1. Anatomy And Taxonomy Of Tourism
What is tourism?
Everyone attending this session should have a fair idea of what the term signifies. A simple definition which I think most people will agree is that tourism is any form of traveling from one’s home to visit another place solely for enjoyment or pleasure and not to work for monetary rewards. A more academic definition is given by Waver and Lawton (2002), who have expanded a definition given by Goeldner, Ritchie and McIntosh (2000): Tourism is the sum of the phenomena and relationships arising from the interaction among tourists, the tourism industry, host governments, host communities, origin governments, universities, community colleges, and non-governmental organizations, in the process of attracting, transporting, hosting and managing these tourists and other visitors.
Tourists may be of domestic origin or foreign origin. Both types contribute to the growth of the local economy directly and indirectly. Recall that the size of an economy is measured by the gross national income as given by the formula learned in Economics 101:
Y = C + I + G + (X – M)
where Y is the GNP, C is private consumption expenditure, I is private investment, G is government expenditure, X is value of exports and M is value of imports.
Thus, while domestic tourists collectively contribute towards C, i.e. private consumption expenditure, by spending on transportation, accommodation, food, entrance fees, etc., foreign tourists bring in much-valued foreign exchange earnings via X in the GNP equation. The government spends part of its revenue (via G) to provide the infrastructure to make the tourists more comfortable and enjoyable by building new airports, roads, highways, parks, and museums, and by restoring of historic buildings and sites, etc. The private sector, in anticipation of an influx of tourists, both domestic and foreign, invests (via I in the equation) in new hotels, lodges, restaurants, while residents near tourism sites may be encouraged by the government to spruce up their homes for added income via home-stays for those tourists who prefer to learn more about local culture and way of life.
All the four components (C, I, G, X) contribute positively to the growth of GNP. However, “imports” (M) tend to negate the size of the GNP; these include outflow of our own tourists to foreign destinations, imports of exotic foods and equipment by hotels, restaurants and other tourism-oriented establishments, materials for building such as steel, transportation equipment, etc., which all tend to drain foreign exchange. Added to these negative flows, and often ignored in conventional national income accounting, are the various negative “externalities” such as damage to the environment via air, soil, noise and water pollution, brought about by sudden increase in vehicular traffic, excessive land clearing and tree felling to make way for hotels, new airports, reduction in biodiversity, and other environmental degradation, unless there are legal provisions to mitigate the impacts of all these phenomena. If one is interested in the Net National Product, then one should incorporate these environmental losses into the calculation, which is referred to as “green accounting,” a very tedious process, to say the least.
The literature on tourism seems to distinguish two broad categories of tourism – mass tourism and nature tourism. The tourist arrival figures published by the Malaysian Tourism Board would best be described as mass tourism – that is the sum total of all visitors to our country regardless of their specific purpose of, or specific site for, coming here. Once they are in the country, if they decide to visit the National Park, then we could classify them as ecotourists or nature tourists. If they remain in Kuala Lumpur area, or move on to another city, like Penang, or Langkawi, for instance, I would regard them as general or “mass” tourists (Ayob, 2003). Thus, nature tourists are a subset of the mass tourists, and they possess special profiles, which we need not go into here.
The tourism sector in Malaysia ranks second as a generator of foreign exchange, and provides jobs to many people employed in the hotel and transportation industries, as well as those in the restaurant and other tourism-related businesses.
Tourism receipts in Malaysia totalled RM9174.9 million in 1995, and surged to RM25,781.1 million in 2002, growing at about 15.9% annually during that period. The 2003 receipts however dropped drastically to RM 21,292.1 million due to SARS. Despite the big drop, one can appreciate the rising importance of this industry’s contribution to foreign exchange earnings from the following figures: tourism’s share of the travel receipts in the services account of the balance of payment has increased from 20% in 1997 to 48% in 2002 (Public Bank 2003). Tourist arrivals in Malaysia are shown in Chart I, which indicate that tourist arrivals dropped by about 24% in 2003 due to the SARS scare. In 2003, about 56% of the tourists are from Singapore, which is not surprising as the island city is our closest neighbor.
Chart I: Tourist Arrivals in Malaysia 1981-2003
What is ecotourism?
Ecotourism has now become a buzzword in many circles (politicians, NGOs, businessmen, academics and environmentalists), and almost every country that has some natural resources and historical heritage has jumped on to the bandwagon to develop this sub-sector of the tourism industry. From Ecuador to Sulawesi (Indonesia), from India to Australia, people talk and write about ecotourism (particularly visits to mangrove areas). This is because ecotourism is perceived to be the solution to the adverse effects of mass tourism, which most people view as “unsustainable.” Therefore to push for ecotourism is to be “politically correct” and moving with the times. Tropical countries such as Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries see mangrove swamps (fashionably classified as wetlands nowadays) as another opportunity to develop ecotourism in their respective countries. This year the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia, in celebrating its centennial anniversary of the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, has included “mangrove and tourism” as one session in its present conference, which is the focus of my presentation. Happy centennial anniversary!
The Ecotourism Society (cited in Institute for Ecological Tourism website listed in Reference), defines Ecotourism as purposeful or responsible travel to natural areas to understand the culture and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem while producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people.
There is in this definition a certain element of ethics, morality and values involved in ecotourism, i.e. it is expected that people who take part in an ecotourism excursion are very responsible people who love the natural environment and would like to contribute towards its conservation. They want to minimize impacts to wildlife, soil, vegetation, water, and air quality, and emphasize respect for the cultural traditions and activities of local people. Said in another way, the environment benefits from visitors because they help to conserve the environment; they in turn benefit from their non-consumptive use of the resource (which economists refer to as use value) as they increase their knowledge about the site visited; and this raises their utility level. The local community too should benefit from both the resource (which has been sustaining their life) and the visitors who bring them new sources of income. There is, therefore, a symbiotic relationship among the three entities involved in ecotourism (Chart II).
Chart II: Three-way Symbiosis in Ecotourism
If ecotourism is to have minimal impact on the area and the local people, then the tours will have to be in small groups of 5-15 people because the tour normally involves an interpretative session; and it is easier to get people’s attention when groups are small. If groups are larger, there is also the danger that people will trample on each other and spoil the fun for everyone. They might also step on rare plants or frighten the wildlife there. Some may wander away from the main group and miss the educational part of the visit – the interpretation session.
“Mangrove ecotourism” is not a new “branch” of ecotourism; it merely indicates the nature of the site visited by the tourists. A mangrove is a woody forest area that lies at the interface between the land and the sea in tropical and subtropical latitudes where the condition is highly saline, tides are extremes, winds are strong, temperatures high and soils are muddy and anaerobic for most of the time. Dominant tree species include, but are not limited to, Rhizophora apiculata (bakau minyak) and R. mucronata (B. kurap) – the true bakau types, as understood by local Malays, and as typified by the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserves.
The development of mangroves as ecotourism sites is growing worldwide, at least within the subtropical regions of the world, which make up their habitat. Browsing the Internet, one is overwhelmed by websites that mention mangroves as potentially viable as ecotourism destinations; you just type “mangrove ecotourism” and you will understand what I mean!
2. Motives for promoting ecotourism
An interesting European speaker at an ecotourism seminar held at UUM last year posed an interesting question about the “eco” part of ecotourism (Wheeler 2003). Although most people would associate “ecology” with the prefix “eco” in ecotourism, the speaker suggested “economics” as a possibility for the prefix “eco.” What he was insinuating was that some people saw ecotourism as a money-spinner, and not so much as a savior of the natural environment. The speaker was (and still is) a professor of ecotourism! Then he made a plea for people “to be realistic and not too over-reliant on the (false) expectations of Ecotourism.”
Therefore, should ecotourism be seen or interpreted as ecological or “economical” tourism? Should it be viewed in this way, as “either-or” or a dichotomy? The answer is not so simple. According to the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism (2002), the stakeholders, such as ecotourism businesses must be able to make profits to be sustainable, and the environment too must not suffer as a result of ecotourism activities, while the local community must also benefit financially from the activities being promoted. In other words, the three-way symbiosis mentioned earlier in this paper must continue to function in order for ecotourism to be sustainable. One entity cannot take advantage of the other; otherwise the entire system simply collapses. It is like one entity killing the goose that lays the golden egg!
Thus, one may conclude that economics and ecology must go hand in hand in the development of ecotourism. Economic logic (eco-logic?) should be applied in trying to build ecotourism projects. A simple economic logic is that if the returns exceed the costs, leaving a sufficient surplus for entrepreneurship, then one should proceed with the project. If not, the project will not be viable to the private sector; hence it will not contribute to economic growth, which it was intended to do. Similarly, if the benefit to the environment is greater than the damage done to it, then proceed with the project.
The driving force behind any business is consumer demand. In the case of ecotourism, the consumers are the nature- or eco-tourists. They normally constitute a small group within the tourist population; in marketing they form a niche. It is they who will determine whether or not to visit a certain site for their outdoor recreation. They have many kinds of competing sites to choose from – sandy beaches, waterfalls, state woodland parks, jungle trails, marine parks that allow snorkeling or scuba diving, bird watching at bird sanctuaries, inland wetlands, mangrove forests etc.
On the supply side, the authorities will have to scrutinize any proposed project so that it does not damage the protected area. There is thus a “balancing act” that has to be done by the government as a custodian of the natural heritage on behalf of future generations. In this “act” the interests of the private sector, the environment and the local community will have to be safeguarded in the name of “sustainability.” The Brundtland Report defines sustainable development as one that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Weaver, 2001).
3. What does a mangrove swamp have to offer?
As an ecotourism site, a mangrove wetland has to compete with many more appealing sites, such as a sandy beach, a marine park that allows snorkeling or scuba diving, state woodland parks, jungle trails, waterfalls, bird watching at bird sanctuaries, inland wetlands, etc.
It would be interesting to ask people randomly how they would rank these alternative sites as places for outdoor recreation. My suspicion is that a mangrove swamp will not be on the top of the list. Why? In a mangrove swamp, one cannot simply walk about without getting soiled and dirty, unless special boardwalks have been built, and even then, the walk has to follow a set trail.
There is no scenic beauty there unless one is a mangrove specialist or a forester or a botanist trying to identify tree and plant species; the tide has to be right before a boat ride can be arranged. Yes, one can listen to sounds of birds and insects, but it is difficult to actually see large birds that are often pictured in the brochures. These birds must be very shy of people or easily frightened.
Mangroves are for the “scholarly” type – those who want to learn the scientific aspects of the forest (flora and fauna), the economic and ecological benefits of mangroves to man, etc. Mangroves provide “educational recreation” – if there is such a term. Some of the “interesting” discoveries one can make by visiting a mangrove with a trained guide or a forester are:
•
There are many other species of plants growing in mangroves besides the bakau; for example the Nipah palm (Nypa sp.), rattan (Calamus sp) and nibong (Oncosperma sp), and some ferns (piai or Acrostichum spp.) can be seen growing among the bakau species. These have little economic value and are left to grow for the sake of biodiversity.
• The “seeds” of the bakau, known as propagules, start to germinate on the trees; and when they drop, the long root is “designed” to stick into the mud, thus ensuring its survival. Crabs are its worst enemy! When young they are succulent and provide food for these crustaceans.
• Mangroves have the ability to grow in salt or brackish water and are a life support for various types of fish, mollusks (seashells), and crustaceans (crabs, prawns and shrimps).
• In addition to controlling coastal erosion the mangroves can expand into the sea, a process known as accretion; this results in an increase in area of mangroves – a sort of natural land reclamation!
• The root system of the bakau (Rhizophora spp.) is unique, or even “weird” as the modern youth would have it, compared to most inland tree species; but it is quite “interesting” to look at the stilt roots (this is an opinion!).
• The Matang Mangrove is actually a charcoal production “complex” – its uses a renewable resource, unlike coal mining in other countries where coal deposits are extracted, leaving the country “poorer” from the perspective of resource endowment
4. Valuing Tourists' Satisfaction From Ecotourism
What is the satisfaction or “utility” to be derived by tourists and visitors to see these swamps? Can it be valued?
People spend money in buying goods or services because they derive satisfaction from such purchases. The same is true for travels and recreation. The tourists have spent a considerable sum of money to make the travel to a site; he or she of their entire party must pay for transportation, accommodation, food, and entrance fee. In return for these expenditures they expect to enjoy (or gain utility from) the visit, by indulging in acts that give them satisfaction – swimming, diving, snorkeling, bird watching, sun-bathing (not for locals perhaps!), gazing at beautiful and unique scenery, fishing, trekking, etc.
If one is interested in finding out whether visitors have enjoyed their visit to a mangrove site, a simple survey can be conducted among a sample of the visitors. Several aspects of the visit can be evaluated, such as the quality of the interpretation session, the friendliness of the tour guide, punctuality of the organizers in the various schedules, quality of food served during the trip, the entrance fee charged, opportunities to ask questions, clarity of the answers, etc.
The main purposes of such a survey are to identify strengths and weaknesses of a service provider and then to capitalize on the strengths and rectify weaknesses for future tourists. Level of satisfaction can be measured on Likert scales and summative ratings computed. One can relate the ratings with demographic variables such as age, gender, education level, ethnicity, income class, etc. Establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, besides the universities, continuously carry out research on visitor satisfaction.
If one is interested to go further as to put a dollar value to the site, there are two major methods to do it, the details of which will not be dealt with in this paper. One is the individual travel cost method (ITCM) and the second is the contingent valuation method (CVM) (see Garrod and Willis, 1999). The first method involves survey of visitors to find out how many visits have they made to the site, how much they have spent on transportation, food, accommodation, time taken to arrive at the site, socioeconomic characteristics, etc. The idea is to trace a demand curve and then try to compute “consumer surplus” which reflects the sum total of the value of the site.
The CVM uses a different approach and asks visitors how much they would be willing to pay (WTP) or contribute to “restore” a site from state A (degraded) to state B (improved to a certain degree), or to maintain the environment in its present pristine state. The assumption is that, without government intervention, which will require public expenditure, the site will deteriorate due to the heavy use by visitors. This approach looks only at the “use-value” of the site and its facilities. Knowing the total number of visitors to the site and the average WTP, the total use value can be computed.
5. Likely Visitors’ Expectations: Role Of Government And Private Sector
What do ecotourists expect from a visit to mangrove sites? The answer will depend on their interest and educational background. First-timers to a mangrove would be expecting to see some of the big birds (migratory or otherwise) that the brochures claim the mangrove to have; or they want to know what a bakau tree looks like from near; or how a Nipah palm, which produces such a sweet nira (floral sap) sold along the Jitra-Changloon highway, is supposed to look like.
Some visitors would just love to enjoy “trekking” on the boardwalks prepared by the Forestry Department, while listening to the songs of birds, which are often too small to be seen without a pair of binoculars! Others look forward to the boat ride in the estuaries and waterways between the little islands (referring to the Matang Mangroves, of course.) Some might enjoy watching cockle harvesting in the brackish water or getting a free Kerapu fish, through the good office of the Forestry Department!
Very few would want to wade in the mud of the mangroves; hence random walks are just not part of the enjoyment in mangroves, or other ecotours. After a hard half- to one-day tour, visitors look forward to a sumptuous meal, preferably seafood harvested from the mangrove environment itself. The “soft” ecotourists would want to eat in an air-conditioned restaurant; the “hard” ones will be less choosy.
Both types want cleanliness in the eating-places and in the toilets provided. The true ecotourist would like to meet with the local community (preferably indigenous people) to see how they live, how the mangroves support their livelihood, and watch their culture.
The government’s role in making ecotourism more enjoyable is to put in place the infrastructure: the boardwalks, automatic listening devices, an interpretative center, jetty, clearing the streams of broken branches, building landing places along the boating route, etc. The private sector will arrange the tours and bring the tourists to the various spots of interest, provide trained guides and gives a running commentary as the boat passes an interesting spot. These guides have to have extra-good sense of humor to make the visit interesting. With all these in place, the tourist is likely to feel he or she is getting value for money. This kind of tourism would be best described as nature tourism or soft-ecotourism.
Another vital of the government is to monitor the operators so that they comply with the principles of true ecotourism (Wallace, 2003). These include the following:
1. Entails a type of use that minimizes negative impacts to the environment and to local people.
2. Increases the awareness and understanding of an area's natural and cultural systems and the subsequent involvement of visitors in issues affecting those systems.
3. Contributes to the conservation and management of legally protected and other natural areas.
4. Maximizes the early and long-term participation of local people in the decision-making process that determines the kind and amount of tourism that should occur.
5. Directs economic and other benefits to local people that complement rather than overwhelm or replace traditional practices (farming, fishing, social systems, etc.)
6. Provides special opportunities for local people and nature tourism employees to visit natural areas and learn more about the wonders that other visitors come to see.
6. Why Bring Tourists To Mangroves?
The main purpose of ecotourism is to conserve nature and make up for the degradation of the environment brought about by mass tourism. Should these tourists be made to pay a small sum (entrance fee) to enjoy nature? Is not “nature” a public property to be enjoyed by all and sundry? The entrance fee to enter Galapagos National Park in Ecuador is USD100.00 per person (http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/html/coastparks.html). The fund collected is used to protect the islands and their unique flora and fauna, which are endemic to these islands.
Surely, no one is suggesting that Malaysia charges RM100.00 per person to enter a mangrove area! The Galapagos Islands have Darwin’s theory of evolution to boast about. The experience on these islands must be truly ecological; the entrance fee has economic logic! Scarcity dictates its price. Although the distance of the islands to the nearest continent is 600 miles, yet people still go to visit this world’s natural wonders. On these islands, too, people have to walk along prescribed paths built by the custodians.
There is an economic basis for charging tourists a token fee to cover maintenance costs of infrastructure built by the government, especially if the purpose is conservation. If tourists can afford the travel cost, then a small fee would not make a dent on their wallets. Politically, a fee may not be possible when the public (locals) expect parks to be enjoyed for free. But, to pass on the cost to taxpayers is not in keeping with the times. Privatization is aimed at making users pay for a service or to use a facility. Those who do not use a toll road are not asked to pay toll; soon even the toll road becomes very congested! Similarly, a park (e.g. a zoo) soon becomes congested if it is very accessible and free. People do not mind paying a reasonable sum of money to undertake outdoor recreation if they know the money is for a good cause. A two-tier system should be tried whereby foreign tourists pay slightly more.
The role of the private sector in ecotourism is to provide accommodation near the site, to conduct the tours, and collect the entrance fee, which can be built into the cost of the tour package. They also should operate presentable eateries outside the mangrove areas, and should serve locally available food, preferably from the brackish water where the mangrove thrives.
7. The Matang Mangroves And Ecotourism
In this section I will try to recapitulate the basic facts about the Matang Mangroves Forest Reserve for the sake of completeness; then I will present a simple do-it-myself SWOT analysis, a techniques often used by marketing people. It is hoped that the analysis will help decision-makers in developing ecotourism of the site. The people in the front-line would be in a better position to know if what is presented in the SWOT analysis is anywhere near reality.
Basic Facts, Some opinions
• Matang Mangroves are made of 19 separate forest reserves; the whole area comprises 108 compartments for management purposes. Over 50% of Peninsular Malaysia’s mangrove forests are in Perak; and Matang is the largest stretch of coastal mangrove, covering an area of 40,466ha. These forests have been producing quality firewood since 1900’s.
• The forest reserves run north to south, stretching from Kuala Gula (Krian District) in the north to Bagan Panchor in the south (Manjung District), with a dimension of 51 km long and 13 km wide. The western coastal line faces the Straits of Malacca, one of the busiest sea-routes in the world, linking the Western World and the Eastern countries of Asia.
• Nearest urban center is Taiping town (a distance 16 km away from Kuala Sepetang (in Larut/Matang District), where the Nature Education Center has been set up and is being run by the Larut/Matang Forestry Department). Other towns nearby where tourists can find good accommodation include Laketown, a water theme park, and Kuala Kangsar, the Royal capital of Perak, with its own tourist attractions.
• The Forest reserves, first gazetted since 1902 and completed in 1906, cover a total area of 40,466ha hectares. It is a well-managed forest reserve (even said to be best managed mangrove forest in the world and for the longest time period). It consists of productive forests (74%) and non-productive or protective forests (24%). The Productive Forest is managed on sustainable basis on 30-year cycle. For a non-forest person, imagine a rectangular area divided into 30 equal-sized strips – beginning with one-year old mangrove plants (planted or self-generated), followed by two-year old, and so on, until the last strip, which should be a 30-year old stand and ready for harvest for its wood.
When the trees reach 15 years of age, contractors carry out the first thinning to reduce the number of trees per unit area, and the felled trees are sold as poles. These poles are used by the fishing industry and as piling material in construction of residential houses. The second thinning takes place at age 20 years and the felled trees have even higher commercial value as poles. The final harvest takes place on reaching maturity at 30 years old. Only forest personnel who serve more than 30 years will ever see the harvesting of what they planted while serving in the department!
• The Matang Mangrove area is not a “wilderness” in the true sense – as it is easily accessible from the main North-South Expressway. This should be positive point or its STRENGTH. (Refer to SWOT analysis table below). Basically almost three-fourth of the forest is actually a plantation, very well managed to generate continuous revenue to the Perak State Government. Only 5.2% (or 2,105.50ha) is reserved as virgin jungle where no logs can be taken out. Another 1232.7ha (3%) serves as research forest, bird sanctuary, ecotourism, educational, seed stand, and archeological reserves.
• To the extent that Matang Mangroves Forest Reserve is already managed in an ecologically sustainable way, it may not need an ecotourism industry to boost its sustainability. What nature tourism will do is to educate the public about the importance of mangroves to man and why the mangrove ecosystem must be protected at all costs. Nature tourism will also contribute to the economy of the state by creating demand for tourism-related goods and services outside the site itself. However, if visitors are made to pay an entrance fee to the “park” for the purpose of improving services and facilities and also to be used to further protect the forests, then the visit can be categorized as “true ecotourism.” Since this is a political decision of the State Government, it remains to be seen whether visitors are made to share the cost of the park’s upkeep.
• How will the “local” community benefit from the tourists? This has to be carefully studied since the word “local” can be interpreted in many ways. In the literature, local community mainly refers to indigenous people whose livelihood depends on the protected area (Weaver, 2001). If the “locals” are already fully employed as workers in the forest plantations or in the fishing industry, then tourists will not bring direct benefit, except by way of increased demand for seafood. Matang Mangrove supports 34 permanent settlements within the reserves, the majority (28) of these settlements being fishing villages (Azahar Muda [Dato’] and Nik Mohd. Shah Nik Mustafa, 2003).
• To my knowledge, two companies operate in the area to bring tourists. One of the operators charges RM350 per day-trip; RM175 per trip (half-day or less); student rates are lower – RM300 per day-trip; RM150 per trip (max. 15 persons). Presumably, the tours start and end at Kuala Sepetang.
• This government-run forest plantation’s final products are logs to be turned into charcoal in kilns belonging to designated contractors. The Forestry Department practices clear felling of the trees. Revenue collected in the form of royalty from the charcoal industry amounted to over RM4.5 million between 1990 and 1999 (Azahar and Nik Mohd. Shah, 2003).
Question of Viability
This is a matter of concern to the private sector wanting to establish an ecolodge or operate the tours in a protected area or outside its fringes. In Matang Mangrove, the District Forestry Department has already built eight chalets; private sector participation appears to be unnecessary at the present time. The tour operators must be making profits to be still in business.
An excellent example of a successful family business in ecotourism in neighboring Southern Thailand is Siam Safari, which was started by a British visitor (Mr. Robert Griefenberg), who has made Phuket, his home. Siam Safari's own definition of ecotourism is: "Tours for people who enjoy looking at and learning about the natural and social environment. This must be combined with direct economic benefits for local communities and active conservation of the areas visited."
Siam Safari’s advice for economic viability includes the following:
1. An ecotour company should plan its activities before it starts operations and constantly update and share information with others.
2. Local communities should be actively involved in the decision making process and be informed of new activities and events that will be occurring in their area.
3. Intensive training for guides and refresher courses should be regularly held.
4. Ecotourism operators should be issued special licenses demonstrating that they run socially and environmentally correct tours. Government agencies should issue these licenses, as well as regularly monitor companies' activities.
5. Ecotourism operators should have special insurance policies for clients as well as their employees.
6. Tour operators should foster a sense of team spirit amongst their staff.
7. A private sector Ecotourism Association should be established.
8. Ecotourism operators should have high standards and regularly monitor and evaluate their tours and services.
9. Tour operators should be active members of the community and contribute to projects or programs that benefit the natural and cultural environment.
10. Tour Operators should be members of Ecotourism Societies and nature organizations. Siam Safari belongs to The Ecotourism Society of America and has links with Fauna and Flora International in the UK which provides a worldwide eco-company network. Siam Safari is also trying to work with other tour companies in Thailand to establish an Ecotourism Association in Thailand.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fort Cornwallis Penang Malaysia
Captain Sir Francis Light took possession of the island from the Sultan of Kedah in 1786 and built the original fort with a nibong (Malay: palm trunk) stockade with no permanent structures, covering an area of 417.6 square feet (38.80 m2).
In 1804, Indian convict labour rebuilt the fort with bricks and stones during Colonel R.T. Farquhar’s term as Governor of Penang. Fort Cornwallis was later completed in 1810 during Norman Macalister’s term as Governor of Penang at the cost of $80,000. The fort was intended as a defense against the pirates , Kedah, and the French because of the Napoleonic Wars. A moat 9 meters wide by 2 meters deep once surrounded the fort but it was filled in in the 1920s due to a malaria outbreak in the area.
The Chapel at Fort Cornwallis was built in 1799 on the southwest bastion. It is the earliest roofed structure surviving in Penang from the colonial era. The first recorded marriage here took place that same year when John Timmers married Martina Rozells, the widow of Francis Light.
Even though the fort was originally built for the Royal artillery troops and the military, its function, historically, was more administrative than defensive. For example, the judge of the Supreme Court of Penang, Sir Edmond Stanley, was first housed at Fort Cornwallis when the court opened on 31 May, 1808.
In its entire history, the fort had never engaged in any battle. Apart from being used for the British Royal artillery troops, the fort was once occupied by the Sikh Police of the Straits Settlements during the 1920s.
Old cannons decorate the fort. The largest cannon, known as Seri Rambai Cannon, was cast in 1603, and was a gift from the Dutch to the Sultan of Johore in 1606. In 1613, the Portuguese took possession of Seri Rambai. The cannon was taken to Java, where it stayed until 1795, when it was given to Acheh and brought to Kuala Selangor. The British seized the cannon and placed in in the fort in 1871.
The fort was gazetted on Sept 8, 1977, under the Antiquities Act 168/ 1976, as an Ancient Monument and Historic site. Today, it has become one of Penang's prime tourist attractions.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Istana Kenangan in Kuala Kangsar
The "Memory Palace" (Istana Kenangan), was wholly built by wood and is also known as Istana Lembah (Valley Palace) and occasionally as Istana Tepas. Located south-east of Istana Iskandariah (Iskandariah Palace), it was planned and built in 1926, after the Great Flood
The carpenter who built this palace was Haji Suffian and his sons who hailed from Seberang Perai .The architecture of the palace is based on the shape of sword. The walls are made of woven sliced bamboo in a diamond shaped pattern (kelerai) and the roofs are in the shape of “five ridges of a traditional Malay house and the ridge of five bananas” (perabung lima and perabung pisang sesikat). The design and the craftsmanship reflect the fine art of Perak Malay handicraft. This palace was completed in 1931. Sultan Iskandar Shah, the 30th Sultan of Perak (1918 – 1938) moved into the palace because the Negara Palace, the official palace at Changkat Negara was to be demolished and replaced by the new palace (Iskandariah Palace).
The construction of Istana Iskandariah was completed in 1933 and Sultan Iskandariah Shah moved into it while other members of the family went to stay in the Istana Lembah which later known as the Istana Kenangan.
The name Istana Kenangan was used in the 1960's, after the palace was renovated by the effort of Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia.
On 16 November 1966, Istana Kenangan officially became the Perak Royal Museum, until now
The carpenter who built this palace was Haji Suffian and his sons who hailed from Seberang Perai .The architecture of the palace is based on the shape of sword. The walls are made of woven sliced bamboo in a diamond shaped pattern (kelerai) and the roofs are in the shape of “five ridges of a traditional Malay house and the ridge of five bananas” (perabung lima and perabung pisang sesikat). The design and the craftsmanship reflect the fine art of Perak Malay handicraft. This palace was completed in 1931. Sultan Iskandar Shah, the 30th Sultan of Perak (1918 – 1938) moved into the palace because the Negara Palace, the official palace at Changkat Negara was to be demolished and replaced by the new palace (Iskandariah Palace).
The construction of Istana Iskandariah was completed in 1933 and Sultan Iskandariah Shah moved into it while other members of the family went to stay in the Istana Lembah which later known as the Istana Kenangan.
The name Istana Kenangan was used in the 1960's, after the palace was renovated by the effort of Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia.
On 16 November 1966, Istana Kenangan officially became the Perak Royal Museum, until now
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Malaysia Agro-Tourism
Malaysia began its post-Independence economy with an agrarian base, which has prepared it well to develop agricultural and commodities-based tourism, the hottest niche in eco-tourism today.
Recognizing that agro-tourism holds a fascination for both Malaysians and visitors alike, organizers of excursions these days include tours to rubber and oil palm estates, as well as pepper farms, fish farms, flower nurseries and fruit orchards. Fruit orchards have proven especially popular with visitors, not least because they get to enjoy the delicious exotic fruits they are there to learn about!
Visits are structured around a tour offering insight into the cultivation, care, processing and manufacturing of these commodities for sale or export. The industry includes crops such as maize, cocoa, rubber, rice, fruits, oil palm and a variety of other products from which many Malaysians still earn a living.
Many locals and some adventurous visitors invariably seek out orchards dedicated to the famous and sometimes detested king of all fruits, the durian. Sometimes described as 'hell on the outside and heaven on the inside', the durian has few ambivalent fans, as you either tend to thoroughly enjoy it or not!
Visitors to durian farms can sample a range of these spiky, custard-like fruits with pulpy flesh that runs an entire gamut of textures and tastes from sweet to tart and more!
But durians are obviously not the only choice. In tropical Malaysia, an amazing array of exotic fruits awaits the fruit aficionado all year around. Among the many choices are the rambutan, langsat, mangosteen, jackfruit, pineapple and mango. Visits to these fruit farms often involve tucking into ready-to-eat freshly picked fruits.
Visitors to the highlands must pay a visit to the tea estates which grace their slopes. A number of these have been established since the early part of the last century, and harvesting and processing methods have changed little since.
Cameron Highlands, with its gentle slopes surrounded by loftier hills, is especially noted for its long-established estates. Most have excellent visitor facilities and provide guided tours of the tea factories.
On rubber estates, visitors have the opportunity to experience first-hand how to tap a rubber tree and witness how latex is processed - from coagulation to pressing and smoking. Malaysia is among the world's largest producers of this extremely valuable and versatile product.
Another of the country's largest export commodities is palm oil. Today, Malaysia is a world leader in the research and development of this multi-purpose fruit. The clusters of orange-red fruits produce refined cooking oil and other palm-olein products for use in the cosmetic and chemical industries.
In the northern regions of Peninsular Malaysia, a number of spice and herb farms dot the countryside. Nutmeg is especially abundant. While over in East Malaysia, visitors to pepper farms in Sarawak will be fascinated to know that black and white pepper come from the same tree! The difference is achieved in the processing of the corns. White pepper is more mature, having been soaked and had its outer skin removed before drying, while black pepper is dried in its original state.
A number of these destinations have stay-over facilities with a wide range of non-agricultural activities to enjoy as well, including fishing, kayaking and nature walks. In many cases, full room and board packages are available, meaning that guests get to indulge in local home-cooking as well.
Agro-tourism has a number of attractions, both to the visitor and the host. While it provides for interesting visits and discovery, many of these centers also serve as research and development hubs for the perpetuation and improvement of the agricultural industry in the country.
Recognizing that agro-tourism holds a fascination for both Malaysians and visitors alike, organizers of excursions these days include tours to rubber and oil palm estates, as well as pepper farms, fish farms, flower nurseries and fruit orchards. Fruit orchards have proven especially popular with visitors, not least because they get to enjoy the delicious exotic fruits they are there to learn about!
Visits are structured around a tour offering insight into the cultivation, care, processing and manufacturing of these commodities for sale or export. The industry includes crops such as maize, cocoa, rubber, rice, fruits, oil palm and a variety of other products from which many Malaysians still earn a living.
Many locals and some adventurous visitors invariably seek out orchards dedicated to the famous and sometimes detested king of all fruits, the durian. Sometimes described as 'hell on the outside and heaven on the inside', the durian has few ambivalent fans, as you either tend to thoroughly enjoy it or not!
Visitors to durian farms can sample a range of these spiky, custard-like fruits with pulpy flesh that runs an entire gamut of textures and tastes from sweet to tart and more!
But durians are obviously not the only choice. In tropical Malaysia, an amazing array of exotic fruits awaits the fruit aficionado all year around. Among the many choices are the rambutan, langsat, mangosteen, jackfruit, pineapple and mango. Visits to these fruit farms often involve tucking into ready-to-eat freshly picked fruits.
Visitors to the highlands must pay a visit to the tea estates which grace their slopes. A number of these have been established since the early part of the last century, and harvesting and processing methods have changed little since.
Cameron Highlands, with its gentle slopes surrounded by loftier hills, is especially noted for its long-established estates. Most have excellent visitor facilities and provide guided tours of the tea factories.
On rubber estates, visitors have the opportunity to experience first-hand how to tap a rubber tree and witness how latex is processed - from coagulation to pressing and smoking. Malaysia is among the world's largest producers of this extremely valuable and versatile product.
Another of the country's largest export commodities is palm oil. Today, Malaysia is a world leader in the research and development of this multi-purpose fruit. The clusters of orange-red fruits produce refined cooking oil and other palm-olein products for use in the cosmetic and chemical industries.
In the northern regions of Peninsular Malaysia, a number of spice and herb farms dot the countryside. Nutmeg is especially abundant. While over in East Malaysia, visitors to pepper farms in Sarawak will be fascinated to know that black and white pepper come from the same tree! The difference is achieved in the processing of the corns. White pepper is more mature, having been soaked and had its outer skin removed before drying, while black pepper is dried in its original state.
A number of these destinations have stay-over facilities with a wide range of non-agricultural activities to enjoy as well, including fishing, kayaking and nature walks. In many cases, full room and board packages are available, meaning that guests get to indulge in local home-cooking as well.
Agro-tourism has a number of attractions, both to the visitor and the host. While it provides for interesting visits and discovery, many of these centers also serve as research and development hubs for the perpetuation and improvement of the agricultural industry in the country.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Jelutong Expressway
The Jelutong Expressway (JEway) is a Penang State Government privatization project. The expressway stretch across the eastern coastline of George Town for a distance of 4.8 km from Jalan Tengku Kudin to Pengkalan Weld.
The cost of JEway including relocation of squatters and land acquisition is about RM310 million. The project is being headed by IJM Corporation. It acts as a bypass for vehicles from the south of the Island and Penang Bridge heading to the eastern part of George Town and the city centre.
The construction works was carried out in 3 phases which are as follows:-
Stage Description Expected Completion
1) 3.2 km From Jln. Tengku Kudin to Jln. Sg. Pinang Completed and opened to traffic in April 2009
2) 1.6 km From Jln. Sg. Pinang to Pengkalan Weld June 2006
The cost of JEway including relocation of squatters and land acquisition is about RM310 million. The project is being headed by IJM Corporation. It acts as a bypass for vehicles from the south of the Island and Penang Bridge heading to the eastern part of George Town and the city centre.
The construction works was carried out in 3 phases which are as follows:-
Stage Description Expected Completion
1) 3.2 km From Jln. Tengku Kudin to Jln. Sg. Pinang Completed and opened to traffic in April 2009
2) 1.6 km From Jln. Sg. Pinang to Pengkalan Weld June 2006
3) Construction of interchanges and linkages and upgrading of the expressway to provide dual 3-lane carriageway June 2009
Jelutong Expressway help to relieve traffic congestion formerly experienced along local roads leading to the city centre especially on Jalan Jelutong, Jalan Sungai Pinang, Jalan Gurdwara, Lebuh McNair and Jalan C.Y.Choy. Furthermore, the expressway corridor will be expanded to a township of its own comprising of residential, commercial and industrial areas.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Putrajaya
Putrajaya
Putrajaya (meaning victorious son in Sanskrit), is a planned city, located south of Kuala Lumpur, that serves as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. The seat of government was shifted in 1999 from Kuala Lumpur due to the overcrowding and congestion there. Nevertheless, Kuala Lumpur remains as Malaysia's national capital and also as the commercial and financial centre. Putrajaya was the brainchild of a former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad who was in power then. In 2001, Putrajaya was made a Federal Territory, increasing the number of federal territories to three. Kuala Lumpur and Labuan are the other two.
Named after the first Malaysian Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra the city is situated within the Multimedia Super Corridor, beside the also newly developed Cyberjaya. The development started in 1995 and today major landmarks are completed and the population is expected to grow in the relatively new city.
Putrajaya precincts
The vision to have a new Federal Government Administrative Centre to replace Kuala Lumpur as the administrative capital emerged in the late 1980s, during the tenure of Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad. The new city was proposed to be located between Kuala Lumpur and the new KL International Airport (KLIA).
The Federal government negotiated with the state of Selangor on the prospect of another Federal Territory and in the mid-1990s, the Federal government paid a substantial amount of money to Selangor for approximately 11 320 acres (46 km²) of land in Prang Besar, Selangor. As a result of this land purchase, the state of Selangor now completely surrounds two Federal Territories within its borders, namely Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Planned as the garden and intelligent city, 38% of the area is reserved for green areas by emphasizing the enhancement of natural landscape. A network of open spaces and wide boulevards were incorporated to the plan. Construction began in August 1995 and it was Malaysia's biggest project and one of Southeast Asia's largest with estimated final cost of US$ 8.1 billion. The entire project was designed and constructed by Malaysian companies with only 10% of the materials imported.
The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997/1998 had somewhat slowed the development of Putrajaya. In 1999, 300 staffs of the Prime Minister's office were shifted to Putrajaya and the remaining government servants moved in 2005. On February 1, 2001 Tun Dr. Mahathir declared Putrajaya as a Federal Territory with the ceremony of handing over Putrajaya Township from the Selangor state authorities.
In 2002, a high speed rail link called KLIA Transit was opened, linking Putrajaya to both Kuala Lumpur and KL International Airport in Sepang. However, construction of the Putrajaya Monorail which was intended to be the city's metro system was suspended due to costs. One of the monorail suspension bridges in Putrajaya remains unused.
In 2007, the population of Putrajaya was estimated to be over 30,000, which comprised mainly government servants.
Tourist attractions
Here is the list of attractions in Putrajaya:
Perdana Putra
Putra Mosque
Putra Bridge
Putrajaya Independence Square
Millennium Monument
Palace of Justice
Seri Perdana
Seri Perdana Bridge
Putrajaya Landmark
Putrajaya Wetlands Park
Putrajaya Convention Centre
Taman Selatan
Perdana Leadership Foundation
Melawati National Palace
Heritage Square
Putrajaya Ministry of Finance
Wisma Putra
Selera Putra
Istana Darul Ehsan
Putrajaya Lake
Alamanda Putrajaya
Souq Putrajaya
Pusat Kejiranan Presint 9
Pusat Kejiranan Presint 16
Putrajaya (meaning victorious son in Sanskrit), is a planned city, located south of Kuala Lumpur, that serves as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. The seat of government was shifted in 1999 from Kuala Lumpur due to the overcrowding and congestion there. Nevertheless, Kuala Lumpur remains as Malaysia's national capital and also as the commercial and financial centre. Putrajaya was the brainchild of a former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad who was in power then. In 2001, Putrajaya was made a Federal Territory, increasing the number of federal territories to three. Kuala Lumpur and Labuan are the other two.
Named after the first Malaysian Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra the city is situated within the Multimedia Super Corridor, beside the also newly developed Cyberjaya. The development started in 1995 and today major landmarks are completed and the population is expected to grow in the relatively new city.
Putrajaya precincts
The vision to have a new Federal Government Administrative Centre to replace Kuala Lumpur as the administrative capital emerged in the late 1980s, during the tenure of Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad. The new city was proposed to be located between Kuala Lumpur and the new KL International Airport (KLIA).
The Federal government negotiated with the state of Selangor on the prospect of another Federal Territory and in the mid-1990s, the Federal government paid a substantial amount of money to Selangor for approximately 11 320 acres (46 km²) of land in Prang Besar, Selangor. As a result of this land purchase, the state of Selangor now completely surrounds two Federal Territories within its borders, namely Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Planned as the garden and intelligent city, 38% of the area is reserved for green areas by emphasizing the enhancement of natural landscape. A network of open spaces and wide boulevards were incorporated to the plan. Construction began in August 1995 and it was Malaysia's biggest project and one of Southeast Asia's largest with estimated final cost of US$ 8.1 billion. The entire project was designed and constructed by Malaysian companies with only 10% of the materials imported.
The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997/1998 had somewhat slowed the development of Putrajaya. In 1999, 300 staffs of the Prime Minister's office were shifted to Putrajaya and the remaining government servants moved in 2005. On February 1, 2001 Tun Dr. Mahathir declared Putrajaya as a Federal Territory with the ceremony of handing over Putrajaya Township from the Selangor state authorities.
In 2002, a high speed rail link called KLIA Transit was opened, linking Putrajaya to both Kuala Lumpur and KL International Airport in Sepang. However, construction of the Putrajaya Monorail which was intended to be the city's metro system was suspended due to costs. One of the monorail suspension bridges in Putrajaya remains unused.
In 2007, the population of Putrajaya was estimated to be over 30,000, which comprised mainly government servants.
Tourist attractions
Here is the list of attractions in Putrajaya:
Perdana Putra
Putra Mosque
Putra Bridge
Putrajaya Independence Square
Millennium Monument
Palace of Justice
Seri Perdana
Seri Perdana Bridge
Putrajaya Landmark
Putrajaya Wetlands Park
Putrajaya Convention Centre
Taman Selatan
Perdana Leadership Foundation
Melawati National Palace
Heritage Square
Putrajaya Ministry of Finance
Wisma Putra
Selera Putra
Istana Darul Ehsan
Putrajaya Lake
Alamanda Putrajaya
Souq Putrajaya
Pusat Kejiranan Presint 9
Pusat Kejiranan Presint 16
Friday, July 17, 2009
Where is Malaysia?
Where is Malaysia ?
Malaysia is a country situated in Southeast Asia. It is between Thailand and Singapore. Malaysia is divided into two parts, that is West Malaysia or Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia which is on the island of Borneo. West and East Malaysia is about 400 miles apart. The combined land area of both regions is about 330,400 sq km (127,000 sq miles). Peninsula Malaysia is again divided into east and west coast by the Main Range (mountain range), known as Banjaran Titiwangsa. It runs from the Malaysian-Thai border in the north right up to the state of Negeri Sembilan. In East Malaysia, the Crocker Range in Sabah is where the highest peak in South East Asia lies, Mount Kinabalu. The highest point of the mountain is at 4,0952.2 metres above sea level.
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT time.
West Malaysia consists of 11 states while East Malaysia consists of two states.
Malaysia is a country situated in Southeast Asia. It is between Thailand and Singapore. Malaysia is divided into two parts, that is West Malaysia or Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia which is on the island of Borneo. West and East Malaysia is about 400 miles apart. The combined land area of both regions is about 330,400 sq km (127,000 sq miles). Peninsula Malaysia is again divided into east and west coast by the Main Range (mountain range), known as Banjaran Titiwangsa. It runs from the Malaysian-Thai border in the north right up to the state of Negeri Sembilan. In East Malaysia, the Crocker Range in Sabah is where the highest peak in South East Asia lies, Mount Kinabalu. The highest point of the mountain is at 4,0952.2 metres above sea level.
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT time.
West Malaysia consists of 11 states while East Malaysia consists of two states.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Some facts on Malaysia
SOME FACTS ON MALAYSIA
Malaysia, renowned historically as "The British Indies" and "The Fabled Spice Islands of the East", is made up of two regions, namely, Peninsular Malaysia, comprising 11 states and East Malaysia, comprising the two states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Before independence in 1957, the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British colonized Malaya, as the country was once known. Relics of her colonial past have left behind a legacy that has lured many visitors to return to its shores for many decades.
The country's urban areas still retain the sentiment of bygone era, where modern buildings and businesses flourished side by side with historical structures and small traders. Malaysia's unspoiled tropical forest, magnificent mountains and rich flora and fauna are pronounced among the best in this part of the world.
On the weather, Malaysia has two not very marked seasons - a moderately wet and a moderately dry season. During the wet season thunderstorm are very frequent in the afternoons because of the high humidity, but they are brief and seldom dampen the mood for outdoors activities. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia however tends to have a heavier wet season and is best avoided during the rainy period (November-February). During these months, most beach resorts take a break and receive visitors again in March.
Malaysia has a cosmopolitan population comprising mainly Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous people with everybody living in peace and harmony. Mutual respect of each others' cultures, traditions, religious belief and way of life offer a potpourri of colorful festivals and opportunities for perennial celebrations.
In relation to its racial diversity, Malaysia is also a gourmet's paradise. It offers all sorts of cuisine. Bargain hunters are also in for a good time as Malaysia is also a shopper's paradise. Experience shopping in night markets, side street stalls, and the many shopping complexes.
Malaysia's abundance of sun, sea and sand offers great opportunities for diving enthusiasts and idyllic holidaymakers. From marine parks to white sandy beaches, visitors are treated to explore, relax and seek peaceful refuge in some of the best resorts in Asia.
CLIMATE
The climate in Malaysia is hot and humid all year round, with some rain in the afternoons. The average temperature ranges from 24 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius in the lowlands. The days are generally sunny and warm and the nights are cool. On the East Coast the rainy season is from early November to the middle of February.
PASSPORT – VISA
Visitors must be in possession of national passports or other internationally recognized travel documents, endorsed for traveling in Malaysia and with a validity period of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia.
Malaysia Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah) have their own Immigration Department and when one enters Malaysia Borneo through Mainland Malaysia, one has to go through Immigration check again and a new stay permit is issued again, mostly for 30 days only.
All visitors are required to complete a Disembarkation Card, which has to be shown to the Immigration Control upon arrival and departure from the country. This card can be obtained on all inbound Malaysia Airlines' flights.
Visitors on social and business visit purposes are to be guided by the following visa requirements:
Visa Exemption: No visas are required for citizens of Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria), British Protected Persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein.
Three Month Visa-Free Visit: Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Slovak, Spain, South Korea, Republic of Bosnia, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United States of America, United Arab Emirates and Yemen are eligible for three-month visas.
One Month Visa-Free Visit: Applicable to citizens of ASEAN countries.
14-Day Visa-Free Visit: Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria are eligible for 14-day visas.
7-Day Visa-Free Visit: Applicable to citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Republic of Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kirghizstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Romania, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Air travelers on transit (not exceeding 72 hours) are eligible for a visa-free visit.
Social or Tourist Visit Pass: A Social or Tourist Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, business of professional work in Malaysia.
The Business Visit Pass allows foreign visitors to enter Malaysia for business negotiations or inspection of business houses but cannot be used for employment purposes, or for supervisory work or construction of a factory. No fee is charged for a Business Visit Pass issued for a period of up to 3 months. A nominal fee is imposed for each month beyond this.
Foreign visitors, except from the Republic of Singapore, who have entered Malaysia on Social Visit Passes may contact the Immigration Department to convert their passes to Business Visit Passes.
As regulations may change from time to time, it is advisable to check with the nearest Malaysian Embassy before departure or check the Tourism Malaysia website: http://mocat.gov.my/index.cfm
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Prohibited Goods
• Trafficking of illegal drugs carries the mandatory death penalty in Malaysia.
• A special permit is required for the carriage of firearms and ammunition. Other prohibited items include flick knives, daggers and pornographic material.
• Taped videocassettes should be submitted for clearance by Customs.
• Export of antiquities and historical objects is not allowed unless an export license has been obtained from the Director Genera I of Museums, Malaysia, or if the antiquity was originally imported and declared to customs.
• All passengers must declare the following items to the Plant Quarantine Office upon arrival: plants and plant parts (including fresh plant produce and processed products), insects and other organisms, microorganisms, herbarium, dried flowers, soil and growth or rooting media. Penalty for failure to do so is liable to a fine of up to RM 1,000 or up to six months imprisonment, or both. Penalty for maliciously introducing a pest or a plant into Malaysia is liable to a fine not exceeding RM 10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
• Passengers from South and Central America and Central Africa are required to report to the Plant Quarantine Office.
Duty Free
Visitors entering Malaysia for a period of not less than 72 hours, except from Labuan (24 hours) enjoy customs' exemption on the following purchases:
• wines, spirits/malt liquor not exceeding one liter
• tobacco not exceeding 225 gm or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
• footwear not exceeding one pair
• apparel not exceeding one pair
• one unit each of portable electrical and/or battery-operated appliance for personal hygiene
• food preparations of a total value not exceeding RM 75
• cosmetics, soap and dentifrice to a total value not exceeding RM 200
• souvenirs and gifts not exceeding RM 200, except for Labuan and Langkawi where the total value shall not exceed RM 500
Except for the last item, all duty free items must be for
personal use only. A 30% tax will be levied on items that
exceed the above limits.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations are required. However visitors arriving from Yellow Fever and Endemic Zones and other affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccination. This regulation does not apply to children below the age of one. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended in Sabah and for Jungle tours. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic for further details. Medication may be obtained at licensed clinics and pharmacies.
MONEY
CURRENCY:
The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. Notes in circulation are RM 100, RM 50, RM 10, RM 5 and RM 1. Coins in circulation are 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen, and 5 sen.
MONEY EXCHANGE:
Money and travelers cheques of all major currencies can be exchanged at hotels, banks, licensed money changer in tourist areas. Banks and money changers usually offers the best rates.
CREDIT CARDS:
International credit cards are widely accepted in department stores, major hotels, up-market shops and restaurant. Make sure that you have enough cash in local currency before you leave for smaller towns or remote areas.
Please take note!
All arriving and departing travelers (including children) must fill in a Travelers Declaration Form (TDF) regardless of the amount of currency carried. The TDF is available in all inbound Malaysia Airlines' flights and at check-in counters. It should be handed over to the Immigration Officer together with the traveler's Disembarkation Card and Passport.
Effective from October 1, 1998, please take note of the following currency regulations for travelers to Malaysia:
Local Currency (Ringgit Malaysian - RM): Residents and non-resident travelers are not allowed to bring in or take our more than RM 1,000 per person.
Foreign Currency: Resident travelers are not allowed to take out more than the equivalent of RM 10,000 worth of any foreign currency from Malaysia (i.e. maximum RM 10,000 worth of foreign currencies). Non-resident travelers are allowed to take out not more than the amount of foreign currencies, which they had brought in at the time of their arrival.
Definitions:
Resident: a citizen of Malaysia residing in Malaysia or a non-citizen of Malaysia who is residing permanently in Malaysia.
Non-resident: any person not residing in Malaysia, whether the person is a citizen or not.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity current in Malaysia is 220 volts or 250 volts AC, 50 cycles. 3-pin British Plug is generally used. Adaptors could be used for other types of plug.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Malaysia is a safe country, but like anywhere in the world, it is wise to be a little cautious. Simple safety precautions such as ignoring touts, keeping away from trouble areas, not wearing excessive jewelry, being careful when crossing roads (remember: left-hand traffic!) and taking care of valuables will keep you out of trouble. Valuables such as money, travelers cheques, passports and flight tickets are best kept in the safety box of your hotel.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2009
1 Jan 09
Public holiday
New year's Day
26&27 Jan 2009
Public holoday
Chinese New Year
9 Mar 09
Public holiday
Maulid Nabi Muhammad S.A.W
10 Apr 00
Public holiday
Good Friday.
1 May 2009
Public Holiday
Labour Day
9 May 2009
Public Holiday
Wesak Day
6 Jun 2009
Public Holiday
Birthday of DYMM SPB (King)
31 Aug 200
Public holiday
National Day
20&21 Sept 2009
Public holiday
Hari Raya Puasa
17 Oct 2009
Public holiday
Deepavali
27 Nov 2009
Public holiday
Hari Raya Haji
18 Dec 2009
Public holiday
Awal Muharram
25 Dec-2009
Public holiday
Christmas Day
AIRPORT TAX
The airport tax is usually included in the flight ticket. There are additional taxes at RM5 for security tax. In view of continuous updates of surcharges by international airlines for security, insurance and fuel, all international airport check-in counters in Malaysia may be charging international passengers at departure when applicable.
TIME ZONE
Malaysia runs at GMT +8 hours and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time. Malaysia is in the same time zone as Singapore, Hong Kong and Perth.
Malaysia, renowned historically as "The British Indies" and "The Fabled Spice Islands of the East", is made up of two regions, namely, Peninsular Malaysia, comprising 11 states and East Malaysia, comprising the two states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Before independence in 1957, the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British colonized Malaya, as the country was once known. Relics of her colonial past have left behind a legacy that has lured many visitors to return to its shores for many decades.
The country's urban areas still retain the sentiment of bygone era, where modern buildings and businesses flourished side by side with historical structures and small traders. Malaysia's unspoiled tropical forest, magnificent mountains and rich flora and fauna are pronounced among the best in this part of the world.
On the weather, Malaysia has two not very marked seasons - a moderately wet and a moderately dry season. During the wet season thunderstorm are very frequent in the afternoons because of the high humidity, but they are brief and seldom dampen the mood for outdoors activities. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia however tends to have a heavier wet season and is best avoided during the rainy period (November-February). During these months, most beach resorts take a break and receive visitors again in March.
Malaysia has a cosmopolitan population comprising mainly Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous people with everybody living in peace and harmony. Mutual respect of each others' cultures, traditions, religious belief and way of life offer a potpourri of colorful festivals and opportunities for perennial celebrations.
In relation to its racial diversity, Malaysia is also a gourmet's paradise. It offers all sorts of cuisine. Bargain hunters are also in for a good time as Malaysia is also a shopper's paradise. Experience shopping in night markets, side street stalls, and the many shopping complexes.
Malaysia's abundance of sun, sea and sand offers great opportunities for diving enthusiasts and idyllic holidaymakers. From marine parks to white sandy beaches, visitors are treated to explore, relax and seek peaceful refuge in some of the best resorts in Asia.
CLIMATE
The climate in Malaysia is hot and humid all year round, with some rain in the afternoons. The average temperature ranges from 24 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius in the lowlands. The days are generally sunny and warm and the nights are cool. On the East Coast the rainy season is from early November to the middle of February.
PASSPORT – VISA
Visitors must be in possession of national passports or other internationally recognized travel documents, endorsed for traveling in Malaysia and with a validity period of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia.
Malaysia Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah) have their own Immigration Department and when one enters Malaysia Borneo through Mainland Malaysia, one has to go through Immigration check again and a new stay permit is issued again, mostly for 30 days only.
All visitors are required to complete a Disembarkation Card, which has to be shown to the Immigration Control upon arrival and departure from the country. This card can be obtained on all inbound Malaysia Airlines' flights.
Visitors on social and business visit purposes are to be guided by the following visa requirements:
Visa Exemption: No visas are required for citizens of Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria), British Protected Persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein.
Three Month Visa-Free Visit: Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Slovak, Spain, South Korea, Republic of Bosnia, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United States of America, United Arab Emirates and Yemen are eligible for three-month visas.
One Month Visa-Free Visit: Applicable to citizens of ASEAN countries.
14-Day Visa-Free Visit: Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria are eligible for 14-day visas.
7-Day Visa-Free Visit: Applicable to citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Republic of Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kirghizstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Romania, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Air travelers on transit (not exceeding 72 hours) are eligible for a visa-free visit.
Social or Tourist Visit Pass: A Social or Tourist Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, business of professional work in Malaysia.
The Business Visit Pass allows foreign visitors to enter Malaysia for business negotiations or inspection of business houses but cannot be used for employment purposes, or for supervisory work or construction of a factory. No fee is charged for a Business Visit Pass issued for a period of up to 3 months. A nominal fee is imposed for each month beyond this.
Foreign visitors, except from the Republic of Singapore, who have entered Malaysia on Social Visit Passes may contact the Immigration Department to convert their passes to Business Visit Passes.
As regulations may change from time to time, it is advisable to check with the nearest Malaysian Embassy before departure or check the Tourism Malaysia website: http://mocat.gov.my/index.cfm
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Prohibited Goods
• Trafficking of illegal drugs carries the mandatory death penalty in Malaysia.
• A special permit is required for the carriage of firearms and ammunition. Other prohibited items include flick knives, daggers and pornographic material.
• Taped videocassettes should be submitted for clearance by Customs.
• Export of antiquities and historical objects is not allowed unless an export license has been obtained from the Director Genera I of Museums, Malaysia, or if the antiquity was originally imported and declared to customs.
• All passengers must declare the following items to the Plant Quarantine Office upon arrival: plants and plant parts (including fresh plant produce and processed products), insects and other organisms, microorganisms, herbarium, dried flowers, soil and growth or rooting media. Penalty for failure to do so is liable to a fine of up to RM 1,000 or up to six months imprisonment, or both. Penalty for maliciously introducing a pest or a plant into Malaysia is liable to a fine not exceeding RM 10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
• Passengers from South and Central America and Central Africa are required to report to the Plant Quarantine Office.
Duty Free
Visitors entering Malaysia for a period of not less than 72 hours, except from Labuan (24 hours) enjoy customs' exemption on the following purchases:
• wines, spirits/malt liquor not exceeding one liter
• tobacco not exceeding 225 gm or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
• footwear not exceeding one pair
• apparel not exceeding one pair
• one unit each of portable electrical and/or battery-operated appliance for personal hygiene
• food preparations of a total value not exceeding RM 75
• cosmetics, soap and dentifrice to a total value not exceeding RM 200
• souvenirs and gifts not exceeding RM 200, except for Labuan and Langkawi where the total value shall not exceed RM 500
Except for the last item, all duty free items must be for
personal use only. A 30% tax will be levied on items that
exceed the above limits.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations are required. However visitors arriving from Yellow Fever and Endemic Zones and other affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccination. This regulation does not apply to children below the age of one. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended in Sabah and for Jungle tours. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic for further details. Medication may be obtained at licensed clinics and pharmacies.
MONEY
CURRENCY:
The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. Notes in circulation are RM 100, RM 50, RM 10, RM 5 and RM 1. Coins in circulation are 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen, and 5 sen.
MONEY EXCHANGE:
Money and travelers cheques of all major currencies can be exchanged at hotels, banks, licensed money changer in tourist areas. Banks and money changers usually offers the best rates.
CREDIT CARDS:
International credit cards are widely accepted in department stores, major hotels, up-market shops and restaurant. Make sure that you have enough cash in local currency before you leave for smaller towns or remote areas.
Please take note!
All arriving and departing travelers (including children) must fill in a Travelers Declaration Form (TDF) regardless of the amount of currency carried. The TDF is available in all inbound Malaysia Airlines' flights and at check-in counters. It should be handed over to the Immigration Officer together with the traveler's Disembarkation Card and Passport.
Effective from October 1, 1998, please take note of the following currency regulations for travelers to Malaysia:
Local Currency (Ringgit Malaysian - RM): Residents and non-resident travelers are not allowed to bring in or take our more than RM 1,000 per person.
Foreign Currency: Resident travelers are not allowed to take out more than the equivalent of RM 10,000 worth of any foreign currency from Malaysia (i.e. maximum RM 10,000 worth of foreign currencies). Non-resident travelers are allowed to take out not more than the amount of foreign currencies, which they had brought in at the time of their arrival.
Definitions:
Resident: a citizen of Malaysia residing in Malaysia or a non-citizen of Malaysia who is residing permanently in Malaysia.
Non-resident: any person not residing in Malaysia, whether the person is a citizen or not.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity current in Malaysia is 220 volts or 250 volts AC, 50 cycles. 3-pin British Plug is generally used. Adaptors could be used for other types of plug.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Malaysia is a safe country, but like anywhere in the world, it is wise to be a little cautious. Simple safety precautions such as ignoring touts, keeping away from trouble areas, not wearing excessive jewelry, being careful when crossing roads (remember: left-hand traffic!) and taking care of valuables will keep you out of trouble. Valuables such as money, travelers cheques, passports and flight tickets are best kept in the safety box of your hotel.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2009
1 Jan 09
Public holiday
New year's Day
26&27 Jan 2009
Public holoday
Chinese New Year
9 Mar 09
Public holiday
Maulid Nabi Muhammad S.A.W
10 Apr 00
Public holiday
Good Friday.
1 May 2009
Public Holiday
Labour Day
9 May 2009
Public Holiday
Wesak Day
6 Jun 2009
Public Holiday
Birthday of DYMM SPB (King)
31 Aug 200
Public holiday
National Day
20&21 Sept 2009
Public holiday
Hari Raya Puasa
17 Oct 2009
Public holiday
Deepavali
27 Nov 2009
Public holiday
Hari Raya Haji
18 Dec 2009
Public holiday
Awal Muharram
25 Dec-2009
Public holiday
Christmas Day
AIRPORT TAX
The airport tax is usually included in the flight ticket. There are additional taxes at RM5 for security tax. In view of continuous updates of surcharges by international airlines for security, insurance and fuel, all international airport check-in counters in Malaysia may be charging international passengers at departure when applicable.
TIME ZONE
Malaysia runs at GMT +8 hours and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time. Malaysia is in the same time zone as Singapore, Hong Kong and Perth.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Penang "settled" or "ceded"?
British connection with Malaysia (then Malaya) was begun by individual and trading ventures from 1576 to 1684. As an illustration, mention could be made of Sir Francis Drake’s visit to Malaya in 1578.
In 1600 the English East India Company was formed and received a Royal Charter for fifteen years from the English Crown. Its principal objective was to trade. Thus, from the date of its first presence in these shores until 1684, the Company’s connection with Malaya was entirely non-political. However, as of 1684 onwards until 1762 political considerations had become part of the overall objective.
On July 15, 1786 Francis Light landed in Penang with a garrison of marines. On August 11, the eve of the Prince of Wales’ birthday, he hoisted the British flag and renamed the place as “Prince of Wales Island”. The question which students of public international law should attempt to grapple is this : was this act by Light in consonance with the norms of international law? Was it justified?
Cross-reference should now be made to the purported cession (the first unsigned Treaty of 1786) and subsequent treaties of 1791 and 1800 .
The 1791 Treaty spoke of “peace and friendship”between the two parties and that it would continue “as long as the Sun and Moon gives light”, giving the impression that the Sultan of Kedah was an independent sovereign, when he was then de facto a tributary of the King of Siam. Under the terms of the Treaty of Bangkok 1826, the Siamese King acknowledge the treaty of “cession” giving Penang to the British. The question which does not have an easy answer, especially for students of public international law, is whether Penang was a “Settled” or “Ceded” colony. A correct answer to this question is important, because the answer determines the nature of the lex loci, the law of Penang. Did the English settlers bring with them the law of England on the ground that the island was “acquired by occupation” (settled)? Or was the law of Kedah to be applied to the island on the ground that the island was “ceded” by the Sultan to the English East India Company?
In 1600 the English East India Company was formed and received a Royal Charter for fifteen years from the English Crown. Its principal objective was to trade. Thus, from the date of its first presence in these shores until 1684, the Company’s connection with Malaya was entirely non-political. However, as of 1684 onwards until 1762 political considerations had become part of the overall objective.
On July 15, 1786 Francis Light landed in Penang with a garrison of marines. On August 11, the eve of the Prince of Wales’ birthday, he hoisted the British flag and renamed the place as “Prince of Wales Island”. The question which students of public international law should attempt to grapple is this : was this act by Light in consonance with the norms of international law? Was it justified?
Cross-reference should now be made to the purported cession (the first unsigned Treaty of 1786) and subsequent treaties of 1791 and 1800 .
The 1791 Treaty spoke of “peace and friendship”between the two parties and that it would continue “as long as the Sun and Moon gives light”, giving the impression that the Sultan of Kedah was an independent sovereign, when he was then de facto a tributary of the King of Siam. Under the terms of the Treaty of Bangkok 1826, the Siamese King acknowledge the treaty of “cession” giving Penang to the British. The question which does not have an easy answer, especially for students of public international law, is whether Penang was a “Settled” or “Ceded” colony. A correct answer to this question is important, because the answer determines the nature of the lex loci, the law of Penang. Did the English settlers bring with them the law of England on the ground that the island was “acquired by occupation” (settled)? Or was the law of Kedah to be applied to the island on the ground that the island was “ceded” by the Sultan to the English East India Company?
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