Kuala Lumpur or KL as she affectionately known is a city of contrasts. While Malaysians are justly proud of
their new and modern state of the art structures, older buildings also have vast appeal. Its architectural
heritage includes Moorish styled edifices, stately colonial buildings and old shop houses.
In the city centre, Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower – the 4th tallest tower in the world) at 421m with a 360°
gives a fantastic aerial view of the whole city. There is a revolving restaurant, Seri Angkasa, is located at
Level Two of the Menara Kuala Lumpur 'Tower Head'. At a height of 282 meters above ground level, this
9,172 square feet restaurant offers not only a revolving dining area, but also music area and lounge. The
restaurant specializes in a wide array of local as well as continental cuisine.
Penang, founded by Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company in 1786 is the cultural melting
pot of the east and the west and one of the oldest British Straits Settlement port. Georgetown from its
establishment in 1786 as the first British trading post in the Far East was protected by Fort Cornwallis during
the British era. The port served as one of the key centre for the spice trade and as ell as for tea, silk and
cotton from China and India. There are many countless areas to xplore in Penang such as the Snake Temple,
The Chinese Pagodas at Air Hitam, the eclining Buddha, The Heritage Walk along Penang Road, exploring
the famous Chowrasta Market and exploring the many narrow and winding alleys for good bargains and old
world antiques.
Not many people know that Penang was one of the most strategic deep-sea port that was protected by a
large British WW2 Fort situated at Batu Maung. This British Fort is now known as the Penang War Museum
complete with its bomb-proof underground command bunkers, bomb proof armoury and naval gun positions.
There was also a secret submarine naval base situated near this fort. Penang National Park is one of Malaysia’s best kept secret, is also the home to a “Meromictic Lake” a rare one kilometre long natural lake
resulting from a seasonal phenomenon. There are five major trails located at heights of more than 75 metres
where gradients exceed 18 degrees, with unique attractions. An array of flora and fauna greets visitors along
the trails.
The historic and cultural diversity of Georgetown can be surveyed by “becha” known universally as trishaws
(pedicabs). Such exploration is the best way to appreciate the old world charm of the old shops and coffee
shops. Stop by at the old Chinese coffee shops and enjoy the rich Penang Coffee. The cultural diversity of
the place is expressed in the minute details of architecture and lifestyle, which normally escape those who
only see the city from the tour bus.
There are many great areas to explore in Penang such as the Snake temple, The Chinese Pagodas at Air
Hitam, the reclining Buddha ,the heritage walk along Penang Road, exploring the famous Chowrasta Market
and exploring the alleys for good bargains and old world antiques.
Explore Penang and experience the different kinds of food prepared by the Chinese, Malay and Indians.
Penang is world famous for its food especially the Baba Nyonya (Babas are straits born men and Nyonyas
are straits born ladies) cuisine, which uses mixture of Malay and Chinese ingredients and style of cooking.
The Penang Bridge, one of Asia’s longest, links mainland Peninsular Malaysia to the island.
Penang is also accessible by ferry from Butterworth and the state’s main rail and bus terminal. The Penang
International Airport has direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Thailand.
The Langkawi Archipelago consists of 99 islands situated in the Andaman Sea and is south of Thailand. This
island is full of old mystical legends such as the Legend of Princess Mahsuri, the Legend of Pulau Dayang
Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden) and the Legend of Telaga Tujuh (Legend of the Seven Wells).
International and domestic tourists congregate here to enjoy the many delightful beaches, superb
international resorts with spa and partake in the various challenging outdoor adventures and nature based
activities. A host of nature-based adventures from sea-kayaking, caving, abseiling, rappelling and
rockclimbing awaits you. Go on a fascinating boat ride through the North and South mangroves areas. The
rare experience of feeding eagles in their natural habitat is the highlight of the trip.
In the vicinity are large caves; roosting grounds for thousands of fruit-eating bats. Alternatively, discover the
rainforest or take a walk of a lifetime, on the thrilling rainforest canopy adventure. Sailing is a popular activity
with first-class marinas providing berths for many international yachts races. Explore sea caves, deserted
beaches, mangroves and freshwater lakes. Sunset cruises on luxury motorised and bare-boat charter yachts
combine to make Langkawi a year round sailing destination. Currently there are two international standard
marinas, the Royal Langkawi Yatch Club & Marina and the Rebak Island Resort and Marina.
Sabah – a land blessed with nature’s most bountiful treasures is also known by the famed romantic name of
the ‘Land below the Wind’. Once out of Kota Kinabalu (KK) the capital, much of the state remains forested.
There are over 32 ethnic communities speaking 80 dialects in Sabah. Exploring Sabah’s rich cultural
heritage is an adventure by itself. Kota Kinabalu is a vibrant city on Sabah’s west coast and the gateway to
adventure challenging programs such as climbing Mount Kinabalu at 4,095.2m one of the highest mountains
in South East Asia, white-water rafting in Padas, world class diving in Sipadan and Langkayan Island.
Sipadan Island praised by the internationally renowned diver and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau as one of the
best diving spots in the world. Sipadan is the only oceanic island (meaning not connected to the continental
shelf) in Malaysia rising 600m on a limestone pinnacle that “mushrooms” out near the surface, have over
2500 varieties of hard and soft corals, much of it not found anywhere else in the world, and many varieties of
colourful coral fishes that is a paradise for underwater photography.
Sabah is a global wildlife sanctuary with the Kinabalu National Park being Malaysia’s first World Heritage
Site. The 754sq km Park has one of the world’s richest collections of plants. Sabah is also the home of the
Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. This is a unique sanctuary that is world famous for its Orang Utan
rehabilitation and research programs.
Sarawak, the ‘Land of the Hornbills’ is the country’s largest state forming part of East Malaysia in Borneo. It
is characterised by distinctive ethnic groups many of whom still live in riverside settlements and enjoy their
life living in 20-100 rooms’ longhouses. James Brooke, the first ‘white rajah’ ruled Sarawak from 1841 after
resolving a dispute between Brunei’s Sultan and local chieftains. The legacy of the Brooke Dynasty and the
British includes many colonial buildings in Kuching, Sarawak’s Capital City.
Rivers like the Skrang, Belaga, Batang Ai, Rejang and Baram with their remote Iban tribal longhouses
provide access to the state’s magnificent natural and cultural heritage. Guests can visit natural treasures like
Gunung Mulu National Park with one of the world’s largest and longest cave, visit the Niah Caves in Miri with
its ancient cave paintings and archaeological finds. Sarawak’s attractions are its National Parks protecting
natural features like Clearwater Caves, the exotic Rafflesia flower, endangered wildlife like the Proboscis
Monkeys and Pygmy Elephants, beaches, rivers and various plant communities.
For the adventure seekers they can stay in traditional Iban longhouses with basic facility or in modern Iban
riverside guesthouses with modern toilets and sleeping facilities.
THE HEADHUNTERS’ THEME DINNER IN SARAWAK
This is a “must-do-program” for major incentive operators. Imagine your most important guests (VIP) carried
on a bamboo pedestal by six strong Iban Warriors wearing traditional Iban “tribal chief” dress. There will be
traditional music by the Ibans, natives of Sarawak with beautiful Iban dancers moving upfront. During the
procession an attacked by fierce “Dayak” headhunters armed with spears, blowpipes and machetes. The
captured VIP is then tied to a stake in the middle of a field with pieces of wood placed around him ready to
be roasted alive and flaming torches surrounding the site. A rescue attempt will be made…
It will be a night to remember.
The program will end with a beautiful exotic dinner of whole stuffed chicken decorated with fresh fruits, grill
catfish served with red chilies, Iban styled smoked beef and many varieties of fresh garden salads served
with “tuak” which is an Iban rice wine. The “rice wine” is kept in large clay jar and each of the guests will be
served the wine in special bamboo-cups.
The Jungle Lodge-Alang Sedayu, situated at Km30, Jalan Gombak Bentong, Ulu Gombak off the beaten
track, just 40 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur is a unique location for special
jungle-theme events, company retreats, family days, team motivation and outdoor challenge.
The Rhythm of the Rainforest Gala Dinner can be held at the Jungle Lodge, a lovely hardwood timber
building commanding a view of the Gombak River and the Titiwangsa Forest Range which surrounds the
lodge. The opening gambit for the theme dinner will be a colorful welcome by ladies wearing Malaysian
Kebaya, each holding a glittering “Bunga Manggar” (a pole with colorful pole tassels usually seen during
ceremonial events) escorted by a group of 12-14 men beating the Kompang (hand drums). At the same time,
there will be a group of girls scattering “Bunga Serai Wangi (fragrant lemon grass) & Rose petals” as the
guests walk by.
For a more dramatic ambience there will be “flaming torches” planted on the ground on each side of the
entrance. Local “Temiar or Semoi Warriors” holding flaming bamboo torches will be at guard to further
enhance the theme.
The guests will be welcomed by the “Tok Batin” (Tribal Leader or Tribe Elder) and his group of male warriors.
Upon arrival all the guests will be given a set of “coconut leaf head-gear”. These head dress are handmade
using fresh green coconut palms fronds. As an honor, the Tok Batin will place the ead dress and shoulder
strap on the guests.
Guests will be served with welcome drinks which are normally fresh young coconut or fresh sugar cane juice
in bamboo containers. The “sewang sambutan” which is a traditional local tribal welcome dance
accompanied with bamboo music will be performed while the guests enjoys their refreshing drinks. There will
be about eight to ten dancers accompanied by five to eight musicians. The guests will have the opportunity
to befriend the locals and enjoy the traditional songs and music while savour the local cuisine.
The venue will be decorated with fresh bertam-leaves and arches made from Jungle vines while the main
pool area will be converted into a replica of an Orang Asli Village complete with a Sewang Dance floor made
from three layers of bamboo.
