Monthly Archives: August 2011

Photo above shows backstage action during the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival 

Malaysia has always been filled with many exciting offerings and events from gastronomic delights, to amazing shopping deals and natural treasures. It has rapidly become a popular destination and a favorite among Filipinos because of its multiculturalism, which makes Malaysia home to a harmonious blend of cultures and traditions, and colorful festivals as well.

Filipinos are surely in for a lot of treats as this truly Asian destination continues to wow visitors of varying interests with several sensational celebrations lined up throughout the year. 

Irresistible Retail Therapy and Culinary Pleasures

1MALAYSIA MEGA SALE CARNIVAL (June 15 – August 31, 2011)

The most-awaited sale is here! Get everything from designer labels, home décor items, computer peripherals to electrical appliances at irresistible prices

Malaysia gives Pinoys the Ultimate Shopping Experience With the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival

Photo above shows the hosts of Us Girls enjoying the busy street of Jalan Alor

Malaysia turns into a big shopping paradise complete with irresistible opportunities for retail therapy with the beginning of the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, an annual shopping event bringing more bargains and discounts to Filipino shoppers, which will run until August 31, 2011. 

The 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival will be participated in by outlets and stores all over the country, including the country’s main shopping complexes such as Fahrenheit 88, Low Yat Plaza, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Lot 10, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square – all located in Bukit Bintang. On top of these locations, Suria KLCC, One Utama, Mid Valley Megamall, The Curve, The Gardens and Sunway Pyramid provide exquisite shopping experiences as well. Visitors can get Tourist Privilege cards upon presenting their passport at the concierge or information counter of selected malls. 

“The 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival is always an unforgettable retail experience for all our visitors and we are all very excited to showcase what Malaysia has to offer,” said Masrina Mohd Bakri, Director of Tourism Malaysia – Philippines. “The mega sale carnival lasts for about 11 weeks and Filipinos will definitely enjoy fantastic performances, fashion shows and mall contests throughout the country.” 

“Filipinos can also indulge in a wide variety of gastronomic delights and pamper themselves by visiting various spas after a full day’s worth of shopping – this is what makes the shopping experience in Malaysia more fulfilling,” she added.

 Malaysia remains to be an interesting holiday destination, offering a wide range of exciting activities that cater to visitors of all ages. Today, shopping has become an increasingly sensational part of its culture with popular brands such as Jimmy Choo, Uniqlo, Kinokuniya, Vincci, Ikea, Beryl’s Chocolates, and other products, which will surely make Filipinos fall more deeply in love with the truly Asian destination.

At the heart of Malaysia’s cultural heritage is Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, which was originally built as a wet market in 1888. It has been classified as a Heritage Site by the Malaysian Heritage Society and has beautifully evolved into a one stop shopping center for signature Malaysian products such as souvenirs, handicrafts, antiques and a variety of delectable Malaysian cuisine.

Also located in the capital city is Petaling Street, popular for its traditional atmosphere and bargain shopping. Filipinos will definitely enjoy Malaysia’s Chinatown as it transforms into a busy night market (or Pasar Malam) at sundown where they will experience Malaysia’s unique sights, sounds and energy while bargain hunting for special goods.

Malacca, on the other hand, is just a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and is Malaysia’s haven for antique collectors. Filipinos can wander among the many shops located along Jonker Street, globally known for its vintage finds. The antique shops along the narrow street is where visitors will experience Malacca’s signature dish – the Hoe Kee chicken rice balls, taste Durian Cendol, find the local wooden slipper called Terompah and Nyonya Beaded Shoes, as well as discover artifacts from different periods of colonial rule, as well as unique and valuable antique products ranging from Chinese porcelain, cast iron beds, coins and money notes, to priceless Buddha statues 

Aside from these signature shopping places, visitors can also relish the sun, sea and sand, as well as enjoy duty-free shopping at the beautiful islands of Langkawi, Tioman and Labuan, where Filipinos can find myriad of goods from gadgets to cosmetics, chocolates, cigarettes and liquor – all tax free. 

Malaysia’s shopping landscape is made more beautiful with the splendid activities held throughout the year that will definitely satisfy the shopping appetite of visitors with big shopping events such as the Malaysia GP Sale, the Malaysia Year-End Sale and the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival. 

 “Malaysia is a very exciting place to visit because of its rich culture stemming from the blending of different traditions. It definitely has something in store for all of its visitors,” said Chesca Garcia-Kramer, actress and host of Us Girls. 

“I particularly enjoyed the Craft Complex and Central Market in Kuala Lumpur because you can find everything there from Malaysian crafts to gorgeous fabrics. The batik painting was such a good experience, especially if you’re looking into immersing yourself in the Malaysian tradition – it’s always good for visitors to try out something new,” added Garcia-Kramer. 

Chesca Garcia-Kramer and her co-hosts in the Studio 23 show, “Us Girls” – Iya Villania and Angel Aquino, were able to  experience the fun, adventure and shopping offered by Malaysia when they featured the country in a recent two-part episode. Us Girls airs every Thursday at 9:30 P.M. 

For more information about Malaysia, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my and connect with us on Facebook by liking the “Tara na sa Malaysia” Facebook page.

MALAYSIA YEAR-END SALE (November 15, 2011 – January 1, 2011)

The Year-End Sale is coming back with great discounts, bargains and promotions! Get ready to load those shopping carts with gifts, souvenirs, branded items and everything else before the year ends. Visit www.shopmalaysia.my to know more about the amazing deals found only in Malaysia.

MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL GOURMET FESTIVAL (October 1 – 31, 2011)

The best fine dining establishments in Malaysia will be serving up special Festival Menus at attractive prices throughout the month of October. Foodies everywhere can make a date with festival restaurants to enjoy these once-in-a-year signature menus, enjoy other exciting promotions such as booking discounts and room night offers, as well as avail of the MIGF Gourmet Tours. To get the latest dish on what will satisfy your palette, visit www.migf.com.

CHRISTMAS (December 25, 2011)

The Christmas spirit is made merrier with Malaysia‘s tropical weather and friendly people. Visitors are welcomed with a wide array of restaurants, bistros, shopping malls and hotels that offer great promotions planned specially for the occasion. Join in the celebration and have a sunny Christmas in Malaysia!  To know more about Christmas in Malaysia, click on www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Exquisite Experience of Culture and the Arts

CONTEMPORARY ARTS TOURISM FESTIVAL (July 2 – September 30, 2011)

This prestigious event gives an insight into Malaysia’s fascinating contemporary art scene and showcases both the established and up-and-coming names in the industry. For more information, visit www.tourism.gov.my.

MALAYSIA NATIONAL DAY (August 31, 2011)

Be enthralled by the parades, fireworks displays and concerts held to commemorate Malaysia’s National Day. Join in the festivities and share the joy as people from all walks of life come together as one. www.tourism.gov.my offers more information on this historic celebration.

MUSIC, ARTS and STYLE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL (September 16, 2011)

MASIF is a unique event specially crafted to commemorate Malaysia Day. Touted as the Fusion of Cultures, it is the first-of-its-kind and will be a celebration of the diverse music, arts and styles in the country. Visit http://www.masifestival.com/ for the latest updates on MASIF. 

Exhilarating Races Plus Health and Eco-Adventures

IPOH OPEN INTERNATIONAL RUN (July 18, 2011)

Catch the action as nearly 1,200 participants race across Ipoh town! Contestants hail from various countries such as Thailand, Nigeria, United States of America, Singapore, Indonesia and many more. Be there to cheer your favorite contestants! For more information, visit http://www.ipohrun.com/.

PORT DICKSON INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON (July 23 – 24, 2011)

Catch the live action as athletes compete in a test of endurance and stamina. Challenges include swimming, cycling and running. Don’t miss this chance to be at Port Dickson, the most popular beach on the west coast of the peninsula. To learn more about the triathlon, visit http://www.triathlonmalaysia.com/index.php.

MALAYSIAN MOTORCYLE GRAND PRIX (October 21 – 23, 2011)

Witness the world’s best riders like Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner in action at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, held at Sepang International Circuit, is the biggest motorcycling event in Southeast Asia, with Malaysia being the only host country in the region. Visit www.sepangcircuit.com.my for information on this breathtaking event.

MT. KINABALU INTERNATIONAL CLIMBATHON (October 22 – 23, 2011)

Dubbed as ‘The World’s Toughest Mountain Race’, this race is a true challenge to the human endurance. The average climber takes two days to climb the mountain but participants of the race can make it in less than 3 hours up and down Mt. Kinabalu (4095.2m), with a total distance of 21km for all Men, Women and Men’s Veteran categories. The Climbathon is part of the Sky Runners World Series Circuit for the 9th consecutive year and is the only race in the circuit held outside Europe. The Sky Runner World Series is regulated and coordinated by the Europe-based Federation for Sport at Altitude (FSA). For more information on the climbathon, visit www.sabahtourism.com.

For more information about Malaysia, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my and connect with us on Facebook by liking the “Tara na sa Malaysia” Facebook page.

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I hope to come back again one day to Macau! Some random shots of the city 

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Sale Season!!

Having a cookie with Cookie 🙂 at Mrs. Fields.  Buy One Take ONe from 930pm til closing

Beautiful ceiling at IFC mall

Love the frontage of this restaurant in IFC

Landmark lobby, always a photo opportunity spot

A yellow car

A Botero in Yaohan, a Japanese department store in Macau!

A 680 MOP watermelon! 

Reception at the MGM Grand 

Stuffed toys hanging at the back of a van 🙂 

Hmmm…. 

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I was able to take a few photos of Hotel Limos, will try to add more to my collection 🙂

Upperhouse, Hong Kong

Wynn, Macau

Hard Rock Hotel, Macau

Galaxy Hotel, Macau

The Four Seasons, Macau

Altira, Macau

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