When I was traveling from Jogja to KL on 10th May 2009, the Minister of Tourism happened to sit in front of me. When she saw me, she greeted me and moved to sit beside me. We talked about the current political situations. Then, I told her about the tourism industry and how we can further improve and promote this industry.
Firstly, we must construct comprehensive online information about Malaysia. Nowadays, if people want to travel they will surf internet for information, especially to make online bookings and travel arrangements. I told her when I went to Hong Kong for 4 days, I made four days travel plan based on information from the net. Moreover, the public transportation is so efficient and easy to access from all tourist spots.
Secondly, the officers and tourists guides must be professionals and knowledgeable about Malaysia. I quoted the example of the tourist guide in Borobodur who is so well-versed and knowledgeable about the history and the life and teachings of Buddha.
Thirdly, we have many tourist spots but not properly maintained with run-down facilities as well as eye-soaring and smelly public toilets.
Fourthly, we need more tourist products of world-class. We managed to develop and promote Langkawi before but now Langkawi needs a new set of development. The place need to be properly maintained and new products to be developed. The island was said to be shopping haven but nothing much to shop in Langkawi. We need to bring branded and latest design products to Langkawi at competitive prices comparable to Hong Kong and Singapore.
Fifth, accessibility to tourist spots must be improved, especially in city areas like KL, Penang and JB. Public transportation must be improved tremendously.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Indonesia oh Indonesia…..
I went to Indonesia for 10 days. I arrived in Bali, Indonesia on 1st May and came to know that 80% of the local population are Hindus. You will see lots statues of Hindu gods. I was taken to Nusa Dua, a tourists spot with many hotels and Bali International Convention Centre (BICC). I stayed at Grand Hyatt hotel, designed with traditional Indonesian architecture, with statues of Hindu gods in every corner of the hotel blocks. Every morning you can see the hotel girls performing their prayers, with smoke of incense covering the hotel area. For food, it’s a bit tough for Muslims, had to find halal restaurants. There are quite a number of halaI restaurants such as ARC and Sederhana which sell nasi padang. I stayed 5 days in Bali attending the ASEAN Finance Minster’s Meeting. Again, though not so wild as Pattaya, Thailand, still night life in Bali, especially around the city centre i.e Kuta area is colorful and happening. You can see white guys and local girls in pubs and discos. One thing you will see every where in Bali are massage centres. The question I posed in my article during my visit to Pattaya, I post here again, why women’s body is so cheap? Old big-bellied white guys with young local girls are what you will see. If you go to Manila, Philippines, you will see the same thing.
On the sixth day, I went to Bandung, Indonesia. It’s crowded city. I met many Malaysian families there, especially at the factory outlets. However, I wondered why Malaysians go there for shopping. Most of the goods sold there are similar to the imitation products sold at Petaling Street. Morever, you can buy branded items at Sogo or Pavilion in KL.
On the 8th day, I went to Jogjakarta, one of the oldest cities in Indonesia. I visited Kraton, the Sultan Palace, where old and traditional household items, costumes and instruments were on display. Then I went to Borobodur, the famous Buddhist shrine. The tourists guide was fantastic, as he was a Muslim but able to describe each scripture on the walls of the shrine. We climbed to the top and able to see the beautiful surrounding area. I came back to KL on the 10th May 2009.
On this trip, a few things I learned and experienced. First, in Indonesia when you see most of the locals people, it’s difficult to differentiate between Chinese and Indonesians. The 1Malaysia concept brought by the Prime Minister can learn from the Indonesian experience, The other thing you will be surprised or feel awkward compared to Malaysia. In Malaysia, all Malays are Muslim, but in Indonesia, the Indonesians who look like Malays (same rumpun) can be Hindus, Christians, Buddhist or Muslims.
Secondly, though the cost of living is much lower, there are too many poor. At every traffic lights, especially in Bandung you will see kids begging for money and young guys playing music instruments asking for donations. These people will ask or beg for money but they don’t steal or mug.
Thirdly, no traffic-jam as in KL. Moreover, the blue bird cab provides good public transportation. The cabbies are sincere and use meters, far better than our cabbies in Malaysia.
Fourthly, the tourist guides know their history so well because they go to Universities to learn about the historic places. They are certified to be professional tourist guides.
Finally, on the 10th day was really frustrating. My flight back to KL from Jogja supposed to be at 11.30am so I checked out from the hotel at 9.00am. When I went to check-in at the MAS counter, I was told that the flight is delayed for 4 hours. I was frustrated as to why they didn’t call me. By hook or crook, MAS should find out my contact number and call me. The Jogja airport is so small and hot, and I had to wait there from 9.30 am to 3.30pm (6 hours huuh). What can I say about our National Carrier? What’s your comment? Any experience with MAS that you want to share?
On the sixth day, I went to Bandung, Indonesia. It’s crowded city. I met many Malaysian families there, especially at the factory outlets. However, I wondered why Malaysians go there for shopping. Most of the goods sold there are similar to the imitation products sold at Petaling Street. Morever, you can buy branded items at Sogo or Pavilion in KL.
On the 8th day, I went to Jogjakarta, one of the oldest cities in Indonesia. I visited Kraton, the Sultan Palace, where old and traditional household items, costumes and instruments were on display. Then I went to Borobodur, the famous Buddhist shrine. The tourists guide was fantastic, as he was a Muslim but able to describe each scripture on the walls of the shrine. We climbed to the top and able to see the beautiful surrounding area. I came back to KL on the 10th May 2009.
On this trip, a few things I learned and experienced. First, in Indonesia when you see most of the locals people, it’s difficult to differentiate between Chinese and Indonesians. The 1Malaysia concept brought by the Prime Minister can learn from the Indonesian experience, The other thing you will be surprised or feel awkward compared to Malaysia. In Malaysia, all Malays are Muslim, but in Indonesia, the Indonesians who look like Malays (same rumpun) can be Hindus, Christians, Buddhist or Muslims.
Secondly, though the cost of living is much lower, there are too many poor. At every traffic lights, especially in Bandung you will see kids begging for money and young guys playing music instruments asking for donations. These people will ask or beg for money but they don’t steal or mug.
Thirdly, no traffic-jam as in KL. Moreover, the blue bird cab provides good public transportation. The cabbies are sincere and use meters, far better than our cabbies in Malaysia.
Fourthly, the tourist guides know their history so well because they go to Universities to learn about the historic places. They are certified to be professional tourist guides.
Finally, on the 10th day was really frustrating. My flight back to KL from Jogja supposed to be at 11.30am so I checked out from the hotel at 9.00am. When I went to check-in at the MAS counter, I was told that the flight is delayed for 4 hours. I was frustrated as to why they didn’t call me. By hook or crook, MAS should find out my contact number and call me. The Jogja airport is so small and hot, and I had to wait there from 9.30 am to 3.30pm (6 hours huuh). What can I say about our National Carrier? What’s your comment? Any experience with MAS that you want to share?
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