Latest news with #Tourism
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pontianak-Kuching flights to resume Sept 12, boosting tourism and connectivity
Abdul Karim (centre) speaks to reporters. – Photo by Henrietta Liza KUCHING (July 25): The long-awaited resumption of the direct Pontianak-Kuching flight route is set for this Sept 12, a move expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity while boosting Sarawak's medical tourism and live entertainment sectors. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, has confirmed that although the final official confirmation is pending, initial indications suggest the route will operate two flights daily. 'It's about RM180 for a one-way trip, if I'm not mistaken,' he told reporters at the launch of Air Supply's 50th anniversary concert, here today. Abdul Karim highlighted the strategic timing of the flight resumption, coinciding with the concert scheduled for Sept 24. 'The event is expected to attract a sizeable number of fans from Indonesia, particularly from Pontianak. 'There are a lot of rich people down there (in Pontianak). Every time we host a concert, many of them come by road. 'During last year's countdown event, the Tebedu CIQS (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex) was jammed for three hours,' he said. The minister also cited encouraging performance of the Jakarta-Kuching direct flight, which had maintained a passenger load factor consistently above 80 per cent, driven by demand from Indonesian travellers. According to Abdul Karim, the Singapore tourist arrivals are showing an upward trend, while Brunei remains a significant market for Sarawak's tourism industry. 'More than 100,000 Bruneians enter Sarawak every year, whether for entertainment, marathons, extreme sports, or 4×4 rallies. 'Brunei has always been a strong supporter of our tourism,' he said. Abdul Karim also reaffirmed Indonesia's position as the primary source of foreign medical tourists to Sarawak, especially from Pontianak and Jakarta. According to him, many of these patients travel overland for up to five hours, while others opt to fly via Jakarta before arriving in Kuching. 'With direct flights now available from both Pontianak and Jakarta, we anticipate a significant increase in medical tourist arrivals from Indonesia,' he said. Additionally, Abdul Karim hinted at the potential for a future direct flight route between Balikpapan and Kuching. 'Probably in the future, we never know – Balikpapan might be… (having direct flights from Balikpapan to Kuching),' he said with optimism. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah flights Kuching Pontianak
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Air Supply concert in Kuching to boost Sarawak' music tourism
Abdul Karim, flanked by Ting (third right) and Snowdan, joins (from left) Samuel, Sherrina, Deborah, and Hii in a photo-call, taken after the launch. — Photo by Henrietta Liza KUCHING (July 25): The upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of legendary soft rock duo, 'Air Supply', set for September, marks another milestone in Sarawak's growing prominence as a premier destination for international live events. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in officially launching the concert today, highlighted its potential of attracting regional visitors and contributing to the state's tourism economy. 'There will be many who will be coming in, not just from Kuching, but also from Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and from Peninsular Malaysia,' he said during the launch at The Spring Mall here. Organised by Twig Events Sdn Bhd, the concert is set to be staged at the Sarawak Blessed Church (SBC) Hall here, this Sept 24, with the curtain-raiser at 8pm. Abdul Karim also noted that increased air connectivity, including the launch of the Pontianak to Kuching route on Sept 12 and existing daily flights from Jakarta and Singapore, should help drive international attendance. He further emphasised the wider economic ripple effects, benefitting Sarawak's hospitality and tourism sectors, and thus, he called for the development of more suitable concert venues across the state. The minister also expressed hope that the state government would invest in larger hosting venues, especially in view of the ongoing construction of the new Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) 2. 'The existing BCCK can only accommodate a 5,000-strong crowd, but the new venue will be able to accommodate almost 10,000 people. Once completed, it will attract even bigger acts,' he said. Twig Events Sdn Bhd director Deborah Tai, meanwhile, said the concerts would be a special experience for Malaysian fans. 'Air Supply has a timeless appeal across all age groups. 'In their 50th anniversary tour, we saw the opportunity to bring something iconic and emotional to Sarawak – a once-in-a-lifetime chance for fans to experience them performing live.' Following Air Supply's concert, Mandapop star Ding Dang is scheduled to perform at Stadium Perpaduan here this Oct 11. 'It's really exciting to see so many artistes showing interest in performing in this beautiful state called Sarawak,' said Deborah. Tickets for both concerts are available for purchase at The Spring Mall, until tomorrow (July 27), with the sales being conducted at the Starbucks entrance between 10am and 10pm daily. Also present at the press conference were the deputy ministers Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Sebastian Ting; the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini; deputy state secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, and Twig Events director Samuel Tai. Air Supply concert Kuching lead tourism
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Asir's 2,400m-high Fog Walk attracts tourists seeking to beat the heat
RIYADH: The Fog Walk promenade, at more than 2,400 meters above sea level in Saudi Arabia's southern Asir region, has become a major attraction for those wanting to beat the heat this summer. Located in the Al-Namas governorate, it is 7 km in length and has panoramic views of the Tihama plains coastal area, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. The region's climate is typically foggy and mild in summer, with temperatures rarely going above 30 degrees Celsius, while other parts of the country are averaging above 40. There are also towering mountains and dense forests for visitors to enjoy. The promenade has wide paths, seating and rest areas, as well as food trucks, cafes and stalls selling handicrafts and traditional food from the region. The annual Summer of Al-Namas festival includes folk art performances, sports competitions, an International Sculpture Forum, and a range of open cultural evenings. Recent developments from the local authorities at the promenade include night lighting, improved green spaces and additional support services to promote the tourism industry. The Asir Development Authority aims to attract 8 million tourists to the region by 2030. A SR1.3 billion ($346.5 billion) entertainment complex is being developed and slated for completion in 2025. Its offerings will include arcade games, theme park rides, cinema, indoor golf course, bowling, and go-kart track. As a part of Vision 2030, an additional SR6 billion will be invested into the region's tourism industry. The Asir Development Authority is aiming to increase this to SR9 billion.
Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
CM: Sabah a new sailing destination
Joniston mingles with the sailors during the Dalit Bay Nautica Carnival 2025 event in Tuaran today. TUARAN: The presence of more than 100 sailors and 29 yachts from 16 countries for the Dalit Bay Nautica event is proof that Sabah is now being recognised and appreciated globally as a sailing destination, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. He expressed hope that nautical tourism such as this will soon become one of the main tourist attractions or activities in the state. 'Sabah offers a variety of sailing experiences and in fact, there is strong potential to become a sailing destination given our beautiful and pristine beaches. 'I believe nautical tourism or recreational sailing activities have the potential to attract more visitors to Sabah, and in turn, generate economic spillovers for the local communities. 'Therefore, we need to seize the prospects of sailing activities given the state's strategic location with its natural advantages and many waterways. Just like Dalit Beach, with its stunning coastline, rich cultural diversity, and strategic location facing the South China Sea, this area holds great potential to become a world-class tourism destination,' he said. He said this when officiating the Dalit Bay Nautica 2025 event here today. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. The Chief Minister said the event will also help to boost tourism, promote cultural heritage and stimulate economic activity in the state. 'This will definitely put Sabah on the global coastal map and is a good indicator of growth in the state's tourism sector. Without a doubt, this event will further diversify our tourism offerings and help us achieve our target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals to Sabah this year. 'As the second-largest state in Malaysia, Sabah has everything to offer — from deep seas to towering mountains. This makes Sabah one of the world-class tourism destinations. 'The beauty and richness of our flora and fauna, and the wonders of nature such as our oceans, islands, mountain ranges, and forest reserves are natural treasures enjoyed and admired by many,' he said.
The Star
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
National Vaisakhi Fest 2025 to celebrate Sikh heritage, nation's cultural harmony
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Vaisakhi Fest 2025, a vibrant celebration of Sikh culture and Malaysia's multicultural harmony, will take place on Saturday (July 26) at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (Matic) in Jalan Ampang here. The admission-free festival, to be held 5pm to 10.30pm, invites both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the rhythms, flavours and traditions of Sikh and Malaysian culture. Organised by the Kuala Lumpur Sikh Sports and Recreation Club (KLSSRC) with the support of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the festival is held in collaboration with the World Sikh Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (WSCCM) and the Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya Indian Chambers of Commerce (KLPICC). Organising Committee chairman Datuk Baldev Singh Kailay said the event not only celebrates cultural harmony but also reflects the Sikh community's ongoing contributions to Malaysia's development. "We hope this event will not only strengthen cross-cultural ties but also serve as a platform to showcase Malaysia's diversity to the world," he said in a statement Friday. According to Baldev, efforts are being taken to list the National Vaisakhi Fest in Malaysia's official tourism calendar, an initiative that would not only promote the nation's cultural diversity but also boost the country's standing as a must-visit destination for global travellers. This year's National Vaisakhi Fest promises a feast for the senses, featuring multicultural stage performances, Punjabi folk dances, lively and colourful Bollywood performances and thrilling Gatka (Sikh Martial Arts) demonstrations. Headlining the event are crown favourites, including the Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band and Malaysia Punjabi Bhangra troupe. Festival-goers can also look forward to a diverse selection of Malaysian traditional food and snacks, children's games, a hot air balloon experience, and explore interactive booths hosted by travel agents and NGOs, all geared towards promoting domestic tourism and cultural engagement. Held in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the National Vaisakhi Fest 2025 reflects Malaysia's commitment to promoting heritage, inclusivity, and cultural excellence on the world stage. - Bernama
