'Sama-Sama' brand name for MAHB hotels

SEPANG: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is spending about RM90 million to refurbish its landside and airside hotels under the "Sama-Sama" brand name.
MAHB chief financial officer Faizal Mansor said the company has allocated RM60 million for the refurbishment of Sama-Sama KL International Airport Hotel, which was formerly known as Pan Pacific KLIA Hotel; and RM5 million for the refurbishment of its existing transit hotel located at the satellite building of KLIA, called Sama-Sama Express.

The airport operator will spend between RM20 million and RM25 million for a new transit hotel at the new low-cost carrier terminal, klia2.

"The hotel will be called Sama-Sama Express klia2. It will be opened in conjunction with the official opening of klia2 (scheduled for June 28 this year)," Faizal told reporters prior to the official launch of Sama-Sama brand here, on Thursday night.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen represented Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the launch, which was also attended by, among others, MAHB chairman Tan Sri Dr Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, MAHB managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid and Sama-Sama Hospitality Management president Hans Winsnes.
The Sama-sama brand, which translates into "togetherness", comprises two distinct airport hotel products, namely Sama-Sama landside airport hotels and Sama-Sama Express airside transit hotels.

Faizal said MAHB expects the three Sama-Sama hotels will help the group increase the contribution from non-aeronautical revenue to 60 per cent by 2014, from the current 52 per cent.

In the last fiscal year, hotel operations - which is part of the non-aeronautical segment - contributed about RM100 million to MAHB's RM2 billion revenue. Other sources of non-aeronautical revenue include retail and rental.

MAHB is optimistic of its hotel business as the hotels cater to air travellers, cabin crews and flight captains as well as those attending motorsports events held at the nearby Sepang International Circuit.

Faizal said the occupancy rate of Sama-Sama KLIA is anticipated to increase to more than 70 per cent, from the current 65 per cent.

The room tariff for the hotel, according to him, is typically among the top 15 hotels in Kuala Lumpur city centre and Klang Valley.

It ranges between RM350 to RM400 per night. During the peak season, such as major motorsports events, the room tariff is expected to be higher.

Faizal said there are plans to open more Sam-Sama hotels in the future, but currently, MAHB will focus on the three hotels at the KLIA and klia2.

Bursa Malaysia-listed MAHB currently manages and operates 39 airports in Malaysia. It also has operations in India and Turkey.

TRAVELLER‘S TALE: Midnight run to Penang

Hitching a ride on a lorry laden with newspapers turned out to be a great learning experience

WHEN I was in my 20s, I would do anything to save a few ringgit. My then-girlfriend was in Penang, so I would make periodic visits there from Kuala Lumpur.

One day, a colleague told me I could save on transport costs by hitching a ride on the company’s lorry which delivered freshly printed newspapers to Penang every night.

The particular lorry which I boarded did not leave until 11.30pm. I rode with the driver and co-driver in the wide front seat.

It was my first time travelling in this manner and I was more than thrilled. In half an hour, we were barreling down the long and winding road in the vicinity of Templer Park to Rawang. The North-South Highway did not exist then.

It was an exhilarating yet frightening experience sitting next to a driver who thought nothing of hitting the pedal in a lorry fully laden with the following day’s newspapers. I kept assuring myself that he knew the route well.

There were numerous times when I envisioned myself flying headlong through the wide windscreen into the darkness beyond the trees and tumbling down a ravine.

I held hard and fast to the sides of the vinyl seat. Courage and fatigue left me. My watch showed it was past midnight.

Somewhere along the journey, when all three of us were reduced to watching the white line in the centre of the trunk road, there was a sudden loud explosion.

A screeching noise followed. The lorry veered. Within seconds, we skidded to an abrupt halt in a ditch in the middle of nowhere. “What happened,” I asked desperately. Now my eyes were wide open.

It turned out to be a puncture in the front right tyre. All three of us got down to assess the situation. It was pitch dark.

“Where are we exactly?” I asked again. “Probably somewhere in Tanjung Malim,” replied the driver.
Naturally, the immediate solution was to fix the punctured tyre. That would be a challenge as the lorry was leaning to one side. Almost immediately, the driver realised that he did not have a hydraulic jack for the job.

The question in my head at that time was “what kind of lorry man does not carry a jack in his vehicle?” Of course, I dared not ask the driver.

The two men managed to wave down a passing lorry. We found out to our dismay that he too did not have a jack. For a few moments, I thought my final destination could turn out to be the edge of the jungle in a secluded part of Tanjung Malim.

But life is full of surprises. Calmly, the driver said he had an idea. He took out a three-foot long iron bar from his tool box. It was about 4cm thick.

When he saw the curious expression on my face, he said: “We can still jack up the lorry with this bar. I have done this before, when I was in the army.”

It was only then that I knew he was a former soldier. What he did next changed my perception of how rugged truck drivers survived on the highway every day.

The co-driver fired up the engine and the driver placed the iron bar at an angle with one end beneath the front bumper. With extreme caution and precision, the lorry moved forward.

The aim was to make the front wheel “sit” on the thick iron rod and make it “stand” so that the punctured tyre would be off the ground. If I had not seen it, I would not have believed that it could be done.

After three attempts, it worked!

Suddenly I spotted some lights floating in the nearby rubber plantation. Ghosts! Who knows what happens after midnight in the jungle-like environment?

When I pointed out the floating lights to the driver, he replied that those “apparitions” were just rubber tappers with lamps attached to their foreheads.

I looked at my watch. It was 4am. Seeing how rubber tappers worked during pre-dawn hours made me realise that not everybody had the privilege of working in air-conditioned offices.

The thought of tigers, snakes and other creepy-crawlies entered and stayed in my mind. Never again would I have any negative thoughts about these rubber tappers.

After the tyre was replaced, we were on our way again but not before I told the driver that I wanted to sleep at the back of the lorry where the newspapers were stacked.

Since the lorry was totally and securely covered by tarpaulin, there was no danger of me falling over.

And so I slept as the lorry made its way to Penang.

The lorry was supposed to be on the island by 6am or at the latest 7am but when we arrived, it was already noon. It had been a really long journey.

I alighted to find myself covered in dust, soot and other particles from the tarpaulin. I looked like a chimney sweep.

That journey was a great learning experience and what’s more important, it didn’t cost me a single sen.

For a stress-free New Year

Teresa Yong-Leong checks in at the Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa and enjoys its heavenly offerings

START the New Year by leaving stress and tension behind. Check into Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa’s The Club Rooms and enjoy a therapy indulgence using the Elemis Royal Collection at its Mandara Spa.

Guests at The Club Rooms enjoy a private check-in at The Club Lounge on Level 20. You are ushered into your tastefully furnished room from which you can enjoy the goings-on at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park or the lovely skyline.

The king-size bed with extra big pillows help me sink into blissful slumber with pleasant dreams within minutes.

The room is equipped with WiFi facilities, in-room infotainment, satellite TV with movie channels as well as electronic safe deposit box, tea-making facilities and fully stocked mini bar. You can just spend the day chilling out in your room alone. The long bath is perfect for soaking in and reading a book.

Club room guests enjoy a bag of privileges. The Club Lounge offers daily breakfast, afternoon tea and happy hour drinks from 5.30pm-7.30pm. Delightful canapes, dim sum and fresh fruit are among the delicious offerings.

You are also entitled to free laundry and pressing of up to five pieces a day and a RM50 credit on total food and beverage bill charged to the room in a single receipt of a minimum RM100 at the New Orleans Bar & Grill and West Lake Garden Chinese Restaurant.

TO THE SPA
You also enjoy a RM50 Mandara Spa credit on the a la carte treatments. And this is absolutely the icing on the cake.

Taking the five-minute walk from the hotel to the spa area is a walk in the park. This pathway is tree-lined and pleasant despite the sun.

At the spa, I am served with a ginger drink and then put in the capable hands of Debbie who executes the Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial for a glorious 75 minutes. She rubs and massages my tired face with her dexterous fingers using pleasantly scented oils and creams to put me in a total relaxation mode.

This is a clinically proven anti-wrinkle facial that promises to improve skin firmness by up to 57 per cent and remove up to 94 per cent of wrinkles just after one treatment! Hmm... I do feel uplifted and refreshed. Debbie’s ministrations is so soothing and enjoyable that I am lulled into a gentle slumber for a good half hour. I wish the session would go on for another hour.

Now that my face has been nourished, she completes the pampering by giving me a most relaxing Balinese massage. Indeed, as Debbie applies the pure essential oils on my body, I can feel my skin drinking in the goodness. She pulls and stretches my arms and legs and I especially love the long strokes, skin rolling and palm and thumb pressure techniques to release the accumulated tension in my body. Oh what a treat! She tells me that this will not only ease the stress and calm the mind but also helps in improving my blood circulation. My lymphs, muscles and nerves will benefit as well.
As Debbie tells me that the treatment is over, I reluctantly tear myself from the bed. As I rejoin spa director Janet Reynaldo and hotel marketing communications executive Cheryl Withaneachi, they both comment that I look so much brighter and relaxed.

Lunch at Fuzion completes the deal. The buffet spread is sinfully tempting and varied. The delicious Caesar salad is a good start and completing the meal with fresh local fruit is sheer indulgence.

Gifts sets for him and her
THE Elemis Royal Collection has various gift sets for men and women. The ultimate For Her gift set is the Pro-Collagen Queen set at RM1,265 for a collection of anti-ageing skincare system. Other sets are Ultimate Travel Collection (RM445), Majestic Beauty (RM425), Princess of Spa (RM325) Duchess of Spa (RM325) and the Supreme Glow (RM305).

The For Him gift sets are from the Jestset Travel Collection and a complete grooming kit costs RM315 and the King Of Skin skincare set at RM165.

The Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial for women features Padina Pavonia marine algae that helps to revitalise and promote cellular activity.

The Elemis Skin IQ and Facial for Men incorporates the New Time Defence Wrinkle Delay and the Time Defence Eye Reviver is the perfect pampering for the metrosexuals.

Mandara Spa opens daily from 10am-9pm and admits guests aged 16 and above. For bookings, call 03-7495 2080 or email mandaraspa@sunwayhotels.com.
For booking of Club Rooms, call 03-7492 8000 or email bookroomsrhs@sunwayhotels.com.

The Sunway Lagoon as seen from the hotel room.

Spacious room. 

 

Coffee house.

 

Chef at Japanese counter.

 

The Pro-Collagen Queen set.

 

By Teresa Yong-Leong | teresay@nstp.com.my

Hotel bags Islamic award

Milestone: Mohd Ghazali (right) receiving the award from Dr Mahathir.

GRAND BlueWave Hotel Shah Alam was named a winner of Islamic Quality Standard for Hotel Design Award by Universal Crescent Standard Centre in the inaugural International Islamic Tourism Standard Conference (IITSC).

The conference was organised by Universiti Teknologi Mara and Turkey’s Caprice Group at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur recently.

The award was presented by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed to hotel manager Mohd Ghazali Sayed Ibrahim, witnessed by foreign delegates and guests from the conference.

The recipients of this award demonstrated that they had complied with the Islamic quality standard.

The quality standard criteria are comprehensive and cover each areas of a hotel such as amenities, facilities, food and beverage outlets, and services offered.

“This award is another great milestone for the hotel in our efforts to offer hospitality services through Islamic system for the comfort of all our guests.

“We believe by the implementation of Islamic quality standard in hotel, it will become an international trend to better serve hotel guests,” said Mohd Ghazali.

The Grand Blue Wave is a five-star hotel offering halal food in its Chinese restaurant, coffee house and banquet.

Other than that, the hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool and reserved for ladies starting at 2.30pm to 3.30pm every day. Level 17 is only for women guests.

Every each 341 rooms in GBWHSA has been provided with Qiblat marker and prayer mat.

The Quran will be sent to the guest room upon request and prayer room available at level 1A.

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.