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The Star
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
36-floor service apartment striking addition to Penang skyline
22 Macalisterz @ George Town is a striking addition to Penang's skyline and hospitality scene. Note the colonial-era bungalow which has been restored and incorporated as part of its lobby. —Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star DESIGNED as a homage to heritage, 22 Macalisterz @ George Town by Exsim is a striking addition to Penang's skyline. The new 36-storey service apartment, located at the intersection of Macalister Road and Anson Road, will soon welcome guests with modern luxuries. It has 418 units ranging from 31.6sqm to 46.2sqm (340sq ft to 497sq ft) and breathtaking views in every direction – including of Komtar, Penang Hill and the island's sprawling cityscape. The RM266mil development is anchored by standout amenities spread across three experiential zones, one of them called The Rain Drops on Level 36. This features a sky infinity pool, Jacuzzi, kids' pool, hydrotherapy corner, sun deck and gymnasium. A sky bar is also set to open later this year. The Forest Shade on Level 11 offers a whimsical play area, grill bar, herb terrace, chill-out pods and enchanted walkways. Another defining feature can be found at The Cloud Forest on Level 1. A restored, colonial-era mansion has been integrated as the centrepiece of the grand lobby, with its whitewashed facade and neoclassical detailing adding historical charm to the tower's soaring modern facade. Exsim corporate affairs and branding director Michelle Siew described 22 Macalisterz @ George Town as a milestone as it is the group's first project beyond the Klang Valley. 'This distinctive development fuses rich cultural tapestry with urban convenience right in the heart of Penang's capital. The Sky Infinity Pool offers panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Komtar (background). 'It is uniquely merged with a heritage landmark and features many thoughtful touches that pay tribute to the city's timeless character as a Unesco World Heritage Site. 'I'm also proud to announce that it has been accorded silver certification by GreenRE for sustainability features and achieved a Qlassic score of 83%, a testament to quality workmanship.' Siew said this during the Appreciation Day where vacant possession of units were handed over to buyers. The event also featured insightful hospitality and property talks by industry experts, networking session and buffet lunch for the several hundred guests. Mana Mana Hospitality – a brand owned by subsidiary Exsim Hospitality Bhd – also received Malaysia Book of Records certification for being the 'Largest Short-Stay Management Company Chain'. Just like at its other properties in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Ipoh in Perak, Mana Mana Hospitality will furnish end-to-end management services. This hands-off investment model allows owners to generate passive income while ensuring the property is well-maintained. 'It ensures that purchasers' assets are protected. 'We expect to welcome our first guests next month,' said Siew. Since its inception in 2008, Exsim has unveiled 56 developments in the Klang Valley, Penang, Perak, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Sabah. Of the 56 projects, 16 incorporate hospitality elements. 'We will expand this specific segment with new project launches in prime locations, aimed at investors seeking short-term rental income opportunities,' Siew said. 'By offering affordable entry points, we aim to make hospitality investment more accessible to a broader audience,' she added. Looking ahead, the group will further strengthen its presence in Penang with Noordinz Suites @ George Town which similarly blends historical charm with modern design. There is also The Lighthauz, a waterfront-inspired architectural landmark near Penang Bridge.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
National park in Thailand releases photo of black panther greeting tourists
BANGKOK: Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan has released its latest photographs, taken on August 12, 2025, showing a rare black panther emerging to greet visitors on a wildlife-watching tour. The animal's sleek, jet-black coat and close encounter left tourists both awestruck and delighted. Black panthers are a rare and protected species in Thailand. Seeing one roaming freely in its natural habitat is a clear indicator of the rich biodiversity within Kui Buri's forests, which form part of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Park officials have urged visitors to observe wildlife responsibly, keeping noise to a minimum and maintaining a safe distance, to avoid disturbing the animals. Such guidelines are key to ensuring a safe environment for wildlife and to promoting sustainable eco-tourism. The sighting was not only a memorable highlight for those lucky enough to witness it but also a positive sign of successful conservation efforts. It serves as an inspiration for all forest rangers and conservationists working to preserve the park's pristine ecosystem for future generations. - The Nation/ANN
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Gauteng has spawned a new, spring-fed trout venue
It's how newcomers often rise to the sport of fly fishing: a stocked dam where the casting does not have to be far and the trout, unlike their wild kin, are not as wary. At the end of the day, it's about escaping the endless grind of Joburg for a nearby outdoor experience in the countryside. Joburg anglers have a new trout venue in Muldersdrift and it is a welcome addition to a fishing scene that has seen trout dams in the nearby Cradle of Humankind fouled by the collapse of the Magales City sewage works. Syringa Trout Farm opened for business on 5 July and had an official launch on 2 August. I was there both days with a trip in between and caught each time. For an avid fly fisherman like myself, it is simply a delight and a convenience to have more angling options less than a 40-minute drive from my home. Gauteng may be the urban and industrial heartland of Johannesburg, a historic upshot of the fabulously rich gold reefs of the Witwatersrand. But under a big sky it still has lots of outdoor space, countryside and veld, with opportunities galore for hiking, cycling, game viewing, bird watching, fossil tours and, despite mounting water woes, fishing. Capetonians in their bubble have the splendours of the mountains and the (cold) sea, but Gauteng also has plenty of outside gems beyond Joburg's wonderful parks and trails. Syringa is easily accessible from Beyers Naudé and is on the doorstep of the Cradle. There are two dams, one small and one large, ringed by blue gum trees – but there is still plenty of space to cast a fly rod. Pointedly, the dams are spring-fed and the trout I have caught there have put up a nice fight – an indicator of clean water. When trout are unhealthy, they don't bite, let alone fight. Syringa is managed by David Bain in partnership with Avianto Estate /Syringa park, which has dog-friendly hiking trails, a hotel and other venues over a sprawling property near the Cradle. Bain's family also operates the Brookwood facility in the Cradle where I fished for trout for more than 20 years. This is where I introduced several friends over the years to the fine art of fly fishing, hooking and reeling them into the sport. But the collapse of the Mogale City sewage works – a reeking example of local government failure – has literally spilled shit into the Blaaubankspruit, used as a water source for a number of trout venues in the area. It is a shocking indictment on the state of local governance in South Africa that a sewer is literally running through the Cradle, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site – probably the only one on the planet that has been tainted in such a way, with the stench of mismanagement and corruption hanging in the air. Ecologically the damage has been extensive: native yellowfish, birds, lizards, frogs, otters – all victims of a 21st-century disaster inflicting an area where humanity's ancestors were once the hunters and the hunted on their long and arduous evolutionary journey. There are tentative signs of some recovery in the stream, but it will be some time before it becomes clean enough again to support dams for trout, which require pristine waters. Brookwood still offers fishing for carp which are a hardier species on this front. 'It's going to take years to recover because there is still a metre or more of shit sludge at the bottom, and it will need to be taken out by adding bacteria that can eat it or it needs to be physically removed,' Bain told Daily Maverick. The Kloofzicht Lodge in the area still offers trout fishing, but it is further downstream and has costly filters to keep its dams clean. The bottom line is that this municipal mess remains a massive cost for businesses in the area. Lanseria Country Estate near the airport of the same name also has winter trout fishing and bass fishing in the summer, but its waters, like Syringa's, are unaffected by the kak. Derided by some as an invasive species in South Africa, trout also serve as an indicator species which highlight the relative health of aquatic ecosystems, and when they are contained in human-made dams they are not an invader. On the day of the recent official Syringa launch, fishing maestro Mark Yelland, one of South Africa's top guides and instructors, was on hand to offer some advice to beginners, which included the wife and sons of a friend of mine. Once you get the hang of it the basics of fly fishing are not that hard to grasp. Trust me, I have piss-poor hand-eye-coordination – a cricketer I am not – but I manage to throw a line and catch fish. Under Mark's fairly brief guidance, my friend's wife and sons measurably improved their casting, spawning some new members of the angling fraternity. It's how newcomers often rise to the sport: a stocked dam where the casting does not have to be far and where the trout, unlike their wild kin, are not as wary. But on account of the convenience, even veteran anglers who reside in Gauteng enjoy fishing such waters. I have been fly fishing for 30 years and still relish such jaunts. At the end of the day, it's about escaping the endless grind of Joburg for a nearby outdoor experience in the countryside. And it's great to see that there are spring-fed waters near the Cradle that are unsullied by the blunders of the Mogale municipality, which will hopefully be held to account in next year's municipal elections – or possible legal action. DM Syringa is open Wednesday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 6am to 6pm. Entry is R120 and it is strictly a catch-and-keep venue for trout. There are also bream and yellowfish which are for catch and release. The venue is licensed and sells beers and ciders and has braai facilities if you fancy a fire and boerewors roll. And you don't have to fly-fish: angling with spinning gear is allowed.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Scenic Ngoy district steps up competition for Luang Prabang tourists
A view of Phou Phadeng mountain and the Nam Ou River in Ngoy district, Luang Prabang province. - VT VIENTIANE: Ngoy district in the north of Luang Prabang province plans to upgrade infrastructure, facilities, and accommodation in a bid to attract more visitors and become the province's second most popular tourist destination after the Unesco World Heritage Site in the provincial capital. A meeting held in Ngoy district on Aug 6-7 shared ideas on the draft of the Ngoy tourism development, promotion and protection plan, covering the years 2026-2030. The gathering was co-chaired by the Director of the Luang Prabang provincial Culture and Tourism Department, Dr Soudaphone Khomthavong, and the Acting Governor of Ngoy district, Dr Somsanith Kaenmani. The talks were an important step towards finalising the plan, which will guide the district's tourism growth with the goal of making Ngoy a leading nature-based destination. The consultation brought together representatives from the public and private sectors to contribute ideas for inclusion in the plan. District authorities will prioritise improvements to infrastructure, facilities and services to ensure visitors have a memorable experience. The plan also includes efforts to comply with Asean tourism standards, with a particular focus on the Asean green hotel standard, to raise the quality and sustainability of services. An official in charge of the scheme, who asked not to be named, told the Vientiane Times that Ngoy is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, with dramatic mountains, rivers flowing between limestone peaks, and mist-shrouded valleys. Popular activities include climbing Phou Pha Daeng and Pha Xom Nang mountains at sunrise to enjoy panoramic views of the sea of mist that forms in the valleys below, and visiting the historic Pha Thok cave. Boat trips along the Ou River to the old Ngoy community - a village where visitors can experience the local lifestyle through home-stays - are another highlight, along with rafting tours. Authorities hope that by preserving its pristine landscapes and improving services, Ngoy can secure its place as a top ecotourism destination in northern Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Malaysian couple embarked on a 779km pilgrimage from France to Spain
We'd love to hear what made your holiday so special. Your story – experiences, tips, advice – should be 700 to 800 words long in Word or Text format. Please attach at least five photos (1MB, captioned) in a separate email. There is no payment for submissions, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email star2travel@ with the subject 'Readers Share'. Pilgrimages undertaken for faith, reflection and tradition – sacred journeys have fascinated me for as long as I can remember. These ancient routes have guided travellers across centuries, connecting people from all walks of life. Three years ago, I felt my own calling, inspiring me to explore the profound meaning behind these journeys. In May this year, my wife and I embarked on a life-changing pilgrimage, walking the entire Camino Frances. This iconic route spans 779km, beginning in southern France and weaving through northern Spain. Over 35 days, we crossed mountains, vast meadows, farmlands and countless villages, immersing ourselves in the heart of the pilgrimage. For centuries, pilgrims have walked the Camino in search of spiritual growth, adventure, and cultural immersion. The pilgrimage gained prominence in the 9th century with the discovery of Saint James' relics, securing its place as one of Christianity's most significant journeys alongside Rome and Jerusalem. Today, it is recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site for its rich history and cultural significance. The writer and his wife in Santiago de Compostela. Preparing for nearly 800km on foot required meticulous planning. We mapped out our route, calculated daily distances and carefully packed essentials, keeping our backpacks light – 8kg for me, 6kg for my wife. We began our journey at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a picturesque town at the foothills of the Pyrenees in France. Upon arrival, we registered at the pilgrim office and received our pilgrim passport – an essential document. This credential must be stamped at each stage and serves as a prerequisite for staying in pilgrim hostels, known as albergues. The first few days' hike was demanding, taking us up the Pyrenees and across the border into Spain. The effort was rewarded with breathtaking views – vast open meadows stretching for hundreds of kilometres. Being immersed in nature was exhilarating, with free-roaming horses and sheep dotting the mountain slopes, adding to the serene beauty of the journey. Before long, we settled into a rhythm – walk, eat, walk, sleep – covering 25km daily through Spain's varied landscapes. Meal time with fellow pilgrims. Meals remained simple: Coffee and pastry for breakfast and lunch, with a hearty dinner in the evening. Every town offered a 'peregrino menu', an affordable three-course meal designed to nourish weary pilgrims. Each day, we met pilgrims from all over the world, easily recognisable by their backpacks, hiking poles, and the scallop shell displayed on their packs – a universal symbol of the pilgrimage. Here, pilgrims are known as peregrino, and there is something deeply moving about seeing people from all walks of life united by a common journey. On the Camino, barriers fade – conversations flow freely, and meals are shared without regard for race or politics, creating a rare and beautiful sense of connection. Many friendships were built during our time here. The Camino is rich with cultural and historical landmarks, and among its most breathtaking are the Gothic cathedrals of Saint Mary in Burgos and Santa Maria de Regla in Leon. Their towering spires and intricate craftsmanship left us in awe – testaments to the artistry and devotion of builders who shaped them more than 700 years ago. One of the most profound moments of the walk was reaching Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross). For centuries, pilgrims have left stones at its base, each one symbolising a burden released, a blessing sought or a prayer carried forward. Standing before the cross, I embraced this tradition, letting go of a memory that had stayed with me for years – a quiet yet powerful gesture of closure and renewal. Pilgrims arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. On our final day, we woke early and set off on the last 20km from Pedrouzo to Santiago. It was a day of mixed emotions. Excitement and anticipation fuelled our steps, yet there was a bittersweet feeling knowing the journey was coming to an end. At noon, we entered Praza do Obradoiro and were overwhelmed by a deep sense of achievement. Fellow pilgrims greeted one another with hugs and handshakes, celebrating this momentous occasion together. Walking the Camino was more than a physical challenge, it was a deeply personal journey of reflection, resilience and connection. Each step carried meaning, from the solitude of vast landscapes to the warmth of fellow pilgrims. As I reach the journey's end, I take with me not just memories but a profound understanding of perseverance, gratitude and the simple beauty of walking with purpose. Though my time on the Camino has concluded, its spirit and lessons will stay with me forever. I emerge from this journey a better person, embracing all that it has taught me. With hearts full of thanks, we cherish every peregrino and amigo (friend) who graced our path. Each step, a memory; each meeting, a gift. Buen Camino y hasta luego (have a good journey and see you later). The views expressed are entirely the writer's own.
