AirAsia swoops to buy 150 new Airbus aircraft

Unperturbed by aviation industry headwinds, Air Asia Group this morning announced a huge fllet expansion.

AirAsia X Berhad revealed a deal with Airbus valued at approximately US$19 billion for 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with the strategic flexibility to upsize the commitment to 300 of the same aircraft subject to future demand.

The landmark agreement represents the single largest firm order for the A220 type placed by any airline globally.

The move signals a decisive shift in AirAsia’s future fleet strategy, prioritising operational discipline and margin protection in an evolving global market, the airline said in a statement.

The order was officially announced at a ceremony at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada, attended by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A and Lars Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft (above).

With the order, AirAsia makes history as the global launch customer for the high-density, 160-seat configuration - which the airline sees as perfect for its short- and medium-haul routes.

This opens up smaller, high-growth markets and secondary hubs that were previously commercially unviable.

“AirAsia has spent more than two decades making the world smaller," said Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Group.

"We built Malaysia into the world's top low-cost carrier hub, and we opened up air travel to millions of people across Asia who had never flown before.

"This plane gives us the ability to build the biggest and densest network, serving as a vital tool for efficiency. Its range of up to seven hours opens up entirely new possibilities, and allows us to match right-sized capacity to demand and give our guests the flexibility to fly whenever they want through increased frequencies."

Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft said: “The A220 will provide an optimal platform for AirAsia, combining low operating costs with the latest technology to maximise productivity and also open up new routes across Asia that were not feasible before."

Upon delivery from 2028, the aircraft will service destinations across Asia, and into the Pacific, freeing up larger A320s and A321s to mid-haul routes, and A330s to fly longer-haul routes into Europe, Australia and North America.

Cruise tourism provides huge economic benefits in south-east Asia

 

Love them or loathe them, cruise ships provide major economic benefits for host ports.

In south-east Asia, for instance, the cruise industry generated US$10 billion in total output in 2024, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

The findings come from from the inaugural Economic Impact Assessment of Cruise Tourism for Southeast Asian countries, produced by Tourism Economics for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

The study highlighted the region’s cruise industry economic contributions in 2024, reinforcing the strategic importance of south-east Asia in the global cruise landscape. It also underscored how the cruise industry brings substantial economic returns to destinations across the region.

“This study reinforces south-east Asia’s strong cruise tourism value proposition, driven by a growing middle class, rising demand for diverse travel experiences, and rich destination variety," said Jean Ng, assistant chief executive, Experience Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board. 

"As ASEAN’s lead co-ordinator for cruise developments, Singapore is committed to working with regional neighbours and global industry partners to unlock south-east Asia’s full potential for cruising and build a compelling destination network that attracts cruise lines while delivering sustainable economic benefits across the region.”

Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA, added: “We greatly value the collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board on this project. 

"Their partnership enabled us to broaden the annual CLIA Economic Impact Studies and, for the first time, measure the economic contribution of cruise tourism across south-east Asia within our global analysis. 

"The results underscore the region’s growing role as a driver of jobs, economic activity, and a global cruise sector that brings unforgettable travel experiences to millions of guests worldwide.”
south-east Asia generates strong economic returns from cruise tourism

"South-east Asia’s cruise tourism recorded a strong performance in 2024, contributing US$4.5 billion to regional GDP and 5% of global cruise-related GDP. 

"This strong showing is reinforced by positive passenger sentiment, with 85% of cruise travellers rating their south-east Asian experience positively and nearly half (47%) expressing intent to return for land-based travel. This attests to the sector’s potential to drive broader tourism growth."

Market concentration data reveals Singapore and Malaysia collectively accounted for 70% of south-east Asian cruise passenger visits in 2024.

Flyer fined for bomb threat idiocy

Idiot of the Week award goes to airline passenger Liu Jinqi.

The Chinese traveller has fined - but unfortunately not banned for life - for communicating a fake bomb threat to budget airline AirAsia.

Liu, 28, wanted to change her seat, but after several attempts to contact the airline failed, she opted to take drastic action, travel news hub Travel Mole reported.

After attempts to talk to the airline through its website and via email failed to get a response, she took to the airline’s chatbot system.

She wrote: “Human service emergency, bomb dangerous.”

The airline promptly contacted police.

The travel twit was in Malaysia and booked an AirAsia flight from Tawau in Sabah to Kuala Lumpur, ahead of another flight from KL back to Beijing, China.

Liu and her travel companion were tracked down and arrested and Liu pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal intimidation in a Malaysian court.

She was fined RM5,000 (around $1800).

“I only wanted to change my seat," said entitled Liu.

"I had tried contacting AirAsia, but there was no response. That is why I used the word ‘bomb’ so that my message would get immediate attention.”

New Park Hyatt aims sky high

Travellers who like a room with a view will make a beeline for the new Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, which marks the luxury brand’s entry into Malaysia.

With rooms located between levels 75 and 114 of the Merdeka 118 – the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific, the hotel offers what are described as "unparalleled views of the Malaysian capital’s skyline".

"The Park Hyatt brand hits a milestone at 50 properties globally, adding its first hotel in Malaysia with the debut of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur - also marking an important breakthrough for the brand within south-east Asia," said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt.

"This makes for an exciting chapter for Hyatt’s brand growth in the region, with three new properties opening in Kuala Lumpur within a year, an expansion of diverse offerings.”

Each of the 252 guestrooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling windows for both views and natural light. Suites feature living areas, a full bath with a separate rain shower and aromatherapy shower steamer, double vanity, a walk-in dressing room, personal study area, and, in select rooms, private dining spaces overlooking the cityscape.

Interiors by G.A Group are inspired by the traditional Malay Kampung houses.

A guided experience through Merdeka 118 Precinct is available with exclusive access to the historical landmark Stadium Merdeka where Malaysia’s Independence was declared, Al-Sultan Abdullah Mosque, the Merdeka Textile Museum, and Merdeka 118 building.

“Merdeka 118 will be a catalyst to uplift communities and enhance Kuala Lumpur’s long-term vibrancy," says YM Raja Tan Sri Dato' Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Group Chairman of developers PNB.

The dining destinations at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will showcase Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine, while a yoga studio, fitness centre and private treatment suites are on level 99.

For further info see https://www.hyatt.com/park-hyatt/en-US/kulph-park-hyatt-kuala-lumpur.

AirAsia eyes Gulf hub as it ponders return to Europe

Malaysia-based low cost carrier AirAsia is looking to expand its flight destinations into Europe.

AirAsia has plans to establish an airport hub in the Arabian Gulf, giving it a stepping stone to resume European flights after a long absence.

It is eyeing one-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur to London Gatwick among other major cities.

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said talks were held with government officials from some Gulf states recently, but no location has yet been decided.

“From there, Europe is a shorter distance," he told the Financial Times. "We can then start looking at those kinds of exciting, longer-haul fares, and start taking people around the world through a one-stop and multi-hop strategy."

The airline has tried non-stop flights to Europe previously, including to London and Paris, but found the high costs a negative factor.

Costs are a major factor in the Asia market with rival Jetstar Asia recently announcing it will shut down.

“I think destinations that decide that they’re premium are missing out on a big market," Fernandes added.

"We’re going back to the Ryanair strategy of looking at alternative airports to serve those markets.”

AirAsia currently only has about 8% of its passenger traffic taking connecting flights.

It hopes to significantly grow this.

“Airlines such as ours have just been point to point, but a shift could be a very, very profitable part of the business for us,” Fernandes said.

New direct rail route to link Bangkok with Penang

Here's a new rail journey that sounds exciting.

Thailand’s State Railway (SRT) and KTMB, which operates trains in Malaysia, will shortly launch a direct train service connecting Bangkok, Thailand, to Penang, Malaysia.

Previously, travellers had to switch trains at the border. The SRT cancelled its previous daily express service between Bangkok and Butterworth in 2016.

The Bangkok-Penang train route will begin with a six-month trial period to assess the viability of the service.

Key benefits for tourists will include seamless connectivity with the service from Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Terminal (above) to Penang, with stops at Padang Besar and Butterworth.

The route provides an opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes of Thailand and Malaysia, from bustling cities to serene countryside, and connects two rich cultural hubs.

Bang Sue Grand Station (officially known as Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) is the new central railway station of Bangkok. The station will be the terminus for all current long-distance rail services and future high-speed railways, and through-trains for the SRT commuter lines and 3-airport HSR line. It is also connected to the mass transit system in Bangkok via the MRT Blue Line.

The railway companies of Malaysia and Thailand have also extended the route of the MySawasdee tourist train further north to Surat Thani.

MySawasdee operates only during holiday periods, taking travellers from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai. 

The extended route to Surat Thani is expected to boost seasonal tourism to Thailand’s resort islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan.

Marriott marks milestone in Malaysia

Marriott International this week opened its 50th property in Malaysia, with the debut of Penang Marriott Complex in George Town.

The complex comprises three properties – Penang Marriott Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments, Penang and Marriott Residences Penang.

"Opening Marriott International's 50th property in Malaysia marks a significant milestone in our Asia Pacific growth journey, a continent that continues to be a strategic driver of our global expansion," says Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China, for Marriott International (sorry mate, clumsy job title).

"The Penang Marriott Complex, the first in Malaysia to include three brands with the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio under one roof, is a fitting addition.

"Set along the iconic Gurney Drive in Penang, we are excited to offer guests and Residence Owners Marriott's signature blend of modern amenities and timeless charm, creating lasting memories in one of Malaysia's most sought-after island destinations."

There are currently 20 brands within Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio in Malaysia.

"The opening of the Penang Marriott Complex is a pivotal moment for Penang," says Lim Guan Eng, former Chief Minister of Penang.

"It is not just another landmark in our skyline but a testament to our commitment to excellence, progress, and growth. This development strengthens our capacity to welcome visitors from all over the world, while also enriching the experiences they will have here.

"By doing so, we further bolster Penang's appeal as a top-tier destination, creating new opportunities for our local economy."

Marriott International now has a portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. 

See www.marriott.com

Food festival offers five days of Asian gourmet treats

Kuala Lumpur is a city where you are almost guaranteed to eat well - even more so from September 4-8.

The Kita Food Festival will make its return to the Malaysian capital, bringing together some of the biggest names in the culinary scene from across the region.

Think four hands dinners, a curated kitchen takeover, or a masterclass from experts. Take your pick.

Highlights will include Jimmy Ophorst of PRU (Phuket, Thailand), Phuket’s first and only restaurant to have a Michelin star, doing a dinner alongside Masashi Horiuchi at Potager.

Ben Devlin of Pipit in Pottsville (Australia), a Regional Restaurant of the Year finalist in Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide 2023, will run a kitchen takeover at Yellow Fin Horse at Else Kuala Lumpur featuring native Australian bush foods like bunya nuts, lemon myrtle, Dorrigo pepper and dried pipis cooked with Malaysian-grown produce.

Johnson Ebenezer of Farmlore (Bangalore, India) will pitch in for a four hands dinner alongside Shaun Ng of HIDE. The menu has been designed to take guests on a culinary journey around Malaysia with each course spotlighting a high-quality ingredient from ethical producers around the nation.

Then there is Prin Polsuk of one-Michelin star restaurant Samrub Samrub Thai (Bangkok, Thailand) bringing southern Thai seafood cuisine to Raw at Else Kuala Lumpur.

Also, Christophe Lerouy, chef/pPtron of one-Michelin star Lerouy (Singapore), will cook alongside Masashi Horiuchi at Entier.

A Food Affair at The Toffee on Jalan Raja Chulan will be a full-day event with keynote speakers and fireside talks by regional food experts, interactive food and wine masterclasses, and a marketplace with artisan products from around Malaysia.

The Big Sunday Barbecue will wrap up the KL Weekender on September 8.

Kita Food Festival is in its fourth year and will also host events in Singapore in early 2025.

For more information on Kita Food Festival visit www.kitafoodfestival.com.

Luxury resort showcases global female star chefs

The Datai in Langkawi, a resort with a global reputation for excellence, will showcase some of the world's top female chefs for its 2024-25 edition of The Chef Series.

The Malaysian rainforest retreat has been a drawcard for 30 years now. Here is my report from a decade ago: https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2014/08/a-magnificent-jungle-resort-with-superb.html.

The Datai's signature dining programme aims to celebrate gastronomic talent from around the world.

With a chef selection boasting nine Michelin stars between them, cuisines from across Asia and Europe will be showcased.

Each chef will create a bespoke menu guided by the produce of Langkawi and the organic ingredients cultivated in the resort’s zero-waste Permaculture Garden.

The names featured in The Chef-fe Series 2024-2025 are:

June 2024:
Florence Dalia of 16 by Flo, Taipei, Taiwan (formerly two Michelin stars)

August 2024:
Cristina Bowerman of Glass Hostaria, Rome (one Michelin star)

October 2024:
Angela Hartnett of Murano, London (one Michelin star) with
Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Northcote, Lancashire, UK (one Michelin star) and
Nieves Barragán Mohacho of Sabor, London (one Michelin star)

January 2025:
Ana Roš (below) of Hiša Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia (three Michelin stars and one Michelin green star)



Most of the dinners will be held at the resort’s spectacular fine dining venue, The Dining Room, overlooking the main pool and the Andaman Sea. It's a dramatic setting.

Selected chefs will also offer cooking demonstrations, some giving guests the chance to join a cooking masterclass.

Arnaud Girodon, CEO of Datai Hotels and Resorts, said: “This year’s ‘Chef-fe’ edition of The Chef Series promises to bring some truly extraordinary culinary experiences to our guests, who have come to know and love our resort for its exceptional dining in the dramatic surroundings of the rainforest.

"Through our guest cheffes, who represent some of the very best gastronomic talents from around the world, we are honoured to have the opportunity to showcase the bounty of exquisite local produce grown on-site and supplied by ethical producers and artisans who share our vision.”

The Datai is situated on the north-west tip of the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. It has 121 rooms, villas, and suites. See www.thedatai.com/events-and-occasions/the-chef-series

Is Kazakhstan on your travel radar?

Have you got some Kazakhstani tenge that you are keen to spend?

The Kazakh capital of Almaty is about to become a viable holiday destination for Australians with news that AirAsia X (AAX) will be flying direct Kuala Lumpur four times a week from March 14 next year.

Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country and former Soviet republic, extends from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains at its eastern border with China and Russia. Its largest metropolis, Almaty, is a long-standing trading hub.

AAX's entry into Central Asia marks a significant milestone for the medium-haul airline, opening up new horizons for globetrotters, adventure seekers, foodies, and those who are looking to explore different cultures.

Almaty offers a blend of tradition and modern lifestyles.

FlyThru connecting services are on sale now from Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Bulat Sugurbayev said: “The AAX entry into Kazakhstan signifies a remarkable milestone in our nations' relations.

"This strategic initiative not only strengthens the cultural and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Malaysia but also provides affordable options for travellers in the region to explore the captivating beauty of Almaty, and the whole of Kazakhstan - the world’s 9th largest country with digital competitiveness outpacing several European, Asian, and American nations.

"The direct connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty is poised to elevate tourism and trade, enhancing the bonds between our two nations. We welcome this great milestone and look forward to the positive impact it will bring to both countries.”

AirAsia X CEO, Benyamin Ismail said: “This is an entirely new market for AAX and a strategic route to expand into, bringing other parts of the world closer to south-east Asia.

"As our first foray into Central Asia, the expansion into the Kazakh market is a strong testament to our vision and determination to explore new territories as well as resuming services to our most popular destinations post pandemic.

"The move to introduce direct flights to Almaty is expected to foster significant trade, commerce and education interchange, considering Kazakhstan's status as the wealthiest country in Central Asia.

“As AirAsia X celebrates 16 years of connecting people this month, we remain committed to providing unmatched connectivity with the best value fares to everyone’s old and new favourite destinations. With this new route we aim to not only enhance travel opportunities between two great and populous destinations, but also to bolster the existing bonds between Kazakhstan and Malaysia in addition to enriching socio-economic sectors in both nations.”

Fares from from Kuala Lumpur start from RM1,499 (under $500) all-in one-way with economy seats or from RM3,399 (around $1200 one way on a premium flatbed.

There will be flights from Kuala Lumpur returning from Almaty every Tuesday, Thursday. Saturday and Sunday.

Founder of failed airline under arrest

UPDATE: 

The founder of the recently collapsed MYAirline has been arrested under suspicion of money laundering.

Airline co-founder and major shareholder Goh Hwan Hua was detained along with his wife and son.

MYAirline abruptly shut down last week (see below) leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at airports.

The Royal Malaysia Police has confirmed the three are in custody, assisting with an investigation into various financial crimes.

Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department, said police are investigating possible crimes under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.

The fledgling budget airline went out of business with zero notice, leaving passengers stranded.

MYAirline was founded in 2021 and began flying on December 1 last year, but ceased operations leaving passengers stuck at airports with zero information.

Customers due to fly last week were only informed the Malaysia-based airline had ceased trading when they tried to check in for flights.

The airline announced the suspension of operations due to "significant financial pressures".

Passengers arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 to find all MYAirline check-in desks closed.

MYAirline has issued a statement, apologising for the sudden shutdown and said it was unable to offer passengers any immediate "service recovery options".

The news came just three days after the airline touted it had been granted a two-year extension to its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

AirAsia has offer 50% discounted "recovery" fares on several routes, applicable to all passengers with MYAirline confirmed bookings

MYAirline destinations included Langkawi, Penang, Tawau, Kota Bharu, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu-Tawau, and Bangkok.

Batik Air is also offering discounted fares to stranded passengers on various domestic routes and to Bangkok.

A MYAirline statement said: "The airline has come to this extremely painful decision because of significant financial pressures that have made it necessary to suspend operations pending the shareholder restructuring and recapitalization of the airline.

"We deeply regret and apologize for having to make this decision as we understand the impact it will have on our loyal passengers, dedicated employees and partners. We have worked tirelessly to explore various partnership and capital raising options to prevent this suspension. Unfortunately, the constraints of time have left us with no alternative but to take this decision."

New air carrier beefs up its international credentials

Make note of the name MYAirline.

The Malaysia-based MYAirline, which previously only flew domestic routes, has now added two destinations in Thailand.

It is now flying to both Bangkok city airports as it spreads its wings.

“Bangkok was chosen due to the increasing numbers of both business and leisure travellers to and from Malaysia,” the airline said in a statement.

“We are confident trade and tourism between Malaysia and Thailand will further develop in the coming years.”

MYAirline launched in 2021. Based at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and flying mainly from the low-cost carrier terminal of KLIA2. 

It serves nine domestic routes including Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi, Penang and Miri, Travel Mole reports.

MYAirline flies a fleet of Airbus A320-200 jets and is on track to have a total of 20 aircraft by the end of 2023.

The airline had its maiden flight on December 1, 2022 to Kuching International Airport. The company slogan is "Your Experience Matters".

Bans imposed on Airbnb properties

The Malaysian resort island of Penang has become the first major tourist destination in south-east Asia to impose a ban on Airbnb and other short-term rental services.

Situated off Malaysia's west coast, Penang is one of the region's premier tourism destinations.

But following reports of increased noise and bad behaviour by tourists it has imposed the ban after considering such a move over the past 12 months.

Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Mayor Rajendran Anthony said the ban covered all private residential properties listed on Airbnb and other vacation rental sites.

It exempts existing serviced apartment buildings, although there are some additional restrictions placed on these, including maximum stays of three days per booking and approval from 75% of the other residents in their building.

Properties allowed to continue must be registered and pay annual fees, Travel Mole reported. They are also allowed to be rented for a maximum of 180 days a year.

In response, Airbnb said a recent study showed that three-quarters of Penang residents think renting out homes through Airbnb has a positive impact on their community.

The Penang move follows similar restrictions imposed in Florence, Italy, and in New York City.

In Norfolk, in the UK, planning authorities are calling for new powers to make it harder for properties on the Norfolk Broads and coast to be turned into Airbnbs and second homes.

The Broads Authority (BA) and North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) are both urging changes that would mean homeowners would have to secure planning permission to convert the use of their properties.

It comes amid growing concerns about the number of holiday lets and second homes in popular villages, the Eastern Daily Press reported.

It will be interesting to see how many other jurisdictions move in the same direction. In some cities, including Hobart is Tasmania, a public housing shortage has been the result of thousands of homes being used for short-stay accommodation.

Tourism conference unveiled for later this month

Imagine being a major tourism organisation and then announcing that your global conference will be held later in the month.

Have these tourism "experts" not noticed how hard it is to get a flight - and failed to note that the end of November is painfully close to Christmas;  a peak time for travel agents and tourism operators.

Apparently not.

A press release dropped yesterday saying that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will jointly organise the 6th World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2022 from November 28-30 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Themed “Tourism Futures Reimagined”, the conference aims to provide an "interdisciplinary platform" (how very newspeak) that champions thought leadership on tourism futures and strategies driving tourism's recovery and resilience in a post-pandemic world.

OK. we know that jargon will be to the forefront for those that do manage to get to the event.

WTC 2022 will apparently feature a line-up of "world-renowned" speakers over four sessions.

Malaysia reopened its international borders on April1.

That's all I've got.

Malaysia throws open its doors to tourists

Malaysia has this week ended all remaining Covid-19 entry restrictions for foreign arrivals.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah confirmed all Covid entry requirements have been scrapped, allowing both vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists to enter the Asian nation.

Unvaxxed travellers were previously required to follow strict testing requirements, while vaccinated travellers had to show proof of vaccination in the MySejahtera app.

“However, vaccination requirements are still subject to any airline’s regulations,” Dr Noor Hisham said.

"The Traveller’s Pass no longer needs to be filled in, regardless of their vaccination status.

“Upon arrival, if a traveller is detected with a fever through the thermal scanners or found to be unwell through self-referral by the traveller, they will be referred for re-examination by medical authorities.”

Masks are still required indoors and on public transport in Malaysia, Travel Mole reported.

Image: Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur. Kate Bagoy on Scop.io 

A return flight to Malaysia for under $500?

A return trip to Malaysia for under $500?

It sounds too good to be true, but Trip.com, a global travel services provider, has partnered with Tourism Malaysia to offer Australian travellers deals on their next trip to Malaysia, including return flights from $488.

The Discover Malaysia campaign has been launched as Australian travellers look to travel within Asia as an option to trips to Europe.

Trip.com's campaign with Tourism Malaysia will run to August 15, offering a selection of discounted promotions on flights and hotels. For a full rundown of what is on offer, visit here: Discover Malaysia | Trip.com.

I suspect it will be the quick and the dead.

The campaign is being showcased to the people of Sydney on the city's Light Rail Tram network.

Malaysian High Commissioner Dato' Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman said: “We welcome the people of Australia to discover Malaysia on their next trip.

"Our nation has it all, from bustling multicultural cities, top hotels and attractions to beach resorts and rainforest getaways. Through Tourism Malaysia's collaboration with Trip.com, we are offering Australians a wonderful opportunity to visit and discover Malaysia for themselves. Come over!”

Edison Chen, general manager of Destination Marketing and Strategic Alliances at Trip.com Group, said: “We hope with restrictions now lifted, more Australian travellers will once again travel to Malaysia. Malaysia is a truly unique and amazing place to visit - an all-encompassing top Asian destination.”

The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.

See http://malaysia.travel

Asian nations rapidly reopening their doors

Asia is opening its doors to vaccinated travellers with good news this week for anyone wanting to visit Hong Kong, South Korea or Malaysia. 

Hong Kong will lift its flight ban on nine countries next week, signalling a major switch from its ‘zero Covid’ policy, Business Traveller reports.

Fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents from the UK, Australia, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and the US will be allowed to board flights to Hong Kong from April 1 provided that they have proof of a negative PCR test.

Travellers will still need to quarantine in a hotel upon arrival in Hong Kong, but this will be cut to seven days from 14.

The city’s leader Carrie Lam announced the news at a press conference, saying the flight ban was causing distress to Hong Kong people stranded overseas and is also having an impact on the city’s businesses.

She also announced that restrictions on social gatherings, mask-wearing and business and venue operations will begin to ease in three phases from April 20.

Malaysia and South Korea plan to reopen to fully vaccinated travellers from April 1 and those two countries will not require quarantine upon entry.

Visitors to Malaysia will have to take a pre-departure PCR test and antigen test upon arrival, while travellers to South Korea who have received two doses of the vaccine, or a booster jab, will be free from quarantine requirements from April 1. 

A most unwelcome guest on an Air Asia flight

An AirAsia domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau, Sabah, earlier this week was diverted after a snake was seen in one of its overhead compartments.

AirAsia said that as soon as the flight’s captain was aware of the incident, he made the decision to divert the aircraft to Kuching, Sarawak, Channel News Asia reported.

This was done as a precautionary measure to fumigate the aircraft, said the airline.

Video clips of the shadow of a snake inside one of the plane’s overhead compartments had been circulating on social media.

“This is a very rare incident which can occur on any aircraft from time to time,” said AirAsia’s chief safety officer Capt Liong Tien Ling in an emailed statement to CNA.

“The Captain took the appropriate action,” said Liong, adding that the safety and wellbeing of their guests and crew was always their top priority.

“At no time was the safety of guests or crew at any risk,” he said.

It was unclear how the snake got inside the aircraft and there was no information if it belonged to any passengers.

Luxury serviced apartments for the tallest building in south-east Asia

 

A new brand of luxury apartments will operate from within a proposed Kuala Lumpur skyscraper that will be the world’s second tallest and south-east Asia's tallest building soaring 118 storeys at the height of 644 metres on completion. 

Oakwood today announced the signing of a management agreement with PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad (PMVSB) to debut the Oakwood Premier brand of luxury serviced residences at the Malaysian capital’s Merdeka 118 precinct. 

The new landmark is set to redefine Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. 

Oakwood Premier Kuala Lumpur will occupy one of the residential towers within the Merdeka 118 development featuring 348 serviced residences with one-, two- and three-bedroom categories. 

With spacious living spaces of up to 120sq metres in size, Oakwood Premier Kuala Lumpur will cater to both business and leisure guests. 

 

“In Kuala Lumpur’s most prestigious new development, Oakwood Premier will deliver our distinctive brand of residential lifestyle for discerning guests who seek indulgence and style without compromising on hospitality excellence,” said Dean Schreiber, chief executive officer of Oakwood. 

“Our inaugural partnership with PNB sets a new benchmark at the pinnacle of luxurious living for guests in Malaysia’s capital.”

 

Proposed facilities include an all-day dining restaurant/bar, executive club lounge, residents’ lounge, meeting facilities, fitness centre, swimming pool and children’s playroom.

 

Scheduled to open in December 2024, Oakwood Premier Kuala Lumpur will be the group’s second property in the city, following Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur. 

It joins a portfolio of Oakwood Premier properties in Bangalore, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Incheon, Jakarta, Melbourne, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo, with more in the pipeline.

 

For more information, visit www.oakwood.com 

 

Malaysia ready to reopen to tourists

Malaysia has revealed plans to implement a tourism bubble network on some of its most popular island destinations.

Now all Australians need is one of those sneaky travel exemptions for business reasons - which are reportedly easier to come by if you live in a marginal electorate.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has said the Malaysian Government is looking at plans to open Langkawi as a tourism bubble pilot project, Travel Mole reported.

Now Tourism Minister Nancy Shukri says the idea has been extended to include the resort islands of Pangkor, Redang, Tioman and Perhentian, as they could reach herd immunity vaccination rates by the end of the August.

That would allow them to reopen by September, the minister said.

A final decision will depend on what protocols the government imposes for a tourism reopening.

"The decision to reopen the tourism sector must be made after an in-depth study and with great care to prevent an outbreak," the Tourism Ministry said in a statement. "At the same time, the ministry is updating and finalising the SOPs for the tourism sector."

As in Thailand, the bubble approach works well on resort islands, that are physically easier to manage tourist movement, Shukri said.

The Prime Minister said those allowed to travel to Langkawi would have to be fully vaccinated and this is expected to be imposed for the other islands as well.

Langkawi is the most northern archipelago located on the west side of Malaysia.

Located 30km off the mainland, the archipelago consists of the main island Langkawi and almost 100 small surrounding islands; only four of them are inhabited.

Langkawi lies close to the border of Thailand with the nearest Thai island of Koh Lipe only a 30-minute boat ride away.

# The Prime Minister and his government resigned late on Monday, leaving plans in limbo.