Latest news with #schoolholidays
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Traffic jams, sold-out hotels and durian feasts: Penang's tasty chaos as school holidays meet fruit season
GEORGE TOWN, June 2 — The much-anticipated durian season, falling during the school holidays, has once again made Penang a magnet for crowds. Thousands of visitors from across the country, as well as foreign tourists, have been flocking to the state since Thursday, the first day of the school break, with the numbers increasing steadily from Saturday to today. A Bernama survey found that not only were roads leading to Balik Pulau — an iconic destination for durian lovers in Penang — heavily congested, but nearly all major tourist spots such as Penang Hill, Padang Kota and Batu Ferringhi were also packed with visitors. According to durian seller Ahmad Salim Suhaimi, 45, the season for the 'king of fruits' in the state began earlier this month and will last until August, with Balik Pulau continuing to be a hotspot due to its reputation as a producer of premium-quality durians. 'Since Thursday, we've been receiving durian lovers, with the peak occurring from Saturday until today. More visitors, especially from within the country and from abroad — particularly Singapore — have come here to buy and eat durians, causing traffic congestion from Balik Pulau to Teluk Bahang. 'Although the durian season is just beginning and the supply isn't in full swing yet, it's expected to increase in the next one to two weeks. Still, many are visiting now because of the long weekend and school holidays,' he said, adding that he is able to sell hundreds of premium durians daily. It is said that the taste of Balik Pulau durians is uniquely distinctive, with a softer texture and richer flavour compared to durians from other states. — Bernama pic Durian lover Siti Hasmuna Rohaimi, 38, said she and her family travelled from Negeri Sembilan to Penang over the long weekend to enjoy the king of fruits in Balik Pulau. She said the taste of Balik Pulau durians is uniquely distinctive, with a softer texture and richer flavour compared to durians from other states, and that her three children also love the fruit. 'Coming directly to Balik Pulau is more satisfying because you get to enjoy fresh durians — some just fallen from the trees — with unique flavours. What's more, they're cheaper and more authentic than those sold in other states,' she said. Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang Chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh said hotel bookings across the state have been near full capacity since Friday, particularly in Batu Ferringhi and George Town, with some hotels even offering durian feast packages at orchards or in open-air settings on hotel grounds. 'The price for durian feast packages at orchards is cheaper — around RM80 to RM100 per person — because the hotels collaborate directly with orchard owners, allowing tourists to enjoy the durians either at the farms or in open areas at the hotel, such as by the beach or poolside,' he said. In addition to durians, tourists are also taking the opportunity to enjoy other attractions on the Pearl of the Orient, such as nasi kandar, street food, beaches, and popular resorts. Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai said Penang, especially the resort area of Penang Hill, continues to draw large crowds of tourists from both within and outside the country, including Singapore, where the school holidays have also begun. 'By 6.00am, there are already queues at Penang Hill, even though the funicular train service only starts at 6.30am. The number of visitors has doubled — 8,183 on Saturday and 9,396 yesterday — compared to around 4,000 on regular days,' he said. Apart from the congested roads to Balik Pulau, the Penang Bridge and major roads around the island — especially in George Town and Batu Ferringhi — were also jammed with traffic. Armenian Street remains a popular attraction among tourists. — Bernama pic Locations such as Chew Jetty (also known as Tan Jetty), a small fishing village built over water, Armenian Street, Penang Hill, and Padang Kota are among the major tourist hotspots. — Bernama
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Holiday bookings in Johor show how it's growing as global tourist spot, officials say
SINGAPORE: The start of the school holidays has meant that the tourism industry in Johor has gotten ready for an influx of visitors, reported Malaysia's The Star last weekend. While Singaporeans still make up the majority of travelers to the state, Ivan Teo, the chairman of the Johor chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, noted that there has also been an increase in visitors from Japan, South Korea, and China. Hotel bookings are now high, he said, and not just in Johor Bahru. Other areas, including Desaru and Mersing, have seen an increase in bookings. Also, because Malaysian students are on holiday at the same time as Singaporeans, local tourists are expected to flock to Johor. Singapore students are on holiday until Jun 29, while Malaysian students are on a school break until Jun 9. 'We expect June to be a busy month for us, especially from the second week, as Desaru has become a popular getaway for both Malaysian and Singaporean holiday makers with many attractions in the area,' The Star quoted Desaru Fruit Farm director Steve Er Wee Heng as saying. See also Malaysian news portal gets mixed-up in anti-Islam claims Hotel bookings throughout the state are estimated at 80%, according to State Unity, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman K Raven Kumar, who believes that these show how the state is becoming a travel destination for international travelers. 'This is not just a school holiday phenomenon because even on regular weekends, we have recorded impressive numbers, particularly around Johor Baru,' he said, adding that Mersing and other areas have shown an uptick in tourists. Local netizens commenting on social media about the phenomenon underlined that part of the attraction Johor holds for Singaporeans is that the Singapore dollar can be stretched further in comparison to other places. 'So we Singaporeans are going to 'marching' into Malaysia with our Sing dollars,' quipped one. Another wondered if Singapore is 'too small, too boring, and too expensive?' One noted that many Singaporeans would 'flock to JB to enjoy 50% off Singapore prices. Legoland, Midvalley, Uncle Roger's, chilli crab Zi char, and hotel stays.' See also Singapore's Tourism Boosts Economy Amidst Global Challenges A local commenter suggested that Singaporeans could 'Try going to other states instead of just being fixated on Johor.' However, one was worried that 'nothing will be done to ease traffic,' as holidays in Singapore are known to cause a sizable increase in the travel time between the city-state and Johor Bahru. /TISG Read also: Johor ramps up cross-border tourism ties with Singapore ahead of VJY 2026
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kids eat free at Wanton Fu for first 2 weeks in Jun
Here's some great news to kick off the June school holiday season. From 31 May to 15 Jun, all kids below 16 get to eat a FREE bowl of Noodles with every paying adult at Wanton Fu, a popular noodle spot at ARC 380 in Jalan Besar. After an unexpected closing early this year, Wanton Fu relocated to another unit in the same building in Mar. This marks their 8th year in the Jalan Besar estate since their opening in 2018, and they've proudly garnered a small but loyal customer base in this neighbourhood. Their Signature Fu Noodles (Dry/Soup) go at S$5.50 for a small and S$6.50 for a large portion. This 2-week Wanton Fu promo only applies to the small bowl, but you get to enjoy it for half the price, so I'd say that's a pretty good deal regardless. Though only the Wanton Noodles are free for kids, who's to say the paying adult can't order other dishes? Have a taste of their crowd-favourite Fried Set Combo (S$8.50 for small, S$9.50 for large) and Roast Pork Set Combo (S$8.50 for small, S$9.50 for large). Pork Belly Noodles at S$8, say whaaat? With a perfect balance of fat and meat, one bite of this pork belly will put you right in vacation mode. Not to mention, their wantons and dumplings are wrapped by hand, and the char siew and roasted pork are roasted by themselves, too! This place got standard one hor. Open till 12am on weekdays, Wanton Fu is the perfect spot for a quick lunch fix or even a sinful late-night supper. Hopefully, your teenager isn't asleep by then. Other than the fact that it's only valid for dine-in, there are no other conditions to this Wanton Fu promo. So set aside your doubts, and head down to Wanton Fu to spend some quality family time this June holiday, indulging in their robust noodles and plump homemade wantons. 11 best wanton mee spots in Singapore that will leave you 'wanton' more The post Kids eat free at Wanton Fu for first 2 weeks in Jun appeared first on
BBC News
7 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Is a heatwave on the way in the UK?
As soon as schools broke up for the half-term holidays, the weather turned noticeably more unsettled, with rain making a return—right on cue. This follows an extraordinary spring, which has been one of the sunniest and driest on record. With a few days of the school holiday remaining, the weather is set to turn warm for some—but is a heatwave on the way? Temperatures are set to rise across England and eastern Wales over the next few days, as a weak ridge of high pressure builds over the south of the the warmest areas, temperatures are expected to reach 23°C on Thursday, climbing to 25°C on Friday and 26°C on this a heatwave? To officially classify as a heatwave, temperatures must exceed a specific threshold for three consecutive days. This threshold varies across the UK by region but typically ranges between 25°C and 28°C (77°F to 82°F).We probably won't see temperatures reach the heatwave threshold anywhere, and certainly not for 3 consecutive days - therefore it's definitely not going to be a heat wave. The highest temperature recorded this month also looks well out of is it a mini-heatwave then? Meteorologists don't have an official definition for a "mini-heatwave," so it's not a term we use to describe the weather. We'd be more likely to refer to it as "a few warm days."Meanwhile low pressures will continue to bring rain and showers to north England, Scotland and Northern Ireland over the next few days. Temperatures will remain slightly above the May average, and it will feel pleasant whenever the sun breaks through the clouds. Is a June heatwave on the way? June is the first month of summer, so it's not unusual to have hot spells of weather. We may see some hot air move in from Europe around the 10th of June, potentially pushing temperatures into the high 20s or low 30s it's far too early to say for certain, as this forecast looks nearly two weeks hot weather could also come with the risk of some big thunderstorms. We'll be keeping an eye on how the forecast evolves over the next week or so to narrow down these details.
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Telegraph
I stayed at every Center Parcs in Britain – here's my rating of each one
Since the first UK Center Parcs opened its doors back in 1987, they've held a certain intrigue. Questions such as 'what exactly is a sub-tropical swimming paradise?' and 'could I do the high ropes course without sustaining an injury and/or becoming a site-wide laughing stock' circle the minds of curious adults. Most kids, meanwhile, cannot think of anything more exciting than zip wiring across a lake or zooming down the Tropical Cyclone water slide. But with prices reaching £1,649 for a four-night stay in the most basic two-bedroom lodge during the school summer holidays, visiting is a big commitment. With that in mind, it pays to know which site has the best lodges, the best activities and the best food – so I've been to all of them to find out. Here is my verdict of every Center Parcs site in England (a new Scottish one is slated to open by the end of the decade), uncovering the good, the bad and the ugly… Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire 'We were greeted by hedgehogs and Muntjac deer' The setting Despite this one being in an unpromising location between Watford and Milton Keynes, we were greeted by strolling hedgehogs and incredible, star-spangled skies while friendly Muntjac deer popped up on the patio on day two. And while some Center Parcs regulars complain about this site's hills (which make it difficult for novice cyclists), they add interest, with different lodge areas hidden along winding paths. As the smallest of the Center Parcs, this one's good for toddlers or trailing grandparents too and means you never have to schlep too far from the car park. It's also the best for those without a car, with Flitwick station ten minutes' away by complimentary shuttle service. Outside the gates, Woburn Safari Park is worth a stop-off, but stately home Woburn Abbey is closed for refurbishment until 2026. 7/10 The lodges Our Executive Lodge (in the Oak Area) was cosy and clean, with a large living room. Meanwhile, the lane outside was filled with birdsong. Elsewhere onsite, whimsical treehouses are the most luxurious of Woburn's options. 7/10 The activities This one had the smallest Aerial Adventure course, made up for by a bizarre activity called The Drop Jump, in which participants scale a 10-metre tower before leaping down onto a giant inflatable mattress (only available at Woburn and Elveden Forests). Beside it, the tiniest of the Center Parcs lakes is the sort you might find in a London park rather than the Great Outdoors, but that's better for little ones on pedalos. Our favourite activity was Escape The Forest, a trail of escape rooms featuring riddles and magic potions. Staff in these were fantastic with my cautious ten-year old. Meanwhile, the recent addition of Puttify (a kind of fusion of pinball and golf under UV lights) is good for teens and there are new digital challenges at the Immersive Gamebox. 8/10 The Subtropical Swimming Paradise It may have a smaller pool than some of the others, but this one was perhaps the cleanest and best maintained: my daredevil kids liked its Wild Water Rapids best too, because they were relatively quiet and so allowed swimmers to work up more speed. Meanwhile, the toddler area was perfect for little ones. However, points are lost for a lack of outdoor areas. 7/10 The food Center Parcs isn't known for gourmet offerings but Amalfi, with its terrace strung with fairy lights overlooking the lake, is as good as dining gets at the sites (though expensive; lasagne costs £18). Elsewhere, the relative newness of Woburn Forest means restaurants feel less tired than at some other outposts. 7/10 For adults There's the opportunity to stay in luxury next to the excellent spa at the Lakeside Hotel. It means that, if you're planning a weekend of massages and wandering around in robes, this is the one to make for – though those seeking more challenging outdoor adventures might feel underwhelmed. 7/10 The final verdict Clean, easy-to-get around and relatively new, Woburn is a homogenised slice of forest that's good for young families and quick couples getaways. 43/60 Elveden Forest, Suffolk 'There's a constant roar from the nearby A11' The setting An hour and a half from central London in a pretty part of the country where Suffolk meets Norfolk. Restless sorts can rejoice: there's plenty to do offsite here, including a pub and farm shop just outside the gates and the trails of Thetford Forest next door. Just don't imagine it feels entirely bucolic – there's a constant roar from the nearby A11 and the store and restaurant areas have the air of out-of-town designer shopping outlets. As expected in this part of the country, the terrain is flat, making it a popular park for cyclists. The lake is the largest of the offerings too (though not the most picturesque). Meanwhile, Elveden Forest comes with Center Parcs trademark wildlife – Muntjac deer and squirrels – but also reports of rats (we didn't see any, but something managed to get into a kitchen cupboard and nibble our sealed food overnight). 5/10 The lodges Our 'New Style' Executive Lodge felt rather old, with rotting window frames, a broken bath plug and a dirty loo. In fact, lots of areas seemed slightly unkempt, possibly because it was the end of winter. Unlike in some of the other parks, it's worth upgrading if possible – to the better decorated Woodland or Executive Plus options or, for a special occasion, to one of three luxurious three-bedroom overwater villas set over Elveden's gargantuan lake (they're currently booking for February 2026 at £4,498 for a week's stay). 5/10 The activities Highlights for smaller kids include adventure golf on an island in the lake and a pottery parlour in an unexpectedly tranquil part of the park. The Aerial Adventure course is Center Parcs's best, with its zipwire vying for first place with Whinfell Forest (see below) as the most exciting (though might be challenging for younger kids). 8/10 The Subtropical Swimming Paradise Elveden has the biggest 'dome' with a good area for little ones and lots of seating amid the greenery for accompanying grandparents (though one slide was closed during our visit and there was a nasty nappy smell in the changing rooms). The Wild Water Rapids and slides proved a hit with my kids. 7/10 For adults The spa is a big draw and it's great, though extremely busy. Set in a welcomingly sleepy part of the site, it has excellent therapists while the spa restaurant Vitalé (which serves salads, wraps and platters) is a nice place to pass the time. As is the Foresters' Inn at the Country Club next door, where outdoor seating comes with a pleasing perfume of escaping aromatherapy oils. This is also the only site with a (nine-hole) golf course too. 7/10 The food Many of the restaurants across Center Parcs now have robot waiters, and they're great at Elveden's Café Rouge which is mostly on one level so they can move around the tables easily. Elsewhere, there are the same chains as at other sites (including Huck's American Bar and Grill, Starbucks and Las Iguanas) and we found meals tastier than in some other outposts. 7/10 The final verdict This one's popular and it shows. It felt very busy and some areas felt slightly run down, while the forest was a little sparse. However, the service and the spa were both very good. 39/60 Longleat, Wiltshire 'This was our overall winner, with something for everyone' The setting Longleat's outdoor areas are beautiful. Carefully-tended, they come with manicured terraces zigzagging towards the lake and an azalea boardwalk that blooms in spring. Pine-fringed paths to the lodges are better maintained than at Elveden or Woburn and the spa's setting, along a lamppost-lined avenue, makes it look rather plush. Note that winding paths down steep hills could make this one tricky for pushchairs and the elderly. However, my kids loved the land train – unique to Longleat – which circles round the site, stopping beside the lodges and the attractions. There's proper forest too: look out for giant redwoods and scampering deer. Trees soar round the lake, making it pleasant to boat around, and the lakeside beach is pretty. Outside the gates, Longleat Safari Park is a must-do, while Bath is half an hour's drive away. 9/10 The lodges We suffered because of the site's hills: our view was blocked by screening due to a sheer drop beyond the patio area, though it was a short walk to all the attractions. However, the lodge was clean, well-maintained and hidden away. For better vistas, try one of the New Style Executive Apartments or splash out on a two-storey Exclusive Lodge with a balcony. 7/10 The Subtropical Swimming Paradise Open until 9pm, balmily warm and glowing blue by night, the outdoor part of the pool and wild rapids are great fun in the dark, making this Subtropical Swimming Paradise our favourite. However, by day, it was slightly chaotic, with big groups thronging the Wild Water Rapids. 7/10 The activities Varied, with something to suit every kind of family. Kids can go for pony rides or tackle an inflatable obstacle course on the water in summer while Longleat's Aerial Adventure is among the most fun, with a brilliant view. Meanwhile, its playgrounds have a fairy-tale feel. By summer 2024, there will also be Adventure Nets, a kind of Gladiators-inspired playground in the sky, complete with Tag challenges. 9/10 For adults The sprawling layout and well-tended grounds means there are plenty of pleasant, private corners, while the Aqua Sana spa is great for a girls getaway. Active types will appreciate the pristine The Sports Plaza for pickleball and squash, and the site is big enough for proper strolls. 8/10 The food Unlike in the newer sites, many of the restaurants here are under the balmy dome – much better for escapes in the colder months. Soaring greenery and fairy lights strung high above the tables give them a holiday feel too (Las Iguanas is especially fun and has a soft play). 7/10 The final verdict Well maintained and combining fun activities for both adults and children with a proper forest feel, this was our overall winner. 47/60 Whinfell Forest, Cumbria 'Nights were blissfully silent, save for the dawn chorus wake-up call' The setting Converted from its original incarnation as Oasis Holiday Village back in 2001, Whinfell has a slightly different feel to the other Parcs. At the edge of the Lake District, it's a red squirrel stronghold, where the rare creatures skitter from tree to tree, bunnies hop on the forest floor and pheasants stroll along the paths. Large and peaceful, it feels more like being immersed in real forest than the other settings and, even during Easter weekend, wasn't overcrowded. Nights were blissfully silent, save for the dawn chorus wake-up call. You will, however, need some puff to tackle its hills by bike. Outside the gates, there are country pubs for delicious dinners (try the excellent George and Dragon at Clifton), as well as waterfalls, castles and the Bronze Age stone circle Long Meg and Her Daughters. 9/10 The lodges Most of the lodges look old-fashioned from the outside, but ours was the cleanest of any we stayed in and very well-maintained. Guests in the Lake Beck area can access their accommodation via a winding walk through deserted woodland, spotting wildlife along the way (though there's also a bike and walking path for easy access). Or book the Lakeside Lodges (between numbers 70 and 90), some of which have dining pontoons over the water for balmy summer nights. The pricey Treehouses, meanwhile, have the best setting across any of the parks, gazing out into the forest canopy. 8/10 The activities Sports Plaza, a feature of every Center Parcs with indoor games, was excellent here with excellent climbing walls (try the family football challenge, which involves kicking a velcro ball at an outsized dartboard). Aerial Adventure is good too, though wallflowers may baulk at having to pull themselves to the exit point above the lakeside promenade. Kids should bring their pocket money as Whinfell has the best of the chain's Just Kids toy shops (all of which are rather good). But our favourite activity was the early morning red squirrel family adventure. Wandering through the forest, our guide helped us spot them in the trees, pointing out evidence of them, as well as badgers and moles. We found some non-paid activities too, including a kids' disco from 6pm until 8pm. 8/10 The Subtropical Swimming Paradise Larger than some of the others, this was deemed 'hard to navigate' by my kids, who found it difficult to find the outdoor areas. The activity pool was closed for maintenance (reopening in July 2025), there were no outdoor river rapids and the Canyon Run slide felt in need of refurbishment. However, the al-fresco lazy river was a hit – and a definite suntrap. 6/10 The food The Lakeside Inn wins for location, on the banks of the lake with a lovely waterside terrace, but we found that the food in the chain restaurants we tried wasn't quite as good as at Longleat, Woburn or Elveden. However, its ParcMarket was the most well-stocked of the lot, with plenty of local produce. 5/10 For adults The sprawling Sports Café has comfy sofas facing outsized screens which were great for watching the F1 Grand Prix (until we got turfed out for Family Quiz Night). Elsewhere, the spa has a different feel to those in the other Center Parcs, with Indian-inspired accents and pillars. There's a golf driving range, yoga and even outdoor bowls too, while it's a great base for hikers and bikers. 8/10 The final verdict We liked the individual feel of this one, as well as its fairy-tale forest setting. 43/60 Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire 'This site feels more like a traditional holiday park than the others' The setting If you're looking for your own Kellerman's, this is as close as it gets: plentiful staff wander Center Parcs's oldest site greeting guests, there's a genteel Country Club complete with tennis courts and it's a very short walk from the car park to a busy Village Square, followed immediately by a playground looking onto the lake. Coupled with some particularly modular-looking lodges, it makes this site feel more like a traditional holiday park than the others – especially as you can see buildings across the water and the only wildlife we spotted were exceptionally glossy grey squirrels. The feeling is exacerbated by a lack of the pedestrian and cycling trails which are a feature of the other outposts – there was a lot of walking on the tarmac to get to our lodge (Pine 637) from the village square. Immediately beyond the Center Parcs gates, you can watch the neighbours (large and happy-looking pigs) having their morning feed while there's plenty for ramblers and cyclists in the wider area, notably Sherwood Pines with its good value cafe and jogging and mountain bike trails. A short drive away, kids can trace the path of Robin Hood and Maid Marion through Sherwood Forest, which also puts on regular outdoor movie showings during the summer. 6/10 The lodges The most pre-fab looking of the lot, the lodges are well spaced, but still rather overlooked in some cases. A scattering of mini-lakes around the site mean that many face water too, though ours came with crumbling window frames and a peeling exterior. If you can book it (there's only one), the Woodland Explorer Lodge should be a hit with the kids thanks to its themed cabin bedroom featuring an upstairs play area, cargo nets and two bubble windows looking out onto the forest. 6/10 The Subtropical Swimming Paradise This site felt particularly busy and that was reflected in the pool area. Guests are divided on whether Sherwood's exhilarating rapids are terrifying or terrific (the latter gets our vote). Elsewhere, the main pool is larger than at some other outposts. 6/10 The activities There's the broadest range of things to do here, including exclusive activities such as Crazy Pool and putting, as well as the usual Aerial Adventure and Jardin des Sports. You can even hire a five-a-side pitch for a family tournament. But the real draw for Gladiator and Ninja Warrior -loving tweens and teens is the TAG Challenge Arena, where guests compete across an exciting indoor obstacle course. 9/10 The food Near the car park, the main restaurant area has a slight motorway services aura. But the Dozing Duck, hidden away by the Country Club, is a lovely spot, with a lantern-festooned dining room and a large terrace. The usually no-nonsense Hucks feels strangely romantic here too, by the lake and with an incredible view of the sunset over the water – with the added bonus that you can banish kids to its soft play. Just don't rely on the ParcMarket for a food shop; when we visited, the shelves reserved for Cook ready meals were unstocked and the bakery was fairly empty. 7/10 For adults Sherwood felt very busy with young families on our visit – not ideal for romantic escapes or boozy trips with friends. However, the spa has a brilliant USP: a treetop sauna marooned high in the forest canopy, with views of birds flying past at eye level. Hot tubs under the trees are lovely too, though staff weren't as friendly as at the other branches. Active types will love the floodlit tennis courts for night-time battles. 6/10 The final verdict Sherwood Forest has some strong features and unique activities, but we felt it lacked the wow factor of Longleat or Whinfell. 40/60
