Tour Putrajaya On A Bicycle.

Date: 7 January 2013

Tour Putrajaya On A Bicycle.

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama) - Putrajaya is popular among cyclists these days, with more and more people riding their cycles on weekends in this city. Added with facilities like bicycle lanes, bicycles for rent, a BMX circuit and an off-road cycling track, the administrative capital is an alluring destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Therefore, it is not surprising to see cyclists from Klang Valley and other parts of the country in Putrajaya. In fact, there are a number of cyclists from Singapore and Indonesia too.

Some of the popular cycling events in Putrajaya include the Putrajaya Inter-Park Ride, Putrajaya Critical Mass and MTB Jamboree @ Putrajaya. These events are well received by local and foreign cyclists. During these events, Putrajaya appears as the bicycle capital of the country. Thousands of riders with their colourful bicycles add to the picturesque landscape of Putrajaya.

To increase the number of cycling activities in Putrajaya, two more cycling activities were introduced in December 2012. The two activities are Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia Putrajaya Bike Ride (CC1MPBR) and Paya Indah Wetlands (PIW). After launching the two cycling activities, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen said the Tourism Ministry will promote Putrajaya as a bicycle-friendly city and a green destination. This is in line with the garden city concept promoted by the city's administrator - Putrajaya Corporation.

"Now, the Bike Ride activity is present in almost every state in Malaysia," she said. Currently, about 38 cycling tour packages are available in Putrajaya, with one package extending to Paya Indah Wetlands in Banting, Selangor, about 25 km from Putrajaya. The packages are tailored to meet the requirements of tourists, families and even big groups of visitors. The prices of the packages are fixed for the year 2013. So, visitors can plan their cycling tours without worrying about additional charges during peak hours.

The Paya Indah Wetlands are rich in flora and fauna provide a unique experience for those visiting the place on the cycle. Covering an area of 450,76 hectares, and they are home to many hippopotamuses, crocodiles, 226 species of birds, 63 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians and 14 species of fish. Cycling is permitted on the 18 km off-road track in this nature park, which is part of the 60 km track that links Banting to Putrajaya. Other activities that can be carried out in the Paya Indah Wetlands are bird watching, feeding hippopotamuses and crocodiles, kayaking, and a boat ride to Gibbon Island.

Tour agents are hopeful that cycling programmes will increase the number of tourists to Putrajaya. They also feel that Putrajaya will be known as a green city. Saidinar Mohd Noor, owner of Dinar Holidays Sdn Bhd, said these cycling packages promote a healthy lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Haizan Mohd Nor, General Manager of IMG Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, said new attractions, including the Paya Indah Wetlands, appeal to the general public. "We are coming up with affordable packages so that everyone can take park in cycling activities," said Haizan, whose agency offers three cycling packages.

Director of Pesaka Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, Zakiah Yunus, when met noted that her company chose the concept of 'hunt' to promote learning while touring. Cycling packages offered by this company are ideal for students. "Students can learn and have fun at the same time," explained Zakiah.

Last year, Tourism Malaysia Jakarta (TMJ) introduced the 3D/2N Special Package to encourage Indonesians to tour Putrajaya on bicycles. Close to 80 Indonesians took part in the programme. The package was developed by TMJ and Anditar Tour costing USD405 (about RM1,250) includes flight tickets, accommodation, tours and meals.

TMJ's Director, Nor Aznan Sulaiman, said many Indonesians will take part in cycling activities as they love cycling. "So, we approached a local tour agency to take the package to the next level," he said. Janto Hassan, 50, said he was impressed by the event. "The Indonesian government encourages cycling. Certain roads in Jakarta cannot be used by motor vehicles on weekends. Only cyclists can use these roads. This way, the country can overcome energy crisis," he said, adding that Malaysia should come up with similar activities.

For further information about these packages, contact Tourism Malaysia at 1 300 88 5050 or enquiries@tourism.gov.my or visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.

By Ali Imran Mohd Noordin

Copyrights @ BERNAMA

KL & Putrajaya - Premium Half Day Tour.

Date: 24 November, 2012

KL & Putrajaya - Premium Half Day Tour.

Due to many request about Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya at our email, we now have the above tours available on daily basis. It is for half a day and will probably takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on the road traffic and weather conditions. It starts from 10.00am until about 2 to 3.00pm. The package is valid from Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya areas and we shall do pick-up from your hotel or at selected stops that we have engaged with.

The tour is using a premium vehicle which comforts your journey together with a driver that will also guide you to the places of interest that we have selected in the package inclusion. The package also include a meal plus mineral water for your journey convenience. The package meant for four (4) persons and suitable for friends and family.

Our advise is to do booking with us at least seven (7) days in advanced to secure your Premium Half Day Tour as we have limited vehicle and has been in demand especially during the school holidays. 

In addition, we also do the above for groups with different arrangement on the transfers using van or coaches at a different rate. We believe that the itinerary is suitable for the visit and with limitation of time for you to explore and visit more destination with activity at Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. We know that many travelers especially international tourists spend about less than a week at Peninsular Malaysia before going to other destination surrounding ASEAN. Therefore, it is best that tourists are able to do a tour to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya; and experience the differences between this two cities. We strongly advise that you have a camera with you to take on photos that will entice you to come back!

We are also able to provide you with itineraries and travelling advise for your trip to Malaysia. We offer many more travel and hospitality services and we do it through our license travel and tour company under Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia.   

Finally, do email us for further information on the above packages at tourismservicesmalaysia@gmail.com and we shall reply to your request.

Putrajaya Tours

Date: 22 November, 2012

Putrajaya Tours.

One of our travel services are on the arrangement of 'Putrajaya Tours'. We have been doing tours to Putrajaya since its opening day. Therefore, we have the knowledge and information of this interesting 'Intelligent Garden City' which is also now the new administrative city of Putrajaya. It is actually a must visit destination if you are travelling to Malaysia and if you are already around Kuala Lumpur city centre.

There are many interesting places to be visited at Putrajaya. It is about half and hour from Kuala Lumpur city and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The itinerary can be for half a day (3 hours) or one full day (about 8 hour) tours. If you have limited time, then go for a half a day tour which will provide you with a basic trip and get to know more about the city. It is advisable that you have a minimum of four (4) persons as the transfer require at least one car for the trip. 

Places that we recommend for your visits are to the variety of Parks and Gardens, Bridges, many unique building, the Prime Minister Office, Prime Minister Residence, Mosques, Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), Palaces, Wetlands, Maritime Centre, Alamanda Shopping Centre, Zouq Shopping area and probably to have a sightseeing lake cruise of Cruise Tasik Putrajaya.    

Contact us further through tourismservicesmalaysia@gmail.com should you need more information and booking for the above tours. We recommend that you do at least seven (7) days prior booking for your convenience.  

To know more about this city, you can find and read Putrajaya from this blog or browse it at the net. Finally, if you are at Putrajaya, don't forget to purchase some souvenirs too for you and your family.

Wilayah Persekutuan

Wilayah Persekutuan

1. Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur or also known as 'KL' is the capital city of Malaysia. It began as a mining settlement in late 19th Century with the discovery of tin at the confluence of Klang and Gombak rivers. A bustling city, KL offers a host of tourist attractions ranging from historic sites, lush gardens and colourful markets to exciting shopping. The city boasts numerous skyscrapers, including the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower).

Area:
243 sq km

Places to visit:
1. Petronas Twin Tower
2. KLCC Recreation Park 
3. KL Tower
4. Central Market
5. National Museum
6. Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve
7. Muzium Telekom (Telecommunication Museum)
8. National Mosque
9. China Town
10. National Palace



2. Putrajaya 
It is now the new official administrative city for the Malaysia government. The name is in recognition of the first Malaysian Prime Minister the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. A well planned city and also known as Malaysia's 'Intelligent Garden City'. 

Area:
46 sq km

Places to visit:
1. Botanical Garden
2. Putrajaya Wetland Park
3. Perdana Putra Building
4. Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC)
5. Putrajaya Maritime Centre
6. Taman Warisan Pertanian (Agriculture Heritage Park)
7. Putra Mosque
8. Seri Perdana Bridge
9. Putra Perdana Park
10. The Prime Minister's Office



3. Labuan 

The name Labuan derived from the Malay word 'pelabuhan' or 'labuhan' which means port or anchorage. The Federal Territory of Labuan comprises of one triangle-shaped island and six smaller ones. Labuan's capital is Victoria and is best known as an offshore financial centre offering international financial and business services via Labuan IBFC since 1990 as well as being an offshore support hub for deepwater oil and gas activities in the region. It is also a tourist destination for people traveling through Sabah, nearby Bruneians and scuba divers. Labuan, located in the South China Sea about 5 miles off the coast of Sabah, is a charming island port and Malaysia's only deep-water anchorage. Seen from the air, Labuan has often been likened to a star floating on a turquoise sea. A thriving duty-free port and international offshore financial center, Labuan has developed into an important venue for business and commerce. The island offers several excellent hotels and international venues for meetings, conventions and trade exhibitions.

Area:
92 sq km

Places to visit:
1. Exotic Bird Park
2. Peace Park
3. Botanical Garden
4. State Mosque
5. Labuan Square
6. Patau-Patau Water Village
7. Water Village
8. Labuan Museum


Source: Tourism Malaysia

Putrajaya wants to be a tourist hot spot.

Date: 22 October 2012

Putrajaya wants to be a tourist hot spot.

EXPERIENCE PUTRAJAYA PROGRAMME: Corporation sets target of five million locals to visit administrative capital next year

PUTRAJAYA: PUTRAJAYA Corporation (PPj) has targeted five million domestic tourists to visit the federal administrative capital next year under its Experience Putrajaya Programme (AL1P). The programme's objective is to bring those who have never come here for a tour and to appreciate its beauty.

Launched yesterday by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and PPj president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat, the programme also involved about 440 people residing in the People's Housing Project in Lembah Pantai being taken on a tour here in Nadi Putra buses.

Among the spots they visited were Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, Seri Perdana Complex, Putra Boulevard and Botanical Gardens.

Raja Nong Chik said the programme not only promoted Putrajaya, but would also generate income for the traders here.

"Aside from promoting Putrajaya in the tourism sector, PPj can also help traders as there are not many visitors to the capital even during the weekends. It is hoped that the programme would enable the traders to earn extra income."

He also said although two million tourists visited the capital here this year, it was not something to shout about. "Putrajaya was only a passageway for them and they did not stay long. Hopefully, with AL1P, visitors will be encouraged to stay longer."

Programme participant Tan Kuan Eia, 57, said it was his first time visiting here. "I never had the opportunity to visit. But with the introduction of this programme, I am able to see Putrajaya with my own eyes. AL1P must be introduced to everyone because it showcases the beauty of the capital."

Those who are interested in AL1P can apply by calling 03-88877350, or email to nazt@ppj.gov.my. The tour will be held every Wednesday to Sunday and the time slots available are from 9.30am to 12.30pm, or 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

In a related development, the Tourism Ministry is encouraging more domestic travels among Malaysians to further boost the sector. Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit yesterday urged tour operators to come up with more packages to cater to local tourists. "By coming up with more packages, tour operators will be able to attract more tourists both locals and foreigners," he said in his speech at the flagging off of the Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia MotoGP Ride 2012 convoy here.

About 150 riders from various motorcycle clubs took part in the convoy travelling to the Sepang International Circuit for the Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) 2012 race. The convoy was a collaboration between Malaysian Motorcycle Getaways and Tourism Malaysia. Participants received MotoGP grandstand tickets, selected hotels and homestay discount vouchers, refreshments and merchandise. Mamit said motor sports, such as the MotoGP, had the potential to generate income for the country.

He also said Malaysia recorded 131 million domestic tourist arrivals last year. They spent RM43.3 billion.

By KOI KYE LEE | news@nst.com.my

Copyright © The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad