be ready for operational launch by Jan 1 2013, starting with Pan Pacific KLIA," said MAHB.

"With this new brand identity, (MAHB's) subsidiary KL Airport Hotel Sdn Bhd (KLAH) and Pan Pacific Hotels Group have mutually agreed not to extend the management agreement for the land side hotel beyond Dec 31 2012."

MAHB's management also gave assurance that all staff of Pan Pacific KLIA will see no change in their employment status as a result of this transition, as all staff remain legal employees of KLAH.

"This new direction that the group is taking also means new opportunities and possibilities of career growth for the hotel associates in the future, as it expands its business beyond Malaysia in the overseas ventures and offerings," said MAHB, adding that the internal announcement to the staff was "well received".

Lido Boulevard work starts, first launched in 2013

KUALA LUMPUR: Work on the Lido Boulevard project in Johor worth over RM4 billion has started with Lido Residences being the first component to be launched.
Central Malaysian Properties Sdn Bhd (CMP) chief executive officer Khoo Boo Teng said mitigation works at the project site started in July, and would be completed in the next two months.

Khoo said CMP is planning to launch Lido Residences by early next year and it is upbeat on sales.

Lido Residences comprises eight blocks of 18-26 storey condominiums with 908 fully furnished units, ranging from 2,459 sq ft to 9,089 sq ft. The units are priced over RM2 million each, or around RM1,300 per square foot.

"We are targeting foreign markets like Asean and Europe. We have a lot of enquiries and are confident of launching it next year," Khoo told Business Times.
Overlooking the Straits of Johor, the 50ha Lido Boulevard is an integrated residential and commercial development that spans 2.4km along the Tebrau Straits coastal line.

The project is located within the Iskandar region and nearby Johor Baru's Central Business District, the Customs, Immigration & Quarantine (CIQ) complex, Johor Baru's railway station and the Johor Baru-Singapore Causeway.

Lido Boulevard is one of the biggest privately-financed initiatives in Iskandar. The project is a joint venture between CMP and the Johor state government, the landowner.

CMP is a private property developer majority-controlled by Berjaya Group's Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun.

Besides Lido Residences, the project will feature serviced residences/hotel, office suites, a mall, an art and cultural centre and The Gardens.

Lido Boulevard was introduced in 2007 and was approved by over 30 departments and agencies and the Malaysia-Singapore joint-committee on the environment.

The detailed Environment Impact Assessment studies were approved in May 2008 and the Environmental Management Plan in March 2009.

The project was said to be abandoned after a portion of the land, which had been reclaimed, caved in, resulting in loss of a life, in November 2010.

Khoo said mitigation works are being carried out in accordance with the environmental guidelines. The works involve rigging out the sea area it will reclaim with sheet piles to prevent waste and debris from getting into the straits.

"Work at the project site is focused on putting in place all prescribed environmental mitigation work measures to ensure full compliance with our Environmental Management Plan," he added.

Desaru Coast GDV expected to hit RM5b

KHAZANAH Nasional Bhd's resorts and hotels invest-ment arm Destination Resorts and Hotels Sdn Bhd (DRH) expects Phase One of its Desaru Coast project in Johor to generate a gross development value of RM5 billion.

The first phase is expected to be completed in 2015, Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd (DH1) chief executive Muhd Firdaus Azharuddin said.

The project, located on a 728.43ha site, is being developed by DH1 and is currently one tenth complete, Muhd Firdaus added.

Phase One will feature four components - Datai Langkawi, Sheraton Resort and Plantation Hotel, the Riverwalk (retail, food and beverage entertainment waterfront lifestyle village) and a hospitality, tourism and culinary school.
"Two water theme parks - Ocean Quest and Ocean Splash, which are in partnership with Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd, will also be part of the phase, together with a convention centre, two golf courses as well as prime golf residences developed by UEM Land Holdings Bhd.

DH1 is the vehicle of Desaru Development Corp, a joint-venture between Bagan Cerah Sdn Bhd and Perbadanan Darul Takzim with a shareholding of 70:30 per cent respectively.

Desaru Coast, which spans over 1578.27ha along a 17km beachfront, is strategically located on the east coast of Johor and offers ease of connectivity to Singapore and Indonesia via air, land or sea.

Muhd Firdaus said the luxury destination resort will be developed in three phases. Phase 2 and phase 3 of the development are still being discussed.

Meanwhile, DRH managing director Mohd Nadziruddin Mohd Basri said Desaru Coast is expected to attract one million visitors per annum and create over 3,500 employment within the first five years.

He added that the region's first integrated luxury destination will not only complement other developments in Johor, but also stimulate various developments of trade and homegrown businesses and new townships.

"The resort will set new standards in the industry with the objective to boost tourist arrivals, extend the length of their stay and eventually increase tourist receipts," he said.

Mohd Nadziruddin said RM600 million was obtained from Malayan Banking Bhd to part-finance Phase One of the project. Khazanah will also put in a seed capital for the development.

"On each level of the project, there are joint-venture companies and subsidiaries. There will be bank borrowings as well," he added.

By Bilqis Bahari

Latest landmark in Langkawi

Cenang Mall is becoming a popular spot with tourists and locals.

Pix by Tunku Sherie Yusof

Shops near the front entrance of Cenang Mall on ground level.

Stalls selling jewellery on the ground floor beside the escalator.

CONVENIENT: Upscale Cenang Mall is in the heart of the tourist hub in Pantai Cenang

LANGKAWI: DOMINATING the tourist hub of Pantai Cenang is Cenang Mall, the latest upscale shopping destination here.

The latest flagship property of PL Soon Huat Realty Sdn Bhd, the mall is a two-storey complex which boasts 42 shop lots with an elevator and escalator.

This centralised location has a supermarket and six food and beverage outlets in Langkawi's prime area.

Fronting the sea on the main road in Pantai Cenang, the mall is designed to allow shoppers to shop with ease.

Cenang Mall operations manager Ernest Rawen said the new shopping centre has shifted the retail trend in the area upmarket with notable tenants such as Starbucks, Maybank, Guardian and Old Town White Coffee.

"It is in the heart of the tourists hub, a mere 10-minute drive from the Langkawi International Airport, and a 20-minute drive from Kuah town.

"It is also surrounded by motels and hotels," he said.

Cenang Mall is also about five minutes away from Pantai Tengah where the more upmarket resorts and restaurants are located.

This new landmark for Langkawi residents, and especially Pantai Cenang folk, offers the ultimate, one-stop shopping experience under one roof.