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Dr M - Taking The World by Storm
Mummies Come Alive in Langkawi
LTdL Stage 6: Panaria Rule Again
Making it the third one-two finish for the Italian outfit, was points competition leader Greame Brown, as the commitment of the other sprinters in the peloton came back into question.
LTdL Stage 7: Brown Grabs His Hat-Trick
Thinking he had crossed the finish and won Stage 7, Di Biase from Colombia Selle-Italia raised his arms in jubilation but Brown kept his head down and managed to pip his Italian rival to secure a record-breaking seventh stage win in the history of the Tour.
This Year's Regatta in Langkawi the Best Yet
Although the number of entries dwindled this year, it has to be noted that the tournament organisers managed to host a successful regatta in South-East Asian waters during the post-tsunami period.
Yo! Gunning for a Hat-Trick
Although a more competitive fleet have been lined up for the four-day competition, one yacht is again the clear favourite to emerge as the champion.
As the winners of the Prime Minister's Challenge Trophy, the prize for the overall champion, in the previous two RLIR's, YO! are gunning for a hat-trick.
There had been uncertainties over the event after the tsunami hit but the BMW Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RYIR) will swing into action as scheduled for a third time in a row, promising another splashing show.
Thai Sea Gypsy Islands Get Year Round AccessThe beautiful Thai islands of Ko Lipe and Ko Adang, with their unspoiled beaches, kilometers of coral and crystal aquamarine waters, have been inaccessible for half the year. A new daily ferry service from Langkawi Island in Malaysia provides year round access.
Allow Only 200 Tourists A Day to Pulau PayarAllow only 200 tourists to Pulau Payar in Langkawi at one time. That is the proposal by Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Friends of the Environment Malaysia) for the carrying capacity of visitors to the island, which is the only marine park on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Gathering of Mahsuri Clan in LangkawiComing from near and far, 150 descendants of Langkawi’s legendary Mahsuri attended a family gathering at the house of a seventh-generation descendant in Kampung Paya, Pulau Dudur here.
Honeymoon Island Gets New Marine PlaygroundLangkawi island in Malaysia, a secret paradise getaway for movie stars and Formula 1 racing drivers, is one of Asia’s premiere honeymoon destinations with ancient mountains and rainforests. A new cross-border tourism agreement gives Langkawi visitors daily access to the 51 unspoiled islands of Thailand's remote Turatoa national Park, one of Asia's best snorkel and diving destinations with white sand beaches, crystal azure water and kilometers of coral teeming with riotous tropical sealife.
Best of Langkawi Celebrates One Million Hits This YearThe popular website Best-of-Langkawi.com today celebrates reaching a record traffic figure of one million hits during 2005. The site was launched last year is operated by local Langkawi company TOP-Lah Promotion, whose chairman Bill Gee said, "We are really proud of this fantastic response to Langkawi. When we started there was not enough information about the island online, now with more than 600 pages of Langkawi information we are seeing almost 10,000 hits a day".
Four Seasons Puts Langkawi on the Map with Latest Asian ResortFour Seasons Hotels and Resorts has added a new jewel to its collection of unique Asian resorts with the official opening of Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, set amid the legendary Malaysian islands that bear the same name. The new 91-room resort includes an extraordinary spa, 20 beach villas measuring 220 square metres (2,369 square feet), and an array of dining experiences.
40 Yachts to Compete in Langkawi RaceThe fourth edition of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta promises to be even bigger than previously with more than 40 yachts having confirmed participation for competitions scheduled for Feb 13-16.
Silkline 510 Catamarans Building in LangkawiA newly designed catamaran is due to go into production late February 2006. The alloy Silkline 510 - (15.4m / 50ft 6in) is a joint effort by Australian and British designers. The catamarans will be built in Langkawi Malaysia at Wavemaster Sdn Bhd. The project will be supervised by Peter Sandy, a specialist alloy fabricator from Australia, and overseen by Wavemaster's General Manager Brendan Wright.
Entries Sought for Ironman LangkawiThe traditional curtain-raiser triathlon – the Ironman Langkawi Malaysia - is back for its seventh edition on Feb 26.
Telega Harbour - Now a Bustling BaySpread over reclaimed land on the west of Pulau Langkawi, the 32ha township of Telaga Harbour Park sits on Pantai Kok’s pretty cove framed by rugged limestone and Gunung Mat Chinchang. Its location makes it a strategic pit stop for yachts plying the busy Straits of Malacca en route to Thailand, India or Singapore.
Third Win at Raja Muda for Neil PrydeNeil Pryde’s newly-refurbished Farr 52 OD, Hi-Fi Team Pryde, took home the coveted Raja Muda Cup for the third time in five years by winning the top position in Racing Class in the recently-completed week-long 16th Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta.
Bookings For 7,500 Rooms During Chinese New YearAll the 7,500 rooms available on the legendary Langkawi Island were booked for the Chinese New Year holiday and traffic congestion were reported everywhere with traders extending their business hours to take advantage on the exodus of holiday revellers.
Indian Travel Agency Readying ‘Visit Malaysia’ PackageIndia attracted 3.4 million tourists last year, confirming its position as one of the world's top five tourism destinations. But as incredible as India is, a change is in store – as far as the outflow of tourism rupees are concerned. One of India's top travel agencies is trying to wrap up a "Visit Malaysia" package.
Banking on Eco TourismThe growth of tourism has prompted two individuals in travel trade. Irshad Mobarak and Jurgen Zimmer, to settle down here are having fallen in love with the island and wanting to share their experience.
Langkawi's Curved Bridge to Open SoonSuspended about 700m above sea level at Gunung Mat Cincang, the island’s newest attraction will be opened next week. The RM2.45mil bridge, which is the country’s first curved suspended pedestrian bridge, is suspended from a record-breaking 82m-high single pylon
LTdL Stage 1: Brown Claims First WinAthens Olympic gold medallist Graeme Brown, riding for Ceramica Panaria, won the first stage of the Tour of Langkawi 2005 here yesterday clocking 2’19:32. The race around the Langkawi Island was a clear indication that the Ceramica Panaria outfit are going all out to give a stiff challenge to other top teams like Discovery Channel and Liberty Seguros this year.
LTdL Stage 3: Panaria Take ChargeThere was a spirited Malaysian performance, but again it was an all-Panaria show at the finish line when Ruben Bongiorno pipped Greame Brown to bag Stage Two of the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) yesterday.
LTdL Stage 4: The Records, 10 Years OnAfter 10 years of existence, the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) has its own set of statistics to be proud of, with Japan's Koji Fukushima becoming the latest addition.
LTdL Stage 5: Brown Rides Into the Record BooksGreame Brown blew the opposition away in a bunch sprint to bag the 163.9 kilometres Stage Five of the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) from The Kota Baru to Terengganu.
LTdL Stage 6: Panaria Rule AgainIt was another Panaria dominated day as Ruben Bongiorno grabbed his second win in Stage Six of the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) from Kuala Berang to Cukai.
LTdL Stage 7: Brown Grabs His Hat-TrickAustralian Graeme Brown of Ceramiche Panaria bagged his third stage win in the Tour of Langkawi after sneaking past Moreno Di Biase, who celebrated too early, at the finish line here yesterday.
LTdL Stage 8: Cox Wins Uphill BattleBarloworld's Ryan Cox pipped Colombia Selle Italia's Jose Rujano in a photo finish for Stage Eight of the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) yesterday.
LTdL Stage 9: Cox Close to Tour de Langkawi VictoryAfter his triumphant victory on the gruelling Genting Heights mountain climb on Friday, Team Barloworld-Valsir's Ryan Cox retained the overall leader's yellow jersey as the tour moves into its final stage on Sunday.
LTdL Stage 10: Gallant Selle Italia Get Standing OvationA rare honour was given to the Colombia Selle Italia outfit yesterday, for their gallant fighting performance in the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL).
LTdL Stage 10: Cox Crowned Overall ChampionRyan Cox sealed a well deserved overall title on a day when the Greame Brown-Panaria show proved too strong again in the final stage of the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), the Kuala Lumpur Criterium yesterday.
This Year's Regatta in Langkawi the Best YetThe third edition of the BMW Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR), which ended on Saturday, proved to be the most exciting and challenging yet in the series. Although the number of entries dwindled this year, it has to be noted that the tournament organisers managed to host a successful regatta in South-East Asian waters during the post-tsunami period.
Ulumulu's Young Crew Making Heads Turn At RegattaSix months ago, an idea was mooted to have a Malaysian racing yacht with an all-Malaysian crew to challenge for top sailing honours in the region.<br /><br /> The Miri-registered Ulumulu, painted in the Sarawak colours of yellow, red, black and white, is making heads turn in the ongoing BMW Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR).
Navy Boat Beats Somtam On Corrected TimeStronger winds bring more exciting sailing conditions in competitions, including the ongoing BMW Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2005.
Collision Between Fistral and Regolarita Spoils the DayYO! captured its third consecutive BMW Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR)'s Prime Minister's Challenge Trophy yesterday but it was nature that stole the thunder, and the biggest talking point of the day was a collision between two yachts.
Yo! Gunning for a Hat-TrickThe third edition of the BMW Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) begins today with the promise of being a bigger and more exciting event for sailing enthusiasts. Although a more competitive fleet have been lined up for the four-day competition, one yacht is again the clear favourite to emerge as the champion.
Smooth Sailing For SomtamThe tsunami-lashed Somtam Express clinched a second consecutive victory in the Phuket to Langkawi Rebak Champagne Run 2005 yesterday. The Thailand-registered boat, which was berthed at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club in Phuket, suffered minor damages when the tsunami struck on Dec 26 last year.
Cool Way to Kick Off World’s Hottest RaceThe Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix Ice Gala 2005 saw team drivers and principals mingling with high society for the perfect lead up to this weekend's race at the Sepang F1 Circuit.
Force of Nature Concert: Simply WOW!A star-studded party was held after the Force of Nature for Tsunami Aid concert early this morning. Many of the performing and non-performing celebrities and local dignitaries were to have attended the party which was held at a specially-erected tent alongside the Putra Stadium.
Night of Glamour and Excitement at Force of Nature ConcertThe crown went wild when treated to exciting non-stop entertainment during the star-studded event at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil last night. The event is the first initiative of the Force of Nature Foundation, a non-profit organisation that aims to raise funds for victims of natural disasters around the world and awareness of their long-term needs.
Malaysia Airlines to Add Flights to Kuala LumpurMalaysia Airlines is beefing up its Taiwan connection with the introduction of three additional weekly flights servicing the Taipei-Kuala Lumpur route in November, the international carrier's Taiwan chief said yesterday.
Giant Jalur Gemilang for Nationwide DisplayMalaysians will be able to see the largest Jalur Gemilang “flying in the sky” next month in a run-up to the 48th Merdeka Day celebrations.
Council Gears Up to Attract More Tourists to LangkawiThe Langkawi Tourism Action Council is optimistic it could attract 2.4 million tourists to the resort island this year. Its general manager, Shaharudin Itam, said the body was aggressively promoting the island's charms to capture new markets and retain existing ones.
Malaysia Wants Foreigners to StayThe Malaysian government announced its support for Tourism Malaysia’s program called Malaysia: My Second Home (MMSH), which is intended for foreigners wishing to make Malaysia their long-term home, by giving financial breaks as an incentive for travelers wishing to participate.
Penguins, New Attraction At Underwater World LangkawiThe famed tropical island resort of Langkawi now has a new attraction - penguins. The bird can be seen at Underwater World Langkawi's new wing scheduled to be officially opened Saturday by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who mooted the idea after he visited the Antarctica several years ago.
KLIA To Be World’s First Airport With Radio StationThe KL International Airport (KLIA) will be the first airport in the world to have a radio station to serve its 25 million passengers and 13 million listeners in the Klang Valley.
Mission to Promote Malaysia, One of the World's Most Safe and Stable Tourist DestinationsThe Minister of Tourism, Malaysia, the Honorable Datuk Dr. Leo Michael Toyad, is leading a mission to Canada and the USA from June 14-22, 2005. The delegation is on a three-city tour that includes Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles to aggressively promote Malaysia as a premier tourist destination.
SailAsia Darwin-Bali-Langkawi Yacht Rally 2005 On Nov 10As the country is promoting marine tourism, a new international sailing event will be held in Langkawi as the preferred sailing destination, next month. Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad said participants of the SailAsia Darwin-Bali-Langkawi Yacht Rally 2005 would spend a week in Langkawi from Nov 10. A total of 57 yachts carrying 150 sailors from 20 countries would be congregating at the Telaga Harbour Park in the island until Nov 16.
Sarang Aerobatic Team to Participate in LIMAAfter enthralling audiences at home and in Abu Dhabi and Singapore, the Sarang aerobatic display team of the Indian Air Force now plans to impress crowds at the Langkawi International Maritime Aerospace 2005 show in Malaysia.
World Cycling Big Names to Grace 10th Anniversary of Le Tour de LangkawiFrom January 28 to February 6, Malaysia will be the focal point of the entire cycling world. For it is during this period that the prestigious RM1.6 million Le Tour de Langkawi will be staged. The venue will be the length and breadth of the Peninsular Malaysia where the best professional teams in the world will battle for supremacy.
Langkawi Gets Cart Host Job AgainThe Morac International Carts Circuit here will host the Rotax Max World Championship Grand Finals for a second time from Nov 21-28 this year.
P&O Cruises Unveils New Asia ProgramP&O Cruises is offering travellers the easiest and most affordable way to discover some of Asia's most exciting destinations, with its first ever season of seven-night cruises from Singapore.
Stars of Malaysian CoutureLocal designers Edric Ong, Sharifah Kirana, and Orson Liyu delivered a commendable performance last Tuesday at the KL Fashion Week’s Gala Night held at the Shangri-la Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia Airlines to launch direct flights from AhmedabadMalaysia Airlines announced Thursday plans to introduce direct flights between Ahmedabad and Kuala Lumpur
Langkawi Wilderness ChallengeThe inaugural Wilderness Langkawi Challenge 2005 is inviting participants for a one-day endurance race which includes kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, running, and other exciting disciplines which may last from three or more hours.
WaveMaster Aims To Build New Yachts To Expand BusinessWave Master Langkawi Yacht Centre (WMLYC), a local company which started off in ship-repairing, servicing and refitting here three years ago, has set its sights on building new luxury yachts.
Langkawi Helps malaysia Fashion Show in LondonFashion shoot at The Andaman, Langkawi for upmarket new Malaysian fashion collection.
Malaysian Airlines Now Flies Direct From London to LangkawiMalaysia Airlines will be flying direct to Langkawi from London-Heathrow twice weekly on every Wednesday and Sunday.
More Tourists Coming From BritainBritish High Commissioner said the number of incoming British tourists is expected to increase this year as direct flights to Penang and Langkawi from England make these destinations more accessible.
Regatta Revelry: The BMW Royal Langkawi International Regatta BallThey came by planes, trains, automobiles (BMWs, mostly) and of course, yachts, to attend one of this year`s hottest society events - the BMW Royal Langkawi International Regatta Ball.
Wavemaster to Make Yacht for Local MarketLangkawi yacht center to start production of 30m plus yachts for Asian and international market.
Prawn Breeding Company Sets Up GalleryThe legendary island of Langkawi will sonn have an additional attraction with the setting up of a new prawn gallery. Visitors will see the prawn breeding process from the fry stage until mature and ready to enjoy.
Malaysia Offers Indians A Second HomeMalaysia has rolled out the red carpet to Indians, offering them a second home in Malaysia.
Government Solidly Behind Le Tour de Langkawi Cycle RaceThe Malaysian race has been rated the world's fourth best well-organised event for cycling.
Harbour Seals the Latest Attraction at AquariumThree harbour seals, which had just arrived from Japan, will be the latest attraction of Underwater World Langkawi.
Lessons Through Games at Junior BRATs CampCommunication is the key to solving problems. It involves voicing out problems and listening to others. These were some of the lessons being taught at the Junior Bright, Roving, Annoying Teens (BRATs) camp here. The 36 youngsters, aged between 13 and 15, are taking part in a three-day programme which kicked off on Friday.
Sharing views on Teen Issues in LangkawThe Junior Bright Roving Annoying Teens (Brats) camp, last of a series of three for this year, is organised by The Star, with the co-operation of MAGGI and hosted by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (SPNB) who contributed for the accommodation, food, ferry ride and flight from Langkawi to Penang.
ATF Launches Promotional TourThe Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2005, which will be held from January 21 to 29, next year, has begun its promotional tour to each Asean member country.
Langkawi To Host Asean Tourism ForumMalaysia resort island of Langkawi will host next year the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) from January 21 to 29 to project Asean as an attractive, multi-faceted single destination.
Asean Tourism Forum To Attract Japan, China And KoreaA key tourism meet, the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF), is scheduled to be held in the Malaysian island paradise of Langkawi in January in which Brunei is to attend. Key tourism ministers from Japan, China and South Korea, which are currently major tourism producing countries, will also hold talks with Asean officials.
Kedah to Open Another Ferry Terminal to LangkawiKedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Syed Razak Syed Zain said the second terminal which would operate at Ampang Jajar, here, would be suitable for smaller ferries with a capacity of less than 100 passengers.
Mummies Come Alive in LangkawiThat damp Friday morning was to be the first day of the Junior BRATs workshop and we were gathered at The Star Northern Hub in Penang. There was a bus ready to take us to the jetty where we would be shipped off to Langkawi for the workshop.
Airport Security Gets a BoostAirport security in the country, particularly at the KL International Airport, will now be beefed up with the deployment of an additional 256 security personnel, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman.
Malaysia - The World's Hot New Offshore LocationMalaysia's sudden shot to fame led to some questioning the reliability of the AT Kearney report. The AT Kearney team which conducted the survey said they were equally stunned and had re-checked their numbers a couple of times. It's absolutely true.
LATC to Invest RM10m to RM15m in Langkawi Next Two YearsLangkawi Aerospace Training Centre (LATC) plans to invest RM10mil to RM15mil over the next two years to establish itself as a full-fledged pilot training centre.
Malaysia Set to Be Best Organiser AgainYesterday, the international promoter of the powerboat race, Nicolo di San Germano, just could not find any fault in the Malaysian organisation of the eighth leg of the World Championships..
Credit-Card Firms Slug it Out for Frequent FlyersIndustry watchers say card holders are spoilt for choice and are becoming more choosy about getting the airline they want.
Dr M Meets African Leaders Attending LID 2004Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Wednesday met leaders of African countries who are here for the Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) which begins Thursday.
Direct Flights Will Bring In More SwedesTourism Malaysia expects a 30% to 40% increase in tourist arrivals from Sweden next year following the recent introduction of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and here, its director here Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali said.
Kedah Happy to Open Tour De LangkawiLangkawi, which was dropped in the ninth edition of the race this year, will be the opening stage for the 2005 Tour which will pass through nine states in the peninsula.
Dr M - Taking The World by Storm Even after RetirementIt took months for The Star to get a date for the interview. But this time, it was not a matter of squeezing in an appointment among his pressing engagements as Prime Minister, it was because he was travelling so much as a much sought-after speaker. As he explained it, people elsewhere wanted to hear about Malaysia and its successes and he was pleased to tell them.
Malaysia's AirAsia plans to fly to China by FebruaryMalaysia's AirAsia plans to begin flying to China by February, which will open up a giant market for the no-frills carrier as it heads for a listing in less than two weeks, a report said Saturday.
Surviving the TsunamiA holiday in Malaysia, which was spared the worst effects of the tidal wave, will help rebuild the economy in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, reports Andrea McVeigh.
Visa Exemption for Travel to All 10 Asean CountriesPrime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said all Asean member countries had agreed on visa exemptions by the end of this year for intra-Asean travel by Asean nationals to promote travel within the region.
AirAsia Takes On the RoadBudget air travel pioneer AirAsia has upped the gear in its aim to become a regional budget travel shopping provider by adding a budget car rental service for its passengers.
Nature’s Stamp On BatikBatik boutique Jendela Batik takes another step forward with the opening of a retail outlet at the Four Season’s Resort, Langkawi.
Sunsail Awarded Best Asia-Based Charter CompanySunsail was awarded the Best Asia-Based Charter Company at the inaugural Christofle Asia Boating Awards, which were announced at the China International Boat Show in Shanghai on 11 April 2005.
Thinking of Malaysia or Singapore This Summer?Malaysia and Singapore launched a special promotional drive in the city on Friday with the common objective of attracting tourists. Both the countries focussed on Lucknow, as the outgoing tourist flow from the city to the two destinations has registered a rapid rise. In the case of Malaysia, the increase has been 10 pc per year during the last three years.
Beautiful People and Top Brands Nominated for AwardsThe nominees for the inaugural KL Fashion Week 2005 Editors Awards are a group of beautiful, influential people and top-notch fashion brands. The awards are part of the glamorous line-up of events for KL Fashion Week 2005, organised by The Star and presented by Tourism Malaysia and L’Oreal Paris.
Guests can now indulge in the luxurious Sheraton Sweet Sleeper BedSheraton Langkawi Beach Resort has recently completed a full refurbishment of 120 of their 231 rooms and suites, and has become the first and only resort in Asia Pacific at the moment to feature the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed. As part of the RM10 million (USD2.63 million) renovation project of the hotel, the new guest rooms are now fitted with the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, and new furnishings are designed to better reflect Sheraton’s signature style of warmth, yet with a touch of modern style.
MAS Launches Resort in LangkawiMalaysia Airlines' exclusive Four Seasons Resort on Pulau Langkawi will be formally opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.
Watersports Next on ListSailing and watersports are next on the Tourism Ministry’s list to draw visitors to Malaysia. Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad said the Government would emphasise making Malaysia the next playground for yachting in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia's Mega Sale Promo Kicks Off To A Flying StartMalaysia's Mega Sale promotion kicked off to a flying start in Indonesia with thousands of Surabaya residents flocking to its official launch to grab the special offers on travel, education and medical check-up packages at the Pakuwon Super Mall, Sunday.
Langkawi Island Target CorporateBusiness travellers wanting to escape the rigours of work have a new option on a tiny west coast Malaysian island that is being touted as the "Carribbean of the East"
Tourism Ministry's New Website More User FriendlyTourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad today launched the ministry's new website, which is more user friendly and provides greater accessibility.
15 Teams In Langkawi Marathon Endurance ChallengeTwo Singapore outfits are among 15 teams taking part in the Langkawi International Nature Challenge (LINC) 2004 on Aug 24-25, said LINC 2004 organising committee chairman Mohd Rizal Mat Hassan.
SuperStar Gemini Begins Malaysian Season from Next WeekSuperStar Gemini, one of the vessels in the Star Cruises fleet, will ply Malaysian waters for six months from next week, with Port Klang its homeport until March 2005. Its normal homeport is Taiwan.
Asian Overland to make the Frangipani bloomASIAN Overland Holdings Sdn Bhd, having bought over Langkawi Village Resort from Maldives-based Universal Resort Ltd for RM18 million, will spend RM5 million to upgrade it to 4-star status and rename it Frangipani Hotel.
























