You may not know or shaking his head exposed do not believe that the expression.

“Bukit Nanas” next to the tower in Kuala Lumpur, over the past 100 years have retained its original ecological environment, foreign tourists have always been a good place to admiring. However, not a few people here know that there is a primeval forest.

The permanent forest reserves, will be about 9 hectares, in addition to all kinds of strange inside rare plants, insects, forest “masters” silver leaf monkey (Silvered Langur) and crab-eating monkeys (Long Tailed Macaque) will occasionally jump with the tourists out “notice”, displaying its most primitive natural state.

Here we can breathe the fresh air, this film could also deepen understanding of the tropical rain forest.

More About Menara KL tower 

The award recognises the farmers’ efforts to produce good quality pomelos that have become an attraction for visitors and tourists in Tambun, near Ipoh, Perak.

Twenty far.mers received the award from Fama director general Haron A. Rahim.

The label “Malaysia’s Best” is given to farmers who not only produce good quality fruit but also ensure safe consumption and are able to meet market demand.

Haron said there is a need to increase production to achieve the country’s annual export target of RM2 billion worth of fruits by 2010.

“Farmers are encouraged to use technology to increase production as the fruits are now in demand by both local and international markets. Fama is setting up offices overseas to promote local fruits in Singapore, Dubai, Japan, China, Netherlands, Thailand, United States and Australia.

Guests who attended the presentation ceremony were taken on a tour of pomelo orchards and had a taste of the juicy Limau Tambun, now hailed as Malaysia’s Best.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the country is aware of the growing demand for health tourism and wants to ensure that such tourists received the best healthcare treatment.

The portal, www.malaysiahealthcare.com, is a one-stop destination for all medical and tourismrelated needs, bringing together all related service providers on a single platform.

By using the portal, health tourists can plan, arrange and manage their complete treatment and holiday in Malaysia from the comfort of their homes.

They can make online bookings for all services- from home to airport to hospital to hotel to the holiday of their choice.

The portal also allows health tourists direct contact with the doctor to consult on procedures and advice on possible options of treatment.

The portal was launched by Tengku Adnan on May I in Dubai during the launch of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 campaign in the Gulf region.

In 2004, Malaysia generated foreign exchange earnings of RM105 million from health tourists seeking medical treatment.

Tourism Malaysia forecasts revenue from health tourism to reach RM2.2 billion in 2010.

After all, we offer quality and affordable healthcare services, the expertise of highly qualified medical specialists, and the availability of modern, high-tech facilities and equipment.

Health tourists are attracted to Malaysia as its medical charges and hospitalisation charges are very competitive compared to other countries such as the US, Europe or even Singapore.

IT is now more convenient to fly between Johor Baru and Surabaya with weekly direct flights between the two cities by local Indonesian carrier Kartika Airlines.

The service recieved positive response particularly from business travellers with investments in Surabaya and Johor Baru.

Since its inaugural flight last December, Kartika Airlines’ presence in Johor Baru will be officially launched at the 2nd Indo-Asia Trade & Tourism Expo 2006.

The flight between Sultan Ismail International Airport and Juanda International Airport takes two hours 15 minutes. The smoke-free flight offers 112 Business, Deluxe and Economy class seats in its Boeino 737-200 series carriers.

But it is the total baggage weight allowance of up to 25 kg per passenger that is especially welcomed by frequent travellers.

While Kartika Airlines is the official carrier for the expo, Hala Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd is the appointed ground-handling agent for the event. Contact Hala Travel & Tours to take advantage of current promotional fares. Call 07-662 4095/662 1575 or
email halatour@yahoo.com

THERE is more to pottery than churning out pots or vases. For some, it is a commercial industry while for others, it is a form of art. But in both instances, there is designing, sculpting and more involved.

Pottery began as a necessity to produce utility ware like cooking pots and jars to hold water but today, the industry includes production of art pieces, souvenirs and display items.

Nor are these simply functional without form. Pottery items are well designed and colourful and some places have acquired a reputation for turning out beautiful, collectible items.

Sarawak Pottery
Sarawak’s first pottery stood a few miles downstream from the main town of Kuching, at Tanah Puteh. A craftsman from Chaozhou province, China, was making cooking pots and jars for the local market when ]ames Brooke sailed past in 1839.

Pottery has come a long way. since! Today, pots and pans are “over shadowed” by glistening souvenirs and arty stuff of every conceivable shape and colour.

The potteries are easy to find. They cluster around Fifth Mile Penrissen Road, well provided with parking space for customers. Not just for carstour buses stop here too, on the way back from a longhouse trip or on the way to the airport.

On a good day, a few hundred visitors stop at a pottery. Many of them simply want to watch the potters at the wheel, artists painting the unfired wares, or take a peek when the kiln is being opened.

Tourists buy decorative jars and flower pots, while locals are more likely to select flower pots. Most of the potteries sell potting mix, or ready-planted shrubs in attractive containers.

There is no shortage of choice. Pots range from three inches to three feet in height. The cheapest little pipkin costs about RM2, but a tall, stately presentation jar can set the buyer back nearly RM1,000!

The taukeh nio of one pottery shop admits that not many people buy the largest jars - they are too difficult to transport. Medium-sized glazed pots or vases decorated with Sarawak native designs are most popular and buyers spend an average RM30-50. - By HEIDI MUNAN

LET the journey to Pulau Redang be an adventure in itself. Arrive in style and comfort to the crystal clear emerald seas,
powdery white sands and spectacular seascapes of Redang.

And you can do that now with Star Cruises’ SuperStar Virgo. Maximise your travel time relaxing aboard the cruise boat on a 3DI2N leisure cruise.

After a warm welcome on board, you start your dream vacation. Unlike a full itinerary in most packaged holidays, there are no schedules on board. You do everything at your own pace and eat when you are hungry.

As you watch the Singapore night skyline disappear, the burden of the rat race falls off your shoulders and a sense of freedom and adventure prevails as you sail into the South China Sea.

You can now enjoy every minute of cruising the high seas on the largest world-class.mega ship in Asia Pacific.

Top Things To Do

• Arm yourself with a handy ship directory with floor plans from Deck 4 to 13 and explore all accessible parts of the ship. Get acquainted with the layout and you will discover the many exciting nooks and corners of this luxurious ship.
• Scan the “Star Navigator” - a daily newsletter that is full of information on F&B, entertainment and activity highlights. Don’t miss the non-stop Safety Video on the TV channel in your cabin.
• Pamper yourself. Indulge in massage and reflexology therapies or let the professional gym instructor put you through a personal fitness programme. Give yourself a makeover at the Beauty Salon that offers a full range of services like facial therapy, body revival, hand and foot care and hair care.
• Pick from a long list of activities like the Sunrise Walk, Aerobics on the Promenade, Cha Cha Line Dancing, Boardgame Mania, Win Lose or Draw, Hula Hoop competition etc.
• Share a splashing good time with friends and family at Neptune’s Wet & Wild. The children’s fun pool is on Deck I0 or you can sunbathe and enjoy a soak in the jacuzzi next to the Parthenon Pool on Deck 12.
• Dance all night to “live” bands at the Galaxy of Stars or to the music machine at Celebrity Disco. If you enjoy singing, belt out your favourite hits at Out of Africa karaoke pub or try your luck at the Oasis game room.
• Catch world-class entertainment in The Lido’s “Showtime” and thrill to pulsating “live” shows that feature the combined talents of a multi-award winning cast of acrobats, gymnasts and dancers from Europe, South America and Asia.

Accommodation
One of the most unique experiences in this floating five-star hotel is its accommodation. You have a choice of cabins ranging from Inside Stateroom, Oceanview Stateroom to Junior and Executive Suites, with windows, portholes or balconies that open to breathtaking sea-views. Compact yet complete, you have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Dining Choices
With more than I0 different outlets - some offering all-day dining - you are certainly spoilt for choice! The best news is your cruise fare includes meals and selected beverages at three main restaurants. But for an extra charge, you can eat at a range of “alternative restaurants”. Take your pick of Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Indian and fast food on the SuperStar Virgo that boasts the most number of “alternative dining” restaurants on any cruise ship in the world.

Shore Excursions
Shore excursion to Redang starts from 12.30pm so register yourself for your choice of activity by 9am. Explore Nature’s underwater wonders by snorkelling and diving or take the challenge of Discovery Scuba, a beginner’s dive accompanied by an experienced Dive Master. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy hours fishing in the waters about 3km off Redang.

Take a relaxing walk on the pearly white shores or simply lie back to soak in the sun. The Recreation Centre at Laguna Redang Island Resort offers kayak rides, banana boat rides, archery, pool and mahjong.

Before you leave, pick up Souvenirs from More More Tea Gift Shop, housed in the building featured in Summer Holiday, the popular Hong Kong movie that starred Sammi Cheng and Richie Ren.

When To Go
Redang cruises depart Singapore on Wednesdays with a stopover at Pulau Redang and return to Singapore on Friday.

How Much
Fares for the two-night Redang Crdise, valid for departures from July 23 till September 22, 2006, start from RMS49* per pax.

* Discounted prices quoted are based on quad-sharing for Inside Stateroom (DD) cabin. Promotion is applicable for Ist and 2nd pax, Oceanview Stateroom with Window (DC or CB) and Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony (BB or BA) cabin category only.

For your own Star Cruise experience, call 03- 3101 1313, fax 03-3101 1406 or access www. starcruises.com

The woman cried when we were there. She could not handle the emotion that foreigners were interested in the Dayak way of living. The memory of the old days overwhelmed her.

This woman used tot wear golden rings up to 40 grams per piece in her ears. Her earlobes used to be much longer, up to 40 cm. Nowadays they don’t wear the rings anymore and the ears shrunked.

Dayak boar-hunting mask from Indonesia

 
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