Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa receives two top awards

KOTA KINABALU: Peppino and CHI, The Spa at Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu received awards for Best Food Outlet and Best Spa Experience at the 2011 Sabah Tourism Awards Gala Dinner here last Saturday.

The Sabah Tourism Awards celebrates the industry’s achievements and honours outstanding individuals and organisations whose contributions have contributed to the growth of the tourism industry in Sabah.

On a separate note, CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu received the runner-up position at the 2011 SPA Traveller Awards for Best International Family Friendly Spa and Best International Spa Resort.

The inaugural SPA Traveller Awards reveals some of the world’s hidden gems along with the best romantic gateways, family friendly destinations and well-being retreats. For six months, readers’ were asked to nominate their favourite spa, treatment, therapist, cuisine and even most breathtaking spa view.

Continue reading at: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa receives two top awards

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World will appreciate Gaya Island Resort

Kota Kinabalu: The multi-million ringgit Gaya Island Resort - a project by YTL Corporation Berhad due for completion by mid-next year - will be a pride for Malaysia and especially Sabah, as it will be something that the world will appreciate, said YTL Corporation Berhad Managing Director, Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh.

He said once completed Gaya Island Resort would not be competing but complementing YTL's most well-known property, Pangkor Laut, which was voted the World Best Resort in 2003.

Speaking to the Daily Express in an exclusive interview, Yeoh said YTL is investing a substantial amount of money to develop the resort.

"It takes a lot of money to do what we do to make sure that there is no environmental destruction, to build the things without machines actually.

Just like Pangkor Laut, hand-built literally, you don't want to raze all the trees down. You have to do it very sensitively," he said.

As a young man while studying in England, he said he saw the destruction of beautiful coasts and also in Spain where he found years later had been turned into a concrete jungle.

"I was quite sad that things were not the way it was. For me, since I always say, God gave me the opportunity to do something to preserve the jungle.

I want to do something about it," he said, adding that was how it started with Pangkor Laut in 1985.

Despite being a unique and beautiful island, nobody dared to touch Pangkor Laut because of the social stigma since it used to be leper colony.

"But this island was so beautiful É the abandoned facilities when I first walked on the islands and just cried, just thinking of all the lepers there.

"Then I went on my knee and said 'God, give me a chance to develop the most beautiful island on this earth and I will preserve it for you," he said.

Continue reading at: World will appreciate Gaya Island Resort
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Top Malaysia Expatriate Travel Award for Best Golf Resort for Sutera Harbour

Worldhotels affiliate Sutera Harbour Resort collected the ‘Best of Malaysia Travel Award 2010’ for Best Golf Course or Resort.

Its three championship courses at Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club are set against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, beside the South China Sea in Sabah.

The ‘Best of Malaysia Award’ is voted by readers of The Expatriate Lifestyle Magazine, Malaysia’s top lifestyle publication for expatriates.

Golf facilities at Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club include a splendid clubhouse with 41-bay driving range. It is also East Malaysia’s only course equipped for night golfing.

Previous accolades have included 2nd runner up for Best Golf Resort in Asia in the Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2008, Best Golf Resort Malaysia at HAPA 2007 and Malaysia’s Best Golf Resort at the 2006 World Travel Awards.

Sutera Harbour Resort Group earlier collected a series of honours in the 2010 Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards – including ‘Most Unique F&B Concept’ for its sunset cruise aboard the motor yacht Puteri Sutera.

Continue reading at: Top Malaysia Expatriate Travel Award for Best Golf Resort for Sutera Harbour
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License requirement for Kundasang resorts

KOTA KINABALU: Resorts in Kundasang will soon have to comply with the building statutory requirements established by the Environment Department, Public Works Department and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) before having their operating license approved.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said in a press conference on the Sabah Fest’s Colorful Extravaganza at a resort near here yesterday that he had already asked his permanent secretary Datuk Michael Embah to arrange a meeting with the local authorities concerned to establish strategies that would address the shortcomings and haphazard developments of resorts at the mountainous area.

“We need to put things right,” he said, adding that they would meet up with the operators and owners of the resorts once the report was ready.

He added that resorts and hotels must address all safety issues and that his ministry is unwilling to allow them to be lackadaisical on the matter.

“We can’t wait until someone dies before it is addressed,” he stressed.

Masidi commented on the recent landslide that occurred in Kundasang where it had affected some of the properties belonging to the villagers there as well as one resort.

He cited that the landslide has ‘exposed’ some aspects of resorts development at the area that needed to be rectified.

In the case of the affected resort, Masidi said that it had a hidden drainage and piping systems that were ill constructed.

He stressed that the relevant local authorities must ensure that all resorts at the district abide by the approved building plans.

Masidi was also asked to comment on a report on landslides that was published in another local daily newspaper.

In the report, there were comments coming from tour guides and tourists who were aghast at the sight of hill cutting activities and trees being chopped indiscriminately in the district of Kundasang.

Continue reading at: License requirement for Kundasang resorts
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Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort opens new water play area

KOTA KINABALU: Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa (STAR) yesterday unveiled its new water play area.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman officiated the launch during a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the area.

Also present at the ceremony were the wife of the Chief Minister, Datuk Hajah Faridah Haji Tussin, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, Yayasan Sabah director Tan Sri Khalil Datu Jamalul and STAR general manager Andrew Steele.

The resort’s communication manager, Samantha Siow, said in a press statement the new play area replaces the children playground and consists of areas dedicated for toddlers, teenagers and an interactive area for all ages.

Guests can come and enjoy theme park quality waterslides for adults and children measuring a total length of 100 meters, she said.

Additionally, the area also comes with water battle stations with water balloon launchers, and a 2,000 square meter swimming pool with tapered shoreline for children and a Jacuzzi and infinity pool section for adults.

Coco-Joe’s, the resort’s beachfront restaurant, is now a contemporary beach barbecue restaurant and bar, reflecting its new name, “Coco-Joe’s Bar and Grill”.

Continue reading at: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort opens new water play area
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Sabah Seaside Resort - Tempurung Lodge, Kuala Penyu

An interesting article (with lots of photos and even videos) written by David jr of MalaysiaAsia blog:

Seaside Resort in Sabah, called the Tempurung Lodge is one of the best kept secret or true hidden gem of Sabah Borneo. This amazing unique place is located just two and a half hours from the capitol, Kota Kinabalu and is situated deep inside the village of Kuala Penyu with no other resorts around. The rustic Tempurung Lodge is also perched up on a hillside with magnificent views of the South China Sea.

Tempurung Lodge is run by Yanti and Frankie for the last ten years and has been one of the best isolated and romantic places for many couples and families seeking a true beach side holiday minus the crowds. If you love seclusion with breath taking sunset views and an amazing empty beach, this is definitely the palace you should be at. For the record, Tempurung is Malay for a piece of a coconut.

Getting to Tempurug Lodge was pretty simple as Arleen offered to drive me there from Kota Kinabalu and on arrival here, I did not expect such a beautiful place hidden away in the middle of nowhere and absolutely private. After parking the car by the beach, the first thing that welcomed me was the authentic wooden staircase that lead up to the lodge and reception area.

I honestly swear that the natural surroundings here were stunning with blue skies and sea breeze blowing from every possible direction. The colours of the greens against the blues were out of this world as I walked up the wooden stairs to the reception of Tempurung Lodge.

At the reception, we were given a glass of chilled orange juice and a nice cold towel by the local Sabah girls who work there. There was only one other couple staying there on my visit so the entire place was just dominated by sounds of the waves breaking on the shore and the ambient nature sounds.

I was then ushered to my room where I had to continue back on the wooden walkway to the highest point where the main rooms were. A large wooden balcony sits up top before entering the hall and rooms. This balcony has some serious views and can easily hold 20-30 people. Imagine having your seaside wedding or private party here!

Continue reading (Incl. Pics & Videos) at: Sabah Seaside Resort - Tempurung Lodge, Kuala Penyu
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Kasih Sayang Boutique Health Resort and Spa - A relaxing refuge in Inanam

By Nazri Noor

The rigours of city life can get quite taxing, even in a city as laid back as Kota Kinabalu, and sometimes it’s nice to be able to escape to a haven far from the drudgery of an urban landscape. For some, a day at the islands is enough to serve a dose of rejuvenation, while others find refuge in trekking through the rainforest. Some might prefer to take a breather on a higher plane, specifically, 2,400 feet above sea level.


Enter the Kasih Sayang Boutique Health Resort and Spa. Perched comfortably in its lofty hilltop home, this diminutive refuge offers a delightful alternative destination for those looking for a change of scenery that, surprisingly, isn’t located that far out of town. A casual 30-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu and through Inanam is enough to take you to a peaceful sanctuary that provides some truly breathtakingly beautiful sights.


Kasih Sayang’s location affords luxurious sights for miles around, from a wide view of Kota Kinabalu and its nearby islands to a vista of the Crocker Range and Mount Kinabalu itself. The resort also stands on its own as a remarkably attractive picture, a collection of homey wooden structures that is both filled with and surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery. All the vegetation also manages to attract a number of curious creatures, including several varieties of butterflies.


Cloud 9, the resort’s restaurant, serves as a primary viewing platform, a perfect place to enjoy the cool weather and marvellous scenery. We’re told that it isn’t uncommon for visitors to pop in for lunch or tea and find themselves staying all throughout the evening, mesmerised by the proximity to nature or perhaps lulled into total relaxation by the resort’s charming atmosphere. Located just above the restaurant is a function room that seats up to 50, making Kasih Sayang quite the exotic option for both corporate and social gatherings.


The selection at Cloud 9 features a mix of local and western dishes, with oxtail assam pedas, fish curry, chicken boxing and buffalo wings served with blue cheese sauce counting as some of the restaurant’s best-sellers. The menu also includes a number of special items designed specifically with nutrition and health in mind. Marked with an image of a little heart, these healthier options are meant to aid in detoxification and nourishment.

Cloud 9 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7am to 10pm.

12 standard and four deluxe rooms are available for guests who decide to extend their stay at the resort, and the Manja-Manja Spa provides even more ways to completely ease away your stress and tension. Kasih Sayang’s standard rooms are currently on promotion and are available for RM99+ on weekdays (inclusive of breakfast for two).

To get to Kasih Sayang, take Jalan Kiansom from Inanam Town in the direction of the Kiansom Waterfalls and follow a number of signs that will show the way to Kasih Sayang. The resort is only 5.2 kilometres from the Kiansom Waterfalls.

Source: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites

NOTE: Photo Copyright to New Sabah Times
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Karambunai resort potential for 50,000 jobs

DEVELOPER and resort operator Karambunai Corp Bhd will build a RM6.5 billion integrated eco-nature resort in Karambunai that will help create thousands of employment for the locals.

CM Datuk Seri Musa said President of Karambunai Corp, Tan Sri Dr Chen Lip Keong, briefed the Cabinet about the project on Tuesday.

He said the State Government agreed to the proposed billion-ringgit project.

"However, the company must fulfil the regulations already set," he said.

Given Sabah as a tourism destination State, he said the project over 3,339 acres in a single location is certainly huge and that over a period of 10 years, would create between 20,000 and 50,000 jobs.

He said the Cabinet has requested that the developer give priority to the people in Sabah with regards to the employment. The project also showed the Federal Government commitment to assist Sabah as a key eco-nature destination.

The government is also hoping to attract foreign direct investment (FDIs) with the establishment of the billion-ringgit integrated eco-nature resort.

"It is nature based and (would probably become) the best resort in Sabah controlled by a single owner," he said.

The principal contractor to build the integrated eco-nature resort is Beijing-based CCAG (China).

Continue reading at: Karambunai resort potential for 50,000 jobs
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RM75m resort for Pulau Gaya

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has announced 19 more Entry Point Projects (EPPs) under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) which will generate almost RM67 billion in investments, RM36 billion in gross national income and create 35,000 new jobs.

Since the launch of ETP on Oct 25 last year, 18 EPPs have been previously announced.

He said said the 19 EPPs and development projects would come from 10 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs), led by four EPPs under the oil, gas and energy NKEA.

Under the Tourism NKEA, he announced that the YTL Group would build the Pulau Gaya Resort, Sabah.

"Set amidst a rainforest, on the idyllic island off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, this RM75 million property will be a deluxe family resort that will certainly boost tourist receipts in Sabah," he said.

He also said Malaysia is recognised globally as a leading tourism destination and this sector is the fifth largest contributor to the country's gross national income (GNI) at present.

He said ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc, together with its production sharing contract partner Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, planned to invest over RM10 billion in new oil and gas assets to help ensure reliable and sustainable energy supplies for Malaysia.

This was a follow-through from the announcement of new tax incentives under the Petroleum Income Tax Act in November 2010, said Najib, who is also Finance Minister.

Continue reading at: RM75m resort for Pulau Gaya
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Sabah MATTA advised tourists to use licensed travel agents

KOTA KINABALU: Use licensed travel agents approved by the government rather than taking risks to save money, said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sabah Chapter chairman K L Tan.

Tourists should always check with licensed travel agents or obtain proper travel advice before they embark on their holidays, even tourists from Peninsular Malaysia.

“They can pay for the air ticket to fly here, why can’t they pay for the cost of travel agents?” Tan said when commenting on the three female tourists who were robbed at knife-point at one of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands here on Oct 24.

The three tourists, who were from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, boarded a speedboat at a jetty near the central market here on Sunday, thinking that they were heading to one of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands.

However, the boatman and his assistant took them to another nearby island where two other men were waiting and robbed them of RM2,500 cash and four handphones.

The tourists, aged between 28 and 30 years old, were taken back to the jetty after three hours.

“All licensed agents use the jetty at Jesselton Point or hotels like Tanjung Aru Beach Resort or Sutera Harbour.

“There are no tourists who use the jetty at central market,” Tan said, adding that he was not aware of boat operators from the jetty who offer transport services to tourists.

Continue reading at: Sabah MATTA advised tourists to use licensed travel agents
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Note: E-BORNEO.COM TOURS & TRAVEL SDN BHD is a licensed travel company (License No. KPL/LN 6169) and is listed in Sabah Tourism, the official web site of Sabah Tourism Board. Additionally, we are also listed in MATTA web site (member no. MA3548).

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Another award for Nexus Karambunai

KOTA KINABALU: Nexus Resort and Spa Karambunai has added another award to its collection by winning the prestigious 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards in the ‘Luxury Family Hotel – Malaysia’ category recently in Bangkok.

“We are very proud of this recognition for our luxury amenities for families travelling with children,” says Ian Taylor Woodward, Group General Manager of Nexus Resort.

Families will appreciate the many specialised kids’ activities offered at this magnificent resort through a variety of beach and nature activities.

Families with children are able to enjoy breakfast on the airy deck of its Villas and Suites, participate in educational programs at Nexie Club (specially for children aged 4-11 years), cycling around the resort, jungle trekking at the 75-acre Nature Park or batik painting.

Continue reading at: Another award for Nexus Karambunai
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