Travel Agent - August 18, 2008 - (Page Mcov2)

WELCOME TO M ALAYSIA SelAmat Datang! CONTENTS Q&A with Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism I welcome you to visit Malaysia, where you can experience a host of Asian cultures all wrapped up in one destination. Where else can you enjoy a blend of Chinese cuisine, Hindu temples, Portuguese music, Dutch and British colonial architecture, Sabah and Sarawak hospitality, and Malay festivals and handicrafts? My country may be a long-haul destination for many Americans, but once they arrive in Malaysia they’ll ﬁnd the country is long on appeal. In the midst of this intoxicating blend of cultures, visitors will be happy to learn that English is widely spoken, making it easy to get around and to make new friends. Malaysia is a country that is keeping pace with the modern world, and in some instances setting the pace. Every visitor to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur should pencil in some time to visit the city’s iconic 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world, and take in the view from the observation deck. Shoppers will ﬁnd chic designer stores such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Versace, and world-class malls like the Starhill Gallery and the Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur. Throughout the country are ﬁve-star resorts and spas such as Pangkor Laut Resort, the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur and the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Malaysia is also a country rich in natural beauty, with unparalleled ecotourism and adventure travel. Here you’ll ﬁnd the tallest peak in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, and one of the oldest rainforests in the world, Taman Negara on Peninsular Malaysia. In Taman Negara you can traverse the world’s longest canopy walk. Malaysia is also one of only two places in the world where orang utans still naturally reside. Visitors can even get up-close and personal with these great apes at the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary in Sandakan. Dedicated divers will want to know about Sipadan Island, one of the top ﬁve dive locations in the world. History buffs will enjoy Malaysia’s cities, such as Penang and Malacca, where they’ll see traces of British, Dutch and Portuguese inﬂuence. The United Nations Educational, Scientiﬁc and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee has inscribed Malacca and Georgetown, Penang, into the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 7, 2008. The two Malaysian capitals join the ranks of Gunung Mulu National Park and Kinabalu Park, both inscribed into the list in 2000. You’ll also want to visit an authentic Sarawak longhouse and participate in time-honored traditions; or visit the Sarawak Cultural Village in the foothills of the Santubong Mountain, where you’ll see arts and crafts demonstrations; and music and dance performances from various ethnic groups. Malaysia is endowed with an amazing diversity of cultures and experiences. Come see it for yourself! Sincerely, Dato’Sri Azalina Dato’Othman Said, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia 1 What to Know Before You Go: Making the Most of the Malaysia Experience 2 Top 10 Must-Sees in Malaysia 3 Tour Packages 5 REGIONS Central Region: Kuala Lumpur and So Much More 6 Northern Region: Colonial Heritage amid Stunning Landscapes 8 Sabah and Sarawak: The Magic of Malaysia Borneo 10 Southern Region and East Coast: Cultural Treasures, Great Beaches 12 On the Cover: Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia TRAVEL PLANNER www.tourismmalaysiausa.com • www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my http://www.tourismmalaysiausa.com http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

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Travel Agent - April 18, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor Pacific/Asia: Visitors to Ubud will Discover the Essence of Balinese Art and Culture Special Supplement: Malaysia Travel Planner New Zealand: There is Plenty to See and Do Throughout the West Coast of the Southern Alps Europe: Beauty, History and Culture Combine in Valencia, Spain Caribbean: Scrub Island is the BVI’s First Development in 15 years The Wyndham Rio Mar’s $40 Million Makeover is Well Underway in Puerto Rico The Latest on Grenada, a Caribbean Up-and-Comer Mexico: Big Hotel Plans are in the Works for the Riviera Nayarit Florida: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel turns Orlando into Italy Las Vegas: Dinner at these Restaurants Can Get your Clients into Vegas’ Hottest Nightclubs Cover Story: Medical Tourism Special Supplement: Destination Weddings Specialist 3.0 Hotels: Everything Old is New Again at New York’s Algonquin Cruise: Short Cruises Keep your Clients on the Move for Less Group Travel: Disney makes Exotic Locales Friendly for Family Travel Car Rentals: How Much Insurance Does your Client Need for a Rental Car? Agency Profile: Corporate Travel Sales are Rising at MTravel.com, a Division of Montrose Luxury Travel Expo Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Hyatt comes to Curaçao New Hotels and Resorts in Asia CLIA Tightens Qualifications for ID Tripology Links Agents to Clients In the Spotlight Agent Access Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - August 18, 2008

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